VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: In a perfect world, you could avoid whatever triggers your allergies. Because that's not always possible, there are lots of treatment options. Which should you choose? Many types of allergy pills or nasal spray are available with or without a prescription. Both work best if you use them before you're around your triggers. These rarely have side effects except for maybe an irritated nose or a bitter taste in your mouth. You can try a moisturizing nasal gel after you use the spray or switch to a different type if your nose gets irritated. Talk to your doctor if they bother you. Saline spray . Salt water sprays can rinse away allergens, ease stuffiness, and loosen mucus. You can buy them over-the-counter. They don't have medication in them, just water and salt. Steroid spray. These can help with most allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion (stuffiness). Because they are so effective and rarely have side effects, they are a very popular allergy treatment. They are often the first things doctors recommend along with taking an antihistamine. They may start to work right away. But for some people, it can take 1-2 weeks before they help you feel better. To help them work their best, use them every day. Antihistamine spray. These prescription sprays usually work within minutes and can ease postnasal drip, congestion, and sneezing. You can use them every day or just when you have symptoms. Decongestant spray. These prescription and nonprescription sprays can help unclog stuffy noses by reducing boggy swelling inside your nasal passages. Don't use them for more than 3 days to avoid "rebound congestion" which is a worsening of your symptoms when you stop.. Cromolyn sodium spray. These nonprescription sprays (such as Nasalcrom) help prevent allergy symptoms. They calm some of the body's reaction to allergens. You usually have to use them for a few days before they start to work. You may want to try these on their own or with a nasal spray to get allergy relief. Antihistamines. Prescription and nonprescription antihistamines can help if you sneeze, itch, and have a runny nose. But they don't ease congestion. Newer prescription antihistamines are less likely to make you drowsy. Sometimes your doctor will suggest these together with a decongestant and maybe a steroid nasal spray. Decongestants . They shrink swollen nasal tissues and relieve stuffy noses. Decongestants don't usually work as quickly in pill form as they do in sprays. These drugs can raise blood pressure, so talk to your doctor before taking them, especially if you have high blood pressure. Combination pills. Some drugs combine decongestants and antihistamines to ease many symptoms. They can relieve itching, sneezing, and a runny, stuffy nose.
context: Medicines work best, but you can do things to treat your psoriasis without a prescription. After putting on thick lotions or creams, seal in the moisture with ointments like petroleum jelly, shortening, or olive oil. Dry skin makes the irritation and itchiness worse. But don't use too much during hot, sticky summer months. Sweat mixed with thick creams can make your psoriasis worse. Right after your bath or shower, pat yourself dry -- don't rub -- with a towel. Then put the creams on to seal in water. Before you go to bed, wrap your skin with a bandage or plastic wrap. In the morning, wash the area gently. Over time, this can help with scaling. Baths and showers can dry your skin. To keep that from happening: Make sure the water's not too hot. Lukewarm is best. Add non-fragrance salts or oil or finely ground oatmeal to bathwater after you've soaked for a minute. Plain water can suck moisture out. Take fewer showers and baths. They can strip your skin of natural oils. Bathe every other day or every third day, especially in the winter. It may not be a lot of fun to slather thick goo on psoriasis patches day after day. But stick with it. If your doctor prescribes creams or ointments, make them part of your daily routine. Sunlight can treat your skin condition, but sunburns make it worse. Use a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and has an SPF of 30 or higher on areas that don't have psoriasis. Limit how much sun you get. Twenty minutes a day 3 days a week is a good start. Talk to your doctor first, though. Some medicines aren't safe when you get lots of sun. You can add psoriasis to the long list of health problems this habit makes worse. In one study, people who smoked more than a pack a day were twice as likely to have a serious case as those who smoked half a pack or less. The effects were even stronger in women who already had psoriasis. Kicking the habit is one of the best things you can do to care for your condition. Psoriasis is more common in people who drink heavily. Alcohol may affect men's psoriasis more than women's. Women should have no more than one drink a day, and men should stop at two. There's no solid evidence that any one food makes psoriasis better or worse. At the same time, many say their sores got better after they cut back on foods like sugar, white flour, or caffeine. It won't hurt to try, especially if you cut out not so healthy foods. Don't let your condition affect your self-esteem. Ask for help if you find it's taking a toll on you. Talk to a therapist such as a psychologist or social worker or join a support group. Time with other people who understand what you're going through can help.
context: Angina -- or chest pain -- occurs because the heart is not receiving enough oxygen. The pain is usually in the chest and may also be felt in the shoulder, arm, or jaw. Not all chest pain is angina and it may be difficult to determine the cause of chest pain. The treatment for angina depends on the severity of the symptoms and the results of tests that are done to find the underlying cause. Stop doing whatever it is that causes your symptoms, remain calm, and call 911. Immediate help and intervention is your best chance for survival if you are having a heart attack or other serious problem. Lie down in a comfortable position with your head up. If you have regular adult aspirin or its equivalent, chew one (as long as you are not allergic to aspirin). Chewing more than one will not do any good and may cause unwanted side effects. If you have had angina before and been evaluated by your health care provider, follow his or her recommendations. This may mean rest, and the immediate use of sublingual nitroglycerin. It may include a visit to the hospital emergency room.
context: Parkinson's disease affects your ability to move, but exercise can help to keep muscles strong and improve flexibility and mobility. Exercise will not stop Parkinson's disease from progressing; but, it will improve your balance and it can prevent joint stiffening. You should check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Your doctor may make recommendations about: The types of exercise best suited to you and those which you should avoid. The intensity of the workout (how hard you should be working). The duration of your workout and any physical limitations. Referrals to other professionals, such as a physical therapist who can help you create your own personal exercise program. The type of exercise that works best for you depends on your symptoms, fitness level, and overall health. Generally, exercises that stretch the limbs through the full range of motion are encouraged. Here are some tips to keep in mind when exercising. Always warm-up before beginning your exercise routine and cool down at the end. If you plan to workout for 30 minutes, start with 10-minute sessions and work your way up. Exercise your facial muscles, jaw, and voice when possible: Sing or read aloud, exaggerating your lip movements. Make faces in the mirror. Chew food vigorously. Try water exercise, such as water aerobics or swimming laps. These are often easier on the joints and require less balance. Work out in a safe environment; avoid slippery floors, poor lighting, throw rugs, and other potential dangers. If you have difficulty balancing, exercise within reach of a grab bar or rail. If you have trouble standing or getting up, try exercising in bed rather than on the floor or an exercise mat. If at any time you feel sick or you begin to hurt, stop. Select a hobby or activity you enjoy and stick with it. Some suggestions include: gardening; walking; swimming; water aerobics; yoga; tai chi.
context: Migraines and several other headache disorders are a real source of pain, but most of the time, they're not signs that you have a serious medical problem. But when you have new symptoms or problems that are more severe than normal, it's worth talking to your doctor. Know your personal headache symptoms -- what's normal for you and what's not, and when you need emergency help. The following headache symptoms mean you should get medical help right away: A sudden, new, severe headache that comes with: Weakness, dizziness, sudden loss of balance or falling, numbness or tingling, or can't move your body Trouble with speech, confusion, seizures, personality changes, or inappropriate behavior Blurry vision, double vision, or blind spots Fever, shortness of breath, a stiff neck, or rash Headache pain that wakes you up at night Severe nausea and vomiting Headaches that happen after a head injury or accident A new type of headache that starts for the first time after age 50 Have headaches that are triggered by coughing, bending, sexual activity or other intense physical activity Have a history of headaches but have noticed a recent change in your symptoms or pattern of attacks These migraine or headache symptoms don't need urgent care, but you should let your doctor know if you: Have three or more headaches per week Have headaches that keep getting worse and won't go away Need to take a pain reliever every day or almost every day for your headaches Need more than two to three doses of over-the-counter medications per week to feel better Have headaches that interfere with your family, work or social life
context: This serious medical problem can happen if you've injured your spinal cord in your upper back. It makes your blood pressure dangerously high and, coupled with very low heartbeats, can lead to a stroke, seizure, or cardiac arrest. This happens when your autonomic nervous system -- which controls things like breathing and digestion that you do without thinking -- overreacts to something below the damaged spinal cord. It's sometimes called hyperreflexia. More than half of people with a spinal cord injury in the upper back get it. You can get autonomic dysreflexia if you've injured your spinal cord around the bottom of the shoulder blades or above. You can lose feeling and muscle control below the damaged spot. But the nerves there still try to send signals back to the brain. That can make your body do the wrong thing. For example, your blood vessels may react to the faulty signals and become narrower, which makes your blood pressure go up. Your brain tries to lower your blood pressure, but its message can't get past the damaged part of the spinal cord. High blood pressure can give you a heart attack or a stroke. Sometimes, even a full bladder or an ingrown toenail is enough to send your nerve responses into overdrive. Other things that can set off the condition include: Constipation Kidney stones Urinary tract infection Inserting a catheter, a medical tube Hemorrhoids Irritated or blistered skin Pressure on the scrotum, in men Sexual stimulation The first signs of autonomic dysreflexia usually are a flushed feeling or a pounding headache. You also may have: Heavy sweating Anxiety Slow heart rate Blurry vision Goosebumps on the lower body Trouble breathing Stuffy nose If you have autonomic dysreflexia symptoms, here are a few things you can do until you can get medical help: Sit up as much you can. This helps move more blood to your lower body and ease your blood pressure Take off tight clothes or other irritants Pee Quick steps can keep the problem from getting worse. Your doctor may give you medication to make your blood pressure drop quickly. If the problem is severe, she may watch your blood pressure for 2-48 hours. You can take steps to lower your chance of complications: Use the bathroom on a regular schedule. Know the signs of a bladder infection. Take care not to get skin sores or ingrown toenails. Carry a card for emergencies to let people know you might have autonomic dysreflexia
context: If you're a parent, you've probably dealt with your fair share of spit-up. Every baby does it at least every now and then. Some do it pretty often, even with every feeding. Most babies who spit up are "happy spitters" -- they're content, comfortable, growing well, and have no breathing problems caused by vomiting. If that sounds like your little one, he doesn't need medicine. If not, tell your doctor what you've noticed so she can see what the problem is. After your baby swallows milk, it glides past the back of his throat and goes down a muscular tube, called the esophagus, to his stomach. A ring of muscles connects the esophagus and stomach. It opens to let the milk go into the stomach, and then it closes back up. If that ring, called the lower esophageal sphincter, doesn't tighten again, the milk can come back up. That's reflux. Infants are especially likely to get reflux because their stomachs are small -- about the size of their fists or a golf ball -- so they fill up easily. Also, a valve where their esophagus meets their stomach may not be mature enough yet to work like it should. That usually happens around age 4-5 months. After that, he may stop spitting up. Unlike happy spitters, babies with GERD may have: Discomfort and pain caused by the reflux Breathing problems, like gagging, choking, coughing, wheezing, and, worst-case scenario, pneumonia from inhaling their stomach contents into their lungs Sometimes poor growth, because vomiting keeps them from getting enough nutrients If your baby has any of these symptoms, talk to your pediatrician, who can see if your baby has GERD. 1. Keep your baby upright for 30 minutes after a feeding to let gravity help keep things down. 2. Make sure there is no pressure on his stomach after he eats. For example, wait at least 30 minutes before you put your baby in his car seat. 3. Burp him after every feeding. Sometimes these simple steps help enough to keep your little one a happy spitter. If not, your pediatrician may suggest medications that can help. Each has possible benefits and side effects. The doctor can help you decide which, if any, is right for your baby.
context: If you're taking medicine to lower your cholesterol, there may be times when it makes you feel less than your best. Like all medications, these drugs can cause side effects. If they do, the problems are mild. In many cases, they go away after you take the drug for a while. Some problems, though, can be severe. Tell your doctor how your medicine makes you feel. Often, there are ways you can handle these side effects and still get the help you need for your cholesterol. Common side effects of cholesterol drugs include: Diarrhea Constipation Nausea Stomach cramps Muscle soreness, pain, or weakness Vomiting Headache Dizziness Drowsiness Fatigue Problems sleeping Rash or flushed skin Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U. S. and are known to lower a person's risk for stroke and heart attack. But for some people they can cause severe side effects like muscle damage and liver damage. Rarer side effects may include dark-colored urine, urinary tract infections, increased blood sugar or type 2 diabetes, and memory loss or confusion. It's unclear why these issues happen. Your doctor may test your liver while you take statins to see if you're having liver problems. Muscle pain is the problem people on statins report most often. Doctors aren't sure why it happens. Don't stop taking your cholesterol drugs even if they don't make you feel great. Instead, talk to your doctor. There are a few ways she might be able to help you feel better: Take a brief break. If you have muscle pain, your doctor may tell you to stop taking your drug for a short time and then start it again within a month. The time off can show if your medicine is causing the pain or if it's due to another problem. Check your other meds. If you take cholesterol drugs and other medicines, you might be more likely to have side effects. Tell your doctor about everything you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, and supplements. Get a lower dosage. Your doctor may try to reduce how much of your medicine you take. You might also be able to take a pill every other day instead of daily. Switch treatments. If your side effects are too hard to handle, you might be able to try a different statin such pravastatin ( Pravachol) and rosuvastatin ( Crestor, Ezallor Sprinkle), which are less likely to cause muscle aches. The cholesterol drug ezetimibe ( Zetia) may allow you to take a lower statin dose and thereby help relieve your muscle pain, for example. Consider OTC treatments. Statins may lower levels of a substance in your muscles called coenzyme Q10, and that can cause pain. You may try taking Co Q10 supplements to get relief. Another option, L-carnitine, might help, too. But always talk to your doctor before you start taking any medicine, even ones you buy without a prescription.
context: The child isn't moving. The child is too weak to stand up. Knowing that a child has a stomachache or nausea can be hard, but pain lessens within two hours in most cases. The child has a stomachache and any of the following: Pain that happens more often or gets worse Pain that moves from the belly button to the lower right of the abdomen Trouble walking because of pain No appetite for a day or longer Green or yellow vomit or vomit that contains blood or flecks that look like coffee grounds Symptoms of dehydration such as darker urine and fewer wet diapers Black or bloody stool Problems passing stool A rash that looks like bruises on the legs and buttocks Headache and sore throat along with stomach pain Pain when urinating Have the child lie down and rest. Don't give the child fluids for about 2 hours after the last vomiting episode. Then give the child clear fluids such as water or flat soda. Start with just a sip at a time. Keep a container nearby in case the child vomits. If the child vomits more than once, watch for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or dry diapers, dry lips, and crying without tears. If you think the child could be constipated, put him on the toilet. Passing a stool may ease the pain. Sit the child in warm water to help release a stool if you think the child is constipated. Avoid giving ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin), pain medicine, or laxatives.
context: When your child coughs, her body is doing its job. A cough is a reflex that clears fluid from the throat and chest. It happens when nerve endings in those airways get irritated. It's one of the most common symptoms of colds and other viruses, including the flu. But if it's caused by a virus, antibiotics won't make it stop. Viral infections have to run their course. Ask yourself some questions: Does your child have other symptoms? A cough that comes with a runny nose and sneezing may point to a cold. Those symptoms, body aches, and a fever often come with the flu. When did the cough start? Allergies are more likely in the spring and fall. What does it sound like? Allergies, viral infections, and the croup can bring on a barking cough. Whooping cough (pertussis) brings on a noise that sounds like "hoop!" Call your doctor if you hear that sound. A wheezing sound could mean something is blocking your child's airway. It could be brought on by pneumonia or asthma. Call the doctor. What if the cough won't go away? Visit the doctor. Most last no more than a few weeks, but some people have ones that stick around long after other symptoms are gone. In a child, a cough is considered chronic if it lasts more than 4 weeks. For adults, it's 8 weeks or more. Ask your doctor before giving your child any cough medicine. Don't give over-the-counter cough medicine to children younger than 4. They aren't meant for young kids. Even medicine labeled for children can have serious side effects, such as high blood pressure and seizures. No drugs can cure a cough caused by a virus, but treatments may soothe symptoms. Here are a few home remedies to try: Steam: You can create your own steam room. Close the door to your bathroom and run hot water in the shower for several minutes until the mirrors fog. The steam helps unclog your child's nose. Humidity: A cool-mist humidifier in your child's room adds moisture to the air to break up congestion and help your little one breathe easier. Fluids: Give her plenty of drinks like water or juice to thin the mucus in her throat, making it easier for her to cough up phlegm. Cough drops: For kids over age 5, lozenges and hard candy can bring some relief to a sore throat caused by coughing. Cool air: If your child has croup, take her outside for a while. The cool air sometimes can relieve a croupy cough. ( Just make sure you dress her properly for the weather.) If this doesn't help or you think your child is sick, get medical help. Saline drops: Saline or saltwater drops in the nose can help loosen congestion. Eventually, the symptoms should go away on their own. But call the doctor if your child: Is not drinking or eating enough Makes a whooping sound when he breathes Runs a high fever Wheezes when he breathes Has a cough that lasts more than a month Doesn't look well to you Seek emergency help if your child: Coughs up blood Has blue lips, face, or tongue Has trouble breathing
context: When you're sensitive to latex, you can get a reaction from balloons, bath mats, elastic bands, and many other products made with it, including some you may not expect. The best thing to do is avoid them. Here's how you can stay safe. Use non-latex gloves for cleaning, washing dishes, and other household chores. Check your clothes for elastic waistbands or rubber soles. Even the elastic in socks and swimsuits can have latex. Don't wear rubber raincoats and rain boots. They can have it, too. Check your bathroom for latex condoms, rubber bath-mats, and rubber grips on toothbrushes. Use paper clips instead of rubber bands. Don't use erasers, either. Stay away from craft items like paint and rubber cement. If you work where people wear gloves -- cleaning, food service, or beauty work, for example -- ask to switch to latex-free products. Call ahead before any appointment and tell them about your allergy. Set your appointment for the first thing in the morning. There's less chance that latex particles will be in the air then. Tell all doctors, nurses, and schedulers about your allergy . Everything from stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs to IV tubing can have latex. Be careful with antihistamines . They may hide your reaction to any latex in the air. Wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a card that lists your allergy. Check labels on everything. Don't assume that something labeled "hypoallergenic" is latex-free. If you know you might have a serious allergic reaction , carry two epinephrine injections, like an Epi Pen. Watch what you eat. Some people with latex allergies have reactions to foods such as: Bananas Avocados Kiwis Chestnuts
context: If you have mild to moderate Crohn's, your doctor may give you antibiotics to help keep your disease under control. You may need to take the antibiotics even after you feel better to keep your symptoms from getting worse again. There are two ways these drugs treat the inflammation in your gut from Crohn's. Researchers believe they might help control symptoms by reducing bacteria levels in your intestine and by curbing the intestine's immune system. You'll also get them to treat specific infections and complications. Abscesses. These are pockets of pus that, in Crohn's, often form near the anus. Fistulas. These are abnormal tunnels that go from one part of your intestine to another or to nearby areas, such as the bladder, vagina, anus, or skin. Pouchitis. For some people, Crohn's disease is so severe that they need an operation to have their colon removed. The surgeon makes an internal pouch to hold solid waste before it leaves your body. If this area becomes inflamed -- known as "pouchitis" -- you'll need antibiotics for treatment. The most common ones used for Crohn's are: Ciprofloxacin ( Cipro) Metronidazole ( Flagyl) Some people need to get antibiotics through a vein ( IV). Side effects of metronidazole may include: Nausea Loss of appetite Metallic taste Diarrhea Dizziness Headaches Dark urine Side effects are more common at higher doses. With metronidazole, you may also have numbness or tingling in your hands. If you do, you'll need to stop taking it. Although this side effect is rare, sometimes it doesn't go away. Seizures are another rare, serious side effect. Avoid alcohol if you're taking metronidazole. It can interact with the drug to cause a rare but severe reaction. The symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. These side effects of ciprofloxacin are rare, but may include: Headache and severe dizziness Nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea Sensitivity to sun Rupture of a tendon (very rare) Confusion Depression Hallucinations Fast heartbeat You're also at greater risk for a severe type of colitis. If you get it, you'll need treatment with another type of antibiotic. Do not take ciprofloxacin within a couple of hours of taking: Antacids Vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium, iron, or zinc This combination can make the antibiotic less effective. No matter which antibiotic you're taking: Let your doctor know if you're pregnant before starting the medication. Wear sunscreen during daylight hours. Know that antibiotics can make birth control pills less effective. Be aware that antibiotics can make bleeding more likely if you're also taking anticoagulants (drugs that curb blood clots).
context: var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Bladder infections have a way of getting your attention. You make countless trips to the bathroom, and still you feel like you have to go again. And once you're in there, instead of mindlessly going about your business, you feel burning or stinging every time you pee. When you get a bladder infection, it leads to cystitis, which is when your bladder swells and gets irritated. That's what causes the symptoms. A bladder infection is the most common type of urinary tract infection ( UTI). Here are the parts of your urinary tract and what they do: Your kidneysclean waste from your blood and make pee. Your ureters are thin tubes, one for each kidney, that carry pee to your bladder. Your bladder stores pee. Your urethra carries pee from the bladder to outside your body. Women get bladder infections much more than men do. Usually, the infections are more annoying than they are serious, and antibiotics are the treatment. But they can travel up the ureters to the kidneys and cause more severe problems, so it's important to treat them right away. The main culprits are bacteria, usually E. coli. These bacteria live on your skin and in your intestines and most of the time, they're not a problem. Everyone has them. But if they get into the urethra, they can end up in the bladder and cause an infection. Bladder infections are more common in women than men for several reasons. A woman's urethra is shorter than a man's, and it's close to the vagina and anus, where bacteria live. Having sex, wiping from back to front after you go to the bathroom, putting in a tampon, and using a diaphragm for birth control are all ways bacteria can get in. During pregnancy, the baby can press on your bladder, which prevents it from emptying completely and gives bacteria a place to thrive. After menopause, women have less of the hormone estrogen. That causes the lining of the urethra to get thinner and may change the balance of bacteria in the vagina, making infections more likely. When men get them, a prostate infection usually is the cause. But any blockage -- like from a bladder stone or enlarged prostate -- can prevent the bladder from totally emptying and cause infection.
context: If you get a panic attack, it usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes, hitting its peak at about 10 minutes in. So what's going on if it seems to you like your panic attack just won't end? To figure out the possible reasons it feels this way, it helps to understand what's happening during a panic attack. When you have one, it triggers your "fight or flight" response, which is how your body reacts when your physical safety is threatened. You get a rush of adrenaline that amps you up so you can make a split-second decision to run or fight. This response isn't meant to last very long and soon burns itself out. That's why panic attacks that last as long as an hour aren't very common. What's the story with a panic attack that seems to go and on? If that's happening to you, it's likely one of three things: Waves of panic attacks Aftereffects of a single panic attack Another health condition If you have panic attack symptoms for an hour or more, you may really be having a wave of panic attacks, one after another. There's actually a period of recovery between them, though you may not notice it. The overall effect feels like you're being hit with one never-ending attack. It's rare that this happens, though. The fight or flight response is so draining, it's hard to set it off that often. A more likely possibility is that you had a single panic attack that leaves you feeling generally anxious, tired, and frayed. While panic attacks can be scary, they're not dangerous. But the fear they may cause you can be more unsettling than the attack itself. That's especially true if you've never had one before. When it's your first episode, you may think you're having a stroke or a heart attack. How do you tell if it's a panic attack or high anxiety? It's tricky. It helps to talk to your doctor, but a closer look at your symptoms often can give you some clues. A true panic attack tends to have clear, intense, physical symptoms -- a pounding heart, shortness of breath, and so on. Anxiety can give you some of these, but they tend to be milder. Instead, you'll have more mental symptoms like a racing mind, lots of worries you can't stop, and a hard time focusing. You might also feel restless and have a hard time sleeping. The condition that most closely mirrors a longer panic attack is generalized anxiety disorder. This is where you have a hard time controlling your worry, and you struggle to keep your anxiety in check. But one of the challenges with panic attacks, long or short, is that the same symptoms happen with a wide range of other health conditions, including allergic reactions and heart and lung diseases. And if you have a tendency to panic, some health problems -- like low blood sugar, asthma, or an overactive thyroid -- can trigger a full-blown panic attack. Keep in mind that typically, people mistake a panic attack for another health condition, not the other way around. Just because you're having a long panic attack, it doesn't mean you have something else going on. But it's worth checking it out with your doctor.
context: When you have gestational diabetes, you'll have to pay attention to what you eat and when. Your doctor or a dietitian can give you specific advice on how much you should eat and when you need to check your blood sugar. Have three small meals along with two or three snacks at about the same times every day. Get 40% of your daily calories from carbs and 20% from protein. 50% of the carbs should be complex, high fiber carbs with fat being between 25% and 30%. Aim for 20-35 grams of fiber a day. Foods such as whole-grain breads, cereals, and pasta, brown or wild rice, oatmeal, and vegetables and fruits will help get you there. Limit your total fat to less than 40% of your daily calories. Saturated fat should be less than 10% of all the fat you eat. Eat a variety of foods to make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals. You may need to take a supplement to cover your bases. Ask your doctor if they think you should take one. Eat some crackers, cereal, or pretzels before you get out of bed. As you go through your day, have small meals often and avoid fatty, fried, and greasy foods. If you take insulin, make sure you've got a plan to deal with low blood sugar. Throwing up can make your glucose level drop. Talk to your doctor if you're not sure what to do.
context: As a new parent, you're probably dialed into every breath and sound your baby makes even as you may wonder about far-off things such as college savings accounts. Of all the things running through your mind, your baby's future fertility likely isn't one of them. But if your baby boy is born with an undescended testicle, it's something you might have to think about. Normally, testicles move from the lower belly into the scrotum -- the pouch of skin below the penis -- in the last few months before birth. But sometimes, one or both do not fall into place. This is called an undescended testicle, and it can affect fertility later in life. In most cases, the testicle drops on its own by about 6 months after birth. If it doesn't, your doctor will likely suggest surgery. When it comes to fertility, early treatment can make a big difference. To make healthy sperm, testicles need to stay a few degrees cooler than the rest of the body. That's why they normally rest in the scrotum, which hangs just far enough down that it's not quite as warm. An undescended testicle stays up in the body, so it has a higher temperature. That causes a lower sperm count and quality, decreasing a man's chances of being able to fertilize a woman's egg and father a child. In the past, doctors would suggest surgery around puberty. Now they recommend it at 6 to 12 months -- 18 months at the latest. That's a big shift. Why the change? The short answer: A lot of research. Doctors now know that important changes in the testicles happen very early in life. By the time a boy is just 1 year old, an undescended testicle can start to lose the cells that make sperm. And the longer the testicle stays lodged, the higher the odds that the problem could get worse. Men with one undescended testicle can still have children, but their fertility is lower than normal by roughly half. If they have surgery to correct it, especially when younger, their fertility is about the same as if they never had a problem. Without treatment, men with 2 undescended testicles will not likely be able to have children. But surgery to move both testicles down can greatly improve their fertility. It won't be the same as normal, but an earlier surgery can have a big effect. For example, a boy who has the surgery by age 2 will be about 5 times more fertile than if he has it at age 13. If you're a grown man with an undescended testicle, surgery to correct it isn't likely to change your fertility level. But you will want to talk to your doctor about testicular cancer as an undescended testicle makes you a little more likely to get it. And since the undescended testicle isn't in the scrotum, it's not possible to do self-exams, which are key to finding cancerous lumps early.
context: It's a disease that turns your skin and the whites of your eyes yellow. Newborn babies often get it. But adults can, too. See a doctor right away if you think you have jaundice. It could be a symptom of a liver, blood, or gallbladder problem. Jaundice happens when there's too much bilirubin, a yellow-orange substance, in your blood. It's found in your red blood cells. When those cells die, the liver filters it from the bloodstream. But if something's wrong and your liver can't keep up, bilirubin builds up and can cause your skin to look yellow. Jaundice is rare in adults, but you can get it for many reasons. Some of these include: Hepatitis: Most of the time, this infection is caused by a virus. It may be short-lived (acute) or chronic, which means it lasts for at least 6 months. Drugs or autoimmune disorders can cause hepatitis. Over time, it can damage the liver and lead to jaundice. Alcohol-related liver disease: If you drink too much over a long period of time -- typically 8 to 10 years -- you could seriously damage your liver. Two diseases in particular, alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis, harm the liver. Blocked bile ducts: These are thin tubes that carry a fluid called bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Sometimes, they get blocked by gallstones, cancer, or rare liver diseases. If they do, you could get jaundice. Pancreatic cancer: This is the 10th most common cancer in men and the ninth in women. It can block the bile duct, causing jaundice. Certain medicines: Drugs like acetaminophen, penicillin, birth control pills, and steroids have been linked to liver disease. Your doctor will give you a bilirubin test, which measures the amount of the substance in your blood, a complete blood count ( CBC) and other liver tests. If you have jaundice, your level of bilirubin will be high. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. She may also give you a physical exam and order tests to check your liver. And she'll do more tests, including imaging tests to find out what caused it. In adults, jaundice itself usually isn't treated. But your doctor will treat the condition that's causing it. If you have acute viral hepatitis, jaundice will go away on its own as the liver begins to heal. If a blocked bile duct is to blame, your doctor may suggest surgery to open it.
context: Some people have a type of scleroderma called CREST syndrome (or limited scleroderma). Unlike other types, which only affect the arms, legs, and face, this kind can involve your digestive tract. While less common, it can also lead to problems with your heart and lungs. The good news is that your doctor can help you manage your symptoms, prevent complications, and feel better. People with this form of the disease have at least two of the symptoms below: Calcinosis -- Painful lumps of calcium in the skin. These can happen on your fingers or other parts of your body. Raynaud's phenomenon -- White or cold skin on the hands and feet when you're cold or stressed. It's caused by blood flow problems. Esophageal dysfunction -- Problems swallowing and/or reflux. This is caused by scarring in the esophagus, the tube that runs from your mouth to your stomach. Sclerodactyly - Tightness and thickening of finger or toe skin. It can make it hard to bend your fingers. Telangiectasias -- Red spots on the hands, palms, forearms, face, and lips. These are caused by widened blood vessels. Treatment for CREST syndrome is similar to treatment for other forms of scleroderma.
context: Your knee hurts and you want to know why. Whether it's an injury or arthritis, here are answers from Joseph Bosco, MD. He's an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and knee care at the NYU Langone Medical Center's Hospital for Joint Diseases. Could my pain be from osteoarthritis? Yes. Probably 95% of knee pain caused by arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is caused by âwear and tearâ on the joints. Other types, like rheumatoid arthritis, are much less common causes of knee pain. What kind of injuries can cause knee pain? They're usually twisting injuries to the knee: ACL, meniscus, or ligament injuries. What's the difference? The main difference between arthritis and other kinds of knee pain is there's no trauma associated with it. A person who tore their ACL or had a meniscus injury knows exactly when it happened. With arthritis, it's more of a dull, aching pain. It gets worse as time goes on. Will my pain go away on its own? It depends. Arthritis pain tends to wax and wane over time. It may not completely go away, but sometimes it feels much better. Pain from an injury improves at first, but if you're left with a sore joint, you may not be able to do certain activities. When do I need to see a doctor? Everyone has a different pain threshold. If you've an injury and your knee swells, you need to see your doctor. Even if the swelling goes away, you need to have your knee examined -- you might have injured something inside the joint. If you have arthritis pain and the bad days outnumber the good, you should see your doctor. How do I keep my knees healthy? I think weight control is important. Flexibility helps as well. If you take part in a sport that requires a lot of physical exertion, like skiing or tennis or soccer, you need to get in shape. Also, when you get tired, you need to stop. Look at the rate of knee injury: It goes up in the fourth quarter or final period of a game. Just a millisecond or two of delay of muscle function can cause injury. If the muscles that protect the ligament are tired, they don't do a good job.
context: Sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose -- everyone knows the first signs of a cold, probably the most common illness known. These symptoms are usually caused by a viral infection. Although the common cold is usually mild, with symptoms lasting 1 to 2 weeks, it is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work. According to the CDC, 22 million school days are lost annually in the United States because of the common cold. In the course of a year, people in the U. S. suffer 1 billion colds, according to some estimates. Children have about 6 to 10 colds a year. One important reason why colds are so common in children is because they are often in close contact with each other in daycare centers and schools. In families with children in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year. Adults average about 2 to 4 colds a year, although the range varies widely. Women, especially those aged 20 to 30 years, have more colds than men, possibly because of their closer contact with children. On average, people older than age 60 have fewer than one cold a year. In the U. S., most colds occur during the fall and winter. Beginning in late August or early September, the rate of colds increases slowly for a few weeks and remains high until March or April, when it declines. The seasonal variation may relate to the opening of schools and to cold weather, which prompt people to spend more time indoors and increase the chances that viruses will spread to you from someone else. Seasonal changes in relative humidity also may affect the prevalence of colds. The most common cold-causing viruses survive better when humidity is low-the colder months of the year. Cold weather also may make the inside lining of your nose drier and more vulnerable to viral infection.
context: Nasal steroid sprays offer relief from congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, a runny or itchy nose, and postnasal drip. They are one of the first treatment options recommended for symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Examples include mometasone ( Nasonex) and budesonide ( Rhinocort), both available by prescription, and fluticasone ( Flonase Allergy Relief), budesonide ( Rhinocort Allergy) and triamcinolone ( Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour), which are available over the counter. The prescription nasal spray azelastine and fluticasone ( Dymista) combines an antihistamine with a steroid. Allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion happen because of inflammation (swelling). Nasal steroids cut swelling, mucus, and congestion in your nose. As a result, your nasal passages are less sensitive and are less likely to get irritated by triggers such as pollen, animal dander, or dust mites. Nasal steroid sprays are not the anabolic steroids some athletes take to bulk up their muscles. Rather, they are corticosteroids, which are man-made drugs that are nearly the same as a chemical, called cortisol, that your body makes naturally. They are some of the most effective medicines for treating allergy symptoms and often recommended first. You spray these steroids directly in your nose. So, most allergy experts feel there is little if any chance of serious side effects on other parts of your body. Mild side effects are rare, but irritation, headache, and a bloody nose can happen. While these drugs start working within a few hours, you might not notice the full benefit for several days to weeks. You can take them with other allergy medications if needed. Your doctor might ask you to stop the other drugs to see if the nasal steroids work by themselves, though. Read the directions on the package, or ask your doctor to show you how to use the spray. Depending on the type of nasal steroid, the instructions may be different. For example, with some, you have to tilt your head slightly forward. With others, you have to tilt your head slightly back. The goal is to make sure the medication stays in your nose and doesn't run down the back of your throat. To help, breathe in gently through your nose as you spray. Also, spray away from your nasal septum (the wall between your nostrils) to avoid irritation.
context: There's no cure for eczema, but you can do plenty of things at home to give your skin some relief. Stay moisturized. Your skin needs moisture to heal and protect itself. Most lotions can't create a strong barrier for your skin because they contain water. Choose a thick cream or ointment instead. Petroleum jelly and mineral oil work well. Put it on your skin at least twice a day to keep your eczema at bay. Avoid drastic temperature changes. Going from a hot room into a chilly one may cause a flare-up. Try to keep your home at a comfortable, consistent temperature. Low humidity can dry your skin. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Skip long, hot showers. Very hot water will dry your skin and make your symptoms worse. Take lukewarm showers or baths instead. Use mild, perfume-free soap or non-soap cleanser, and avoid bubble baths. When you're done, gently towel off your skin -- don't rub -- until it's partly dry. Then, within 3 minutes, put on a moisturizer. If your doctor has prescribed an eczema cream, apply that to your skin first. Keep your house clean. Allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold put your immune system on alert, which can wake up your eczema. Skip scented laundry products. The perfume in many cleansers and fabric softeners can irritate your skin. You're better off using gentle, scent-free products. And always wash new clothes before wearing them. It'll help get rid of any excess dyes and chemicals that could inflame your skin. Wear loose clothing. It'll allow air next to your skin. Cotton or cotton-blend fabrics are good choices. That's especially helpful when you're working out because you're likely to sweat. Always avoid wool. It can rub against your skin and make you itch more. Try an over-the-counter oral antihistamine. Diphenhydramine ( Benadryl) works well to calm itching and help you sleep. Cetirizine ( Zyrtec) and loratadine ( Claritin) are non-drowsy options that may help you feel better during the day. Keep your cool. When your itching feels out of control, put a cold compress right on your skin. If your eczema is severe, after you've put on lotion or medicine, make a wet wrap by soaking a gauze or piece of soft clothing, like a T-shirt or pair of socks, in warm -- not hot -- water. Wet wraps help your skin absorb medicine and moisture. They also relieve itching and pain. Once they're dry, you'll want to either make them wet again or remove them. Ask your doctor if you should take vitamin D. Experts say there's a link between eczema and low levels of the âsunshineâ vitamin. Check to see what supplement you can try for a boost. Stay calm. Angst and stress can make you itch and scratch even more. Look for ways to ease your mind. Talk with friends, try a yoga class, or learn how to meditate. Asking a loved one to give you a quick massage with a moisturizing cream or oil may help, too.