As the Internet has become a major resource for information, websites have appeared that provide medical information and can aid in diagnosing symptoms. These websites provide an alternative to visiting a physician and can be useful for your own personal edification and for determining how serious your symptoms are when you are feeling unwell.
Virtual Doctor Programs
Virtual doctors are one method of obtaining an online symptom diagnosis. Some websites, such as FreeMD.com, offer a "virtual doctor" program. With these programs, you begin by entering in your primary symptom (the symptom that is bothering you the most), and the program asks you a series of questions. These questions are designed to guide the program to ultimately come up with a diagnosis.
Symptom Checkers
Another tool that can be used for online symptom diagnosis is a symptom "checker." Symptom checkers use databases that list causes for specific symptoms. For example, the symptom checker at WrongDiagnosis.com allows you to begin with picking your primary symptom. You then have the option of either viewing all of the potential causes of that symptom or selecting other symptoms you are feeling to narrow the list of possibilities. Your list of results will allow you to click on a specific condition or disorder and learn more about it.
Medical Databases
A third option for online symptom diagnoses are medical information databases, such as Medline Plus. With this type of website, you can search through its database based on your symptoms. This can be done either by using the website's search tool or by looking through its topics list until you find your symptoms. Although not as comprehensive as the first two options, these databases typically provide more detailed and informative entries.
Advantages
Online symptom diagnosis has the advantage of being fast, convenient and usually free of charge. Looking up your symptoms online gives you the opportunity to learn more about your body without the cost and time of making a doctor's appointment. Online symptom diagnosis can also help you decide whether or not your symptoms require a doctor's visit or if you can take care of them yourself.
Disadvantages
Online symptom diagnoses, on the other hand, are no substitute for the guidance of a trained medical professional. Although these resources can be informative, they can be easily misinterpreted. These programs and websites also give information without the benefit of a physical exam, which is a critical part of the diagnostic process for a physician. Finally, these websites cannot prescribe medications, so a doctor's visit may ultimately be necessary.
