VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Experts have different opinions on vision screening and eye exams for children. Talk to your doctor to see what's right for you. If she's old enough to understand what's going on, sit down with her and explain what will happen during your doctor visit. Make sure she knows the doctor will ask her to look at and identify objects. These could be pictures, letters, or shapes of light on the wall. Explain that the doctor may put drops in her eyes, but it won't hurt. They might sting, but only for a few seconds. Be honest with your child and work with your doctor to reassure her. 1 year and younger: The doctor will check: For nearsightedness: You might hear it called myopia. It means your child can see OK up close but objects far away are blurry. For farsightedness: It's also called hyperopia. It means she can see OK far away, but things up close are blurry. For astigmatism: That's when her eye isn't shaped the way it should be, so everything looks blurry to some degree. For amblyopia: One eye is weaker than the other because the brain area for one eye didn't fully develop. How the eyes move To make sure the eyes are lined up right How the eyes react to changes in light and darkness If your pediatrician or family doctor suspects an eye problem, you'll be referred to a pediatric eye doctor. Early diagnosis of childhood eye disease is crucial to effective treatment. Ages 3-5: The eye doctor will do a physical exam of your child's eyes and also do vision screenings using eye chart tests, pictures, letters, or the "tumbling E game." This game measures how well your child sees the form and detail of objects. ( Your doctor will call this visual acuity.) The game, also called the Random E's Visual Acuity Test, is a good option for kids who can't read yet. The child is asked to identify the direction that the letter " E" opens to by holding out three or four fingers to mimic the letter " E." You can practice this test at home before your appointment. If your child is a bit older, she may be asked to identify pictures such as a plane, a house, a duck, or a hand. Correcting poor visual acuity is very important in a child's sight development. Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is the loss of one eye's ability to see details. Amblyopia is reversible when detected early. Treatment involves patching the better-seeing eye or blurring its vision using atropine drops. Amblyopia is the most common cause of vision problems in children.
context: Does your kid get a runny nose during pollen season or hives after eating certain foods? It could be time for allergy testing. Your child's doctor may first tell you to try allergy medicine, but he may suggest seeing an allergist if it doesn't work and your kid has any of these problems: Cold-like symptoms that last more than a week and happen at the same time each year Asthma Hives or skin rashes Coughing or wheezing, especially at night An allergist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. When he sees your child, he'll: Ask about your kid's symptoms and when he has them Do a physical exam, looking for signs of allergies He'll also ask about your family history. If both parents have allergies, a child has a 75% chance of having them. If one parent has allergies, a kid has a 50% chance of having them. The allergist may suggest skin or blood tests that can check what kind of allergy your little one has. This should tell you immediately what your child is allergic to depending on what the skin is testing, but blood tests take a few days. If the allergist thinks your child has a food allergy, he may also suggest a type of test called an "elimination diet." Your kid stops eating certain foods -- like milk, eggs, and peanuts -- to see if they were the cause of his allergy symptoms. This involves testing one food type at a time and may take some patience and adjusting to. Once the doctor's got all the test results, he'll develop a treatment plan for your child. One word of caution, though. Allergy testing doesn't give you the final verdict on whether something is an allergy trigger. Your doctor may also consider the history of your child's contact with pollen or food and any reactions he's had. Allergy testing can give faulty results, so the results must always be interpreted carefully and cautiously. Based on allergy testing, your doctor may recommend certain medications, prevention tips and even allergy shots.
context: Is bleeding uncontrollably Has a numb, cold, pale, or blue ankle/foot Is unable to move the foot Is in shock (faint, pale, with rapid shallow breathing) If a bone has broken through the skin, don't push it back into place. Cover the area with a clean bandage and seek immediate medical attention. Apply steady, direct pressure with a cloth for 15 minutes and elevate the wound. If blood soaks through, apply another cloth over the first and seek immediate medical attention. Remove ankle bracelets or toe rings. If medical attention is not immediately available, apply RICE therapy: Rest ankle by having the person stay off of it. Use crutches if necessary. Ice area. Use an ice pack or wrap the ice in a clean cloth. Do not place ice directly against the skin. Compress by wrapping ankle lightly (not tightly) with an "ace" bandage or elastic ankle brace. Do not try to align the bones. Elevate ankle above heart level. Give an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs if the person has heart failure or kidney failure. Do NOT give aspirin to anyone ages 18 or younger. The doctor will examine and X-ray the ankle, leg, and foot. The doctor also may do a CT or CAT scan, or an MRI to determine if surgery is needed. If needed, the doctor will set the broken bone back in place and immobilize the ankle with a splint, cast, or other device. Surgery may be necessary to repair the break.
context: Menopausal women who have more than one specific risk factor for coronary heart disease ( CHD), like high cholesterol, may be at much greater risk for heart disease than people with no risk factors. Take this quick quiz to assess your risk. Answer yes or no to the following questions. Yes or No High blood pressure can strain the heart and increase wear and tear on the blood vessels, making blockage more likely. Yes or No Black women are more likely than white women to develop severe high blood pressure, as well as CHD, because they develop high blood pressure (hypertension) more often. Heart disease risk is also higher among Mexican- Americans, American Indians, native Hawaiians, and some Asian- Americans. This is partly due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes. Yes or No Men have a higher risk of CHD than women do. However, the risk of CHD in postmenopausal women increases with age, becoming similar to that of men. Yes or No The genetic make-up of some individuals increases their chances of developing CHD. Yes or No The older you get, the more likely you are to develop CHD. Yes or No High cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque that can clog the blood vessels leading to the heart and brain. This plaque can break and cause a blood clot to form, blocking the flow of blood and causing a heart attack or stroke. Yes or No Smokers are 2 to 4 times likelier to develop heart disease than nonsmokers. Nicotine in cigarettes also speeds up the heart and narrows the arteries, making it harder for enough blood to get through. Yes or No About three-quarters of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease. Even when blood sugar levels are under control, diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, but the risks are even greater if blood sugar is not well controlled. Yes or No An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for CHD. Regular physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease. And people who have excess body fat -- especially around the waist -- are more likely to develop heart disease even if they have no other risk factors. Exercise can help control cholesterol levels, diabetes, and obesity, as well as help lower blood pressure in many people. Other factors may also contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. These may include an individual's stress level and consumption of alcohol. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation, taking all factors into consideration.
context: Go to a hospital emergency room or see a health care provider immediately if: You cannot stop the nose from bleeding. The nostril or nasal septum is crooked or out of place. The person has clear drainage from one or both nostrils or a grapelike swelling inside the nose on the septum. Apply ice for pain and swelling. Have the person rest and keep the head elevated even when sleeping. The person should avoid blowing his or her nose. Give acetaminophen for pain. Do not give NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin. If the nose is not out of position, rest and home treatment may be all that's needed. If the nose is crooked or it is difficult for the person to breathe through the nose, see a health care provider. If you see a health care provider, the next steps depend on the particular case: To stop bleeding, the health care provider may pack the nostrils with gauze. For a simple fracture, the health care provider may straighten the nose. Surgery may be needed to move bone or cartilage back in place for a more complicated fracture.
context: Vaginal contraceptive film is a paper-thin film that has a spermicide in it. A woman can place it in her vagina on or near the cervix (the entrance to the uterus), where the film dissolves in seconds. The spermicide in it works for one to three hours. You should wait at least 15 minutes after inserting the film before having sex. And you must use a new film each time you have intercourse. As long as you use the film consistently -- and the right way -- it's 74%-94% effective. That means that out of 100 women who rely on it alone, six to 26 will get pregnant in a typical year. If the man also wears a condom, that helps prevent pregnancy. Together, spermicides (like that in the film) and condoms are about 97% effective. It's available without a prescription in most drugstores. No. The male condom provides the best protection from most STDs.
context: It's a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It aims to correct imbalances of energy, or âchi,â in the body. To do that, practitioners use very fine stainless-steel needles to stimulate the body's 14 major energy-carrying channels, or âmeridians.â Acupuncture may curb pain by boosting the amount of natural pain killers your body makes, called endorphins. Acupuncture may be part of treatment for chronic pain, such as: Arthritis Low back, neck, or muscle pain Pain after surgery Some studies have shown it to be an effective treatment for: Dental pain Fibromyalgia Nausea from chemotherapy More studies are needed to see how well it works for headaches, pain from shingles, facial pain, and as an aid to quit smoking. You shouldn't rely on acupuncture to treat a chronic or serious illness unless you see a doctor first. Acupuncture may not be the best way to improve your condition. Or it could be OK for you, but it doesn't replace other medical care, such as physical therapy or medication. For certain conditions, such as cancer, you should get acupuncture only in combination with other treatments. The person who treats you is called an acupuncturist. He'll swab each area with alcohol before tapping a very thin needle into the site. The number of needles you'll get, where they're placed, and how deeply they're inserted depends upon your particular case. The needles will stay in place for several minutes to an hour. The acupuncturist may adjust, warm, or electrically energize them to intensify the effect. You may feel some tingling if electricity is used. It should be mild, and you can ask your acupuncturist to dial it down at any time. You may need to get more than one session. No. You may feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, but it is much less than the prick you feel during a shot, since the needles are much thinner. You may feel a heaviness, numbness, tingling, or mild soreness after the needles have been put in. Yes. When acupuncture is done with disposable needles under clean, sterile conditions, and by a qualified practitioner, complications are very unlikely. It's a drug-free way to ease pain. You can't get addicted to it. And the acupuncturist can immediately see how you respond and make any changes as needed. Yes. There are about 28,000 licensed acupuncturists in the U. S. The FDA also sees acupuncture needles as medical devices. Some insurance companies will pay for this treatment. So check with your plan. It depends on your condition and how well it works for you. Because it may take several sessions before you feel a benefit, plan to go at least 5-10 times. You'll probably feel really relaxed, because acupuncture can be very calming. So you might want to have someone who can take you home. If you feel great after your session, you still need to pace yourself so you don't try to do too much, too soon. You should keep taking any medicines your doctor prescribed, too.
context: Sneezing, wheezing, and too tired to do your job? If you have allergies at work, this probably sounds familiar. Maybe your allergy symptoms kept you up at night, but you need to go to work. Or perhaps you took something to feel better, and those meds knocked you out. You might even be allergic to something at your workplace. Dust mites, pollen, and mold are common and invisible allergy triggers in the workplace. These allergens can get trapped in tightly insulated and poorly ventilated office buildings. For some jobs, there can also be environmental triggers such as fumes that cause dizziness and make it hard to breathe. Look for allergy triggers that may affect you. Common allergens include: Aerosols Chemical fumes Cigarette smoke Cockroaches Cold air Dust Fresh paint Humid air Mold and mildew Perfume and scented products Pet dander Pollen Tobacco smoke and wood smoke Weather fronts Wind Make sure your work area is well-ventilated and has proper humidity to minimize molds. It should also be dusted regularly. If you do that yourself, you may want to wear a mask during that chore. What if you're a painter or do construction work and can't avoid your allergy triggers? Check with your doctor about your treatment. You can manage allergy symptoms and improve your concentration on the job. If your allergies make you feel exhausted at work, the reason may start the night before. If your allergies aren't under control, you can get symptoms such as nasal congestion and snoring that make it hard to sleep. Some allergy medicines, such as some of the older antihistamines, can make you feel sleepy. Even decongestants that are stimulants, such as pseudoephedrine, can change your sleep patterns. If you take them together, it may be easy to fall asleep, but the sleep may not be as refreshing, so you can feel really tired even if you slept for 8 hours or more. Newer antihistamines are less likely to make you drowsy. Check the label. Your doctor may also recommend a nasal steroid spray or other allergy medicines that won't make you sleepy on the job.
context: If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD), it can cause problems with intimacy and lead to some communication problems. You can have trouble paying attention during sex. Your mind might wander during foreplay, cuddling, or sex. That may seem normal to you, but your partner may see it as lack of interest. Your mood or desires may change suddenly. One day you might like cuddling or a certain sex act. The next day, the same things might bother you. Feelings like anger and loneliness may make you less interested in sex. They may also cause communication issues between you and your partner. You may be drawn to risky behaviors, like unprotected sex. ADHD can lower levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. That may make you more likely to take risks or be impulsive. You may like to have different sex partners. This can make it harder to keep a long-term relationship and raise the chances of risky sex. Be open with your partner about your ADHD symptoms, such as trouble focusing and irritability. Reassure them it's not their fault. Say what feels good for you. If you don't like being touched all the time, tell your partner when and how to touch you. This can prevent miscommunication and arguments. Get rid of distractions. If you easily lose focus during sex, having sex in the dark may help you focus on the moment. Take your medication as prescribed. Some ADHD drugs may boost your ability to focus and enjoy sex, while others can lead to a loss of sexual desire or ability. If that's the case, talk with your doctor and your partner about it. Focus on intimacy, not sex. Trouble with focus can make it harder for you to get aroused or reach orgasm. Spend time on kissing, foreplay, and other acts besides intercourse. This can ease the pressure and help you and your partner enjoy yourselves. Stay active. Regular exercise can help you focus and raise levels of feel-good brain chemicals such as dopamine. That can help you enjoy intimacy more, and may make you less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. Consider talk therapy. Research shows that talk therapy can help ease ADHD symptoms that affect your sex life. A therapist can also help you better communicate with your partner in and out of bed.
context: In addition to symptoms and a doctor's exam, blood tests and X-rays are commonly used to confirm rheumatoid arthritis. The majority of people with rheumatoid arthritis have an antibody called rheumatoid factor ( RF) in their blood, although RF may also be present in other disorders. A newer test for rheumatoid arthritis that measures levels of antibodies in the blood (called the anti- CCP test) is more specific and tends to be only elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or in patients about to develop rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of anti- CCP antibodies can also be used to predict which patients will get more severe rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays are used to diagnose osteoarthritis, typically revealing an uneven loss of cartilage and spurring of the underlying bone. Sometimes blood tests and joint aspiration (using a needle to draw a small sample of fluid from the joint for testing) are used to rule out other types of arthritis. If your doctor suspects infectious arthritis, testing a sample of fluid from the affected joint will usually confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
context: Aerophagia happens when you swallow a lot of air -- enough to make you burp frequently or upset your stomach. It can be a nervous habit, but you also might get it if you eat, chew, or talk quickly. You get aerophagia when you swallow so much air that it makes your stomach feel bloated and uncomfortable. Chewing gum can make it worse. Doctors often see aerophagia as a sign of other problems, such as an illness that affects your digestive system, or a psychological disorder like anxiety or depression. You may also have aerophagia if you have sleep apnea and use a device called a CPAP machine to help you breathe while you sleep. The device blows air into your nose and mouth, so you may end up swallowing more air than normal. Nearly a quarter of adults and about 7% of children get aerophagia. The most common symptoms of aerophagia are: Frequent belching, sometimes several times a minute Bloated or swollen belly Belly pain These problems can last 2 years or more in some people. The symptoms are similar to other stomach illnesses, such as acid reflux, an irritation of the stomach lining, or irritable bowel syndrome. Your doctor can help you figure out what's really going on. He may ask you some questions about whether you feel nervous or depressed. People with depression or anxiety problems often swallow more frequently, and aerophagia is a common symptom of depression. There's no drug or procedure that cures aerophagia, but you may get relief if you change the behavior that makes you gulp more air in the first place. For instance, your doctor may suggest you cut stress to help you swallow less often. Or you may need to avoid chewing gum or sucking on hard candy, which can lower the amount of air you swallow. If your aerophagia is due to depression or anxiety, you may need medicine or psychotherapy. If acid reflux or heartburn makes you swallow more frequently, antacids may help. Are you a smoker? Aerophagia is another reason to quit, since smoking can lead you to swallow air. Also, loose dentures can cause you to swallow more air, so if you wear them, make sure they fit well. If you use a CPAP device, check with your doctor. It may need adjustments that control its airflow or how it fits on your face.
context: If your tongue is swollen and bumpy, you may have a case of strawberry tongue. It's not a condition -- it's a symptom of different conditions or disorders. Your tongue usually appears red, but it can be white. It's also called raspberry tongue. Many conditions can make your tongue swollen and bumpy. Your doctor will need to know about any other symptoms you may have. Strawberry tongue can be a symptom of the following: Kawasaki disease: This causes inflammation in some of the arteries in your body. Other symptoms include high fever, peeling skin, rash, and red, goopy eyes. You typically get this during childhood. Scarlet fever: When you have strep throat, it can sometimes turn into this bacterial illness. It causes a red rash over most of your body. Other symptoms include red lines in the folds of your skin, a flushed face, high fever, sore throat, and headache. It happens most often to children between the ages of 5 and 15. Food or drug allergies: In some cases, strawberry tongue may be a sign that you're allergic to a medicine you've taken or something you've eaten. Fruits and vegetables are the most common culprits. Your doctor can give you antihistamines to help with the swelling and redness. Toxic shock syndrome ( TSS): It's rare, but this can sometimes cause strawberry tongue. TSS is a life-threatening side effect of certain bacterial infections. Most cases are linked to the use of tampons, but it also can be associated with nasal packing (when gauze is put into the chambers in your nose to stop bleeding). Other symptoms include sudden high fever, headache, sore throat, aches and pains, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's important to see a doctor if you think you may have this. A tongue condition that's a lot like strawberry tongue is glossitis. It makes your tongue swollen and red but not bumpy. Like strawberry tongue, glossitis can show up as a side effect of different conditions. Both can be a sign of low B12, but glossitis is most likely a symptom of something that's not related to strawberry tongue.
context: Chickenpox usually runs its course in 5 to 10 days. But if you have the itchy rash caused by the virus, that can feel like a very long time. Fortunately, there are things you can do at home to ease your symptoms while your body heals itself. If you or your child has a high fever or achiness caused by chickenpox, reach for the Tylenol. It can even help relieve pain associated with sores that develop on your skin or in your mouth. It's safe for most people, including pregnant women and children over 2 months old. Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers, like ibuprofen. If you have chickenpox, it can make you very ill. Never give aspirin to children under age 16. It can lead to a serious complication called Reye's syndrome. Yes, it's tempting. But scratching your rash can put you at risk for a bacterial skin infection. It could also cause scarring. Try these tips to calm your itchy skin: Tap or pat -- don't scratch -- your itch Take a cool oatmeal bath (you can buy it at your local drugstore). Dab or pat (don't rub) your skin dry. Wear loose, cotton clothing so your skin can breathe Dab calamine lotion on your itchy spots Try an antihistamine, like Benadryl, to ease your symptoms Heat and sweat make you itch more. Use a cool, wet washcloth on super-itchy areas to calm your skin. Drink lots of fluids to help your body rid itself of the virus faster. It'll also keep you from getting dehydrated. Choose water over sugary drinks or sodas, especially if you or your child has chickenpox in the mouth. Sugar-free popsicles are a good choice, too. Avoid hard, spicy, or salty foods that can make your mouth sore. If you've been exposed to someone who has chickenpox but don't have symptoms yet, your doctor may give you an injection of a treatment called immunoglobulin. It can help prevent severe chickenpox. Your doctor may consider this therapy if you're: Pregnant A smoker Living with HIV Having chemotherapy (âchemoâ) or taking high doses of steroid medication Newborn babies under 4 weeks old are also at increased risk for complications from chickenpox. If you're at risk for severe chickenpox and already have symptoms, your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication called acyclovir ( Sitavig, Zovirax). It can help to make your symptoms less severe. You'll take the first dose within 24 hours of developing the rash. Then you'll take a tablet 5 times a day for 7 days.
context: If you're sick of being sick with a cold, then it's time to learn some cold prevention techniques. There are ways to prevent a cold. You just need to learn and use some new behaviors and lifestyle habits, every day. Here is how you can stay well. Your best protection from the common cold and flu is frequent hand washing. The simple friction that occurs when you rub skin against skin while using warm water and soap followed by thorough rinsing and drying can get rid of most potentially harmful germs. While germs are often transferred to others through household objects -- telephones, doorknobs, toothbrushes, and faucet handles -- the biggest transportation center for germs is your hands. That's why frequent hand washing gets rid of the illness-causing germs and helps to prevent the spread of some diseases -- especially if a family member, friend, or classmate has a cold or flu virus. The CDC estimates that as many as 56,000 people die from the flu or flu-like illness each year. The CDC also says the simple act of hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of viral and bacterial infections. Yet some studies reveal that many Americans using public restrooms don't wash their hands before leaving. People also forget to wash their hands before preparing meals, and they grab snacks without thinking of washing their hands beforehand. If you want to help prevent colds, just stop -- and wash your hands. For more in-depth information, see Web MD's Common Cold Prevention: Hand Washing 101. Also, see Web MD's Video: The Dirty Truth About Proper Hand Washing. You can't cure a common cold. The best thing you can do is prevent catching the virus that causes the common cold. For in-depth information, see Web MD's 8 Natural Tips to Prevent a Cold. Kids lose about 22 million school days collectively because of the cold virus. If you're a parent, you know how a cold can run through a family, making everyone miserable. But there are some excellent tips to stop germs at school. For in-depth information, see Web MD's Kids and Colds: Germs in the School Room.
context: To get an official diagnosis of schizophrenia, a person has to show at least two of the following symptoms most of the time for a month, and some mental disturbance over 6 months: Delusions (false beliefs that the person won't give up, even when they get proof that they're not true) Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there) Disorganized speech and behavior Catatonic or coma-like daze Bizarre or hyperactive behavior The first step is to see a primary care doctor or psychiatrist. Tell them what you have noticed, and ask them what steps you should take, especially if the person isn't interested in getting help. The first thing the doctor will do is a psychological evaluation and a complete medical exam. They'll want to know about people in the family with schizophrenia, how the person's been behaving lately, and if they've ever been hospitalized for a mental condition. The doctor will track the person's symptoms to rule out other conditions, like bipolar disorder, and other possible causes. The doctor may also want to do a urine or blood test to make sure that alcohol or drug abuse isn't causing the symptoms. Tests that scan and make pictures of the body and brain, like magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) or computed tomography ( CT scan), might also help rule out other problems, like a brain tumor. They'll also do tests to measure how much the person understands (they might call these cognitive tests), personality tests, and open-ended tests like the inkblot test (you might hear a doctor call it the Rorschach test). Getting the diagnosis as early as possible will improve your loved one's chances of managing the illness. If they get the proper care, which will probably include medication and psychotherapy, a kind of talk therapy, they are likely to do better.
context: Symptoms of a dislocated finger include: pain, swelling, looking bent or deformed, not being able to move the finger. 1. Control Swelling Remove any rings immediately. Apply ice to the area. Keep the finger elevated above the heart. If the finger is bent or deformed, don't try to straighten it. It may be broken. 2. Get Help See a doctor as soon as you can, ideally within a day. You'll need X-rays and procedures to realign the finger. 3. Follow Up Keep any protective splint or cast clean and dry. Ice the finger for 20 minutes every few hours for a few days, if you are able. Continue elevating your finger when possible. Take pain medication as prescribed by the doctor. Depending on the nature of the injury, surgery or follow-up with an orthopedist who specializes in hands may be needed.
context: Tea tree oil is an extract from a plant native to Australia. Tea tree oil was used as a topical treatment by the Aboriginal people for centuries. Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and antifungal treatment. One study found that a dilution of tea tree oil worked as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide in controlling the symptoms of acne. It may be effective with toenail fungus and possibly athlete's foot. Studies of tea tree oil for other conditions such as gum disease, vaginal infections, and dandruff have been inconclusive. Tea tree oil has been proposed as a topical treatment for herpes labialis (the common cold sore), but it does not appear to be effective. Some laboratory studies have suggested that tea tree oil may be effective against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a type of staph infection that's resistant to many antibiotics. Although these studies are promising, more research needs to be done. Tea tree oil is only a topical treatment it should never be taken by mouth. Because tea tree oil is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. The concentrations of tea tree oil used in studies have varied depending on the medical condition. For instance, a 5% tea tree oil gel might be used for acne, while a 10% or higher tea tree oil cream might be used for athlete's foot. 100% tea tree oil solution has been used with toenail fungus. If you use tea tree oil, follow the instructions on the label or get advice from your doctor. There are no natural food sources of tea tree oil. Because of its toxicity, tea tree oil should never be swallowed. Risks. Topical tea tree oil has been reported to cause allergic reactions that can be severe. Tea tree oil may also cause redness, itching, and blistering. It may aggravate burns and skin conditions like eczema. Using large quantities of tea tree oil on the skin could cause severe side effects. For topical use only. Tea tree oil must never be used in the eyes or swallowed. Even in small amounts, swallowing tea tree oil could potentially cause severe reactions, including severe rash, nausea, confusion, and coma. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, tea tree oil is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
context: Your bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs, can get infected and swollen. When that happens, it's called bronchitis. Symptoms of this condition include a nagging cough, and you might hack up mucus that's yellow or green. There are actually two types of bronchitis: Acute bronchitis: This is the more common type. Symptoms last for a few weeks, but it doesn't usually cause any problems past that. Chronic bronchitis: This keeps coming back or doesn't go away at all. It's more serious, and it's one of the conditions that makes up something called âchronic obstructive pulmonary disease,â or COPD. You are more likely to have this if you smoke. Learn to watch for the signs of bronchitis and when to call a doctor. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between bronchitis and other conditions that affect your lungs and breathing. It often starts with the symptoms of a cold: your nose is runny, your throat sore, and you feel run-down. One of the hallmark signs of bronchitis is a hacking cough that lasts for 5 days or more. Here are some other symptoms: Clear, yellow, white, or green phlegm No fever, although you might have a low fever at times Tenderness or soreness in your chest when you cough You feel tired all the time Whistling or wheezing while you breath A rattling feeling in your chest Chills If you have symptoms that last longer than 3 months, you might have a chronic case. Some signs include: A stubborn cough with clear, yellow, white, or green phlegm (for at least 3 months of the year, and for more than 2 years in a row) Wheezing Chest discomfort You should see your doctor if you have symptoms of acute bronchitis and also have ongoing lung, heart or other medical problems or are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Other times you should call your doctor: Your cough is so ongoing or severe that you can't sleep well or do your daily activities. Your cough keeps you awake at night. You cough up blood or mucus. Your cough lasts longer than a week. In otherwise healthy people, a cough from acute bronchitis can last 3 weeks. Your mucus becomes darker, thicker or increases in volume. Your cough has a barking sound and makes it hard to speak. It comes along with unexplained weight loss. If you have a fever above 100.4 F and a loss of appetite, wheezing or shortness of breath, and general achiness, see your doctor right away. Pneumonia may be the cause of your symptoms. Call 911 if you have chest pain or a hard time breathing.
context: Being at "high" risk for being diagnosed with breast cancer is different than being at high risk for a recurrence of breast cancer. Research shows breast cancer is more likely to come back after treatment in women who had: Cancer in the lymph nodes under the arms A large tumor An aggressive type of cancer Negative hormone receptors Positive HER2 receptor Breast cancer can recur or come back in three ways: The cancer can return at the original site. This is called a local recurrence. The cancer can recur nearby, such as in the chest. This is called a regional recurrence. The cancer can spread to a distant location in the body, such as lymph nodes, bone marrow, or lungs. This is called a distant recurrence, or a metastasis. Your doctor will order more tests to see if the breast cancer has spread, beginning with a physical exam and often a biopsy. The doctor is checking to see if cancer is present and, if so, if it is a recurrence of the same type of cancer or a completely new cancer (which is called a second primary cancer.) If it is a recurrence, additional tests may include a bone scan, X-rays including CT scan, an MRI, blood tests, and PET scan. Treatment will depend on whether the recurrence is local, regional, or distant. Local recurrence can be treated with a mastectomy if a lumpectomy was originally performed or radiation if a mastectomy has been performed. Regional breast recurrence is rare. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, medication, and radiation. Treating a distant recurrence of breast cancer that has spread (called metastastic) can include: Hormone therapy and/or chemotherapy with or without Herceptin, depending if your cancer is hormone receptor ( ER) positive or positive for the HER2 gene. Using radiation therapy to shrink tumors or surgery to remove tumors. This is done to relieve pain or reduce other symptoms. Enrolling in clinical trials for new chemotherapy or hormone therapy agents. Before you begin treatment for breast cancer recurrence, print out these Questions to Ask your specialists so you can better understand your care. For more information, see Breast Cancer Recurrence. Before treatment begins for metastatic breast cancer, the patient should be well-informed of all her options, including the risks and benefits of treatment. The focus of treatment for metastatic cancer is on extending life and having a good quality of life rather than cure. This is a time when you may want to get a second opinion. Women are encouraged to continually reevaluate their breast cancer treatment plan and talk with their health care providers about whether treatment is helping their quality of life. During this time, women should take the best possible care of themselves by: Eating right. Getting enough rest. Seeking out emotional support when needed. Possibly making plans in the event their condition worsens. At some point, the doctor may recommend a hospice program. Hospice care can either be delivered in a patient's home or in a separate facility. The focus of hospice care is to make the woman comfortable and help with arrangements for the future.
context: Normal sleep has two distinct states: non-rapid eye movement ( NREM) and rapid eye movement ( REM) sleep. NREM sleep is divided into four stages. During REM sleep, rapid eye movements occur, breathing becomes irregular, blood pressure rises, and there is a loss of muscle tone (paralysis). However, the brain is highly active, and the electrical activity recorded in the brain by EEG during REM sleep is similar to that recorded during wakefulness. REM sleep is usually associated with dreaming. REM sleep accounts for 20%-25% of the sleep period. In a person with REM sleep behavior disorder ( RBD), the paralysis that normally occurs during REM sleep is incomplete or absent, allowing the person to "act out" his or her dreams. RBD is characterized by the acting out of dreams that are vivid, intense, and violent. Dream-enacting behaviors include talking, yelling, punching, kicking, sitting, jumping from bed, arm flailing, and grabbing. An acute form may occur during withdrawal from alcohol or sedative-hypnotic drugs. RBD is usually seen in middle-aged to elderly people (more often in men). The exact cause of REM sleep behavior disorder ( RBD) is unknown, although the disorder may occur in association with various degenerative neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multisystem atrophy, diffuse Lewy body dementia, and Shy- Drager syndrome. In 55% of persons the cause is unknown, and in 45%, the cause is associated with alcohol or sedative-hypnotic withdrawal, tricyclic antidepressant (such as imipramine), or serotonin reuptake inhibitor use (such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or paroxetine) or other types of antidepressants (mirtazapine). RBD often precedes the development of these neurodegenerative diseases by several years. In one study, 38% of patients diagnosed with RBD subsequently developed Parkinson's disease within an average time of 12-13 years from the onset of RBD symptoms. Also, RBD is seen in 69% of those with Parkinson's disease and multisystem atrophy. The relationship between RBD and Parkinson disease is complex; however, not all persons with RBD develop Parkinson's disease.
context: To keep up those good results, you need to stick with your treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can come and go, and it's sometimes hard to predict when a flare will hit. There may be times when your joint pain goes away on its own for a while. But that doesn't mean you should stop your meds. Always talk to your doctor. He may be able to lower your dose, but it's not likely he'll want you to quit altogether. Here are some things to think about if you're considering a treatment tweak: Did you know you can trigger a flare if you stop your RA drugs? When you quit meds suddenly, you can get problems such as fatigue, weakness, and body aches. The Arthritis Foundation says people who halt RA drugs called DMARDs are likely to have a flare within 4 to 8 weeks. Even if you slowly taper off your medicine, your symptoms can still spike. So, be sure to work with your doctor on any tweaks to your medication. Have you done all that you can to curb drug side effects? If your RA symptoms are under control but you have side effects from medication, you might question whether it's worth it. It's easy to forget about the benefits of medicine when you feel good. Talk to your doctor if your treatment causes you problems, no matter how minor they may seem. He may be able to make minor changes that can help. For example, sometimes doctors suggest you add another drug to reduce nausea or stomach acid if that's an issue. Do you keep your doctor in the loop? You may be tempted to skip appointments with him when you feel well. But the Arthritis Foundation suggests you get a checkup at least once a year. Keep up with all lab, X-ray, and test appointments, too. They track changes in your joints and check on the effects of RA drugs in your body. Do you take full advantage of feeling good? Enjoy your pain-free time and pay it forward. Help others with RA who aren't feeling as well. Return a favor to friends or family members who helped you out on your bad days. Or go to a meeting of a local arthritis support group to give hope to others. It's great that you feel good. Make the most of it, and be sure to pace yourself and get enough rest.
context: Osteoporosis makes you more likely to break bones because you lose bone mass and density. You may not have any symptoms or pain. The first sign might be a bone fracture. Things that make osteoporosis more likely include: Age. Your bone density peaks around age 30. After that, you'll begin to lose bone mass. So that's all the more reason to do strength training and weight-bearing exercise -- and make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet -- to keep your bones as strong as possible as you get older. Gender. Women over the age of 50 are the most likely people to develop osteoporosis. The condition is 4 times as likely in women than men. Women's lighter, thinner bones and longer life spans are part of the reason they have a higher risk. Men can get osteoporosis, too -- it's just less common. Family history. If your parents or grandparents have had any signs of osteoporosis, such as a fractured hip after a minor fall, you may be more likely to get it, too. Bone structure and body weight. Petite and thin women have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis. One reason is that they have less bone to lose than women with more body weight and larger frames. Similarly, small-boned, thin men are at greater risk than men with larger frames and more body weight. Broken bones. If you've had fractures before, your bones may not be as strong. Ethnicity. Research shows that Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than women of other ethnic backgrounds. Hip fractures are also twice as likely to happen in Caucasian women as in African- American women. Certain diseases. Some diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis raise the odds that you'll get osteoporosis. Some medications. Certain prescription medications -- for example, if you take steroids such as prednisone for a long time -- can also boost your odds of getting osteoporosis. Smoking. It's bad for your bones. To lower your risk of osteoporosis and fractures -- and many other health problems -- work with your doctor to kick this habit ASAP. Alcohol. Heavy drinking can lead to thinning of the bones and make fractures more likely.
context: Whether you buy your dog food or make it yourself, your dog needs a balanced diet to stay healthy. That includes a mix of: Proteins Carbohydrates Fats Vitamins Minerals Water To make sure the dog food you buy has the right mix of nutrients, look for the words "complete and balanced nutrition" on the label. You might also see " Meets the nutritional requirements of dogs established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials ( AAFCO)" or " Complete and balanced nutrition for dogs based on AAFCO feeding trials." Both dry and canned dog food will give your dog good nutrition. Some experts prefer dry food because it may help keep teeth and gums healthy. If you make your own dog food, use recipes created by nutritionists to be "complete and balanced." Proteins: Body tissues are made of proteins. Your dog's body makes only 13 of the 23 amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. The other 10 have to come from food. Fats: Fats give your dog energy. They also help keep your dog's skin and hair healthy. Some important fatty acids for your dog are: Linoleic acid Omega-6 Omega-3 Your dog's body can't make enough essential fatty acids on its own, so he needs to eat food that has them. Carbohydrates: Carbs come from plants. When your dog eats grains and vegetables, they get: Sugars Starches Fiber Carbs power the tissues in your dog's body. They also help keep your dog's intestines healthy. Vitamins and minerals: These are needed for many of the chemical reactions in your dog's body, such as building bones and keeping them strong. Your dog can get all the vitamins and minerals he needs in "balanced" dog food, including: Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K B-complex vitamins Calcium Phosphorus Dogs don't have to have vitamin C in their food because their bodies make it. When he eats nutritious food, your dog doesn't need vitamin or mineral supplements. In fact, giving your dog supplements can be dangerous. Water: Even if a dog loses all of his body fat and half his protein, he can survive. But water is so important that he could die if he loses only 10% of the water in his body. Water makes up more than half of an adult dog's body weight. Although canned dog food may have a lot of water in it, it's not enough for your dog. Make sure your dog always has fresh, clean water available. Usually, adult dogs should be fed once or twice a day. Most large-breed dogs should be fed at least twice a day so they don't overeat and get bloated. Experts agree that treats and table scraps should never be more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. Just like with people, overeating can make your dog overweight. And that can lead to the same kinds of health problems that people have, such as diabetes and heart disease. Your veterinarian can help you figure out the best diet and feeding schedule to keep your dog healthy.