How to Use a Symptom Checker Tool

Going to the doctor isn’t always an option, especially when someone just feels a little under the weather and appointments are hard to get. However, they may want to take note of their symptoms to be sure they do get medical care if they need it. A symptom checker tool can make it easier for them to see what’s wrong and what to do next to feel better faster. To use a symptom checker, the person should do the following. 

Describe Symptoms Clearly

When using a medical symptom tool, it is incredibly important to describe the symptoms clearly. Instead of just saying a fever, say how long the fever has lasted and what the latest temperature was to make it more detailed. Those who are feeling pain will want to say how long it has been happening and whether there are any situations, like walking around, that make it worse. Being clear helps the symptom checker narrow down the potential diagnoses. 

Include Details About Onset and Severity

It is a good idea to include information about when the symptom started and its severity. Those who have pain, for instance, will want to state where the pain is located, how long they’ve had the pain, whether it comes and goes, if there’s anything specific that makes it worse, and more. They’ll also want to say what the severity level is on a scale of one to 10. This helps the symptom checker determine what could be causing the pain or other symptoms. 

Answer Follow-Up Questions

Often, the symptom checker will have follow-up questions to help determine what’s wrong. If someone has an upset stomach, for example, the symptom checker may see if they have traveled recently, as this could be the cause of an upset stomach. The recommendations for feeling better may differ based on what is causing the symptom and how long it has lasted. Be as clear as possible when answering follow-up questions to improve the accuracy of a diagnosis. 

Follow Recommendations

After giving all of the details, the symptom checker may provide recommendations for care. These can include self-care at home or seeking emergency care if the symptoms are severe. Self-care can include resting, staying hydrated, and eating the right foods to help recover faster. It is important to follow the recommendations, as they are designed to help the person feel better as quickly as possible. 

Use Again to Monitor Symptoms and Recovery

It is a good idea for the person to keep an eye on their symptoms to make sure they are recovering as expected. If they are not getting better within a few days, it may be a good idea to use the symptom checker again to monitor the symptoms or to schedule a doctor’s appointment to get further help. They may need more care to fully recover from an illness. 

If you’re not feeling well, a symptom checker can help you figure out what’s wrong and what steps to take next to help you feel better. If you’re worried about the results from the symptom checker or you’re not getting better within a few days, it can be a good idea to schedule an appointment and speak with a doctor. Start using a symptom checker today to learn more about how they work and how they can help when you don’t feel well.