When to See a Professional
Wellbeing Notes is a place to understand everyday health topics a little better. It is not a clinic, and nothing here can replace a conversation with someone who can examine you, ask about your history and follow up. This page explains the limits of what we write and offers a rough guide to who can help with what.
The limits of a health blog
Our guides can explain common terms, describe habits many people find helpful and suggest questions to ask at an appointment. They cannot diagnose a symptom, judge whether a treatment suits you, recommend a dose or tell you that something is nothing to worry about. Our writers use pen names and have no medical qualifications. Please never delay getting help, or change or stop a prescribed treatment, because of something you have read here.
Call an emergency number straight away if you notice
- chest pain, pressure or tightness, especially if it spreads to the arm, jaw or back
- sudden severe breathlessness or difficulty breathing
- a face that suddenly droops on one side, an arm that goes weak, or speech that becomes slurred
- fainting, a seizure or sudden confusion
- heavy bleeding that will not stop, or a severe allergic reaction
- thoughts of harming yourself or others
Who can help with what
| Professional | Often a good first stop for |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist | Questions about medicines, side effects, minor ailments, sun and skin products and whether something needs a doctor |
| GP or family doctor | Symptoms that last, keep coming back or worry you; ongoing conditions; referrals |
| Dentist | Tooth pain, bleeding gums, mouth sores that do not heal, jaw problems |
| Optician | Changes in eyesight, sore or red eyes |
| Mental health services or helplines | Low mood, anxiety or stress that is hard to manage on your own |
Services and how to reach them vary between countries. Your local health service website usually explains the options where you live, including non-emergency advice lines.
Signs it is time to book an appointment
As a general rule, it is worth seeing a GP or the right professional when a problem:
- has lasted longer than you would expect, or keeps returning
- is getting worse rather than better
- affects your sleep, work, relationships or ability to drive safely
- comes with weight loss you cannot explain, fever, a new lump or bleeding
- simply makes you uneasy, even if you cannot say why
Each of our articles finishes with a section on when to get help that applies to its topic, for instance the warning signs in our guide on habits that may reduce snoring or the notes at the end of how to check your pulse.
Making the most of an appointment
Write down your main concern, when it started and what makes it better or worse. Bring a list of any medicines and supplements you take. If you have been tracking something at home, such as sleep or pulse readings, bring those notes too. It is fine to say you read about a topic online and ask what applies to you.
If you think something on this site is misleading or could be clearer, please tell us through the contact page.
Before you close this tab
Three levels of help
Our articles explain; professionals assess. Use this as a starting point, not a verdict.
Watch and wait
- A symptom that is mild and already easing
- A habit you want to change but that is not causing harm
- A question you can note down for your next routine visit
Book an appointment
- Something that has lasted longer than you expected
- A change that affects work, driving or relationships
- Any new lump, unexplained weight loss or bleeding
Call emergency services
- Pressure or pain in the chest that spreads to the arm or jaw
- Collapse, a seizure or sudden confusion
- A severe allergic reaction with swelling or trouble breathing
If you are ever unsure which level applies, choose the more cautious one.
Questions? Write to us.
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