Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. The person may get better (or not get worse) without treatment; if the condition worsens, the person and his or her doctor will decide what to do next.
The length of the watchful waiting period is determined by:
- The severity of the symptoms.
- The progression of the problem if not treated.
- The risks and benefits of waiting.
- The person's age and medical history.
Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 05/25/2007
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