VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of your anus or anal canal, the lowest part of your intestinal tract. It can make bowel movements very painful, and can even cause pain that lasts for hours after you've gone to the bathroom. You may even try to avoid the bathroom to prevent the pain. An anal fissure is usually a short-term (or acute) problem, with symptoms that last 6 weeks or less. It's considered chronic when symptoms last for more than 6 weeks. Chronic anal fissures may be harder to treat and may be a symptom of another condition, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. If you have an acute anal fissure, you may feel a tearing or ripping sensation in that area during bowel movements. You may also notice: A visible tear in the anus Pain during bowel movements Blood on used toilet paper or wipes Blood on the surface of stools Bleeding that discolors toilet water Bad-smelling discharge Signs that a fissure has become chronic can include: Painful bowel movements without bleeding Itch and irritation of the skin around the anus A skin tag at the end of a fissure Acute anal fissures can also happen in babies. They're thought to be the most common cause of rectal bleeding for very young children. Signs that your child may have an anal fissure include: Crying during bowel movements Blood on the surface of stools or in soiled diapers A visible tear in the anal area
context: Chamomile has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs. In the U. S., chamomile is best known as an ingredient in herbal tea. Chamomile is considered a safe plant and has been used in many cultures for stomach ailments and as a mild sedative. Some studies, primarily using combinations of chamomile with other plants, show it may have health benefits. However, as with any combination product, it is hard to say that a benefit comes from any one plant. One product with chamomile and other herbal medicines has been shown to ease upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Another mixture with chamomile seems to help colicky babies. A mouth rinse with chamomile might relieve mouth sores caused by cancer treatments. Some research suggests that chamomile could help with other conditions, like diarrhea in children, hemorrhoids, anxiety, and insomnia. When used on the skin, chamomile might help with skin irritation and wound healing. Some research has documented that it may be as effective as hydrocortisone cream for eczema. There is no standard dose of chamomile. Studies have used between 220 milligrams to 1,600 milligrams daily in capsule form. The most common form is a tea, and some people drink one to four cups daily. To make chamomile tea, steep a chamomile tea bag or chamomile flowers in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes in a mug covered with a saucer. Then, drink the infusion when it has cooled to the point it is safe to drink. Ask your doctor for other advice. Chamomile flowers are a common ingredient in teas. They're also used as a flavoring in other foods and drinks. Side effects. Most experts say chamomile is safe. It can cause drowsiness and, in large doses, vomiting. It also has the potential to trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, although such reactions are very rare. Avoid it if you are allergic to these plants: chamomile, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums. Skin creams with chamomile can cause allergic eczema and irritate the eyes. The effects of long-term chamomile use aren't known. Risks. Check with your doctor before using chamomile if you have any health problems. Chamomile contains a small amount of coumarin, which may have very mild blood thinning effects, but usually just in high doses for long periods of time. Stop using chamomile two weeks before surgery due to concerns about its possible interactions with anesthetic drugs. Interactions. If you take any drugs regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using chamomile supplements. They could interact with sedatives, blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, aspirin, NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen, and other drugs. Chamomile could also interact with supplements like ginkgo biloba, garlic, saw palmetto, St. John's wort, and valerian. Given the lack of evidence about its long-term safety, chamomile is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to a pediatrician before giving chamomile to infants and children.
context: Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) can affect your knees and any other joint in your body. It's an immune system disorder in which the body attacks itself, and especially the joints. Doctors don't know exactly what causes it. You may feel: Pain Swelling, inflammation Stiffness Warmth around the knee You may also experience fatigue. When you see your doctor, you'll get a physical exam and talk about your personal and family medical histories. You may also get blood tests to help see if you have RA. Those check for: Anemia (low red blood cell count) Rheumatoid factor ( RF), found in about 70% to 80% of people with RA â Sedâ rate (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). High levels are a sign of inflammation. Antibodies to a chemical called CCP High levels of CRP ( C-reactive protein) You may also get an X-ray or, less frequently, an MRI to check on possible joint damage. And your doctor may take a sample of your synovial fluid, which comes from your joints. There are different kinds of RA medications. Some ease pain. Others curb inflammation or stop the disease from getting worse. You may need to take more than one -- for instance, a pain medication and another to stop the disease's progress. It's best to start early, to help protect your joints. Regular exercise is also important to the muscles around the knee and helps support the joint. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy and occupational therapy, too. Your doctor will recommend other treatments first. Knee replacement surgery is usually a last resort when damage to the knee is severe and irrepairable. Some people get surgery to remove the inflamed joint lining. Your doctor may call that lining the âsynoviumâ and the procedure a âsynovectomy.â The operation, which is performed less frequently than in the past because of better medications, can relieve knee pain for up to 5 years.
context: Every woman has been there: You think your period is over, so you ditch the panty liners and grab the white pants. And then, when you least expect it, you see red. Or maybe pink. It's just a few spots, but enough to ruin your day (not to mention your pants). You're not alone. Most women experience spotting between their periods at some point. Usually, it's nothing to worry about. A number of things can cause it to happen. These are the most common: Hormone-based birth control. If you're on birth control that contains hormones (pills, patches, injections, rings, or implants), you might spot during the first three months of using it. Doctors call this âbreakthrough bleeding.â They believe the extra hormones may cause changes in the lining of the uterus. Some sexually transmitted infections ( STIs), like chlamydia. Infection of the cervix or lining of the uterus. Blood clotting disorders, like von Willebrand disease. Other health conditions, like hypothyroidism, liver disease, or chronic kidney disease. Fibroids or polyps. These are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the lining or muscle of the uterus. Polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS). If you have this condition, your ovaries don't release eggs like they should. Your ovaries become enlarged with fluid-filled sacs that surround your eggs. Your body also makes too many male hormones (called âandrogensâ). This causes you to have irregular periods, spotting, and sometimes no period at all. Cancers of the reproductive system. These include uterine cancer. They're most common in women who've already gone through menopause. But if you're over 40 and are spotting between your periods, see your doctor to rule out more serious problems. Perimenopause. As you get closer to menopause, your periods might be harder to predict. Your hormone levels change, and the lining of your uterus gets thicker. This can sometimes lead to spotting. Make an appointment if spotting concerns you, or if you have spotting along with the following symptoms: Pain in your lower abdomen Fever Symptoms that get worse or happen more often Any type of vaginal bleeding -- including spotting -- after you've gone through menopause Spotting is very different from persistent bleeding, and any woman with persistent, heavy, or prolonged bleeding should make an appointment to get it checked out. You should also see a doctor if you think you might be pregnant.
context: The spinal cord is the major bundle of nerves carrying nerve impulses to and from the brain to the rest of the body. Rings of bone, called vertebrae, surround the spinal cord. These bones constitute the spinal column or back bones. Spinal cord injury can be caused by direct trauma to the spinal cord or the result of compression, damage from inflammation, infections, bleeds or clots, neoplasms, or spinal arthritis. Spinal cord damage results in a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling. In most people who have acute, traumatic spinal cord injury, the spinal cord is not fully severed but is bruised or torn. Spinal cord injury is not the same as back injury. Even when a person sustains a break in a vertebra or vertebrae, there may not be any spinal cord injury if the spinal cord itself is not affected. Spinal cord injuries may result from falls, diseases like polio or spina bifida (a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings), motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, industrial accidents, gunshots and physical assaults, among many other causes. If the spine is weak because of another condition, such as arthritis, minor injuries can cause spinal cord trauma. There are two kinds of spinal cord injury -- complete and incomplete. In a complete injury, a person loses all ability to feel and voluntarily move below the level of the injury. In an incomplete injury, there is some functioning or feeling below the level of the injury.
context: 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(); }); } Sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, a large nerve extending from the lower back down the back of each leg. Common symptoms of sciatica include: Lower back pain Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting Hip pain Burning or tingling down the leg Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot A constant pain on one side of the rear A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to the foot or toes. For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the sciatica pain might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse. Seek immediate medical attention if you have lower extremity weakness, numbness in the upper thighs, and/or loss of bladder or bowel control. Sciatica is caused by irritation of the root(s) of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine. Additional common causes of sciatica include: Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back) Degenerative disc disease (breakdown of discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae) Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one) Pregnancy Muscle spasm in the back or buttocks Other things that may make your back pain worse include being overweight, not exercising regularly, wearing high heels, or sleeping on a mattress that is too hard or too soft.
context: Bipolar disorder can put a strain on relationships with family and friends. When you're depressed, you might stay away from the people who care about you. When you're manic, you might do things that scare or frustrate them. But good relationships are an important way for you to stay healthy. You need to keep the lines of communication open. Here are some suggestions. Educate family and peers. The people in your life may not know much about bipolar disorder, or they may have a lot of misconceptions about it. Explain what the condition is and how it affects you. Talk about your treatment. You can even tell them about websites where they can go to learn more. Tell them you need their help to stay well. Not everyone will understand or be sympathetic, but at least you've done what you can to educate them. Create a support team. Obviously, you don't need to tell everyone you know about your condition. But you also shouldn't rely on only one person. It's much better to have a number of people you can turn to in a crisis or when you need help (such as a ride or child care while you go to a doctor's appointment). It's too much to give all the responsibility to one person. Make a plan. Accept that you may not have good judgment during an episode of mania or depression. You could really benefit from people who are looking out for you. But loved ones also need to be careful not to push too hard. You don't want to feel like they're watching every move you make. So work out distinct boundaries. Decide how often friends and family should check in and what to do if things are getting out of control. If you become manic, you might agree that your loved ones should take away your car keys or credit cards so you don't do anything reckless. If you start thinking about harming yourself, they certainly need to know how to get emergency help. A specific plan will make everyone feel better. Listen. After all that you've been through, you may not want to hear the concerns of your family and friends. But the fact is that your bipolar disorder does affect the people around you. During a manic or depressive phase, you may have upset people you care about. So try to hear them out and see things from their point of view. If you've hurt people, apologize. Let them know that you didn't mean to act the way you did, and reassure them that you're getting treatment. Talk to your children. If you have kids, find a way to tell them what's happening. They probably sense that something is wrong anyway. If you keep them in the dark, it might just make it scarier. Explain bipolar disorder in a way that they can understand. Say that it's a disease that affects your mood, but that you're getting treatment for it. Reach out. Bipolar disorder can make relationships hard. When you're depressed, you may want to retreat from the world. If you've just come out of a manic phase, you may not want to face people you treated badly. Either way, it's easy to let some friendships slip away. Don't let it happen. Force yourself to get together with other people, even if it may be hard at first. The worst thing you can do is to push people away.
context: Arthritis Foundation This is a national not-for-profit group that provides a wealth of information and support for all types of arthritis, including RA. On the web site, you can learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, review the latest studies, and even find support with others who have the condition. American College of Rheumatology The ACR is a prominent organization of doctors, scientists, and health care experts. On the ACR site, you can find information on the latest educational programs, topical research, and recommended medications. There is also a section for people who aren't doctors that explains rheumatic diseases and conditions, and support for caregivers. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM, part of the National Institutes of Health, provides a lot of insight, information, and research on complementary and alternative medicines. On the NCCAM site, you'll find cutting-edge information, including topics such as acupuncture, botanicals, and supplements. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases NIAMS, part of the National Institutes of Health, is a large group of professionals that support ongoing research in arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases. The NIAMS web site includes information on arthritis, back pain, gout, knee problems, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.
context: Ask the person what you can do to help. Reassure the person that the attack will probably pass in a few minutes. Encourage the person to take slow, even breaths. Do not minimize the person's symptoms. If unable to calm the person, take him or her to see a health care provider right away. See a health care provider if the person has had more than one panic attack. This can lead to problems such as depression, agoraphobia (fear of open or public spaces), or substance abuse. The health care provider may refer the person to a mental health professional for therapy and medication.
context: To determine if you may have a bunion, look for an angular, bony bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. Sometimes hardened skin or a callus covers the bump. The big toe will point in the direction of your smallest toe. Bunions form slowly over time, usually over years. They may be more annoying than painful, but they can start to hurt and lead to several complications over time. There's often swelling, redness, unusual tenderness, and/or pain at the base of the big toe and in the ball of the foot. Eventually, the area becomes shiny and warm to the touch. If you have persistent pain when walking normally in otherwise comfortable, flat-soled shoes, you may be developing a bunion, bursitis, gout, or a bone spur in your foot. It's time to call the doctor.
context: Many women think that heart disease is a man's disease. It isn't. Heart disease is the number one killer of women. In fact, after age 50, nearly half of all deaths in women are due to some form of cardiovascular disease. Once a woman reaches the age of 50, about the age of natural menopause, her risk for heart disease increases dramatically. In young women who have undergone early or surgical menopause, who do not take estrogen, their risk for heart disease is also higher. Women who have gone through menopause and also have other heart disease risk factors, such as the following, are at even greater risk: Diabetes Smoking High blood pressure High LDL (low density lipoproteins) or "bad" cholesterol Low HDL (high density lipoproteins) or "good" cholesterol Obesity Inactive lifestyle Family history of heart disease Heart disease becomes more of a risk for women after menopause. A healthy lifestyle goes a long way in preventing heart disease in women. Incorporating the following tips into your everyday life may help you reduce your risk of heart disease during and after menopause: Avoid or quit smoking. Smokers have twice (or higher) the risk of heart attack than nonsmokers. In addition to eliminating cigarettes, stay away from secondhand smoke, as it also increases the risk of heart disease. Maintain a healthy body weight. The more you are over your ideal weight, the harder your heart has to work to give your body nutrients. Research has shown that being overweight contributes to the onset of heart disease. Exercise throughout the week. The heart is like any other muscle -- it needs to be worked to keep it strong and healthy. Being active or exercising regularly (ideally, at least 150 minutes total each week) helps improve how well the heart pumps blood through your body. Activity and exercise also help reduce many other risk factors. It helps lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces stress, helps keep weight off, and improves blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor if you have been inactive before increasing your activity level. Eat well. Follow a diet low in saturated fat; low in trans fat (partially hydrogenated fats); and high in fiber, whole grains, legumes (such as beans and peas), fruits, vegetables, fish, folate-rich foods, and soy. Treat and control medical conditions. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are known risk factors for heart disease. There are no heart related dangers associated with taking hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) and there are indications of some possible benefits, depending on your age. Women who became menopausal less than 10 years before starting HRT have no increased risk of a heart attack. The same holds true for those who were between the ages of 50 and 59 while taking it. Younger women also show no risk and may even find their risks lowered. Still, women over the age of 60 or who became menopausal more than 10 years ago, coulld have a slightly increased risk of a heart attack.
context: High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is classified as "essential'' (primary) or "secondary.â Essential hypertension does not have an apparent cause. It may be due to such things as family history or lifestyle. Most people with high blood pressure have essential hypertension. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is less common and is the result of another condition, such as: Disorders of the adrenal gland (small organs, located above the kidneys, that create hormones), including Cushing's syndrome (a condition caused by an overproduction of cortisol); hyperaldosteronism (too much aldosterone); and pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor that causes oversecretion of hormones like adrenaline) Kidney disease, which may include polycystic kidney disease, kidney tumor, kidney failure, or a narrow or blocked main artery supplying the kidney Drugs such as corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Celebrex), weight loss drugs (such as phentermine), cold medications that include decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, birth control pills (the estrogen component), and migraine medications (such as Imitrex). Sleep apnea, a condition in which a person has brief spells in which he or she stops breathing during sleep; about half of patients with this condition have high blood pressure. Coarctation of the aorta, a birth defect in which the aorta is narrowed Preeclampsia, a condition related to pregnancy Thyroid and parathyroid problems After you are diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor may perform other tests such as blood and urine screening to make sure you don't have secondary hypertension. In order to treat secondary hypertension, your doctor will address the condition or disorder that is causing the hypertension (adrenal gland disorder, kidney disease, sleep apnea, etc.) and try to correct that. In cases where narrowed arteries are the cause of high blood pressure (coarctation, narrowed kidney arteries) surgery may be required to correct the problem. Not all patients will be eligible for surgery, however. Your doctor may also choose to treat you with antihypertensive drug therapy, in addition to addressing the underlying health issues. If you have secondary hypertension that is caused by a drug, your doctor may suggest that you stop taking or decrease the dose of the drug.
context: Jellyfish are free-swimming, bell-shaped, gelatinous creatures with tentacles that may be more than 3 feet in length. Jellyfish that are harmful to humans are distributed throughout the world. They are found near the surface of the water during times of diminished light. Harmful jellyfish have stingers (nematocysts) capable of piercing the skin. Other creatures with nematocysts include Portuguese man-of-war, sea wasps, anemones, and fire corals. These organs function long after the animal is dead. Venoms include various substances, some of which trigger allergic reactions. The most toxic nematocystic animals are found along the Indo- Pacific and Australian waters. Symptoms include intense, stinging pain, rash, and wheals (raised welts). The progressive effects of a jellyfish sting may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lymph node swelling, abdominal and back pain, fever, chills, and sweating. Severe reactions can cause difficulty breathing, coma, and death. Persistent redness and irritation after 2-3 days may signal bacterial infection of the wound. Rinse with seawater. Avoid fresh water because it will increase pain. Do not rub the wound or apply ice to it. For classic box jellyfish stings, apply topical acetic acid (vinegar) or isopropyl alcohol. Remove tentacles with tweezers. Apply shaving cream or a paste of baking soda or mud to the wound. Shave the area with a razor or knife and then reapply vinegar or alcohol. The shaving cream or paste prevents nematocysts that have not been activated from discharging toxin during removal with the razor. Immobilize the extremity because movement may cause the venom to spread. Hydrocortisone cream may be applied 2-3 times daily to relieve itching. Discontinue immediately if any signs of infection appear. Eye stings should be irrigated with 1 gallon of fresh water. Mouth stings should be treated with 1/4 strength vinegar. Avoid vinegar if oral swelling or difficulty swallowing occurs. For a box jellyfish sting, after treatment with vinegar or alcohol, use the pressure-immobilization technique. The extremity should be wrapped with a bandage in a style similar to wrapping a sprained ankle. Bind the limb firmly but do not stop the circulation. The fingers and toes should remain pink. Leave bandages intact until medical personnel are available for treatment. CPR may be necessary. Severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and intense pain, require immediate medical treatment. A doctor should be consulted about treatment with available medications. jellyfish sting, nematocysts
context: The hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm (a muscle separating the abdomen and chest) that the esophagus, or swallowing tube, passes through to reach the stomach. If the hiatus weakens and stretches, part of the stomach can squeeze into the chest cavity, producing a hiatal hernia. There are two main types of hiatal hernias: sliding and paraesophageal (next to the esophagus). In a sliding hiatal hernia, the junction where the stomach and the esophagus meets slides up into the chest through the hiatus. This is the more common type of hernia. Generally, sliding hiatal hernias pose no threat to a person's health unless he or she develops symptoms of GERD, gastrointestinal reflux disease. Paraesophageal hernias are less common but are more cause for concern. The junction of the esophagus and stomach stays in its normal locations, but part of the stomach squeezes through the hiatus, landing it next to the esophagus. Although you can have this type of hernia without any symptoms, the danger is that the stomach can become "strangled," or have its blood supply shut off. Most of the time, the cause of a hiatal hernia is not known. Some people develop a hiatal hernia after sustaining an injury to the chest or abdomen; others are born with a predisposition to the condition. Some experts suspect that increased pressure in the abdomen from coughing, straining during bowel movements, pregnancy and delivery, or substantial weight gain may contribute to the development of a hiatal hernia.
context: 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(); }); } Being around tobacco smoke is bad for you, even if it's someone else's smoke. When someone smokes a cigarette, most of the smoke doesn't go into their lungs. It goes into the air, where anyone nearby can breathe it. Smoking is banned in many public places. But many people are still exposed to secondhand smoke, especially children who live with parents who smoke. Even people who try to be careful about where they light up may not protect those around them. It can come from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. Tobacco smoke has more than 4,000 chemical compounds, at least 250 are known to cause disease. Exposure to secondhand smoke raises the risk -- by as much as 30 percent -- that others will get lung cancer and many other types of cancer, it can lead to emphysema, and it is bad for your heart. Smoke makes your blood stickier, raises your "bad" LDL cholesterol, and damages the lining of your blood vessels. Eventually, these changes can make you more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. Kids are particularly at risk for the effects of secondhand smoke because their bodies are still growing and they breathe at a faster rate than adults. These conditions have been linked to secondhand smoke exposure in children: Sudden infant death syndrome ( SIDS) More respiratory infections (such as bronchitis and pneumonia) More severe and frequent asthma attacks Ear infections Chronic cough Smoking during pregnancy is especially dangerous to the developing baby. It's tied to premature delivery, low birth weight, SIDS, limited mental ability, trouble with learning, and ADHD. The more cigarettes a mother-to-be smokes, the greater the danger to her baby. It's simple: Avoid being around people who are smoking, and try to convince those around you who smoke to quit. Anyone who does smoke should do so outside, as far away from other people as possible. Your home is probably the most important place to keep smoke-free, especially if you have children. Keeping kids (and adults) far away from smoke can help lower their chances of having respiratory infections, severe asthma, cancer, and many other serious conditions.
context: Yes, styes are painful and ugly. But they're just a blocked oil gland on your eyelid and should go away on their own or with simple treatment in a few days. Chalazia, which look like styes but are infected oil glands, often disappear on their own too. But it could take a month or more for them to go away. Most of the time you can treat a stye at home. Apply a warm compress to the affected eye for 10 to 15 minutes 2 to 4 times a day for several days. After applying the compress, use your finger to press on the inflamed bump to try to unplug the oil gland. Doing this can ease your pain and inflammation and help the stye go away faster. Keep your eye closed while you use the compress. When the stye comes to a head, keep using the compresses to put pressure on it until it ruptures. Don't squeeze it -- let it burst on its own. Some styes spread skin infections when they pop. If that happens, you'll have to take antibiotics. If it comes back, your doctor may give you an antibiotic cream or ointment to put on the spot. Or you might take antibiotic pills or have other treatments if there is an underlying condition such as blepharitis. Follow the instructions on whatever medicine he gives you. Sometimes you need minor surgery to completely drain a stye. After applying a local anesthetic to numb your eyelid (that means you won't have to go to sleep), the doctor cuts it open and removes the gunk inside. Your eyelid should heal quickly. Although a chalazion will sometimes clear up on its own, warm compresses may speed things along. Your doctor might give you a shot of anti-inflammatory medicine to help. He can also remove the chalazion through simple surgery. It should only require a local anesthetic. You might have to wear an eyelid bandage for up to 24 hours afterward.
context: Your doctor will diagnose bursitis based on your symptoms and findings on a physical exam. Some diagnostic tests may be performed to rule out other causes of your pain. These include the following: An X-ray of the affected area to look for bony spurs (abnormal areas) or arthritis Aspiration, in which fluid is taken from the swollen bursa and evaluated under a microscope, to rule out gout or infection Blood tests to screen for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes Magnetic resonance imaging test ( MRI), although this is rare Although bursitis generally disappears in a few days or weeks, the pain may be persistent. Initial treatment typically consists of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), such as Aleve or Advil, to reduce pain and inflammation. Ice may be applied to the affected area (although not directly on the skin), as recommended by your doctor. A corticosteroid may be injected into and around the inflamed bursae (the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints affected by bursitis). In severe cases, it may be necessary to use a needle to withdraw fluid from the inflamed and swollen bursae. This can help relieve the pressure. In persistent conditions, bursae can be surgically removed. A physical therapy program that includes stretching and focused strengthening exercises may be helpful. A physical therapist may also apply heat and ultrasound to relax the joint. Bursitis may recur, particularly if you engage regularly in strenuous exercise or physical labor. You should take measures to avoid further strain or injury. Warming up before strenuous exercise and cooling down afterward is the most effective way to avoid bursitis and other strains affecting the bones, muscles, and ligaments. Avoid activities that aggravate the problem. Rest the affected area after activity. Cushion your joints to avoid prolonged pressure and trauma.
context: Any medication can trigger an allergic reaction. That said, some are more likely to cause these types of problems than others: Antibiotics -- amoxicillin ( Moxatag), ampicillin, penicillin ( Bicillin L- A), tetracycline ( Sumycin), and others Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen Aspirin Sulfa drugs Chemotherapy drugs Monoclonal antibody therapy -- cetuximab ( Erbitux), rituximab ( Rituxian and others HIV drugs -- abacavir ( Ziagen), nevirapine ( Viramune), and others Insulin Antiseizure drugs -- carbamazepine ( Tegretol), lamotrigine ( Lamictal), phenytoin, and others Muscle relaxers given by IV -- atracurium, succinylcholine, or vecuronium How you take a drug plays a part, too. You're more likely to have a drug allergy if you: Take your medicine as a shot instead of by mouth Rub it onto your skin Take it often Many meds can cause reactions that aren't true allergies. They can range from mild side effects to dangerous symptoms. Although the following drugs can cause allergic reactions, some that commonly cause non-allergic symptoms include: Heart disease medications called ACE inhibitors Contrast dyes for X-rays and CT scans Some chemotherapy drugs
context: Because it's a rare condition, nailing down a diagnosis for eosinophilic asthma can take time. But once doctors reach a conclusion, they turn to treatments specifically focused on this kind of asthma. When you have eosinophilic asthma, you have a larger than normal number of eosinophils -- or white blood cells that fight diseases -- in your blood, lung tissue, and the mucus you cough up from your respiratory tract. The goal of treatment is to improve and control your asthma symptoms. Depending on your condition, your doctor may use one of these treatments to prevent asthma attacks and help you breathe easier. These are maintenance drugs, which means they help you maintain normal breathing and prevent asthma symptoms from taking control. Their job is to keep certain cells in the lungs and airways from releasing chemicals that cause asthma attacks to act up. Inhaled corticosteroids are generally safe and are meant to be used daily. They can be used with another inhaler called a long-acting beta agonist ( LABA). The amount you absorb into your bloodstream is small. But doctors suggest you rinse your mouth out after you use them, because having steroids in your mouth can lead to thrush, a fungal condition in your mouth. But the inhaled versions may not work well in eosinophilic asthma, so you may need to take corticosteroid pills. They have more side effects than the inhaled types. Also called bronchodilators or rescue medicine, these medicines open swollen airways quickly, and you can use them with the inhaled corticosteroids. Depending on which kind your doctor prescribes, side effects can include dry mouth, heart palpitations, or nervousness. Some of the chemicals in your immune system that cause asthma symptoms are called leukotrienes. Eosinophils love to team up with leukotrienes and cause inflammation in your upper and lower airways. Medicines called leukotriene modifiers -- such as montelukast ( Singulair), zafirlukast ( Accolate), and zileuton ( Zyflo) -- relieve the effects of leukotrienes and ease asthma symptoms. It's rare, but some people get agitated and anxious when taking these meds. If this happens to you, tell your doctor. These medicines are made in a lab to act like a human antibody. Unlike inhalers or pills, you get them as shots or by IV infusion. Their job is to block the chemicals that cause inflammation in your lungs. Side effects include soreness at the injection site. It's rare, but some people could have a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The drugs are: Benralizumab ( Fasenra) Dupilumab ( Dupixent) Mepolizumab ( Nucala) Reslizumab ( Cinqair) Unlike the prescription medication, bronchial thermoplasty is a procedure that's being studied to treat eosinophilic asthma. Your doctor may recommend it if other methods haven't controlled your symptoms. A lung specialist uses a special probe and thermal heat to lessen the smooth muscle in your airways. This keeps the muscles from constricting during an asthma attack. To get the most benefit, bronchial thermoplasty may require multiple procedures over several weeks.
context: Have the person sit up straight and lean forward slightly. Don't have the person lie down or tilt the head backward. With thumb and index finger, firmly pinch the nose just below the bone up against the face. Apply pressure for 5 minutes. Time yourself with a clock. If bleeding continues after 5 minutes, repeat the process. See a health care provider immediately if: Nosebleed doesn't stop after 10 minutes of home treatment. There is so much bleeding that it is hard to breathe. The person is taking blood thinners, such as warfarin ( Coumadin), dabigatran ( Pradaxa), rivaroxaban ( Xarelto), fondaparinux sodium ( Arixtra), or aspirin, or has a bleeding disorder. Nosebleed happens after a severe head injury or a blow to the face. The health care provider may use specialized cotton material, insert a balloon in the nose, or use a special electrical tool to cauterize the blood vessels. Broken noses often are not fixed immediately. The health care provider will refer the person to a specialist for a consultation once the swelling goes down. The person should avoid strenuous activity; bending over; and blowing, rubbing, or picking the nose until it heals. The nostrils should be kept moist with a water-based lubricant or by increasing the humidity in the home.
context: Histoplasmosis: A disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Most people with histoplasmosis have no symptoms. However, histoplasma can cause acute or chronic lung disease and progressive disseminated histoplasmosis affecting a number of organs. It can be fatal if untreated. Positive skin tests to Histoplasma occur in as many as 80% of the people living in areas where the fungus is common, such as the eastern and central United States. Infants, young children, and older persons, in particular those with chronic lung disease, are at increased risk for severe disease. Disseminated disease is more frequently seen in people with cancer or AIDS or those on drugs that suppress the immune system, such as TNF blockers like infliximab ( Remicade) or steroids. The fungus grows in soil and material contaminated with bat or bird droppings. Spores become airborne when contaminated soil is disturbed. Breathing the spores causes infection. The disease is not transmitted from an infected person to someone else. Symptoms, when they occur, start within three to 17 days after exposure; the average is 10 days. The acute respiratory disease is characterized by respiratory symptoms, a general ill feeling, fever, chest pains, and a dry or nonproductive cough. Distinct patterns may be seen on a chest X-ray. Chronic lung disease resembles tuberculosis and can worsen over months or years. The disseminated form is fatal, unless treated. Mild cases may resolve without treatment. Severe cases of acute histoplasmosis and all cases of chronic and disseminated disease are treated with antifungal medications, sometimes for life in those with compromised immune systems.
context: You should avoid trans fats as much as possible. They're bad for your heart health. Trans fats raise LDL "bad" cholesterol and make you more likely to get heart disease. They also lower HDL "good" cholesterol. Based on the a review of the scientific evidence, the FDA no longer recognizes trans fat that comes from partially hydrogenated oils as GRAS (generally recognized as safe). The ban doesn't affect the small amounts of natural trans fats found in beef, lamb, and full-fat dairy products. Companies have three years (from 2015) to phase out artificial trans fats from their products. Food makers once used artificial trans fats to enhance the flavor, texture, and shelf life of processed foods. You might have seen those trans fats listed as "partially hydrogenated oils." While food companies slowly remove trans fats from their products, you still need to check labels. Check the Nutrition Facts label and the ingredient list. If the Nutrition Facts label says the product has "0 g trans fat," that doesn't necessarily mean it has no trans fats. It could have up to half a gram of trans fats per serving. So check the ingredient label to see if "partially hydrogenated oils" is on the list. Those are trans fats.
context: It happens to most people from time to time: you stand up and suddenly the room starts to spin, or your vision gets fuzzy for a second or two. These are signs of a sudden drop in your blood pressure, and they're usually not a cause for concern. But studies have found that people who get them a lot may have a higher chance of having heart failure later on. That's a condition in which your heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. Scientists need to do more research to understand the connection, but it's a good idea to be aware of how often you have these blood pressure changes. A drop in blood pressure when you stand up is technically called orthostatic hypotension. Some people who have it won't notice it, but most commonly, you'll have symptoms for a few seconds after you stand, including: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy Blurry vision Weakness Fainting Confusion Nausea Your legs buckle Headaches Chest, head, or neck pain A fast, irregular heartbeat There are many reasons this shift can happen. You might be dehydrated, have low blood sugar, or be taking medication that changes your blood pressure. But some research suggests it could be an early sign that your heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should. Research has shown that people who have these dips in blood pressure on a regular basis are about 50% more likely to go on to have heart failure. In one study, those who had the symptom when they were under age 55 were even more likely to get heart failure years later than older people who had it. Researchers aren't sure why the two problems seem to be linked. Some think that orthostatic hypotension could be a sign of a buildup of plaque in the arteries, called atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart failure. Also, many of the same things that cause sudden blood pressure drops, such as some medications and health problems, also boost your odds for heart failure. This doesn't mean that everyone who gets sudden drops in blood pressure has -- or will have -- heart failure. Scientists need to do more research before they understand the connection and if it can predict the problem later on. Feeling dizzy when you stand every once in a while is probably no cause for concern. But if you have the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension often, you should bring it up with your doctor so she can figure out what's causing it. Before your appointment, keep a record of your symptoms, when they happen, and how long they last. If you fall during one of your dizzy spells, or have any of the following symptoms of heart failure, you should get medical help ASAP: Chest pain Fainting or severe weakness Rapid or irregular heartbeat at the same time as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up pink, foamy mucus
context: What you put on your plate may help you manage the way RA makes you feel. Food won't cure your disease, but a meal plan like the Mediterranean diet can lower inflammation and control some of your symptoms. It's loaded with fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, beans, and fish. These foods have natural chemicals that help keep your inflammation in check. A Mediterranean diet also relies on olive oil, another healthy fat, to take the place of full-fat dairy products like butter. That's good if you have RA because olive oil can also lower levels of the chemicals that cause inflammation. The fruits and vegetables in the Mediterranean diet are full of antioxidants that also help curb inflammation. Go for ones that have deep or bright colors, which usually means higher antioxidant levels. Some good choices are blueberries, blackberries, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, oranges, broccoli, and melons. To change things up, add spices like turmeric and ginger. These spices aren't part of the Mediterranean diet, but studies show they naturally lower inflammation. If you take blood thinners, talk to you doctor first, since turmeric can prevent blood from clotting. Red wine is a classic part of this eating plan, but check with your doctor to see if it's OK for you. If you take methotrexate, you should avoid alcohol because it increases the chance of liver damage. If you decide to give up gluten, RA shouldn't be the reason. There's no evidence that it can improve the condition or ease your symptoms. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, and in many packaged and restaurant foods. If you have celiac disease and eat gluten, your small intestine gets inflamed, so you can't absorb some nutrients. RA is separate from that, and it has different causes. If you want to ditch gluten, talk to your doctor or a dietitian for tips so you get all the nutrients you need.