Yes, you can talk to a doctor on Ogaei about your acne. Our licensed healthcare professionals are experienced in diagnosing and treating acne for patients of all ages. Whether you're dealing with occasional breakouts, persistent acne, or related skin concerns, Ogaei can connect you with a doctor who can provide personalized care.

Acne is a prevalent skin condition that most individuals will experience at some stage in their lives. It can manifest as whiteheads, blackheads, small red bumps, or deeper lumps under the skin. Severe cases of acne, characterized by painful nodules beneath the skin, are referred to as cystic acne.

The symptoms and signs of acne can vary significantly in severity depending on the individual, but the most common symptoms include:

• Blackheads (open clogged pores)
• Whiteheads (closed clogged pores)
• Nodules (solid, painful lumps beneath the skin)
• Papules (small, tender red bumps)
• Pustules or 'pimples' (papules with pus at their tip)
• Cystic lesions (painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin)

The severity of acne can determine the appropriate treatment and whether it involves prescription medication. Acne is often categorized as follows:

• Mild: primarily whiteheads and blackheads, with a few papules and pustules
• Moderate: more widespread whiteheads and blackheads, with numerous papules and pustules
• Severe: many large, painful pustules, nodules, or cysts, potentially accompanied by scarring

Our skin’s sebaceous glands naturally produce an oily substance called sebum. As old skin cells die and are replaced, they combine with sebum to create a plug in the hair follicles. When these plugs form, it can lead to acne. However, the exact reasons why some individuals are more prone to acne than others remain unclear. Hormones are commonly believed to play a significant role, as testosterone increases sebum production. This may explain why many people experience acne during adolescence. Increased sebum production can lead to an overgrowth of normal skin bacteria, known as Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes). This overgrowth results in inflammation and the formation of tender, red pimples. Additionally, factors such as stress and anxiety are known to trigger acne symptoms.

Yes, you can talk to a doctor on Ogaei about your allergies. Whether you're dealing with seasonal allergies, food allergies, skin reactions, or other allergy-related symptoms, our licensed doctors are here to help.

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to foreign substances known as allergens. These allergens are typically harmless, but the body perceives them as threats and launches an immune response, causing allergy symptoms.

Allergy symptoms vary depending on the type of allergic reaction you're experiencing.
For most insect bites or stings, the symptoms usually include swelling, itching, and tenderness at the affected site, unless the reaction is severe.
Skin allergies can result from direct exposure to an allergen. This type of reaction is called "contact dermatitis." Symptoms of skin allergies include:

• Itching
• Inflammation
• Burning or stinging sensations
• Eczema
• Rashes

Seasonal allergies often have symptoms similar to a cold, such as:

• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Swollen eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itching (nose, eyes, or skin)
• Postnasal drip
• Red, watery eyes
• Sinus pain or pressure

Minor food allergies can present symptoms similar to seasonal allergies, along with stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening and may cause anaphylaxis. Symptoms of a severe reaction, regardless of the trigger, can include:

• Fainting
• Severe dizziness or lightheadedness
• Swelling of the mouth, throat, lips, tongue, or hands
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing or severe wheezing

To diagnose allergies, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and discuss your symptoms. They might suggest keeping a food diary to identify potential triggers. Blood or skin tests may also be recommended to pinpoint the cause of your allergies.
Additionally, your doctor may refer you to an allergist, a specialist who can offer more treatment options for managing your allergies.

The most effective treatment for your allergies depends on the type and cause of your allergies.
In general, the best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to identify and avoid the allergens that trigger them.
For severe allergies, your doctor or allergist may recommend prescription medications. They might also suggest other treatments, such as immunotherapy, or advise you to carry emergency epinephrine shots in case of accidental exposure to allergens.

Yes, you can talk to a doctor on Ogaei about your diabetes. Our licensed healthcare professionals are experienced in managing diabetes, whether you have type 1, type 2, or prediabetes. They can provide guidance on medication adjustments, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle changes tailored to your needs. If necessary, the doctor can also order lab tests, prescribe medications, or refer you to a specialist for ongoing care.

Diabetes is a group of diseases that impact how your body uses blood sugar (glucose), primarily due to problems with the hormone insulin. It occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or when your body's tissues become insensitive to insulin, leading to a buildup of glucose in your blood.
There are various types of diabetes, including chronic forms (Type 1 and Type 2) and temporary forms like gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, often called juvenile diabetes, usually appears in childhood and often starts with a severe episode of high blood sugar and dehydration. Type 2 diabetes typically develops in adults and has a slower onset, which is rarely immediately life-threatening.

Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections

Gestational diabetes can present many of these symptoms but is often detected through routine testing during the second trimester of pregnancy.

The treatment for diabetes varies depending on the type. All forms of diabetes can be managed with regular exercise and a diet low in fat and calories but high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Type 1 diabetes treatment typically involves using an insulin pump or regular insulin injections, along with frequent blood sugar monitoring. In very rare cases, a pancreas transplant may be an option.
Type 2 diabetes can be treated with medication, insulin, or a combination of both, alongside lifestyle changes.
If you have gestational diabetes, you might also need insulin or medication depending on the severity. Your doctor will provide the best advice for your situation.

Yes, you can talk to a doctor on Ogaei about your high blood pressure (hypertension). Our licensed healthcare professionals can help you manage your condition by assessing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and providing personalized treatment recommendations. Managing high blood pressure is essential for reducing the risk of complications like heart disease or stroke. With Ogaei, you can conveniently access expert care from the comfort of your home. Book your online consultation today.

Blood pressure is determined by your cardiac output and the resistance within your blood vessels. Your body aims to maintain healthy blood flow to organs. If an organ isn't getting enough blood, your body will increase blood pressure to improve circulation.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when there is too much resistance in your arteries. When blood flows through wide arteries, it faces less resistance. However, when arteries narrow, resistance increases, leading to higher blood pressure. This makes your body work harder to maintain proper organ perfusion.
There are two types of hypertension:

• Primary hypertension: Typically develops over many years without a clear cause and can result from multiple factors like genetics and kidney function. Much about primary hypertension is still unknown.
• Secondary hypertension: Caused by an underlying condition, it can appear suddenly and often causes more severe blood pressure spikes than primary hypertension.

Untreated chronic high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues, such as:

• Heart problems (heart failure, heart attack, heart disease)
• Vision loss
• Aneurysms
• Ischemic stroke
• Intracerebral hemorrhage
• Memory loss or cognitive difficulties
• Dementia
• Metabolic syndrome
• Weakened kidneys

Most people with high blood pressure don’t show symptoms, even when readings are dangerously high. However, severe hypertension can cause:

• Vision problems
• Chest pain
• Confusion or nervousness
• Nosebleeds
• Sudden fatigue
• Severe headaches
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Pounding in ears, neck, or chest
• Blood in urine
• Excessive sweating
• Facial flushing
• Insomnia
• Bloodshot eyes or spots in eyes

If you experience these severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

For many with primary hypertension, the cause is often complex and not fully understood. It typically develops gradually over time due to various factors.
While one specific cause may not be pinpointed, several risk factors are known to increase the likelihood of hypertension, including:

• Age
• Obesity
• Inactivity
• Family history
• High-sodium diets (over 3g/day)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Reduced number of nephrons
• Race

Secondary hypertension can be caused by various conditions, such as:

• Kidney disease
• Thyroid problems
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Certain congenital defects
• Some illegal drugs (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines)
• Certain medications (e.g., birth control pills, decongestants, NSAIDs)
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Diabetes

When discussing high blood pressure with a doctor, they will conduct a physical exam and review your medical history. They will inquire about the duration of your high blood pressure and any previous investigations. Your family history of hypertension is also important, as hypertension is often asymptomatic and known as the “silent killer.”
Your doctor might ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home to rule out “White Coat Hypertension” or identify “Masked Hypertension.” The most direct diagnosis comes from a blood pressure test at a clinic.
To confirm the diagnosis and check for complications, your doctor may recommend additional tests, such as:

• Lab tests (urine, blood, cholesterol)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
• Echocardiogram
• Ambulatory monitoring

Based on these findings, your doctor will diagnose the underlying cause of your high blood pressure and suggest treatment options, including any necessary medications.

Yes, you can talk to a healthcare provider on Ogaei about obesity. Our licensed professionals are equipped to help you manage your weight and address obesity-related health concerns. They can provide personalized advice, support, and treatment options to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Obesity is a chronic condition characterized by an excessive amount of body fat. It’s a global epidemic that significantly impacts health across all ages and genders.
Being overweight isn't just a cosmetic concern. Obesity increases the risk of various health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Obesity is typically measured using the body mass index (BMI), calculated by dividing body weight (in kg) by height (in meters) squared. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
Another method to assess obesity is by measuring waist circumference, especially in those with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m², to evaluate cardiometabolic risks.
Chronic obesity can lead to several serious health conditions, such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Thrombosis
• Certain cancers
• Type 2 diabetes
• Severe COVID-19 symptoms
• Gynecological and sexual disorders
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• High cholesterol
• Gout
• GERD
• Reduced fertility
• Lowered sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Kidney stones
• Urinary incontinence
• Higher infection risk
• Increased mortality from influenza and COVID-19
• Chronic kidney disease
• Mental health issues (depression, stigma)

The primary sign of obesity is significant weight gain, pushing your BMI to 30 or higher. However, other symptoms can accompany this weight gain, such as:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Easily tired from physical activity
• Difficulty sleeping or sleep apnea
• Heat intolerance
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive sweating
• Stretch marks
• Joint or back pain
• Depression
• Skin infections in folds
• Varicose veins in the legs

Obesity often results from consistently consuming more calories than you burn through daily activities and exercise. These excess calories are stored as fat.
North American diets are frequently high in calories, particularly from sugary drinks and fast food. If you have obesity, you might need more calories to feel full and might eat more due to stress or anxiety.
Several factors can contribute to obesity, including:

• Genetics
• Metabolic issues (inefficient calorie processing)
• Lifestyle choices (binge eating, excessive drinking)
• Hormonal influences (especially thyroid-related)
• Inactivity
• Age
• Pregnancy
• Gut bacteria imbalances
• Quitting smoking (replacing smoking habits with eating)

To diagnose obesity, a weight management consultant will check your BMI and measure your waist circumference. They’ll likely conduct a general physical exam and blood tests to identify any underlying conditions related to your obesity.
After diagnosing obesity, the provider will recommend treatment options tailored to you. In rare cases, this might include prescription medications for weight loss.