Medical Advice

Although it is often pointed out that no medical advice even over the phone or the Internet takes the place of a close, personal consultation with the doctor, nonetheless there are times when it can be a lifesaver quite literally. No one really has the time to make an appointment every time something seems to be going wrong, and sometimes it is difficult to tell whether something is a minor viral infection or a potentially serious disease. This is why getting quality medical advice is so crucial for people – particularly parents. Whether you get your advice from a medical doctor over a helpline or go to an online advice column, you can still gain a lot from it.

There are different kinds of advice medical experts will dispense depending on the circumstances. Nearly everyone has looked at remedies for colds, flus, and other minor inconveniences from time to time. There are many treatments, such as drinking hot tea, eating chicken noodle soup, and taking long, steamy baths or showers, that thousands of Americans swear by every time they get sick. Although none of these have the sanction of any official medical body, they are nonetheless known to help people feel better. And feeling better, after all, is what it is all about.

There are times, however, when you need something more serious from your medical advice. For example, sore throats are often a cause for concern. Although the advice doctors will usually give is to come in and let a professional check it out, in reality your average sore throat is nothing to worry about. Going to a medical advice website and listing your symptoms is usually enough to be able to tell what kind of infection you have. If your throat only hurts when you swallow and doesn't look raw or have pus spots, you probably have a minor viral infection or simple throat irritation from excessive drainage. If it feels constricted, hurts all the time, looks white and splotchy, you may have strep throat and should come in to the doctor immediately.

Some hospitals provide medical advice halfway between a doctors consultation and an online advice database. On my health insurance, you can call the hospital and describe your symptoms to a medical nurse. She will know right away what it is likely to be, and whether or not you need to go in and get checked out. This saves the doctor time, you money, and everyone a bunch of inconvenience.