As humans, our immune systems are able to fight many different illnesses, particularly those that are more minor. However, even the strongest immune system cannot conquer every condition. When we’re unable to fight something off ourselves, we rely on the assistance of medical professionals.
Those in the medical field have a duty to provide us with the highest standards of care. Sadly, there are occasions when they fail in this duty and our health is worsened rather than improved.
Misdiagnosis is one of the more common forms of medical errors, and it has the potential to be fatal, as you will not receive the appropriate treatment for your ailment. Outlined below are some of the more commonly misdiagnosed medical conditions.
Lupus
Lupus is a debilitating inflammatory condition that impacts various organs in the body. It can cause a person to feel extremely fatigued. There is also a chance that sufferers will experience chronic joint pain and headaches.
While there is no known cure for this condition, prompt treatment can make the symptoms much more manageable. A misdiagnosis means that a patient won’t receive the rapid treatment needed to manage their symptoms.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a notoriously difficult condition to diagnose as there are no tests that can make a definitive diagnosis.
Generally, doctors have to diagnose the disorder through a process of elimination. Thus, it’s vital that tests are carried out quickly and thoroughly, with no stone unturned. Untreated fibromyalgia can result in the patient becoming chronically depressed, fatigued and having a heightened sensitivity to pain.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that means a person is unable to digest gluten. It’s vital that doctors make an early and accurate diagnosis of this condition so that treatment can occur and the individual can receive dietary advice and information.
A failure to diagnose celiac disease could mean that a person suffers drastic weight loss, anemia and cramps across the body. In severe cases, celiac disease can even be fatal when gluten products are consumed or due to malnutrition.
If your doctor has failed in their duty of care and misdiagnoses you, you may be able to hold them to account. Seeking legal guidance will give you a better idea of your options.