5 Common Health Concerns That Can Be Treated via Telemedicine
A visit to the doctor’s office is not always convenient. Especially for minor ailments, most people really can’t be bothered—and it’s hard to fault them. Nobody wants to wake-up early, get dressed, commute through horrendous traffic, and wait a few hours in a crowded hallway when you’re not feeling well.
Fortunately, this jumping through hoops just to get some needed medical attention, can now be totally avoided. It is now possible to quickly consult with a medical provider online, at home.
Telemedicine might still be a new concept to some, but with the pandemic still in full swing, both patients and doctors have turned to online consultations, especially when dealing with common, non-urgent conditions.
Here are just 5 common conditions that are easily treatable via a telemedicine session.
Cold and Cough
Unless there are serious underlying medical reasons for it, a cough or a runny nose, usually doesn’t require a trip to the clinic. In fact, it is best to stay away from people altogether to avoid spreading germs. When you are sick, remember that your body is in a weakened state and going out could also expose yourself to potentially more harm. Your medical provider can rule out more severe conditions by asking basic screening questions during your online consultation.
Sore Throat
In the time of Covid-19, a sore throat needs proper medical attention. For pediatric patients for example, it is important for medical providers to immediately rule out possible conditions that are more serious and advise the patients to come in for more tests if needed. In this case, telemedicine is a great help to parents who might not have the time to immediately get their children to the hospital for a visit. A quick video chat with a medical provider is all parents need as a first step to assessing their children’s condition.
Allergies
For those who have hypersensitive immune systems, allergies are a common condition. Now that they are staying home much more due to Covid-19, exposure to a wide variety of allergens, like dust, pollen, mold, animal dander, and even certain foods, can be triggers. Patients, via online consultation, can speak to the medical providers regarding their symptoms and discuss treatment options.
Digestive Disorders
Telemedicine is a great first step to assess some digestive disorders such as diarrhea, indigestion, and constipation. Since symptoms of digestive disorders usually flare-up without warning, being able to do a video consultation as soon as possible, will make the assessment more effective. Your medical provider can examine your appearance, health history, and medication usage, to advice on how the disorder can be handled at home. Otherwise, the doctor can recommend in-person testing and refer you to a medical facility.
Migraines and other Headaches
When you suffer from migraine or a terrible headache, the physical pain and discomfort is so debilitating that it feels impossible to do anything at all. Much less, go to a medical facility when the pain becomes unbearable. Patients often choose to wait it out and just go through the pain. With telemedicine, you can stay on top of your care and even make follow-up sessions seamless. The potential of telemedicine for easier migraine treatment and care has been highlighted by some studies.