5 Situations In Which You Absolutely Must See a Doctor

For some people, determining if and when they should see a doctor is a difficult task. While some people rush to the emergency room for minor scratches, others will put off seeing their doctor unless they are in unbearable pain. If you have ever found yourself questioning whether an injury or condition was worthy of a trip to the doctor’s office, browse the information below to find out which situations absolutely require medical treatment.

 

Muscle Weakness

It is relatively normal to experience a bout of weakness when you are fighting the flu or recuperating from surgery. Sudden weakness that occurs in the muscles without any obvious cause or other symptoms warrants a trip to the doctor. It could be a sign of something minor, but it could also signify something more serious has occurred in the body. Severe food poisoning, pinched nerves, food allergies, anemia, or multiple sclerosis can all cause muscle weakness.

Immediately Following a Car Wreck

Any time you are involved in an automobile accident, stop by the your physician’s office. Injuries to the head, neck, and back are always serious but not always readily apparent. Additionally, the legal complications that may arise following a car accident can make it prudent to see a doctor even if you don’t think you’re injured. A Boise car accident lawyer recommends seeing a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Only a doctor can conclusively determine if any injuries you have are a result of your accident. Get yourself checked for head trauma and internal injuries that may not produce immediate symptoms. This could save your life and give you a legal edge in seeking compensation for medical bills.

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Bloody Urine or Stool

Blood in the stool or urine is a symptom you should never ignore. Blood anywhere that it should not be is always cause for serious concern. Blood in the urine can indicate anything from a UTI to kidney disease. Blood originating from the rectum or found in the stool could be a sign of colon cancer. Other possibilities include polyps in the colon and certain types of digestive diseases. The only way to accurately identify the cause is to be examined by a healthcare professional.

Pink or Blood-Tinged Phlegm

Not all strangely colored phlegm should be treated equally. While yellow or greenish colored mucus usually means a respiratory infection is present, phlegm that is pink or tinged with blood may signal a condition that requires urgent care. You may be suffering from fluid in the lungs, or you may have a serious respiratory condition such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.

Changing Moles

Almost all moles are harmless, and almost everybody has at least one or two. Some people may even develop moles later in life. Typically, none of this is cause for concern. Even new moles, so long as they look like normal moles, are unlikely to be dangerous. If you are unsure about any of your own moles, it will never hurt to seek medical advice. However, there are some mole developments that you should absolutely talk to your doctor about.

Changes in size, shape, or color of your moles can be symptoms of melanoma, but they are not the only signs. If a new mole seems otherwise normal, but is simply different from the moles and spots you already have on your skin, make sure to go to the doctor.

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Another important guide is the ABCDE Rule. This stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving. If a new or old spot on your skin is asymmetrical, has irregular, ragged borders, multiple colors, has a diameter larger than 6 millimeters, or its size, shape, or color are evolving, you absolutely must see your doctor.

Before You See Your Physician

Remember, this list is not comprehensive. Your health is your own. It’s always better to go to a doctor and seek professional advice than it is to risk your well-being. There are times when it is hard to determine if medical treatment is necessary or pointless. Some injuries, conditions, and events can be managed at home with basic self-care. Others absolutely require medical attention from a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you experience unexplained weakness, possible injuries stemming from an automobile accident, blood in the urine or stool, blood-stained phlegm, or that change size, do not leave your health up to chance. Consult with your doctor right away to determine the best course of treatment.