The internet has become the main self-empowering tool for people nowadays. It enable patients to surf for the information they needed using their browser.

Not to mention, it also helps doctors in diagnosing difficult cases.

There have been a few cases of patients or their relatives successfully using the internet to make rare diagnosis.

Actually it is not as easy as it sounds as symptoms are often common to many illnesses and symptoms by themselves are not the only clue to illnesses.

For example, epigastric pain could symptom of gastritis or maybe symptom of acute pancreatitis and etc.

People tend to forget, in diagnosing a disease, does not mean all depends on just symptoms. There are also clues in other aspect of the history and physical examination which patients often do not appreciate on their own.

That’s why it is uncommon to see patients jumping to conclusions these days after researching their symptom on the net.

A medically trained person would be more accustomed to using these tools which may be helpful in listing differential diagnoses. One should appreciate that diagnoses are not only derived from symptoms but also various aspects of history taking, physical examination and appropriate tests where necessary. At this point in time, the Internet is not going to replace the basic diagnostic work-up.

Patients can and should use the internet to search for information but they should be best guided by their doctor.

Information from the Internet is however useful for patients to help them understand their illnesses. The 15 or even 30 minute consultation with their doctor is often insufficient. How much information can the doctor give in such a limited time? If on the other hand, patients take the trouble to read about their illnesses, the greater understanding will benefit them and help in the management.