When health issues and concerns come up, many of us aren't sure whether or not we should see a doctor or maybe even go to the ER.

Medical Assistant Debbie Defaria says that almost everyone knows that chest pain is a symptom that needs immediate medical attention. But there are other medical symptoms you should keep when it's time to see the doctor. "Stiff neck, high fever, any purple dark colored rashes, we'd be concerned with."

Cardiologist Vladimir Ilic says that you should also be concerned if you experience a sudden, agonizing headache, more intense than any you have ever felt before. "That could be also very important event to come, big stroke or even you know, death."

Stroke club leader Dianna Highsmith says that of course a stroke is a medical emergency where every second counts. It's important that you not only know what the signs are but what to do should you or a loved one experience one. "Confused speech, sudden headaches, sudden inability to use one side of the body, sudden numbness in an arm or a leg. You need to call 911 and tell them that you might be having a stroke."

Oncology nurse Laurie Wise says some symptoms are specifically for women to know when they need to see their doctor, like vaginal bleeding after menopause. For men: an abnormal lump in their testicle may indicate a problem, however, there's only one way to know for sure. "Physical exam, and by qualified physicians who are skilled in assessing and evaluating what might be a normal lump or bump on the testicle."

Time can be critical. Waiting too long before getting medical assistance may increase the amount of damage you do to your body.

Remember, going to the doctor and being told your symptoms aren't serious won't kill you, but waiting too long to get help for life-threatening symptoms could be a deadly mistake.

.