When To Call The Doctor

A stomachache is enough to send some people to the doctor, but in many cases that pain in the belly is nothing more the indigestion. The latest issue of Health magazine has advice on sorting out medical quirks from quandaries.

Robin Vitetta Miller, a contributor to the magazine, explains that more people are self-diagnosing and self-treating medical problems because of better access to medical news and information. But, he warns, only a doctor can make a true diagnosis.

The following are symptoms that Miller says could be serious, but often are not:

Throbbing Head
A hard day with the kids or on the job gives many people a headache. In most cases, you have nothing to worry about. But make an appointment with your doctor if the pain keeps you up at night, makes your stomach queasy or makes you see flashing lights.

Foggy Vision
Not being able to see properly can make people very nervous. If it's something that's happened over time, the solution could be as simple as new glasses. But if it happens suddenly, it could signal a serious problem such as a detached retina.

Red Eyes
If the redness in your eyes only lasts a day you probably have nothing to worry about. However, if you have eyes that are persistently red, contact your doctor. You could have any number of problems that range from pink eye to a scratched cornea that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated properly.

Racing Heart
If a racing heart coincides with a big event, such as landing a big account at your job, chances are you are just excited. See a doctor if your heart races for more than a few minutes or if your speeding heart is accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath.

Cramps
Many women have cramps when they are having their period and typically acetaminophen or ibuprofen gets rid of the pain. But if a woman is feeling cramps during other parts of the month, something more serious could be going on. Possibilities include fibroids, endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Call an ambulance if the pain is so strong that you are unable to breathe properly or walk.

Lower Back Pain
Nearly everyone experiences lower back pain. In most cases it's caused by simple overuse. Rest, a little ice and a painkiller usually fixes the ache. Call the doctor if the pain is persistent and accompanied by weight loss or if the pain is shooting. You could have something more serious wrong such as a disk injury.