Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

Falling asleep while upright is not normal tiredness and can signal serious conditions, from sleep disorders like narcolepsy or sleep apnea to medical and neurologic problems such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, heart failure, depression, seizures, Parkinson’s, and in those with liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy due to toxin buildup. There are several factors to consider, including urgent red flags and treatment steps that could change what you do next in your care; see the complete guidance below, including when to seek care and therapies for hepatic encephalopathy like lactulose and rifaximin.

People often ignore early signs like mild rectal bleeding, frequent urgent bowel movements, persistent diarrhea, cramping, unexplained fatigue, and gradual weight loss, sometimes along with joint, skin, or eye inflammation. There are several factors to consider, including red-flag symptoms such as escalating bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, fever, dehydration, or anemia that need urgent care. See below for full details, what to do next, and how to talk to your doctor.

Vivid dreams right as you fall asleep usually mean REM sleep is arriving unusually early, signaling a shift in sleep architecture from causes like sleep deprivation or REM rebound, stress, circadian disruption, medications or alcohol, and less commonly narcolepsy or other medical issues. This is often harmless, but if you also have severe daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, frequent sleep paralysis or hallucinations, or mood and memory changes, talk to a doctor; consistent sleep habits, limiting caffeine and alcohol, managing stress, and medication review can help, and more specific next steps are outlined below.

There are several factors to consider. All-day sleepiness most often stems from poor sleep habits or sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or insomnia, but medical conditions like hypothyroidism, anemia or diabetes, mental health issues, certain medications or substances, and lifestyle choices can also play a role. See below for a step-by-step guide to evaluating your symptoms with tools like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and a sleep diary, what tests and sleep studies might be needed, urgent red flags, and evidence-based treatments and self-care so you can choose the right next steps.

There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Feeling worse after a nap is usually due to sleep inertia from waking during deep sleep and from nap timing or length, with brief 10 to 20 minute naps in the early afternoon typically helping more than 30 to 60 minute or late-day naps. If even short, well-timed naps leave you unrefreshed, a sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, or narcolepsy could be involved, and the details below include specific nap strategies and warning signs that indicate you should talk to a clinician.

There are two key patterns to consider. Full awareness with a brief whole‑body freeze lasting seconds usually points to benign sleep paralysis, while confusion, one‑sided weakness, or risks like cirrhosis or low potassium suggest urgent issues such as stroke, hepatic encephalopathy, or hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Triggers and next steps differ, from improving sleep habits to calling emergency services or checking potassium depending on the pattern. See below for important details, red flags, and guidance that could change what you do next.

Go to the ER now if you have heavy or frequent bleeding or clots, severe abdominal pain, fever of 101 F or higher, signs of dehydration, dizziness or fainting, confusion, a rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure, you are pregnant or immunocompromised, have major conditions like heart, kidney, or liver disease, or you have a sudden severe IBD flare. If symptoms are mild, with fewer than 3 bloody stools a day, no or low grade fever, and you can drink and urinate, you can monitor closely, hydrate, and see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours. There are several factors to consider, and key causes, red flags, safe home care, and what to expect in the ER are explained below.

Doctors take persistent diarrhea seriously when key red flags are present: blood or pus, high fever, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, unintentional weight loss, symptoms lasting more than 48 hours, recent antibiotics or travel, older age, or immunocompromise; see below for the full list and what to do next. These signs may point to infections like C. difficile, inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption, or dangerous complications such as severe dehydration or acute kidney injury, so seek urgent care if any occur. There are several factors to consider, and the detailed guidance below explains self-care, when to see a doctor, and the tests doctors use.

There are several factors to consider. Chronic diarrhea lasting 4 or more weeks can reflect true gut inflammation rather than a sensitive gut, often from inflammatory bowel disease, microscopic colitis, or bile acid malabsorption; see below for specifics that could change your next steps. Red flags and tests that help distinguish causes include blood in stool, weight loss, anemia or fever, fecal calprotectin or lactoferrin and, if elevated, colonoscopy with biopsies, with treatments that differ from IBS such as anti-inflammatory drugs, bile acid binders and targeted nutrition; find the full checklist and when to seek urgent care below.

When diarrhea lasts weeks, look beyond a virus: common causes include postinfectious IBS, inflammatory or microscopic colitis, malabsorption such as celiac, pancreatic insufficiency or bile acid diarrhea, chronic infections or parasites, medication effects including C. difficile, endocrine issues like hyperthyroidism or diabetic neuropathy, and liver disease; there are several factors to consider, and key nuances that can change your next steps are outlined below. Useful tests include blood work for anemia, inflammation, electrolytes, liver and thyroid function; stool studies for culture, ova and parasites, C. difficile, fecal calprotectin and fat or elastase; celiac antibodies and breath tests for lactose or SIBO; and, when indicated, colonoscopy with biopsies or imaging. Seek prompt care for red flags like bleeding, fever, severe pain, dehydration or weight loss, and see below for full details and step-by-step guidance.

Mucus in diarrhea usually signals irritation or inflammation of the colon lining, as goblet cells ramp up mucin to protect an inflamed gut; mucus with blood, fever, or severe abdominal pain is more suggestive of an inflammatory or invasive process than a simple viral upset. There are several factors to consider, and mucus can also occur in IBS without true inflammation; see below for key causes, red flags that warrant medical care, and the diagnostic and treatment options that could shape your next steps.

Fatigue with diarrhea often points to a gut cause, driven by inflammation, nutrient and fluid losses, or microbiome imbalance, with common culprits including IBD, bile acid diarrhea, infections, liver disease, and malabsorption issues like celiac disease or SIBO. There are several factors to consider, including urgent red flags, the tests doctors use, and proven treatments from medications and diet to supplements, probiotics, and self care; see below for the details that can shape your next steps.

A fecal calprotectin stool test can rapidly indicate whether gut symptoms are due to intestinal inflammation, helping tell IBD from IBS and sometimes sparing you an immediate colonoscopy. Low values make significant inflammation unlikely, while higher results point to active inflammation and the need for further evaluation. There are several factors to consider, including infections, medicines like NSAIDs, and how to act on borderline results. See complete details below, including result ranges, when to repeat testing, red flags that need urgent care, and how this test fits into your next steps.

Idiopathic hypersomnia can feel like being stuck in sleep glue, with severe, prolonged sleep inertia that leaves you heavy, foggy, and irresistibly sleepy even after very long, unrefreshing nights. It is a neurological sleep disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate sleep, often diagnosed after ruling out other causes with tests like overnight polysomnography and the MSLT, and treated with wake-promoting medications, structured sleep schedules, and strategic naps. There are several factors to consider. See below for symptoms to track, safety risks, and step-by-step next moves to discuss with your doctor.

Nighttime diarrhea usually points to an organic cause rather than typical daytime IBS; key suspects include infections, inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption such as celiac or bile acid diarrhea, hormonal issues like hyperthyroidism, medication effects, and complications of advanced liver disease. There are several factors to consider, and red flags like blood in the stool, fever, weight loss, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, or jaundice need prompt care; see below for the full list of causes, alarm signs, and how doctors evaluate and treat this.

Where your lower abdominal pain sits with diarrhea is a key clue that narrows causes and directs testing, for example right-sided pain pointing toward appendicitis or Crohn's, left-sided toward diverticulitis or ulcerative colitis, and midline toward bladder, uterus, or small bowel issues. There are several factors to consider. See below for the full list of causes, red flags that require urgent care, how diarrhea changes the picture, and the tests and treatments that can guide your next steps.

There are several factors to consider. Diarrhea, urgency or tenesmus, cramping, mucus or pus, and systemic signs like fever, fatigue, or weight loss suggest inflammation, whereas small amounts of bright red blood on the paper or stool surface with sharp, well localized pain during or after a bowel movement, often after constipation, suggest an anal tear. See below for key red flags that need urgent care such as heavy bleeding, dizziness or fainting, black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, or high fever, plus evaluation steps and treatments that can guide your next steps.

First-line diagnoses include acute appendicitis, infectious ileocolitis (Yersinia, Salmonella, Campylobacter, C. difficile, parasites), and Crohn’s disease of the terminal ileum. Depending on age and risk factors, clinicians also consider mesenteric adenitis, IBS, NSAID enteropathy, and less commonly Meckel’s diverticulitis, ileocecal tuberculosis, ischemia, or tumors; important red flags and next tests are outlined below.

Clinically, the sensation of incomplete evacuation is the feeling that stool remains after a bowel movement even when the rectum is empty, most often tied to functional anorectal disorders like dyssynergic defecation or IBS-C, though structural issues such as rectocele or rectal prolapse can also play a role. There are several factors to consider, and appropriate next steps often include a focused history and exam, possible anorectal testing, and first-line care with fiber, hydration, pelvic floor physical therapy, and cautious use of laxatives, with urgent evaluation for red flags like bleeding, weight loss, or severe pain. See below to understand more.

Urgent diarrhea usually points to involvement of the distal colon and rectum, where inflammation or irritation reduces storage capacity, speeds transit, and makes the rectum hypersensitive with poor compliance. This leads to rapid, loose stools, tenesmus, and a strong need to pass small amounts of stool or mucus. There are several factors to consider, including infectious colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, IBS-D, radiation or ischemic injury, and medication effects, along with red flags that may require urgent care; see below to understand more.

Persistent urgent diarrhea, especially at night, with blood or mucus, abdominal cramping, tenesmus, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue suggests inflammatory bowel disease rather than IBS; extra clues outside the gut include joint pain or swelling, skin rashes, and eye inflammation. There are several factors to consider; see below for the key differences from IBS and the specific tests and red flags that guide next steps, including fecal calprotectin, blood work for inflammation and anemia, colonoscopy with biopsy, and imaging.

Hip dips are a normal part of human anatomy shaped by your pelvic bones and how fat and muscle are distributed around your hips. Their prominence is largely genetic and body-type dependent, and they are not a sign of illness or something that needs testing. There are several factors to consider, including how exercise can enhance but not eliminate the contour, the risks and limits of cosmetic procedures, and red flags like pain or swelling that warrant care. See complete details below to understand options, safety, and next steps in your healthcare journey.

For men over 65 with erectile dysfunction, the safest joint-friendly plan pairs low-impact cardio (brisk walking, stationary cycling, swimming, or an elliptical) with twice-weekly light resistance training, daily pelvic floor Kegels, and gentle flexibility or mind-body work like yoga or tai chi; regular exercise boosts blood flow and nitric oxide and is linked to up to 40% lower ED risk. There are several factors to consider, including how to start and progress, intensity targets, a simple weekly plan, and when to consult a doctor or stop for warning symptoms; see the complete guidance and key precautions below.

The best exercises for ED combine cardio, strength training, and pelvic floor work: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate cardio each week, 2 to 3 resistance sessions, and daily Kegels, with yoga or stretching to reduce stress. There are several factors to consider. See the complete details below to tailor a safe plan to your health, maximize results with diet, weight goals, smoking cessation and alcohol limits, and know which red flags warrant prompt medical care.

There are several conditions that commonly present together with brain fog and sleepiness: obstructive sleep apnea and chronic liver disease with hepatic encephalopathy are leading causes, because disrupted sleep and toxin buildup can impair attention, memory, and alertness. Other frequent contributors include hypothyroidism, anemia, depression or anxiety, vitamin B12, D, or folate deficiency, medication side effects, chronic fatigue syndrome, and long COVID. There are important warning signs, tests, and treatment options that could shape your next steps; see below for the complete answer.

Yes, most people can take Mucinex (guaifenesin) with DayQuil, since they target different symptoms and do not share active ingredients. There are several factors to consider, like avoiding duplicate ingredients and keeping total acetaminophen under 3,000 mg per day. People with liver disease, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone on MAOIs or certain antidepressants should ask a clinician first; see below for dosing timing, hydration tips, side effects, and when to seek urgent care.

Yes, you can take Mucinex (guaifenesin) and Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) together for broader relief of chest congestion and nasal stuffiness, as they work differently; follow each label and avoid duplicate ingredients in multi‑symptom products. There are several important cautions, including avoiding Sudafed if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, glaucoma, severe prostate symptoms, are taking an MAOI, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, and watching for side effects like jitteriness or insomnia; see the complete guidance below for dosing, interactions, and when to seek care.

Yes, single-ingredient Mucinex (guaifenesin) may be used short term in pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks, but it is FDA Category C and you should confirm with your prenatal clinician first. There are several factors to consider, like avoiding combination products, trying non-drug measures first, using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, and being extra cautious in the first trimester or if symptoms are severe or last more than 7 to 10 days. See details below to understand important precautions and when to seek care.

Yes, Robitussin DM with dextromethorphan and guaifenesin is generally considered low risk in pregnancy when taken as directed, especially after the first trimester. There are several factors to consider, including choosing single-ingredient or DM-only products, avoiding phenylephrine, using non-drug options first, correct dosing, and when to seek medical care, so see the complete guidance below to decide your next steps or confirm with your clinician.

For men over 65, culinary Ceylon cinnamon is the safer choice: up to 1 teaspoon daily, while Cassia should be kept under 1/2 teaspoon to stay within coumarin limits and lower liver risk; cinnamon may support circulation and blood sugar, but human evidence for ED improvement is limited. Supplements can deliver higher, uncertain coumarin doses and may interact with blood thinners or diabetes medicines. There are several factors to consider; see below for complete details on risks, monitoring, and when to talk to your doctor.