The health-conscious are always on the lookout for unusual symptoms. Sometimes, this creates the urge to seek additional information from medics. You don't have to pay a consultant for medical queries that will arise now and then. If you look around, you will find multiple avenues where your concerns can be addressed free of charge.
Here, we are talking, mainly, about mundane symptoms for those already in good health. Coughs and colds, the odd headache, minor accidents, a stomach bug, and many other symptoms all fit here. The idea behind getting extra information, when faced with mild but persistent symptoms, is to get empowered with subsequent actions. Anything remotely serious, such as unusual chest pains, deserves immediate attention. Delays in such cases may be fatal.
Looking up information online is an obvious strategy. Many health agencies have freely accessible web portals that can answer many medical queries. You only need to type the keywords in your web browser, and you will end up with multiple hits. Select authentic sites, such as your local health provider, or global sites such as the WHO. Freely available predictive algorithms will analyse your symptoms and give you a recommendation. Chat GPT is an example.
Check whether your regular healthcare provider offers a free service for simple queries. If they do, that becomes a preferable option as they already have your medical background in their records. Maybe you can have a quick call with the nurse or even the doctor. You may also be able to get responses via text or email. Such a service may not be readily available on-demand; you may need to pre-book a time slot for a phone call, or forward your queries and wait for answers sometime later.
But even freely available medical advice has its limits. Most self-resolving ailments just require waiting or using simple home remedies. Sometimes, the answers you get may not be helpful, in which case subsequent actions become necessary on your part. Arranging a formal consult then becomes the next reasonable option. Getting to the point when you need to spend some money for the sake of your health should easily be acceptable. Any other way leaves you at the mercy of whatever is ailing you, which at worst may turn out morbid.
Dr Alfred Murage is a Consultant Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist.
