Author Archives: Blog Admin

Hepatitis C

10/11/2022

Hepatitis C is a viral infection, transmitted through contaminated blood, that causes inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) exists in several different forms, known as genotypes. There are 7 distinct genotypes and more than 67 subtypes that have been identified around the world, with the most common type in the US being type 1.

Many people do not even know they are infected because they do not have any symptoms. If they do have symptoms, they will occur during the first 6 months after the infection of HCV, which is referred to as the acute phase. Symptoms include: jaundice(yellowing of the skin or eyes), fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain or swelling of the abdomen, dark-colored urine, bruising or bleeding easily, nausea, fever, or itching.

People with chronic hepatitis can also live years without symptoms, but once symptoms appear they are often signs of advanced liver disease such as, liver cancer, cirrhosis(scarring of the liver), or complete liver failure.

HCV is transmitted when contaminated blood is transmitted through: organ transplants, blood transfusions, sharing personal hygiene products like toothbrushes or razors, sharing needles, tattoos or body piercings, unprotected sex, or birth.

HCV can easily be diagnosed with a blood test, but doctors may recommend other testing, including a liver biopsy, to detect the severity of the liver damage before prescribing antiviral medications.

Previously treated with weekly injections or oral medications that have unacceptable side effects, Hepatitis C is now curable, in most people, by oral medications taken for 2 to 6 months. The goal being that HCV is undetectable after 12 weeks of medication.

If you’ve been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and would like a second opinion from our many doctors online now, please go to www.secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind. You will have your second opinion report from one of our doctors online within 24-48 hours!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/6/2022

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, it is observed annually and intended to raise awareness. Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer amongst women in the United States.

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, and though it is rare breast cancer can also affect men.

Some risk factors are.

  • Getting older
  • Genetic mutations
  • Reproductive history
  • Having dense breasts
  • Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
  • Previous treatment using radiation therapy
  • Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases. Some warning signs of breast cancer are.
  • New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
  • Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
  • Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
  • Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
  • Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
  • Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
  • Pain in any area of the breast.

Breast cancer is treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of breast cancer and how far it has spread. People with breast cancer often get more than one kind of treatment.

If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away. For a second opinion on your breast cancer diagnosis please visit SecondOpinions.com, for your peace of mind.

Xray VS CT Scan VS MRI. How to Have better Dialogue with your Doctor

9/14/2022

If you’ve suffered an injury,then more than likely you have had some form of imaging study done. Imaging of the human body has become very influential in patient care by helping with diagnosing fractures, torn ligaments, and abnormal masses in the human body, but knowing the type of imaging that you will need does help have better dialogue with your doctor.

CT Scans, MRI Scans, and  X Rays are all diagnostic imaging tools that take internal images of your body and help doctors diagnose you the patient.

X-Rays are best for diagnosing:

  • Broken Bones
  • Dislocated Body party
  • Misalignments
  • Joint Changes
  • Dental Check-Ups (Teeth)

X Rays are a guide to check for problems within the human body.

CT Scans are best for diagnosing:

  • Brain bleeds (Brain and Spinal injuries)
  • Heart disease
  • Blood clots
  • Bowel blockages
  • Tumors

Ct Scans is a useful tool for doctors to diagnose patient internal ailments.

MRI’s are best for diagnosing:

  • Heart Damage
  • Lung Damage
  • Eye problems
  • Spinal damages
  • Brain abnormalities
  • Abdominal (Digestive Problems)

MRI’s have been used to diagnose disease and also monitor the progress of patients’ health.

We hope this helps you to take a more active role in talking to your doctor about your healthcare plan when interacting with your provider.

The War On Endometriosis

9/5/2022

It is a joy being a woman, but for millions of women around the world they struggle to find joy because they are suffering from endometriosis. Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that lines the uterus grows outside your uterus.Some studies show the cause of endometriosis could be retrograde menstrual, and genetic factors, but we are here to talk about how women around the world are suffering. Endo can be properly diagnosed through laparoscopy (surgical procedure), but symptoms do vary and it takes up to 10 years for some women to be diagnosed.

Endometriosis is a lot more common than you think, affecting 1 in 10 women and often leading to pain and infertility. Some of the symptoms of endometriosis are pelvic or lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, bowel and bladder symptoms, and possibly vaginal bleeding.

Is there a true cure for endometriosis? There are several ways to treat endometriosis like Ibuprofen, hormone control therapy, and many more options, but no cure. Hopefully in the future there will be a cure but until then the war on endometriosis continues.

Celiac Disease

8/27/2022

Celiac Disease happens when the ingestion of gluten damages the small intestine. If this disease is not treated it could lead to type 1 diabetes and sclerosis and can also cause infertility and dermatitis. The only treatment for celiac disease is to have a gluten-free diet. You should avoid eating foods such as grains, certain meats, food seasonings, and beverages.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease include:

  • Fatigue
  • Bloating
  • Weight loss
  • Constipation
  • Nausea

If you have any of these symptoms you can schedule a consultation with an online doctor at secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.

Pancreatitis

8/5/2022

Pancreatitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen next to the small intestine.

The pancreas has two main functions; producing enzymes that help to digest food in your small intestine and releasing hormones in your blood to help regulate the way your body processes glucose (sugar) for energy.

There are two types of pancreatitis; acute & chronic. Acute Pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation and usually lasts for several days and Chronic Pancreatitis is a long lasting inflammation which usually happens after having an episode of acute pancreatitis and continues for years. With proper treatment, most people with acute pancreatitis completely recover. However, chronic pancreatitis can be life-threatening and can harm vital organs.

Both types of pancreatitis can be caused by alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking, gallstones, diabetes, infections, obesity, & certain medications, just to name a few. The symptoms include tenderness or pain in the upper abdomen, fever, diarrhea & weight loss, nausea or vomiting, and a constant, radiating pain in your upper abdomen to your back.

Depending on the type of pancreatitis and severity of the disease, treatments range from antibiotics or pain medication, IV fluid therapy, & nutrition (low-fat diet or fasting in severe cases) to several different types of surgeries.

If you would like a second opinion from one of our many doctors online or if you feel that you’ve been misdiagnosed, please visit www.secondopinions.com and our online doctors will give you a detailed & thorough second opinion based on the medical documentation you provide.

Hidradenitis Suppurative

8/3/2022

Hidradenitis Suppurative, or HS, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful, small lumps under the skin, usually where the skin rubs together; underarms, groin, inner thigh, or buttocks.

HS usually begins after puberty and is more common in females, than males. Although there is no known cure, there are treatments, such as medications & surgery to control the disease and prevent complications.

Genetics, hormones, obesity, smoking, & tight clothing all contribute to the hair follicles being inflamed or blocked, which causes HS.

If you think you have Hidradenitis Suppurative and would like a second opinion with one of our many doctors online, please reach out to www.secondopinions.com and the doctors online now will have your second opinion report in 24-48 hours.

Gout

7/21/2022

Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis that causes inflammation of joints due to excess uric acid. This buildup of uric acid usually affects the feet. A kidney or thyroid problem, or an inherited disorder, can make it harder for the body to remove excess uric acid. With gout, there is swelling and pain in the joints of the foot, particularly the big toe. Along with the big toe, joints that are commonly affected are the lesser toe joints, the ankle, and the knee. Symptoms in the affected joint(s) may include pain (usually intense), swelling, redness, and/or heat.

In some, gout can be caused by a diet high in purines. Purines are natural chemical components of DNA and RNA. When the body breaks them down, they turn into uric acid. Some purines are found naturally in the body. Some foods that are especially high in purines and can raise uric acid levels in the blood are organ meats, such as kidneys, liver, and sweetbreads; red meat; oily fish, such as sardines, anchovies, and herring; certain vegetables, including asparagus and cauliflower; beans; and mushrooms. A doctor can diagnose gout based on a review of one’s medical history, a physical exam, and symptoms. The doctor may also order a test to check for a buildup of uric acid in the affected joint(s). A sample of fluid taken from the joint can show whether it contains uric acid. The doctor may also want to take an X-ray of the joint. 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.

July is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Awareness Month

7/15/2022

July is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Awareness Month

Juvenile Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects children under the age of 16, It causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. JIA is a rare disease that requires lab testing and/or imaging, is a lifelong condition, and requires treatment to manage. 

Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the joints
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Poor appetite
  • Intermittent fever
  • Eye problems
  • Rashes
  • Anemia

Though the exact cause is not known, two factors that trigger the condition are hereditary and environmental factors. Studies show that girls are more prone to have JIA.

Treatments may include medications, physical therapies, and in rare cases orthopedic surgery. Self-care such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can also aid in the management of JIA.

For additional information on the cause, symptoms, and treatments of JIA please visit an online doctor at SecondOpinions.com, for your peace of mind.

Sickle Cell Anemia

7/7/2022

Sickle Cell Anemia, also known as Sickle Cell Disease(SCD), is a genetic blood disease that affects the red blood cells(RBCs) that carry oxygen throughout your body. Instead of round, flexible RBCs, people with SCD also have crescent or sickle-shaped, rigid & sticky RBCs that get stuck in blood vessels, slowing or blocking blood from getting to different body parts.

The four main types of Sickle Cell Anemia depend on the mutation of genes inherited from your parents. Both parents must have & pass down one copy, each, of the mutated sickle cell gene for a child to have SCD, if only one parent passes the gene, the child will have the sickle cell trait. People with the sickle cell trait are carriers of SCD & usually do not have any symptoms, however, they can pass the gene to their children. Most people affected with Sickle Cell Anemia are of African, Middle Eastern, & Mediterranean descent.

Symptoms can start as early as 4 months of age, but usually around 6 months of age. Babies will experience fussiness/irritability and fevers, people with Sickle Cell Anemia experience frequent infections, severe fatigue, pain crises(periodic episodes of extreme pain), anemia, swelling of the hands & feet, problems with their vision, and delayed growth/puberty.

Although there is no cure for SCD, there are treatment options such as IV therapy, medications for prevention & pain, bone marrow or stem cell transplants, blood transfusions, & proper nutrition.

If you or your child has Sickle Cell Anemia and you would like to consult one of the many doctors online or if you are concerned about passing the sickle cell trait, please contact our online doctors now at www.secondopinions.com.

At www.secondopinions.com you will receive a medical second opinion from one of our many board certified & licensed doctors online in just a matter of days, depending on doctor availability and complexity of your study.