With even the slightest sniffle, most of us head online to pose a quick question to Dr. Google. “How long does the flu last?” “Why am I so tired?” “What is lupus?” Google spokesperson Evan Barbour Grippi provided CNN with a list of the most commonly searched health questions in the United States since January 2017.

So what is it that Americans are asking?

The top question for 2017 was “What causes hiccups?” A quick Google search would reveal that hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. Causes include everything from smoking or alcohol, chewing gum, eating too fast, or guzzling soda.

Next up was the age-old question asked by husbands and wives everywhere, “How to stop snoring”. The first answers Google gives range from losing weight to changing your pillows.

“What is lupus”, was another popular search in 2017. The condition causes the immune system to attack organs and tissues. Perhaps singer and actor Selena Gomez’s kidney transplant contributed to the spike in interest after she revels she had been battling lupus for nearly two years. As many as 322,000 people in the Unites State likely have the autoimmune disease

In a separate analysis, reporters used the Google Trends analytics tool to compile a list of the most frequently-searched “what” and “why” questions from around the globe.

Around the world, “What is kept diet?” “What are opioids?” “Why is addiction a disease?” and “13 Reasons Why” were among the top health-related queries, according to Google Trends, CNN reports.

Keto involves eating more healthy fats and less carbohydrates. Though interest has increased, the diet actually dates to the early 1920s.

With the growing opioid epidemic, it’s no wonder Americans are searching for information on opioids and addiction. More than 2 million Americans are considered dependent or abuse drugs.

And “13 Reasons Why” was a series about a fictional young girl named Hannah Baker who leaves behind 13 audio recording, after ending her life. It was released earlier this year to both acclaim and controversy. Google Trends shows it certainly raised awareness, but not necessarily in a positive way. The search term “how to commit suicide” rose 26 percent following its release.  “Suicide prevention” only rose 23 percent. The show has been renewed for a second season.


The questions you asked Google:

  1. What causes hiccups?
  2. How to stop snoring?
  3. What causes kidney stones?
  4. Why am I so tired?
  5. How long does the flu last?
  6. What is normal blood pressure?
  7. How to lower cholesterol?
  8. What causes high blood pressure?
  9. What is ADHD?
  10. What is lupus?

Most popular healthy-related “Why is” questions worldwide:

  1. 13 reasons why
  2. Why is addiction a disease?
  3. Why is the roof of my mouth sore?
  4. Why is apple cider vinegar good for you?
  5. Why is my period blood dark?

(h/t CNN)

Also see, spending time with friends is medically proven to be good for your health


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Meghan is a full-time writer exploring the fun facts behind food. She lives a healthy lifestyle but lives for breakfast, dessert and anything with marinara. She’s thrown away just as many meals as she’s proud of.