What are some of the more common misdiagnosed medical conditions?

As patients, one of perhaps our greatest fears is going to see the doctor and him or her not being able to make a definitive diagnosis of what ails us. The other is likely hearing that we're suffering from some type of debilitating or terminal illness and having to confront the unknown.When it comes to medical conditions that are often misdiagnosed, there quite a few.

Hepatitis C is one of many medical conditions that doctors are slow to diagnose. Oftentimes, physicians don't narrow it down to a potential illness a patient has until after its caused him or her significant liver damage. Fortunately, there are now several different courses of treatment that can help reverse tell-tale signs of chronic liver disease.

Another health problem that is often misdiagnosed is sleep apnea. If left untreated, it can increase a patient's heart disease risk as those suffering from it often stop breathing during the night.

A third commonly misdiagnosed medical condition is ovarian cancer. Many doctors may rush to diagnose a patient's symptoms including bloating as a gastrointestinal problem. It's only when a woman's cancer reaches more advanced stages that doctors often properly diagnose this condition.

One of the first signs that you may be stricken with Lyme disease is if you're fortunate enough have a bullseye suddenly appear on your skin. Others will simply experience flu-like symptoms such as a fever, fatigue or body aches. These sensations can come and go.

Early blood tests may not reveal that you have the disease. By the time the doctor narrows in on the disease, the patient may be unable to fully benefit from the one-time antibiotic used to treat it.

Finally, there's heart disease. It's the number one killer of women in the United States. Many doctors and patients alike are quick to discount the symptoms they're experiencing whether it's shortness of breath, fatigue or neck discomfort.

Many men experience a more cohesive blockage where women's are more often more diffuse. Oftentimes patients don't recognize their symptoms or doctors misinterpret imaging resulting in an untimely diagnosis of heart disease.

If your doctor was slow to diagnose your medical condition and it caused you significant harm as a result, then a Tucson attorney can advise you of your rights to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in your case.

Source: Reader's Digest, "11 diseases doctors are most likely to miss," Melissa Laliberte, accessed May 18, 2018