Doctor, I Searched My Symptoms on Google!
Patient: “Doctor, I had stomach pain 2 weeks ago and searched my symptoms on Google. It says I might have something serious. It’s bothering me since then.”
Doctor: “Searching about your symptoms online is like a double-edged sword. Hope you don’t have the stomach pain any more.”
Patient: “No, the pain didn’t come back. Actually, my friend had a fever and he cured himself by reading the information on a website. Another friend with diabetes follows all the advice that he reads on WhatsApp. So, I thought I could do the same with my stomach pain.”
Doctor: “Searching symptoms on the Internet can be helpful in some ways. You will be more informed and engaged in your health. However, approach online information cautiously. Not all health advice on the Internet or platforms like WhatsApp or other social media are reliable. They are not tailored to individual needs. Each person’s health situation is unique, so treatments that work for one person might not be appropriate for another.”
Patient: “How do I know which sources are reliable?”
Doctor: “Look for information from reputable health websites like those of major hospitals, government health departments, or recognized health organizations. These sources are more likely to provide advice which is based on scientific evidence.”
Patient: “It is so confusing as there is so much information. I don’t know which of these applies to me.”
Doctor: “The vast amount of information can indeed be overwhelming and sometimes conflicting. This is why it’s important to use online information as a starting point, not a diagnosis. Like I said earlier, online information is not tailored to individual needs.”
Patient: “Some doctors get angry if I tell them that I searched on Google.”
Doctor: “Doctors might worry that online information could lead you to incorrect conclusions and result in unnecessary anxiety. That is a real worry too. Recently, a teenager who had PCOS consumed poison to end her life as she read online that PCOS results in cancer! That’s misinformation. She spent days in the ICU before recovering. That was such an unnecessary trouble for her and parents. However, it is also important for doctors to understand that patients will naturally look for information, especially when it is free and easy, when worried about their health.”
Patient: “Is ChatGPT better than Google?”
Doctor: “Google and other search engines provide a wide range of information, while ChatGPT and other AI tools explain complex information in simpler terms. However, none of these can replace professional medical advice from a qualified doctor, which can avoid misinformation and anxiety.”
Patient: “So, what should I do when I have symptoms and want to learn about them?”
Doctor: “It’s fine to read up on your symptoms, but choose your sources carefully. Afterward, make sure to discuss your findings with a healthcare professional who can provide guidance based on your personal health history and physical examination.”
Patient: “How can I know which symptoms are safe to self-manage and which require a visit to a doctor?”
Doctor: “That’s a great question. Generally, if symptoms are mild, such as a slight headache or temporary discomfort that you’ve experienced before and understand the cause, you may manage these at home. However, if symptoms are severe, last longer than usual, or if there are other worrying signs like high fever, weight loss, loss of appetite or severe pain, or other significant symptoms, it is important to see a qualified doctor. Always err on the side of caution if you are unsure.”
Patient: “Thank you, doctor. If the stomach pain returns, I’ll come back.”
Doctor: “Okay! Always feel free to ask questions or bring any information you have. Remember that all the information on the internet is not reliable, each person is unique with different health needs, and professional guidance from qualified doctors is helpful.”
This article is part of the Honest Conversations series: Explore the articles from this series:
- Doctor, Tell Me About High Blood Pressure
- Doctor, I Searched My Symptoms on Google!
- Doctor, I Can’t Sleep Well
- Doctor, Can I Sweets During Functions?
- Doctor, Are Vaccines Really Safe?
- Doctor, I Have Abdominal Bloating
- Doctor, Are Generic Medicines Really Safe?
- Doctor, Can I Do Blood Tests in Any Lab?
- Doctor, Can I Stop The Medicines Now?
- Doctor, Are There Any Side Effects?
- Doctor, Can You Guarantee A Cure?
- Honest Conversations in Healthcare – A Series
Dr Shashikiran Umakanth (MBBS, MD, FRCP Edin.) is Professor & Head of Internal Medicine at Dr TMA Pai Hospital, Udupi, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India. He shares his insights on Medicine, Health and Life here.
