General Health Questions

1. What is causing my husband to shuffle when he walks?  

   In our classes, this is a very common question and concern, especially because being a "shuffler" puts you at greater risk for falls.
   1 Expert Answer

2. Should I be worried about all of the tiny white bumps on my back and my chest?

   Mr Bumps, It can be a little difficult to diagnose "tiny white bumps" on the internet with no photograph or in person examination, but there are many conditions that could cause this that are nothing to be worried about. If they came out all of a sudden and have no redness associated, but seem to "wipe...
   1 Expert Answer

3. What's the difference between over the counter vitamin D and prescription vitamin D?

   Vitamin D is commonly available in two different forms; D-2 (ergocalciferol) and D-3 (cholecalciferol). Either one can be used to treat vitamin D deficiency although there is some evidence that vitamin D-3 is more potent and more effective than vitamin D-2 in reversing vitamin D deficiency.
   1 Expert Answer

4. What's the Best Way to Deal With Swollen Feet and Ankles?

   The first and best way to bring down swelling (edema) in the feet and ankles is to find and treat the underlying cause, if there is one. That's why you should bring the problem to the attention of a doctor or other healthcare provider when you notice an increase in swelling in one or both feet that doesn't go down or is accompanied by pain or redness...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

5. What's the Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

   If you've been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, it's likely your doctor will first suggest fitting you with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, a specially designed nasal mask that blows air directly into your airways...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

6. How Can I Find Out if My Snoring Is Sleep Apnea or Something Else That's Serious?

   Start by asking him or her if your snoring is very loud and erratic; that's the most common clue to what's called obstructive sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea tend to snore loudly and make a characteristic snorting sound, as if they're catching their breath...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

7. What Causes Toenails to Become Thick and Yellow?

   There are many possible causes of yellowing, thickened toenails. The two most common are fungus and trauma.
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 8 Community Answers

8. How can I control the urge for sex when my partner is not well?

   I am not sure controlling the urge for sex is the answer. Our sex drive ebbs and flows throughout life and is sometimes related to life circumstances. While it is normal for someone to have decreased interest in sex when they are ill, it can be frustrating for both partners...
   1 Expert Answer, 4 Community Answers

9. Am I tired or depressed?

   To screen for depression, doctors often ask the following two key questions:
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 4 Community Answers

10. How Can I Tell if an Elder Is Just Sad or Is Depressed?

    It's not always easy to tell if an elder is just sad or is depressed. Depression is not uncommon among older people, especially among those with illnesses such as dementia. But depression is not a normal part of aging, either.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

11. What are the signs of depression?

    The most important signs of depression concern emotions. These include a persistently sad or hopeless mood and/or loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy. One or both of these signs must be present for at least two weeks for a diagnosis of major depression to be made...
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

12. How Can I Get My Doctor to Take My Sleep Problems Seriously?

    You've done the right thing by talking to your primary care doctor about your sleep concerns, but, unfortunately, what you've encountered is a common problem. Many primary care doctors, faced with a host of health issues, too quickly dismiss sleep problems. And that forces you to advocate for yourself...
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

13. What's Wrong if I Get Poor Sleep but Don't Have Sleep Apnea?

    It sounds like you might have a sleep problem called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), and the good news is that it's very treatable. But you'll need to be proactive and seek treatment from a knowledgeable expert, because many doctors aren't familiar with this disorder.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

14. What is a hernia??

    A hernia is an outpouching of your intestines that bulge through an opening in the abdominal muscles. They often look like a bump or lump under the skin of the abdomen. They are generally not a problem, unless they can become painful, which can occur if stool or gas gets stuck in the bulging loop. If this happens, they may need to be repaired surgically...
    1 Expert Answer

15. What is hypothyroidism, and what are the symptoms to watch for?

    Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder in which your thyroid gland is underactive. This is a problem because your thyroid gland is responsible for producing other hormones that help regulate some of your body's functions. Hypothyroidism is easily diagnosed with a routine blood test. It is also easily treated by using thyroid hormone medication...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

16. What could this rash in my genital area be?

    The rash sounds like it might be fungal, especially if it is itchy. However, since it has been a month, you are starting to bleed, and it the rash is worse/spreading, you really should have it seen by a health care professional to make sure it gets the proper treatment.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

17. Could this be something to worry about?

    From reading your question, I do believe that you should be concerned about the symptoms you are having. The pain that you describe could be from worsening circulation from arterial blockages in your legs (especially since your last test was 2 years ago, and not normal), or it can be caused by a problem with your back (like spinal stenosis or radiculopathy)...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

18. What could cause loss of feeling in fingers?

    Loss of feeling in your fingers is usually caused by a nerve or circulation problem. The most common causes include carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy, or Raynaud's syndrome (her fingers would turn blue if she had this). I recommend that she get checked out for this complaint by her health care...
    1 Expert Answer

19. How do I deal witih nasal polyps?

    A nasal polyp is a generic term used to describe any kind of abnormal swelling or growth inside the nose or sinuses. Swelling of the mucous membranes by itself doesn't mean polyps—growth or extension of the soft tissues beyond the normal boundaries is more typical of poly...
    1 Expert Answer

20. How can I find out what is going on with my body?

    It sounds like you have a number of concerns that need to be addressed. The first place to start would be to see your primary health care provider for a general check-up. For your digestive problems and pain, you may need to be refered to a specialist for additional testing, but your primary provider is a good place to start...
    1 Expert Answer, 5 Community Answers