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Article summary

Growing up can be a tough time for students, both physically and emotionally. The body goes through major changes. It may be tempting to ask ‘Dr Internet’ if you're unsure about something, rather than talking to a real-life doctor or another adult, especially if it's a bit embarrassing. But this can cause problems.

The article below, by Radio 1 medical expert Dr Radha, offers tips and advice on the difference between speaking to a doctor or adult, rather than seeking medical information online.

Dr Radha vs Dr Internet

Anxiety provoking

Human nature tends to focus on the ‘worst case’ scenario. So when "Dr Internet" lists the possible causes of a symptom, we often automatically pick out the most alarming ones. This causes anxiety and worry, which can have a damaging affect on your health too. Put a stop to the anxiety and worry by asking your doctor. If you are concerned about what you have read online, show them the website where you found it.

Delay in seeing your doctor

At the other extreme, people searching online for symptoms can be lulled into a false sense of security, thinking nothing is wrong. Or they might misdiagnose by coming to the wrong conclusion about the cause of the problem. This might mean they delay seeing a doctor, causing a risk to their health. If you notice a change in your body that you don't understand, then the earlier you see your doctor the better.

Misinformation

Choose the websites you look at carefully, because unfortunately some give false or misleading information. If you are going to use the Internet to look up a symptom or a medical condition then choose the website wisely. Choose ones you can trust, like the NHS websites. These are thoroughly checked for accuracy, and regularly reviewed to stay up to date.

Choose 'Dr Doctor' rather than 'Dr Internet'

There is a reason doctors have to train and study for many years. The human body is an extraordinarily complex thing and it takes expertise, skill and experience to put different pieces of information together to come to a proper diagnosis.

Don't be embarrassed

Just because consulting "Dr Internet" gives certain results or diagnoses ranked in a specific order, it doesn’t mean these are the most likely. Symptoms can have a variety of causes and medical conditions can show up in different people in different ways. A real life doctor can connect specific symptoms with a patient's own unique medical history and individual characteristics.

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