Doctor, doctor, I think I’m a search engine ...

ONE in five hospital appointments are for patients who have nothing wrong with them – after they’d Googled their symptoms. Medics say our obsession with “Doctor Google” is now fuelling health anxiety. We asked our Email Jury if they researched health problems online and, if so, how that turned out for them.

If I have been diagnosed with something I will research it further but never self-diagnose. Lorraine Anderson, Edinburgh.

Your imagination can run riot in the totally wrong direction – you have to know your subject. Bea Smith, Doncaster.

If someone goes on the internet for information and they are not correct, they worry themselves for no reason. It’s better to consult your doctor. Jean-Claude Huntzinger, Lochgelly.

GPs and consultants have actually given me links to look at medical sites! I’ve learned more from some reputable medical sites than some consultants, as sadly they may diagnose a condition but don’t have time to explain things. Judi Martin, Aberdeenshire.

I have to admit I do use the internet but always just use the NHS website for information. Margaret Gibb, Fife.

Frankly I can’t see anything wrong with consulting the internet about symptoms. It can often be a reassurance that it is not anything to be anxious about and often a simple remedy is suggested. Irene Thomson, Perth.

I tried it, but so many symptoms came up I realised it was a waste of time. Maurice Benham, Bonnybridge.

I have a reasonable knowledge of health problems and know what to look for. I just use it for confirmation. A lot of what is on the internet is hyped up and you could scare yourself silly believing some of it. Elizabeth O’Regan, Lincoln.

I only Google conditions my GP says I have, in order to research the cause and to find out what I can do to improve the condition. Dawn Nelson, Dunfermline.

Your imagination will give you every disease known to man. Andrew Clubb, Ellon.

Without medical knowledge it is dangerous to analyse your own symptoms. Graham D’Arcy, Glasgow.

It’s far better to speak to a doctor. Patricia Croker, Liverpool.