If you are experiencing a headache frequently, would you ever imagine yourself to be suffering from a dangerous disease like a brain tumor? Off course not, as you know that a simple headache can have a number of causes that can either be mild or be serious. According to the recent investigation in this regard, there are many medical conditions at present that are most commonly misdiagnosed.
Certain medical conditions are truly vert critical to diagnose, due to the lack of definitive diagnostic test. In that case, physicians generally have to rely on the method of negative selection, by ruling out diagnosis. Moreover, many diagnostic tests don’t follow definitive yes or no pattern, while declaring the result.
The article is thus, intended to let our readers know about some of the most commonly misdiagnosed health issues that should never be ignored.
1. Irritable bowel syndrome
It is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder, which is characterized by the unexplained abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and in some cases constipation. As such, no specific test can be prescribed to detect irritable bowel syndrome. However, it is commonly being emphasized that the patient should exhibit some of the common symptoms at least for six months; with majorly reported discomfort within the span of three months before being diagnosed.
It is very likely that your doctor will initiate consultation of a specific medical condition, by knowing your medical history, and physical examination. Apart from that, an expert will start his analysis on the basis of three different diagnostic criteria, such as:
- Rome criteria: The diagnosis on the basis of this criteria can be associated with two common factors such as abdominal pain and discomfort that is experienced at least a week before the final confirmation. The perfect diagnosis by doctor also depends upon the alteration in stool consistency.
- Manning criteria: This is another quite popular diagnostic criteria, which is assessed on the basis of reduced pain score while passing the stool as well as on having an incomplete bowel movement. The analysis of stool can also be asked to know about the presence or absence of mucus in the stool and alterations in the stool consistency.
2. Celiac Diseases
Celiac diseases have also been identified as one of the most commonly misdiagnosed diseases, especially due to its confusing symptomatic exhibitions. Celiac disease is an auto-immune disorder, wherein the body’s own immune system is being altered due to gluten intolerance that is responsible for inflammation in the small intestine.
On an average, six to ten years of analysis is required to properly diagnose and confirm the disease. As a matter of fact, celiac sufferers commonly report some of the general symptoms, such as digestive issues, burning sensation, diarrhea, weight loss etc. A patient may also complain about itchy skin, joint pain and heartburn due to acid reflux. Reportedly, these symptoms are also very common with other medical conditions, leading to the wrong diagnosis.
However, it is to be noted that there are blood tests available, which can confirm the issue.
3. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is another such health condition that is most commonly being misdiagnosed and is quite commonly being characterized with the unusual musculoskeletal pain. A patient suffering from fibromyalgia often confused about how to tell symptoms that have no obvious physical cause. In fact, when doctors don’t understand the reason behind the frequent fatigue and chronic musculoskeletal pain of the patient; he generally settles down with the conclusion of fibromyalgia.
Many clinical studies have reported the issue that on the basis of symptoms if a rheumatologist is consulted, he would probably report fibromyalgia; but if the same patient shows up with a gastroenterologist, he would settle down at irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is another commonly known autoimmune disease, which is evident when the body’s own immune system attacks brain cells to disturb smooth passaging of nerve signals. Some of the initial symptoms of multiple sclerosis are commonly being reported as numbness, weakness, or tingling sensation in one or all the limbs. Different people may experience these symptoms to a different extent, even in an episodic pattern and hence, it is quite difficult for a doctor to diagnose the issue in one go.
5. Endometriosis
Almost 60-70% of women experience menstrual discomfort and abdominal pain; in this regard, there are chances of endometriosis being most commonly misdiagnosed. Many women complain about cramping, unexplained abdominal pain especially during menstruation, heavy bleeding, and irregular menstruation. Many women find it difficult to understand that they are suffering from any type of physiological abnormality and hence, diagnosis can be delayed.
6. Migraines
People who have been frequently experiencing migraines should know that it could be an indication of a more serious issue, such as paralysis. The issue cannot be confirmed on the basis of migraine symptoms that are quite common such as, nausea, vomiting and/or light sensitivity etc. Accordingly, a patient has to consult to the neurologist, who would be able to rule out other possibilities.
