Category Archives: Medical Second Opinions

Thyroid Eye Disease

1/30/2023

Thyroid Eye Disease, or TED, is an autoimmune eye disorder that causes swelling and damage to the muscles & other tissues surrounding the eye and is often associated with thyroid and Graves disease.

There are 2 phases of TED: active & stable. The active, or inflammatory, phase can last for up to 3 years, followed by the stable phase which occurs when the swelling has subsided.

TED affects women more often than men & usually occurs around middle age. People with thyroid disease, Graves disease, family history of thyroid issues, & people with low levels of selenium in their blood are more likely to experience Thyroid Eye Disease.

Symptoms of TED range from dry, itchy, red, watery, or gritty feeling eyes, & bulging eyes to double vision, pain behind the eyes, painful eye movements, difficulty closing, & possibly vision loss.

As with the symptoms for Thyroid Eye Disease, the treatments range, as well, depending upon phase & severity. Treatments include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medication such as selenium supplements & eye drops, & prescription medications to surgery & radiation.

If you or a loved one think you have TED or would like a second opinion, please reach out to the many doctors online now at www.secondopinions.com for peace of mind.

Cervical Cancer and HPV

1/6/2023

According (National Cervical Cancer Coalition) over 13,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Most cases can be prevented with the HPV vaccination and annual PAP screenings. We encourage women to learn about cervical cancer prevention.

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, and it’s the fourth most common type of cancer for women worldwide. Cervical cancer  is one of the most preventable types of cancer and  over the years, it has declined by approximately 2 percent a year. The decline is due to the Pap screening that detects cervical abnormalities and allows for early treatment. According to the NCCC ‘’Most women who have abnormal cervical cell changes that progress to cervical cancer have never had a Pap test or have not had one in the previous three to five years.’’ Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44.

What causes cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in about 99% of cervical cancers. Although there are over 100 different types of HPV, most considered low-risk, high-risk HPV types may cause cervical cell abnormalities or cancer.

It is estimated that HPV is  now the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Approximately 80% of women in their 50s, have been infected with some type of HPV. The majority do NOT develop cervical cancer. For most women the HPV infection does not last long; 90% of HPV infections resolve on their own within 2 years.

Screening Tests

Two tests help prevent cervical cancer or find it early

  • The Pap test (or Pap smear) detects cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer.
  • The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancers. HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women.

If you or a loved one have concerns about cervical cancer please contact a healthcare professional or get a second opinion for peace of mind

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.

Erectile Dysfunction

6/24/2022

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and maintain an erection. It is a very common condition, particularly in older men, with an estimate that half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 will have it to some degree. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease. Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent trouble getting an erection, trouble keeping an erection, and/or reduced sexual desire. There are many possible causes of ED and can include both emotional and physical conditions. Common causes include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, or high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, low testosterone levels or other hormone imbalances, kidney disease, increased age, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and certain prescription medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or depression, sleep disorders, drug use, consuming too much alcohol, using tobacco products, certain health conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS), damage to the pelvic area through injury or surgery, or Peyronie’s disease, which causes scar tissue to develop in the penis. 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.

Emphysema

6/21/2022

Emphysema is a lung disease that causes shortness of breath and belongs to a group of lung diseases called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD.

Emphysema involves damage to the inner walls of the alveoli, the air sacs in the lungs. The alveoli are located in clusters at the end of the bronchial tubes, deep in the lungs. As you inhale, the alveoli expand, bringing in oxygen to transport in your blood. When you exhale, the alveoli contract, forcing carbon dioxide out.

As emphysema develops, the alveoli & lung tissue are damaged causing the bronchial tubes to collapse causing a blockage or obstruction, trapping air in the lungs. So when people with emphysema breathe, there is no room for oxygen to enter, causing shortness of breath, coughing fits, tightness in the chest, or wheezing.

It is most common in men, ages 50 to 70 and is caused by long term exposure to smoking, air pollution, or chemical fumes, it is rarely genetically inherited.

There are many doctors online that can diagnose emphysema with radiological imaging, bloodwork, & lung function tests.  Although there is no cure, there are medications, breathing therapies, & surgeries that online doctors can recommend.

If you have emphysema or would like more information and receive a second opinion on your diagnosis & treatment plan, please visit us at www.secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.