When to Seek Medical Attention: Signs That You Need a Sick Visit

Getting sick is a part of life, and it is common for someone to feel under the weather at least once or twice a year, but most people are hesitant to take a sick visit or seek medical attention because they do not feel that their illness is serious enough to warrant more aggressive action. While many sicknesses will come and go on their own, it is essential to understand how to tell the difference between something that is likely to pass after a few days and something serious.

If you are feeling unwell, you should seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms that indicate that a more serious problem could be occurring. Here are just a few of the signs that you might need a sick visit.

Signs that a sick visit is needed

A sick visit is an essential part of maintaining a person’s overall health because it is an opportunity for a professional to identify when something is more severe than it seems. The indications that a person could benefit from a sick visit include the following.

You have a fever

A fever is the body’s response to illness. A person may develop a fever if they are fighting an infection or an invader, such as bacteria that have infiltrated through the nose or mouth. Anyone who has a fever for more than three days or experiences a temperature above 103° Fahrenheit (39.4° Celsius) should seek medical attention.

You lose weight without trying

Many people like to see the number on the scale going down, but a low weight does not necessarily mean better health. If a person is losing weight and they have not changed anything about their diet or exercise habits, this could indicate that something unexpected is happening within the body. It may be using more energy to fight an underlying illness, or a lack of proper nutrition could be impacting how the body is functioning.

You are experiencing chest or abdominal pain

Aches and pains can come and go for seemingly no reason, but pain in the chest or abdomen should not be ignored. Chest pain may be an indication of more severe conditions, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, while abdominal pain can indicate anything from appendicitis to pancreatitis and gallstones. Keep in mind that heart attacks, especially in women, may also manifest as chest tightness, stomach upset, or pain in the neck and arm.

Your cognition changes

Anyone can feel out of sorts after a busy day, but if a person experiences large or sudden shifts in cognition, they should visit a medical professional. This could include confusion, difficulty with memory, or sudden and intense mood changes.

Your vision changes

A person’s vision typically remains fairly constant, but if it changes suddenly, it could be cause for concern. See a provider if flashes, bright spots, dark spots, or a sudden increase in eye floaters arise.

You feel like you cannot breathe

Being out of breath should only happen when the body has been placed under stress, such as exercise or a frightening situation. If a person is sitting normally and finding that they are struggling to breathe, they should seek medical attention right away.

Seek medical attention for your safety

Sick visits are valuable opportunities to have a medical professional evaluate your symptoms. Do not feel self-conscious that you are wasting a practitioner’s time; they are happy to help relieve your symptoms, even if they do not require extensive treatment, so you can get back to enjoying your life. Contact our office to schedule a sick visit if you need medical attention due to symptoms that are making you uncomfortable or worried.

Request an appointment here: https://www.janeylhammonsnpc.com or call Janey L Hammons NP-C at (580) 922-4406 for an appointment in our Seiling office.

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