The Internet is an endless source of information and, for many of us, our first go-to for just about everything we want to know. It is also a tempting tool for medical self-diagnosis, but one you should be careful of.
For example: If you search the internet for “left-side stomach pain,” you’ll find results explaining that it could be caused by constipation, diverticulitis, kidney stones, or gas cramps — or cancer. Often when we are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, our minds go right to worst case scenario. Then, you are stuck wondering if every symptom of something much more serious.
“The wealth of medical information we have at our fingertips can be empowering, but we need to be really intentional, seeking out reliable and trusted medical sources—especially when searching topics like cancer, stroke and heart attack,” says William Childs, D.O., a family medicine provider at Henry Ford Health.
Dr. Childs cautions that if you are experiencing what could be a medical emergency, you should call 911 immediately. And for non-emergencies, remember that no matter how reliable the source, it is never a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.
How To Find Accurate Health Information Online
If you can’t resist searching your symptoms online, you may find the following tips helpful:
- Be wary of going straight to the sources at the top of your search results. Many internet browsers rely on artificial intelligence (AI) tools to provide quick answers to your searched questions. These answers are pulled from a variety of sources that may not be the most accurate or from the most reputable sources. Additionally, be aware of sponsored search results. These are usually paid advertisements and may not necessarily be your best choice.
- Don’t use social media as your source of truth. Too often, fact checking is nonexistent. Some social media influencers found on TikTok or Instagram may claim to be medical experts or position themselves as experts on medical issues, without having acquired the necessary education or training; completely lacking necessary credentials. Use caution when listening to their advice as they may not actually have authority to speak on these topics.
- Visit your hospital or health system’s website to learn about conditions and diseases they treat, medical tests that might be needed for a diagnosis, available treatment options and more.
- Look to local and state-sponsored health resources, such as the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHS) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
- Check multiple sources.
- Avoid sites with community-sourced content, such as Wikipedia, as the information provided may not be properly vetted by qualified professionals or could be out of date.
- Choose information from respected, national not-for-profit organizations like the American Diabetes Association, the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Consider the commercial interest or potential biases of any website you are visiting. For example: are they directly trying to sell you a product (such as a website sponsored by a pharmaceutical company or dietary supplement maker)? This doesn’t necessarily mean the information they provide is not reliable or credible, just that it needs to be viewed with a critical lens.
- Remember that user comments in forums, review sites and on social media often skew negative; if you do read them, look for thoughtful responses and ignore the scary stories and angry rants.
The Benefits of Online Health Information
While talking with a health care professional is always the best way to find out about your symptoms, there are times when online resources can be valuable for finding information about a health condition.
“Don’t use the internet to self-diagnose. You are likely to cause yourself unnecessary stress or possibly minimize something that could be serious. Ultimately, we as physicians want you to be proactive and informed on your own health care. We welcome inquiry, as the doctor-patient relationship is one that is rooted in collaboration,” says Dr. Childs. “But once you have a professional diagnosis, you can use trusted sites to learn more about your condition.”
Your provider can help you find creditable resources and online support groups for any health conditions you are dealing with. Additionally, if you have questions regarding your symptoms or information that you read online, it is always an option to message your provider through your patient portal or make an appointment.
Reviewed by Dr. William Childs, a family medicine provider who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center - Detroit Northwest.
