GP Wellness Check

Signs that you should see a GP

Some people will go to see a GP whenever they notice that something is not quite right. There are then those that will avoid the doctor’s office at all costs. No matter what category you fall into, here are some of the signs that you may wish to seek advice with our private GP services.

• You have developed unexpected symptoms after starting a new medication or after a medical procedure – anytime that you start a new medication, get an immunisation, or undergo a surgery or medical procedure, it is important to speak to your doctor in advance about any of the known symptoms. You should then monitor your symptoms to ensure that nothing out of the ordinary occurs. If it does, you need to book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
• You think that you might have a concussion – If you have suffered a blow to your head or you have fallen on your head, you need to make sure you keep an eye out for symptoms of concussion. These can include a change in sleep pattern, irritability, headaches, and troubles concentrating. If you notice that any of these symptoms have developed, we would recommend booking a private GP appointment.
• You experience changes in mood or confusion – Sudden confusion and changes in mood can happen with mental health problems, as well as physical conditions, including drug interaction or infection. Watch out for feelings of depression or anxiety, as well as irregular sleeping patterns, and trouble focusing or thinking.
• You are experiencing bright flashes that are interrupting your vision – Do you suffer from migraines? If so, you may experience bright spots or flashes in your vision. Nevertheless, outside of migraines, this sort of symptom could be an indication that you have retinal detachment. This is a severe condition that needs to be seen to as soon as possible otherwise it could result in permanent loss of vision.
• Your urination or bowel movement has changed – It is important to note that urination and bowel movement can differ from person to person. Therefore, the most vital thing that you should be looking for here is a sudden change in your own patterns, whether that is excessive urination, constipation, diarrhoea, black stools, or bloody stools.
• You are short of breath – Extreme temperatures, obesity, strenuous exercise, and high altitude are all typical causes of shortness in breath. If none of these reasons are resulting in breathlessness, it is worth booking an appointment with your doctor to discover if you have bronchitis, asthma, or some other type of condition. This is especially the case if the symptoms come on strong and sudden.You have severe pelvic, abdominal or chest pain – Sustained pain in the chest, abdomen, or pelves can indicate that you have an underlying issue that demands attention from your doctor. This is especially the case if the pain is intense and feels abnormal. Some examples include a kidney infection when the pain is in the pelvis or this could be appendicitis. If you have pain in the abdomen and it is accompanied by vomiting and nausea, this could be gallstones. If the pain is the chest, the issue could be related to heart problems.
• You have lost weight suddenly and you can’t figure out why – There are a number of different reasons why you may have an unexplained drop in weight. This includes liver disease, depression, diabetes, and an overactive thyroid, as well as a number of other things. As a general rule of thumb, if you are not obese and you have lost over ten per cent of your body weight in the past six months, it is a good idea to get in touch and book an appointment.
• Your cold becomes unusually bad – It is usually difficult to know when you should go and see a doctor for a cold. There are a few things that you should watch out of. If you have shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing, this may indicate that you have a more serious condition. If you have flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches or a fever, you may have the flu. It is wise to see a doctor in this case so that you can get a prescription. Also, if you have a severe cough that lingers for two weeks or more, it could indicate that you have whooping cough. If untreated, sustained congestion can lead to a sinus infection.
• You have a persistent, high fever – Last but not least, if you have a high fever that doesn’t seem to be going away, you should book an appointment. A fever is one way that your body fights infection naturally. Nevertheless, if you have a fever that lasts for over three days and is more than 103˚ Fahrenheit, you should see a doctor.