Regular visits to the doctor not only help people stay healthy but also give doctors a chance to spot health problems early on when treatment is more likely to be successful. If you are younger than 50, routine physical examinations are recommended once every three years. If you are above 50 years, routine checkups should be scheduled more often. It is also important to see a doctor when you begin feeling ill so that you can be treated before the illness gets worse.
Here are four signs it's time to visit a doctor:
You Have Been Feeling Ill for A While Now
If you have felt sick for some time now and it doesn't seem to be getting any better, it is probably time to see a doctor. Usually, if you experience unusual symptoms that go away after several days, it is unnecessary to see the doctor. However, if the symptoms are lingering for more than two weeks without showing signs of improvement, then you should consider visiting your primary care physician or even an emergency room to receive medical care. Simply put, you should check with your doctor as soon as possible or schedule an appointment at a walk-in clinic near you.
You Have Sudden Sharp Pain in One Area of The Body
Sudden sharp pains in random areas of the body can be quite alarming and should definitely be checked out by a professional. If you are experiencing such pains regularly, it is best to visit your doctor or an emergency room for evaluation. There may be problems with your muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, or joints.
You Have A Fever
If you have a persistent fever, there might be an underlying illness in your body that requires attention. Fevers are often completely harmless in adults, but they should still be checked out by a physician. Often, fever in adults is associated with food poisoning, tumors, viral infections, inflammation, fungal infections, or bacterial infections. If a fever has lasted for a couple of days and seems to be getting worse, then it is time to schedule an urgent appointment with the doctor to see what might be going on in your body.
Unexplained Weight Loss
It's not always straightforward to tell if you are actually losing weight unless you are weighing yourself regularly. It's expected to lose weight if you are eating less or exercising. However, if weight loss is unexplained, you could have a medical condition, such as cancer, ulcers, Addison's disease, diabetes, dementia, ulcerative colitis, tuberculosis, or even HIV/AIDs. In other words, mysterious weight loss could signify a medical problem that needs to be addressed by a doctor.
The Takeaway
If any of these signs persist, you should see a doctor right away. Visiting the doctor's office regularly is one way of taking control of your health. It helps catch diseases early, preventing future complications and enhancing treatment outcomes. Contact a medical facility like Sandhills Medical Foundation Inc to learn more.