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What are the symptoms of gastritis?

However, the most common symptoms include: Nausea or recurrent upset stomach Abdominal bloating Abdominal pain Vomiting Indigestion Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night Hiccups Loss of appetite Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material Black, tarry stools To diagnose gastritis, your doctor will review your personal and family medical history, perform a thorough physical evaluation, and may recommend any of the following tests: Upper endoscopy.

What does the treatment for gastritis involve?

Treatment for gastritis usually involves: Taking antacids and other drugs (such as proton pump inhibitors or H-2 blockers) to reduce stomach acid Avoiding hot and spicy foods For gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe a regimen of several antibiotics plus an acid blocking drug (used for heartburn) If the gastritis is caused by pernicious anemia, B12 vitamin shots will be given. Eliminating irritating foods from your diet such as lactose from dairy or gluten from wheat Once the underlying problem disappears, the gastritis usually does, too. You should talk to your doctor before stopping any medicine or starting any gastritis treatment on your own.

How does an upper endoscopy help diagnose gastritis?

However, the most common symptoms include: Nausea or recurrent upset stomach Abdominal bloating Abdominal pain Vomiting Indigestion Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night Hiccups Loss of appetite Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material Black, tarry stools To diagnose gastritis, your doctor will review your personal and family medical history, perform a thorough physical evaluation, and may recommend any of the following tests: Upper endoscopy. An endoscope, a thin tube containing a tiny camera, is inserted through your mouth and down into your stomach to look at the stomach lining. The doctor will check for inflammation and may perform a biopsy, a procedure in which a tiny sample of tissue is removed and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

How is a fecal occult blood test (stool test) used to diagnose gastritis?

This test checks for the presence of blood in your stool, a possible sign of gastritis.

What is gastritis?

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What causes gastritis?

It may also be caused by any of the following: Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori): A bacteria that lives in the mucous lining of the stomach; without treatment, the infection can lead to ulcers, and in some people, stomach cancer. Bile reflux: A backflow of bile into the stomach from the bile tract (that connects to the liver and gallbladder) Infections caused by bacteria and viruses If gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to a severe loss of blood and may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. Treatment for gastritis usually involves: Taking antacids and other drugs (such as proton pump inhibitors or H-2 blockers) to reduce stomach acid Avoiding hot and spicy foods For gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe a regimen of several antibiotics plus an acid blocking drug (used for heartburn) If the gastritis is caused by pernicious anemia, B12 vitamin shots will be given.

What is neutropenia?

Neutrophils are cells in your immune system that attack bacteria and other organisms when they invade your body. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell. Your bone marrow creates these cells. They then travel in your bloodstream and move to areas of infection where they ingest and then neutralize the offending bacteria. Neutropenia itself often doesn't cause symptoms. In some cases, people only learn they have neutropenia when they have a blood test for an unrelated reason.

What are the causes of neutropenia?

Neutrophils are cells in your immune system that attack bacteria and other organisms when they invade your body. The risk for serious infection generally increases as: Neutrophil count goes down Duration of severe neutropenia gets longer The causes of neutropenia include: Problem in the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow Destruction of neutrophils outside the bone marrow Infection Nutritional deficiency Causes of decreased production of neutrophils include: Being born with a problem with bone marrow production (congenital) Leukemia and other conditions that affect the bone marrow or lead to bone marrow failure Radiation Chemotherapy Infections that can cause neutropenia include: Tuberculosis Dengue fever Viral infections such as Epstein- Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, HIV, viral hepatitis Increased destruction of neutrophils can be due to the body's immune system targeting neutrophils for destruction.

What are infections that cause neutropenia?

Neutrophils are cells in your immune system that attack bacteria and other organisms when they invade your body. The risk for serious infection generally increases as: Neutrophil count goes down Duration of severe neutropenia gets longer The causes of neutropenia include: Problem in the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow Destruction of neutrophils outside the bone marrow Infection Nutritional deficiency Causes of decreased production of neutrophils include: Being born with a problem with bone marrow production (congenital) Leukemia and other conditions that affect the bone marrow or lead to bone marrow failure Radiation Chemotherapy Infections that can cause neutropenia include: Tuberculosis Dengue fever Viral infections such as Epstein- Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, HIV, viral hepatitis Increased destruction of neutrophils can be due to the body's immune system targeting neutrophils for destruction.

What medications cause neutropenia?

Neutrophils are cells in your immune system that attack bacteria and other organisms when they invade your body. This may be related to having an autoimmune condition, such as: Crohn's disease Rheumatoid arthritis Lupus In some people, neutropenia can be caused by certain medications, such as: Antibiotics Blood pressure drugs Psychiatric drugs Epilepsy drugs When deciding on treatment, health care providers consider the cause and severity of the neutropenia.

What factors cause a decrease production of neutrophils, resulting in neutropenia?

Neutrophils are cells in your immune system that attack bacteria and other organisms when they invade your body. The risk for serious infection generally increases as: Neutrophil count goes down Duration of severe neutropenia gets longer The causes of neutropenia include: Problem in the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow Destruction of neutrophils outside the bone marrow Infection Nutritional deficiency Causes of decreased production of neutrophils include: Being born with a problem with bone marrow production (congenital) Leukemia and other conditions that affect the bone marrow or lead to bone marrow failure Radiation Chemotherapy Infections that can cause neutropenia include: Tuberculosis Dengue fever Viral infections such as Epstein- Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, HIV, viral hepatitis Increased destruction of neutrophils can be due to the body's immune system targeting neutrophils for destruction.

What are the symptoms of neutropenia?

Neutrophils are cells in your immune system that attack bacteria and other organisms when they invade your body. Neutropenia itself often doesn't cause symptoms. In some cases, people only learn they have neutropenia when they have a blood test for an unrelated reason. But some people may have other symptoms from infection or the underlying problem causing the neutropenia.

What are some treatments for neutropenia?

Neutrophils are cells in your immune system that attack bacteria and other organisms when they invade your body. This may be related to having an autoimmune condition, such as: Crohn's disease Rheumatoid arthritis Lupus In some people, neutropenia can be caused by certain medications, such as: Antibiotics Blood pressure drugs Psychiatric drugs Epilepsy drugs When deciding on treatment, health care providers consider the cause and severity of the neutropenia. Approaches for treating neutropenia include: Antibiotics for fever. A treatment called granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ( G- CSF). This stimulates the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. Changing medications, if possible, in cases of drug-induced neutropenia Granulocyte (white blood cell) transfusion (very uncommon) Stem cell transplants may be useful in treating some types of severe neutropenia, including those caused by bone marrow problems.

What causes a migraine with brainstem aura?

Triggers may include: Alcohol Stress Lack of sleep Some medications Hunger Female hormone changes Bright lights Caffeine Nitrites in some foods, like sandwich meat, bacon, and processed foods Overdoing physical activity Weather or altitude Symptoms differ for everyone, but some are typical: Nausea Vomiting Sensitivity to light and sound Cold hands or feet Dizziness Double vision or graying of vision Slurred speech or trouble speaking Temporary blindness Loss of balance Confusion Trouble hearing Body tingling Loss of consciousness Aura symptoms may last between 5 minutes and 1 hour.

How does diet affect migraine with brainstem aura?

Diet can also affect migraines. Do these things: Eat a balanced diet.

What are the symptoms of a migraine with brainstem aura?

Triggers may include: Alcohol Stress Lack of sleep Some medications Hunger Female hormone changes Bright lights Caffeine Nitrites in some foods, like sandwich meat, bacon, and processed foods Overdoing physical activity Weather or altitude Symptoms differ for everyone, but some are typical: Nausea Vomiting Sensitivity to light and sound Cold hands or feet Dizziness Double vision or graying of vision Slurred speech or trouble speaking Temporary blindness Loss of balance Confusion Trouble hearing Body tingling Loss of consciousness Aura symptoms may last between 5 minutes and 1 hour.

What foods commonly trigger migraine with brainstem aura?

Some common food triggers include: Dairy Wheat Chocolate Eggs Rye Tomatoes Oranges Along with these changes, If you don't respond to other treatments and you have 4 or more migraine days a month, your doctor may suggest preventive medicines.

What is Migraine with Brainstem Aura?

Migraine with brainstem aura or MBA (formerly known as basilar migraines) are headaches that start in the lower part of the brain, called the brainstem. They cause symptoms such as dizziness, double vision, and lack of coordination. These changes, called an aura, can happen about 10 minutes to 45 minutes before your head hurts. The headache pain of a basilar migraine often starts on one side of the head and then gradually spreads and gets stronger.

Can migraine with brainstem aura be prevented?

To keep from getting a MBA, it helps to avoid the things that usually cause one. Keep a journal of your attacks so you can figure out the things that trigger them. It also helps to live a healthy lifestyle. That means you need to: Get enough sleep.

How long do the aura symptoms of a migraine with brainstem aura last?

Triggers may include: Alcohol Stress Lack of sleep Some medications Hunger Female hormone changes Bright lights Caffeine Nitrites in some foods, like sandwich meat, bacon, and processed foods Overdoing physical activity Weather or altitude Symptoms differ for everyone, but some are typical: Nausea Vomiting Sensitivity to light and sound Cold hands or feet Dizziness Double vision or graying of vision Slurred speech or trouble speaking Temporary blindness Loss of balance Confusion Trouble hearing Body tingling Loss of consciousness Aura symptoms may last between 5 minutes and 1 hour. When the headache starts, you might feel an intense throbbing or pulsating pain on one or both sides of your head or sometimes at the back of your head.

How are migraines with brainstem aura diagnosed?

After you've had at least two attacks of at least two auras, your doctor often make the diagnosis of migraine with brainstem aura. The condition has many of the same symptoms as another type, called hemiplegic migraine. But the hemiplegic kind usually causes weakness of one side of the body or trouble speaking. Symptoms of MBA can also seem like the signs of other more serious conditions, like seizure disorders, stroke, meningitis, or brain tumors. To rule those out, you'll need to see a brain doctor, called a neurologist. He'll give you a thorough exam and ask you questions about your symptoms. He'll may also use tests like MRI, CT scans, and nerve tests to see what's causing your symptoms.

What are the symptoms of migraine with brainstem aura?

Triggers may include: Alcohol Stress Lack of sleep Some medications Hunger Female hormone changes Bright lights Caffeine Nitrites in some foods, like sandwich meat, bacon, and processed foods Overdoing physical activity Weather or altitude Symptoms differ for everyone, but some are typical: Nausea Vomiting Sensitivity to light and sound Cold hands or feet Dizziness Double vision or graying of vision Slurred speech or trouble speaking Temporary blindness Loss of balance Confusion Trouble hearing Body tingling Loss of consciousness Aura symptoms may last between 5 minutes and 1 hour.

What are different names for migraine with brainstem aura?

Migraines with brainstem aura are known by several different names: Basilar migraine Basilar artery migraine Basilar-type migraine Bickerstaff's syndrome Brainstem migraine Vertebrobasilar migraine MBA can affect people of all ages.

What medications can help to prevent migraine with brainstem aura?

Some common food triggers include: Dairy Wheat Chocolate Eggs Rye Tomatoes Oranges Along with these changes, If you don't respond to other treatments and you have 4 or more migraine days a month, your doctor may suggest preventive medicines. You can take these regularly to reduce the severity or frequency of the headaches. These include seizure medicines, blood pressure medicines (like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers), and some antidepressants. CGRP inhibitors are a new class of preventive medicine that your doctor may recommend if other medicines don't help.

What can you do to prevent migraine with brainstem aura?

That means you need to: Get enough sleep. Limit your stress. Exercise daily.

How long do basilar migraines last?

This type of migraine can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. And it takes time to recover from one. You may feel drained for up to 24 hours after it's over.

How is migraine with brainstem aura diagnosed?

After you've had at least two attacks of at least two auras, your doctor often make the diagnosis of migraine with brainstem aura. The condition has many of the same symptoms as another type, called hemiplegic migraine. But the hemiplegic kind usually causes weakness of one side of the body or trouble speaking. Symptoms of MBA can also seem like the signs of other more serious conditions, like seizure disorders, stroke, meningitis, or brain tumors. To rule those out, you'll need to see a brain doctor, called a neurologist. He'll give you a thorough exam and ask you questions about your symptoms.

What preventative medications are used for migraine with brainstem aura?

Some common food triggers include: Dairy Wheat Chocolate Eggs Rye Tomatoes Oranges Along with these changes, If you don't respond to other treatments and you have 4 or more migraine days a month, your doctor may suggest preventive medicines. You can take these regularly to reduce the severity or frequency of the headaches. These include seizure medicines, blood pressure medicines (like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers), and some antidepressants. CGRP inhibitors are a new class of preventive medicine that your doctor may recommend if other medicines don't help.

How can you change your diet to prevent migraine with brainstem aura?

Diet can also affect migraines. Do these things: Eat a balanced diet. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Don't skip meals. Limit caffeine. Avoid any foods that have been triggers.

What are basilar migraines?

Migraine with brainstem aura or MBA (formerly known as basilar migraines) are headaches that start in the lower part of the brain, called the brainstem. They cause symptoms such as dizziness, double vision, and lack of coordination. These changes, called an aura, can happen about 10 minutes to 45 minutes before your head hurts. The headache pain of a basilar migraine often starts on one side of the head and then gradually spreads and gets stronger.

How can I prevent liver cancer?

Here are ways to reduce your risk of getting liver cancer: If you risk exposure to hepatitis, ask your doctor about getting immunized. Practice safe sex and avoid IV drug use. Drink alcohol only in moderation. If you work around chemicals linked to liver cancer, follow safety guidelines to avoid unnecessary contact. Before taking iron supplements, check with a doctor to make sure you really need them. Do not use anabolic steroids unless medically necessary.

When should you call the doctor about gas pain in children?

Your child seems sick. Your child vomits blood or green or yellow liquid. Your child has blood in her stool. Your child cries for longer than two hours. Your child has pain in the lower right side. Your child's abdomen seems to be distended and causing pain. There's no evidence that a mom's diet has an effect on gas in babies.

How can you use retinoids for warts?

How to use: Follow your doctor's instructions for applying retinoids to warts. Creams may need to be used for a few months before warts disappear.

How are retinoids used for acne?

How to use: Smooth a pea-sized amount of retinoid cream over the skin once a day 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face.

How can you use retinoids for wrinkles?

How to use: Apply to your face, neck, chest, hands, and forearms at least twice a week.

What else do you need to know about using retinoids for warts?

What else you need to know: When you first use retinoids, you may notice redness, peeling of your skin, or worsening of your acne.

How can retinoids help with acne?

If you have moderate to severe acne that hasn't gotten better with other treatments, a retinoid may help. When spread on the skin, retinoids can unclog pores, allowing other medicated creams and gels to work better. They also reduce acne outbreaks by preventing dead cells from clogging pores. By clearing acne and reducing outbreaks, they may also reduce the formation of acne scars. Retinoid pills treat oil production, bacteria that cause acne, and inflammation.

How can retinoids help with warts?

Doctors may prescribe retinoids for warts, particularly when other treatments have failed. Retinoid cream works by disrupting the wart's cell growth.

What do you need to know about using retinoids for acne?

What else you need to know: When you first use retinoids, you may notice redness, peeling of your skin, or worsening of your acne. You can minimize this by using the product every other day until your body gets used to it, or mix it with moisturizer.

How can retinoids help with wrinkles?

Tretinoin was the first retinoid approved by the FDA to treat wrinkles. This prescription retinoid works by increasing the making of new collagen. It also stimulates new blood vessels in the skin, giving skin a rosy appearance, fading age spots, and reducing precancerous skin spots called actinic keratosis. Tretinoin also may help prevent more serious effects of ultraviolet radiation. Over-the-counter retinoids may not work as well as tretinoin in reducing wrinkles, but they can improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.

How can retinoids help with psoriasis?

How to use: Smooth a pea-sized amount of retinoid cream over the skin once a day 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face. Over-the-counter retinoids may not work as well as tretinoin in reducing wrinkles, but they can improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.

What are the side effects and precautions for using retinoids?

Although retinoids may not be the answer to every skin condition, there are several with proven results. Risks include: Dryness and irritation Skin color changes Sensitivity to sunlight Redness, swelling, crusting, or blistering How to Minimize Risks Stay out of the sun.

What should you know about retinoids?

Although retinoids may not be the answer to every skin condition, there are several with proven results. Tretinoin was the first retinoid approved by the FDA to treat wrinkles.

How can you minimize the risks of using retinoids?

Using them along with products that have alpha-hydroxy acids may provide even more skin-smoothing effects. Although retinoids are helpful for many common skin problems, they are not without risks. Risks include: Dryness and irritation Skin color changes Sensitivity to sunlight Redness, swelling, crusting, or blistering How to Minimize Risks Stay out of the sun. If you must be outdoors, limit your hours, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wear sunscreen, preferably with a sun protection factor ( SPF) of 30 or higher, and protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a large-brimmed hat. Never use more of the product or use it more frequently than your doctor prescribes or the package label says.

Can medication cause erectile dysfunction?

If you think your medicine may be causing your problem, don't just stop taking it. Talk to your doctor. You may need to switch to something different, or consider taking an ED medication, too.

Does aging cause erectile dysfunction?

Aging doesn't cause ED, but the problem is more common in older men. Counseling can help you work through any relationship or emotional troubles you may be facing.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

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How did researchers try to find the link between thimerosal and autism?

To see if thimerosal was linked to autism, researchers studied children who received vaccines that contained it. They compared them to kids who received vaccines that didn't. The CDC conducted or paid for nine different studies looking at thimerosal and autism. It found no link.

What is the controversy behind thimerosal and autism?

It was called thimerosal, and it contained mercury. That's a metal that's harmful to the brain and kidneys at high levels. Doctors used thimerosal to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in vaccines. There was no evidence that the small amount used in the medicines caused harm. Still, it was taken out of most children's vaccines by 2001 at the urging of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U. S. Public Health Service.

How are vaccines linked to autism?

More than a dozen studies have tried to find a link. The paper's findings led other doctors to do their own research into the link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

What should I do if my child has a biting injury?

If you bite your child, the child is going to get the impression that this behavior is acceptable and he or she will be more likely to do it again. Even little teeth can break the skin. If the bite is bleeding and the wound appears to be deep, call your child's doctor. The bite may need medical treatment, which could include antibiotics or a tetanus shot, or both.

Why do children bite?

Kids bite for a number of reasons -- and most of them aren't intentionally malicious. They're in pain. They're looking for a reaction. They're craving attention. They're frustrated.

What are the risks of taking biotin?

If you have any medical conditions -- or are pregnant or breastfeeding -- check with a doctor before using biotin supplements. Don't give biotin to a child unless a pediatrician recommends it.

What is biotin used for?

Other uses of biotin -- for conditions like cradle cap, hepatitis, hair loss, and depression -- are unsupported or untested.

Can you get biotin naturally from foods?

Biotin occurs naturally in many foods. Wheat germ, whole-grain cereals, whole wheat bread, eggs, dairy products, peanuts, soya nuts, Swiss chard, salmon, and chicken are all sources of biotin.

What does biotin do to the body?

Biotin plays a key role in the body. It supports the health of the skin, nerves, digestive tract, metabolism, and cells. One small study suggested that biotin and other micronutrients helped treat peripheral neuropathy, nerve pain in the extremities that can result from kidney failure or diabetes.

Who should take biotin supplements?

Biotin supplements have been studied as a treatment for a number of conditions. Risks.

What are the side effects of taking biotin?

Even at high levels, biotin appears to be fairly safe. The maximum safe dose of biotin is unknown.

What is biotin?

It is also known as vitamin H. Because biotin is present in so many different kinds of foods, deficiency is rare. Genuine biotin deficiency is quite rare.

How many people get Crohn's disease?

As many as 700,000 Americans have the disease. Although there's no cure, there are treatments to manage it.

What medical and insurance information should you gather before your knee replacement surgery?

Chances are, you'll be asked for the same medical and insurance information over and again in the coming weeks. Carry a handy list of: All your medication and supplements Any health conditions you have Your insurance policy and membership numbers Your doctors' names and phone numbers Persons to contact in an emergency Line up help.

What help might you need after your knee replacement surgery?

You're going to need it while you recover. If you live on your own, recruit a relative or close friend to stay with you for a while. Ask a neighbor to take out the garbage or bring in the mail. Freeze extra meals or stock up your pantry before you head to the hospital.

How can you prepare for knee replacement surgery?

Prepare now to make the surgery go smoothly and to speed up your recovery. How long will the surgery take? Could I have the surgery as an outpatient, without a hospital stay? What type of anesthesia will you need? What kind of rehab will you get? What type of assistive devices will I need at home after the procedure? How long will you likely be off work? Write down the answers. Better yet, have a trusted friend or family member come to your appointment to take notes.

What causes abnormal prolactin (PRL) levels?

Your doctor may order a prolactin test when you report having the following symptoms: For women Irregular or no periods Infertility Breast milk discharge when you're not pregnant or nursing Tenderness in your breast Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness For men Decreased sex drive Difficulty in getting an erection Breast tenderness or enlargement Breast milk production (very rare) For both Unexplained headaches Vision problems Normally, men and nonpregnant women have just small traces of prolactin in their blood. When you have high levels, this could be caused by: Prolactinoma (a benign tumor in your pituitary gland that produces too much prolactin) Hypothyroidism (your thyroid gland isn't producing enough hormones) Diseases affecting the hypothalamus(the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland) Anorexia (an eating disorder) Drugs that are used to treat depression, psychosis, and high blood pressure Chest injury or irritation (for example, scars, shingles, or even a bra that's too tight) Also, kidney disease, liver failure, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (a hormone imbalance that affects ovaries) all can affect the body's ability to remove prolactin.

When is a prolactin (PRL) test needed for men and women?

Your doctor may order a prolactin test when you report having the following symptoms: For women Irregular or no periods Infertility Breast milk discharge when you're not pregnant or nursing Tenderness in your breast Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness For men Decreased sex drive Difficulty in getting an erection Breast tenderness or enlargement Breast milk production (very rare) For both Unexplained headaches Vision problems Normally, men and nonpregnant women have just small traces of prolactin in their blood.

What happens if your prolactin (PRL) levels are low?

If your prolactin levels are below the normal range, this could mean your pituitary gland isn't working at full steam. That's known as hypopituitarism. Lower levels of prolactin usually do not need medical treatment.

When is a prolactin (PRL) test needed for women?

Your doctor may order a prolactin test when you report having the following symptoms: For women Irregular or no periods Infertility Breast milk discharge when you're not pregnant or nursing Tenderness in your breast Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness For men Decreased sex drive Difficulty in getting an erection Breast tenderness or enlargement Breast milk production (very rare) For both Unexplained headaches Vision problems Normally, men and nonpregnant women have just small traces of prolactin in their blood.

What is the normal range for prolactin (PRL)?

The normal range for prolactin in your blood are: Males: 2 to 18 nanograms per milliliter (ng/m L) Nonpregnant females: 2 to 29 ng/m L Pregnant females: 10 to 209 ng/m L If your value falls outside the normal range, this doesn't automatically mean you have a problem.

When is a prolactin (PRL) test needed for men?

Your doctor may order a prolactin test when you report having the following symptoms: For women Irregular or no periods Infertility Breast milk discharge when you're not pregnant or nursing Tenderness in your breast Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness For men Decreased sex drive Difficulty in getting an erection Breast tenderness or enlargement Breast milk production (very rare) For both Unexplained headaches Vision problems Normally, men and nonpregnant women have just small traces of prolactin in their blood.

What happens if your prolactin (PRL) levels are high?

The normal range for prolactin in your blood are: Males: 2 to 18 nanograms per milliliter (ng/m L) Nonpregnant females: 2 to 29 ng/m L Pregnant females: 10 to 209 ng/m L If your value falls outside the normal range, this doesn't automatically mean you have a problem. Sometimes the levels can be higher if you've eaten or were under a lot of stress when you got your blood test. Also, what's considered a normal range may be different depending on which lab your doctor uses. If your levels are very high -- up to 1,000 times the upper limit of what's considered normal -- this could be a sign that you have prolactinoma. This tumor is not cancer, and it can be treated with medicine. In this case, your doctor may want you to get an MRI. You'll lie inside a magnetic tube as the MRI device uses radio waves to put together a detailed image of your brain. It will show whether there's a mass near your pituitary gland and, if so, how big it is.

How many people who are HIV-positive get lipodystrophy?

While it used to be more common with older antiretroviral ( ART) treatments for HIV, better control of HIV and newer antiretroviral drugs make the development of lipodystrophy. There are two types of lipodystrophy: fat loss and fat buildup. Back of your neck and shoulders, sometimes called a "buffalo hump" You could also get fatty growths, called lipomas, in other parts of your body. But HIV itself may interfere with the way your body processes fat.

What is a normal cardiac output?

It's different for different people, depending on their size. Usually, an adult heart pumps about 3-4 liters of blood per minute at rest. But when you run or exercise, your heart may pump 3-4 times that much to make sure your body gets enough oxygen and fuel.

Who gets restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome affects about 10% of the U. S. population. It affects both men and women and may begin at any age, even in infants and young children. Most people who are affected severely -- 2% to 3% -- are middle-aged or older.

What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome affects about 10% of the U. S. population.

How severe is restless legs syndrome?

The severity of RLS symptoms ranges from mild to intolerable. The symptoms are generally worse in the evening and night and less severe in the morning. While the symptoms are usually quite mild in young adults, by age 50 the symptoms may cause severe nightly sleep disruption that can significantly impair a person's quality of life.

What are symptoms of restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome ( RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that affects movement of the legs. The sensations are usually worse at rest, especially when lying in bed, and can lead to sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression.

Where do rheumatoid nodules show up?

The most common locations for rheumatoid nodules are: Hands Fingers Knuckles Elbows As you live with RA for a while, you can be more likely to have nodules. You might get them in your: Vocal cords: If they form here, you might get hoarse. Lungs, heart, and other organs: When they show up in these parts of your body, nodules can affect how they work.

Can rheumatoid nodules form on the vocal cords?

Lungs, heart, and other organs: When they show up in these parts of your body, nodules can affect how they work. Methotrexate (a common treatment for RA) can lead to this condition, which causes small nodules to form quickly around your finger joints.

Are there treatments for rheumatoid nodules?

Doctors believe these things can make you more likely to get nodules: They usually show up in people with more severe RA. If that happens, your doctor will often switch you to another medicine. DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs): Sometimes these common RA medications can cut the size of rheumatoid nodules. Steroids: Some people get steroid shots directly into the nodules to shrink them. Surgery: If the lumps become infected or cause severe symptoms, like the inability to use the joint, you may need surgery to remove them.

What causes rheumatoid nodules?

The most common locations for rheumatoid nodules are: Hands Fingers Knuckles Elbows As you live with RA for a while, you can be more likely to have nodules. Doctors believe these things can make you more likely to get nodules: They usually show up in people with more severe RA. Nearly all cases are in people who have substances called rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in their blood. These are linked to inflammation. One study found that cigarette smoking increases nodules in people with RA.

Should you remove rheumatoid nodules?

How big are they? Rheumatoid nodules don't give most people with RA any problems. But if they hurt or make it harder to do daily activities because they put pressure on nerves, limit movement, or are in sensitive locations, talk to your doctor. If that happens, your doctor will often switch you to another medicine.

What are the causes of rheumatoid nodules?

The most common locations for rheumatoid nodules are: Hands Fingers Knuckles Elbows As you live with RA for a while, you can be more likely to have nodules. Doctors believe these things can make you more likely to get nodules: They usually show up in people with more severe RA. Nearly all cases are in people who have substances called rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in their blood. These are linked to inflammation. One study found that cigarette smoking increases nodules in people with RA.

How can you make deep belly breathing an abs exercise after you have a baby?

It helps relax muscles, and it starts the process of strengthening and toning your abs and belly. How It's Done: Sit upright and breathe deeply, drawing air from the diaphragm upward. Contract and hold your abs tight while inhaling and relax while exhaling. Gradually increase the amount of time you can contract and hold your abs.

is walking good exercise for new moms?

Why It's Good For You: It may not sound like much of a workout, but walking is one of the simplest ways to ease into a fitness routine after giving birth. How It's Done: Start with an easy stroll. Eventually you'll work your way up to a pumped-up power walk. But a gentle walk can still do wonders for you and your body, especially in the beginning. Bringing baby along in a front pack will add extra weight that can increase the benefits.

What are the benefits of Kegel exercises for new moms and how is it done?

Why They're Good for You: This classic exercise will help you tone bladder muscles and help reduce risks of incontinence associated with childbirth. The more kegels you do, and the longer you hold them, the better control you will have over those leaks caused by sneezing, laughing, or picking up your baby. How They're Done: Your goal is to contract and hold the muscles that control the flow of urine. Try to do this 10 times per session, three times a day.

What are other cancer drugs besides chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment, but today, doctors often prescribe other kinds of cancer medicines, such as targeted therapies, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. Unlike chemo, these types of medicine are better at attacking only cancer cells and leaving healthy cells alone. That means they cause milder side effects. Your doctor might recommend that you take them along with chemo drugs or on their own.

How can I get chemotherapy?

You can take chemo as pills or shots. You might go to a clinic or hospital so you can get the drugs through an IV, what doctors call an infusion.

Which type of chemotherapy is often used for breast and lung cancers?

Drugs called mitotic inhibitors stop cancer cells from making more copies of themselves. They can also stop your body from making the proteins that cancer cells need to grow. Doctors might prescribe them for breast and lung cancers and types of myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma. Mitotic inhibitors include docetaxel, estramustine, paclitaxel, and vinblastine.

What type of chemotherapy is most often used to treat leukemia, and cancer in breasts, ovaries, and intestines?

One type of chemo drug interferes with the normal metabolism of cells, which makes them stop growing. These drugs are called antimetabolites. Doctors often use them to treat leukemia and cancer in the breasts, ovaries, and intestines. Drugs in this group include 5-fluorouracil, 6-mercaptopurine, cytarabine, gemcitabine, and methotrexate, among many others.

How does chemotherapy work?

Chemotherapy drugs work in a few different ways. They can: Kill both cancerous and healthy cells Fight only cancer cells Keep tumors from growing blood vessels, which help them thrive Attack the cancer cells' genes so the cells die and can't grow into new tumors There are dozens of chemotherapy drugs that doctors can prescribe.

Can steroids be used to treat cancer?

Steroids are drugs that act like your body's own hormones. They are useful in treating many types of cancer, and they can keep you from having nausea and vomiting after a round of chemo. They can also prevent allergic reactions to some of the drugs. Some of the steroids your doctor might prescribe are prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone.

What type of chemotherapy works for many types of cancers?

Anthracycline chemotherapy attacks the enzymes inside cancer cells' DNA that help them divide and grow. They work for many types of cancer. Some of these drugs are actinomycin- D, bleomycin, daunorubicin, and doxorubicin, among others. High doses of anti-tumor antibiotics can damage your heart or lungs.

Will my doctor prescribe chemotherapy alone or with other treatments?

Your cancer doctor, called an oncologist, may prescribe one chemo drug or a mix of different ones, depending on: Your type of cancer Whether you've had cancer before If you have other health problems like diabetes or heart, kidney, or liver disease Even after surgery to remove a tumor, your body might still have cancer cells.

Why do I need chemotherapy?

Your cancer doctor, called an oncologist, may prescribe one chemo drug or a mix of different ones, depending on: Your type of cancer Whether you've had cancer before If you have other health problems like diabetes or heart, kidney, or liver disease Even after surgery to remove a tumor, your body might still have cancer cells. These cells can grow new tumors or spread the cancer to other parts of your body. Chemotherapy drugs help destroy, shrink, or control those cells. It might also treat symptoms the cancer causes, like pain. You might also get chemo to shrink a tumor before your doctor removes it in surgery.

How does anthracycline chemotherapy work?

Anthracycline chemotherapy attacks the enzymes inside cancer cells' DNA that help them divide and grow. They work for many types of cancer. Some of these drugs are actinomycin- D, bleomycin, daunorubicin, and doxorubicin, among others. High doses of anti-tumor antibiotics can damage your heart or lungs. So your doctor will have you take them for a short time.

How do chemotherapy drugs work?

Chemotherapy drugs work in a few different ways. They can: Kill both cancerous and healthy cells Fight only cancer cells Keep tumors from growing blood vessels, which help them thrive Attack the cancer cells' genes so the cells die and can't grow into new tumors There are dozens of chemotherapy drugs that doctors can prescribe.

Are there different type of chemotherapy drugs?

They can: Kill both cancerous and healthy cells Fight only cancer cells Keep tumors from growing blood vessels, which help them thrive Attack the cancer cells' genes so the cells die and can't grow into new tumors There are dozens of chemotherapy drugs that doctors can prescribe. They're often divided into groups based on how they work and what they're made of. Each group of drugs destroys or shrinks cancer cells in a different way.

How do you know if chemotherapy is working?

Your oncologist will watch your body's response during and after treatment. She'll look for signs that your tumor is shrinking or growing. She'll use tests like physical exams, blood tests, or imaging scans like X-rays. If your treatment doesn't seem to be working, she might give you a different dose or a mix of other treatments.

How can you receive chemotherapy?

You can take chemo as pills or shots. You might go to a clinic or hospital so you can get the drugs through an IV, what doctors call an infusion.

What drugs exist for cancer other than chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment, but today, doctors often prescribe other kinds of cancer medicines, such as targeted therapies, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. Unlike chemo, these types of medicine are better at attacking only cancer cells and leaving healthy cells alone. That means they cause milder side effects. Your doctor might recommend that you take them along with chemo drugs or on their own.