Dr. Alexander Schermer

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Good luck: There is no diet that will help you grow.

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 32-year-old female asked:

I have red dots all around my forth head they came out from no were?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

See your doctor: Red dots are typically due to a rash from a reaction of your body to something you've contacted. Have you used any new makeup/lotions/soaps/detergent... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 28-year-old male asked:

I was wondering if a normal colonoscopy is painful and is a virtual colonoscopy as accurate as a normal colonoscopy and can it detect any cancer?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

No: Colonoscopy is not painful. The doctors give you medications to help you relax/fall asleep for the procedure. Virtual colonoscopy is new and as such... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 25-year-old male asked:

Being allergic to bees. is taking celestamine tablets after a sing sufficient or is an epipen (epinephrine) required? how long will the celestamine take to work?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Depends: It depends on how bad your allergic reaction is. If you just get hives then celestamine may be enough but if you develop throat/facial swelling then ... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 68-year-old male asked:

How to treat menniers disease ?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

See a specialist: See an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor for the best treatment options.

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 34-year-old member asked:

Does binge drinking have an effect on your heart?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Yes: There is a phenomenon called "holiday heart syndrome" where binge drinking causes abnormal heart rhythms.

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6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 3 doctors agree4 doctors agree

A 26-year-old female asked:

I cnt get my period orget pregnan cuz i hav fat bags on my ovaries bt my dr. gave me primolut. how long i should wait 2take them after unprotected sex?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Before not after: Primolut n which is norethisterone 5mg is used by some doctors as birth control however the efficacy of this method seems to be unclear from studies. ... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old male asked:

I have anal fissure i was prescribed nystatin and triamcinolone acetonide cream got it thursday how long will it take for my anal fissure to heal?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Soon: The anus heals relatively fast but it may take several more days. Use stool softeners/metamucil to keep your bowel movements as soft as possible. Al... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

5 thanks

A 30-year-old male asked:

I have no pregnancy check out but no come menus last 2 month gap what is the cause doctor....what can i do?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Pregnant vs Hormones: Missing your period can be due to pregnancy or hormone imbalances. If you are not pregnant, see your doctor as getting on hormones like birth control... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 26-year-old female asked:

My foot gets swollen and extremely painful from top middle to my toes so bad i can barely walk/bend my toes. im 27 and overweight. what could it be?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Gout: Painful swelling of the foot is possibly gout. See your doctor for correct diagnosis and medications/diet recommendations.

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 33-year-old female asked:

Have seen 2 gps, referred to a neuro-didn't find anything and i'm still miserable/unable to work 4 mos. later. gp says he can't help. so who do i see now? huge gap between gps and specialists! ugh!

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

ENT?: Dizziness can be due to inner ear problems - most neurologist can diagnose this, but ent's (ear, nose, and throat) specialist do this type of work as ... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 28-year-old female asked:

I have a perfectly round, small(bb sized) red, scar-like mark on my leg. it is flat. i have had it for a few years. what is it?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Hemangioma: Most likely a hemangioma, if it looks like this. Nothing to worry about. If it is different see your doctor or a dermatologist.

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 30-year-old female asked:

A dark cashew sized clot(?) along with heavy bright red/thin bleeding during my period. followed by smaller dark pieces. consistent with heavy flow?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Yes: If your period is on time this month then small clots are nothing to worry about. If you are late, then take a pregnancy test and see your doctor. C... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

Im taking anti imflamatory now for 2 years for my chronic uper left back pain and this might give me my ulcer what medication should i take to cure?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Stop the NSAID: No medicine will cure a NSAID induced ulcer. Stop taking the anti-inflammatory and talk to your doctor about possible alternatives.

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old female asked:

Hi. i want to ask is it normal to a 2yearold and 8months baby girl for having a twice a day bowel movement?actually its not evrday but sometimes only

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Yes: It is normal for some children to have more than one bowel movement each day.

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 20-year-old female asked:

Are there any side effects to taking vitafusion multivites (gummies for adults)..? i'm also eating healthy&drinking plenty of water+exercising more

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

No need: If you are eating a healthy balanced diet, there is no need for extra vitamins. Most of these extra vitamins get excreted in your stool and urine. A... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 19-year-old female asked:

Is it likely to get pregnant on the implanon? if so , how likely ?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Highly unlikley: Implanon is a highly effective form of birth control. In one study out of 1700 women none got pregnant while on implanon. Close to 0% chance.

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 27-year-old female asked:

When my stomach is empty sometimes it gets extremely bloated and hurts to the point its hard to stand up straight...also bloating after coffee..reason?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

See your doctor: Bloating is often the distention of the bowels due to gas buildup. This can be due to things we eat - like coffee. If you can pinpoint triggers then... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Evan Altman and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 26-year-old female asked:

My prescription pain medicine doesn't seem to work as well when i'm stressed. could this be bc of my gerd?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Probably not: Stress often intensifies your feelings including pain. Talk to your doctor about help with your stress or seek the help of a counselor/psychiatrist. ... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Geoffrey Ndeto agrees1 doctor agrees

A 26-year-old male asked:

When i squeeze my nose, inside my nose smells really bad. but the smell goes away. how do i clean it so it doesn't smell so bad? no boogers left inside

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Netipot: You may be smelling your sinuses, your tongue, or your throat. It is a good idea to get checked by a doctor to make sure you do not have a sinus or t... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Paul Grin and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

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A 28-year-old female asked:

Im 6w2d pregnant & taking oral progesterone due to miscarriage & low prog at pregnant confirmation with ob. my symptoms r disappearing. is it possible for progesterone to mask the symptoms of a miscarriage?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

No: A miscarriage will produce contractions/cramps and heavy vaginal bleeding. If you develop vaginal bleeding call your doctor immediately or be seen in... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 30-year-old female asked:

I got cyst in right ovary and its removed can i got this cyst again in left ovary?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Yes: Unfortunately women who develop cysts are prone to develop more. Talk to your ob/gyn about ways to lessen the chances of developing more cysts.

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 38-year-old member asked:

Are there vitamins that will prevent or cure blood clots in the legs?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

No: There are no vitamins or natural therapeutics that will prevent or cure blood clots. Dvt's or blood clots in the leg are a serious condition and coul... Read More

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6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Sahba Ferdowsi and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 19-year-old female asked:

Can having diarrhea 45 minutes after taking plan b, affect the absorbing of the pill?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Probably not: Unless you saw the pill come out whole, you absorbed it.

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler agrees1 doctor agrees

A 21-year-old male asked:

Can anxiety cause feeling of chest fullness/soreness? whenever i get anxious right side of chest feels stiff/sore but when calm i feel nothing

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Yes: Anxiety can cause many symptoms from chest pain to shortness of breath to hyperventilation. Seek the help of a counselor or psychiatrist with experie... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Evan Altman and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 61-year-old male asked:

Ihave migraine since yesterday, advil (ibuprofen) not working. i take oxycodone 5/325 occasionally for back pain. can i try 1 dose for migraine?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Yes: You may try one dose of your oxycodone but do not exceed the dosage instructions on your prescription bottle. If that does not help, get seen by a do... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Marc Abramson agrees1 doctor agrees

A 33-year-old male asked:

What is white discharge in between and after urination in men. is this a big problem.

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Discharge is not nml: Discharge from your penis is not a normal finding. You should get tested especially for sexually transmitted diseases. And do not have unprotected ... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A 41-year-old member asked:

Can i take aspirin and tylenol (acetaminophen) to relieve a headache?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Yes: Aspirin and tylenol (acetaminophen) are fine to take for headaches.

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6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Sahba Ferdowsi agrees1 doctor agrees

A 50-year-old member asked:

Do i need to avoid all alcohol if i am taking baby aspirin?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Not necessarily: Not necessarily. Alcohol in moderation ( 1-2 glasses of wine or 1 beer) a day should not cause you any problems. Alcoholism or heavy binge drinking ... Read More

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6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. James Ferguson and 4 doctors agree5 doctors agree

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A 34-year-old member asked:

How can you tell when someone goes into cardiac arrest?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

No pulse: Cardiac arrest as the name implies is when the heart stops. When your heart stops beating, blood carrying oxygen does not flow to your body and brain... Read More

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6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Sahba Ferdowsi and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 33-year-old female asked:

Tired, achy, badneck/upperback pain, malaise, frequent colds for last 4 mos. no luck with neuro. doc says hematologist bc slightly low wbc. really? who should i see next? rheum? infectious disease?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Primary Doctor: Low WBC counts and myalgias (body aches) can be due to many different things including infectious diseases, bone marrow problems, depression, even can... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Thompson agrees1 doctor agrees

A 20-year-old male asked:

I have white spots in the back of my throat, i have no pain although my throat feels a little dry. i was sick and swallowed some phlegm?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Probably nothing: Everyone swallows phlegm. Those white spots are likely food particles stuck in the folds of your tonsils. They are normal. If you get a severe sore... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

Above my left inner ankle bone there seems to be a soft lump. it is painless and i've had it for awhile. it almost feels like muscle.. what is it?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Hard to say: If you flex it and it moves its muscle. If not then could be a cyst or a ganglion. If it bothers you see your doctor.

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

Iv had a knot on my head for a couple of years its as big as a egg don't get headache cat scan shows nothing..

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Talk to your doc: Head knots can be due to many things. If it is squishy and on the outside of the skull it could be a cyst that can be easily removed. If it is hard ... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

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A 33-year-old female asked:

I constantly get stomach cramps and diarrheoa things which trigger this are fresh cream (very bad), onions, chocolate, eggs and any greasy foods. ?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Food intolerance: You have food intolerance. Talk to your doctor about testing for gluten/egg protein/ lactose intolerance. In the mean time avoid these foods.

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 27-year-old male asked:

Why do i get severe back pain below shoulder after eating?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Gallbladder: The gallbladder often refers pain to the shoulder. See your doctor to get your gallbladder evaluated. In the mean time stick to a very low fat diet ... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 37-year-old male asked:

What ate the signs and symptoms of cervical spinal stenois doc says i got it. can this be confuted just by crayon alone i have all symptoms of it?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

See spine specialist: Cervical stenosis can produce many symptoms but usually causes problems with your upper extremities such as pain, numbness or weakness. Xray (autocor... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 18-year-old female asked:

Stool has darker brown bits of poop in? is this normal. pregnant

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Yes, normal: It depends on what you are eating but stool can be many colors. If your stool is all black and sticky, like tar see your doctor as soon as possible a... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Kenny Chuu and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 22-year-old female asked:

I just had my cycle a week ago and now im spotting again. its only been a week since my last one ended. why?

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Hormones: Most likely this represents an anovulatory cycle. This is usually caused by hormone imbalance - talk to your doctor. Also if your last period was la... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 28-year-old male asked:

Is it possible to have back pain with thyroxine ? i m suffering from i take it...

Emergency Medicine 24 years experience

Probably not: Medications affect us all differently - some people get unusual side effects. That being said, back pain is not a commonly seen side effect of thyroi... Read More

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4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago