A headache that will not go away. A cough that lingers. An unfamiliar symptom that sparks concern. For many people, the first response is to search for answers online. In seconds, websites, symptom checkers and emerging artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer a list of possible explanations. While access to health information has never been greater, interpreting that information without medical training can be difficult and often misleading. Self-diagnosis has become increasingly common, but healthcare professionals caution that symptoms rarely reveal the complete picture without proper clinical evaluation. Dr Charl van Loggerenberg, General Manager: Emergency Medicine at Life Healthcare, shares his insights on this. 

Why self-diagnosis is becoming more common 

Digital technology has transformed how people access health information. A growing number of individuals now use online platforms to look up symptoms before deciding whether to seek medical advice.

A recent international survey found that three in five adults in the UK have used AI-powered tools to help interpret symptoms or health concerns, reflecting a broader shift toward digital health information. Interestingly, a local study published in 2025 found that 73.7% of the 341 respondents surveyed preferred a human doctor over AI.

The appeal is clear, though: these tools are quick, private and available at any time. For people who face long waiting times or have limited access to healthcare services, the convenience of online information can feel especially valuable. However, health professionals emphasise that these tools should be viewed as informational resources rather than diagnostic tools. “What we’re seeing is really an evolution of patients using the internet to self-diagnose,” says Dr van Loggerenberg. “The tools may be more advanced now, but at their core, they are still sophisticated search engines. They can organise information, but they don’t replace clinical judgement. The benefit is that patients often arrive better informed, which can help guide the conversation, but that information needs to be put into proper medical context.”

Symptoms rarely tell the full story 

In medicine, diagnosis is rarely based on symptoms alone. Doctors rely on a combination of factors including a patient’s medical history, physical examination, diagnostic testing and clinical experience. Many conditions also share similar symptoms. Fatigue, headaches, chest discomfort or stomach pain can be linked to a wide range of causes, from minor conditions to more serious illnesses.

AI diagnostic tools can perform well in structured testing environments but still struggle to match the complexity of real-world clinical reasoning. “What’s often missing is clinical context,” explains Dr van Loggerenberg. “A doctor may pick up subtle signs a patient doesn’t recognise or know to mention. Even how a symptom is described can change the diagnosis. These nuances are difficult to capture in an online search or AI prompt.” Without medical training, it can be difficult to interpret these signals accurately.

He adds that one of the biggest gaps is understanding urgency. “In emergency medicine, we prioritise care through triage: Identifying what needs immediate attention and what can safely wait. Digital tools don’t always make that distinction, which means they can either overestimate or underestimate how serious a condition is.”

When online information causes unnecessary worry 

One of the most common consequences of self-diagnosis is anxiety. Online searches can quickly lead people to worst-case scenarios. What begins as a search for reassurance can escalate into unnecessary fear about serious illnesses. Online information often lacks the context needed to interpret symptoms appropriately.

“Patients often arrive having seen a long list of possible diagnoses, many of them serious. Part of our role is to help filter that information,” says Dr van Loggerenberg.

The risk of delayed care 

Another concern is that self-diagnosis may lead people to delay seeking medical attention. If symptoms are interpreted incorrectly as minor or temporary, individuals may postpone consulting a healthcare professional. In some cases, this delay can allow underlying conditions to worsen before treatment begins.

Early diagnosis remains one of the most important factors in effective treatment for many illnesses. “We do see cases where patients present later than they should because they relied on online advice,” says Dr van Loggerenberg. “In some instances, important details, such as recent travel or specific symptoms, weren’t factored into the search, which led to the wrong conclusion and delayed care. Conditions like malaria or tick bite fever, for example, can become serious if not treated early. These are situations where a timely medical assessment makes a critical difference.”

Using online health information responsibly 

Access to health information can still play a valuable role in helping people better understand their well-being. Reliable online resources can help patients learn about symptoms, understand treatment options and prepare questions before seeing a healthcare professional. However, digital tools should support – not replace – medical care.

Information can guide awareness, but diagnosis requires clinical expertise. “The most helpful way to use these tools is to build your understanding and prepare for a conversation with your doctor. They can also help you identify warning signs or decide whether to seek a second opinion. But there should always be a safety net – if symptoms persist, worsen or don’t feel right, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. These tools should never replace that step,” advises Dr van Loggerenberg.

Medicine combines scientific knowledge with clinical judgement developed through years of training and experience. By considering a patient’s full medical picture, including symptoms, history and examination findings, doctors are able to make informed diagnoses and recommend appropriate treatment.

When health concerns arise, seeking advice from a qualified healthcare professional remains the safest and most reliable path to care. Always consult your GP or a specialist or physician if concerned about symptoms or your health.

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