When Should You See a GP? Common Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
We’ve all had those moments when something doesn’t feel quite right, but we decide to give it a few days and see what happens.
Sometimes that’s all that’s needed. A mild cold, a small ache or a few nights of poor sleep may settle on its own. But when a symptom sticks around, keeps coming back or starts affecting your everyday life, it may be time to speak with a GP.
It isn’t always easy to know when a health concern is worth making an appointment for. You may not want to make a fuss about something that turns out to be minor, or you might simply hope it will go away.
You don’t need to worry about every small change, but if something is unusual for you or doesn’t seem to be improving, it’s worth paying attention to.
Here are some situations where talking to a GP may be a good idea.
A Symptom That Just Won’t Go Away
One of the clearest reasons to see a doctor is when a symptom continues longer than you would normally expect.
This could be an ongoing cough, stomach discomfort, regular headaches, unexplained tiredness or pain that isn’t getting better.
There can be many different causes behind the same symptom, which is why searching for an answer online isn’t always helpful. A GP can ask about when the problem started, how it has changed and whether you’ve noticed anything else.
Sometimes there is a simple explanation. In other cases, your doctor may recommend further tests or monitoring.
You’re Tired All the Time
Everyone feels tired occasionally. A busy week, lack of sleep or a stressful period can leave you feeling exhausted.
However, if you’re getting enough rest but still feel unusually tired for weeks, it may be worth mentioning it to your GP.
Ongoing tiredness can be linked to many things, including sleep problems, stress, lifestyle, nutritional issues and various medical conditions.
Rather than assuming you simply need to sleep more, a conversation with your doctor can help work out whether there’s anything else that needs attention.
You’ve Had an Unexplained Change in Weight
Weight can naturally go up and down, particularly when your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle changes.
A noticeable change without an obvious reason is different.
If you’ve lost or gained a significant amount of weight without deliberately trying to, it’s worth discussing it with your GP. Your doctor can look at the change alongside your other symptoms, medical history and general health.
It may turn out to be nothing serious, but it’s better to understand why the change has happened rather than simply ignore it.
Your Sleep Has Changed
Occasionally having trouble sleeping isn’t unusual. Stress, work, travel, family responsibilities and changes to your routine can all affect how well you sleep.
But if you’re regularly struggling to fall asleep, waking repeatedly during the night or feeling exhausted during the day, consider talking to your GP.
There can be different reasons behind ongoing sleep problems, and treatment isn’t necessarily about taking medication. Your doctor can help you look at possible causes and discuss practical ways to improve your sleep.
You’re Not Feeling Like Yourself
Physical health isn’t the only reason to see a GP.
You might notice that you’ve been feeling unusually anxious, down, irritable or overwhelmed. Perhaps you’re finding it harder to concentrate, have lost interest in things you normally enjoy or are struggling to manage everyday responsibilities.
You don’t have to wait until things become overwhelming before asking for help.
A GP can give you a private place to talk about what’s been happening and discuss what sort of support might be appropriate.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek urgent medical or emergency support rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
The Same Problem Keeps Coming Back
Some health problems don’t completely disappear. They come and go, and after a while you may simply get used to them.
Recurring headaches, repeated infections, ongoing digestive problems or frequent skin issues are examples of concerns that may be worth discussing if they keep returning.
Your GP can look at the pattern over time rather than treating each episode as a completely separate problem. This can sometimes help identify whether further investigation or a longer-term approach is needed.
You’ve Noticed a Change in Your Skin
Many changes to your skin are harmless, but some are worth having checked.
If you’ve noticed a new or changing mole, a rash that doesn’t clear up, a persistent skin lesion or an area that isn’t healing as expected, make an appointment with your GP.
It’s particularly important not to dismiss a change simply because it doesn’t hurt.
Your doctor can examine the area and advise whether it needs monitoring, treatment or further investigation.
Your Child Isn’t Well
It can be difficult for parents to know when a child’s illness needs medical attention.
Children commonly experience things such as coughs, fevers, rashes and minor infections, and many of these illnesses settle with time and appropriate care.
However, if your child isn’t improving, their behaviour seems unusual or you’re concerned about their symptoms, speaking with a GP can help you work out what to do next.
Some symptoms require more urgent attention. If a child is having difficulty breathing, is very difficult to wake, appears seriously unwell or shows signs of significant dehydration, seek urgent medical care.
When you’re worried about your child’s health, it’s better to ask for appropriate medical advice than rely solely on information found online.
Don’t Only See Your GP When You’re Sick
A GP isn’t just there for when something goes wrong.
Regular healthcare can also involve preventative checks, vaccinations, screening, lifestyle advice and monitoring existing health conditions.
These appointments provide an opportunity to discuss things that may not feel urgent but can still be important to your long-term health.
Depending on your age and circumstances, this could include talking about blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk, vaccinations, family history or general lifestyle.
MyClinic in Bundoora provides general practice and preventative healthcare for adults and children, along with services such as vaccinations and chronic disease management.
What Should You Tell Your GP?
You don’t need to arrive at your appointment with everything worked out.
A few simple notes can be useful, particularly if you’ve been experiencing a problem for a while.
Think about:
- When the symptom first started
- Whether it has changed over time
- How often it happens
- Whether anything seems to make it better or worse
- Other symptoms you’ve noticed
- Any medications or supplements you’re taking
- Relevant family medical history
- Any recent changes to your lifestyle
If you have several things you’d like to discuss, mention this when making the appointment. The practice may suggest allowing a little extra time.
Be Careful With Online Symptom Searches
It’s easy to search for a symptom online and find a long list of possible explanations.
While reliable health information can be useful, it can also be difficult to work out what actually applies to you. The same symptom can have many different causes.
Instead of trying to diagnose yourself, use online information as a starting point for questions to ask your GP.
Your doctor can consider your symptoms alongside your medical history and, if necessary, arrange testing or refer you to another healthcare professional.
When in Doubt, Ask
You know what is normal for you. If something has changed and you’re not sure whether it’s worth mentioning, there’s nothing wrong with asking.
You don’t have to wait until a symptom becomes severe before making an appointment. Sometimes the outcome of a consultation is simply reassurance and advice about what to keep an eye on.
Having a regular GP can also make these conversations easier. When your doctor knows your medical history, they have more context when something changes.
For people in Bundoora and Melbourne’s north-east, a local practice such as MyClinic can provide ongoing care for everyday health concerns as well as preventative healthcare.
Looking after your health doesn’t mean worrying about every little symptom. It’s about noticing when something is different, knowing when to ask questions and getting the right advice when you need it.