About PadiDoctors

What is PadiDoctors?

PadiDoctors is a telehealth service for Nigeria and Africa. You can describe your symptoms in English, Yorùbá, Igbo, Hausa, or Nigerian Pidgin and get an easy-to-understand summary. When you need more help, you can chat with a licensed doctor.

Do I need an account?

You can use the symptom checker without signing in. To chat with a doctor or save your history, you’ll be asked to sign in or register.

Is this a medical diagnosis?

No. The summary is educational guidance. Only a licensed doctor can diagnose or prescribe. If symptoms are severe, worsening, or you suspect an emergency, seek urgent care immediately.

How much does it cost?

The symptom checker is free. Consultation fees with doctors are shown before you start a chat or call.

Is my information safe?

We protect your information using encryption and strict access controls. We only share data with your consent or when required by law. See our Privacy and Terms pages for details.

How the Symptom Checker Works

1. Choose your language and (optionally) enter vitals like temperature, blood pressure, sex, age, weight, and height.
2. Describe your symptoms in your own words. You can also upload a file or use voice.
3. You’ll get a short summary in plain language plus next steps. You can ask one follow-up question for free.
4. To continue care, sign in and connect to a licensed doctor.

How to Check Your Vital Signs at Home

Entering vitals is recommended but optional—it helps doctors understand your situation better.

1) Temperature (°C)

Pick your method on the dashboard (Oral, Armpit, or Infrared) and enter the value in Celsius.

• Oral: Wait 15–30 minutes after eating or drinking. Place the thermometer under the tongue, close lips, breathe through nose, and wait for the beep.
• Armpit: Dry the armpit, place the tip high in the armpit, arm down, wait for the beep. (Usually ~0.3–0.5°C lower than oral.)
• Infrared (forehead): Wipe the forehead dry. Hold per device instruction and avoid hair or sweat.

Adults: Normal ~36.5–37.5°C. Fever is typically ≥38.0°C. For babies/children, ranges differ, seek guidance if unsure.

2) Blood Pressure (mmHg)

• Rest 5 minutes; no coffee, smoking, or exercise for 30 minutes before.
• Sit with back supported, feet flat, arm at heart level. Use the correct cuff size.
• Take two readings 1 minute apart; enter the average (e.g., 120/80).

Adults: Normal is usually <120/80. High BP is often ≥140/90. One high value is not a diagnosis—track regularly.

3) Pulse (Heart Rate) & Breathing

• Pulse: Feel at the wrist or neck, count beats for 30 seconds ×2 (beats per minute). Adults usually 60–100 bpm at rest.
• Breathing (Respiratory Rate): Count breaths for 60 seconds. Adults usually 12–20 per minute.

4) Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

• Use a fingertip pulse oximeter on a warm finger without nail polish. Keep still.

Typical readings are 95–100% at sea level. If persistently <92% or you feel breathless, seek urgent care.

5) Weight & Height

• Weight (kg): Step on the scale in light clothing, same time daily if tracking.
• Height (m): Stand straight against a wall, no shoes; convert to metres (e.g., 172 cm → 1.72 m).

Enter these values on the dashboard under Vitals — recommended but optional. Choose the correct temperature method (Oral/Armpit/Infrared) before analyzing your symptoms.

When to Seek Urgent Care

• Severe chest pain, sudden weakness on one side, fainting, confusion, or seizures
• Severe shortness of breath or SpO₂ < 92% on room air
• Fever ≥ 38.5°C with severe headache, stiff neck, or persistent vomiting
• Uncontrolled bleeding, serious injury, or suspected poisoning

In Nigeria, call 112 or go to the nearest emergency centre. Outside Nigeria, call your local emergency number.

Getting the Most from Your Consultation

• Write down your main concern and when it started.
• Share any medications, allergies, and relevant history.
• Have your vitals ready if possible, it saves time for you and the doctor.