VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: It's not unusual to worry sometimes. But when your fears keep you from getting out into the world, and you avoid places because you think you'll feel trapped and not be able to get help, you may have agoraphobia. With agoraphobia, you might worry when you are in: Public transportation (buses, trains, ships, or planes) Large, open spaces (parking lots, bridges) Closed-in spaces (stores, movie theaters) Crowds or standing in line Being outside your home alone You may be willing to go just a handful of places. This cuts down on the chances of panic. You may even dread leaving your house. But the good news is there are treatments that can help you relax. Doctors aren't sure what causes agoraphobia. They think it runs in families. You may get it if you have a lot of panic attacks. That's when you have bursts of fear that come out of the blue and last for a few minutes. These happen when there's no real danger. Agoraphobia is rare. Less than 1% of people in the U. S. have it. Women are two to three times more likely to have it than men, and it's more common in teenagers and young adults. With agoraphobia, you won't go to places that scare you. If you end up in one, you can become very anxious. Symptoms may include: Fast, pounding heart Sweating, trembling, shaking Breathing problems Feeling hot or cold Nausea or diarrhea Chest pain Problems swallowing Dizziness or feeling faint Fear of dying A lot of these symptoms are the same for other medical conditions like heart disease, stomach issues, and breathing problems. So you may make several trips to the doctor or emergency room before you and your doctor figure out what's really going on. Your doctor may ask: Do you find it scary or stressful to leave your house? Do you have to avoid some places or situations? What happens if you end up in one of them? He will do a physical exam and maybe some tests to rule out any other medical problems that could be to blame. Your doctor will usually treat agoraphobia with therapy, medication, or a combination. There are also some things you can do at home to feel better. Therapy. You could try cognitive therapy. It can teach you new ways to think about or face situations that cause panic. These new ways will help you be less afraid. You may also learn relaxation and breathing exercises. Sometimes your therapist may suggest exposure therapy, in which you try to slowly do some of the things that make you anxious. Medicine. There are many drugs that your doctor might suggest for agoraphobia. The most common kinds are antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines. Doctors often start with a low dose of one of these medicines that raises the level of a "feel-good" chemical in your brain, called serotonin. Some of the medications that raise serotonin are Celexa, Effexor, Zoloft, Lexapro, and Prozac. You'll probably take medicine for at least 6 months to a year. If you feel better and no longer are stressed when you're in places that used to scare you, your doctor may begin tapering off your medicine. Lifestyle changes may also help. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Skip caffeine and alcohol. They can make your symptoms worse.
context: When you have eczema or atopic dermatitis, it's key to use a moisturizer. Dry skin can often make eczema worse. Moisturizers lock in water and create a barrier against things that can irritate your skin. You can choose from plenty of products, but they're not the same. You should also know when and how to apply them. There are three types of moisturizers: lotions, creams, and ointments. They're classified by the amount of oil and water in them. The more oil they contain, the better they are for eczema. Ointments have the most oil. They're usually the best choice to treat eczema. They won't burn when you apply them to your skin. They help it hold on to moisture. Some people like to use them overnight. This gives your skin time to absorb them fully. Petroleum jelly and mineral oil are examples. Creams are a good choice if you don't like the greasy feel of an ointment. They have the second highest amount of oil. They can also seal in moisture. Be sure to read labels carefully. Creams often contain additives that can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions in some people. Lotions are mostly made of water and have the lowest amount of oil. They don't usually work well for people with eczema. They evaporate quickly and may have ingredients that bother your skin. It'll work best if you apply it after a bath or shower. Use lukewarm -- not hot -- water. Bathe for just about 10 minutes. Pat your skin dry. Leave it slightly damp. That way you don't remove all the moisture you got from bathing. Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes after you get out of the water. Wait longer and your skin will start to dry out. Soften the moisturizer by rubbing it between your hands. Use your palms to smear a thick layer all over your skin. Apply it gently in simple downward strokes. Try not to rub it in circles or up and down. It may feel sticky at first, but that's OK. Don't try to take off the extra. Your skin will absorb it. Each time your wash your hands or get them wet, moisturize them, too. Keep moisturizer by each sink in the house so you don't forget. If you use a prescription skin medicine, put it on before you moisturize. There are many products out there. What works for someone else may not work for you. The best options are: Fragrance free (not just unscented) Perfume free Dye free Unscented products may have still fragrances, so they can still irritate you skin. They're just covered up so you can't smell them. Look for moisturizers marked fragrance free. Check the label if you know you're allergic to a certain ingredient. Dab a pea-sized bit of any new product onto the crook of your elbow or the inside of your wrist. Wait 24 to 48 hours to see if it causes a rash, redness, or itching before you use it on your entire body.
context: When someone is diagnosed with a serious, life-threatening illness, one of the first things they are likely to worry about is pain. In fact, it's just about the most common question patients and their caregivers ask. There are effective treatments for pain, and you can put those treatment plans in place ahead of time. It's also important to know that medications are not the only option available to treat pain in the context of palliative care. For example, radiation therapy can sometimes be helpful in treating pain from tumor growth and in easing bone pain related to cancer. There are a number of non-drug tools for coping with pain. They can be used on their own or in combination with drug therapies. Some of the options patients have found helpful include: Massage. A lot of people find relief from gentle massage, and some hospice agencies have volunteers who are trained in massage therapy. Several studies have found that massage is effective in relieving pain and other symptoms for people with serious illness. Relaxation techniques. Guided imagery, hypnosis, biofeedback, breathing techniques, and gentle movement such as tai chi. Relaxation techniques are often very effective, particularly when a patient -- or a caregiver -- is feeling anxious. Acupuncture. Several studies have found that acupuncture can be helpful in relieving pain for people with serious illnesses such as cancer. Physical therapy. If a person has been active before and is now confined to bed, even just moving the hands and feet a little bit can help. Pet therapy. If you have bouts of pain that last 5, 10, or 15 minutes, trying to find something pleasant -- like petting an animal's soft fur -- to distract and relax yourself can be helpful. Gel packs. These are simple packs that can be warmed or chilled and used to ease localized pain. Ask the palliative care team or hospice in your area if they can provide you a referral for any of these forms of pain management. Maintaining a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere around the patient goes a long way toward easing pain.
context: HPV vaccines protect against a very common sexually transmitted virus called HPV or human papillomavirus. HPV infects at least 50% of sexually active people at some point in their lives. The virus often clears from the body on its own. If it persists, it can lead to cervical, anal, and throat cancers and to genital warts. One HPV vaccine, Gardasil is recommended as a routine vaccination for males and females aged 9-26 years old. Gardasil 9 has been expanded to include use by men and women up to age 45. Like all vaccines, these HPV vaccines are not foolproof. They do not protect against all of the 100-plus types of HPV. But both vaccines are nearly 100% effective in preventing disease caused by high-risk strains of HPV -- HPV 16 and 18 -- which together account for 70% of all cervical cancers, as well as many cancers of the vagina and vulva. Gardasil, the HPV vaccine made by Merck & Co., was licensed for use in June 2006. It targets four types of HPV: 6, 11, 16 and 18. Types 16 and 18 lead to cervical cancer. HPV 6 and HPV 11 cause about 90% of genital warts. The vaccine contains a virus-like particle but not the actual virus. Three doses are given over six months. Insurance coverage for Gardasil is common within the recommended age ranges. The federal Vaccines for Children Program covers the vaccine for those under age 19 who qualify. No serious HPV vaccine side effects have been found, although fainting spells following injection have been reported in teens and young adults. Sometimes soreness occurs at the injection site. It should not be administered to pregnant women. More recently, Gardasil 9 was approved by the FDA. It prevents infection by the same HPV types as Gardasil plus HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-45, HPV-52, and HPV-58. Collectively, these types are implicated in 90% of cervical cancers. Ideally, the vaccine should be given to girls and boys at ages 11 to 12, according to recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. The vaccine is best given at a young age, before sexual activity begins and before exposure to HPV. The vaccine can be given up to age 26. The recommendations note that girls as young as 9 can get the vaccine, and up to age 26 if they didn't get it when they were younger. The vaccine is also being studied in older women. Gardasil and Gardasil 9 are also indicated for boys and men ages 9-26; it protects against two types of HPV that cause 90% of genital warts. Gardasil has also been approved for the prevention of anal cancer. The vaccines are not an HPV cure. But both HPV vaccines have been shown to provide protection for five years. HPV vaccination doesn't mean women can skip their Pap tests. Neither vaccine protects against all the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Beginning at age 21 until age 65, women should have a pap test every 3 years. Once age 30, the option of doing a pap and HPV testing or HPV testing alone every 5 years also is available.
context: Rashes, spots, bumps. When you notice something on your skin, it can be hard to figure out what the problem is. Rashes often look alike, and lots of things cause them. And two people with the same condition may have very different symptoms. Parapsoriasis is the term for a group of rare skin problems that look like psoriasis but behave differently. Your doctor may need to take a sample of your skin (biopsy) to be sure of what you have. Like psoriasis, parapsoriasis shows up as a patchy rash. Spots are usually pink or red but also can appear brown or yellowish. They can be raised and bumpy with a scaly or wrinkly appearance. You typically get them on your chest, stomach, and back, but they also may appear on your arms and legs. They're generally round or oval but can be different sizes. You may itch, but you probably won't have any other symptoms. There are two kinds: Small-plaque: Rash spots are less than 5 cm across. It's usually considered harmless. Large-plaque: Rashes are bigger and sometimes irregularly shaped. Some people with this form develop a kind of lymphoma called mycosis fungoides. It's a cancer of the white blood cells that starts in the skin. Some doctors consider large-plaque parapsoriasis a separate disease. Others think it's just an early stage of mycosis fungoides. These skin problems can look similar at the skin surface, but they are different under a microscope. The rash pattern of guttate psoriasis looks like parapsoriasis and also shows up on your chest. But it tends to come on after an infection. The plaque form of psoriasis may look like parapsoriasis when you first notice it, but it eventually becomes thick patches of flaky skin, usually on your knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back. Psoriasis is diagnosed most often in young adults and children and in more women than men. Most people who get parapsoriasis are middle-aged men. Many treatments for parapsoriasis are the same as those for other inflammatory skin diseases: Your doctor probably will prescribe a steroid cream or other medication to put on the rash. Your doctors may recommend light therapy to help with your symptoms. It's usually done in a doctor's office or with an at-home unit that delivers a controlled dose of UVB light. Sunlight may help, too. Moisturizers can make your skin look better. The skin problem can last for months or years. Small-plaque may go away on its own. It should be checked about once a year, more often if it seems to change. Large-plaque doesn't go away without treatment. It should be checked twice a year because of its potential to become cancerous. You may need a biopsy every so often to see if it's progressed to lymphoma.
context: Alzheimer's disease isn't part of normal aging. If you think you or a loved one might be showing symptoms of the disease, it's important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. Some warning signs to get checked are memory loss, behavior changes, or trouble with speech and decision-making. But Alzheimer's has many of the same symptoms as other common conditions. Those include depression, poor nutrition, and taking medications that don't work well together. A doctor can find out if the symptoms are happening because of Alzheimer's or due to something else that's easier to treat. An early and accurate diagnosis can also give you or your loved one time to plan for the future. You can start using some medicines that help people in the earlier stages of Alzheimer's control some of their symptoms for a while, as well. On average, these drugs keep symptoms from getting worse for about 6 to 12 months in about half of the people who take them. Doctors can't definitely diagnose Alzheimer's disease until after death, when they can closely examine the brain under a microscope. But they can use tests to rule out other conditions that might cause the same symptoms. Here's what you can expect when you or your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about your past and current health. He'll want to know: Your symptoms, including any trouble you have with everyday tasks Other medical conditions you have now or had before Medications you take Your personal history, like your marital status, living conditions, employment, sexual history, and important life events Your mental state. The doctor will ask you a series of questions that help him figure out if you're having a mental health problem, like depression. Family history, including any illnesses that seem to run in the family This is a brief test that checks your: Problem-solving skills Attention span Counting skills Memory These tests will help your doctor know whether there are problems with the areas of your brain involved in learning, memory, thinking, or planning skills. In CT (computed tomography) a machine takes X-rays of your body from many different angles in a very short period of time. A computer turns the scans into a series of images that look like "slices" through the body. CT scans can show brain changes that are common in the later stages of Alzheimer's. MRI makes very clear pictures of your body using a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer. It can help doctors see if a tumor or a stroke has caused symptoms that look like Alzheimer's. It also may help to show the brain changes that are linked to the disease. This studies the relationship between the brain and behavior. It helps in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect thinking, emotion, and behavior, including Alzheimer's. Doctors give you these tests along with a thorough interview. They may also give you other tests to check memory, language, the ability to plan and reason, and the ability to change behavior. Neuropsychological testing also can help the doctor and your family better understand the effect of a disorder on your everyday life.
context: Citicoline is a natural chemical in the body. It seems to play a role in brain health. It's available as a supplement in the U. S. In other parts of the world, citicoline is sold as a drug. It's used to try to help sharpen thinking in people with blood flow problems in the brain. Some people take citicoline supplements for memory loss and other thinking problems that may affect us as we age. Some research backs up these uses. Studies have found that citicoline supplements may help improve memory in older people. There is also some evidence that citicoline may help with recovery after a stroke. One large study has shown that it does not help regain memory after head injuries. Other studies suggest that citicoline supplements may help with Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, and some symptoms of Parkinson's disease. But we need more research to be sure. The best doses of citicoline have not been set for any condition. Quality and ingredients in supplements may vary widely. This makes it hard to set a standard dose. Some studies have used doses of 1000 mg to 2000 mg a day. Ask your health care provider for advice. Foods are not a good source of citicoline. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications. Side effects. Citicoline is usually well-tolerated but may cause nausea and diarrhea. Risks. Children, and women who are pregnant or breast feeding, should avoid using citicoline. We do not know if citicoline is safe for these groups. Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using any supplements. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
context: Bed-wetting, or nocturnal enuresis, occurs when a child urinates in his sleep. Bed-wetting is fairly common. About 5 to 7 million children over age 6 regularly wet their bed. Most children do not need bed-wetting treatment and outgrow it. While a small number of bed-wetting cases are due to medical conditions, such as a kidney infection or other urological problems, bed-wetting is most often a developmental issue. Children who wet the bed simply don't "shut off" urine production at night. This ability normally occurs around age 5, when bed-wetting will stop on its own for 90% of kids, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. While babies produce urine around the clock, toddlers start to go to the bathroom on a daytime and nighttime schedule once their bodies start to produce a substance called 'anti-diuretic hormone' ( ADH) that inhibits urine production. In addition, as kids mature they become more sensitive to the feeling (produced by stretching of the bladder walls) that they need to urinate. Children who continue to wet the bed beyond age 6 may not be producing enough ADH hormone at appropriate times, or may not yet be attuned to their bodies' signals, or both. Bed-wetting in children may also be caused by sleep apnea. Although immaturity of the bladder or other medical conditions are more common, the possibility of sleep apnea must be considered when a child is being evaluated for bed-wetting problems. While most children will simply outgrow bed-wetting, for some it may become a problem. Parents should consider treatment for bed-wetting if their child is still wetting the bed between ages 6 and 7, according to the National Enuresis Society -- or sooner if the child seems troubled by bed-wetting. In addition, no matter the age, if other symptoms are present, such as if your child has the urge to urinate more frequently or if urinating is accompanied by burning, seek medical care immediately.
context: An aneurysm is an enlarged part of a blood vessel. They're important to discover, because they may become larger over time. That growth increases the chance that the blood vessel will burst. To figure out if what you're feeling is an aneurysm, your doctor will ask you questions, including whether another member of your family has had one. Then, she'll give you a complete exam, during which she'll: Listen to your heart Check your blood pressure Listen to the arteries in your neck Feel your abdomen for a mass If your doctor thinks you have an aneurysm in your aorta, the main artery in your body, you may get an ultrasound test so she can see if there is one. This is painless and can pinpoint and measure an aneurysm. If she thinks one is in your chest, you might get a CT scan to look at it more closely. If your doctor is concerned that you have one in your brain, you may get a CT scan or an invasive test called an angiogram. During this, dye is injected into an artery in an arm or leg and travels to your brain. A picture of your brain is then taken. The dye will make it easier for your doctor to see any problems. An MRI can also be used to check your aorta or blood vessels in your brain. The only way to get rid of an aneurysm is to have it repaired with surgery or an endovascular procedure. Sometimes surgery isn't possible, or it may pose more danger than the aneurysm. Careful monitoring and medication may be best in that case. Conventional Medicine Your doctor will figure out the size, type, and location of the aneurysm. What she finds will help determine your best treatment. For inoperable aneurysms, you may be prescribed drugs to lower your blood pressure or ease the force of your heart's beating. Your chance of it bursting will go down. Even for an operable aneurysm, your doctor may first try medication and a wait-and-see approach, with tests every now and then to track its growth. You may need surgery if your doctor finds that the aneurysm has become big enough to be dangerous. A surgeon can treat it by inserting a clip that cuts off blood flow to the affected area. In some cases, the aneurysm can be removed. That section of artery can be replaced with a synthetic graft. The most important thing you can do to prevent aneurysms is to control your blood pressure. If you have a family history of stroke or heart disease, make changes in your diet and lifestyle to improve your health. Exercise regularly. Watch what you eat. If you smoke, stop.
context: If your first steps in the morning cause a stabbing pain in your heel, you may have plantar fasciitis. This inflammation of the plantar fascia -- the tissue that connects your heel to your toes -- is very common, especially for runners. With the right treatment, this condition usually goes away in several months. To speed up your recovery and rule out other injuries, you may want to see your doctor. Your doctor will examine your foot to pinpoint where the pain is coming from. This exam, along with your medical history, will help her diagnose the condition. Your doctor may also order imaging tests so she can rule out another cause of the pain. This could be something like a broken bone or pinched nerve. There are a few options your doctor could try to ease your pain and reduce inflammation in your foot. She might even recommend you try a few therapies at the same time. These include: Medication . Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) will help with your pain and reduce inflammation of the plantar fascia. Your doctor may prescribe multiple doses a day for several weeks. Steroid injection. If your pain is severe or doesn't respond to prescribed NSAIDs, you might want to think about getting a steroid injection. The steroid is injected into the most painful part of your plantar fascia. It may help ease your pain for about a month, But it will keep the inflammation down for even longer than that. Physical therapy. If medication, rest, and ice don't help enough, your doctor might recommend that you go to a physical therapist. You'll learn exercises to stretch and strengthen your plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and lower leg muscles. Your physical therapist may also use massage, contrast baths, or ultrasonography to help with long-term healing. If you don't show progress after several months, your doctor may recommend a more involved procedure or even surgery. These options include: Shock-wave therapy. This literally âshocksâ your plantar fascia with sound waves. It stimulates blood flow in the foot and helps the tissue heal. It also stuns your nerves to stop pain. Tenex procedure. You only need a small cut and it's usually over in a few minutes. An ultrasound is used to target and remove scar tissue. This procedure allows you to get back to your regular routine in as little as 10 days. Surgery. This operation takes your plantar fascia off of your heel bone. Surgery is usually the last resort if you have severe pain or a stubborn injury that other treatments don't help. You will probably go home the same day. Your doctor may ask you to wear a splint or boot and not put weight on your foot for a certain amount of time.
context: There's no test that can tell you for sure if you have Bell's palsy. In fact, doctors usually find out through what they call a "diagnosis of exclusion." That means in most cases, they determine you have Bell's palsy only after other conditions have been ruled out. Your doctor will start by doing a complete and careful physical exam. If he suspects you have Bell's palsy, he'll try to close your eyelid on the affected side of your face. If it doesn't close, it'll signal that you have what doctors call âthe Bell phenomenon.â With this condition, your eye rolls upward and outward when you try to close it. Your doctor will then try to rule out other conditions. He'll probably test your hearing and sense of balance. He may also order several tests, such as skull X-rays, a computed tomography ( CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI). Electrical testing may help clarify the diagnosis. It may also help him predict how fast and fully you'll recover. There aren't any that can stop it. If your doctor suggests your symptoms might be triggered by the herpes virus (herpes simplex 1) or by shingles (herpes zoster), he may give you an antiviral medication, like acyclovir. But there's no research to show these medications work to reduce Bell's palsy symptoms. Your doctor may also give you a short course of corticosteroids (like prednisone). The goal is to decrease swelling of your facial nerve. This may shorten the duration of your Bell's palsy symptoms. In the meantime, your doctor will tell you to take extra care to protect your eye on the affected side. He may suggest you wear an eye patch, since you won't be able to blink. If your eyes are tearing less than normal, you may have to use eye drops to keep them from drying out. Finally, your doctor may suggest massage of your facial muscles. In very rare cases -- where symptoms don't improve after some time -- he may suggest surgery to reduce pressure on your facial nerve.
context: A breast exam by a health professional (such as your doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) is an important part of routine physical checkups. You should have a clinical breast exam every one to three years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40. A clinical breast exam may be recommended more frequently if you have a strong family history of breast cancer. Breast exams are best performed soon after your menstrual period ends, because your breasts will not be as tender and swollen as during your period. This makes it easier to detect any unusual changes. If you have stopped menstruating, schedule the yearly exam on a day that's easy for you to remember, such as your birthday. Before your breast exam, your health care provider will ask you detailed questions about your health history, including your menstrual and pregnancy history. Questions might include what age you started menstruating, if you have children, and how old you were when your first child was born. A thorough breast exam will be performed. For the exam, you undress from the waist up. Your health care provider will look at your breasts for changes in size, shape, or symmetry. Your provider may ask you to lift your arms over your head, put your hands on your hips or lean forward. He or she will examine your breasts for any skin changes including rashes, dimpling, or redness. This is a good time to learn how to do a breast self-exam if you don't already know how. As you lay on your back with your arms behind your head, your health care provider will examine your breasts with the pads of the fingers to detect lumps or other changes. The area under both arms will also be examined. Your health care provider will gently press around your nipple to check for any discharge. If there is discharge, a sample may be collected for examination under a microscope. Clinical exams and breast self-awareness are important methods of early breast cancer detection and should be performed along with mammography. All three of these methods provide complete breast cancer screening.
context: When it comes to your health and skin cancer, it's a good idea to be proactive and keep an eye out for dangerous moles. Moles can be linked to skin cancer. This is especially true if you have a family history of skin cancer linked to moles. In addition to limiting your exposure to sunlight and using sunscreens, examining yourself for moles can help with early detection of melanoma (the deadliest type of skin cancer) and treatment. If you have developed new moles, or a close relative has a history of melanoma, you should examine your body once a month. Most moles are benign (non-cancerous). Moles that are of greater medical concern include those that look different than other existing moles or those that first appear in adulthood. If you notice changes in a mole's color or appearance, you should have a dermatologist evaluate it. You also should have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly, or become tender or painful. Examine your skin with a mirror. Pay close attention to areas of your skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest, and head. The following ABCDEs are important signs of moles that could be skin cancer. If a mole displays any of the signs listed below, have it checked immediately by a dermatologist: Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half Border: The border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular Color: The mole has different colors or it has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red Diameter: The diameter of the mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil Evolving: The mole appears different from others and/or changing in size, color, shape Keep in mind that some melanomas may be smaller or not fit other characteristics. You should always be suspicious of a new mole. If you do notice a new mole, see your dermatologist as soon as possible. He or she will examine the mole and take a skin biopsy (if appropriate). If it's skin cancer, a biopsy can show how deeply it has penetrated the skin. Your dermatologist needs this information to decide how to treat the mole. The most common location for melanoma in men is the back; in women, it is the lower leg. Keep these tips in mind when screening your moles for skin cancer: Use a full-length mirror if you have one. Start at your head and work your way down, looking at all the areas of your body (including the front, backs, and sides of each area, and your fingernails and toenails). Also be sure to check the "hidden" areas: between your fingers and toes, the groin, the soles of your feet, and the backs of your knees. Don't forget to thoroughly check your scalp and neck for moles. Use a handheld mirror or ask a family member to help you look at these areas. Keep track of all the moles on your body and what they look like. Take a photo and date it to help you monitor them. This way, you'll notice if the moles change. If they do change in any way (in color, shape, size, border, etc.) or exhibit other ABCDE features, see your doctor. Also, if you have any new moles that you think look suspicious, see your doctor.
context: There is any chance that the snake is venomous The person has difficulty breathing There is loss of consciousness If you know the snake is not venomous, treat as a puncture wound. Be ready to describe the snake to emergency staff. While waiting for medical help: Move the person beyond striking distance of the snake. Have the person lie down with wound below the heart. Keep the person calm and at rest, remaining as still as possible to keep venom from spreading. Cover the wound with loose, sterile bandage. Remove any jewelry from the area that was bitten. Remove shoes if the leg or foot was bitten. Do not: Cut a bite wound Attempt to suck out venom Apply tourniquet, ice, or water Give the person alcohol or caffeinated drinks or any other medications If you treat the bite at home: Contact a health care provider. The person may need a tetanus shot. Tetanus boosters should be given every 10 years. At the hospital, treatment will depend on the type of snake. If the snake was venomous, the person will be given anti-venom treatment. A tetanus shot may be given, depending on date of last injection.
context: Have the person rinse mouth with warm water. The person should gently floss teeth to remove food particles from area. Apply a warm, moist compress to outside of mouth or cheek. Give acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) for pain. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 18. Do not put aspirin against gums near aching tooth. It can burn gum tissue. See a dentist if: The person has any pain whether it resolves or not. Even short lived pain can indicate a dental problem that needs attention. The person has jaw pain accompanied by a popping or clicking noise; this could signal temporomandibular joint disorder ( TMJ). If you seek dental care: The dentist will examine the person's teeth and may take an X-ray in order to diagnose the origin of the pain and make treatment recommendations. If there are signs of infection, the dentist may prescribe an antibiotic. Treatment for TMJ may include a mouth guard to prevent tooth grinding, stress reduction techniques, or surgery.
context: If you have psoriasis, you may take medication and keep close tabs on the weather, your stress level, and other triggers. Should you also watch what's on your plate? A healthy diet -- lots of fruits and veggies, lean protein, and whole grains -- is a good idea for just about everyone. But some people who have psoriasis say their eating habits can affect their skin. There's no scientific proof that staying away from certain foods or following a specific diet will help your condition. But what you eat and drink may make a difference. The link between alcohol and psoriasis isn't clear, but experts say if you drink, be moderate. For men, that means no more than two drinks a day, and for women no more than one. Studies show that men who drink heavily don't respond to psoriasis treatments as well. And some research suggests that people who have psoriasis and drink heavily may find that their skin gets better when they stop. If your condition is especially severe or you take certain medications, like methotrexate and acitretin, your doctor may tell you to stay away from alcohol completely. Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition. Research is limited, but some people who have psoriasis say they can manage it better if they eat more inflammation-fighting foods. Some studies suggest that antioxidants, like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium, may make a difference. And some research suggests fatty acids from fish oil can be helpful. More research is needed. Anti-inflammatory foods are generally healthy, so it shouldn't hurt to give them a try. They include: Fruits and veggies, especially berries, cherries, and leafy greens Salmon, sardines, and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids Antioxidant-rich herbs and spices, like thyme, sage, cumin, and ginger Heart-healthy sources of fat, like olive oil, seeds, and nuts Some foods can make inflammation worse. Eat less of these: Processed foods and refined sugars Fatty cuts of red meat Dairy People who are overweight or obese have a greater chance of getting psoriasis, and their symptoms tend to be worse. Studies suggest that your skin may get better if you shed extra pounds. This may be because fat cells make certain proteins that can trigger inflammation and make the condition worse. You might eat smaller portions, limit carbs or fat, or follow a combination of diet strategies your doctor recommends. You may wonder whether your psoriasis would get better if you ate a gluten-free diet. Although you may hear about success stories from others who have tried it, so far studies aren't clear that it helps. More research is needed. This kind of eating plan is needed if you have celiac disease, which, like psoriasis, is an autoimmune disease. This plan may be useful when you have gluten sensitivity. Research suggests that people with psoriasis are more likely to also have another autoimmune disease. If you go gluten-free, it means you have to cut out foods that have grains like wheat, barley, and rye. The downside is that those foods are also heart healthy, and psoriasis raises your chance of getting heart disease. Talk to your doctor before you make any changes in the food you eat.
context: When you have shingles, you tend to focus on the short-term -- how to get relief from the pain and discomfort you have right now. For that, you have a lot of treatment options, from medicines to alternative therapies. Shingles is a viral infection. The main symptom is a rash, usually on one side of your body. Typically, it hurts, burns, itches, and tingles. It may also give you a fever or headache and make you feel really tired. Most of the time, your symptoms go away in less than a month. But for some people, complications come up. While shingles itself is almost never life threatening, it can lead to serious problems, such as the loss of eyesight. If you think you have shingles, check with your doctor. Early treatment may not only limit how bad your symptoms get, but might also help you avoid long-term problems. These can include: Postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN, is the most common problem that shingles causes. Your symptoms usually go away when the rash is gone. But with PHN, you may feel pain, itching, burning, and tingling for months after the rash has healed. It's more common in older people. Sometimes, it starts to get better after a few months. In other cases, it lasts for years and could be permanent. Your doctor may suggest different medications or therapies to help with this neuralgia. If you have shingles in or near your eyes, forehead, or nose, see your doctor right away. Without treatment, it can lead to pain in your eyes but also to permanent loss of vision. Shingles in your eyes can cause: Sores and scarring on the surface Swelling and redness Glaucoma, a disease in which pressure builds in your eye Damage to the nerves See your doctor as soon as possible if you get shingles on or around your ears. If you don't get treated, it can lead to Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which can cause: Dizziness and other balance problems Earaches Hearing loss Loss of ability to move parts of your face Ringing in your ear, called âtinnitusâ This condition is rare, but with early treatment, you have a good chance of full recovery. The shingles rash comes with blisters that break open and crust over. Keep them clean and dry so you don't get a bacterial infection. If you do get one, you may be more likely to get scars. If you begin to run a high fever, check with your doctor. You might have a bacterial infection. In very rare cases, shingles can lead to inflammation or swelling in your lungs, brain, liver, or death. You should get regular care for shingles so your doctor can check for even these uncommon kinds of problems.
context: Why are you recommending this procedure? What are the options? What are the risks? How do they compare with the benefits? How do I prepare for surgery? What type of anesthesia will I have? What happens during and right after surgery? Who do I talk to about breast reconstruction? How long will I be in the hospital? Are there any complications? When can I go back to work and resume normal activities? What are the risks of lymphedema? Before surgery, your surgeon should provide: Specific instructions to follow in the days before surgery An overview of the surgical procedures Information about recovery and follow-up care After surgery, watch for complications such as infection or lymphedema, swelling in your arm or hand. Call your doctor immediately if you see signs of swelling, a buildup of fluid, redness, or other symptoms of infection. Also see: Breast- Conserving Surgery Mastectomy Lymph Node Biopsies
context: Headaches happen. The good news is there are several simple things you can do to ease the pain without a trip to the doctor or drugstore. Try these tips and get to feeling better fast. If you have a migraine, place a cold pack on your forehead. Ice cubes wrapped in a towel, a bag of frozen peas, or even a cold shower may lessen the pain. Keep the compress on your head for 15 minutes, then take a break for 15 minutes. If you have a tension headache, place a heating pad on your neck or the back of your head. If you have a sinus headache, hold a warm cloth to the area that hurts. A warm shower might also do the trick. If your ponytail is too tight, it could cause a headache. These "external compression headaches" can also be brought on by wearing a hat, headband, or even swimming goggles that are too tight. In one study, women who loosened their hair saw their headache disappear. Bright or flickering light, even from your computer screen, can cause migraine headaches. If you're prone to them, cover your windows with blackout curtains during the day. Wear sunglasses outdoors. You might also add anti-glare screens to your computer and use daylight-spectrum fluorescent bulbs in your light fixtures. Chewing gum can hurt not just your jaw, but your head as well. The same is true for chewing your fingernails, lips, the inside or your cheeks, or handy objects like pens. Avoid crunchy and sticky foods, and make sure you take small bites. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. This may curb your early-morning headaches. Have some tea, coffee, or something with a little caffeine in it. If you get it early enough, it could ease your headache pain. It can also help over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, work better. Just don't drink too much because caffeine withdrawal can cause its own type of headache. Whether it's stretches, yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, learning how to chill out when you're in the middle of a headache can help with the pain. You might even talk to your doctor about physical therapy if you have muscle spasms in your neck. You can do it yourself. A few minutes massaging your neck and temples can help ease a tension headache, which may result from stress. A small recent study found that taking ginger, in addition to regular, over-the-counter pain meds, eased pain for people in the ER with migraines. Another found that it worked almost as well as prescription migraine meds. You can try a supplement or maybe brew some tea. Pharmacy shelves are stocked with pain relievers for all kinds of headaches. They may work, but to get the most benefit with the least risk, follow the directions on the label and these guidelines: Choose liquid over pills. Your body absorbs it faster. Take painkillers as soon as you feel pain. You'll likely beat it with a smaller dose. If you get sick to your stomach when you get a headache, ask your doctor what might help. Ask your doctor what to take to avoid a rebound headache -- pain that sets in after a few days of taking pain relievers. And be sure to talk to your doctor about what headache symptoms you should not try to treat at home.
context: When bacteria gets into the root of a tooth, it can cause a buildup of pus. This kind of infection is called an abscessed tooth, or a periapical abscess. These infections don't go away on their own, so it's important to see your dentist if you think you have one. If it's not treated, it can spread to your jaw or other areas of your head or neck. These are some things you can do to ease your symptoms: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen for the discomfort Try to chew on the side of your mouth away from the tooth When you brush your teeth, use a toothbrush with soft bristles If you have an abscessed tooth, your dentist may recommend one of the following treatments, depending on how serious the abscess is: If you have a simple abscess, your dentist, or a specialist called an endodontist, can do a root canal to get rid of the infection and hopefully save the tooth. If the abscess is large, it may need to be drained first before a root canal is done. Your dentist or endodontist will make a small cut in the gum to let the pus out and then rinse the area with saline (salt water). After the tooth is sealed back up, your dentist can then put on a cap or crown as a top layer to protect the tooth and make sure you don't get another abscess. If your tooth can't be saved, your dentist might need to pull it, then drain the abscess to get rid of the infection. Your dentist also might give you antibiotics to make sure the infection doesn't spread to other teeth or other parts of your body. Good dental habits can help keep your teeth and gums healthy: Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time. Don't rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water immediately after brushing -- that can take the protective toothpaste off your teeth. Floss at least once a day to clean between your teeth and under your gums. Cut down on sugary and starchy drinks and foods, especially between meals and right before bed. See your dentist for regular checkups.
context: A throat culture is a lab test your doctor uses to find and identify germs in the back of your mouth that are making you sick. Your doctor will probably order this test if you or your child complain of a sore throat and he thinks something other than a virus is to blame. Some of the infections that can be identified on a throat culture are: Strep throat Scarlet and rheumatic fever Gonorrhea (gonococcal pharyngitis) Thrush Diphtheria Pertussis You'll be asked to tilt your head back slightly, open your mouth, and say â Ahhhh.â Your doctor will quickly and gently move a cotton swab around the tonsil area in the back of your mouth. He'll place it in a germ-free container and send it to a lab for testing. There, doctors place the sample in a special container with other chemicals to make bacteria and fungi grow. The type of germs that grow, if any, shows your doctor what kind of infection you have. Then he'll decide what medicine will work best for you. The test can be a little uncomfortable but only lasts a few seconds. You might feel like you have to gag when the doctor swabs your throat -- that's normal. But you'll have to stay still and keep your mouth open so he can get a good sample. If not, he might miss some germs, and you might not get the right medicine. Results take about 2 to 5 days, because it takes a while for germs to grow in a lab. But if your doctor thinks you might have strep, he'll do a quick strep test during your visit. It will show results right away. If it shows you have strep, he'll give you an antibiotic that fights a wide range of germs. If the strep test is negative but your throat culture comes back positive for strep or another infection, your doctor's office will contact you and change your medication if they need to. If you or your child has a sore throat and needs to go to the doctor, skip the mouthwash before your visit. It could affect the results of your throat culture.