Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), often called “dry AMD,” is a slow, progressive disease that affects the center of the retina called the macula, leading to gradual loss of vision. It is the most common form of AMD and involves the build-up of small deposits called drusen.

"Pregnancy nose" is a term used to describe the nasal congestion and runny nose that many pregnant people experience due to hormonal changes. It occurs because the increased levels of hormones cause swelling in the nasal tissues.

Eating lots of fiber, drinking plenty of water, and sometimes using a stool softener are the best ways to pass hard poop when you have hemorrhoids.

Visual impairment means having a lower level of vision than what is considered normal, even with the use of corrective measures like glasses.

Self-harm often follows a cycle that starts with strong, overwhelming feelings, followed by an urge to hurt oneself, a brief sense of relief after self-harming, and then feelings of shame or guilt that can lead back to more self-harm.

Pain or a weird feeling in the lower right side of your belly can happen for many reasons, such as muscle strain, an inflamed part of your digestive system, or even a less common issue like iliopsoas bursitis related to how you sleep.

Numbness in the chest area can be due to a few different causes, such as nerve irritation from surgery or injury, issues with the cervical spine, or compression of nerves in the chest. You should see a doctor if experiencing this symptom.

Numbness in the abdominal area can come from issues with the nerves in the belly, such as nerve entrapment (called ACNES), or from problems like diabetic peripheral neuropathy, where nerves are damaged.

Numbness in the lower left abdomen may be due to irritation or injury to a nerve, such as the ilioinguinal nerve, or could be linked to other processes affecting nerve and blood supply.

Stomach and back pain with diarrhea can be caused by infections in your gut, inflammation of organs like the pancreas, or even other infections that make your body feel unwell.

Tingling in your upper back may be caused by irritation or damage to a nerve, such as the dorsal scapular nerve or a nerve root from the cervical spine.

Numbness in your left breast might happen when nerves in the area are affected by treatments like surgery or chemotherapy, or sometimes by the cancer itself.

Sore fingernails can be caused by trauma, dryness or brittleness, and sometimes infection. Proper nail care, gentle moisturizing, and avoiding harsh chemicals can help ease the discomfort.

A heavy feeling in the rectal area may be caused by issues such as swollen blood vessels (hemorrhoids), ulcers in the rectum (solitary rectal ulcer syndrome), or a change in how the rectum holds and feels (an enlarged rectum).

A numb feeling in the upper right abdomen during pregnancy might be caused by changes in the nerves, such as irritation or compression, as the body adjusts to pregnancy.

A slight pressure feeling around the rectum might be due to how the muscles and nerves in the area work, sometimes linked with constipation or changes in rectal sensitivity.

A stomach ache with a headache can sometimes happen with migraines, and it might also be related to stress or other gut problems.

A stomach ache after eating during pregnancy can be caused by common issues like heartburn or indigestion due to hormonal changes, but other problems like gallbladder issues or constipation can also be factors.

In females, left side pain under the ribs can come from issues like slipping rib syndrome, intercostal neuralgia, or even Nutcracker syndrome, which affects blood vessels near the kidney.

Numbness in the left pectoral muscle may happen when a nerve is irritated by a tight or overworked pectoral muscle (as in pectoralis minor syndrome) or when an intercostal nerve is involved (intercostal neuralgia).

Numbness in the right upper quadrant can be caused by nerve problems from issues like intercostal neuralgia, nerve injury after surgery, or rare conditions such as polyarteritis nodosa that affect the nerves.

Pain in the lower right abdomen after a hysterectomy can come from a few causes, including nerve injury, scar tissue (adhesions), or other complications that might affect nearby organs.

Pain in the lower right abdomen during orgasm may be caused by conditions such as endometriosis or other disorders. Medical evaluation is recommended if pain continues.

Pain under your fingernail can happen from small injuries, infections, or pressure on the nail. A doctor’s checkup is advised if the pain does not go away.

Pain under your thumbnail without a visible injury can be caused by subtle nail bed problems, like retronychia or a hidden small injury, that aren’t obvious from the outside.

Severe abdominal pain after sex might be caused by internal injuries, bleeding, or other rare conditions that affect organs in the abdomen and pelvis. It’s important to get medical help if the pain is strong or lasts a long time.

Severe pain on the left side of your belly can come from many causes. Any severe pain that does not go away should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Sharp lower abdominal pain in females can have several causes, ranging from gynecological issues like ovarian torsion or ectopic pregnancy to digestive problems such as appendicitis. It is important to seek medical care if the pain is severe or sudden.

Sharp pain in the rectal area during or after a bowel movement can be caused by an anal fissure or enlarged hemorrhoids.

Sharp pain under the left armpit and on the side of your breast can sometimes occur because of a benign soft tissue condition like nodular fasciitis or due to axillary web syndrome, which can create painful cords.