According to experts, in more than 40% of cases, doctors make incorrect diagnoses. This is mainly because many symptoms can mean different diseases and sometimes it is very difficult to reveal the correct disease.
We have collected the most common conditions that can be disguised as something else.
#1. Lyme Disease Vs Flu
This disease is known for the rash that appears when a person becomes infected after being bitten by a tick. However, there are some cases that happen without this rash. Instead, patients may experience symptoms such as body aches, fever, and fatigue, which doctors often end up diagnosing as flu.
A blood test cannot say much in this case, because the body does not begin to develop antibodies that signal this condition until after two weeks. Therefore, if doctors suspect Lyme disease, they will give you a unique antibiotic that prevents long-term effects.
#2. Kidney Stones Vs Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Kidney stones can be misdiagnosed as many other conditions, and an abdominal aortic aneurysm is the most dangerous of them. Both begin with very strong and acute abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.
An aortic aneurysm occurs when there is an abnormal protrusion in the aortic wall that, if broken, can be fatal.
Doctors suggest that in a patient 60 years of age or older who has never had a kidney stone, an aortic aneurysm should first be ruled out.
#3. Hepatitis vs Allergies
Hepatitis can last for years without symptoms, however, it can cause real liver damage during this period. The most common symptoms of liver problems are stomach pain, itching, and fatigue, which can be eliminated like many other conditions, such as allergies.
That is why it is very important to pay attention to the color of the eyes and tongue. If you see them turn yellow, you should see a doctor immediately.
#4. Thyroid Problems Vs High Blood Pressure
The thyroid gland is a very important part of the body since it controls many hormones. When the thyroid gland is poorly active (hypothyroidism), you may experience symptoms such as weight gain, temperature sensitivity, and fatigue, which can often be confused with conditions such as depression.
Another thyroid problem is when it is hyperactive (hyperthyroidism), which causes weight loss, irritability, and rapid heartbeat.
These symptoms are also very common in many diseases, such as high blood pressure. That is why it is important to control the hormones of the thyroid gland.
#5. Pulmonary Embolism Vs Panic Attack
This very dangerous condition occurs when a bloodstain blocks the pulmonary artery in the lungs, causing severe chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, and fainting.
Because these symptoms are similar to other conditions, such as panic attacks, pneumonia or a heart attack, according to one study, they are misdiagnosed in 33.5% of cases.
#6. Celiac Disease Vs Gastrointestinal Tract Infections
Celiac disease, in simple terms, is an inability to digest gluten. Gluten is found mainly in wheat and some other grains. According to doctors, about 83% of people with this disease are not diagnosed or have been diagnosed with other conditions.
The reason for this is that the symptoms vary from person to person and are very common for other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which can consist of stomach ache, diarrhea, constipation, headaches and more.
#7. Lupus Vs Kidney And Lung Problems
This chronic inflammatory disease has many faces and its symptoms are usually nonspecific and very different. Although it is known for its butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks, some patients do not. Other symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain and kidney, and lung problems.
That is why it is very difficult for a doctor to diagnose it early, usually only comes to mind when many other diseases are ruled out.
#8. Stroke Vs Alcohol Intoxication
Unfortunately, according to the survey, doctors often ignore or overlook the first signs of a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted and this condition is often diagnosed with vertigo, migraine or alcohol poisoning.
This is because the symptoms of a stroke include vision problems, difficulty speaking, confusion, and an altered mental state.
#9. Cancer Vs Many Other Conditions
No one wants to hear that diagnosis; however, the sooner it is detected, the greater the chances of recovery. But, according to the Journal of Clinical Oncology, doctors diagnose certain types of cancer up to 44% of the time.
This is because the diagnostic tools are not accurate enough and the symptoms are often very ambiguous. Lung cancer can disguise itself as a lung infection, breast cancer such as mastitis, etc.
Therefore, it is very important to get a second opinion if you suspect a serious condition such as cancer.
#10. Appendicitis Vs Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Appendicitis is widely known for its main symptom: pain in the lower right part of the abdomen. However, in many cases, their symptoms appear in different places, making diagnosis difficult.
Sometimes it can be mixed with irritable bowel syndrome if you also have vomiting and nausea.
Since a broken appendix is a life-threatening condition, it is very important not to ignore the pain in the abdomen, regardless of its location.
#11. Rheumatoid Arthritis Vs Other Joint Problems
There are so many diseases in the joints that can resemble the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, so diagnosing it becomes quite difficult to work. Even a small bunion on one foot can indicate the disease, although it is a very common condition that seems harmless in most cases.
In general, if joint problems have been around for a long time, chronic diseases such as RA can be clearly seen, experts say.
#12. Venous Insufficiency Vs Heart Disease
If your ankles and feet swell, it can be an early symptom of venous insufficiency. This is a condition in which blood cannot rise properly from the veins of the legs and feet to the heart. This condition, if it becomes chronic, can lead to many other problems.
However, many other conditions, such as heart disease, may also have swollen legs as a symptom, among others; therefore, venous insufficiency can often be overlooked as a separate diagnosis.
Have you ever been diagnosed with another condition? Share your answers with us in the comments section!
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