Advocating for yourself at the doctor's office can lead to a more personalized and comprehensive healthcare experience. You can ask for modern UTI testing, pain relief during IUD insertion, a butterfly needle for blood draws, anxiety medication before scans, free medication samples, a clear surgical drape during a C-section, and annual physical exams at urgent care to better meet your healthcare needs.
As many as 30 million people see a doctor each year due to a cough, and with various factors causing mucus buildup and irritation in the airways, it's important to understand when to seek medical help. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Darien Sutton advises that a cough lasting more than three weeks should prompt a doctor's visit, with potential causes including viral illnesses, acid reflux, allergies, and asthma. Home remedies such as soups, teas, honey, and eucalyptus oil can provide relief, but it's crucial to consult a doctor, especially for children, and to consider additional interventions like steroids or inhalers if necessary.
Acid reflux, or GERD, can manifest in surprising ways beyond the typical symptoms of heartburn and gas. Gastroenterologists highlight lesser-known signs such as ear pressure, difficulty breathing, tooth and mouth problems, and chest pain. Treating acid reflux can alleviate these side effects, with dietary changes, elevation during sleep, and medications like proton pump inhibitors. However, it's important to consult a doctor if symptoms are frequent, severe, or include specific concerns like chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or weight loss.
Coughs can persist for weeks after recovering from an illness due to residual inflammation or postnasal drip. Remedies include over-the-counter medications with expectorants, honey, and antihistamines. While a lingering cough is common, it's important to see a doctor if severe symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood develop, or if the cough persists beyond a few weeks, especially for those with a history of respiratory problems.
Doctors and medical professionals are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to save time and combat burnout. Microsoft's Nuance division has developed DAX Express, an AI-powered clinical documentation app that creates accurate and concise doctor's notes instantly. During a simulated doctor's appointment, the app recorded the interaction and generated a full medical documentation within a minute, focusing on pertinent medical issues. Patients find it refreshing to talk to a doctor who isn't typing into a computer, and the technology has the potential to relieve physicians and their staff from administrative burdens.
Blood pressure readings can vary significantly between doctor's visits, making it difficult to accurately assess someone's blood pressure. Experts recommend that individuals with hypertension take their measurements more frequently at home to help doctors figure out what's actually going on. A high-quality blood pressure cuff is crucial for accurate results, and individuals should sit quietly for a few minutes before taking the measurement. Monitoring blood pressure at home may also be good practice for people whose blood pressure readings are especially variable between doctor's visits.
