Last Updated on September 13, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick take
A social media caption claims that just by ticking the checklist one canĀ self diagnose the problem one is going through without any medical help. We fact checked it and found this claim Mostly False.
Claim
A facebook video is being circulated where it asks the viewer whether a medical degree is necessary to understand your own health? And further adds that the truth is that understanding your health isn’t as complicated as it seems! Our bodies constantly communicate with us, but we’ve become reliant on doctors and tests for every small issue, forgetting to listen to our body’s signals. While medical tests are essential for significant health problems, day-to-day health can be managed with a simple checklist: a strong sense of hunger, clear skin, uninterrupted sleep, high energy, and natural bowel movements.ā
Fact Check
What is Self Diagnosis?
Self-diagnosing is when an individual tries to identify the cause of their own medical condition or health issue without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. This often involves using online resources, books, or personal knowledge to match symptoms to potential medical conditions. However, self-diagnosis can be unreliable and risky as it lacks the expertise and precision of a trained medical professional, potentially leading to incorrect assessments or delayed proper treatment.
How safe is self diagnosing?
Self-diagnosis is generally not considered safe for several reasons:
Inaccuracy: Without proper medical training and expertise, individuals may misinterpret symptoms, leading to incorrect self-diagnosis. This can result in unnecessary worry, anxiety, and potentially harmful actions or treatments.
Delayed treatment: Relying on self-diagnosis may cause delays in seeking professional medical help, especially for serious or underlying health conditions. Early detection and treatment are crucial for better health outcomes.
Lack of proper examination: Self-diagnosis lacks the physical examination and diagnostic tests that healthcare professionals can perform, which may lead to missed or overlooked factors affecting the condition.
Complex conditions: Many health conditions have similar symptoms, making it challenging for non-experts to distinguish between them accurately.
Why do we need to go to the medical professional for the diagnosis?
We need to go to medical professionals for diagnosis because they have the necessary training, experience, and medical knowledge to properly evaluate our symptoms and medical history. They can conduct appropriate tests and examinations, leading to accurate diagnoses of underlying health conditions. Self-diagnosis or seeking advice from unqualified sources can lead to misinterpretation of symptoms and delay in receiving appropriate care, potentially worsening our health outcomes.
Is it complicated to understand your own health?
Understanding one’s own health can be a complex and multifaceted process. Numerous factors come into play, ranging from individual genetics and lifestyle choices to environmental influences and access to healthcare. Each person’s health is unique, and it can be challenging to navigate the intricacies of our physical and mental well-being.
Firstly, the human body is a highly intricate system, and health issues often involve a combination of interconnected factors. Identifying the root causes of symptoms or conditions can be perplexing, requiring medical expertise and comprehensive diagnostic methods.
Secondly, factors such as genetics and family history can play a significant role in determining a person’s predisposition to certain health conditions. Understanding and interpreting this information can be overwhelming and might necessitate professional guidance.
Moreover, lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management, have a profound impact on overall health. Balancing these aspects and making informed choices can be challenging, especially considering the vast amount of conflicting health information available today.
Additionally, social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and support systems, can greatly influence one’s well-being. Addressing these factors and their implications on health requires a holistic approach.
Can ticking a checklist to assess health eliminate the need for blood tests?
While having a strong sense of hunger, clear skin, uninterrupted deep sleep, high energy, and natural bowel movements can indicate good health but they may not be sufficient to provide a comprehensive assessment of your overall health. While these signs can reflect positive aspects of your lifestyle , there are many other health factors that may not be evident from these observations alone.
Blood tests and other medical assessments play a crucial role in detecting health conditions, monitoring specific health markers, and providing a more in-depth understanding of health. These tests can reveal important information about your blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, organ function, nutrient levels, and much more. Regular medical check-ups and blood tests are essential for early detection, even if you currently feel healthy.
General Physician Dr Atul Vashishtha says, āConsulting a medical professional for health diagnosis is a safer practice than self diagnosing because they have the expertise to check symptoms accurately.” Dr Vashishtha emphasizes that, “A strong appetite is influenced not only by stomach stretching but also by blood glucose levels. Diabetics may experience hunger despite eating due to irregularities in basal insulin levels. Skin conditions can result from metabolic changes but should be treated externally with antimicrobials and steroids for optimal results. Addressing interrupted sleep is crucial for overall health and involves factors like stress, sunlight exposure, diet, and metabolic disorders. High energy levels vary among individuals, and adequate rest is essential for maximum productivity. Bowel habits can be affected by digestive issues, disease, or constipation, requiring proper medical assessment and guidance. Therefore, it is essential to seek professional help for personalised care and solutions. Their guidance ensures a proper understanding of the issues and helps preserve overall health and well-being.ā
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