Life gets busy, and sometimes, our health takes a backseat. That nagging headache, that persistent cough, or that sporadic cramp always somehow just seems like something we can just “tough out” until they will finally leave us alone.
Most of us will wait until it becomes bad enough to see a general physician with the hopes that it will just pass. There are some situations in which the services of a doctor are needed, though.
Your general health physician is a general physician. They treat and recover all types of health diseases, providing you with advice that is professional enough to keep you healthy. But why and when do you visit one? Let us tell you about some common day-to-day illnesses where a visit to the general physician is the wisest thing that you can do for yourself.
When Should You Visit a General Physician?
- Persistent Fever That Does Not Go Away
Fever is most probably a symptom that indicates that your body is combating infection. Mild fever in the case of cold or flu is natural and will resolve by itself, but a fever that lasts for more than three days or comes again and again may be an indicator of something being more severe. If your temperature is persistent (more than 102°F), or you are getting other symptoms such as severe body pains, chills, or confusion, then a consultation with a general practitioner is needed to check for infections such as dengue, malaria, or pneumonia.
- Unwanted Weight Gain or Loss
Have you ever noticed sudden changes in body weight without having changed anything drastic in lifestyle or dietary habits? Sudden weight loss or gain over a short space of time could be a sign that there is something wrong. It might be due to thyroid disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, or stress disorders. Your general practitioner can sort out why this is happening and what you need to do in order to get back to normal.
- Weakness and Chronic Fatigue
It will get weary now and then, as long as you have labored for really long and stressful hours. But being weary all the time even after sufficient rest, well, then you must be doing something wrong. Maybe it is anemia, vitamin deficiency, hormonal issues, or perhaps cardiovascular illness. Seeing a general practitioner will tell you why you are feeling weary and get you working again.
- Frequent Headaches or Migraine
Headache is due to tension, dehydration, or eye strain, but excessive frequency or severity of headache must be serious. Severe migraine headache, nausea headache, change of eyesight, or dizziness can be treated by a general practitioner to check whether it is due to neurological conditions, hypertension, or habit.
- Chronic Cough, Cold, or Respiratory Problems
A dry cough or cold is not alarming, but if your cough lasts for over two weeks, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, it may be a symptom that you have asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Your physician can do the test required and prescribe the medication to make your symptoms go away and cure the underlying illness.
- Stomachache, Indigestion, or Bowel Changes
Gastrointestinal upset such as bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation beset us all eventually. If the pain persists or is accompanied by cramping pain, vomiting, or bloody stools, however, a trip to a regular doctor is worth taking. Such a rash may be an indication of infections, food intolerance, ulcers, or other severe gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Skin Rash, Allergy, or Sudden Lump
Skin problems like rash, continuous itching, an instantaneous allergy, or instant body swelling are never overlooked. Perhaps it is an allergy, fungus, or an indication of some other ailment. The problem can be diagnosed and medication administered by a general practitioner.
- Bizarre Heart Symptoms and High Blood Pressure
Most individuals are hypertensive but know it once they start experiencing dizziness, chest pain, or palpitation. Seeing a doctor now and then checks your blood pressure and does not let you acquire conditions such as heart disease or a stroke. Whenever you notice irregular heart palpitations, breathlessness, or chest pain, immediately see a doctor.
- Mental Health Disorders
Your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being. If you’re going through symptoms of stress, mood swings, depression, or anxiety, your family physician can be your passport to professional therapy. He or she can recommend strategies to cope, prescribe lifestyle adjustments, and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
- Preventive Care and Routine Health Checkups
You don’t have to be ill to visit a general physician. Check-ups keep an issue on a leash before it gets the upper hand. From cholesterol screening to sugar or vitamin content, prevention is the key to staying well.
Your health is your greatest wealth, and warning signs should be treated early.
Your family doctor is a very special person in your life who assists you in managing day-to-day health issues and keeping top-notch diseases from reaching out to you. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms or simply wish to have a check-up of your overall health, never hesitate and schedule an appointment.
Remember, early detection and timely intervention can save lives. So, the next time your body signals something is off, listen to it and visit a general physician for the right medical advice. Stay healthy, stay informed, and take care of yourself!