VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: We all have stomachaches and trouble going to the bathroom once in a while, but for people with IBS, the chronic pain and discomfort can be disabling. Along with abdominal cramping and discomfort, IBS symptoms may include: Bloating Gas Constipation -- the stool comes out either lumpy or hard Diarrhea -- the stool comes out loose or watery Alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea Bowel movements that feel uncontrollably urgent, difficult to pass, or incomplete Clear or white mucus with the stool To determine whether your digestive problems are truly IBS, doctors need to see two out of the following three features: A bowel movement relieves the ache and suffering There's a change in how often the stool comes out The stool looks different The standard diagnostic guideline for IBS, called the Rome IV criteria, requires that you have these symptoms for at least 1 day a week in the last 3 months and that symptoms started at least six months prior. But most doctors don't follow that requirement closely, says Philip Schoenfeld, MD, MSEd, MSc. He is co-author of the American College of Gastroenterology's IBS treatment guidelines. Schoenfeld says it's tough for patients to remember the exact number of weeks they had symptoms in the preceding year. He suggests that people not wait. Instead, see a doctor whenever you have recurrent symptoms. Doctors can determine whether your symptoms are IBS or signs of another problem. IBS is often confused with other illnesses, so doctors will need to ask questions and perform tests to confirm a diagnosis. Blood in the stool, fever, weight loss, and continuing pain are NOT symptoms of IBS. If you have these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
context: Deep vein thrombosis can have the same symptoms as many other health problems. But about half the time, this blood clot in a deep vein, often in your leg, causes no symptoms. If you're over 60, you smoke, you're overweight, or you sit for long periods of time, your risk for the condition is higher, so stay alert for signs of a problem. Talk to your doctor right away if you think you might have DVT. Call your doctor right away if you have these DVT symptoms, especially if they appear suddenly: Swelling in one or both legs Pain or tenderness in your leg, ankle, foot, or arm. It might feel like a cramp or charley horse that you can't get rid of. Leg and foot pain might only happen when you stand or walk. Warm skin on your leg Red or discolored skin on your leg Veins that are swollen, red, hard, or tender to the touch that you can see Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away if you notice leg pain or swelling and: Sudden coughing, which may bring up blood Sharp chest pain or chest tightness Pain in your shoulder, arm, back, or jaw Rapid breathing or shortness of breath Pain when you breathe Severe lightheadedness Fast heartbeat If you have a blood clot and it breaks free, it could travel to your lungs. That's called a pulmonary embolism, and it can be deadly. Like DVT, it may not cause symptoms. The doctor will ask about your health, medical history, and symptoms, and they'll do a physical exam. They'll decide if you have a low or high risk of DVT. This will help them decide which tests to do. You may also need to have tests to rule out other problems or to confirm the diagnosis. D-dimer test. It looks for D-dimer, a protein that shows up in your blood when a clot starts to break down. If you have a clot, levels will be high. Duplex ultrasound. This test doesn't hurt, it doesn't put anything inside your body, and there's no radiation like with an X-ray. A technician spreads warm gel on your skin and then rubs a wand over the area where they think the clot could be. The wand sends sound waves into your body and relays the echoes to a computer, which makes pictures of your blood vessels and sometimes the blood clots. This test isn't so good for finding blood clots very deep inside the body, like your pelvis. Venography. This is a special X-ray. The doctor injects a radioactive dye into a vein on the top of your foot to help them see your veins and maybe a clot. It's more accurate than an ultrasound, but there's a slight chance it will cause more blood clots. Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI). You lie still on a table while radio waves and a strong magnetic field make detailed pictures of the inside of your body on a computer. ( You'll hear loud tapping or knocking sounds during the test.) You might need to get a shot to make your blood vessels show up better. This can find DVT in your pelvis and thigh. And your doctor can look at both legs at once. MRI is much more expensive than other tests, though.
context: When you and your doctor are thinking about the best way to control your blood sugar, you've got a lot of options to choose from. Insulin and other medicines, including shots and pills, can help keep your levels in a healthy range. So which ones are right for you? Here are some of the things you and your doctor will consider when you're deciding on a treatment. Your blood sugar levels. If they stay too high for too long, you're at risk for complications of diabetes, like eye problems or kidney disease. If your blood sugar is above where it should be, your doctor may add another drug to your treatment plan or increase your dose to get you to a healthy range. How long you've had diabetes. If you've had the condition for more than 10 years, some diabetes pills may not help you. But if you've just been diagnosed, your doctor might not make insulin the first treatment you try. Also, your treatment plan may change over time, because some medications get less effective the longer you take them. Other health problems. Some conditions you might have along with diabetes can affect how well your drugs control your blood sugar, including: Obesity High blood pressure High cholesterol Heart disease Kidney disease Sleep apnea or other sleep problems Depression Some medications that treat diabetes also may help you treat other health problems or lower your odds of having them. For example, GLP-1 agonist drugs help you feel fuller longer after you eat. This may help you lose extra pounds if you're overweight. How active you are. Exercise can lower your blood sugar levels. That's a good thing, but you need to factor it into your treatment plan. Talk to your doctor about how much you move each day. You may need to change the dosage of some diabetes drugs if you're more active in your daily life or at work. Do you drink? Alcohol can lower your blood sugar levels for hours, so it affects how well insulin or diabetes pills work. Tell your doctor how much you drink and if you want to be able to sip a beer or cocktail from time to time. You may need to take extra steps to be sure that it doesn't interfere with your meds. Fear of needles. If you can't stand shots, you may be less likely to give yourself shots when you need them, which is key for blood sugar control. So talk to your doctor if you're afraid of needles or don't feel confident about injecting yourself. Some diabetes drugs come in devices that are like pens and are easier to use than syringes and vials of medicine. Your doctor or nurse can show you how to use them. You might also be able to take a type of insulin that you inhale through your nose.
context: Lung cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages. When signs of the disease start to appear, they can include: Chronic, hacking, raspy coughing, sometimes with mucus that has blood in it Changes in a cough that you've had for a long time Respiratory infections that keep coming back, including bronchitis or pneumonia Shortness of breath that gets worse Wheezing Lasting chest pain Hoarseness Swelling of the neck and face Pain and weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand Fatigue, weakness, loss of weight and appetite, fever that comes and goes, severe headaches, and body pain Trouble swallowing These problems usually happen because of blocked breathing passages or because the cancer has spread farther into the lung, nearby areas, or other parts of the body. You get any symptoms listed that suggest lung disease, like those listed above, especially an ongoing cough, blood-streaked mucus, wheezing, hoarseness, or a lung infection that keeps coming back. You'll get a thorough checkup, and you may also get X-rays or other tests.
context: You can still make healthy meals a habit even with the busy pace of parenting. It boils down to three tips: Serve more whole foods and fewer processed ones. Eat fruits and vegetables with every meal. Serve your children healthy, lean protein at most meals. One of the best ways to check all those boxes? Cook meals at home more often. Reach for the foods that don't come with a long nutrition label, such as broccoli, spinach, apples, brown rice, whole grains, fresh fish, nuts, or beans. It all starts with what goes into your shopping cart. Fiber fills you up and is good for digestion, blood sugar levels, heart health, and to keep weight in check. You'll find it in plant-based foods such as: Vegetables (fresh, frozen, and canned) Fruits (fresh, frozen, and canned) Beans (dried, canned) Edamame (soybeans, fresh or frozen) Nuts and seeds Whole-grain cereal (hot and cold) 100% whole wheat or whole-grain bread products Whole-grain blend pastas Whole-grain crackers Whole wheat tortillas Many kids don't get enough of this nutrient, which they need for healthy nerves, muscles, and water balance. Good sources of potassium include: Artichokes Avocados Bananas Cantaloupes Leafy green vegetables (such as beet greens, Swiss chard, and broccoli) Orange juice Prunes and prune juice Papayas Potatoes with skin Tomatoes Beans and peas, including lima beans Fish, shellfish, and clams Low-fat and fat-free dairy Nuts (including almonds, Brazil nuts, peanuts, soy nuts, and pistachios) Include lean protein in almost every meal your kids eat. Good sources include: Eggs Low-fat cheese Fish Lean meat Skinless poultry Low-fat milk Soybeans and soybean products Yogurt Beans Nuts and seeds Your kids need some fat in their diet, just not too much. And some types are better choices than others. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, help brain development in babies and young children. Compared to saturated fats, omega-3s and monounsaturated fats may help your body stay more sensitive to insulin, which lowers the risk of diabetes. These foods are excellent sources of omega-3s or monounsaturated fat: Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, and anchovies Eggs Nuts Seeds Olive oil Canola oil Ground flaxseed Cooking is great. But for most families, it's not realistic to cook everything, at every meal, from scratch. When you buy processed foods, check the Nutrition Facts label and choose those that are lower in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, meaning a single serving makes up 5% or less of the daily limit for these ingredients. Foods are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat if a serving has 20% or more of each one.
context: Hay fever is an allergic disorder characterized by an exaggerated immune response to environmental triggers. Common examples include pollen, ragweed, and cats. Also known as allergic rhinitis, there are two types: seasonal, which occurs only during the time of year in which certain plants pollinate, and perennial, which occurs year-round. Typically, if you suffer from hay fever in the spring, you're probably allergic to tree pollens. Grass and weed pollens may be causing your allergic reaction during the summer. In autumn, weeds may plague you, and fungus spores cause problems primarily from late March through November but can be present year round. People with year-round (perennial) hay fever are usually allergic to one or more allergens found indoors. These include house dust mites, feathers, and animal dander (the tiny skin flakes animals such as cats and dogs shed along with fur), all of which may be found in pillows, and bedding, heavy draperies, upholstery, and carpeting. Another common allergen, mold, is usually found in damp areas such as bathrooms and basements. If you suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis), it's because your immune system views harmless inhaled pollen or other allergens as dangerous substances invading the body. Your system overreacts, flooding your bloodstream with chemicals like histamine and leukotrienes, which inflame the lining of your nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids and also set in motion other symptoms associated with hay fever, such as sneezing. All of these symptoms are meant to protect your body either by trapping and expelling the allergen or by swelling body areas, such as the nasal passages, so the allergen can't enter. As a result of congestion in the veins in the lining of your sinuses, dark circles, commonly known as allergic shiners, may appear under your eyes. If you have perennial allergic rhinitis, they may be present all year round. The swelling of your nasal membranes may also close the sinus drainage openings, causing sinusitis. Rhinitis may also be associated with nasal polyps -- small, non-cancerous growths; nosebleeds can also occur during hay fever attacks. Hay fever is often an inherited trait (genetically determined). The majority of patients with hay fever have a parent or sibling who also has allergies. People with asthma or eczema (allergic dermatitis) are more likely than others to develop hay fever; and about one-third of those with allergic rhinitis also have at least mild, intermittent, allergic asthma.
context: Doctors don't know what causes autism, but they believe genes play the biggest part in whether a child is born with it. In rare cases, doctors also say, a baby can be born with birth defects if the mother was exposed to certain chemicals while she was pregnant. But doctors can't find out, during your pregnancy, if your baby will have autism. While you can't prevent having a child with an autistic disorder, you can increase your odds of having a healthy baby by doing these lifestyle changes: Live healthy. Have regular check-ups, eat well-balanced meals, and exercise. Make sure you have good prenatal care, and take all recommended vitamins and supplements. Don't take drugs during pregnancy. Ask your doctor before you take any medication. This is especially true for some anti-seizure drugs. Avoid alcohol. Say ânoâ to that glass of wine -- and any kind of alcoholic beverage -- while you're pregnant. Seek treatment for existing health conditions. If you've been diagnosed with celiac disease or PKU, follow your doctor's advice for keeping them under control. Get vaccinated. Make sure you get the German measles (rubella) vaccine before you get pregnant. It can prevent rubella-associated autism.
context: At the very first sign of cold symptoms, many people reach for Vitamin C, whether in supplements, juices, cough drops, tea, or other forms. Vitamin C was first touted for the common cold in the 1970s. But despite its widespread use, experts say there's very little proof that vitamin C actually has any effect on the common cold. Vitamin C is an important vitamin and antioxidant that the body uses to keep you strong and healthy. Vitamin C is used in the maintenance of bones, muscle, and blood vessels. Vitamin C also assists in the formation of collagen and helps the body absorb iron. Vitamin C is found naturally in vegetables and fruits, especially oranges and other citrus fruits. This key vitamin is also available as a natural dietary supplement in the form of vitamin C pills and vitamin C chewable tablets. Vitamin C has been studied for many years as a possible treatment for colds, or as a way to help prevent colds. But findings have been inconsistent. Overall, experts have found little to no benefit from vitamin C for preventing or treating the common cold. In a July 2007 study, researchers wanted to discover whether taking 200 milligrams or more of vitamin C daily could reduce the frequency, duration, or severity of a cold. After reviewing 60 years of clinical research, they found that when taken after a cold starts, vitamin C supplements do not make a cold shorter or less severe. When taken daily, vitamin C very slightly shortened cold duration -- by 8% in adults and by 14% in children. So what does all this mean? According to this research, the average adult who suffers with a cold for 12 days a year would still suffer for about 11 days a year if that person took a high dose of vitamin C every day during that year. For the average child who suffers about 28 days of cold illness a year, taking daily high-dose vitamin C would still likely mean about 24 days of cold illness. When vitamin C was tested for treatment of colds in 7 separate studies, it was found to be no more effective than placebo at shortening the duration of cold symptoms. In general, vitamin C is safe to take when ingested through food sources such as fruits and vegetables. For most people, taking vitamin C supplements in the recommended amounts is also safe. The RDA or recommended daily allowance is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women. High doses of vitamin C (greater than 2000 milligrams per day for adults) may cause kidney stones, nausea, and diarrhea. If you're unsure about taking vitamin C for colds, talk to your health care provider.
context: Bleeding is severe or there are clots. Your child seems weak, faint, or very sick. Your child is in pain. Blood in the stool is usually not a serious problem in young children, but you should always call a pediatrician to make sure. Your baby has blood in the stool. Is the blood bright red or dark? Has your baby eaten anything unusual or started any new medications? Foods such as tomatoes, beets, and artificial flavorings can cause reddish stools. Some antibiotics may also discolor stool. Is the blood associated with diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or pain? If there was very little blood and your baby seems otherwise healthy, call the pediatrician during normal office hours. If your baby is under 12 weeks old; has black or tarry stools, bloody diarrhea, or blood mixed with mucus that looks like jelly; or if your baby seems sick, upset, or lethargic, call a pediatrician right away or go to the nearest emergency room.
context: Smoke from cigars, cigarettes, and pipes harms your body in many ways, but it is especially harmful to the lungs of a person with asthma. Tobacco smoke is a powerful trigger of asthma symptoms. When a person inhales tobacco smoke, irritating substances settle in the moist lining of the airways. These substances can cause an attack in a person who has asthma. In addition, tobacco smoke damages tiny hair-like structures in the airways called cilia. Normally, cilia sweep dust and mucus out of the airways. Tobacco smoke damages cilia so they are unable to work, allowing dust and mucus to accumulate in the airways. Smoke also causes the lungs to make more mucus than normal. As a result, even more mucus can build up in the airways, triggering an attack. Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from a burning cigar or cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker. Inhaling secondhand smoke, also called "passive smoke" or "environmental tobacco smoke," may be even more harmful than actually smoking. That's because the smoke that burns off the end of a cigar or cigarette contains more harmful substances (tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine, and others) than the smoke inhaled by the smoker. Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to people who already have asthma. When a person with asthma is exposed to secondhand smoke, he or she is more likely to experience the wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath associated with asthma. Secondhand smoke harms children with asthma even more than adults. When a child is exposed to tobacco smoke, his lungs become irritated and produce more mucus than normal. Since children's airways are smaller, the side effects of secondhand smoke affect them faster and can also affect lung function in later life. Children of parents who smoke are also more likely to develop lung and sinus infections. These infections can make asthma symptoms worse and more difficult to control. Smoking harms an unborn child in many ways. Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco products, is carried through the mother's bloodstream directly into the baby. Children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to have lung problems and are 10 times more likely to develop asthma. Smoking during pregnancy has also been linked with low-birth weight newborns, premature births, and sudden infant death syndrome ( SIDS). Ways to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke include: If you smoke, quit. Quitting isn't always easy, but there are many programs and methods to help. Ask your health care provider to help you find the one that is best for you. If your spouse or other family members smoke, help them understand the dangers of smoking and encourage them to quit. Do not allow smoking in your home or your car. Do not let anyone smoke around you or your child. Avoid restaurants and public places that permit smoking.
context: You may have heard of rosacea, a skin disease that causes redness and acne-like bumps on your face. It can affect your eyes, too. When it does, it's called ocular rosacea. About 13 million Americans have rosacea, mostly adults ages 30 to 60. More than half of them have ocular rosacea -- in fact, it can show up in the eyes first. And some people only have ocular rosacea. Ocular rosacea can cause red, itchy eyes and swollen eyelids. Your eyes also might look bloodshot and burn or sting. You might feel like you have a bit of sand in them all the time. A blast of cold air can make them water. And you might see little pimples in the rim of your eye or eyelid called styes. Ocular rosacea can make you easily bothered by light or make your vision blurry. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a dermatologist or ophthalmologist right away. Scientists don't know exactly why it happens, but researchers have found that 85% of people with ocular rosacea have blocked oil glands around the edges of their eyelids. These glands prevent dryness. If they are blocked, the area around them can swell and get irritated. This can lead to redness and itching in your eyes and crust in your eyelashes. Some scientists believe mites -- tiny spider-like creatures that live in hair follicles on your face and lashes -- can block the glands. Others think there may be a link between rosacea and the bacteria that cause digestive infections. Another idea is that rosacea is caused by a problem with your blood vessels. Genes and your environment may play a part, too. Fair-skinned people are more likely to have rosacea, and some women get it during menopause. It can't be spread from person to person. Your doctor will take a close look at your face and eyes. Ophthalmologists often use a kind of microscope that shows the tiny blood vessels along the eyelid and any glands that might be plugged. Treatment may include applying warm moist compresses to your eyelids. " Probing" is a newer treatment during which a doctor puts thin rods into the plugged glands to open them up. Your doctor also might recommend antibiotics to help with your symptoms or prescribe eye drops or ointments with steroids for the irritation and redness. Artificial tears can help keep your eyes moist. If it's not treated, in rare circumstances, severeocular rosacea can cause serious problems. There can be scarring in your eyelid or damage to your cornea -- the clear covering over your eye. Both of these can affect your vision. A number of things can make the condition worse, and avoiding them can help. These include: Extreme heat, cold, sunlight, or wind Intense activity Alcoholic or hot drinks Spicy food Stress It can also help if you: Wear glasses or sunglasses to shield your eyes from sun and wind when you go outside. Keep the area around your eyes clean. Your doctor might tell you to put warm compresses on your eyelids several times a day or to gently wash your lashes and lids with a Q-tip and baby shampoo. Stay on top of your meds. Make sure you follow your doctor's orders exactly to keep your symptoms from getting worse. If they do get worse, tell your doctor right away.
context: Heartburn is a burning feeling in the center of your chest. It can happen after you eat, after you bend over, or when you lie down. Simple daily changes might be all you need, such as: Stop smoking. Lose weight, if needed. Eat small meals, more often. Avoid tight clothing. Don't lie down for 3 hours after eating. Raise the head of your bed by 6-8 inches. Avoid food or beverages that might make symptoms worse. If you're thinking of trying medicine, talk it over with your doctor, even if you can buy it âover the counter,â which means you don't need a prescription. There are different types of medications that tame heartburn by turning down how much acid is in your stomach. Antacids: Many of these products combine aluminum, magnesium, or calcium with hydroxide or bicarbonate ions to stop stomach acid. Histamine 2 blockers (also called H2 blockers) target a substance called histamine. The result is that your stomach makes less acid, which cuts down on heartburn. You can get these products in a lower strength as OTC medications, and at a higher strength as prescription drugs. Commonly used H2 blockers are: Famotidine ( Pepcid as a prescription, Pepcid- AC as an OTC medication) Cimetidine ( Tagamet and Tagamet- HB) Nizatidine ( Axid and Axid AR) Ranitidine ( Zantac and Zantac 75) Proton pump inhibitors ( PPIs) block the enzyme in the stomach wall that makes acid. Commonly used PPIs are: Dexlansoprazole ( Dexilant) Esomeprazole ( Nexium and Nexium 24 HR) Lansoprazole ( Prevacid) Pantoprazole ( Protonix) Rabeprazole ( Acip Hex) Omeprazole (several names, including Zegerid and Prilosec, which is available in both prescription and nonprescription strengths)
context: If you have a clot in a deep vein, you're at risk for damage to your veins and organs as well as other life-threatening problems. Not everyone who gets DVT will have trouble, but there's a good chance you could be affected. Stick to your DVT treatment plan to help your body break down your clot and keep your blood moving. Ask your doctor what else you can do to help avoid these complications. DVT in the leg is the most common cause. If your blood clot comes loose from the vein and moves through your bloodstream so it ends up partly or completely blocking an artery in the lungs, it's called a pulmonary embolism ( PE). This can happen right after the clot forms, or it may happen later. About 1 in 10 people with deep vein thrombosis will have a PE. That number may actually be much higher, though, because some people have no symptoms and go undiagnosed. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away: Sudden cough, which may be bloody Rapid breathing or sudden shortness of breath, even while resting Chest pain: sharp or stabbing, burning, aching, or dull (might get worse with deep breaths, coughing, eating, or bending) Sudden rapid heart rate PE can lead to serious problems, including: Irregular heartbeat (heart palpitations) Heart failure, when your heart can't keep up with the body's demands Trouble breathing High blood pressure in the lungs, called pulmonary hypertension Sudden death in up to 1 in 4 people with a PE You may need emergency care in the hospital. Doctors may give you medications that dissolve the clot (called thrombolytics) and prevent new clots (called anticoagulants or blood thinners). Depending on your symptoms and what your tests show, you may need other treatment, too. When a clot stays in your leg or arm for too long, it can damage the vein or its valves. Valves that don't work right let blood flow backwards and pool, instead of pushing it toward your heart. Post-thrombotic syndrome is usually mild, but some symptoms can be severe. They may not show up until years later. Up to half of people with DVT end up with long-term effects where the clot was: Pain Swelling Darkened skin color Skin sores Varicose veins -- swollen, sometimes twisted or blue veins you can see under the skin Because blood that isn't flowing well is more likely to clot, you could also get another DVT or a pulmonary embolism. Prevention is key. In addition to giving you medicine to prevent further clots, your doctor may recommend that you: Wear compression stockings. Keep your leg or arm raised while at rest. Have a procedure that opens a narrow vein, such as a balloon angioplasty or stenting. Get the clot removed with surgery.
context: Medical treatment for sleepwalking is not usually necessary. For children and adults, sleepwalking is usually a sign of lack of sleep, intense emotional problems, stress, or fever. As these conditions resolve, sleepwalking stops. In most cases, no treatment is necessary, because sleepwalking rarely indicates any serious underlying medical or psychiatric problem. In most children, sleepwalking disappears at puberty. However, it can occasionally persist into adulthood or may even begin in adulthood. Consult a sleep specialist if you or a loved one is having frequent episodes of sleepwalking, injuring him or herself, or showing violent behavior.
context: Doctors don't know for sure what causes irritable bowel syndrome, but some things seem to make people more likely to have it than others. These risk factors for IBS include: Being a woman. About twice as many women as men have the condition. It's not clear why, but some researchers think the changing hormones in the menstrual cycle may have something to do with it. Age. IBS can affect people of all ages, but it's more likely for people in their teens through their 40s. Family history. The condition seems to run in families. Some studies have shown that your genes may play a role. Emotional trouble. Some people with IBS seem to have trouble with stress, have a mental disorder, or have been through a traumatic event in their lives, such as sexual abuse or domestic violence. It's not clear what comes first -- the stress or the IBS. But there's evidence that stress management and behavioral therapy can help relieve symptoms in some people with the condition. Food sensitivities. Some people may have digestive systems that rumble angrily when they eat dairy, wheat, a sugar in fruits called fructose, or the sugar substitute sorbitol. Fatty foods, carbonated drinks, and alcohol can also upset digestion. There's no proof any of these foods cause IBS, but they may trigger symptoms. Large meals, or eating while you do something stressful, like driving or working. Again, these activities don't cause irritable bowel syndrome, but for those with a very sensitive colon, they can spell trouble. Medications. Studies have shown a link between IBS symptoms and antibiotics, antidepressants, and drugs made with sorbitol. Other digestive problems, like traveler's diarrhea or food poisoning. Some scientists think these illnesses may trigger a person's first IBS symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you think you might have irritable bowel syndrome. She can discuss your symptoms with you and do some tests to find out what's going on.
context: If you have low back pain, pain doesn't stop when you go to bed at night. There's a vicious cycle of back pain and sleep problems that contribute to each other. It can be difficult to sleep well if your back hurts. And sometimes your back hurts more because you're not sleeping well. Here are some simple steps you can take to get a better night's rest, even when you have low back pain symptoms. Do you often wake up with low back pain? Do you sleep better on a hotel mattress? Does your mattress show signs of wear? The Better Sleep Council recommends that you evaluate your mattress about every 5 to 7 years. You may need a change for optimal comfort and support. In a Journal of Applied Ergonomics study, nearly 63% reported significant improvements in low back pain after switching to a new sleep system. If your budget allows for buying a new mattress, don't be afraid to "test drive" a few options. When in the store, take off your shoes, lie down in your favorite sleeping position, and spend a few minutes resting. Make sure the mattress supports you well enough to maintain your spine in the position you have with good standing posture. A firm or medium-firm mattress is usually best. Here are some other things to try for better sleep: If buying a new bed is not an option right now, try adding plywood supports between the mattress and its base. Or as a temporary solution, have someone move your mattress onto the floor. Put a pillow under your knees when lying on your back and between your knees when lying on your side. To help maintain the curve in your back while sleeping, try a rolled-up towel, wrapped around your waist and tied in front. When getting in and out of bed, never jerk yourself up from a lying position. To get into bed, sit on the side of the bed. Supporting yourself with your hands, bend your knees, and lie down onto your side. To get out of bed, roll onto your side, bend both knees, and push yourself up with your hands, while swinging your legs over the side of the bed. Avoid bending forward at the waist, which can put strain on your back. If needed, medication can help relieve pain allowing you to sleep better. These may include pain killers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and topical treatments. Short-term use of sleep medications may also help some people with sleep problems. Here are a few more tips for a restful night's sleep: Rest may help, but don't stay in bed more than a day or two after an injury. This may make matters worse. If your pain is bad and you need to lie down to get comfortable, be sure to get up every so often and move. This can relieve stiffness and pain, which will help you sleep better at night. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening to help with sleep quality. Don't overeat before bed. Make sure you don't eat a large meal before going to sleep, which can interfere with sleep and cause digestive problems. Try relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or deep breathing. If your back hurts worse at night -- no matter how many positions you try -- tell your doctor. It could be a sign of a more serious problem.
context: Muehrcke's lines appear as double white lines that run across the fingernails horizontally. The condition is named after Robert Muehrcke, MD. He first described the condition in the British Medical Journal in 1956. Muehrcke's lines usually affect several nails at a time. There are usually no lines on the thumbnails. Some characteristics of Muehrcke's lines are: White bands go across the entire nail from side to side. Lines are usually most clearly seen on the second, third, and fourth fingers. The nail bed looks healthy in between the lines. The lines do not move as the nail grows. The lines do not cause dents in the nail. When you press down on the fingernail, the lines temporarily disappear. The exact cause of Muehrcke's lines is not clearly understood. The lines are not caused by injury to the cuticle or nail area. The lines have been linked to low levels of a protein called albumin. Albumin is found in the blood. It is made in the liver. Albumin plays an important role in many body functions. It keeps fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels. It also helps move hormones, vitamins, and medicines through your body. Although low albumin level is most commonly linked to liver disease, many different systemic (body-wide) diseases can cause low albumin levels. Muehrcke's lines have been seen in people with: Cancer after chemotherapy Kidney disease, including nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis Liver disease, including cirrhosis An unbalanced diet that leads to an extreme lack of nutrients in the body (severe malnutrition) One possible theory for the appearance of Muehrcke's lines is that these diseases lead to swelling in the nail bed. The swelling puts pressure on the blood vessels that run underneath the nail, causing color changes. The lines have also been seen in older people receiving chemotherapy who have normal albumin levels. However, Muehrcke's lines most often occur in those with too little albumin. If your albumin level is too low, you may be given albumin through a vein (by IV, or intravenously). The lines tend to go away when your albumin level returns to normal, or near normal. However, a normal range may vary, depending on the lab that tested your blood. Always talk to your doctor about your test results. Other treatment depends on the disease or disorder that caused the fingernail changes.
context: The C-peptide test is a tool your doctor uses to test whether you have type 1 diabetes, when the immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas, or type 2, when your body doesn't use insulin as well it should. It shows how well your body makes insulin, which moves sugar (or âglucoseâ) from your blood into your cells. The test can help your doctor decide whether you need to take insulin to control your condition. Beta cells in your pancreas make insulin. During that process, these cells also release C-peptide. This substance doesn't actually affect your blood sugar. But your doctor can measure the level of it to help her figure out how much insulin you're making. Doctors don't use it to actually diagnose diabetes, but it can give them a reading to help treat it. It can tell the difference between insulin your body has made and insulin that you took. You might get the C-peptide test: To find out whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes When you have type 1 and your doctor needs to know how much insulin your pancreas still makes To find out if it time to start insulin in a patient with type 2 diabetes. To find out why you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) To diagnose a tumor of the pancreas that releases insulin, called an insulinoma If you've had your pancreas removed You might need to stop eating 8 to 10 hours before the test. Sometimes, it's done after you eat. Let your doctor know about any medicines you are on. Include medicine you take by prescription and those you buy over the counter, such as herbal supplements or vitamins. The C-peptide test typically uses a sample of your blood. To take a blood test, someone in your doctor's office or a lab places a needle into a vein, usually in your forearm. You may feel a slight prick. The blood will collect into a vial or syringe. For a urine test, you will pee into a cup as instructed. For a 24-hour sample, you'll need to collect all that you produce in a day. You should have your results in a few days. A normal C-peptide range is 0.5 to 2.0 nanograms per milliliter. These levels can be high when your body makes more insulin than usual. Levels are low when your body makes less than it normally should. A high level can mean that you: Have insulin resistance -- meaning your body doesn't use it as well as it should; if you have type 2 diabetes, your insulin levels may be high. Have a tumor, called an insulinoma Have kidney disease A high level may also show you take too much of a certain class of medicine to treat type 2 diabetes. They're called sulfonylureas, and they include: Chlorpropamide ( Diabinese) Glimepiride ( Amaryl) Glipizide ( Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL) Glyburide ( Dia Beta, Glynase Pres Tab, Micronase) Tolazamide or tolbutamide A low C-peptide level may mean that: You have type 1 or type 2 diabetes You are on insulin shots and it is suppressing the release of insulin from your pancreas You have low blood sugar so your pancreas stops releasing insulin Treatment has shrunk your insulinoma Ask your doctor for more details about what your test results mean. And, find out what treatment steps you'll need to take.
context: Several anticonvulsant medications are recognized as mood stabilizers to treat or prevent mood episodes in bipolar disorder. At first, anticonvulsants were prescribed only for people who did not respond to lithium. Today, they are often prescribed alone, with lithium, or with an antipsychotic drug to control mania. Anticonvulsants work by calming hyperactivity in the brain in various ways. For this reason, some of these drugs are used to treat epilepsy, prevent migraines, and treat other brain disorders. They are often prescribed for people who have rapid cycling -- four or more episodes of mania and depression in a year. Anticonvulsants used to treat bipolar disorder include: Depakote, Depakene (divalproex sodium, valproic acid, or valproate sodium) Lamictal (lamotrigine) Tegretol (carbamazepine) These medicines differ in the types of bipolar symptoms they treat. Depakote and Tegretol, for example, tend to be more effective in treating mania than depressive symptoms while Lamictal appears to have stronger antidepressant than antimanic effects. Lamictal also is used more often to prevent future episodes (rather than treat current episodes). Depakote and Tegretol are used to treat acute episodes more than as preventative treatments. Other anticonvulsants are less well-established for treating mood symptoms in bipolar disorder, and some -- such as Neurontin, Lyrica, or Topamax -- are also used "off label" for other types of problems such as sleep, pain management, anxiety or weight loss. Each anticonvulsant acts on the brain in slightly different ways, so your experience may differ depending on the drug you take. In general, however, these drugs are at maximal effectiveness after taking them for several weeks. Your doctor may want to take occasional blood tests to monitor your health while taking an anticonvulsant. Some anticonvulsants can cause liver or kidney damage or decrease the amount of platelets in your blood. Your blood needs platelets to clot. Each anticonvulsant may have slightly different side effects. Common side effects generally include: Dizziness Drowsiness Fatigue Nausea Tremor Rash Weight gain Most of these side effects lessen with time. Long-term effects vary from drug to drug. In general: Pregnant women should not take anticonvulsants without consulting with their doctor, because some of these drugs may increase the risk of birth defects. Some anticonvulsants can cause problems with the liver over the long term, so your doctor may monitor your liver periodically. Anticonvulsants can interact with other drugs -- even aspirin -- to cause serious problems. Be sure to tell your doctor about any drugs, herbs, or supplements you take. Don't take any other substance during treatment without talking with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before stopping an anticonvulsant. Sometimes, stopping one too quickly can raise the risk of having a seizure.
context: Often, physiologic jaundice -- the type seen in most newborns -- does not require aggressive treatment. It will typically disappear in a few days with frequent feedings and exposure to indirect sunlight at home. Doctors may test the baby's bilirubin levels during that time to make sure it has not gotten worse. In rare cases, bilirubin levels become too high very quickly. Special blood tests will help determine the cause -- possibly an infection, a liver problem at birth, a blood problem, or a problem related to breastfeeding. At the beginning of breastfeeding, less milk is produced by the mother and this may contribute to early jaundice. New mothers are advised to increase the frequency of feeding so more milk will be produced. It is sometimes necessary to give jaundiced babies a formula supplement to breastfeeding to keep them hydrated and help excrete bilirubin from the body. Sometimes phototherapy -- special light treatment -- is used to help the body get rid of the excess bilirubin. Phototherapy is conducted with a lamp called a bili-light or with a bili-blanket. Your baby is naked during the treatment so that as much skin as possible is exposed to light. Eyes are covered to protect them during treatment. Supplemental feedings may be necessary because of the excess water loss that can occur through the skin. In severe cases of jaundice, babies may need an exchange blood transfusion.
context: The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It makes most of the semen that carries sperm. The walnut-sized gland is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. Prostate cancer is a major health concern for American men. The disease is less common before age 50, and experts believe that most elderly men have traces of it. The American Cancer Society predicts that 161,360 new cases of prostate cancer would be diagnosed in 2017. An estimated 27,630 men will die of it. African- American men are more likely to get prostate cancer and have the highest death rate. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. In other parts of the world -- notably Asia, Africa, and Latin America -- prostate cancer is rare. Prostate cancer is usually a very slow growing cancer, often causing no symptoms until it is in an advanced stage. Most men with prostate cancer die of other causes, and many never know that they have the disease. But once prostate cancer begins to grow quickly or spreads outside the prostate, it is dangerous. Prostate cancer in its early stages (when it's only found in the prostate gland) can be treated with very good chances for survival. Fortunately, about 85% of American men with prostate cancer are diagnosed in an early stage of the disease. Cancer that has spread beyond the prostate (such as to the bones, lymph nodes, and lungs) is not curable, but it may be controlled for many years. Because of the many advances in available treatments, most men whose prostate cancer becomes widespread can expect to live five years or more. Some men with advanced prostate cancer live a normal life and die of another cause, such as heart disease. Prostate cancer affects mainly older men. About 80% of cases are in men over 65, and less than 1% of cases are in men under 50. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to get it. Doctors don't know what causes prostate cancer, but diet contributes to the risk. Men who eat lots of fat from red meat are most likely to have prostate cancer. Eating meat may be risky for other reasons: Meat cooked at high temperatures produces cancer-causing substances that affect the prostate. The disease is much more common in countries where meat and dairy products are common than in countries where the diet consists of rice, soybean products, and vegetables. Hormones also play a role. Eating fats raises the amount of testosterone in the body, and testosterone speeds the growth of prostate cancer. A few job hazards have been found. Welders, battery manufacturers, rubber workers, and workers frequently exposed to the metal cadmium seem to be more likely to get prostate cancer. Not exercising also makes prostate cancer more likely. Drugs that may lower the risk of having prostate cancer include aspirin, finasteride ( Proscar) and dutasteride ( Avodart). Adding certain foods in your diet may also help reduce the risk, including tomato sauce and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.