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