Chinyemba/medical-QA huggingface dataset:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Colorectal cancer

: Symptoms of colorectal cancer

Polyps and early colorectal cancer generally don't cause symptoms. As a result, they are usually caught during screening. More advanced cancer can cause:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Colorectal cancer

: Diagnosing colorectal cancer

If your doctor suspects colorectal cancer, he or she will perform a colonoscopy. This is done with an instrument called a scope. A scope is a flexible tube with a camera attached at one end. The doctor inserts the scope into your rectum and colon to look for polyps or cancer. During the procedure, one or more biopsies may be performed. The sample(s) are sent to the laboratory for examination under the microscope. Your doctor may also order additional tests, such as blood tests and computed tomography (CT) scans.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Colorectal cancer

: Expected duration of colorectal cancer

Without treatment, colon cancer will continue to grow.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Colorectal cancer

: Preventing colorectal cancer

The best defense against colorectal cancer is regular screening. Screening tests are designed to find polyps so they can be removed before they become cancerous. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society recommend that all adults at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45 because of a rising number of younger people diagnosed with the disease. People at higher risk should begin screening earlier. You are at high risk if you:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Colorectal cancer

: Treating colorectal cancer

Surgery is the main treatment for colorectal cancer. You may also have chemotherapy or radiation. The extent of surgery and whether you need treatment after surgery depends on:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Colorectal cancer

: When to call a doctor

Visit a doctor for regular colorectal cancer screening. Also, see your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Colorectal cancer

: Prognosis

The outlook for colorectal cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Nearly everyone with stage 0 cancer will survive 5 years or more. The outlook is less favorable for people with stage IV cancer.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Colorectal cancer

: Additional info

American Cancer Society (ACS)

https://www.cancer.org/
 
Cancer Research Institute

https://www.cancerresearch.org/
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

https://www.cdc.gov/
 
National Cancer Institute (NCI)

https://www.nci.nih.gov/
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Common cold (viral rhinitis)

: What is the common cold (viral rhinitis)?

The common cold, also called viral rhinitis, is one of the most common infectious diseases in humans. The infection is usually mild and improves without treatment. Because of the large number of people who get the common cold, this illness results in more than 22 million days of missed school and an even greater number of absent days from work every year in the United States. The average American has 1 to 3 colds per year. The common cold is an upper respiratory infection that is caused by several families of viruses. Within these virus families, more than 200 specific viruses that can cause the common cold have been identified. The virus family that causes the most colds is called rhinovirus. Rhinoviruses cause up to 40% of colds, and this virus family has at least 100 distinct virus types in its group. Other important upper respiratory virus families are named coronavirus, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. Since so many viruses can cause cold symptoms, development of a vaccine for the common cold has not been possible. Rhinoviruses cause most colds in the early fall and spring. Other viruses tend to cause winter colds and their symptoms can be more debilitating. There is no evidence that going out in cold or rainy weather makes you more likely to catch a cold.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Common cold (viral rhinitis)

: Symptoms of the common cold

The common cold causes a group of symptoms that are easily recognized by patients and doctors. About 50% of patients will develop a sore throat, which is often the first symptom to appear because it can occur as early as 10 hours after infection. This is followed by congestion in the nose and sinuses, a runny nose and sneezing. Hoarseness and cough can also occur and may last longer than other symptoms, sometimes for several weeks. High fevers are rare with the common cold.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Common cold (viral rhinitis)

: Diagnosing the common cold

Most people diagnose the common cold by the typical symptoms of runny nose, congestion and sneezing. Usually it isn't necessary for you to see a health care provider. You should see a doctor if you develop a high fever, severe sinus pain, ear pain, shortness of breath or new wheezing. These are symptoms that suggest you either have something other than a cold or a complication of the cold.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Common cold (viral rhinitis)

: Expected duration of the common cold

Symptoms typically peak on the second, third or fourth days of infection and last about 1 week. People are most infectious (likely to pass the cold onto others) during the first 24 hours of the illness, and they usually remain infectious for as long as the symptoms last. Up to 25% of people may have persistent symptoms, such as a nagging cough that can last for several weeks. For a small number of people, the congestion from a cold may allow another illness to take hold, such as a bacterial infection of the middle ear or the sinuses. Respiratory complications such as bronchitis or asthma can cause symptoms that last for a month or longer.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Common cold (viral rhinitis)

: Preventing the common cold

The common cold most often is transmitted by direct contact with germs from the nose, mouth, or coughed or sneezed droplets from someone who is infected, usually by hand-to-hand contact. Virus particles are passed from one person's hand to another person's hand. The second person then touches his or her eyes or rubs his or her nose, spreading the virus there, where the virus can start a new infection. It is possible to become infected by touching a surface, such as a tabletop or doorknob that was recently touched by an infected person, and then touching your eyes or nose. These viruses also can be spread by inhaling particles from the air after an infected person has coughed or sneezed. To avoid getting or spreading a cold, it helps to clean your hands often, carefully dispose of all used tissues, and avoid rubbing your eyes and nose. If possible, you should avoid close, prolonged exposure to people who have colds. Usually about half of the family members of an infected person will become ill. Colds also are transmitted frequently in schools and day care facilities. People who get less than 7 hours of sleep per night are more likely to get colds compared to those averaging at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Also people who exercise regularly, especially those who exercise daily, have fewer colds per year than those who are less active.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Common cold (viral rhinitis)

: Treating the common cold

Although medical therapies can improve the symptoms of the common cold, they do not prevent, cure or shorten the illness. Drink enough fluids, get plenty of rest and treat your symptoms to keep yourself as comfortable as possible. Gargling warm salt water can soothe a sore throat. Inhaling steam may improve nasal congestion temporarily. Over-the-counter cold remedies that contain a decongestant will help to dry secretions and relieve congestion. These remedies may also relieve cough, if the cough is triggered by mucus in the throat. It is important to keep in mind that antibiotics do not cure the common cold or shorten the length of time that symptoms last. Vitamin C and echinacea (a frequently used herbal therapy) have been widely rumored to decrease the likelihood of developing the common cold and to shorten symptoms, but no conclusive research has shown that this is true. Zinc-containing products advertised to treat the common cold remain popular. Some studies suggest that zinc lozenges may shorten the duration of symptoms, but questions remain regarding the best and safest dose.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Common cold (viral rhinitis)

: When to call a professional

A small percentage of people who have a common cold develop bacterial infections of the middle ear, sinuses or lungs. If you develop high fevers, ear pain, severe pain over your sinuses, wheezing or shortness of breath, you should see your physician to be sure that you don't have a more serious illness.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Common cold (viral rhinitis)

: Prognosis

The common cold is a mild infection that improves on its own within a week. However, some people may have symptoms that last for several weeks, and a small number of people may develop bacterial infections of the ear, sinuses or lungs following the common cold.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Common cold (viral rhinitis)

: Additional info

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

https://www.cdc.gov/
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

: What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful and long-lasting condition. CRPS usually causes severe, constant, burning pain in the affected arm or leg. The cause of CRPS remains unknown. However, this condition can be triggered by damage to nerve fibers in tissue that has been injured. Smoking is a risk factor for the condition. The cause may be autoimmune, as autoantibodies (antibodies directed against normal tissue) targeting nerve cells have been identified in people with CRPS. Experts believe that in CRPS, nerves become overly sensitive. Painful signals become more painful. And common stimuli, such as light touch and temperature changes, also are experienced as pain. This condition usually starts after an injury or other event. Examples include trauma, fracture, infection, surgery, stroke or wearing a plaster cast. Often, the injury that triggers CRPS is mild compared with the pain that follows it. However, the condition also can follow more severe injury or paralysis. The pain often is not limited to the area that was injured. This condition can occur at any age. It is relatively rare. CRPS has been called by many other names. These include reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), algodystrophy, causalgia, shoulder-hand syndrome, Sudeck's atrophy and transient osteoporosis. Although the name was officially changed from RSDS to CRPS, the name change has not been universally accepted. There are two types of CRPS:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

: Symptoms of CRPS

Symptoms of CRPS can include:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

: Diagnosing CRPS

Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history. He or she will examine you. CRPS is diagnosed when the following symptoms are present:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

: Expected duration of CRPS

Some people with CRPS improve without treatment. But getting early treatment improves your chances of pain relief. About half of people with CRPS continue to experience pain six months after treatment was started.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

: Preventing CRPS

There is no way to prevent CRPS because the cause is not clear. However, physical activity or physical therapy after stroke may prevent CRPS following stroke. And there is limited evidence that vitamin C (500 milligrams daily) may prevent CRPS following wrist fracture. As smoking is a risk factor for CRPS, smoking cessation may play a role in preventing the condition from developing.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

: Treating CRPS

It is important to get care from health care professionals who have expertise in the treatment of CRPS. These professionals include an anesthesiologist, pain specialist, vascular surgeon, physical therapist and/or occupational therapist. Maintaining movement is an important goal of treatment. Your doctor will likely recommend physical or occupational therapy, together with supervised exercises. Once a reasonable degree of movement is restored, an exercise routine should be started. This will help to strengthen muscles and joints, and maintain functioning. In many cases, psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful. Medications can help to manage pain. Corticosteroids and physical therapy can help to ease pain during an acute episode, but long-term results are mixed. Medications that may help include:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

: When to call a professional

Contact your physician if you experience the symptoms of CRPS.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

: Prognosis

The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. If treatment is started early, symptoms can disappear after as few as three months. Delayed treatment can lead to permanent bone and muscle changes. The overall response to treatment is poor. In at least half of cases, people with CRPS are still in pain months and even years later.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

: Additional info

American Chronic Pain Association

http://www.theacpa.org/
 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Healthhttp://www.ninds.nih.gov/
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Concussion

: What is it?

A concussion is a short-term disturbance in brain function caused by a head injury. A concussion often causes
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Concussion

: Symptoms

A concussion can cause any or all of the following symptoms:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Concussion

: Diagnosis

A doctor should check anyone who has a head injury, especially if the person lost consciousness or showed a change in thinking, such as confusion or memory loss. A doctor usually will want to know
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Concussion

: Expected duration  

Young people and athletes may recover from a head injury in minutes or hours. Some people experience lingering symptoms such as headache, dizziness, disrupted sleep, irritability, and poor concentration for weeks or even months. In general, the more severe the concussion, the longer the recovery period. Doctors often use the term post-concussion syndrome for these lingering symptoms. The duration of a post-concussion syndrome varies. Most people recover completely within three months. Repeated minor injuries over a short period greatly increase the risk of serious or permanent brain damage. Young people who play contact sports are at particular risk of these injuries. If you have had a head injury, talk to your doctor about when it is safe to return to your usual activities, including contact sports.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Concussion

: Prevention

Accidents, including head injuries, are the leading cause of death in young people. Many of these accidents are related to drug and alcohol use. Many accidents can be prevented by avoiding dangerous activities or wearing safety equipment. To help prevent head injuries:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Concussion

: Treatment

A person that has a concussion while playing sports must immediately stop. Return to play should not happen until the person has been evaluated by a health professional. Most minor head injuries improve with rest and observation. Your doctor may choose to observe you in the hospital or may send you home under the care of a responsible adult. The doctor will give this person specific instructions about watching for danger signs. There are no definitive guidelines regarding how long a person should rest. A reasonable approach is to avoid activities that are physically and mentally taxing for one to two days following the head injury. If symptoms recur when becoming more active again, slow down and notify your doctor. No medication has been shown to speed recovery from a concussion. Headache and neck pains can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brand names). If you have more severe pain, your doctor may give you a prescription pain reliever.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Concussion

: When to call a professional

Call for emergency help if you find someone unconscious at an accident scene. Seek immediate medical attention if someone with a head injury experiences any of the following symptoms:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Concussion

: Prognosis

Most people with minor head injuries recover without any problems. Keep in mind, however, that some symptoms (headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating) may improve slowly over six to 12 weeks. Recovery will probably be slower in people whose injuries resulted in long periods of unconsciousness or amnesia. Recovery is also slower in the elderly, in those with previous head trauma, and in people with psychiatric or substance abuse problems. A small percentage of people who suffer minor head injury may develop permanent disabilities or a condition called persistent post-concussive syndrome. This may include headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Consult your doctor if you are still experiencing any symptoms three months after your head injury. Although there is no known cure for this condition, treatment is available for many of the symptoms.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Concussion

: Additional info

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
 
American Academy of Neurology (AAN)

http://www.thebrainmatters.org/
 
Brain Injury Association of America

http://www.biausa.org/
 
Brain Trauma Foundation

http://www.braintrauma.org/
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Constipation and impaction

: What is constipation and impaction?

Normally, people have bowel movements at fairly regular intervals, and stool passes out of the body easily without much straining or discomfort. Although the normal frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person, about 95% of healthy adults have a pattern that ranges from three times a day to three times a week. In constipation, bowel movements either occur less often than expected or the stool is hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Most of the time, constipation is not related to an illness or digestive disorder. Instead, the problem is caused by diet, lifestyle, medications, or some other factor that hardens the stool or interferes with the stool's ability to pass comfortably. Some common triggers of constipation in adults include:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Constipation and impaction

: Symptoms of constipation and impaction

Symptoms of constipation include
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Constipation and impaction

: Diagnosing constipation and impaction

Most people with simple constipation can diagnose and treat themselves. If you have constipation, begin by examining your lifestyle. Review your current diet, your level of daily exercise, and your bowel habits. In particular, do you often ignore the urge to have a bowel movement because it is inconvenient? Then take preventive measures, such as adding fiber to your diet, drinking plenty of fluid, and getting regular exercise. If this does not relieve your problem, contact your doctor. If you have constipation together with rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or abdominal distention (bloating), contact your doctor immediately. It is best in this case for your doctor to evaluate you, including a physical exam and digital rectal examination. If your symptoms indicate you might have fecal impaction, your doctor can confirm the diagnosis by examining your abdomen and by checking for a mass of impacted feces during the digital rectal exam. You may need other tests, including blood tests, an abdominal CT scan, or sigmoidoscopy (in which a special instrument is used to view the lower colon). Constipation can be a symptom of colon cancer. The risk of colon polyps and colon cancer increases with age. People age 45 and older should be sure that they are up to date with screening for polyps and cancer.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Constipation and impaction

: Expected duration of constipation and impaction

How long constipation lasts depends on its cause. In most otherwise healthy adults, constipation improves gradually within a few weeks after they increase their intake of dietary fiber and fluid and begin exercising regularly. However, constipation in bedridden people with neurological problems can be persistent and is a risk factor for fecal impaction.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Constipation and impaction

: Preventing constipation and impaction

In many cases, you can prevent constipation by taking the following steps:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Constipation and impaction

: Treating constipation and impaction

If you have uncomfortable symptoms of constipation, the first step is to make sure you are drinking enough fluids, and to increase the fiber content of your diet by adding cereal grains, fruits, and vegetables, or daily doses of a fiber supplement (for example, Metamucil or Citrucel). If constipation persists, it is reasonable to use a laxative treatment to help your bowel expel the stool. There are many laxatives available without a prescription, and they are safe for occasional use. Salt-based or carbohydrate-based ("osmotic") laxatives use natural salts, magnesium salts, or undigested sugars to help loosen stool by drawing water through the bowel wall into the bowel. Examples are milk of magnesia and polyethylene glycol (MiraLax). Stimulant laxatives, such as laxatives that contain senna, cascara, or bisacodyl, are less gentle. Stimulant laxatives cause the colon muscles to contract more frequently or more aggressively. Laxatives are available in forms that can be swallowed or inserted into the rectum as a suppository. Enemas also can relieve constipation and are available at pharmacies without a prescription. A traditional enema is done with a bag of liquid (usually a mixture of salt and water) attached to a plastic tube with a tapered tip. The enema fluid can be emptied into the rectum after the tip is inserted into the anus. The fluid is emptied when you lift the bag several inches and allow the fluid to move with gravity. An enema loosens stool in the rectum and triggers the rectal muscles to squeeze as a reaction to their being stretched. If you have fecal impaction, your doctor may remove part of the fecal mass by hand, by using a lubricated, gloved finger inserted in the rectum. The rest of the mass usually can be removed with an enema. Once the impacted stool is removed, your doctor will have you follow a high-fiber diet and may recommend a stool-softening medication or laxative to promote regular bowel movements.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Constipation and impaction

: When to call a professional

Call your doctor immediately if your bowel movements stop and you develop abdominal pain or distention. Also contact your doctor immediately if you have any bleeding from your rectum. Call your doctor for milder symptoms if you want advice, or if constipation continues for longer than a couple of weeks, or if you need laxatives more than two or three times per week to help you move your bowels.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Constipation and impaction

: Prognosis

Most people with constipation can achieve normal bowel function through diet and lifestyle changes. The outlook for most people with fecal impaction is good. However, it is common for fecal impaction to return if constipation is not improved with additional treatment. A long-term program of mild laxatives, periodic enemas, or both may be necessary.