I notice that there are a lot of questions which are basically asking "When is it time to see the doctor about X issue?"

Just in general: Other than the annual physical, or in cases of emergency, say a broken arm. When does one know when to go to a doctor?

Is there a general rule of thumb that a person can apply to when to see a doctor? We will assume that a person has medical coverage, so money isn't an issue - though many people do use finances as a guide as to when to see a doctor.

Other people have a high threshold for pain and will continue going on even when the pain is severe. I find the 1 to 10 scale to be odd, what is 1 on the scale, a 5? One persons 6 is another persons 2.

Though the Western World has decent medical care available, many diseases and illnesses are ignored early on, the patient tends to wait until the pain gets unbearable, or the symptoms become alarming - This leads to the issue becoming far greater and more difficult to treat.

I'm trying to make a thread of "common sense" General rules of Thumb on to when its time to see a doctor.

I can comment on a few of these, but not all.

With a broken bone, one should go to the doctor immediately if the bone was heard snapping (duh) or if it is sticking out of the skin (double duh....) Otherwise, if the effected limb is not moveable, turns purple immediately or swells. It should be seen.

The 1-10 pain scale is the only way the medical community can judge pain, since each person's pain is subjective to his or her experiences. Of course there is rarely scientific ways to define pain. What is a 1 to one person could be a 10 to another who has never experienced pain. But, the medical community needs some sort of gauge for that. At least with that scale we can judge that if the person is experiencing a 9 on their own scale, they need pain medication or some sort of intervention, because it is effecting their life to that extent.

With any non-excrutiating pain, the doctor should be seen if it is a new pain, that has never really been experienced before, or if it lasts longer than usual (if chronic, and undiagnosed) Many illnesses are pretty well hidden anyway. But if in question, and you have insurance, go to the doctor, at least if it is nothing, you will have that piece of mind.

Common Sense: When to see a doctor.

This may be some useful information in the upcoming months.

In the case of Cold or Flu:

#1 Difficultly breathing or chest pain

Aside from the stuffy nose and some general muscle aches, a cold or the flu should not make you short of breath or cause pain in your chest. These could be symptoms of a more serious problem such as heart disease, asthma, pneumonia, or others. Contact your doctor or go to the emergency room.

#2 Persistent Fever

This can be a sign of a secondary infection in your body that should be treated.

#3 Vomiting or Inability to Keep Fluids Down

Your body needs fluids to stay hydrated. If you can't keep down fluids, you may need to go to the hospital to receive fluids intravenously.

#4 Painful Swallowing

This is not normal. Although minor discomfort when you swallow can come from a sore throat, severe pain can be a sign of an infection or injury that needs to be treated by a doctor.

#5 Persistent Coughing

A cough that won't go away is usually just postnasal drip that may be treated with antihistamines. However, it could also be related to asthma or GERD, both of which can be treated by your doctor. In recent years, doctors have found an increase in a former childhood infection called pertussis (whooping cough in children). So if you have an unexplained cough for more than 2 to 3 weeks, your doctor may want to try an antibiotic to treat this type of infection.

#6 Persistent Congestion and Headaches

Colds and allergies that cause congestion and blockage of the sinus passages can lead to a sinus infection. If you have symptoms don't go away with usual medication, you may need to be treated with antibiotics. See your doctor if these symptoms persist.


-WebMD-

In my opinion... If you have to ask whether you should see a doctor or not, you should see a doctor.

One of the biggest killers is stroke, and much damage from a stroke can be prevented if one visits an emergency room as soon as possible. Ditto for a heart attack.

Any eye injury is also right up there, requiring immediate examination/care, if one values one's sight.

I almost forgot: any suicidal thoughts which one cannot shake off require that one not be alone. Seeking out anyone on the way to getting a doctor's attention could save one's life.