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Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

Get expert advice from current physicians on your health concerns, treatment options, and effective management strategies.

Common Questions

Q

When should i seek further medical guidance for hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is generally a minor illness. However, consider seeking further guidance for those younger than 6 months of age, a weakened immune system, fever persisting beyond 5 days or inability to take fluids due to sore throat.

Q

When should i start worrying about constipation?

If you haven't had a bowel movement for more than 5-7 days and also have pain, nausea or even vomiting, please seek further medical attention.

Q

Why am i spotting 1 week after my period ?

One week after your period ends is the time of ovulation or release of an egg. You may get some lighter bleeding due to hormonal shifts that happen after your period.

Q

Why do i have pain only in my right shoulder?

Pain in the shoulder is often due to issues in the joints of the shoulder or neck. Less commonly, right shoulder pain may be caused by diseases of internal organs such as the heart, lungs or gallbladder.

Q

Why do i have the pain only on my left shoulder?

Pain in the shoulder is often due to issues in the joints of the shoulder or neck. Less commonly, left shoulder pain may be caused by diseases of internal organs such as the heart or gallbladder.

Q

Why do some bug bites become hard or swollen?

Bug bites may get swollen, red or hardened due to an allergic reaction or infection.

Q

Why does my lower back hurt when i have a fever?

It is not uncommon for the lower back to hurt during a fever due to the body’s inflammatory response to infection and sometimes due to infection in the back itself.

Q

When should i see a doctor for an upset stomach?

Generally, you should see a doctor if you are: 1. Unable to keep any liquids down for more than a day at a time 2. Develop fevers and intensely worsening abdominal pain 3. Notice blood in your stools or vomit.

Q

Can a herniated disc cause low back pain?

Absolutely. The classic symptoms of a herniated disc include low back pain that extends down the buttocks and into the legs.

Q

Can exercise improve back pain?

Most definitely. There are few back conditions that do NOT benefit back pain.

Q

How can daily habits improve an upset stomach?

Eat in moderation, avoid heavy drinking and exercise moderately.

Q

Is it common to get low back pain before or during my period?

Yes. Prior studies suggest up to 40-50% of women experience low back pain (LBP) during a period.

Q

What are heart palpitations and what do they feel like?

Heart palpitations are a sensation felt in your chest as though your heart was beating stronger or faster than usual.

Q

What are the causes of low back pain?

Low back pain may arise from an issue with the spine itself or may less commonly be a symptom of other underlying diseases.

Q

What are the possible causes of an upset stomach?

Commonly, an upset stomach is caused by gas or bloating from benign causes like poor digestion of certain foods or additives.

Q

When are heart palpitations serious enough to see a doctor?

If you experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, a feeling like you might lose consciousness, or the palpitations seem to be getting worse, you should discuss with a health care provider.

Q

When should i go to see a doctor about my back pain?

If you have persistent worsening back pain you should see your healthcare provider particularly if accompanied by difficultly walking or standing, or a loss of bowel or bladder control.

Q

When should i go to the emergency room for back pain?

Consider going to the emergency room (ER) for back pain if it is extremely intense, accompanied by difficultly walking or standing, or a loss of bowel or bladder control.

Q

Are there any initial symptoms of helicobacter pylori infection?

Most helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections result in no symptoms.

Q

Can stress lead to or worsen narcolepsy?

Yes, stress can be a cause of or even worsen narcolepsy

Q

Can you die from asthma?

Yes, asthma attacks can be fatal. Recognizing the signs of an asthma attack and initiating treatment quickly is critical.

Q

How do you distinguish anal cancer from hemorrhoids?

The difference between hemorrhoids and anal cancer are the appearance and hardness. Anal cancer will feel harder than hemorrhoids and may be buldging out of the anus more.

Q

How do you manage patients with dementia who have insomnia, agitation or aggression at night?

For most patients with dementia, ensuring cues are in place for daytime vs. nighttime, avoiding napping during the day and reviewing medications with your health care provider are critical.

Q

How is crohn's disease diagnosed or detected?

Crohn's disease is diagnosed by a combination of endoscopy (internal camera that looks at the stomach, intestines) and MRI or CT scans. Blood and stool samples will also be tested.

Q

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of osteoporosis is done by a bone mineral density scan (DEXA scan). Other tests that may be done include x-rays, blood and urine testing to look for an underlying cause of the osteoporosis.

Q

How much does cataract surgery cost?

The cost of cataract surgery is going to vary significantly based on your insurance, your doctor, the exact type of surgery and where you live in the United States. Very roughly, the cost can range anywhere from $3000-$6000 per eye.

Q

I have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (mci). What kind of follow-up and treatment is needed?

Management of other chronic diseases, a healthy diet along with regular moderate exercise and maintaining social connections are recommended. There are no particular medications specific to this condition.

Q

Is a colonoscopy painful?

Most people have little to no pain with a colonoscopy. Patients who have had colon surgery or women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of their uterus) are at higher risk of experiencing pain.

Q

What are good foods to eat if you have anemia?

Consume foods rich in iron and vitamins such as beef, liver, fish, legumes (lentils, chickpeas) and dark leafy green vegetables.

Q

What are signs my child may have heatstroke?

Signs of heatstroke in children include severe headache, confusion, nasuea/vomiting, rapid breathing as well as decreased sweating and urination.

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