Dr Google's Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Health Questions in 2023

In the United States, Google users have been searching for information on strep throat, lowering cholesterol, and remedies for bloating, making these among the top trending health-related questions from January 1 to November 27, as reported by the technology company.

Google spokesperson Sarah Armstrong explained in an email that the data shows the top trending searches are queries that experienced a significant increase in traffic over a sustained period in 2023 compared to 2022. Below are the top 10 trending health questions that drove people to Google in 2023, along with their answers.

1. How long is strep contagious?

Strep infections in the United States surged in early 2023, leaving many people with questions about how contagious the illness is and for how long.

Group A Streptococcus bacteria can cause many types of infections -- from mild to severe -- and they're most prevalent among children.

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Strep infections in the US surged this winter, up nearly 30% from pre-pandemic peak

In February, the percentage of healthcare visits for strep throat or related diagnoses was almost 30% higher than the previous peak in 2017.

While most sore throats are caused by viruses, strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, which are highly contagious.

Those who treat strep throat with antibiotics become less contagious within 24 to 48 hours, as stated by Johns Hopkins Medicine. However, individuals with untreated strep can continue to infect others for two to even three weeks.

Strep throat symptoms may include fever, painful swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes. According to the CDC, less common symptoms may include vomiting and headache, but not a cough or runny nose.

2. How contagious is strep throat?

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that usually, an individual who is infected can transmit the bacteria to others via their respiratory droplets when speaking, coughing, or sneezing, or through direct contact, for instance if someone comes into contact with sores on the skin caused by the bacteria.

Exposure to group A strep bacteria typically results in illness with strep throat within two to five days. The condition is more prevalent in children, with up to 3 in 10 children experiencing strep throat compared to about 1 in 10 adults. This information comes from the CDC.

3. How to lower cholesterol

A growing body of research suggests that consuming a plant-based, vegetarian or vegan diet can help lower cholesterol.

Nourishing meal option. A woman wearing a t-shirt and jeans is standing while holding a vegan superbowl or Buddha bowl filled with hummus, vegetables, salad, beans, couscous, and avocado, along with a smoothie in her hands. (Square crop)

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Lower cholesterol with a vegetarian or vegan diet, study says

A study published in the European Heart Journal in May revealed that adults who follow a plant-based diet experienced a 10% decrease in LDL (or "bad") cholesterol and a 7% drop in total cholesterol compared to those who consume both meat and plants.

One way to lower or control cholesterol levels is by reducing the intake of saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats are commonly found in red meat and full-fat dairy products, while trans fats are often used in margarines and commercially-made cookies, crackers, and cakes.

Eating omega-3 rich foods like salmon and flaxseeds can benefit heart health, while consuming soluble fiber from sources like oatmeal, apples, and Brussels sprouts can help lower cholesterol absorption. In addition, regular exercise, not smoking, weight loss, and moderation in alcohol consumption can also improve cholesterol levels.

4. What helps with bloating?

Abdominal bloating can be caused by a variety of factors such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, overeating, and certain medications. However, there are certain measures that individuals can take at home to alleviate bloating.

woman with stomach ache, menstrual period cramp, abdominal pain, food poisoning

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What passing gas can say about your health

The National Library of Medicine advises avoiding chewing gum, carbonated drinks, and gas-producing foods like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, beans, and lentils. It's also helpful to stop smoking and avoid eating too quickly. While fiber supplements like psyllium or 100% bran may exacerbate symptoms, certain medications like simethicone can provide relief.

Contact a medical professional if, along with bloating, you have abdominal pain, blood in the stool, diarrhea, worsening heartburn, vomiting or weight loss.

5. What causes low blood pressure?

If your blood pressure drops below 90/60 mm Hg, it is known as hypotension. The American Heart Association states that low blood pressure can be caused by extended periods of bed rest, depression, Parkinson's disease, or pregnancy.

Excessive blood loss and certain medications, such as diuretics, beta blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants, can result in low blood pressure. Chronic low blood pressure can cause symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, fainting, fatigue, headache, blurred vision, and heart palpitations.

6. What causes warts?

Most common warts on the skin are caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV, a group of more than 150 viruses, and it can spread through various ways.

7. Why do I feel nauseous?

Ways of Spreading and Areas Affected by the Virus

The virus can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing objects like towels or washcloths, as stated by Mayo Clinic. It typically spreads through skin breaks, and although warts commonly manifest on the hands, they can also occur on the feet, face, genitals, and knees.

Chronic nausea can be a symptom of disorders related to the digestive system, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or peptic ulcer disease, in addition to common causes like pregnancy or the stomach flu.

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Scientists may have found the cause of morning sickness and see hope for treatment

Certain medications and treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, can increase the risk of nausea for some individuals, particularly cancer patients.

Pregnant women are also prone to feeling nauseated during their first trimester, a common experience known as "morning sickness." Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic estimate that 50% to 90% of pregnant women experience nausea, while 25% to 55% experience vomiting.

8. What causes preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia, a condition that can develop into eclampsia when seizures occur, is characterized by high blood pressure that occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy or after delivery.

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A US task force has suggested increasing the number of screenings for high blood pressure during pregnancy. Preeclampsia and its related complications, such as eclampsia, are responsible for 10% to 15% of maternal deaths worldwide.

Preeclampsia affects 5% to 8% of pregnancies in the United States, often leading to preterm birth, according to the maternal and infant health nonprofit March of Dimes. The exact causes of preeclampsia are still unknown. Risk factors include a history of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, carrying multiple babies, and having existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune diseases like lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome.

9. How to stop snoring

Managing snoring through lifestyle changes can be effective, including weight loss, refraining from alcohol before sleep, addressing nasal congestion, ensuring adequate sleep, and avoiding sleeping on the back, as recommended by Mayo Clinic.

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Sleep specialist has 4 tips to help stop snoring

Sleeping at an incline has been found to have the potential to decrease snoring in some studies. Additionally, using a nasal strip or oral appliance during sleep can also reduce the likelihood of snoring. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended by health care providers to address severe snoring.

Snoring often can be a sign of a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes people to pause breathing during sleep.

10. How long does food poisoning last?

Often, food poisoning may last about a day or two, but depending on the germ causing the sickness, it could last 10 days or more, according to Cleveland Clinic.

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Get The Results Are In with Dr. Sanjay Gupta every Tuesday from the CNN Health team by signing up here. Food poisoning, which is caused by consuming certain germs like Salmonella or E. coli, can result in symptoms that range from mild to serious, as per the CDC.

If you experience severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, diarrhea lasting more than three days, high fever over 102 degrees, inability to keep down liquids from vomiting, or signs of dehydration, it is important to seek medical attention.