There's no shame in seeking treatment when it is warranted. And it isn't as though the locals aren't willing to help.

[there's a soft sigh, the sound of someone shifting their weight, perhaps from a lying to a sitting position.]

In my case, there was nothing they could actually do for the root cause, but at the very least they cast some spells to ease my suffering, and encouraged me towards other options. If it would help your friend at all, no matter how subtle the pain, I would take him to ask a qualified healer.

[a brief pause.]

This friend of yours is a Monster, is he not?