Do you find it scary that people ask and answer medical related questions here?

Question

I've noticed several 'answers' which are downright scary. I hope nobody actually takes medical advice given to them in a forum. It seems some people will even resort to answering health related questions just to boost their points. 'I get it all the time' does not mean that they can diagnose someones problem and provide treatment advice. Go and see a health professional in person for a proper examination!! Arghhh!! Do you not agree?!

Answer 1

Your concerns are justified.. First of all, the information given by the questioner is often sparse or inadequate. Some replies are flippant or downright wrong. Nevertheless, there are some good answers given in this forum, often far better than mine. Then again, often when I and others have given excellent or well researched answers, the asker chooses some ridiculously stupid and erroneous response as "Best Answer." Maddening.

Generally one should attempt to give the questioner a modicum of insight and information that might be helpful in reaching a diagnosis; or, to reassure a person that he or she is pursuing the correct approach. Very often, somewhere in the reply should be the phrase, "you should see (ask) your doctor about (if) (when)" etc.

Answer 2

The responsibility rests with the person asking the question rather than the answers given because the person who asks the question should be making a judgement about when they should see a suitably qualified person. As this site is unregulated and open to anyone (and we all know this when we sign up) anyone asking any question on any subject has to accept the fact that they could be told something which is wrong or even designed to cause harm. this is the same with any site on the internet. However, the listing of websites and other sources of information can be really helpful and although there's lots of bad or useless advice somethimes there's good advice as well. I agree with you though that some questions being asked bother me because if the person has a scrap of common sense they would not be sat at their computer but going to see a doctor instead.

Answer 3

What is wrong with people asking/answering health related advice? There are people on here who happen to be nurses or doctors and thus are qualified to give advice. Or some people may have experienced the same illness and thus can recommend what to do next! Obviously yes it is scary that some people do give advice when they have no knowledge of the matter, but surely a little common sense will allow the person asking the question to differentiate between good and bad advice!!

Answer 4

I agree with you, even though I do answer some of these questions myself. The advice I give is mainly limited to 'see your gp' or harmless advice such as I just recommended cotton socks to a person who seemed to have athlete's foot. I also ask medical questions on here, mainly to see what action other people have taken and how useful it is. Hearing people's stories can sometimes dissuade you from taking a certain course of action that you considered. Also, it's a good place to ask things that you don't know how to get that information otherwise, or you just want it in an informal manner. I don't think you need to worry about loads of people taking bizarre advice, the vast majority will still be using their common sense.

Answer 5

I on occasion do offer an opinion, on some medical questions. This is an opinion gathered through information and knowledge / experience, i have gained over 27yrs as a nurse. I also suggest in order to receive a diagnosis, rather than merely an opinion, a visit with a medical doctor is advisable.

Answer 6

i agree people shouldn't be answering medical questions with junk just to get points, but i'm sure most of the people asking questions just want opinions and obviously aren't going to carry out advice from someone if it sounds stupid. i sometimes post questions about medical stuff and symptoms i have, while also seeing a doctor. i'm sure a lot of people do the same thing.

Answer 7

Generally I agree with you. However at worst it is no more dangerous that getting health advice from mates in the pub or school. Everyone seems to do that all the time. Most of it is a case of the blind leading the blind as well.

Answer 8

I would never answer a question on a medical matter unless i knew what i was talking about.
As i have been a qualified dental nurse for many years now i feel that i can answer dental related questions without putting somebody's life at risk, anything other that i tend to suggest they see a GP!

Answer 9

No, I`ve got an under active thoroid and have given lots of advice to others who are unsure of the symptoms, before they have consulted their GP.

Answer 10

I have to agree. It frightens me, sometimes, when people with an obviously serious medical problem prefer to air it on a site that can sometimes be like a psychopaths' convention.