Category Archives: Medical Second Opinions

Headaches

1/20/2022

There are over 150 types of headaches, but the most common types are tension headaches, migraine headaches, cluster headaches, chronic daily headaches, sinus headaches, and posttraumatic headaches. Most headaches are not the result of a serious illness, but some may result from a life-threatening condition requiring emergency care. A headache can be a sign of stress or emotional distress, or it can result from a medical disorder, such as migraine or high blood pressure, anxiety, or depression, which can also lead to other problems. In some cases, a headache may require immediate medical attention; especially, if you’re experiencing any of the following alongside your headache– stiff neck, a rash, vomiting, confusion, slurred speech, any fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, and/or paralysis in any part of your body or visual 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.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

12/24/2021

Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease is a highly contagious infection characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It is caused most commonly by the coxsackievirus. It can be painful, but it isn’t serious. Anyone can have the disease, but children under age 5 are most likely to get it. It tends to spread easily in the summer and fall. The symptoms begin to develop three to seven days after the initial infection. This period is known as the incubation period. When symptoms appear, they may include: a fever, poor appetite, sore throat, headache, irritability, painful red blisters in the mouth, and/or red rash on the hands and the soles of the feet. A fever and sore throat are usually the first symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease. The characteristic blisters and rashes show up usually one or two days after the fever begins. 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.

Food poisoning

12/13/2021

Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is a sickness caused by eating contaminated food. Food poisoning symptoms may range from mild to severe and may differ depending on the bacteria, virus, or parasite that was swallowed. The length of time it takes for symptoms to appear also depends on the source of the infection, but it can range from as little as 1 hour to as long as 28 days. The most common symptoms of food poisoning are an upset stomach, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Symptoms of potentially life-threatening food poisoning include: diarrhea persisting for more than three days; a fever higher than 101.5°F; difficulty seeing or speaking; symptoms of severe dehydration, which may include dry mouth, passing little to no urine, and difficulty keeping fluids down; and finally, bloody urine. 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.

Indigestion

11/17/2021

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia or an upset stomach, is a general term that describes discomfort in the upper abdomen, including abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness soon after eating. Eating habits or a chronic digestive problem can trigger indigestion. Some other causes include drinking too much alcohol, coffee or caffeinated beverages, and/or too many carbonated drinks; eating too fast or too much spicy, fatty, greasy foods, and/or foods that contain a lot of acid; feeling stressed; smoking; medications such as anything that kills bacteria; and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Indigestion can cause stomach pain or bloating, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. The following symptoms may make indigestion a more serious condition:

  • black, tar-like stools
  • bloody vomit
  • difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
  • frequent vomiting
  • losing weight without trying
  • pain in your chest, jaw, neck, or arm
  • severe and constant pain in your abdomen
  • shortness of breath
  • sweating
  • yellowing of your eyes or skin

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.

Kidney infection

11/9/2021

Kidney infection, also known as renal infection or pyelonephritis, is a common type of urinary tract infection that occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the tube (urethra) that carries urine from the body and can multiply and travel to the kidneys. If the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra get germs in it, a UTI develops. Most often, the bladder gets infected first. This can be painful but isn’t usually serious. If the bad bacteria or viruses travel up the ureters, a kidney infection is the result. If left untreated, a kidney infection can cause life-threatening problems. Symptoms of a kidney infection include: blood or pus in the urine; fever and chills; loss of appetite; pain in the lower back, side, or groin; upset stomach or vomiting; and/or weakness or fatigue. 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.

HIV

10/28/2021

HIV is a virus that targets and alters the immune system by destroying the white blood cells that fight infection and increases the risk and impact of other infections and diseases. Without treatment, the infection might progress to an advanced disease stage called Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV most often spreads through unprotected sex with a person who has HIV. It may also spread by sharing drug needles or through contact with the blood of a person who has HIV. Women can give it to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth. Some people with HIV do not show symptoms until months or even years after contracting the virus. However, people may develop a set of flu-like symptoms known as acute retroviral syndrome around 2–6 weeks after the virus enters the body. The early symptoms of HIV infection may include: fever, chills, joint pain, muscle aches, sore throat, sweats (particularly at night), enlarged glands, a red rash, tiredness, weakness, unintentional weight loss, and/or thrush. There is no cure, but there are many medicines that fight the HIV infection and lower the risk of infecting others. People who get early treatment can live with the disease for a long time. 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.

Kidney Stones

10/18/2021

A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract when there is a decrease in urine volume and/or an excess of stone-forming substances in the urine. Dehydration is a major risk factor for kidney stone formation. Symptoms of kidney stones include: sharp pains in your back, side, lower abdomen, or groin; pink, red, or brown blood in your urine, also called hematuria; a constant need to urinate; pain while urinating; inability to urinate or can only urinate a small amount; and/or cloudy or bad-smelling urine. Kidney stones do not always cause any specific early signs or symptoms. For some, the first sign may be pain or pressure in the lower back or abdomen, or symptoms similar to those of a urinary tract infection. Kidney stones that do not pass out of the body can cause extreme pain if left untreated. They may also increase a person’s risk of developing urinary tract problems and kidney disease. 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.

Lactose Intolerance

10/2/2021

Lactose Intolerance is an inability to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk. As a result, diarrhea, gas and bloating occur after eating or drinking dairy products. This condition may affect a person’s health if it keeps from getting enough nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin from 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose. Common signs and symptoms include: diarrhea, nausea, and sometimes, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating, and/or gas. 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.

Hemorrhoids

9/16/2021

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

9/10/2021

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.