Free Answers to Medical Questions Online
From Adviceopedia
For minor ailments, free answers to medical questions online are a great way to get relief, at least temporarily. If your condition persists, however, check with your doctor to see if further treatment is necessary. The following information is not written by a medical professional, and you should seek the advice of your doctor for your medical concerns if your symptoms continue or worsen.
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Get Free Answers to Medical Questions Online
Why Am I Tired All the Time?
There could be an underlying illness, so if the problem persists, be sure to see a doctor. However, you could have a vitamin deficiency or be dehydrated. Cut back on caffeinated products, sugar, and salt, and be sure to get at least eight cups of water per day. Look at your sleep schedule. Are you getting at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night, do you wake frequently or have a hard time falling asleep?
If you suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you may also be experiencing:
- Pain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Emotional issues including anxiety, depression, irritability, moodiness, or lack of emotion at all
Causes could include allergies, low blood pressure, virus, an immune system deficiency, low blood sugar, or anemia. For more information about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, visit MayoClinic.com.
Psychiatric treatment may help, but if you'd would like to try simple lifestyle changes first, try avoiding stressors, getting your daily exercise (especially exercises that stretch the muscles), and be on the lookout for potential food allergies. Also, make sure you are getting plenty of vitamins D and B.
What Can I Do About My Migraines?
One thing you can do, if possible, is determine what your personal migraine triggers are and then avoid them. Common triggers include:
- Light
- Hormone fluctuations
- Certain foods
- Motion
- Loud noises
- Dietary changes
- Emotional stress
- Heavy exercising
- Certain smells.
Once you have a migraine headache, you may be able to find relief with an over-the-counter pain medication designed to target migraines specifically (Excedrin Migraine, for example). People with chronic migraines may need to seek treatment by a doctor for prescription drugs to ease symptoms. These drugs could be anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, beta-blockers, the antihistamine Cyproheptadine, or even Botox.
Other things that may help: Lying in a cool, dark room with a cool cloth across the forehead or at the base of the neck, a hot bath or shower, massaging the fleshy part between the thumb and forefinger, drinking water, or eating something (especially if you haven't eaten in a while).
For more information about migraines, visit WebMD.com or MayoClinic.com.
Do I Have Skin Cancer?
While a trained professional should look at any suspicious or new mole, some red flags could alert you to a cancerous growth. Moles are perfectly normal; many people have up to 40 harmless ones on their bodies. Very few are actually dangerous. The ones that are dangerous typically fall within one of the following categories:
- An irregular shape with or without fading borders
- A rough surface
- Not one solid color
- Very large—more than one-quarter inch in diameter
If you have a mole that falls into one of these categories, that does not necessarily mean it is cancerous, but it is worth having it looked at by a doctor. It is also a good idea to check your whole body periodically for any new or unusual moles. For more information concerning all types of skin cancer, visit the American Cancer Society website.
What Are the Signs of a Stroke?
Some stroke symptoms come upon you quickly and forcefully while others, as with mini-strokes, can last anywhere from a few minutes to a day. If you or someone in your presence experiences one or more of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. Symptoms may include:
- Numbness of the face, arms, or legs, especially when concentrated on one side of the body
- A sudden, severe headache with no real cause
- Sudden vision trouble in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking due to dizziness, lost balance or coordination
- Trouble speaking, understanding, or general confusion that seems to come on suddenly
Check the time the symptoms begin. A mini-stroke's symptoms may seem short-lived but you should still see a doctor.
For more information, visit the American Heart Association website.
Can Alzheimer's Be Prevented?
The biggest key here seems to be staying active. Find activities that engage your body and your mind. One of the best ways to make sure that your brain stays healthy is to keep your heart healthy; the heart is what supplies the brain with oxygen-rich blood, after all. Eat well, with plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Kick bad habits like smoking, and make sure you periodically go to the doctor to have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Stay sociable and engage your mind in activities like reading, crossword puzzles, and board games.
While there is no guarantee that you won't get Alzheimer's Disease if you do these things, you're doing everything that you can to ensure that you won't. A study mentioned in Time Magazine showed that those who engaged in mentally stimulating activities showed up to a 47 percent decreased likelihood of developing dementia.
To find out more about how to prevent Alzheimer's, visit AlzheimersPrevention.com.
Ask a Doctor a Question
There are some online sites where you can get free answers to medical questions online, from doctors:
Final Word
Remember that free answers to medical questions online are sometimes a great place to start when you have a health question, you should contact your doctor if your medical issue is serious or persists.
