Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Jul 13, 2024 22:28:23 GMT
NHS warning as one in four going to GP could have 'distressing' unexplained symptoms - Published July 9, 2024
Whatever you do, don't say "covid"
Diagnosing medical problems is not often simple, with doctors using what information they have to decide the best assessment of your condition they can. Their theories can then go on to be proved by blood tests, scans and other tools.
Despite this, it is possible to experience symptoms for periods of time without ever knowing exactly what their cause is. The NHS describes these as “medically unexplained symptoms”. According to the health body these are something around one in four people visit their GP for.
They can be especially “distressing” and “difficult” due to the fact you don’t know what is going on with your body, the health body warns. “Many people have persistent physical symptoms, such as dizziness or pain, that don't appear to be caused by a medical condition,” the NHS says.
“They are sometimes known as medically unexplained symptoms when they last for more than a few weeks, but doctors can't find a problem with the body that may be the cause. This doesn't mean the symptoms are faked or "all in the head" – they're real and can affect your ability to function properly. Not understanding the cause can make them even more distressing and difficult to cope with.”
Common symptoms
The NHS lists some “common” medically unexplained symptoms are:
Other “less common” examples include fits (seizures), breathlessness, weakness and paralysis, and numbness and tingling, the NHS says.
Diagnosis
If you notice recurring symptoms your GP will want to rule out all the possible conditions that might be causing your symptoms. This can include undergoing physical examinations and blood tests. You should also consider any medications you are on in case they are causing your symptoms. Your mental health can also play a role in your physical wellbeing.
The NHS says: “The GP should also investigate whether you might have an associated problem, such as depression or anxiety. Physical symptoms can cause depression and anxiety, and these can in turn make the physical symptoms worse, creating a vicious circle.”
In some cases, your symptoms could be caused by a “poorly understood” syndrome. Examples of these include:
The NHS states: “The fact that doctors are unable to find a condition causing these symptoms isn't unusual in medicine, and it doesn't mean that nothing can be done to help you.”
If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms for weeks you should speak to your GP. It will be worth explaining to them:
Whatever you do, don't say "covid"
Diagnosing medical problems is not often simple, with doctors using what information they have to decide the best assessment of your condition they can. Their theories can then go on to be proved by blood tests, scans and other tools.
Despite this, it is possible to experience symptoms for periods of time without ever knowing exactly what their cause is. The NHS describes these as “medically unexplained symptoms”. According to the health body these are something around one in four people visit their GP for.
They can be especially “distressing” and “difficult” due to the fact you don’t know what is going on with your body, the health body warns. “Many people have persistent physical symptoms, such as dizziness or pain, that don't appear to be caused by a medical condition,” the NHS says.
“They are sometimes known as medically unexplained symptoms when they last for more than a few weeks, but doctors can't find a problem with the body that may be the cause. This doesn't mean the symptoms are faked or "all in the head" – they're real and can affect your ability to function properly. Not understanding the cause can make them even more distressing and difficult to cope with.”
Common symptoms
The NHS lists some “common” medically unexplained symptoms are:
Pains in the muscles or joints
Back pain
Headaches
Tiredness
Feeling faint
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Stomach problems
Back pain
Headaches
Tiredness
Feeling faint
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Stomach problems
Other “less common” examples include fits (seizures), breathlessness, weakness and paralysis, and numbness and tingling, the NHS says.
Diagnosis
If you notice recurring symptoms your GP will want to rule out all the possible conditions that might be causing your symptoms. This can include undergoing physical examinations and blood tests. You should also consider any medications you are on in case they are causing your symptoms. Your mental health can also play a role in your physical wellbeing.
The NHS says: “The GP should also investigate whether you might have an associated problem, such as depression or anxiety. Physical symptoms can cause depression and anxiety, and these can in turn make the physical symptoms worse, creating a vicious circle.”
In some cases, your symptoms could be caused by a “poorly understood” syndrome. Examples of these include:
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) – also known as ME
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Fibromyalgia (pain all over the body)
Functional neurological disorders (FNDs) – symptoms thought to be caused by nervous system problems rather than a physical condition
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Fibromyalgia (pain all over the body)
Functional neurological disorders (FNDs) – symptoms thought to be caused by nervous system problems rather than a physical condition
The NHS states: “The fact that doctors are unable to find a condition causing these symptoms isn't unusual in medicine, and it doesn't mean that nothing can be done to help you.”
If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms for weeks you should speak to your GP. It will be worth explaining to them:
What your symptoms are like, when they started and what makes them better or worse
What you think is the cause of your symptoms and your expectations of how tests and treatments might help
How your symptoms affect what you can do – what they stop you doing
How upsetting your symptoms are – how they make you feel
What you think is the cause of your symptoms and your expectations of how tests and treatments might help
How your symptoms affect what you can do – what they stop you doing
How upsetting your symptoms are – how they make you feel