Can you diagnose yourself with symptoms listed at WebMD?

The WebMD symptom checker tool allows users to enter their symptoms and see a list of possible causes. However, it is important to remember that the information provided on the site is no substitute for professional medical attention, warns WebMD.

To get started with the symptom checker, users need to enter their gender and age. Next, they can click on different areas of the body and select all of the symptoms they are currently experiencing. Once all of the symptoms are compiled, the tool gives users a list of possible conditions. The symptom checker does not provide medical advice, reminds WebMD, but it allows users to gain information and have an easy way to start a conversation with their health care providers.

After a user enters all of his relevant health information into the symptom checker, he can print out a report to review with his physician, according to WebMD. This report compiles all of the symptoms into one document, so that the patient does not forget anything important when consulting with his physician. If a user is experiencing any emergency symptoms, he needs to call his doctor or 911 right away, instead of self-diagnosing using the WebMD online symptom checker.