Don’t Ignore Repeated Symptoms Beyond Two Weeks, Warn Doctors: Early Action Can Prevent Serious Illness

New Delhi | February 21, 2026- Medical experts are urging people to pay closer attention to recurring health symptoms, stressing that persistent issues should not be ignored beyond a short window. Gastro-oncology specialist Dr Kartik Sahni has highlighted a simple yet effective guideline — the “two-week rule” — to help individuals decide when it’s time to seek medical advice.

In a recent social media post, Dr Sahni explained that while many symptoms deserve time to settle, they should not be allowed to persist indefinitely. According to him, symptoms that last beyond two weeks or keep returning despite medication may indicate an underlying issue that requires proper evaluation. He emphasised that the rule is not meant to create panic, but to encourage clarity and timely medical attention.

The two-week rule suggests that if a symptom:

• Persists for more than 14 days

• Keeps recurring after temporary relief

• Improves only while taking medication

then it should be medically evaluated rather than ignored.

Doctors note that medications often mask symptoms without addressing the root cause, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

Supporting this approach, gastroenterology consultant Dr Manish Dodmani from KIMS Hospitals, Thane, explained that many minor health complaints — such as occasional acidity, mild stomach discomfort, or short-lived viral illnesses — usually resolve on their own with rest and basic care.

However, he cautioned that problems arise when symptoms linger or repeatedly return. “If a health issue lasts longer than two weeks, or comes back once medication is stopped, it deserves medical attention. This guideline is not a diagnostic tool but a reminder to take persistent symptoms seriously,” he said.

Dr Dodmani warned that symptom relief achieved through over-the-counter medicines can be deceptive. While the discomfort may subside temporarily, the underlying condition could remain untreated. If symptoms reappear after stopping medication, it may indicate a deeper problem requiring investigation.

He added that most self-limiting conditions improve within a few days to two weeks. When symptoms extend beyond this period, doctors often consider the possibility of hidden or slowly progressing illnesses — many of which do not initially present with severe pain or dramatic warning signs.

Health experts agree that the two-week rule helps strike a balance between unnecessary panic and dangerous neglect. Timely medical evaluation can lead to simpler treatment, quicker recovery, and better long-term outcomes.

Doctors advise individuals to listen to their bodies, monitor recurring symptoms carefully, and seek professional guidance when issues persist instead of relying solely on repeated medication.