Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

For quick, safe relief of testicle pain, apply a wrapped ice pack for 10–15 minutes at a time, wear snug support (jockstrap/briefs), rest, and consider OTC pain relievers; a warm sitz bath can help if muscles are tight. There are several factors to consider, and urgent symptoms like sudden severe pain, swelling/redness, nausea/vomiting, fever, blood in urine/semen, a high-riding testicle, or pain lasting hours need immediate care (torsion can be time‑critical). See below for full details on causes, prevention, when to see a doctor, and a free symptom check to guide next steps.

CDC recommends isolating for at least 5 days after symptom onset or a positive test (Day 0 is the day symptoms start/test), ending after day 5 only if you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms are improving; keep masking around others through day 10 (asymptomatic isolate 5 days; severe illness or weakened immunity may need 10+ days). There are several factors to consider—who needs to isolate (including some close contacts), optional test-based clearance, avoiding high‑risk settings until day 11, and what to do if symptoms return—see below for important details that could change your next steps.

Most common COVID symptoms in kids are fever and cough, plus runny or congested nose, sore throat, fatigue, and headache; many cases are mild, but some children also have gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and loss of taste or smell is less common. There are several factors to consider—see below for age-specific patterns, red flags (breathing trouble, dehydration, persistent high fever, MIS-C), and clear guidance on when to test, isolate, manage at home, or seek urgent care.

Most infections with the latest Omicron-derived subvariants look like a bad cold: runny or congested nose, sore throat, headache, mild cough, fatigue, sneezing, and body aches; fever and loss of taste/smell are less common but can still occur. There are several factors to consider—including less common symptoms (like GI upset or chest tightness), who’s at higher risk, when to seek urgent care, and what to do next (testing and isolation); see the complete details and next-step guidance below.

Most people have mild, short-lived reactions after a COVID-19 shot—sore arm, fatigue, headache, muscle/joint aches, chills, or low‑grade fever—starting within 12–24 hours and resolving in 1–3 days (often stronger after second or booster doses). Serious side effects are rare but include severe allergy, myocarditis/pericarditis, or rare clotting events; seek urgent care for chest pain, trouble breathing, hives/swelling, severe headache, leg swelling, or persistent/worsening symptoms. There are several factors to consider—see the complete guidance below for who tends to react more, how to manage symptoms, when to call a doctor or use a symptom checker, and how to report side effects.

Quick at-home relief includes warm compresses, gentle eyelid massage, frequent blinking with lubricating drops, brief cold packs, cutting back caffeine, managing stress, taking screen breaks, and getting more sleep; some women also find magnesium (200–400 mg/day, with your doctor’s okay) helpful. There are several factors to consider— including hydration and nutrition to prevent recurrences and red-flag symptoms (lasting >2 weeks, spreading to the face, pain/redness/discharge, or vision changes) that warrant medical care—see the complete guidance below.

Start treatment early—ideally within 5 days—with antivirals if you’re higher risk (older age, chronic conditions, or immunocompromise): Paxlovid is preferred, or molnupiravir if Paxlovid isn’t suitable; for symptom relief use acetaminophen/ibuprofen, cough lozenges or syrups, decongestants, fluids, and rest. There are several factors to consider—drug interactions (especially with Paxlovid), pregnancy, kidney/liver problems, and red‑flag symptoms—see the detailed guidance below. Confirm it’s COVID, contact your clinician promptly to review eligibility and dosing, and follow the isolation/masking and monitoring steps outlined below.

Watch for mild issues like upset stomach, headache, dizziness, or a light rash, but seek urgent care for hives, facial/lip/tongue swelling, trouble breathing, or any signs of liver injury/overdose such as persistent vomiting, severe upper-right belly pain, jaundice (yellow eyes/skin), dark urine, confusion, unusual sleepiness, or easy bruising/bleeding. If you suspect too much was taken, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or go to the ER—there are several factors (weight-based dosing, hidden acetaminophen in combo cold/flu meds, liver disease, dehydration, drug interactions) that can raise risk; see the complete guidance below to understand what to do next.

There are several factors to consider—see below to understand more. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, drooling or inability to swallow, a muffled “hot‑potato” voice, severe throat pain, severe neck stiffness with fever, very high fever, confusion, or dehydration; otherwise see a clinician within 48 hours if fever lasts >48 hours, swallowing is limited, you notice swollen tender neck nodes or white patches on the tonsils, a rash, ear/neck pain, hoarseness >2 weeks, or worsening symptoms. Mild cases often improve in 3–7 days with self-care, but infants/older adults, those with chronic illnesses or weakened immunity should be seen sooner, and testing can clarify if strep antibiotics are needed—details and next steps are outlined below.

Rashes after COVID vaccines are uncommon (well under 1%) and usually mild—most stem from normal immune activation, such as immediate histamine-driven hives or a delayed T‑cell reaction like “COVID arm”—and resolve in days to weeks with simple care. It’s serious if there are signs of anaphylaxis within minutes (trouble breathing, facial/lip swelling), rapid spread with fever, blisters/peeling or mouth/eye/genital sores, or if it lasts >2–3 weeks—seek urgent care in these cases. There are several factors to consider, including timing and appearance; see the complete guidance below for key details that can affect your next steps and whether home care or a clinician visit is best.

Stop immediately, support the scrotum with a jockstrap or tight briefs, ice through a thin towel for 10–15 minutes (with breaks), gently elevate/compress, consider an NSAID, and once the pain eases, walk slowly while using pelvic-floor bracing and deep breathing for extra relief. Seek urgent care if pain is severe or worsening, there’s swelling/redness or a high-riding testicle, nausea/vomiting, fever, or lingering pain after a direct blow. There are several factors to consider—see below for complete step-by-step first aid, prevention tips, gear checks, and red-flag details that could change your next steps.

Bloodshot eyes themselves aren’t hereditary—they’re usually a symptom of irritation, infection, or dryness—but you can inherit conditions (like allergies, dry eye, autoimmune disease, or rosacea) that make red eyes more likely. There are several factors to consider; see the complete answer below for common non-hereditary triggers, simple relief steps, and the red‑flag symptoms that mean you should see a doctor.

At-home relief for bloodshot eyes: use lubricating (preservative‑free) artificial tears, apply a cold compress, take 20‑20‑20 screen breaks, remove contacts temporarily, hydrate, sleep enough, and avoid smoke/allergens. There are several factors and important red flags to consider—seek urgent care for pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, thick discharge, injury, or redness beyond 1–2 weeks; see the complete guidance below for details, prevention tips, and the right next steps.

You can smooth rough, bumpy skin at home with gentle chemical exfoliation (5–12% lactic acid or 1–2% salicylic acid), rich daily moisturizers that break down plugs and repair the barrier (urea 10–20%, ceramides, hyaluronic/glycerin), short lukewarm showers, and lifestyle steps like a humidifier, SPF, and soft fabrics; OTC options such as ammonium lactate 12% or urea creams often help—patch test and avoid layering multiple acids. There are several factors to consider, and when to escalate matters: if there’s no improvement after 6–8 weeks or you notice redness, pain, pus, spreading rash, severe itch, or persistent dark marks, talk to a clinician—see complete step-by-step guidance, product examples, and safety tips below.

You can get care without insurance through community health centers and free/sliding‑scale clinics, low‑cost retail or urgent care clinics, and telehealth, reserving the ER for true emergencies. You can also ask for self‑pay discounts, set up payment plans, and check hospital charity care, Medicaid/CHIP, teaching hospitals, and prescription‑assistance programs. There are several factors to consider—see the complete details below to choose the safest, most affordable next step.

Most cases last: viral 7–14 days (sometimes up to 21), bacterial 2–5 days to improve with antibiotics or 7–14 days without, and allergic as long as you’re exposed to the trigger. There are several factors that can change this timeline—including treatment, hygiene, and your overall health—and important red flags for when to seek care; see the complete details below to guide your next steps.

There are several factors to consider—most evidence shows the fluid commonly called “squirt” is often a diluted mix of urine from the bladder plus smaller amounts of Skene’s-gland secretions, not purely urine. It’s a normal variant of sexual response, but watch for pain, burning, blood, foul odor, or unusual color/texture, which warrant evaluation. See below for how it happens, tips to manage or minimize it, and clear guidance on when to seek care.

There are several factors to consider: most healthy adults improve within about 3 days with fluids, bland foods, and OTC options, but if you’re at the 3-day mark and not improving—or you have red flags like dehydration (dizziness/low urine), severe belly pain, fever >102°F/39°C, blood or black stools, inability to keep fluids down, very frequent watery stools, or recent antibiotics—you should see a doctor now. Higher-risk people (age 65+, pregnant, immunocompromised, with chronic conditions, and especially anyone with liver cirrhosis) should seek earlier care, with cirrhosis needing evaluation within 24 hours. See details below for the full list of warning signs, practical home-care steps, and how to decide between urgent care and watchful waiting.

Cod fish is good for you: a lean, low-calorie source of high-quality protein, vitamin B12, selenium, iodine, and omega-3s that can support heart, metabolic/blood sugar, liver, brain health, and weight management when prepared healthfully. There are several factors to consider—including low but relevant mercury guidance (especially for pregnancy/children), possible fish allergy, sustainability choices, and avoiding deep-fried preparations—see the complete details below to guide your next steps.

Mild halos and glare around headlights at night are common due to pupil dilation and normal light scattering, and often improve with clean lenses, anti‑reflective coatings, and proper headlight care. However, persistent or worsening symptoms—especially with blurred vision, pain, or sudden onset—can signal issues like uncorrected refractive error, dry eye, early cataracts, corneal problems, medication effects, or rare emergencies such as acute angle‑closure glaucoma. There are several factors to consider—see below for detailed causes, practical ways to reduce symptoms, and when to seek professional care.

Yes—tonsillitis is contagious, whether viral or bacterial, spreading through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces. It’s most contagious in the first 2–3 days; viral cases remain contagious until the fever resolves, and strep usually stops being contagious 24 hours after starting antibiotics. There are several factors to consider for prevention, testing, treatment, and when to seek care—see the complete guidance below to understand your next steps.

Top cough home-remedy hacks include honey, ginger or thyme tea, steam inhalation, salt-water gargles, turmeric (golden) milk, marshmallow root, staying well hydrated, running a cool-mist humidifier, and using menthol chest rubs or warm compresses—paired with rest, head elevation, and avoiding irritants. There are several factors to consider (dry vs wet cough, safety notes like no honey for infants, and red flags such as high fever, shortness of breath, blood, or a cough lasting more than 3 weeks); for full instructions and when to seek care, see below.

For quick home relief, try gentle vulvar hygiene (plain water, no douching), warm sitz baths or cold compresses, probiotic yogurt/oral probiotics, and soothing topicals like coconut oil or pure aloe (use tea tree or apple cider vinegar only well-diluted); OTC antifungal creams may help if a simple yeast infection is likely. There are several factors to consider—identify triggers (irritants, tight clothing), limit sugar, stop anything that stings, and seek care if symptoms last over 7 days or include abnormal discharge, sores, fever, pain, or swelling; full step-by-step instructions, precautions, and next-step guidance are below.

Appendicitis is typically caused by blockage of the appendix—most often from hardened stool (appendicolith), swelling of lymphoid tissue after an infection, or rarely a foreign body—leading to bacterial overgrowth, inflammation, and possible rupture. Risk factors include ages 10–30, male sex, low-fiber diets, family history, smoking, and recent gastrointestinal infections. There are several factors to consider; see the complete details below for symptoms to watch, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and when to seek urgent care.

Saggy breasts mostly occur when skin collagen/elastin and Cooper’s ligaments weaken—accelerated by aging, pregnancy/breastfeeding, weight changes, gravity, hormonal shifts (including menopause), and lifestyle factors like smoking and sun. You can regain some lift with the right bra, chest-strengthening exercises, targeted skincare (retinoids/antioxidants), protein and vitamin C-rich nutrition, posture work, and—if needed—medical treatments (radiofrequency/laser/fillers) or surgery (breast lift, implants, fat transfer); seek care for new lumps, discharge, redness, or sudden swelling. There are several factors and trade-offs to consider—see below for practical steps, expected results, and how to choose the right next move.

A nitrogen test—most often the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test—measures urea nitrogen in your blood to help assess kidney and liver function, protein metabolism, and hydration status. Ask your doctor about it if you have kidney or liver risk factors or symptoms (changes in urination, swelling, jaundice, confusion), dehydration concerns, take meds that affect these organs, or after major illness/surgery or high-protein intake, since results are interpreted with other labs like creatinine. There are several factors to consider; see the complete guidance below for what high or low results can mean and when to seek urgent care.

BDSM is a consensual umbrella for power exchange, intense sensations, and roleplay (bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, sadism/masochism) that many enjoy for pleasure, trust, and emotional bonding. To see if it’s for you, reflect on your fantasies and limits, learn reputable basics, communicate and set safewords with a trusted partner, start slow with low‑risk activities and aftercare, and monitor your physical/emotional responses—consult a clinician first if you have health conditions or distress. There are several factors to consider, plus key safety tips, community resources, and when to seek medical or mental health support; see the complete guidance below.

Rough patches on skin are usually due to common conditions like dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, contact dermatitis, or sun damage (actinic keratosis), but they can also reflect systemic issues such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, nutritional deficiencies, or cholestatic liver disease that causes intense itching. Watch for red flags—rapid change, bleeding, infection, or systemic symptoms (like jaundice)—which warrant medical evaluation. There are several factors to consider; see below for detailed causes, home care versus professional treatments, diagnostic steps, and when to seek care.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common, treatable condition marked by persistent, excessive worry most days for months that’s hard to control and often causes restlessness, muscle tension, sleep problems, and impaired daily functioning. If these patterns fit you, tools like the GAD-7 (a score of 10 or higher suggests higher likelihood) can guide you to seek a professional diagnosis and care—there are several factors to consider, so see below for key symptoms, risks, self-checks, effective therapies and medications, self-help steps, and urgent warning signs that can shape your next steps.

The cheapest options are free or low‑cost community clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) with sliding‑scale fees; for minor issues, telemedicine ($20–$50) and retail clinics ($50–$100) are often next most affordable, with urgent care ($100–$200) still cheaper than the ER. Use the NAFC, HRSA “Find a Health Center,” or 2‑1‑1 to locate care and always ask for self‑pay discounts. There are several factors to consider—eligibility paperwork, prescription help, and bill negotiation can further cut costs—see the complete details below to choose the best next step and know when emergency care is needed.