I know this is Yahoo answers but..........?

I agree with you I would never gamble my health on a site like this

I would hope most people asking medical questions on Yahoo aren't taking every answer as "gospel," but just collecting opinions to make an informed choice. It's a kind of self-care approach. Too many people go to their doctor for every little scratch and sniffly nose. It is a waste of their and the doctor's time. The other aspect is whether the problem requires going to the ER or waiting for a doctor's appointment. Again Yahoo helps put the issue in perspective...kinda like asking your Mom or spouse what he/she would do.

What you also don't consider is that a lot of people wait TOO long to see a doctor...letting the condition get worse when it could be easier treated early. I have seen numerous cases where the questioner was inclined to NOT go to the doctor and the answerers were "virtually" yelling at him/her to go.

So I think Yahoo serves a valuable purpose in helping the questioner explore the problem and possible options...as long as they look at the answers for what they are...nothing more than someone else's opinion.

Listening to someone on here instead of seeing a doctor could certainly put a person's health at risk. However, many on here advise people with medical problems to see their doctor. So, if anything, we can actually get them to visit their doctor. I know that is what I do anyway.

You are right. Since we are not doctors, we cannot make diagnosis. But sometimes personal experience can give someone a piece of mind or even push them in the right direction. I have read question after question about birth control, it is scaring me. These young girls who are confused about taking it, or have forgotten to take it and have so many side affects because of it. Listening to someone older who can just ease their fears, helps. For others it can be additional information about cholesterol or even high blood pressure. When you've experienced something and you can help,WHY NOT? And of course the ones who don't know will say GO TO THE DOCTOR. After all, what do you expect them to say.

If someone gets an answer that's about the same several times that's a pretty good indication of an illness or the care needed to treat it. We've all been sick at one time or another- advice is not a diagnosis-they can take it or leave it. For people who've taken the advice and thier symtoms or conditions worsen they will more often than not seek a professionals' opinion. This offers a way to help without the stigma, price, or inconvience of visiting the doctor.THIS VIEW IS OF ME.I DONT' KNO WAT OTHERS THINK!!!

I can generally see your point, but I find this question judgmental. You don't know the person's situation. Doctors make some people very nervous, or some people cannot get to a doctor right away. The problem may be very embarrassing, or like me (and the one medical question I asked), they may have just switched to another doctor's practice and cannot go for quite a while due to paperwork.

It may be late at night when they've noticed the symptoms and became worried, it's not your place to say.

You learn by asking questions. Some people dont know how to search on the internet, they rely on others for help. You should always search your illnesses, no matter how serious, look up your presciptions for side effects before taking them. Know what your taking. Alot of people dont ask enough questions when going to the doctor. If you can look it up know something about what is wrong with you and others opinions it can help you when you do go to the doctor. Maybe some of these people dont have family they can ask questions to. Or like me, they live in a small town with one doctor and nearest hospital is 45mins away, and you cant always get appointments right away. I have called for doctor appts when I have been sick or one of my kids and cant get in to see doctor for 3-4 days. You look for any source of help you can find. They have a place on here that ask for source of information. Others peoples opinions can be very helpful, doesnt mean eveyone follows peoples advice on here. They are just asking a question.....

I am sure there are nurses and/or doctors who answer questions here. Even if you go to a doctor he treats your condition by best guess according to the symptom he is told about, It always helps to have another opinion, maybe someone has had the same thing and could save a unnecessary trip to the doctor.

If someone gets an answer that's about the same several times that's a pretty good indication of an illness or the care needed to treat it. We've all been sick at one time or another- advice is not a diagnosis-they can take it or leave it. For people who've taken the advice and thier symtoms or conditions worsen they will more often than not seek a professionals' opinion. This offers a way to help without the stigma, price, or inconvience of visiting the doctor!

Some people want a hint to know whether or not their problem is serious or not. Going to a doctor is expensive and a waste of time if all you have is say, a cold sore.

For those who don't know what a cold sore is, this is the place to ask.

It never ceases to amaze me. Just the other day someone posted that she was bleeding out of several orifices and asked, "Do you think something is wrong with me?"

Hell-OOO!

Sometimes they ask questions about very serious health issues, and I can't understand why they think this is a kind of "cyber-Mayo Clinic."

And did you ever notice that people will also ask for expert legal help about how to deal with a trial or how to interpret a contract? I don't get it.