Published on
Updated
Reading 5 min.
in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
What are the most frequently asked health questions in 2023 to the giant Google? The company has compiled 10 of them, all of which have in common the fact that they are linked to everyday ailments.
When it comes to health, certain questions push us to look for a quick answer via the internet (or better, on Doctissimo!). But Americans readily turn to the man we call Doctor Google. As such, the company has compiled the most frequent queries typed in 2023. And surprise, it is neither covid nor serious illnesses which hold the top spot, but rather everyday ailments and small emergencies.
Here are the ten most asked questions, in order.
How long is strep contagious?
The question isn’t so surprising: Strep infections increased in early 2023 in the United States, leaving many people wondering how contagious the disease is. Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A streptococcus bacteria – and these bacteria are very contagious. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, people who treat strep throat with antibiotics become less contagious within 24 to 48 hours, but a person with untreated strep throat can infect other people for about two to three weeks.
How contagious is strep throat?
Same question with a little nuance. Typically, an infected person can spread the bacteria to other people through respiratory droplets when talking, coughing or sneezing, or through direct contact, such as if someone touches skin sores caused by the bacteria . It usually takes two to five days for a person who has been exposed to group A strep bacteria to get strep throat.
The question here reveals a concern about one’s own health and a desire to improve it. More and more research suggests that a plant-based, vegetarian or vegan diet can help lower cholesterol. It is also possible to reduce or control your cholesterol level by limiting the amount of saturated fat by limiting red meat and full-fat dairy products or even industrial biscuits and cakes. While favoring my foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids – like salmon and flaxseed – and soluble fiber – found in foods like oatmeal, apples and Brussels sprouts. Finally, exercising regularly, not smoking, losing weight, and not drinking too much alcohol can all help improve cholesterol levels.
What helps with bloating?
There are several common causes of abdominal bloating, including constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, overeating and even certain medications. We actually wrote an article about it. Reducing chewing gum and foods that can produce gas can be beneficial. Contact a healthcare professional if, in addition to bloating, you experience abdominal pain, blood in the stool, diarrhea, worsening heartburn, vomiting, or weight loss.
What are the causes of low blood pressure?
When blood pressure drops too low – to a value below 90/60 mm Hg, we speak of hypotension. According to the American Heart Association, low blood pressure can occur with prolonged bed rest, depression, Parkinson’s disease or pregnancy. Chronically low blood pressure can lead to symptoms such as dizziness or dizziness, nausea, fainting, fatigue, headache, blurred vision, and heart palpitations.
What causes warts?
The most common skin warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, a group of more than 150 viruses. Most forms of the virus are spread through skin-to-skin contact or shared objects, such as towels, according to the Mayo Clinic. The virus is usually spread through skin lesions, and although warts most commonly appear on the hands, they can also affect the feet, face, genitals, and knees.
Why do I feel nauseous?
Although pregnancy or the stomach flu are common causes of nausea, chronic nausea can also be a symptom of disorders related to the digestive system, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or peptic ulcer disease. They can also be linked to the side effects of certain treatments, such as those for cancer.
What causes preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy or after delivery but in most cases causes premature delivery. In the United States, preeclampsia affects between 5% and 8% of pregnancies, yet the exact causes of this condition remain unknown. People may be at higher risk of preeclampsia if they had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, if they are pregnant with twins, triplets or more, or if they already have high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or an autoimmune disease such as lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome.
According to the Mayo Clinic, lifestyle changes can help treat snoring, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, treating nasal congestion, getting enough sleep, and not sleeping on your back. In severe cases, healthcare providers may recommend surgery to treat severe snoring. Snoring can often be a sign of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea, a condition that causes people to stop breathing during sleep.
How long does food poisoning last?
Often, food poisoning can last about a day or two, but can last up to 10 days depending on the germ causing the illness. The most common symptoms of food poisoning are diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea and fever. See a doctor for any serious symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, diarrhea that lasts more than three days, high fever, vomiting so much that fluids cannot be kept down, and signs of dehydration.
Your answers are on Doctissimo.fr
What do you think of these health questions in the Google top 10? For our medical director, Dr. Gérald Kierzek, they all reflect questions about everyday life, everyday worries or small emergencies such as food poisoning or sore throat.
“Which means that people no longer have the health education they should have, and do not have the answers within their reach. And what replaces today, both the school and the attending physician, is Dr. Google. So yes, it’s practical, but be wary of the answers found online. Because Google is not a health professional, and can also propagate errors and lies” he reminds
For reliable answers to all your health questions, whether about minor ailments or more serious illnesses, it is better today to contact Doctissimo than Google. Unlike the American giant, you will indeed find here a labeled Youtube channel, authenticating the seriousness of our sources, and articles written by professional journalists with the collaboration of the members of our committee of experts. A good way to obtain useful information for your health.