4 Tips On How To Research Health Symptoms Online

Could that nagging headache actually be a symptom of something much worse? Do you have pneumonia, or just a cold? And what’s with that weird rash?

No matter what your symptom, a wealth of answers are at your fingertips via your computer or smartphone. A quick Google search often opens up all kinds of possibilities you might not even be thinking about.

But is this really a good thing?

Research shows that online symptom checkers are wrong 74% of the time.

When people take this inaccurate information as a diagnosis, it can send them into a quick downward spiral of what we call “cyberchondria.”

What started out as a headache or a cold can rapidly spiral into a possible aneurysm or a case of pneumonia...in your mind, at least.

The good news is that there are ways to search health symptoms effectively, to get good information which can be used to supplement and support your doctor’s advice, rather than working against it.

Here’s how to get the most out of an online search for health symptoms.

Use Reputable Websites

Evaluate any sites you visit carefully for evidence of bias. Generally, a federal government agency site, such as the National Institute of Health (or the NHS in Britain) can be trusted for reliable information. You might also consider checking out any websites connected to the World Health Organization.

In addition, it helps to look for links to peer-reviewed clinical studies. In these cases, take the time to read the article carefully, especially the conclusion, so you can be certain that the article you’re reading is providing accurate information about the study.

Check the Author

When reading an online article, check the author’s bio to verify that he or she is a medical expert in this particular area. If the author is not a medical expert, check that the article was reviewed by a medical professional. When the source is a clinical study or journal article, examine any affiliations or possible conflicts of interest on the author’s part. For example, if the author also works for a pharmaceutical company, there may be a bias within a study about the benefits of a particular drug or medicine.

Check the Date

Usually, the date of an article will be listed at the bottom of the page. Sometimes, there will be a date showing when the information was last updated. Different pages on the same website may be updated at different times, so it’s important to check that too. In general, you want the most up-to-date information about your health in order to make good choices.

Don’t Use the Internet To Replace Your Doctor

At the end of the day, nothing can replace the collaboration between you and your doctor. While accurate insights online may inform your discussion, it’s important to trust your doctor’s expertise. Spend time listening to your doctor, not just talking about your online research about your symptoms.

The Internet can be an amazing tool, empowering you to make good decisions about your health. But as with any tool, remember to use it with care.