Skip to main content

How to Clearly Communicate Symptoms to Your Doctor


Although it is first-hand, it is not always easy to describe to a doctor what is going on regarding medical problems. Describing various symptoms is quite different from getting the results of actual lab tests or a doctor’s opinion after a physical exam.

Relating symptoms clearly can help narrow down the problem, and medical experts share some advice on how best to do it. They start by telling patients to skip the medical jargon and just use their own words to describe what they are feeling.

Dr. Lisa Ravindra, an assistant professor in the department of internal medicine and a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, says, "Avoid using vague terms for timing like 'for a while' or stating that a symptom occurs 'once in a while' since these mean different things to different people." She explains it is helpful to be as precise as possible when talking about symptoms including the amount of time you have had them for such as three days, or on and off for a week. Doctors say it is helpful to rate your pain from one to ten.

Other helpful things you can do include using a blood pressure monitor to chart your blood pressure, and if you feel feverish, take your temperature. Keep track of other important symptoms such as sore throat, earache, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Be sure to mention unexpected weight loss, fatigue when doing things you typically do, or specific type and location of pain, i.e. a constant, sharp pain in the front of the right knee. If you have a chronic condition, doctors say it helps to keep a journal of symptoms to discuss with your doctor during your next visit.

MorningStar at River Oaks is a senior living community offering older adults a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Amenities include a fitness center, healthy meals served restaurant-style, enrichment activities, and more. Remarkable for our beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we are most proud of our dedicated team who understand it is a privilege to serve seniors. For outstanding assisted living in Houston, please contact us or visit our website.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Houston offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/slideshows/how-to-describe-medical-symptoms-to-your-doctor


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Role of Sleep in Managing Chronic Pain for Elderly Patients

Sleep plays a critical role in the management of chronic pain, especially among the elderly. At facilities like senior housing Kirkland and senior living Kirkland , understanding and addressing the interplay between sleep and pain is key to improving residents' quality of life. Impact of Sleep on Pain Perception Research shows that poor sleep can increase sensitivity to pain. This is particularly relevant for seniors, as they are more likely to suffer from both sleep disturbances and chronic pain conditions. Good sleep helps to restore the body's natural pain control mechanisms, making it an essential element of pain management strategies. Strategies for Improving Sleep in Elderly Patients To enhance sleep quality and manage pain effectively, several strategies can be implemented. First, establishing a regular sleep schedule helps to regulate the body's internal clock and improve sleep quality. It's also important to create a sleep-conducive environment—quiet, dark, and...

How Many Steps Per Day for Better Health?

  We have all heard about the value of walking 10,000 steps a day but recent studies show it may not actually be the magic number. One study published by JAMA found walking 7,000 steps or more a day may decrease the risk for mortality and offer better overall health. In the cohort study of 2110 adults with a mean follow-up of 10.8 years, participants who walked at least 7000 steps a day, compared with those taking fewer than 7000 steps, had a 50% to 70% lower risk of mortality. Researchers also noted, “There was no association of step intensity with mortality regardless of adjustment for step volume.” A 2020 study found a decreased risk for mortality in participants who took 8,000 steps a day than those who only took 4,000 steps a day. In the same year, another study found more steps taken each day were linked to lower rates of diabetes. Researchers say the bottom line is evidence points to the importance of increased physical activity. Before you begin walking, talk to your health...

Considering Moving from Your Own Home into Senior Housing?

If you are moving from your own home into an independent living community or another type of senior housing, most likely you will want to downsize. While it can sound overwhelming to go through a whole household of stuff and whittle it down to fit into a modest sized apartment, a few tips will help. In the end, it comes down to deciding what to bring with you and what to leave behind.  Without question it is a lot of work and can be stressful and emotional but the Internet offers lots of useful information from organizing experts . Most say the trick is to prepare in advance by making a plan and allowing plenty of time. Remember if you need, there are companies who offer these services and will do everything from helping with the downsizing process to packing up, and moving your things to your new home.  Now you are ready for the sorting out process deciding what you will bring and what to give to family, donate, or throw away. This is the hardest task as your house is full o...