VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Migraines are known for their symptoms, which are often severe and sometimes disabling. These headaches can come with tingling, flashing lights, or weird sounds. They can make you throw up or hole up in a dark room for days. Knowing the symptoms can help you understand when a headache is about to happen. You'll also want to talk to your doctor about what you're feeling. Discuss what are normal migraine symptoms and what might be signs of another serious condition that requires immediate care. Migraine symptoms happen in certain stages, though you might not have them all. Prodrome A day or two before you get a migraine, you might notice: A brief period of depression Irritability Anxiety Moodiness Decreased appetite Constipation Food cravings Stiff neck Yawning a lot You're thirstier and pee more Aura These symptoms can show up shortly before or during a headache. They usually start slowly and build. They normally last 20 minutes to an hour. You might notice: Visual symptoms like flashing lights or zig-zag or wavy lines. They often start around an hour or less before the headache hits. Loss of vision Pins and needles feeling in an arm or leg Weakness or numbness on one side of your body Trouble talking Hearing sounds that aren't there Movements you can't control Attack This is the headache itself. Most of the time: It's usually a severe throbbing or pulsing pain. It affects one side of your head or one eye. It can last from 4 to 72 hours. You're extra-sensitive to light, so much so that you may need to retreat to a darkened room. You're also sensitive to smells, sounds, and touch. You might feel sick to your stomach or throw up. You could get lightheaded or faint. Your vision might get blurry. Postdrome This is the last phase. It usually lasts for about 24 hours after the headache ends. You might feel: Elated Drained and washed out Confused Moody Dizzy Sensitive to light and sound You have abrupt, severe headaches. Your headaches begin for the first time after age 50. Headaches start when you're active, straining, coughing, or having sex. You have these problems and they don't get better after the headache goes away: Changes in your vision A body part that is weak or you can't move it Trouble with balance and walking You develop a fever or stiff neck. You lose weight without trying. Headaches start after an injury. Headaches are more severe than or different from your regular headache pattern.
context: Some people develop colorectal cancer because they inherited it. For most people, though, there is no clear cause. The lack of a known cause makes preventing the disease tricky. Research suggests that may help prevent hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer ( HNPCC), or Lynch syndrome, an inherited form of the disease -- as well as reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer in people without a genetic predisposition. Other drugs such as celecoxib and sulindac, drugs used for arthritis, may help reduce the recurrence of pre-cancerous aadenomatous polyps. It is also believed that eating a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, not smoking, and getting exercise may help prevent colorectal cancer. Diet and Exercise: Experts recommend that people concerned about getting colorectal cancer should exercise and eat right. The National Cancer Institute recommends a low-fat, high-fiber diet that includes at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. To reduce fat in your diet, you can change your eating and cooking habits. Major sources of fat include meat, eggs, dairy products, and oils used in cooking and salad dressings. To increase the amount of fiber in your diet, eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Avoid red meat and processed meats, and incorporate healthy fats, such as those containing omega-3s, into your diet. Aspirin: It has been proposed that aspirin may stop cancer cells from multiplying. In addition, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs, such as sulindac and celecoxib) may reduce the size of polyps in the colon and, therefore, the risk of colon cancer. But, this belief has not been well established and the proper dosage needed to create this potentially risk-reducing effect is not yet known. In addition, not everyone can tolerate aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inlammatory drugs due to gastrointestinal problems, an increased risk of bleeding, medication interactions, or other medical problems. If you are concerned about your risk of developing colon cancer, you should not start taking aspirin until you discuss it with your doctor. Screening: Most health problems respond best to treatment when they are diagnosed and treated as early as possible. If you are at average risk for colorectal cancer, you should have routine screening starting at age 45. There are several options for screening. Stool based tests include: Fecal immunochemical test ( FIT) yearly Guaiac fecal occult blood test yearly Stool DNA test every 3 years Structural examinations include: Colonoscopy every 10 years Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years. If you have a positive result on a screening test that is not a colonoscopy, further evaluation should be performed on a timely basis with a colonoscopy test to take a look at your entire colon. Talk with your doctor about what your best plan for screening should be.
context: If your hair follicles get blocked in areas where you also have many oil and sweat glands, you may first notice them as pimple-like bumps on your skin. They may be in places where you normally don't have breakouts. Over time they can become painful or maybe get infected and turn into scars. The condition is also called hidradenitis suppurativa ( HS) or acne inversa. It happens when the shafts where hair grows out of your skin, called follicles, get blocked. There's no cure for the condition, but treatments can make flares happen less often. A healthy lifestyle can help a lot, too. Doctors don't know for sure. Many think hormones might play a role, since the condition usually hits after puberty and breakouts can flare for women around the time they have their periods. The problem is three times more common for women than for men. It may also happen because of your immune system. Most people get clogged hair follicles from time to time, but if you have HS, your body may be overreacting to those blockages. Your genes may make a difference, too. One-third of people who have the condition are related to someone else who has it. Doctors know what doesn't cause the condition: It doesn't happen because you don't wash yourself well enough. You can't catch the disease from someone else. Other things can trigger breakouts: Smoking Being overweight For women, getting your period Hormone changes Heat Sweating At first, blocked hair follicles usually look like breakouts of pimples or boils. They usually form in places where your skin rubs together, like your armpits or groin. If you're a woman, you're more likely to have them on your genitals, upper thighs, or under your breasts. For a man, they happen more on your genitals and around your anus. The bumps may come and go or just stay the same. You might get them in the same spot every time, or they might move around your body. If your condition gets worse, you may have: Deep breakouts that hurt Bumps that burst, and maybe leak fluid that smells bad Scars after your breakouts heal. They may get thicker over time. Skin that looks spongy because of deep lines called tracts Infections In rare cases, skin cancer Your symptoms might change quickly, so blocked hair follicles can look different at different times. One week you might have bumps leaking fluid, and the next, the area may be cleared up. Once you start to notice these breakouts, see your doctor as soon as you can to start tackling the problem. You can get treatments that can help clear your skin and maybe prevent more breakouts and complications.
context: Here are some ways to recognize common warts: Common warts are small, hard, rough lumps that are round and elevated. They usually appear on hands and fingers and may be flesh-colored, white, or pink. Filiform warts are thin and thread-like. They commonly appear on the face and neck. Flat warts appear in groups of up to several hundred, usually on the face, neck, chest, knees, hands, wrists, or forearms. They are slightly raised and have smooth, flat, or rounded tops. Plantar warts are firm lumps on the soles of the feet. Unlike a corn or callus, they have tiny black dots, which are small, clotted blood vessels. Periungual warts are rough, irregular, and elevated. They appear at the edges of fingernails and toenails and may extend under the nails, causing pain and irregular nail growth. Over-the-counter remedies don't work You are a woman and develop genital warts, which in rare cases can be associated with cervical cancer You are older than age 60 and discover what looks like a wart. It may instead be a symptom of a more serious skin condition, such as skin cancer Warts multiply and spread, causing embarrassment or discomfort You notice a change in a wart's color or size; this could indicate that the lesion is not a wart but a skin cancer.
context: Everyone loses hair all the time, maybe up to 100 strands a day. They fall out, then grow back in, and the cycle starts over again. But eventually, most guys will start to notice that they're losing more than before -- and it's not growing back. As many as 85% of men will have some sort of hair loss in their lifetime. It can happen for different reasons. Up to 95% of guys with thinning hair can blame it on this condition. It's caused by genes you get from your parents. Scientists think the gene may affect how sensitive your hair follicles are to a hormone called DHT, which makes them shrink. As they get smaller, the hair that grows back tends to be finer, thinner, and shorter. Eventually, it takes longer for hair to grow back. Then, the follicles will shrink so that no hair grows at all. Male pattern baldness shows up in a telltale shape: a receding hairline with thinning strands around the crown of your head. Over time, that area will go bald, but you'll still have a horseshoe pattern of hair above your ears circling to the lower back of the head. Men with this trait can start to lose their locks as early as their early teens. In general, the sooner it starts, the greater the loss will be. Other types of hair loss tend to happen faster than male pattern baldness. Spot baldness, or alopecia areata, makes your hair fall out in smooth, round patches, but it usually grows back. The condition is a type of autoimmune disease, which means your body attacks itself. In this case, it destroys your hair. Scarring alopecia is a rare disease that destroys your hair follicles and makes scar tissue form in their place. Hair will not grow back. When your locks fall out suddenly, instead of gradually thinning over time, it's usually from something other than male pattern baldness. Other causes include: Diseases like anemia or a thyroid problem Radiation or chemotherapy treatments Medications, such as blood thinners, high doses of vitamin A, and steroids that some men take to help build muscle, called anabolic steroids Scalp infections Problems with your diet, like getting too little iron or too much vitamin A Stress Keeping hairstyles like tight ponytails, cornrows, or braids for many years For most of these issues, your hair will grow back once you take care of what's causing it. Male pattern baldness generally isn't a sign of a serious medical problem, but it has been linked with some other conditions including coronary heart disease, an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. If you notice your hair starting to fall out, keep track of the pattern and how much you're losing. You can talk to your doctor to rule out a more serious problem.
context: How to Talk With Your Doctor About Tinnitus Have you noticed a buzzing, ringing, hissing, or clicking sound that only you can hear? If so, you may have tinnitus. It can be mild or loud, and affect one or both ears. Tinnitus is not a disease. It's a problem in your hearing system. It's usually not a sign of anything serious, though you should see your doctor to get it checked out. What Your Doctor Needs to Know About Tinnitus How tinnitus affects your life is important for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may ask: What are your symptoms? Do the symptoms make it hard to concentrate, sleep, or work? Has tinnitus caused relationship problems or made it hard to do daily tasks? Loud noises and aging are common causes of tinnitus. A health problem, such as thyroid imbalance or high blood pressure, can also cause it. So can earwax, if it blocks the ear canal. Some medications may also trigger tinnitus. Sometimes, there is no clear cause. When you meet with your doctor, be ready to answer questions like these: Have you had any long-term exposure to loud noises, including at work? Have you been exposed to an extremely loud noise, such as an explosion? What prescription drugs do you take? What over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or natural remedies do you take, if any? Have you ever had any head or neck injuries? Certain things can trigger bouts of tinnitus, or worsen it. Your doctor may ask: Do you drink alcohol or caffeine? Do you smoke cigarettes? Are you under a lot of stress? That information can help your doctor determine what treatment may help. Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor About Tinnitus Learning about tinnitus can help you manage it. Ask your doctor these questions so you better understand your condition. What is tinnitus? What causes it? Can you tell what's causing my tinnitus? Will it go away on its own? Can other people hear the noise in my ears? Will tinnitus damage my hearing? Does having tinnitus mean I have hearing loss? Tinnitus can be treated. The treatment depends on what's causing it and how severe it is. You may want to ask your doctor these questions to learn about your options: What are the treatments for tinnitus? Are there any risks or side effects from the treatment? What can I do on my own to manage tinnitus? How can I stop tinnitus from getting worse?
context: You need your medicine to manage your health. They can make a huge difference in your life. But sometimes, people have an allergic reaction to a medicine. When you have an allergy, your immune system mistakenly sees something that's harmless as an invader. Your body responds with certain chemicals, such as large amounts of histamine, to try to get rid of it. If you think you have a drug allergy, tell your doctor. There may be another treatment you could try instead. Even in people who aren't allergic, many drugs can cause issues like an upset stomach. But during an allergic reaction, the release of histamine can cause symptoms like hives, a skin rash, itchy skin or eyes, congestion, and swelling in the mouth and throat. A more severe reaction, called anaphylaxis, may include trouble breathing, blueness of the skin, dizziness, fainting, anxiety, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea, diarrhea, and other serious symptoms. Penicillin and other similar antibiotics are the drugs most people are allergic to. Other meds commonly found to cause allergic reactions include sulfa drugs, barbiturates, anti-seizure drugs, and insulin. Your doctor will talk to you about your medical history and symptoms. If he thinks you might be allergic to an antibiotic, such as penicillin, he may give you a skin test to confirm it. But skin testing doesn't work for all drugs, and in some cases it could be dangerous. If you've had a severe, life-threatening reaction to a particular drug, your doctor will simply rule out that medicine as a treatment option for you. Getting an allergy test to find out if the severe reaction was a "true" allergic response isn't needed if there are other drug options. The first goal is to ease your symptoms. For instance, medicines such as antihistamines, and in some cases, corticosteroids, can often control rash, hives, and itching. For coughing and lung congestion, your doctor may prescribe drugs called bronchodilators (such as albuterol or combivent) to widen your airways. For anaphylaxis symptoms, you may need a shot of epinephrine, and you definitely need emergency medical care, even if those symptoms stop after you take epinephrine. Sometimes, doctors use a process called desensitization to treat an allergy to penicillin or other drugs. Over time, you'll get shots of tiny amounts of penicillin, with increasingly larger amounts until your immune system can handle the drug. You'll probably only get this procedure if there aren't any other medicines that can treat your condition. If you're severely allergic to certain antibiotics, there should be alternatives that your doctor can prescribe. If you know you have a drug allergy, tell all your health care providers before you get any type of treatment, including dental care. It's also good idea to carry a card or wear a special bracelet or pendant that identifies your allergy, in case of emergency.
context: If you have multiple sclerosis ( MS), your bathroom habits may not be what they used to be. You might have bowel movements a lot more, not as much, or it may be harder to go. Talk to your doctor about these troubles. She can suggest ways to make things regular. But there are also simple ways to adjust your habits to make bathroom visits more predictable. Constipation . It's very common for people with MS. The disease can interrupt the messages nerves send to and from the brain that signal that it's time for a bowel movement. MS can also keep pelvic floor muscles from relaxing, which helps your body get rid of stool. Also, it can stop the natural increase in activity of your colon after you eat. Outside of MS, a poor diet (including not getting enough fiber), too little exercise, and depression all affect the digestive system. Medications and supplements also can cause constipation. Loss of bowel control. This problem means you may not be able to reach the bathroom fast enough. The most common causes include long-lasting constipation, severe diarrhea, stress, hemorrhoids, nerve or muscle damage, and using laxatives too much. Diarrhea . It usually happens because of allergies or sensitivity to spicy foods or dairy products, bad water or food, a change in activity level, or an infection. Diarrhea can also signal another problem. If it you have it often or all the time, see your doctor. In some cases, she may tell you to see a doctor who specializes in treating bowel problems, called a gastroenterologist. Drink more fluids. Make sure you get enough water every day. You might be tempted to cut back on it if your MS gives you bladder problems. But that makes constipation worse. Make your first beverage of the day something hot, such as hot water or apple cider, or drink 1/2 to 1 cup of prune juice in the morning to get things moving. Get more fiber. The best way is to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to hot or cold cereal or casseroles, or mix it with applesauce, pancake batter, pudding, muffin batter, milkshakes, or cookie dough. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids, which help the bran work inside you. Your doctor may also recommend that you take a fiber supplement. Stick to a schedule. Set a regular time when you'll go to the bathroom. Try going right after meals since eating is a natural way to prompt a bowel movement. Try to wait no more than 2 to 3 days between bowel movements. Exercise. It's a great way to get your digestive tract going. Use stool softeners. But only if your doctor says it's OK. Drink more liquids to make up for what your body is losing. Try water, lemonade or fruit-flavored drinks, fruit or vegetable juice, broth, milk, or soup. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about how much fiber you should eat. Eat soft foods that have a lot of liquid, such as sherbet, yogurt, and pudding. Ask your doctor whether changing your medications might help relieve the diarrhea. But don't try to take less or stop taking them before you talk to her. Don't take over-the-counter drugs for diarrhea without talking to your doctor.
context: Pericoronitis is a dental disorder in which gum tissue becomes swollen and infected around the wisdom teeth, the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Pericoronitis can develop when wisdom teeth only partially erupt (break through the gum). This allows an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. In cases of pericoronitis, food or plaque (a bacterial film that remains on teeth after eating) may get caught underneath a flap of gum around the tooth. If it remains there, it can irritate the gum and lead to pericoronitis. If the pericoronitis is severe, the swelling and infection may extend beyond the jaw to the cheeks and neck. Symptoms of pericoronitis can include: Pain Infection Swelling in the gum tissue (caused by an accumulation of fluid) A "bad taste" in the mouth (caused by pus leaking from the gums) Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck Difficulty opening the mouth Your dentist will examine your wisdom teeth to see how they are coming in, and determine if they are partially erupted. He or she may take an X-ray periodically to determine the alignment of the wisdom teeth. Your dentist will also take note of any symptoms such as swelling or infection, and will check for the presence of a gum flap around a wisdom tooth. If the pericoronitis is limited to the tooth (for example, if the pain and swelling has not spread), treat it by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. You should also make sure that the gum flap has no food trapped under it. If your tooth, jaw, and cheek are swollen and painful, see your dentist right away. He or she can treat the infection with antibiotics (usually penicillin, unless you are allergic). You can also take pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. The dentist may also prescribe a pain medication. If the pain and inflammation are severe, or if the pericoronitis recurs, it may be necessary to have oral surgery to remove the gum flap or wisdom tooth. Your dentist can make the appropriate referral to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. A low-level laser can be used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with pericoronitis.
context: Many things can cause your gums to be painful and sore -- but not all of them require a trip to the dentist. Sometimes tender and sore gums are simply a sign that you brush your teeth too hard. Other times your gums might hurt if they're irritated from braces or dentures. If you're a woman, hormone changes related to your period, pregnancy, or menopause can also cause your gums to become swollen and painful. Try these simple home remedies for achy gums: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Use only toothbrushes with soft or extra-soft bristles. Use over-the-counter ( OTC) painkillers, such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol), as directed. You'll find other OTC products to treat sore gums at the drugstore. These include: Mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide (such as Gly- Oxide) Gels that you apply directly to the sore gums (such as Anbesol) If your gums hurt and you have a white coating on your tongue or cheeks, you could have an infection called thrush. It's a type of yeast infection. Eating yogurt with live cultures can help, but you should see a doctor or dentist if it doesn't clear up. If you have gum pain and white mouth ulcers with red borders, it could be canker sores. They're not contagious and usually go away in 1 to 3 weeks. Canker sores that are larger than a half-inch can be very painful and should be treated by a dentist. To ease your pain in the meantime, avoid spicy, salty, and acidic foods, and follow the same home remedies above. If your gums hurt or bleed for more than a week, head for your dentist's chair. Red, swollen gums that bleed easily are a sign of the gum disease gingivitis. You can get your gums back to normal by brushing and flossing regularly and getting your teeth cleaned regularly. If you don't treat it, gingivitis can lead to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which can cause painful pockets of pus called abscesses. It can also lead to tooth loss. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, so it's very important to take care of your mouth. See your dentist if you have ongoing gum pain or any of these symptoms: Bleeding gums Red, swollen gums Gums that pull back from your teeth Dentures that don't fit right anymore Pain when you chew Loose teeth Teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold To keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease, the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day.
context: Pigmentation is the coloring of a person's skin. When a person is healthy, his or her skin color will appear normal. In the case of illness or injury, the person's skin may change color, becoming darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation). Hyperpigmentation in skin is caused by an increase in melanin, the substance in the body that is responsible for color (pigment). Certain conditions, such as pregnancy or Addison's disease (decreased function of the adrenal gland), may cause a greater production of melanin and hyperpigmentation. Exposure to sunlight is a major cause of hyperpigmentaion, and will darken already hyperpigmented areas. Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by various drugs, including some antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, and antimalarial drugs. An example of hyperpigmentation is melasma. This condition is characterized by tan or brown patches, most commonly on the face. Melasma can occur in pregnant women and is often called the "mask of pregnancy;" however, men can also develop this condition. Melasma sometimes goes away after pregnancy. It can also be treated with certain prescription creams (such as hydroquinone). If you have melasma, try to limit your exposure to daylight. Wear a broad-brimmed hat and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at all times, because sunlight will worsen your condition. Sunscreens containing the physical blockers zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are also helpful in blocking daylight's UVA rays, which makes hyperpigmentation worse. Consult with your doctor before treating the condition yourself. Hypopigmentation in skin is the result of a reduction in melanin production. Examples of hypopigmentation include: Vitiligo: Vitiligo causes smooth, white patches on the skin. In some people, these patches can appear all over the body. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the pigment-producing cells are damaged. There is no cure for vitiligo, but there are several treatments, including cosmetic cover-ups, corticosteroid creams, calcineurin inhibitors ( Elidel cream, Protopic ointment) or ultraviolet light treatments. New topical treatments using Janus Kinase inhibitors are being investigated. Albinism: Albinism is a rare inherited disorder caused by the absence of an enzyme that produces melanin. This results in a complete lack of pigmentation in skin, hair, and eyes. Albinos have an abnormal gene that restricts the body from producing melanin. There is no cure for albinism. People with albinism should use a sunscreen at all times because they are much more likely to get sun damage and skin cancer. This disorder can occur in any race, but is most common among whites. Pigmentation loss as a result of skin damage: If you've had a skin infection, blisters, burns, or other trauma to your skin, you may have a loss of pigmentation in the affected area. The good news with this type of pigment loss is that it's frequently not permanent, but it may take a long time to re-pigment. Cosmetics can be used to cover the area, while the body regenerates the pigment.
context: It's good for anyone to learn how to relieve stress, and it's extra-important if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Feeling worried and tense makes some people's RA symptoms worse. Just living with the disease can be a lot to handle. Sometimes it's tricky to manage stress, especially at work. When things get hectic, you have to stay on task. Use these eight stress-busters to keep calm and carry on. 1. Stretch. Aim to take a break every half-hour to stretch, walk around, and clear your head. When you can't, stretch at your desk. Try to move all your joints. Arch your back. Shrug your shoulders. Stretch your arms above your head. Make claws with your hands. Under your desk, flex your ankles and toes. 2. Breathe deeply. Take a few deep breaths with your eyes closed or open. Inhale through the nose, feeling your chest expand. Then exhale through your mouth. Repeat. 3. Relax your muscles. Slowly relax all the muscle groups in your body. Start with your feet and end with your head. First, tense the muscles for about 8 seconds. Then relax them, and feel the tension melt away. 4. Focus on a soothing image. Keep pictures on your desk or a slideshow of pictures on your computer that relax you. Choose whatever you like -- a favorite vacation spot, pictures of loved ones, adorable kittens. Anything that makes you smile or feel calm helps. 5. Listen. Slip on a pair of headphones for a few minutes. Play a song that gives you happy, soothing thoughts. Or listen to relaxing natural sounds, like ocean waves or a waterfall. 6. Smell. Certain scents -- like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood -- can ease stress for some people. Keep a bottle of scented hand lotion on your desk and use it when you need a little "aromatherapy." Get products with real essential oils instead of artificial scents. 7. Write in a journal. When you're feeling anxious, clear off your desk and take out a pad -- or clear your screen and open a new file -- and write for a few minutes. Studies show that writing down what you're feeling can make you feel better and even lower your blood pressure. If keeping a journal feels awkward, write an email about your feelings to your best friend. When you're done, you can decide to send it or just keep it to yourself. 8. Think about what's stressing you. We often try to push stuff out of our heads to calm down. But facing it head-on can help too. What is it that bothers you? Are you behind on a project? Did your boss say something that upset you? Once you have a clearer sense of the problem, you can come up with a solution. You'll feel more in control and less tense.
context: Stress doesn't cause ulcerative colitis ( UC), but if it spirals out of control, it can make your symptoms worse. So make it a priority to notice and manage the things that get to you. Take a good look at how you respond. Then use these simple tips to tap into relaxation and relief. Inhale, exhale. You do it 24-7, usually without noticing it at all. Take a moment to tune in to your breathing. It's an easy, do-it-anywhere way to soothe your body and mind. Take a slow, deep breath, filling your lungs with air. Then let it out slowly and fully, feeling your muscles loosen up as you do. Take several deep breaths whenever you feel stressed out. Deep breathing not only relaxes your mind, but it also sends more blood flowing through your body. You can boost the benefits when you combine breathing with another relaxation technique, such as yoga or meditation. Yoga blends deep breathing with stretching and strengthening poses. It can help you manage stress and ongoing pain. One study even shows that yoga might calm inflammation, a key part of UC. Meditation involves observing your breath, or focusing on a word or an image in your mind. Other thoughts will come up. That's fine, and normal! Try to let those distractions float by without chasing or judging them. Research shows that as little as 20 minutes of meditation a day can cut levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Try 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes before you go to bed. When you work out, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Studies show that exercise can also lower stress and relieve some UC symptoms. Depending on how severe your condition is, you may need to limit how much and how hard you exercise. Don't overdo it. Even a moderate 10-minute walk each day counts, and you'll feel better for it. Include some "me time" on your to-do list. Take a few minutes to do something you really enjoy. Some ideas: Listen to your favorite music. Read a book. Spend some time in a park or your garden. Call a good friend. Take a yoga class. Try a new recipe. Use a foam roller or a tennis ball to unknot tense muscles. Take a warm shower or bath. Recognize when you need help and ask for it. When people offer to pitch in, take them up on it. If your symptoms bother you, call your doctor. He can check to see if your treatment plan is on track or if it needs changes. Join a support group for people with UC. Talk about what you're going through with others who understand your situation. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America can help you find one in your area, or you can ask your doctor. If you can't shake your worries or if you feel depressed or anxious, talk to your doctor or a counselor. Even a few sessions can help you know what changes to make and whether you might benefit from medicine, so you feel more like yourself again.
context: If you have hives that keep coming and going for weeks on end, and you don't know what's causing them, see a doctor. You could have chronic idiopathic urticaria ( CIU). CIU is when a person has these breakouts almost daily for at least 6 weeks, with no known cause. Your doctor will look for the cause of your welts. If she figures out what's making you have them, you don't have CIU. It's a process of elimination. She'll want to rule out more serious conditions that can trigger hives, like hepatitis or an overactive thyroid. She'll ask you about your medical history and your family's medical history, and possibly do some tests. If your doctor is able to rule out other conditions, she may refer you to a skin specialist or allergy specialist. Things you're exposed to every day, like food, medication, infections, plants, pet dander, and latex, can sometimes be the problem. The doctor will want to know: What kinds of things are you exposed to at home or work? Do you have pets? Have you been around other people's animals lately? What medications do you take? What kinds of foods do you eat regularly? Do you notice that you get hives when you're hot, cold, or sweaty? It may be helpful to keep a diary for a few weeks to bring to your appointment. This will help your doctor rule things in or out. To look for causes, you might get some of these tests: Blood test. Your doctor takes some of your blood and sends it to a lab to look for illnesses or infections. Biopsy. Your doctor removes a small piece of your skin to look at under a microscope. This is to see if an inflammation of the blood vessels, called vasculitis, may be the cause of your hives. If you're still having breakouts and the tests don't point to a cause, your doctor will most likely say you have CIU. Some people have outbreaks for several weeks, while others have them for years. They should eventually go away. Talk to your doctor about the best treatments to manage the itching and discomfort.
context: When you pee, not all the urine gets emptied from your bladder. If you have urinary problems, your doctor may need to know how much is left there. A post-void residual urine test can tell them. If the test shows there's too much there after you pee, that can be a sign of a few things: There's an infection in your kidneys, bladder, or the tubes that connect them. Your bladder is blocked at the end so urine can't flow out. Your bladder has trouble pushing urine out. Your prostate is enlarged. There are two ways to do a post-void residual urine test: Catheter: A nurse slides a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through your urethra (where pee comes out) and into your bladder, then takes out the urine. Ultrasound: A machine uses sound waves to show live images of your bladder so your doctor can see how much urine is there. Some researchers think catheters measure urine in the bladder better than an ultrasound, while others think the two tests work equally well. A nurse will ask you to pee right before the test. Then they'll give you medicine to numb the area. They'll slide the catheter through your urethra, take out the urine in your bladder, and measure how much was taken out. There are a few things to think about with the catheter method: It may feel uncomfortable. It might make you more likely to get an infection. It's rare, but it could injure your urethra. With this method, after you pee, the nurse will hold the ultrasound wand against your belly. Pictures of your bladder will show up on a monitor, and your doctor will use them to measure the urine there. This method has a few advantages over the catheter method. Because nothing goes inside your body, there's no chance of injury or infection. The sound waves are painless. The nurse doesn't need to see your private parts. It's safer for children and doesn't stress them out as much. But an ultrasound might not work for some people. For example, if you're obese, the machine may not be able to get clear pictures of your bladder.
context: See a doctor. Or go to a hospital emergency room if: Pain occurs after an injury or accident. Neck pain radiates down the arms and legs. Pain is accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, visual changes, nausea or weakness. Immediately after an injury, it's helpful to apply ice to the site of the pain. Later, some people find relief by applying dry or moist heat to the area. Give pain medication, such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin). When the person is lying down, place a small pillow under the nape of the neck to align head and neck. Treatment may include a cervical collar, muscle relaxants, exercises, or physical therapy.
context: It isn't your imagination. If you notice that more of your women friends have rheumatoid arthritis than the guys you know, the stats back it up. About 1.5 million Americans have RA -- and about three times more women have it than men. The disease acts differently in each gender, too. The more you know, the better you can manage it. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to strike women at a younger age than men -- and can hit harder, too. In one study, researchers found that women with RA reported more symptoms and more severe ones. Women in the study also didn't do as well when taking the same treatment as men. Early in the disease, women with RA are also less likely than men to reach "remission," which means they have no symptoms. Doctors aren't sure what role sex hormones play in RA. Some women get the disease at times when their sex hormones are shifting, such as after pregnancy or before menopause. If you're pregnant, your RA may improve, but it might flare again after you have your baby. All of this suggests a link to hormones. If you're breastfeeding, you're less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis. One study shows that women who breastfed for 2 years or more cut their risk of getting the disease in half. For anyone with RA, man or woman, the key is to start treatment as early as possible. It can halt or slow the disease and prevent joint damage and complications like osteoporosis and heart disease. There's more to treatment than just medicine. It also helps if you: Stay at a healthy weight Get plenty of sleep Make exercise a habit Rest when you need to Eat healthy foods And don't forget to ask for help and support when you get tired. Let your friends and family know how you feel and what you need from them.
context: Having the condition known as migraine means you are susceptible to a distinctive syndrome called migraine. And when you're having a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day," you shouldn't be surprised if a migraine tops it off. Stress and other emotions can trigger migraine, but some easy steps can ease the tension and help prevent a headache. Scientists believe that when you're under stress, levels of certain molecules and hormones may go up or down. In some people, these changes could trigger a migraine. For some folks, stress is a direct trigger of migraines. For others, it may simply make you more likely to get an attack brought on by other triggers, such as foods or smells. Studies show that many different types of stress or intense emotions are linked to migraine. Anxiety, excitement, tension, and shock are some prime examples. Some people say they get migraine when their stress eases. They're sometimes called "weekend headaches" or âletdown migraineâ because they might show up on a relaxing Saturday or Sunday at home after a stressful week at work. Some stressful situations that may trigger your migraine are: Tension at work Marriage or relationship problems Unemployment, financial problems, or low income Childhood trauma, including your parents' divorce, physical abuse, or hospital stays Anxiety, tension, and nervousness Changes in your life, such as having a baby, switching jobs, or moving to a new home Juggling responsibilities or struggling to balance work and life Lack of sleep Stress about your surroundings, such as loud noises or harsh lights New routines or travel A migraine headache itself can cause stress, which in turn triggers more headaches later on. Research shows that a stressful event or a particularly stressful day often occurs 2 to 3 days before a migraine attack. To see if this is true for you, keep a migraine diary. Over the course of a few months, it can help you find patterns in when you get headaches and help you pinpoint what kinds of stress may make it more likely for you get them. Keep track of things like: When your headache begins, where you have pain, how long it lasts, and whether treatment works What and how much you eat Any vitamins or supplements you take Exercise Social and work activities Details of your menstrual cycle How you're feeling each day and your level of stress Amount of sleep you get Try to identify what types of stressful situations or events trigger your headache, and take steps to avoid them. Other tips you can try: Eat healthy foods. Get 30 minutes of exercise a day. Try relaxation techniques like meditation. Get enough sleep. Turn to family and friends for support. Smile and laugh to ease your tension.
context: If you or a loved one is diagnosed with testicular cancer, a natural question you may ask is: â What caused this?â And the answer is doctors don't know for sure why a man may get it. But they have been able to find some links to other conditions. There is one thing they do know: Testicular cancer is among the most treatable, even in an advanced stage. It is rarely life-threatening. Even if it has spread to nearby organs, you have an excellent chance of long-term survival. Cancer can occur in many areas of the body, including the sexual organs. Men have two testicles, sometimes called testes. They are one of many glands in the body. Their job is to make male hormones and sperm. They hang beneath and behind a man's penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. Each testicle is connected to what's called the spermatic cord. It's made up of a sperm duct, nerves, and blood vessels. Testicular cancer may spread slowly or quickly. It can go to nearby lymph nodes, the lungs, the liver, bones, and possibly the brain. Researchers have found several things that seem to increase a man's chances of getting this kind of cancer. They include: Undescended testicle: Testicular cancer happens more often in men who were born with a condition called cryptorchidism. Early in a pregnancy, the testes form in the male baby's lower belly. Not too long before birth, they should âdropâ down into the scrotum. But for about 3 or 4 out of 100 newborns, this doesn't happen. And that rate goes much higher if the baby is born early. Family history: It may also run through the generations, from parent to child. Men with the genetic disorder Down syndrome have a higher chance of getting it. Previous diagnosis: If you've already been cured of cancer in one testicle, you have a 4% chance of getting it again in the other one. Fertility problems: If you have trouble making a woman pregnant, you are more likely to be diagnosed with testicular cancer. You should ask your doctor to screen you. HIV infection: The virus that causes AIDS has been linked with it. Issues before birth: Conditions related to your mother's pregnancy could play a role as well. They include abnormal bleeding and estrogen, or hormone, therapy. If you find a lump in your testicle, go to a doctor so he can check it.
context: So you've changed your mind about having that vasectomy and want to know if you can have it reversed. The truth is, you often can have it reversed, but the surgery is more complicated than a vasectomy. During a vasectomy, your doctor cuts or blocks the tubes, called the vas deferens, which carry sperm from your testes to your penis. In a vasectomy reversal, your doctor has to rejoin these tubes back together so that sperm can reach the semen you ejaculate during orgasm. This can be done using one of two methods. The first is through vasovasostomy, where your doctor sews the ends of the vas deferens from the testes to the penis back together. The second method is vasoepididymostomy. Here, the doctor attaches the vas deferens to the small organ at the back of each testicle that holds sperm. It's far more difficult than a vasovasostomy. Your doctor may only choose this method if you can't have a vasovasostomy or if he doesn't think it will work. Vasectomy reversals are performed in a hospital or clinic. You'll be given anesthesia so you're not awake and don't feel anything during the procedure. It usually takes about 2 to 4 hours, and you usually go home the same day. Recovery takes about 2 weeks. Vasectomies can be reversed a number of times. But the success rate may decrease with each reversal. If you've had a change of heart and want to start a family or add to yours, you might consider having your vasectomy reversed. Some men who have lost a child may consider this an option as well. For a small number of men, the procedure may be helpful to relieve the pain in your testicles caused by a previous vasectomy. They're rare. But when they do occur, they may include: Bleeding in your scrotum. This can lead to painful swelling. To avoid it, be sure to follow your doctor's orders before and after surgery. Infection. This is always a possibility with any procedure. If you get one, your doctor will most likely treat it with antibiotics. Severe or persistent pain. Call your doctor right away if you have pain that doesn't ease up with over-the-counter medicines. You'll know your vasectomy reversal was successful if sperm appear in your semen after a few months. Your doctor will collect samples and examine them for 4 to 6 months -- enough time for your counts to stabilize. If you have a vasovasostomy, it could take 6 to 12 months before sperm return. And if you had a vasoepididymostomy, it may take even longer than a year for sperm to appear in your semen. Once your sperm comes back, your chances to conceive could go up, too. But the success of your vasectomy reversal surgery will depend on many things, including the type of surgery you originally had, and if there are any other factors keeping you and your partner from getting pregnant. It shouldn't. But don't have sex or ejaculate until your doctor gives you the âall clear.â Most doctors recommend that you wait 2 to 3 weeks to have sex.