When we go to a doctor, we want to get a reliable diagnosis and effective treatment. But doctors are not always able to correctly determine the true cause of your unsatisfactory condition.
And the question is not even about their medical qualifications and professionalism; often, the patients themselves inadvertently distort the results of examinations. We will point out potential mistakes to you so that you can avoid them before visiting the doctor.
What You Should Not Do Before Doctor’s Appointment
Getting a medical check-up is important if you are facing some health problem. However, many people do not pay attention to some basic things that can affect the check-up results. It is better if you follow the same routine as you have on normal days.
A little change, let’s say, an eating habit can make the check-up inaccurate. So, here are some things you should never do when you go to visit a doctor for a medical check-up
1- Don’t Get A Manicure Before Visiting A Dermatologist
Examination by a dermatologist includes not only an assessment of the condition of the skin but also of the nails. If you paint them before visiting the doctor, he/she will not be able to properly assess your condition. Yeast infections can hide under a layer of varnish.
It is alright to dress well for visiting a doctor, but getting a manicure is a little too much. So the nail plate should remain in its natural state if you have to get yourself checked the next day. Do not go to a nail salon.
2- Don’t Drink Alcohol Before Cholesterol Tests
There is no cholesterol in alcoholic beverages, but there are quite a lot of carbohydrates. They cause a sharp increase in the amount of cholesterol in the body. Don’t worry; the level will quickly return to normal.
But during this period, if you get examined, then a doctor might give you medication to lower the cholesterol level. You should never drink alcohol before you visit a doctor, especially not in an excessive amount. How will the doctor examine you if you are not sober enough?
Moreover, when you are withdrawing from alcohol, it is better to take somebody with you when you go to see a doctor. This is because sometimes, the alcohol withdrawal symptoms are so intense that a person cannot handle himself or herself well.
3- Don’t Be Thirsty Before Urinalysis
Human urine is 99% water, and only 1% is other substances used in research. Therefore, do not torment yourself with thirst, but drink enough fluids a few hours before urinating. You will not be able to change the concentration of acids, protein, and other substances, thereby distorting the results. Moreover, many doctors recommend drinking enough water before your physical examination.
4- Don’t Use Deodorant Before Mammogram
A mammogram is basically the examination of a human chest. Most deodorants contain small metal particles. During the procedure, these particles can be easily confused with calcification, a symptom of cancer. If you were already wearing perfume, then you should probably get a shower. It will help to remove all the particles of body lotions and deodorants.
5- Don’t Eat Red Food Before Colonoscopy
For getting your intestine checked, you should avoid eating foods that can hinder the doctor’s examination. These foods include:
- Beet
- Berries
- Tomatoes
- Tomato juice
- Carrots
In this process, a tube enters the body and looks for defaults in the system. If you eat red foods just before colonoscopy, it might distort the findings. It is better not to eat solid foods on such a day. Try eating foods that get digested easily before the test or have foods only in liquid form.
6- Do Not Eat Salty Foods Before Taking Blood Pressure Test
Salt can increase blood pressure. Therefore, the day you have salty foods, you should not go to the doctor. You have to get rid of salty food to get proper and accurate results. Ditch junk food, nuts, beans, and simply salted foods for a while to see true results. Otherwise, it would always show high blood pressure which is just because of the food you ate.
7- Do Not Take Medications Before Your Blood Test
For a blood test to show a more accurate result, you do not need to take any medication before taking it. If the drug is prescribed by a doctor and requires regular use, skip the morning dose. You can take the pill immediately after the test. Medication adds other substances to the blood, which would make the test results inaccurate.
8- Don’t Change Your Daily Routine
Our body loves stability any deviations from the standard schedule are displayed by changes in its state. Therefore, try to live in your usual rhythm before visiting the doctor. Even it’s a small thing such as the timing of taking the breakfast; do not deviate from your routine.
Although, if you check out this dentist in Sun City, they will also advise you to speak with your doctor and ask if there’s anything that they need you to do before going for your test.
9- Do Not Use Grease Before The PAP Test
The Pap test is a very important test for women; it identifies cervical cancer. Therefore, you should every three years get a PAP test. Two days before the test, do not use tampons, do not apply lubricant, and do not use spermicides. Such measures are due to the sensitivity and irritability of the area. If such things irritate the cervical area, it will distort the results.
10- Do Not Use Smartphone Before Visiting An Ophthalmologist
Spending a long time in front of a computer or mobile phone monitor leads to eye fatigue. As a result, the examination may misinterpret your state of vision. Rest your eyes before consulting an ophthalmologist. You should start doing this a day before your due date of appointment if you want a perfect examination.
Summing Up
What we eat, drink, or do before a doctor’s appointment plays a great role in the findings of the tests. You should be aware that even simple changes such as routine changes can alter the test results. Therefore, do not repeat the above things next time you visit a doctor.