Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

Visual auras around your period are most often triggered by a sharp drop in estrogen that temporarily sensitizes the brain’s visual pathways, causing flashing lights, zigzags, or blind spots that usually resolve within an hour. Management focuses on tracking cycle patterns and triggers, using migraine-specific acute or preventive treatments when needed, and reviewing birth control options; seek urgent care if symptoms are new, last over an hour, affect one eye, or come with weakness or persistent speech trouble. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more.

For most adults, acetaminophen is safe at up to 1,000 mg per dose and no more than 3,000 to 4,000 mg in 24 hours, with many experts advising staying under 3,000 mg and some higher-risk people needing a 2,000 mg daily limit. The biggest danger during a migraine is accidental overdose from stacking products that all contain the same drug Tylenol, also called paracetamol, which can silently damage the liver; watch for delayed symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes, or confusion and seek care if you may have exceeded the limit. There are several factors to consider, including alcohol use, body weight, age, pregnancy, and hidden sources in cold and menstrual remedies; see below for crucial details and next steps.

For rapid relief from skin burning after diarrhea, cleanse gently with lukewarm water, pat fully dry, then apply a thick barrier of zinc oxide or petrolatum after each bowel movement and at bedtime, while avoiding scented or alcohol-based products and aggressive wiping. Short courses of low strength hydrocortisone can help severe inflammation, and addressing the diarrhea plus staying hydrated speeds healing; seek care for bleeding, severe or worsening pain, signs of infection, fever, diarrhea lasting more than 3 to 4 days, or if you are older, immunocompromised, or have diabetes. There are several factors to consider, and important details on prevention, product choices, and next steps are outlined below.

Inner thigh, hip, or groin pain during your period can come from a muscle issue like an adductor strain or from pelvic sources such as pelvic floor tension, uterine cramping that radiates, endometriosis or adenomyosis, swollen groin lymph nodes, or hip joint or nerve irritation. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Below you will find simple clues to tell muscle from pelvic causes, self care options like heat and gentle stretching, and the red flags that mean you should speak to a doctor, which can change your next steps.

Insulin resistance, prediabetes, and metabolic health are closely linked: when muscle, liver, and fat cells respond poorly to insulin, the pancreas overworks, blood sugar rises over time, and risks increase for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, and metabolic syndrome. There are several factors to consider, including abdominal weight, inactivity, diet, sleep, stress, certain medications, subtle symptoms, and which tests to use; many cases improve with targeted nutrition, regular movement, modest weight loss, good sleep, stress care, and medical support. See complete details below for specific risk factors, test thresholds, red flags, and step by step next actions that can shape your healthcare decisions.

There are several factors to consider: a left-side ache can come from a pulled muscle, irritated rib nerves (intercostal neuralgia), the spleen, digestive issues like gas, constipation, or diverticulitis, kidney problems, or even the heart or lungs. Key clues are the exact location, what triggers or eases it, and companion symptoms, with muscle pain often worse to move or press and organ pain feeling deeper or paired with fever, nausea, breathing trouble, or urinary or bowel changes. See below for specifics that can change your next steps and for red flags that mean you should seek urgent care.

Chest pressure or burning, upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, or frequent burping is often heartburn, but in young women it can also be a silent heart warning that does not look like a classic heart attack. Gas pain usually shifts and eases with burping or bathroom relief, while heart symptoms feel like pressure or tightness, may start with exertion or stress, persist or recur, can radiate to the jaw, back, shoulder, or arm, and burping does not rule out a heart problem. There are several factors to consider, including key risk factors and red flags for when to seek urgent care, so see below for the full checklist and next steps that could change what you do next.

Stress can trigger itching and anxiety scratching by raising skin sensitivity and making scratching feel briefly relieving; when it becomes frequent, hard to resist, and leads to wounds or scarring, it may be a body focused repetitive behavior such as dermatillomania. There are several factors to consider and effective help is available, including habit reversal and CBT, stress management, skin care, and knowing when to talk to a clinician; see below for the full list of signs, triggers, risks, and treatment options that could influence your next steps.

There are several factors to consider: a slow amniotic leak usually produces clear, watery fluid with a mild or sweet smell that keeps wetting a clean pad even after you empty your bladder, while urine is yellow, ammonia-like, linked to movement, and stops once the bladder is empty; do the pad test by emptying your bladder, putting on a dry pad, going about normal activity for 30 to 60 minutes, and checking for repeated wetness. Call your provider urgently if leaking is continuous, the fluid is green, brown, bloody, foul-smelling, you are under 37 weeks, have fever or decreased fetal movement, or if you think your water is breaking. Important nuances, other causes of wetness, and what to expect next are explained below and may affect your next steps.

Sometimes, yes: certain blood pressure medicines can contribute to brain fog, especially beta blockers or diuretics through dehydration or electrolyte shifts, while ACE inhibitors and ARBs are usually neutral. Uncontrolled hypertension itself can also affect attention and processing, so benefits and quality of life need to be balanced. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more, including safe next steps with your doctor and urgent warning signs that require immediate care.

Acetaminophen pain relievers often called Calonal can quietly damage the liver if you exceed about 3,000 to 4,000 mg in a day, take multiple products that contain it, or mix it with alcohol, and early warning signs like fatigue, nausea, dark urine, or jaundice may appear late. There are several factors to consider, including who is at higher risk and the safest way to dose and read labels, so see the complete guidance below for specifics and when to contact a doctor.

There are several factors to consider: long-term antipsychotics can be essential for seniors but raise the risk of tardive dyskinesia, an involuntary movement disorder more likely with older age, longer duration or higher doses, first-generation agents, female sex, diabetes, and neurologic or cognitive disease. Care focuses on balance through early recognition and routine movement screening, the lowest effective dose, thoughtful medication changes, and FDA approved TD treatments when appropriate; never stop medicines without medical guidance, and seek urgent care for severe stiffness, trouble breathing or swallowing, high fever with confusion, or rapid worsening. For more on warning signs, caregiver roles, and step by step monitoring plans that can shape your next healthcare decisions, see the complete details below.

There are several factors to consider for seniors with ankylosing spondylitis who want to maintain posture; see below to understand more. The guide explains why posture matters in AS and outlines safe, evidence-based core and mobility exercises like seated abdominal bracing, pelvic tilts, weight shifts, chin tucks, chest opening, thoracic extensions, hip flexor stretches, and diaphragmatic breathing, plus daily posture habits. It also flags safety and next steps such as consistency over intensity, stopping with sharp pain, and working with a doctor or physical therapist, with red flag symptoms and individualized adjustments detailed below.

Episodic and chronic migraine differ by frequency: episodic means fewer than 15 headache days per month, while chronic means 15 or more days monthly with at least 8 migraine days for 3 months. Triptans treat attacks when taken early and are not preventive or suitable for everyone with heart or blood vessel disease; consider preventive care if you have 4 or more migraine days per month, using options like beta blockers, certain antidepressants, anti seizure medicines, CGRP therapies, and lifestyle strategies. There are several important details that can affect your next steps, including medication overuse and when to seek urgent care, so see the complete guidance below.

For seniors with MS-related weakness, safe, consistent movement preserves mobility: focus on chair-based leg and upper-body strengthening, simple balance activities, gentle daily stretches, and short bouts of walking, cycling, or water exercise with rests and cooling as needed. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more about tailoring your plan, using assistive devices, managing fatigue, and recognizing red flags; always speak with a doctor or physical therapist before starting or changing exercise, as the details below can influence your next healthcare steps.

Morning sickness is common and usually manageable, with nausea that often improves by the second trimester, while hyperemesis gravidarum is severe, constant nausea with frequent vomiting, inability to keep food or fluids down, dehydration, and weight loss that typically needs prompt medical care. There are several factors to consider, including specific red flags and treatments that can guide your next steps; see below for exactly when to call a doctor and the full list of options that may affect your care.

MS is diagnosed by combining your history and exam with MRI evidence of lesions in characteristic brain or spinal cord areas and at different times, sometimes supported by a spinal tap showing CSF oligoclonal bands; early signs can include optic neuritis, numbness or tingling, weakness, balance issues, fatigue, cognitive changes, and bladder symptoms. There are several factors to consider, including when a spinal tap is helpful, what MRI can and cannot show, which conditions can mimic MS, and urgent red flags that should prompt immediate care; see the complete details below to decide the right next steps in your healthcare journey.

Most people with MS can have healthy pregnancies; relapse risk usually decreases during pregnancy and then increases in the first 3 to 6 months after delivery, making medication planning, timing of restart, and knowing when to treat relapses especially important. There are several factors to consider. See below for details on which drugs to adjust, how breastfeeding may affect relapse risk and treatment choices, early postpartum follow up, practical support, and urgent warning symptoms that should guide your next steps.

In adults over 50, a new or unusual headache should prompt consideration of temporal arteritis, especially if there is jaw pain when chewing, scalp tenderness, vision changes, fever, fatigue, or weight loss; early evaluation with exam and ESR or CRP, and sometimes ultrasound or biopsy, is crucial because starting corticosteroids promptly can prevent permanent vision loss. There are several factors to consider and not every headache is GCA; see below for red flags, what tests to expect, treatment timelines, and when to seek urgent care so you can choose the right next steps.

After menopause, lower estrogen, accelerated muscle loss, and changes in insulin sensitivity slow metabolism and shift fat toward the abdomen, so strategies that worked earlier may stop working. Best results come from protein-forward, fiber-rich nutrition and regular strength training with aerobic and mobility work, plus attention to sleep, stress, and medical factors when needed; there are several factors to consider, and important specifics on safe goals, red flags, and treatment options are outlined below.

Postpartum anhedonia is a treatable condition where new parents feel emotionally numb or unable to enjoy things, often lasting longer than two weeks and differing from the baby blues. There are several factors to consider, including hormonal shifts, sleep loss, stress, identity changes, and prior mental health history; see below for key signs, how it is evaluated, and effective treatments. Because it can affect bonding and may signal postpartum depression, knowing when to seek urgent help and which supports work best matters for your next steps; see below for red flag symptoms, therapy and medication options, sleep and practical supports, gentle reconnection strategies, and a symptom checker to prepare for a doctor visit.

Safe heartburn and GERD relief in pregnancy starts with lifestyle changes such as smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding food 2 to 3 hours before bed, staying upright after eating, elevating the upper body, and limiting triggers like spicy or fatty foods, with calcium antacids generally safe and H2 blockers or PPIs considered if symptoms persist under medical guidance. There are several factors to consider, including which supplements to avoid, warning symptoms that need urgent care, and supportive steps like left side sleeping and stress management; see below for medication cautions, natural options that may help, and exactly when to call your doctor. Most pregnancy related GERD improves after delivery.

People with rheumatoid arthritis can have healthy pregnancies with careful planning and tight inflammation control, including 3 to 6 months of stable disease before conception, medication safety review, and coordinated care with a rheumatologist and a high risk obstetric team. There are several factors to consider during pregnancy and postpartum, such as closer monitoring, safe pain strategies, and planning for postpartum flares and breastfeeding medication choices; see below for important details that may influence your best next steps.

There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more. In brief, mild cases are usually due to constipation or a food allergy such as cow’s milk protein allergy causing small amounts of blood mixed with mucus in otherwise well infants, while emergencies involve large or ongoing bleeding, black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, high fever, lethargy, dehydration, or pallor and need urgent care.

There are several factors to consider: tonsillectomy is typically discussed when strep infections are documented and frequent (7 in 1 year, 5 per year for 2 years, or 3 per year for 3 years), when antibiotics are not preventing recurrences, or when enlarged tonsils cause sleep or breathing issues, abscesses, or major impact on school attendance and daily life. Because surgery can reduce but not eliminate sore throats and carries recovery and bleeding risks, prevention, accurate testing, and an ENT evaluation are key; see below for important details that could change the timing and next steps for your child.

GLP-1 medicines can help seniors manage diabetes and weight, but they may also speed muscle loss when appetite and protein intake drop, increasing risks like falls and weaker mobility. Safer use includes prioritizing protein at each meal, doing 2 to 3 weekly strength sessions, avoiding rapid weight loss through dose and goal adjustments, and monitoring strength and function with regular medical follow-up. There are several factors to consider, including when to pause and reassess, so see the complete guidance below for details that could shape your next steps.

Digital eye strain headaches in children are common and usually manageable, driven by focusing fatigue, less blinking, poor posture, brightness or glare, and long, uninterrupted screen time; practical fixes include the 20-20-20 rule, proper distance and text size, better lighting and posture, regular breaks, and limiting evening screens, with blue light not damaging eyes but potentially affecting sleep. There are several factors to consider, and important details that could influence your next steps are included below. Seek medical care promptly if headaches are severe or sudden, wake your child, are worsening, follow a head injury, or occur with vomiting, fever, confusion, weakness, vision changes, or school disruption; an eye exam may be needed, and complete guidance is outlined below.

Vitiligo is a noncontagious skin condition that can influence a child’s self-esteem; clear, age-appropriate explanations, focusing on strengths, preparing simple responses for peers, and collaborating with schools and a dermatologist can build confidence while you consider treatment or watchful waiting. There are several factors to consider, including signs a child may need mental health support, how to prevent and address bullying, and when to seek medical evaluation for changes or related autoimmune issues; see the complete guidance below for practical scripts, day-to-day strategies, and appointment prep that can shape your next steps.

Sharp right-sided pelvic pain is not always appendicitis; it can also come from ovulation, ovarian cysts including torsion or rupture, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary or kidney problems, digestive issues, muscle or pelvic floor strain, or nerve irritation. There are several factors to consider; see details below, including red flags like sudden worsening pain, fever, persistent vomiting, fainting, or pelvic pain with a positive pregnancy test that require urgent care. To help your OBGYN, be specific about location, timing, cycle relation, pain quality, triggers, and associated symptoms like discharge or urinary changes, and review the complete guidance below to choose the right next steps.

Most sore throats are viral and improve with rest and fluids; others stem from post-nasal drip, allergies, reflux, or irritants, while strep throat and some tonsillitis need testing and antibiotics. Because warning signs like high fever, severe or worsening pain, trouble swallowing or breathing, or symptoms beyond a week can change your next steps, see below for detailed red flags, when to speak to a doctor, and home care tips.