VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: The symptoms of wheezing include a musical or whistling sound and labored breathing, particularly when exhaling; sometimes they're accompanied by a feeling of tightening in the chest. You can hear wheezing more loudly if you plug your ears and exhale rapidly, or by using a stethoscope to listen to breathing over the lungs. You are wheezing and do not have a history of asthma or an asthma action plan for how to treat any wheezing. Wheezing is accompanied by a fever of 101 ° or above; you may have a respiratory infection such as acute bronchitis, sinusitis, or pneumonia. Your cough worsens, and you produce more, thicker or yellow, green, or blood-tinged mucus; you may need antibiotics for bronchitis or pneumonia. Get emergency medical help immediately ( Call 911) if: You have trouble breathing or you feel that you are suffocating; this can be a sign of a severe asthma episode or an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). You begin wheezing suddenly and cough up frothy pink or white phlegm; this may be a sign of heart failure. You cough up bloody phlegm or you have a sharp, localized chest pain (pleurisy); this could be a sign of pulmonary embolism. You also have hives; swelling in the face, mouth or neck; bluish tint to your skin; confusion; lightheadedness; or passing out.
context: A bipolar disorder diagnosis can have a big effect on your job and career. In a survey of people with depression and bipolar disorder conducted by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 88% said their condition affected their ability to work. But don't be alarmed. A diagnosis of bipolar disorder doesn't necessarily mean that you can't keep your job. Plenty of people with bipolar disorder work and live normal lives. You don't have to talk to your boss or coworkers about your bipolar disorder. Your health is your personal, private business. But if your condition has been affecting your performance at work, being open may be a good idea. Your boss and coworkers may have noticed the changes in your behavior. If you explain what's going on, they may be more sympathetic and helpful than you expect. Some people with bipolar disorder find their current job just isn't a good fit. Maybe it's too stressful or the schedule is too inflexible. Maybe it doesn't let them get enough sleep, or involves shift work that could worsen their condition. If you think your job is hurting your health, it's time to make some changes. Here are some things to consider: Decide what you really need from your job. Do you need to reduce your responsibilities? Do you need extra breaks during the day to reduce stress, or need time off during the work week to keep doctor or therapist appointments? Make decisions carefully. People with bipolar disorder are prone to acting impulsively. Think through the effects of quitting your job -- both for yourself and possibly for your family. Talk over your feelings with your family, therapist, or health care provider. Look into financial assistance. If you do need to take time off because of your bipolar disorder, see if your employer has disability insurance, or look into Social Security Disability Insurance, which will provide some income while you recover. You can also look into the Family and Medical Leave Act. Ask your doctor or therapist for advice. Go slowly. Returning to work after you've taken time off can be stressful. Think about starting in a part-time position, at least until you're confident that your bipolar disorder has stabilized. Some people find that volunteer work is a good way to get back into the swing of things. Unfortunately, you may still run into people at work who treat you unfairly because of your bipolar disorder. Often, their behavior stems from ignorance. They might see you as "crazy" or think your condition is "all in your head." You might be able to head off problems by teaching people a little about bipolar disorder. But that's not always enough, and the stigma of mental illness can hold you back. Some people with bipolar disorder feel they're treated unfairly at work; they might be passed over for promotions or raises, for instance. If you think you're being treated unfairly, there are things you can do. The Americans with Disabilities Act can protect some people who are discriminated against because of a health condition. But don't do anything rash. Research the law, and talk your situation over with friends, family, your therapist, and your health care provider before taking action.
context: Varicose veins usually announce themselves as bulging, bluish cords running just beneath the surface of your skin. They almost always affect legs and feet. Visible swollen and twisted veins -- sometimes surrounded by patches of flooded capillaries known as spider veins -- are considered superficial varicose veins. Although they can be painful and disfiguring, they are usually harmless. When inflamed, they become tender to the touch and can hinder circulation to the point of causing swollen ankles, itchy skin, and aching in the affected limb. Besides a surface network of veins, your legs have an interior, or deep, venous network. On rare occasions, an interior leg vein becomes varicose. Such deep varicose veins are usually not visible, but they can cause swelling or aching throughout the leg and may be sites where blood clots can form. Varicose veins are a relatively common condition, and for many people they are a family trait. Women are at least twice as likely as men to develop them. In the U. S. alone, they affect about 23% of all Americans. To help circulate oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to all parts of the body, your arteries have thick layers of muscle or elastic tissue. To push blood back to your heart, your veins rely mainly on surrounding muscles and a network of one-way valves. As blood flows through a vein, the cup-like valves alternately open to allow blood through, then close to prevent backflow. In varicose veins, the valves do not work properly -- allowing blood to pool in the vein and making it difficult for the muscles to push the blood "uphill." Instead of flowing from one valve to the next, the blood continues to pool in the vein, increasing venous pressure and the likelihood of congestion while causing the vein to bulge and twist. Because superficial veins have less muscle support than deep veins, they are more likely to become varicose. Any condition that puts excessive pressure on the legs or abdomen can lead to varicose veins. The most common pressure inducers are pregnancy, obesity, and standing for long periods. Chronic constipation and -- in rare cases, tumors -- also can cause varicose veins. Being sedentary also may contribute to varicosity, because muscles that are out of condition offer poor blood-pumping action. The likelihood of varicosity also increases as veins weaken with age. A previous leg injury may damage the valves in a vein which can result in a varicosity. Genetics also plays a role, so if other family members have varicose veins there is a greater chance you will, too. Contrary to popular belief, sitting with crossed legs will not cause varicose veins, although it can aggravate an existing condition.
context: Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that causes numbness, pain, or a burning feeling in your outer thigh. You might also hear it called Bernhardt- Roth syndrome. It happens when there's too much pressure on or damage to one of the nerves in your leg, specifically the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. In most cases, there are simple ways to treat the condition, such as wearing looser clothing. Some people with more severe meralgia paresthetica may need medication or surgery. With the right treatment and enough time to recover, you can ease your symptoms and feel better. Usually, you'll notice the warning signs of meralgia paresthetica only on one side of your body. You might feel: Pain, tingling, numbness, or burning in the outside of your thigh Sensitivity to light touch rather than to firm pressure High sensitivity to heat Your symptoms may be mild at first, but as the condition gets worse, you might feel sharper, shooting pain. It may go away and come back for no clear reason. Nerves travel throughout your body, carrying messages to and from your brain. A certain set of nerves, called the sensory nerves, gather and send signals to your brain about your skin, muscles, and other tissues. If you have meralgia paresthetica, a large sensory nerve in your outer thigh doesn't have enough room to pass through your hip bone or joints. This may be due to swelling, trauma, or increased pressure in this area. A lot of things can squeeze or damage the nerve, including: Weight gain and obesity Tight clothing Pregnancy Injury, such as trauma from a seatbelt during a car crash A disease that can damage the nerves, like diabetes Repetitive motions that could irritate the nerve, such as certain leg movements Standing or walking for a long time Your doctor will give you a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and your medical history -- especially about any recent injuries or surgeries. The doctor will touch your leg to find the affected area. He will check for any neurological abnormalities of the lower leg. It can be hard to tell the difference between meralgia paresthetica and other back, hip, or groin conditions. Be patient as you work with your doctor to find the right diagnosis. The goal of treatment is to ease the pressure on your nerve. The type of therapy you get depends on the cause of your condition. For mild cases, your doctor may recommend: Heat, ice, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen for a few days Weight loss Wearing loose-fitting clothing, especially around your upper front hip Physical therapy for a hip injury or to strengthen your leg muscles or abs If your condition is more severe, you may need: A corticosteroid shot to reduce swelling. Surgery to ease pressure on the nerve. Doctors usually recommend an operation only when no other treatment helps. It can take some time for your pain to go away. Some people will still feel numbness even after treatment. In most cases, though, you should be able to recover within 4 to 6 weeks.
context: Cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease, is a type of progressive heart disease in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened, and/or stiffened. As a result, the heart muscle's ability to pump blood is less efficient, often causing heart failure and the backup of blood into the lungs or rest of the body. The disease can also cause abnormal heart rhythms. There are three main types of cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Ischemic cardiomyopathy Restrictive cardiomyopathy
context: You may hear it called by its brand name, Flu Mist. Unlike the flu shot, there are no needles involved. That's a good thing, especially to parents whose kids can't stand the sight of needles. While the normal flu shot you'd get in your arm is made from killed flu viruses, the spray is made from weakened live viruses. It reproduces inside your nose and creates germs that your immune system learns to attack. It's for healthy people ages 2 to 49 who aren't pregnant, who are not allergic to the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients, and who don't have weak immune systems. After a hiatus of two years, the nasal spray is back as a vaccine option for the 2018-2019 season. Check with your doctor to make sure it's right for you. The spray causes your immune system to make proteins in your blood and in your nose that help you fight the virus. Your nose is where the flu virus normally enters your body. A doctor will spray the vaccine into your nostrils with a small syringe that has no needle. It takes about 2 weeks for it to start to work, so you should get it anytime starting in October to the spring. No. The CDC says it's OK to get it if you're healthy, between the ages 2 to 49, and not pregnant. Adults should get one dose of the vaccine per year. Kids 2 to 9 who are getting their first flu vaccine will need a second dose 4 weeks later. The first isn't enough to prevent the flu -- two doses will. Every year after that, your child will need only one dose. These people should not get nasal spray vaccine: Pregnant women Children under 2 years old Adults 50 or older Children under 5 who wheeze or have asthma Children or teens who take aspirin Anyone with allergies to the flu vaccine of any of its ingredients People with chronic heart or lung disease, like asthma or restrictive airways disease Those who have diabetes or kidney failure Anyone with a weakened immune system People who've had Guillain- Barre syndrome, a rare nervous system problem, within 6 weeks of getting a flu vaccine Yes. Kids might get a runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and a fever. Adults could have a runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. But grownups don't usually have a fever. Just like the shot, the spray will not cause the flu. Yes. Flu viruses change over time. So the vaccine that worked last year may not work this year.
context: Just like grownups, kids need plenty of fluids when they've got a cold or the flu. But if your little one won't play along when you say "drink up," it's time to get creative. Making it fun is the secret. According to the experts, just about any fluids are good for your sick child. Try some of these: Water. It'sthe easiest choice, but if your child says it's boring, add a little juice to liven it up. Fruit juices. Most kids love them. But when they come from citrus fruits, like OJ, they can irritate a sore throat. Apple or grape juice may be more soothing. Dilute it with water so your child gets less sugar. But if your child is dehydrated, fruit juice doesn't have the right mix of sugar and salt to treat it. Get an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte instead. Decaffeinated tea. For anolder child, warm beverages are soothing and can help break up mucus. Just make sure it's not too hot so it doesn't scald or burn him. As long as he's older than 1 year old, add some honey to make his sore throat feel better and ease a cough. Milk. Despite what you may have heard, it's fine for kids with colds or flu. It won't cause mucus buildup. The protein, calories, and fat in it can help keep up your sick child's strength. What shouldn't your sick child have? Skip caffeinated drinks and avoid sugary ones or sodas. But you don't have to be strict about it. If something sweet is all your sick kid is willing to swallow, it's OK to make an exception for now. Colds and flu sap the appetite, and he may not feel like drinking. If that happens, think of some tempting alternatives to a glass of water or juice: Popsicles. If possible, get ones that are sugar-free or made with real fruit juice, or make your own. Pedialyte comes in frozen pops, too. Gelatin. Use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. Soups. The warmth may help break up congestion in your child's airways. Some studies also show that chicken soup -- your grandmother's home remedy -- really may fight inflammation and help with colds. Offer your child liquids in new, fun ways. Put a drink in a cup they don't usually use. Give him a straw. Pour some juice in a bowl and have him eat with a spoon. Try any tricks you can think of to make it more interesting. It depends on his weight and age. Some experts say kids older than 1 need as many as 4 to 5 cups of fluid a day -- from both drinks and foods. If your child is older or weighs more, he'll need more fluid. Call your doctor for advice if he gets dehydrated. Watch for these signs: Doesn't play as much as usual Isn't peeing as much as usual Has dry mouth Cries without tears Is sleepy or listless Fussy or cries more than usual
context: Questions include: Could it be something else that has similar symptoms? What could have caused it? Is medication necessary? Are there other treatments? How do the drugs work? What are the side effects? Do people outgrow ADHD? How will we know if we no longer need ADHD medication? How often do I (or my child) need to see a doctor?
context: High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets, like The Atkins Diet, have been widely promoted as effective weight loss plans. These programs generally recommend that dieters get 30% to 50% of their total calories from protein. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } By comparison, the American Heart Association, the National Cholesterol Education Program, and the American Cancer Society all recommend a diet in which a smaller percentage of calories come from protein. The American Heart Association recommends getting 10% - 35% of your daily calories from protein. This is about 46 grams of protein for adult women and 56 grams for adult men. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body. Without enough carbs for energy, the body breaks down fat into ketones. The ketones then become the primary source of fuel for the body. When ketones become the primary source of fuel, this puts your body in a state called ketosis. When your fat stores become a primary energy source, you may lose weight. Some experts have raised concern about high-protein, low-carb diets. High cholesterol. Some protein sources -- like fatty cuts of meat, whole dairy products, and other high-fat foods -- can raise cholesterol, increasing your chance of heart disease. However, studies showed that people on the Atkins diet for up to 2 years actually had decreased âbadâ cholesterol levels. Kidney problems. If you have any kidney problems, eating too much protein puts added strain on your kidneys. This could worsen kidney function. Osteoporosis and kidney stones. When you're on a high-protein diet, you may urinate more calcium than normal. There are conflicting reports, but some experts think this could make osteoporosis and kidney stones more likely. If you're considering a high-protein diet, check with your doctor or a nutritionist to see if it's OK for you. They can help you come up with a plan that will make sure you're getting enough fruits and vegetables, and that you're getting lean protein foods. Remember, weight loss that lasts is usually based on changes you can live with for a long time, not a temporary diet.
context: Fish-handler's disease occurs when cuts or scrapes in the skin become infected with the bacteria Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Handling and preparing fish and shellfish can create small cuts and scrapes in the skin where bacteria may enter. Developing fish-handler's disease requires deliberate contact with fish, particularly lobster and other shellfish. Fish-handler's disease occurs worldwide wherever fish and shellfish are handled. The disease generally develops 2-7 days after injury to the skin and subsequent bacterial infection. A sharply defined, red-purple circular area appears and surrounds the puncture. The area of injury increases in diameter by about one-half inch per day. Pain, burning, itching, and swelling at the infection site; joint stiffness; and lymph node swelling accompany the infection. All wounds require immediate cleansing with fresh tap water. Gently scrub the wound with soap and water to remove any foreign material. After cleansing, a topical antibiotic ointment (for example, bacitracin) should be applied 3-4 times per day. Oral antibiotics are often prescribed to treat the infection. Prior to starting an antibiotic, be sure to tell the doctor about any drug allergies. Continue antibiotics for at least 5 days after all signs of infection have cleared. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat, while taking these antibiotics because certain antibiotics may cause sensitivity to the sun. Pain may be relieved with 1-2 tablets of acetaminophen ( Tylenol) every 4 hours or 1-2 tablets of ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) every 6-8 hours. Consult a doctor about treatment with available medications. fish-handler's disease, fish handler's disease, fish handler disease, fish, lobster, bacterial infection, fish poisoning, fish hand
context: Antihistamines and decongestants won't cure your allergies. But they'll give you much-needed relief for a runny or congested nose. Antihistamines target histamine, which your body makes during an allergic reaction. You can take them as pills, nasal spray, or eye drops. The pills target itching, sneezing, and runny nose. The nasal sprays work on congestion, an itchy or runny nose, and postnasal drip. Antihistamines can ease your symptoms, but they work best when you take them before you feel a reaction. They can build up in your blood to protect against allergens and block the release of histamines. Ask your doctor if you should start taking allergy medicine a couple of weeks before you usually have symptoms. Decongestants cut down on the fluid in the lining of your nose. That relieves swollen nasal passages and congestion. You can take these by mouth in pills or liquids, like pseudoephedrine. Decongestants also come in nasal sprays, including oxymetazoline and phenylephrine. But if you use nasal sprays too often, they can make your symptoms harder to treat. Some medications combine antihistamines and decongestants. Their names usually end with â- D.â Some of these drugs need a prescription. Others don't. First try an over-the-counter brand. But check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you have the right medication for your symptoms. If you don't get relief, ask for something stronger. You shouldn't drive when you take antihistamines such as brompheniramine ( Nasahist B), chlorpheniramine ( Chlor- Trimeton), clemastine ( Dayhist, Tavist), and diphenhydramine ( Benadryl). They can make you drowsy. Others such as desloratadine ( Clarinex), fexofenadine ( Allegra), and loratadine ( Alavert, Claritin) usually don't. Decongestants can also cause side effects, such as: Nervousness Sleeplessness Increased heart rate Increased blood pressure You shouldn't take decongestants if you have certain health issues, including high blood pressure or heart problems. If you have prostate problems that make it hard to pee, these drugs can make the problem worse. Don't use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days in a row, as they may make your nasal congestion and swelling worse and last longer. Check the drug label for more information about side effects.
context: Your doctor can check you for age-related macular degeneration when you see him for a routine eye exam. An early diagnosis will let you start treatment that may delay some symptoms or make them less severe. He'll test your vision and also examine your retina -- a layer of tissue at the back of your eye that processes light. He'll look for tiny yellow deposits called drusen under the retina. It's a common early sign of the disease. Your doctor may also ask you to look at an Amsler grid -- a pattern of straight lines that's like a checkerboard. If some of the lines appear wavy to you or some of them are missing, it could be a sign of macular degeneration. If your doctor thinks you have age-related macular degeneration, he may want you to have one or both of these exams: Optical coherence tomography ( OCT). It's a special photograph that shows a magnified 3 D image of your retina. This method helps your doctor see if your retinal layers are distorted. He can also see if swelling is getting better or worse if you had treatment with injections or laser. Fluorescein angiography. In this procedure, your doctor injects a dye into a vein in your arm. He takes photos as the dye reaches your eye and flows through the blood vessels of the retina. The images will show new vessels or vessels that are leaking fluid or blood in the macula -- a small area at the center of your retina.
context: Normal headaches hurt your head. Migraines can make you feel like your head is going to explode. Sometimes you just can't power through them. Even with medication, you may have to stop what you're doing until they go away. Migraines can last for days. Because you might be at work or away from home, you might not be able to crawl under the covers in a dark room for all that time. There are things you can do when migraines disrupt your life. Know what to do when a migraine hits: If you can, lie down in a dark, quiet, cool room. If you can't lie down, try to go somewhere that you can at least turn out the lights. Have hot or cold compresses on hand. Use them on your head or neck. Choose the temperature and place that feels best to you. Put gentle pressure on painful areas of your temples and scalp. Try light massage if it feels good. Don't do anything that hurts. Drink coffee or soda. A small amount of caffeine can ease the ache early on when a headache starts. If you pair it with an over-the-counter painkiller, it can help the medicine work better. Sometimes migraines come out of nowhere. Other times they're tied to a specific trigger. You likely have an idea of what sorts of things cause your headaches. It may be certain foods or the weather. It could be smells, travel, or your hormones. Medicine can help prevent some headaches, but it doesn't always work. Because you can't always ward off all your migraines, plan around what starts them. Skipping meals can trigger migraines, so eat regularly. Don't plan a day where you won't have time to eat. Too much or not enough sleep can also bring on a headache. Be sure to get the right amount. Knowing your migraine triggers can help you plan the activities in your life a little better. That way you can still do things with family and friends before a migraine starts. There's a chance a headache will hit while you're on the job. Do some prep work so you know what to do and the people around you know what to expect. Talk to your boss or HR department. Let them know about your migraines and that you might need to come in late or leave early if you have one. Be prepared. Keep medicine with you and take it as soon as you feel a migraine coming on. Have a heat pack or cold pack on hand if you can. Find a dark, quiet place you can go. Not only does your headache affect you, it can also impact the people around you. You may cancel plans with family and friends because you don't feel well. You might put off outings or chores. Kids often worry about sick parents. It's key to talk to those closest to you. Tell them how you feel, and be open about asking for help when you need it.
context: As with any overuse injury, it's crucial to get treatment for golfer's elbow quickly. Apply ice to your elbow for 15-20 minutes three to four times per day. Rest the injured elbow from aggravating activities and discuss a splint with your sports medicine professional to limit stress to the involved tendons. For pain, your doctor may recommend an oral NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, to reduce pain and swelling. A topical medication may help as well. You may also get an injection of a corticosteroid or painkiller (like lidocaine) in the elbow. This may relieve pain and swelling in the short term. These treatments, though, do not seem to have long-term benefits. Physical therapy can help in relieving pain and augment the recovery process. Use of pain relieving treatments and prescribed exercises can reduce stress to the elbow, speed recovery, and minimize the risk of recurrence. Recent innovations in care using PRP ( Plasma Rich Protein) injections have also shown great promise in accelerating recovery. Conservative treatments usually work for golfer's elbow. But if you're still having pain after three to six months, you may need surgery. These procedures can remove damaged parts of a tendon, promote healing, and reduce pain. Full recovery may take three to six months.
context: Your doctor's just told you that you have prediabetes. That means there's a good chance you could get type 2 diabetes, but you don't have to. There are plenty of things you can do to try to prevent it. Focus on the things you can change, like your diet and how active you are. Don't dwell on the things you can't do anything about, like your age or your family's medical history. Your doctor can let you know where you stand and what you can do to turn things around. Losing extra pounds, eating better, and becoming more active are some of the most important steps you can take. There are people who aren't overweight who have type 2 diabetes. But added pounds do put you at risk. In one study, being overweight or obese was the single most important thing that predicted who would get diabetes. The study results showed that over 16 years, regular exercise -- at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week -- and a low-fat, high-fiber diet helped prevent it. If you're at high risk for the disease, your doctor may recommend taking medication to hold it off. Several studies show that various types of diabetes drugs, along with a healthy lifestyle, can cut the odds that you'll get it One study showed that people most likely to get it could lower their odds by 31%. They took the prescription diabetes drug metformin and made lifestyle and diet changes. That's good. But the study also showed that drastic lifestyle changes are the best way to avoid diabetes. You'll need to work with a dietitian to come up with a meal plan and talk to a trainer about how to get more exercise.
context: The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the influenza virus. You should get one every year, unless you have a medical reason not to. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. It's best to get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available each fall. But you can still get vaccinated in January or later. The flu shot becomes effective about 2 weeks after you get it. No. The viruses in the flu shot are dead. Even the nasal spray, which has a weak version of the flu virus, cannot give you the flu. Most people have no problems from the vaccine. If you get the flu shot, you might have a mild fever and feel tired or achy afterward. Some people also have soreness, redness, or swelling where they got their shot. These problems aren't serious and don't last long. Serious side effects are rare. If they do happen, it's within a few minutes to a few hours after you get the shot. Call your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing, hives, feel weak or dizzy, or have a fast heartbeat afterward. If you get the nasal spray, you might have side effects like a runny nose, headache, cough, and sore throat. These are milder and shorter than the flu. Some people should make sure it's OK to get vaccinated. Ask your doctor or pharmacist first if: You've had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past. You've had Guillain- Barre syndrome that happened after you got the flu vaccine. That's a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the nervous system. You're very ill. If you have a mild illness, it's OK to get vaccinated. Otherwise, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
context: When you have rheumatoid arthritis ( RA), make sure you celebrate your good days. Don't worry about possible flares down the road. Move ahead with the things that keep you healthy. Even when you're on the upswing, it's important for you to have regular doctor visits and take your meds the way you have been. After all, they're working. You should see your doctor at least once a year to check on your RA. Keep up with your lab appointments, too. You need regular blood tests to see how you're doing and spot possible side effects of your treatment. Folic acid, or folate, is a B vitamin that curbs the side effects of methotrexate. You'll find it in: Leafy vegetables Beans Whole grains You can also take it as a supplement. Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D, too. This is especially true if you take steroids (like prednisone). They can cause bone loss. Load up on omega-3 fatty acids, which are in things like salmon and tuna. These good fats can help your body fight inflammation. Choose fish twice a week, or take a fish oil supplement. The drugs used to treat RA can weaken your body's defense against germs. So, get a flu shot every year. Check with your doctor to find out when you should get vaccines for: Pneumococcal disease Meningococcal disease Haemophilus influenzae type b ( Hib) Hepatitis B Tetanus Influenza If you're 60 or older, ask your doctor about a vaccine to prevent shingles. With your doctor's OK, get 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise -- the kind that gets your heart pumping -- on as many days of the week as you can. Avoid anything that puts a lot of stress on your joints, like running. Some good activities to try are: Walking Water aerobics Swimming Bicycling Do some strength training a couple of times each week to build up the muscles that support your joints. Stretch to make your body more flexible, too. However, be careful not to overdo it. Keep an eye on your scale. Extra pounds put stress on your joints. If you're overweight, your joints may get stiffer and more painful, and your flares can be worse. Eat a healthy, lower-calorie diet. Here's how: Fill half your plate with fruits and veggies. When you choose grains, pick whole grains at least half the time. For example, go for brown rice instead of white. Pick low-fat or fat-free versions when you have dairy. Eat healthy proteins like seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, and nuts.
context: To find out if your teenager has meningitis, his doctor may ask him to get a procedure called a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap. It's a key way to get a diagnosis. The doctor injects an area of your teen's lower back with an anesthetic, a drug that keeps him from feeling anything while the procedure is going on. The doctor then slips a needle between two bones in the spine to get a small sample of spinal fluid. The fluid is normally clear, so if it appears cloudy and has white blood cells in it, your teen may have meningitis. Lab tests will help figure out which type of meningitis your teen has -- bacterial, viral, or fungal. Your teen's doctor may also need to get samples of his blood or urine. Because the disease can move quickly, treatment sometimes starts right away, even before the test results come back. The bacterial form of meningitis can be life-threatening and needs to be treated quickly. Your teen will likely stay in a hospital to get antibiotics put into his veins through an IV until the doctor gets the results of a spinal tap. If the spinal fluid tests show your teen has bacterial meningitis, he'll need to keep up with the antibiotics until the infection goes away, possibly for as long as 2 weeks. Because bacterial meningitis can spread easily to others, he'll probably stay in an isolated room for at least 48 hours. Meningitis can make the eyes sensitive to light, so your teen may prefer a darkened room. He'll get plenty of liquids and drugs to relieve headache and fever. To keep him from getting reinfected, doctors will look for a source of the infection, such as an infected sinus. If your teen has a type of bacterial meningitis called meningococcal meningitis, there's a risk that people close to him can get infected. The doctor may suggest they take an antibiotic to prevent them from getting the disease. Antibiotics can't treat viral meningitis and, in most cases, the infection goes away on its own with time. Viral meningitis is usually much less severe than other types. Your teen may need only a few days in the hospital. When he's there, he'll get fluids through an IV to prevent dehydration, as well as painkillers. Though very rare, fungal meningitis usually affects people with other underlying medical conditions. If your teen has fungal meningitis, he'll get antifungal medications in the hospital that can fight this rare type of infection. He'll also need to get liquids to prevent dehydration and drugs to control pain and fever.
context: An object such as a piece of glass or metal or a pencil stuck in an eye (if your ophthalmologist is not in the office) Uneven pupils (if there's been a closed-head injury) Problems seeing after an eye injury Been in contact with chemicals, especially alkali such as drain cleaner Is younger than age 1 Has been hit in the eye with an object Has an irritated or red eye Has continuous tearing Has an eye that's extremely sensitive to light Keeps blinking Has a painful, swollen, or red area close to the eyelid or eye Has a cut on the eyeball (a cut on the eyelid is less medically urgent) May need stitches Simply flushing the eye with water often helps when your child has something in her eye. But serious eye injuries need immediate medical care. Wash your hands. Keep the child from rubbing the eye. Hold the child's head over a sink, facing down and to the side, and hold the eye open. Gently pour water over the eye for five minutes and see whether the object is out. Repeat up to two more times if the object does not come out of the eye. If the object is still in the eye, put a light bandage over it and take the child to the emergency room. Tape a paper cup over the eye. Do not try to remove the object. Hold gauze on the wound for 10 minutes. Cover the eye with a cloth for protection, and wash the area with clean water for a few minutes. Ask your pediatrician whether you should use antibiotic ointment if the wound is close to the eye or eyelid. Put a bandage on the wound. Change the bandage every day. Give child-formula acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) for pain, if needed. Do not give aspirin to a child under 16 years of age. If you suspect broken bones, damage to the eye, or a head injury, take the child to the emergency room. If the black eye was caused by something hitting the eye, call your pediatrician. Put an ice pack on the area for 20 minutes each hour to lessen swelling. Repeat for four hours. Don't press on the eye. After 2 days, switch to a warm cloth on the area for 10 minutes, three times daily. Give child-formula acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil) for pain, if needed. Do not give aspirin to a child who is under age 16. Wash your hands. Keep the child from rubbing the affected eye. Hold the child's head over a sink, facing down and to the side, and hold the eye open. If outside, use whatever water is closest -- water fountain, garden hose. Pour water over the eye for 15 to 20 minutes. If the chemical is in both eyes, rinse them in the shower.
context: Constipation, or trouble pooping, is the most common side effect of the pain meds called opioids. Most people who take them will need to also take specific medications to get more regular bowel movements. But some simple habits you can start at home can make a difference, too. Try these tips to get relief. Drink more water. Dehydration is one reason many people get constipated, and opioids can make it worse. Plus, it can be tough to get the amount of fluids your body needs when you're in pain. Try to drink more H2 O throughout the day, even if you sip a little at a time. Hot liquids, like coffee, tea, or broth, can get things moving, too. You can also suck on ice chips, or nosh on foods with a lot of water, like watermelon or berries. Eat more fiber. It can help keep your bowels regular. One kind of fiber, the "soluble" type, is especially helpful for opioid constipation. You can get it in foods that get soft when you add water to them, like oatmeal, barley, and flax. You can also get fiber from fruits (especially prunes and even warm prune juice), vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts. Don't use fiber products that have psyllium. They can make opioid constipation worse. Get active. If you can exercise, go for it. No matter the cause of constipation, physical activity will get your bowels moving. Even a little bit of gentle movement can help. Try 10 minutes of walking, some light stretches, or doing chores around the house. Talk with your doctor about what kind of activity might work for you. Stick to a routine. Try to go to the bathroom at the same time every day. For many people it's in the morning after breakfast. And make sure you have a place to go that feels private. If you feel like going, don't wait. That can make constipation worse. Check your other medications. Opioids aren't the only drugs that can cause constipation. Antihistamines, some antidepressants, some medicines for heart disease, and chemotherapy drugs can have the same effect. Check with your doctor to see if any other medications you're taking may be adding to the problem. Talk to your doctor if you don't get relief from your diet, exercise, and other habits. She may recommend laxatives, stool softeners, or other drugs to help you feel better.
context: The goal of asthma treatment is to avoid attacks so that you stay well. That's often possible when you avoid your triggers, take your medicine, and follow the asthma action plan that you made with your doctor. But if an asthma attack does happen, you must start treatment as soon as you notice symptoms. If your symptoms are severe and don't go away after you follow your asthma action plan and use your medications as directed by your doctor, then call 911 right away and get emergency help. Don't drive yourself to the hospital. It's not safe. When you get to the hospital, the doctors will make sure that your symptoms are due to asthma, how severe it is, and whether you have any other conditions that could be involved, such as pneumonia. Your treatment in the hospital may include continuous use of an asthma nebulizer, and also supplemental oxygen and steroid medicine to stop the attack. The doctor may also give you a dose of magnesium sulfate, which you'd get by IV, to help the muscles around your airways relax. These aren't medicines that would be a normal part of asthma care -- doctors just use them for emergencies. If medicines don't help, you may need a mechanical ventilator in an intensive care unit to help you breathe. Your doctors will insert a breathing tube into your nose or mouth to do this. These breathing aids are temporary. Your doctor will remove them once the attack ends and your lungs have recovered enough to breathe without the machine's help. When the doctors at the hospital decide that you're well enough to go home, they'll make sure that you have: Medicines to keep your asthma under control An asthma action plan that lets you know how to prevent asthma attacks and manage your condition. You should already have one of these, but if you don't, you will when you leave the hospital. Instructions for follow-up care If your child has asthma, make sure that his school, babysitters, day care, and anyone else who takes care of him knows about his asthma action plan so that they know what to do in case of an attack.
context: When your rheumatoid arthritis flares up, you're probably in no mood to start last-minute research on how to get relief. Check out treatment ideas now so you're ready to go when pain and stiffness strike. They're classic remedies, and a lot of people swear by them. Put a cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a towel) on your painful and swollen joint. Use the ice packs for 15 minutes at a time with 30-minute breaks in between. Moist heat can help relax muscles and ease aches, pain, and stiffness. Wrap a warm towel or pad around the area that hurts. Or try a warm bath or shower. Try a technique called "progressive muscle relaxation." To do this, tense or tighten one muscle group and then relax it. Take deep breaths as you do. Start at your feet. Move slowly up your body, ending with the muscles of your face. When you don't get enough shut-eye, you not only feel tired, but your joints will hurt too. To get a better night's sleep, go to bed and get up at the same time each day. Try to get some exercise every day. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol. And don't forget to "unplug" your bedroom: Turn off TVs, computers, and phones. If you still need more help, talk to your doctor. It's an ingredient in hot peppers. Studies show it can ease pain when you rub your joints with cream that's got some in it. One thing to keep in mind, though: At first you may feel more pain, but then it usually eases up. Some RA drugs help control your condition over the long run by reducing inflammation and joint damage. But when you have a flare of pain, you want relief right away. Talk to your doctor about how to be prepared. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help do the job. Or you may need to call your doctor's office for another treatment. Steroid shots calm inflammation and pain quickly. Injections directly into your joint cause fewer side effects than corticosteroid pills. The downside? You can't get steroid shots more than once every 3 or 4 months, because they can weaken your bones and tissue. They're not a cure for RA, but they can help you get through a rough patch. Although it's rarely used for RA, it may help. TENS is a small device that sends electrical signals into your body through electrodes placed on your skin near the area that hurts. It's not clear exactly how it works, but it gives some people relief. One theory is that it interrupts pain signals in your nerves. Another idea is that it triggers the release of endorphins -- chemicals that are your body's natural painkillers. A TENS unit in your home may get you through a flare-up. Most people hurt less while the device is on, but after they turn it off, the pain usually comes back.
context: Safe pain treatment is available for older adults. While they are more likely to experience pain than the general population, in many cases, older adults are under-treated. Many older adults feel pain is just a natural part of aging and don't tell their doctors about their problem. If you or someone you love is in pain, talk to a doctor. Although there are a number of pain relievers that are safe for older people, doctors must take special precautions when prescribing pain medication; older patients handle pain medication differently than younger patients. For example, because kidneys become smaller with age, there is decreased blood flow and less effective filtration (removal of the drug). In addition, the liver undergoes a decrease in mass and blood flow with aging, making it harder for the liver to break down some medications. The way drugs are administered to older people also can become a challenge. Decreased saliva may interfere with swallowing, and injections may be more difficult in decreased muscle mass. Also, oral drugs may be absorbed differently because of changes in stomach acid levels. To overcome these challenges, doctors often start their older patients on the lowest recommended dose and then increase the amount of medication if necessary. If you are an older person experiencing pain, keep in mind that you run a higher-than-average risk of side effects from all drugs, including analgesics like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs). NSAIDs also are not recommended for people with kidney, liver, or heart issues and definitely should not be taken without first discussing it with your doctor. There is also a risk that any medications may interact with those that you are already on. But having chronic medical problems and an increased risk of side effects does not mean that your pain cannot, or should not, be aggressively treated. You may be a candidate for any of the pain-relieving therapies available. But talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications. You may need to take a lower dose than recommended on the label.