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

    Alopecia areata

: Symptoms of alopecia areata

In its most common form, alopecia areata causes small round or oval patches of baldness on the scalp. The area of bald skin looks smooth and normal. In most cases, there are no other scalp symptoms. Occasionally, there is mild itching, tingling, tenderness or a burning sensation in the affected area. Some people with alopecia areata also have abnormalities in the surface of their fingernails, such as tiny pits or dents, grooves, superficial splitting, or an abnormal area of redness.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alopecia areata

: Diagnosing alopecia areata

Your doctor will usually be able to diagnose alopecia areata based on examination of the areas of your hair loss and your symptoms. To look for further evidence, your doctor may pull gently on the hairs near the edge of the bald area to determine whether these hairs come out very easily and to inspect them for any structural abnormalities of the root or shaft. If there is still doubt as to diagnosis, a small skin biopsy of your scalp may confirm the diagnosis. In a biopsy, a small piece of skin is removed and examined in a laboratory.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alopecia areata

: Expected duration of alopecia areata

In most small patches of alopecia areata, the hair regrows within 6 to 12 months. However, it's common for the problem to happen again.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alopecia areata

: Preventing alopecia areata

Alopecia areata cannot be prevented.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alopecia areata

: Treating alopecia areata

Although there is no permanent cure for alopecia areata, there are ways that may short-circuit the body's autoimmune reaction in the scalp and encourage hair regrowth. For limited areas of alopecia, the most effective initial therapy is a series of corticosteroid injections into the bald patches to suppress the immune reaction. Some people with the condition will respond to topical preparations applied to the affected areas, including minoxidil (Rogaine) which may increase hair growth by accelerating the speed of the natural hair cycle and increasing the diameter of hairs that begin to grow. Many other therapies can be tried if corticosteroids or topical treatments have not provided the desired improvements. Examples include a short course of oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone) and immunotherapy (such as baricitinib or ritlecitinib). Your treatment depends on several factors, including your age (some treatments are only for adults), the amount of your hair loss, and your willingness accept the risk of treatment-related discomfort or side effects. If you have mild hair loss, you may choose to simply modify your hairstyle or wear a hairpiece until the bald area fills in. If you lost a large amount of hair on your scalp, you may choose to wear a wig or hairpiece until your treatment starts to work. If you have an obvious loss of eyebrow hair, you may choose to have injections of tiny dots of colored pigments into the eyebrow area (a procedure called dermatography). If you find it hard to cope with the change in your appearance, mention this to your doctor or seek advice from a mental health professional.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alopecia areata

: When to call a professional

Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alopecia areata

: Prognosis

In more than 90% of cases, hair grows back and fills the bald spot within one year, even without treatment. However, recurrences are common, and most people have several episodes of the disorder during a lifetime. Despite treatment, about 7% of people experience prolonged large areas of hair loss with little hair regrowth.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alopecia areata

: Additional info

American Academy of Dermatology

https://www.aad.org/
 
National Alopecia Areata Foundation

https://www.naaf.org/
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alzheimer's disease

: What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a loss of brain functions that worsens over time. It is a form of dementia. Alzheimer's disease damages the brain's intellectual functions. Short term memory often is affected early. Gradually other intellectual functions deteriorate. Judgment becomes impaired. Most people with advanced AD lose their ability to do normal daily activities. Alzheimer's usually begins after age 60. Occasionally, it affects younger people. Scientists are uncertain about what causes the symptoms of AD. Alzheimer's patients develop excessive deposits of two proteins in their brains. Researchers believe that these proteins distort communication between brain cells. A chemical called acetylcholine may also be involved. It helps transmit messages between brain cells. Levels of acetylcholine begin to drop in patients with AD. This may add to the communication problems between brain cells. Eventually, brain cells themselves are affected. They begin to shrivel and die. The following factors may increase your risk of Alzheimer's disease:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alzheimer's disease

: Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease. In the earliest stages of AD:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alzheimer's disease

: Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease

A person with Alzheimer's often doesn't recognize that there is a problem. Usually family members and close friends notice the forgetfulness and changes in behavior. Rather than trying to convince a person that he or she has a problem, arrange for a doctor's appointment. At least one family member or close friend should accompany the patient. There is no definitive test for Alzheimer's disease. The doctor will diagnose AD by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. This will include a neurological examination and a mental status exam. The doctor will want to know about:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alzheimer's disease

: Expected duration of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is irreversible. Once the diagnosis is made, mental function usually declines until death.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alzheimer's disease

: Preventing Alzheimer's disease

Staying physically and mentally active may help lower your risk of developing the disease. In addition, regular physical exercise and a diet that includes fish, olive oil, and plenty of vegetables may delay the onset of symptoms and slow disease progression.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alzheimer's disease

: Treating Alzheimer's disease

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. A class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors helps to restore communication between brain cells. These drugs may slow intellectual decline in some people with mild to moderate AD. They work by increasing the brain's levels of acetylcholine. Memantine works differently. It has been shown to stabilize memory in some people with moderate to severe AD. Two new treatments using monoclonal antibodies directed against brain amyloid beta have been granted accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are aducanumab (Aduhelm) and lecanemab-irmb (Leqembi), which may slow and even potentially halt progression of the disease. Scientists continue to investigate the best candidates for one of these therapies. However, there are concerns about potential significant side effects. Several specialists may be involved in care of the person with Alzheimer's disease, such as neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists or geriatric doctors. Nurses and social workers play a very important role in care. Medications may be given to relieve depression and calm agitated behavior. Here are some easy to implement aspects of care that help ease symptoms:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alzheimer's disease

: When to call a professional

Call your doctor whenever you or a family member has any of the following problems:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alzheimer's disease

: Prognosis

No medication can definitively cure Alzheimer's disease. But family support and medications may help the person maintain the ability to perform daily activities and relieve behavior problems. These measures may help allow the affected person to remain in his or her home.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Alzheimer's disease

: Additional info

Alzheimer's Association

www.alz.org
 
Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias

www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
 
The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation

www.alzinfo.org
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amenorrhea

: What is amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea is when a woman of childbearing age fails to menstruate. A woman normally menstruates every 23 to 35 days. The part of the brain called the hypothalamus regulates the menstrual cycle. The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland lies just below the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland releases two hormones that regulate the female reproductive cycle. They are luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH and FSH influence the production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones control cyclic changes in the lining of the uterus. This includes menstruation. In order for a woman to have regular menstrual cycles, her hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries and uterus must be functioning properly. Her cervix and vagina must also have a normal anatomy. There are two types of amenorrhea: Primary amenorrhea occurs when a woman has not had her first menstrual period (menarche) by age 15 or 16. This condition is also called delayed menarche. It is most often due to late puberty. This is fairly common in teenage girls who are very thin or very athletic. These young women are typically underweight. Their bodies have not experienced the normal puberty-related rise in body fat. This rise in body fat triggers the beginning of menstruation. In other girls, the delay of menstruation may be caused by a genetic disorder. Or it may result from abnormal female reproductive organs. Secondary amenorrhea occurs when a woman has experienced menstrual periods, but stops menstruating for three or more consecutive months. Secondary amenorrhea can be caused by:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amenorrhea

: Symptoms of amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is a symptom in itself. Any associated symptoms depend on the problem that is causing the amenorrhea. For example, hormone imbalances may cause amenorrhea together with:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amenorrhea

: Diagnosing amenorrhea

Your doctor will ask you about:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amenorrhea

: Expected duration of amenorrhea

In many teenagers with primary amenorrhea, puberty is late. But there is no permanent problem. How long secondary amenorrhea lasts depends on the cause. For example:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amenorrhea

: Preventing amenorrhea

In many teenagers with primary amenorrhea, puberty is late. But there is no permanent problem. How long secondary amenorrhea lasts depends on the cause. For example:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amenorrhea

: Treating amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea caused by late puberty usually does not need to be treated. The condition will go away on its own. For primary amenorrhea caused by genetic abnormalities, treatment depends on the problem. For example, if the ovaries are not functioning properly, you may be given supplemental ovarian hormones. These will allow development of normal secondary sex characteristics such as breasts and pubic hair. If amenorrhea is caused by a structural problem, surgery is usually necessary. For example, a vagina that doesn't have an opening may be surgically corrected. Secondary amenorrhea may be due to menopause or a hysterectomy. In this case, your doctor will prescribe medications. They will help prevent complications of low estrogen levels. For other forms of secondary amenorrhea, the treatment depends on the cause.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amenorrhea

: When To Call a Professional

You should contact your doctor if:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amenorrhea

: Prognosis

In most instances, symptoms and conditions related to amenorrhea are reversible and treatable.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amyloidosis

: What is amyloidosis?

Amyloidosis is a disease in which an abnormal protein called amyloid accumulates in body tissues and organs. The protein deposits can be in a single organ or dispersed throughout the body. The disease causes serious problems in the affected areas. As a result, people with amyloidosis in different body parts may experience different physical problems:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

: What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) causes a slow degeneration of nerve cells (called motor neurons) that control muscle movements. As a result, people with ALS gradually lose the ability to control their muscles. Fortunately, their capacity to think and remember things usually is not affected. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, after the famous U.S. baseball player who developed the disease. There are several diseases besides ALS that gradually destroy motor neurons (called motor neuron diseases), although ALS is the most common motor neuron disease. The different diseases have different prognoses. The cause of ALS remains unknown. ALS generally strikes patients between the ages of 50 and 70. It affects men slightly more often than women. Some cases appear to be inherited. Certain genes may increase the risk of developing the illness.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

: Symptoms of ALS

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

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

: Diagnosing ALS

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, and do a physical exam to look for the following signs:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

: Expected duration of ALS

People with ALS live an average of three to five years after the symptoms begin. Most die from an inability to breathe or from lung infections. Lung infections tend to occur when breathing is impaired for long periods of time. People with other motor neuron diseases that are sometimes confused with ALS can live longer than three to five years after symptoms begin.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

: Preventing ALS

There is no known way to prevent ALS.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

: Treating ALS

There is no known cure for ALS. A number of drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ALS, including:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

: When to call a professional

See your doctor as soon as possible if you develop unexplained muscle weakness or difficulty controlling your movements. This is especially important if speaking, breathing or swallowing is affected.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

: Prognosis

ALS eventually affects muscles governing breathing, swallowing, and other crucial body functions. As a result, ALS ultimately leads to death. Active research continues into the causes and treatment of ALS.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

: Additional info

The ALS Association

www.alsa.org
 
ALS Society of Canada

www.als.ca
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal Cancer

: What Is It?

Anal cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the anus. The anus is the end of the large intestine, through which solid waste leaves the body. The treatments for anal cancer and rectal cancer can differ. Doctors need to know the exact location and the specific type of cell that has become cancerous in order to choose the right treatment. The body stores digestive waste (feces) in the rectum, the lower part of the large intestine. The feces travel through the anal canal, a short tube that connects the rectum to the anal opening where they are passed as a bowel movement.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal disorders

: What are anal disorders?

The anus is that part of the intestinal tract that passes through the muscular canal of the pelvis and anal sphincters. It is the final orifice through which stool passes out of the body. In adults, the anus is 4 to 5 centimeters long. The lower half of the anal canal has sensitive nerve endings. There are blood vessels under the lining, and in its mid portion there are numerous tiny, anal glands.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal disorders

: Symptoms of anal disorders

Although all four anal disorders cause some type of anal discomfort or pain, other symptoms vary, depending on the specific anal problem. For anal fissure, symptoms may include:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal disorders

: Diagnosing anal disorders

Once you have described your symptoms, your doctor will ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle that will help in evaluating your anal problem. Depending on your symptoms, the doctor may ask about:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal disorders

: Expected duration of anal disorders

How long anal disorders last varies:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal disorders

: Preventing anal disorders

You may be able to prevent anal fissures by preventing constipation. To do this, soften your stool by gradually adding more fiber to your diet, and by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Commercially available fiber supplement powders work well. Although it is not always possible to prevent other types of anal disorders, you may be able to decrease your risk for these illnesses by:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal disorders

: Treating anal disorders

A doctor must diagnose the four anal disorders described here. Once the diagnosis is made, your treatment may or may not involve surgery, depending on the specific disorder. If surgery is necessary, your doctor will use whatever type of anesthesia is appropriate to help prevent you from feeling pain in this very sensitive area.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal disorders

: When to call a professional

Call your doctor promptly whenever you have rectal bleeding or any bloody discharge from the anus. Even if you have been treated for a bleeding fissure in the past, it is always safer for your doctor to determine the best course of action. This is especially true if you are over age 40, when there is an increase in the risk of rectal bleeding from colorectal cancer and other serious digestive diseases. Also, call your doctor if you have:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal disorders

: Prognosis

In most cases, the prognosis is excellent. Almost all acute fissures heal quickly with conservative treatment, and almost all fistulas and chronic fissures can be corrected with surgery. Appropriate treatment of anal strictures will allow stool to pass easily and comfortably. Most anal abscesses heal after being drained by a doctor. Some develop into anal fistulas. If a fistula does complicate the healing of an abscess, a fistulotomy will totally eliminate both the fistula and any remaining abscess in most patients.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal disorders

: Additional info

National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Disorders
Office of Communications and Public Liaisonhttps://www.niddk.nih.gov/ 
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)

https://gi.org/
 
American Gastroenterological Association

https://www.gastro.org/
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal itch (pruritus ani)

: What is it?

Anal itch, also known as pruritus ani, is an irritating, itchy sensation around the anus (the opening through which stool passes out of the body). Anal itch is a symptom, not an illness, and it can have many different causes. In most cases, a person with anal itch does not have a disease of the anus or rectum. Instead, the itchy sensation is a sign that one or more of the following has irritated the skin in the area:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal itch (pruritus ani)

: Symptoms

Anal itch is an irritating sensation around the anus that is relieved temporarily by scratching or rubbing. The problem is often worse at night and may interfere with sleep. In most cases, the skin in the area is red. If anal itch becomes a chronic (long-term) problem, the skin around the anus may become raw and tender from repeated scratching, or it may thicken and become leathery. Repeated scratching also can cause breaks in the anal skin that can lead to painful local infections.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal itch (pruritus ani)

: Diagnosis

To help identify the cause of your anal itch, the doctor may ask you to describe your current diet and medications, your bowel habits, and the way you routinely clean your anal area after a bowel movement. The doctor will review your medical history, including any history of rectal problems (hemorrhoids, fissures, or fistulas) or skin problems (psoriasis, eczema, or seborrhea). Your doctor's questions will be followed by a physical examination of your anal area and, sometimes, by a digital rectal examination. If you have a history of skin symptoms involving other parts of your body, your doctor will want to examine these skin areas as well. If your anal itch is due to a local irritation in the anal area, the doctor usually can diagnose the problem based on your history, diet, and personal hygiene routine, and the results of your physical examination. Sometimes, the doctor will request a stool sample if he or she suspects a worm or parasite infection. Rarely, your doctor may need to examine the area by inserting a special viewing instrument called an anoscope into your anus. This can help your doctor determine whether the itch is being caused by a problem inside your rectum.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal itch (pruritus ani)

: Expected duration

How long an anal itch lasts depends on its cause. If the itch is due to a simple skin irritation, the problem usually goes away quickly once you identify the source of irritation and avoid it. In most cases, simple treatment measures provide some relief within one week and cure the problem totally within one month.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal itch (pruritus ani)

: Prevention

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

    Anal itch (pruritus ani)

: Treatment

In most cases, anal itch can be treated by:
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal itch (pruritus ani)

: When to call a professional

If treating anal itch yourself doesn't relieve the itch after three to four weeks, call your doctor.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal itch (pruritus ani)

: Prognosis

The outlook is excellent, since most people who have itching in the anal area don't have an illness involving the anus or rectum. Overall, about 90% of patients find relief by avoiding scratching and other simple therapies.
### Instruction:  Disease name:

    Anal itch (pruritus ani)

: Additional info

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/
 
American Gastroenterological Association

https://www.gastro.org/