According to a doctor from a medical centre in Coolangatta near Tweed Heads, many people only seek medical help when they are down with a disease or condition. But this shouldn’t be the case.

Should I call my doctor or not? This is a question that runs in the minds of many people when they notice an issue with their bodies. But for most people, it only ends at that – especially when the symptoms disappear. In most cases, the only reason people prioritise a doctor’s visit is when they have medical problems or an emergency. And while this is essential, significant incidents and symptoms aren’t the only reason to seek medical help.

Preventative care is also as critical as medical or emergency care. According to one physician from a Coolangatta Medical Centre prevention is always better than cure. He also advises regular doctor visits because it can help catch a condition early when treatment is effective (early detection can result in better outcomes for many conditions). With that in mind, let’s have a look at signs you should call a doctor right away.

You have a high fever that doesn’t go down

Your body has ways to show you it’s not okay – and fever is one of those ways. If you have a persistent high fever, you likely have an infection. Seeking medical help can be a great way to rule out severe conditions. Your doctor will also administer the right treatment (after assessment and tests) to help get you back on your feet.

Your condition gets worse

This could be a cold or cough or fever or any other infection. Many people don’t usually go to the doctor when they are down with a common cold. But if yours doesn’t seem to get better or if it gets worse, then you need to call your doctor. Other things to watch out for include a severe cough , fever or muscle aches, or finding it extremely hard to swallow.

Sudden loss of weight

It is normal to lose weight after a week or weeks of exercising or dieting. But it can be alarming if you lost weight without any explanation. Usually, when this happens, it could be that you have an underlying condition – like HIV/AIDs, diabetes, overactive thyroid, liver disease, or depression. Generally, if you lose more than 10% of your body weight over the last six months, you should call your doctor.

When you’ve missed a regular check

It is often recommended that you have routine checks for different body parts – including your teeth, eyes, ears, skin, cervix, and so on. Regular checks can help rule out conditions and also identify issues before they escalate. So, if you have missed your routine assessment, you should call your doctor to schedule an appointment.

When you suspect an issue

No one knows your body better than yourself – so, be your advocate and call a doctor whenever you feel something is off. It’s better to do so and realise there is no issue than to ignore and realise later on that it was something.

Conclusion

Medical appointments are just made for treating conditions – they can also be preventative. Finding a good doctor for your family is a great way to keep up with appointments because you won’t have to stress about where to go for help.