Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable to talk about and even more uncomfortable to experience, but by the time one reaches 50 years old, there is a 50% chance of getting them. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum and can either be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids develop within the anus or rectum. External hemorrhoids develop outside of the anus and are the most common and most troublesome. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include: extreme itching around the anus, irritation and pain around the anus, itchy or painful lump or swelling near the anus, fecal leakage, painful bowel movements, and/or blood on the tissue after having a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to straining during bowel movements, sitting for long periods of time on the toilet, having chronic diarrhea or constipation, being obese, being pregnant, having anal intercourse, eating a low-fiber diet, or regular heavy lifting. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.

Laryngitis occurs when your voice box or vocal cords become inflamed and swollen from overuse, irritation, or infection. Laryngitis can be acute (short-term), lasting less than three weeks or it can be chronic (long-term), lasting more than three weeks. Depending on the degree of swelling, the voice may become mildly hoarse, turn into a croak or whisper or even disappear temporarily. Acute laryngitis is a temporary condition that is caused by an infection. Treating the underlying condition causes the laryngitis to go away. Acute laryngitis can be caused by viral infections, straining your vocal cords by talking or yelling, bacterial infections, and/or drinking too much alcohol. Chronic laryngitis results from long-term exposure to irritants and is more severe and has longer-lasting effects than acute laryngitis. Chronic laryngitis can be caused by frequent exposure to harmful chemicals or allergens, acid reflux, frequent sinus infections, smoking or being around smokers, overusing your voice, and/or low-grade yeast infections caused by frequent use of an asthma inhaler. The most common symptoms of laryngitis include a weakened voice, loss of voice, hoarse or dry throat, constant tickling or minor throat irritation, and/or a dry cough. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.

Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Many people with lupus experience a mild version of it, but it can become severe without proper treatment. Currently, there’s no known cure for lupus, so treatment focuses on easing symptoms and reducing inflammation. The most common signs and symptoms include: fatigue, fever, joint pain, stiffness and swelling, butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body, skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure (photosensitivity), fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud’s phenomenon), shortness of breath, chest pain, dry eyes, headaches, confusion and memory loss. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of a deer tick carrying the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorferi (BB). A tick has to be present on the skin for at least 36 hours to transmit the infection. People who live or spend time in wooded areas known for transmission of the disease are more likely to get this illness. People with domesticated animals that visit wooded areas also have a higher risk of getting Lyme disease. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. These are some of the more common symptoms of Lyme disease: a flat, circular rash that looks like a red oval or bull’s-eye anywhere on your body; fatigue; joint pain and swelling; muscle aches; headache; fever; swollen lymph nodes; sleep disturbances; and/or difficulty concentrating. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.

Migraine is a medical condition that involves severe, recurring headaches and other symptoms. A migraine can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities. There are 2 types: episodic and chronic migraine. Episodic is when you have 14 or fewer migraine days per month while chronic migraine is when you have 15 or more severe headache days per month. Anyone can develop migraine, but it is more common in people with any of the following: depression, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, an overactive bladder, sleep disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and/or anxiety. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable and potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. The immune system attacks myelin, which is the protective layer around nerve fibers. This causes inflammation and scar tissue or even lesions. This can make it hard for the brain to send signals to the rest of the body. MS symptoms are irregular and unpredictable. No two people have exactly the same symptoms, and each person’s symptoms can change or fluctuate over time. Two of the most common symptoms are fatigue and difficulty walking. Although MS has no cure, some conventional treatments can improve symptoms, reduce the number and severity of relapses, and delay the disease’s progression. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.

Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver, Hepatitis is most commonly caused by the viruses  hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each caused by a different hepatitis virus. Other causes include  heavy alcohol use, certain medications, toxins, other infections, autoimmune diseases, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Hepatitis A is always an acute, short-term disease, while hepatitis B, C, and D are most likely to become ongoing and chronic. Hepatitis E is usually acute but can be particularly dangerous in  pregnant women.

These 5 types are of greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and  the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread.

Causes of hepatitis can be divided into the following major categories: infectious, metabolic,  ischemic, autoimmune, genetic, and other. Infectious agents include viruses, bacteria, and  parasites.

If you have been diagnosed with any of the above Hepatitis infections and would like a second  opinion please visit secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder. It is a fairly common disorder with more than 200,000 cases reported each year in the US. It is also more common in those 60 and older and affects men more often than women.

Parkinson’s disease can last several years or be lifelong, it can be dangerous and even life threatening. Family history may increase likelihood of being diagnosed with the disease.

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Tremors, trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw and face
• Stiffness of the arms, legs and trunk
• Slowness of movement
• Poor balance and coordination
• Speech difficulty

Though there currently isn’t a cure for Parkinson’s disease medications may help control symptoms and in some cases surgery may be recommended. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and you would like a second opinion please visit secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.