Could you tell me why people ask medical questions on line? Why would they want to play games with their lives

Question

by asking question to people who really don't know? The only thing I can ever say is see a doctor. The only thing logical to say to me. I noticed that some people have some very serious symtoms, and some people are giving them some very dangerous advice. You can't tell somebody that is losing weight that they need more sleep. They could have cancer, be anemic or a number of serious other conditions. You may think you are helping by giving them an honest guess, but it could cost them their lives. People Go and see a doctor with your medical problems. Most of us do not qualify to answer your medical questions.

Answer 1

Brenda, I think most people realize that for serious problems, you need professional help. But there are other, less serious complaints, that people are concerned about them. If you don't have health insurance, many people are loathe to go to the doctor, just to be told to take an aspirin and go home. So they ask for advice.
If it sounds serious, someone, like you, or like me, will tell them that this is not something that can be treated by folk medicine or internet consultation - that they need to see a doctor. That makes it easier for them to justify the expense. And while health, medicine, medical care etc. should not be influenced by finances, unfortunately, it often is.
The best thing you can do for someone who presents a problem that could have serious consequences, is to give a serious answer and make them aware of the possibilities. Not to scare them, but to let them know that there could be a major problem there, and they need help.
In today's world, people don't always have a relative living nearby that they can talk to. So they turn to Yahoo instead.
I guess we're electronic grandparentes, or aunts and uncles, but our role is to say here's a remedy that has worked for me, and if it doesn't work for you, then you need professional help.
Thanks for your concern - it's a refreshing change from some of the yahoos that turn up on Yahoo!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

People want answers, they come here in search of them. I don't really think anyone that's seriously ill would use Yahoo! Answers as a final diagnosis. Remember, this is the world wide web. There are a lot of people who read these messages, and that's putting it mildly. How do *you* know there's not someone out there who might have the right answer, that someone might actually know the answer, might have experienced the same symptoms, disease, problems, or issues?

You are correct that most people probably are not qualified to answer medical questions, but there are some who *are* qualified to answer.

It's really no different than looking at all the medical web sites if you have a medical problem. Nearly everyone has done that at some time or other, I would think. There's a wealth of knowledge online about health, medicine, you name it. I, myself, have used WebMD to look up info about a symptom someone in my family had. However, I usually wound in in the doctor's office later, anyway.

I really believe your fears are unfounded. I don't believe anyone would forgo seeing a doctor if their health was deteriorating, just because of an answer they got from this web site.

Answer 4

I have to go along with most of these questions especially 'Tigger"
Many people now days are in a financial bind and cannot afford a doctor unless it's really necessary. My daughter, Because of the way her company charges her for her insurance and the co-pay, she has to pay an enormous sum, unless her insurance is paid at that time.
There are others like my wife, who simply don't trust doctors or like them.

There are those who simply want an explanation before going as to what "it may be" they're afraid or apprehensive.

I don't think they're "plying with their lives" but, they may be foolish to take the advise given here about "Health foods" for a cure and some of these alternative medicines.

I've had four years of medicine and I don't really recall how many through the years in night schools but the first thing I tell them is to "see your doctor" or "go to the nearest ER" I never give medical advise to anyone.

Answer 5

I think most people are wondering if there are others out there that have suffered with, or know someone that has had the same/similar symptoms. I believe, most are going to their doctor soon, and were looking maybe for ideas of what might be wrong, and possibly what to expect at the doctor's office. I certainly would hope that the average person is smart enough to know not to just dive head on into a medical treatment, without discussing it with their doctor. Having a bit of control in one's life is empowering, so if you are ill, feeling strong and in control, can certainly help you. Bouncing ideas around and hearing others stories isn't going to hurt anything, just act responsibly.

Answer 6

Most people don't have medical insurance to ask for help. Some people don't get all of their questions answered by their doctor because the doctors are in a rush half of the time. Sometimes it takes days/weeks before we can get a doctor's advice. Almost all of the times we get answers from people in the medical field such as doctors,nurse,medical assistants and nurses and EMT's on yahoo answers. They feel that they are helping the public by answering peoples questions on the internet.

Answer 7

People can have alot of anxiety about possible illness, and they are scared to go to a doctor and find out their fears are reality.

So they take little steps, like asking here. Most people are smart enough to know this is not a replacement for a real doctor. They just want a little feedback before they take the plunge.

Most of the questions are understandable because they are about cancer, pregnancy and STDs, things that can be life-changing and are especially worrisome for kids who don't have much experience.

Answer 8

I've been by way of a equivalent variety of difficulty. My melancholy stemmed kind of from listening to the expertise that my organic mom used to be lifeless and who I concept used to be my truly mother used to be my grandmother. And then there may be my truly dad's fam who I reside with, who're all loopy. It's like we are residing in medieval occasions in which the ladies need to do chores and cannot do some thing even as the men can do something the hell they wish. I've gotten dying threats from my father, and there were occasions in which I've in simple terms hated him. I needed to pass to a psychologist. But you understand what, I learned that during a 12 months (I'm additionally sixteen, turning 17 in two months), I would possibly not need to manage them anymore. The great factor is to only say it. Sit them down and say the way you think. If they do not react/suggests indicators they care, then you definately have to be robust and uncover aid your self. Independence. Self-reliance. Do what is in desire of your long run. I might have moved out of this apartment had I now not learned that if I would keep on for a 12 months, then possibly I can go away on a well notice and now not utterly sever the connection. Sometimes you need to sacrifice matters to transport forward.

Answer 9

I've thought about that too, Brenda.

And I've drawn several conclusions.

Some people are looking for quick fixes because they're in financial straits.

Others are scared of doctors.

Some are simply looking for people to agree with them.

And I've noticed a few that think they're being cute and funny.

And some are in genuine need of encouragement, or advice. So the best that people who really do care can do is offer their best answers, and hope the asker will make the right choice.