VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: An EEG, or electroencephalogram, is a test that records the electrical signals of your brain. Electrodes, or sensors, that go on the scalp detect the signals and send them to a polygraph machine that records the activity. EEGs are not a standard part of a headache exam. But your doctor may order one to look for signs of seizures, which can cause symptoms similar to those associated with migraine or other types of headaches. Some people also have seizures with their headaches. An EEG can show that something's not right in the brain, but it doesn't pinpoint the exact problem that might be causing a headache. Your brain cells create electrical signals that are picked up by the electrodes and sent to a polygraph. The machine illustrates them in separate graphs on moving paper using an ink pen or on a computer screen. Let your doctor know about any medications you're taking before the test. Wash your hair the night before the test. Don't use hair cream, oils, or spray afterward. You'll lie down on the exam table or bed while the medical team places about 20 electrodes on your scalp. The team will ask you to relax and lie first with your eyes open, and then closed. You may be asked to breathe deeply and rapidly or to stare at a flashing light -- both of these activities produce changes in brain-wave patterns. Your care team will remove the electrodes and wash off the glue that held them in place with acetone. You may have to use extra acetone (nail polish remover) at home to completely remove the glue. Unless you're actively having seizures or your doctor tells you not to, you may drive home. If you had the EEG overnight, you should arrange to have someone drive you home. If you stopped taking antiseizure medication for the EEG, you can usually start taking it again. Talk to your doctor. A doctor who specializes in brain diseases, called a neurologist, will examine the brain-wave pattern in the EEG recording for anything unusual. Then your doctor will go over the results and what they mean for you.
context: Type 2 diabetes is a common and serious disease in the United States and worldwide. However, it's thought that one-third of those with type 2 diabetes are unaware that they have this serious illness. Because often there are no symptoms with type 2 diabetes, early screening may help people avoid the more serious complications of this disease, including chronic hyperglycemia that's associated with long-term damage of the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Persons with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Individuals with diabetes also have a greater likelihood of abnormal cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. According to the American Diabetes Association, all patients should be screened for diabetes at three-year intervals beginning at age 45, especially people who are overweight or obese. If multiple risk factors are present, screening should be done at an earlier age and more frequently. The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults with high blood pressure or high cholesterol be screened for type 2 diabetes (insulin-resistant diabetes) in an effort to reduce cardiovascular disease. Common risk factors for diabetes include: Family history of diabetes (parents or siblings with diabetes) Overweight (a body mass index equal to or greater than 25) Habitual physical inactivity Race/ethnicity (including African- Americans, Hispanic- Americans, Native Americans, Asian- Americans, and Pacific Islanders) History of impaired fasting glucose ( IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance ( IGT) High blood pressure (equal to or greater than 140/90 in adults) Abnormal lipids: HDL cholesterol equal to or less than 35 mg/d L and/or a triglyceride level equal to or greater than 250 mg/d L History of gestational diabetes or delivery of a baby weighing more than nine pounds Polycystic ovary syndrome The fasting plasma glucose test ( FPG) or the hemoglobin A1 C test can be used for screening. If the screening test for diabetes is negative, continue to have follow-up screening tests every three years or as recommended by your doctor. However, your doctor may do further screening tests for diabetes if he or she suspects that you have diabetes or prediabetes and your initial screening result is negative. In addition, you can lower your chances of getting diabetes by losing weight, keeping your blood pressure and lipids at normal levels, and exercising regularly. If the screening test for diabetes is positive, you may need further testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may prescribe medication, along with a diet, regular exercise regimen, and lifestyle program, to help you manage your blood sugar and prevent serious problems.
context: If you've ever had low back pain, you may have scanned the shelves of your local drugstore or filled a prescription from your doctor. But not all medicines are created equal. Here are some of the most common ones for low back pain. Your doctor may suggest this as a first-line treatment. It works by stopping the pain process. But it doesn't reduce inflammation in the body. Acetaminophen tends to be gentler on the stomach than other meds. But while it can be helpful in relieving toothaches, headaches, and pain after surgery, there's not a lot of evidence to indicate it works as well for back pain. Still, each case is unique. So just because it hasn't been found to be the most effective remedy in clinical trials doesn't mean it won't help you. Risks: It can damage the liver if it's taken in high doses. That's why doctors advise taking around 3,000 milligrams (mg) a day even though the maximum daily dose (according to the FDA) is 4,000 mg. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are alternatives to acetaminophen that you can buy without a prescription. They help fight swelling and fever. Risks: NSAIDs can cause digestive problems like nausea and diarrhea, as well as heartburn and stomach pain. Rarely, they can have serious side effects like internal bleeding and ulcers. They may also cause heart problems and kidney damage. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe these for your low back pain. Some of the most commonly used muscle relaxants are Cyclobenzaprine ( Flexeril), Metaxalone ( Skelaxin), and Tizanidine ( Zanaflex). These drugs work by helping to ease spasms in the muscles. Risks: Muscle relaxants carry a big risk of side effects, like drowsiness and dizziness. These might be an option if your pain is neuropathic -- meaning it shoots down your leg. But you probably won't see results right away. Most people get moderate relief after taking these meds for several weeks. These are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for low back pain: Amitriptyline Clomipramine ( Anafranil) Desipramine ( Norpramin) Doxepin Imipramine ( Tofranil) Nortriptyline ( Pamelor) Risks: While taking antidepressants, you might experience drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation. Doctors sometimes prescribe these for low back pain. But recent research shows that they usually only provide short-term relief. And they carry a lot of risks, like hormonal changes and dependency. For this reason, doctors don't usually prescribe them for chronic, or long-term, pain. If yours does, he'll also likely recommend other therapies, like exercise or lifestyle changes. And, he'll monitor you regularly to make sure they're easing your pain and improving your function without causing harm. Risks: Aside from the possible side effects mentioned above, opioids can also cause nausea and constipation in the short term. Over time, they can lead to depression and sexual dysfunction.
context: When your body can't make enough healthy red blood cells because it lacks vitamin B-12, you have pernicious anemia ( PA). A long time ago, this disorder was believed to be fatal (âperniciousâ means deadly). These days it's easily treated with B-12 pills or shots. With treatment, you'll be able to live without symptoms. Your body needs plenty of healthy red blood cells. These are what carry oxygen to every part of your body. Without them, your tissues and organs don't work like they should. Vitamin B-12 is a crucial part of this process. If your body doesn't absorb enough from the food you eat, your red blood cells will be too big to travel well through your body. Because of this, your body will make less of them. And the cells that are made will die off sooner than they should. The reason this happens is often due to the lack of a stomach protein called âintrinsic factorâ ( IF). Your body can't absorb vitamin B-12 without it. Some health issues make you more likely to have PA. These include: Autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes Crohn's disease Having part or all of your stomach or intestine taken out HIV Some medicines, like antacids or drugs that treat type 2 diabetes, can make it harder for your body to absorb enough B-12. A strict vegetarian diet puts you at risk for PA too, since you won't be eating foods that are rich in B-12 like eggs, milk, and poultry. Also, if someone else in your family has PA, your risk of having it goes up as well. PA affects people in different ways. These can be signs you have it: Fatigue ( Many people wake up tired despite getting enough sleep.) Shortness of breath Feeling dizzy Cold hands and feet Chest pain Pale or yellow skin Trouble with balance (for example, struggling to put on your pants or socks while you're standing) A burning feeling in your legs or feet. This may get worse at night Depression Trouble focusing Your doctor will ask about your family history. She'll want to know your symptoms, plus what types of food you often eat and any medicines you take every day. During a physical exam, your doctor will listen to your heart, check to see if your liver's enlarged, and look for any signs of nerve damage. She may do tests that check your balance, how well you can walk, and your mental status. Your doctor will also order blood work. This can reveal if you have a low amount of hemoglobin. That's the substance in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout your body. It can check to see the size and shape of your red blood cells. It can also tell the amount of B-12 in your blood that's âactive,â and ready for your body to use. Vitamins you buy at the drug store don't have enough B-12 in them to treat PA. Your doctor will need to prescribe a special supplement to you. This is often given in a shot. At first, you may need to have one every other day. Over time, you may be able to cut back to once a month. Extra B-12 can also be prescribed as a pill, nose spray, nasal gel, or medicine you put under your tongue. Your doctor will likely also suggest some changes to your diet. Eating more foods that are high in vitamin B-12 can help you feel better, too.
context: Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be a challenge. Luckily, you don't have to do it alone. You can build a great team of professional health care providers who will help you. There are several key players you should turn to. Your Rheumatologist This is a medical doctor who specializes in arthritis and other joint and muscle diseases. She's the star of your RA treatment team. You'll see her regularly. She'll keep your treatment on track and work with you to manage your condition. You should tell your rheumatologist how you're doing, including any activities that give you trouble or questions you have about your medicine. She can also put you in touch with other pros you want on your team. Your Regular Doctor You may also see a primary care doctor, who will work with you on your overall health. You'll see her for checkups. She can also give you referrals to other specialists. Your Physical Therapist PTs help you get stronger. They can make an exercise plan for you. Remember, your joints will be healthier if you're active. Your PT will help make that happen. Your Occupational Therapist If rheumatoid arthritis starts to slow you down, or if daily tasks become hard, a visit with an occupational therapist will probably help. They have a playbook of "work-arounds" to let you continue to live your own way. They can also provide or recommend assistive devices that will smooth out the rough spots in your daily routine, like special gadgets to make cooking or computer work easier. Your Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Social Worker RA can be stressful. Don't hesitate to see a professional if it starts to get to you. Often, talking things through can help you find different approaches that will work better for you. Social workers can help you navigate the health care system, counsel you during tough times, and help you find community or government resources to get more care and support. Psychologists and psychiatrists provide counseling, psychotherapy, or stress management therapy. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, if needed. Your Orthopedic Surgeon You may never need surgery for your RA. Today's medicines can stop or slow down the disease. If however there is a lot of joint damage that is affecting your ability to function your rheumatologist may refer you for surgery such as joint replacement. 1. Bring your medical record with you to your appointment. 2. Communicate. Make sure each team member knows about important changes, like recent surgeries, hospitalizations, or changes in what medications you take. 3. Keep your appointments. 4. Ask questions. You should be able to ask any of the people on your team about anything that's on your mind.
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(); }); } Horny goat weed is an herb that has been a traditional remedy in China for centuries. It's used for low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, pain, and other conditions. Some men take horny goat weed in the belief that it's a natural alternative to drugs for erectile dysfunction ( ED). Although still preliminary, there's new evidence to support the idea. A 2008 lab study found that a compound in the herb blocks the effects of an enzyme that restricts blood flow to the penis. Epimedium, the suspected active component of horny goat weed, appears to act as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, similar to some drugs used for ED. Horny goat weed has also been studied as a treatment for other conditions, like osteoporosis and hardening of the arteries. The results from studies conducted abroad show promise, however better clinical studies are still needed. Horny goat weed is an unproven treatment. There is no established dose. There are no natural food sources of horny goat weed. Side effects. It is possibly safe when used short term at appropriate doses. But it may. It may cause upset stomach and dry mouth. In some, horny goat weed may result in irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, nosebleeds, and mood changes. High doses have been linked to spasms and respiratory failure. Risks. Always speak to your doctor before taking herbal supplements like horny goat weed. People with certain health conditions may be at higher risk for adverse side effects. Interactions. If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using horny goat weed. It could interact with drugs including some blood thinners, aspirin, birth control pills, antidepressants, treatments for immune disorders and thyroid problems, and medicines that lower blood pressure or cholesterol. Using horny goat weed with nitroglycerin can be extremely dangerous. Similar to its use with pharmaceutical erectile dysfunction medicines, mixing nitroglycerin with horny goat weed can even be fatal due to the potential for severe drops in blood pressure. Given the possible risks, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should not take horny goat weed.
context: If you have a chronic illness like arthritis or lung disease that makes it painful or difficult to walk, you might qualify for a handicapped parking permit. Ask your doctor about eligibility. People with limited mobility can save time, energy, and frustration when they park in handicapped parking spots near the entrances to businesses. Each state has its own forms and criteria for handicapped parking permits. Typically, the state's Department of Motor Vehicles ( DMV) runs the program. Check on your state's specific process. The DMV will need your doctor to verify your medical condition. Other health-care professionals -- such as an optometrist, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner -- may also be able to document your condition. If you're visibly disabled and appear at a DMV office, the requirement of a physician's certification might be waived in some states. Check with your own state to find out the specific criteria regarding who qualifies for disabled parking. Common conditions include: Lung disease Heart disease Substantially impaired mobility, for example, use of a wheelchair, brace, or cane A disease that significantly limits your ability walk or to use your legs Documented vision problems, including low-vision or partial sightedness Loss of one or both legs or loss of both hands, or limited use of these parts Be aware that other conditions also may apply, so ask your doctor about your eligibility. For example, some states will grant permits to people who use portable oxygen or have an acute sensitivity to sunlight that causes burning and blistering of the skin. Get a handicapped parking application from the DMV office or online. Complete and sign the form. Ask your health-care provider to fill out and sign the portion that certifies disability. ( Again, in some states, certification requirements might be waived if you're visibly disabled and appear in person at the DMV.) Submit the application by mail or in person. Although many people apply for permanent disabled parking, states also offer placards for temporary disability, such as after having surgery. Typically, these temporary placards are valid for up to six months or up to the date that your doctor notes on the application. Fees also vary. Some states charge a small fee, and others provide placards free of charge. You are the only one legally allowed to use the placard, whether you're a driver or passenger in the vehicle. It's illegal for anyone else to use the placard if you're not in the vehicle. Misusing the placard can result in cancellation of the permit, fines and other penalties.
context: Diabetes makes heart disease more likely. So eating foods lower in unhealthy fats, especially saturated and trans fats, is particularly important to keep that risk as low as possible. It can also help you lose weight, especially when you also exercise. Here are some general guidelines for selecting and preparing low-fat foods if you have diabetes: Skip fatty cuts of meat. Favor poultry, fish, and lean red meats. When preparing these foods, don't fry them. Instead, you can bake, broil, grill, roast, or boil. Or, have plant-based sources of protein, like beans or lentils. Choose low-fat dairy products such as low-fat cheese, skim milk, nonfat yogurt, nonfat frozen yogurt, evaporated skim milk, and buttermilk. Remember to include dairy products in your daily carbohydrate count. Use low-fat vegetable cooking spray when preparing foods. Choose lower-fat gravies and salad dressings, and remember to watch the carbohydrate count of condiments and dressings. All fruits and vegetables are good low-fat choices. Remember to include fruit and starchy vegetables in your daily carbohydrate count. Healthy fats, such as polyunsaturated and mono fats, may help protect your heart from disease. For example, choose almonds, pecans and cashews and peanut butter, cold-water fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as mackerel, salmon and tuna, and olive, safflower and canola oils. Your registered dietitian can provide more information on how to prepare and select low-fat foods.
context: Confused about how much you can eat when you have diabetes? First you need to know how much food is in a serving. It may be different from what you expect. Let's say you eat a cup of rice at dinner. But a serving is actually considered 1/3 cup. So you got three times as many carbs as you thought. To outsmart those mistakes, get to know what a serving size really holds. And for expert help, talk to your dietitian or a certified diabetes educator. 1/2 banana 1 small apple, orange, or pear 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, or canned fruit 1 cup raw leafy vegetables 1/2 cup other vegetables cooked, raw (chopped), or canned 1/2 cup vegetable juice 1 slice of bread 1/2 English muffin, bun, small bagel, or pita bread 1 6-inch tortilla 4-6 crackers 2 rice cakes 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal 1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta, or bulgur 1/3 cup cooked rice 1 small potato or 1/2 large potato 1/2 cup sweet potatoes or yams 1/2 cup corn kernels or other starchy vegetables such as winter squash, peas, or lima beans 2-3 ounces cooked lean beef, veal, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, or fish 2-3 ounces low-fat natural cheese (such as Swiss, cheddar, Muenster, parmesan, mozzarella, and others) 1/2 cup cooked dry beans 1/4 cup tofu 1 egg (or an equal serving of egg substitute) 2 tablespoons peanut butter 2 ounces processed cheese ( American) 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese 1/2 cup canned tuna (packed in water) 1 cup low-fat milk 1 cup low-fat yogurt (unsweetened, or sweetened with aspartame or other artificial sweeteners)
context: The red berries of the cranberry shrub are common in foods such as juice and muffins. Traditionally, cranberries have been used for urinary conditions and other ailments. A number of studies, many sponsored by juice manufacturer Ocean Spray, show that cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections ( UTIs) in people who repeatedly have them. Some studies of cranberry supplements have had similar results. Cranberries might stop bacteria from sticking to the sides of the urinary tract. Studies have not shown that cranberries are effective treatments for UTIs once you have an infection. Cranberries could help in other ways. Some research suggests that they might help prevent H. pylori infections in the stomach that lead to ulcers. They also might slow the buildup of dental plaque. Cranberry is an antioxidant, a substance that could protect cells from damage. Some lab studies show that cranberries might have an anticancer effects on cells. It isn't known if it might help people with cancer. People take cranberry for other conditions. They range from arthritis to eczema to gout. There is no good evidence to support these uses, however. There is no standard dose of cranberry. Some studies have used 8 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice three times a day.prevent UTIs. Other studies have used between 600-800 milligrams daily of cranberry supplement capsules. Cranberries are a common food. They're sold fresh, frozen, and dried. They're also in products like juice, jelly, sauce, baked goods, and tea. Side effects. Cranberries, cranberry juice, and cranberry extracts are safe. Excessive amounts could cause upset stomach or diarrhea. Pregnant women might suffer these side effects at lower doses. Risks. If you think you have a urinary tract infection, don't rely on cranberries. There's no good evidence that it will help. Instead, see a doctor. If you have health conditions like aspirin allergy or kidney stones, check with a doctor before using cranberry for a health condition. Sweetened cranberry drinks can be high in calories and high-fructose corn syrup, and thus may be inadvisable for people with diabetes or weight problems. Interactions. If you take any drugs regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using cranberry supplements. They could interact with medicines like blood thinners, some antibiotics, aspirin, statins, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and drugs that affect the liver. While cranberry juice is generally safe, children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take cranberry for medical purposes unless a doctor recommends it.
context: If you've ever wiped your nose and seen blood, you've had a nosebleed. They're common: One out of every seven people in the United States will get a one at some point. They're most common in kids between 2 and 10 years old and adults between 50 and 80 years old. A nosebleed comes either from the front of your nose (anterior) or the back of it (posterior). Anterior nosebleeds: The wall that separates your nostrils is called a septum. It has a lot blood vessels that can break from a hit in the face, or even a scratch of your fingernail. Most nosebleeds start in the lower part of the septum, meaning close to your nostrils. Posterior nosebleeds: These are the rarer type. They start deeper in the back of your nose. Posterior nosebleeds are more likely to happen in older people, those with high blood pressure, or those who have had a face injury. It can be hard to tell if you have a posterior or anterior nosebleed. Both can make blood flow toward the back of your throat if you're lying on your back. But posterior nosebleeds can be much more serious. You're more likely to need to emergency help. Most are spontaneous -- they happen unexpectedly and don't have a known cause. But if you get nosebleeds a lot -- there may be a reason you can pinpoint: Dry climates or dry, heated air that dries out the inside of your nose Picking your nose or rubbing it too hard A cold Repeated nose-blowing An injury to your nose Allergies or allergy medicines that can dry out your nose Other medications you're taking such as certain blood thinners A sinus infection It's possible for nosebleeds to be caused by bleeding disorders, but it's rare. If your nosebleed doesn't stop, or you have a lot of bleeding from your gums or when you get minor cuts, then you should see a doctor. Bleeding disorders can be serious because platelets in your blood that help it clot are either missing or aren't working. Another rare cause of nosebleeds can be a tumor in the nose or sinuses. These tumors can be noncancerous, also called benign, or cancerous. Only about 2,000 cases of cancerous tumors in the nose or sinuses are diagnosed in the U. S. each year. In some cases, nosebleeds can be caused by genes passed down in families. A rare condition called âhereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasiaâ ( HHT) affects the blood vessels. The main symptom is repeated nosebleeds that seem to come out of nowhere and get worse over time. If you have HHT, you might wake up at night with your pillow soaked in blood, and you may develop red spots on your face or hands. If one or both of your parents has this condition and you're having nosebleeds, you should ask your doctor about being tested for it. Treatments are available to help improve your symptoms.
context: If you've been diagnosed with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia ( He FH), your doctor will work with you to figure out the best way to treat your disease. Whatever you decide, the goal is to lower your levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol. Often, it can take a combo of drugs -- along with diet and exercise -- to get your cholesterol numbers down. The first type of drug that your doctor may prescribe is called a "statin." It blocks one of the compounds your body needs to make cholesterol and helps it absorb cholesterol that's in your blood. Because He FH can send your cholesterol levels way up, your doctor may suggest high doses of statins. Studies show that taking the maximum amounts of rosuvastatin or atorvastatin -- the strongest statin drugs -- can lower your LDL levels by more than 50%. High-dose statins might not lower your LDL levels to those your doctor is aiming for. It's not uncommon for people with He FH to take two, three, or even four drugs to lower cholesterol. Some of the other drugs that might be recommended for you are: PCSK9 inhibitors. Alirocumab ( Praluent) and evolocumab ( Repatha) are drugs in this group. They make it easier for your liver to remove LDL cholesterol from your blood. Your doctor may recommend these medications if you take the maximum dose of statins but still have high LDL levels. Evolocumab has actually been approved for treatment in preventing heart attack or stroke in people with cardiovascular disease. Ezetimibe ( Zetia). It's a drug that stops your body from absorbing all the cholesterol you eat. It often works well when combined with statins. Your doctor may suggest Liptruzet, which contains atorvastatin and azetimibe or Vytorin, a medication that's a combo of ezetimibe and a statin called simvastatin. If medication and lifestyle changes aren't enough to lower your LDL levels, your doctor may suggest other methods to help prevent heart disease. LDL apheresis is a safe and effective way to remove all the LDL from your blood by filtering it. You'll be asked to relax in a hospital bed while your blood is slowly drawn through a machine and back into your body. Some people feel light-headed, flushed, or nauseous while it's going on. To have the most benefit, you'll likely have to repeat the procedure every few weeks to continue removing LDL from your blood. You may hear people talk about liver transplants as a possible treatment, but they're rarely used for He FH. They're more common to treat a ,ore serious form of the disease called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia ( Ho FH).
context: Sleep problems can be due to a chronic illness, such as diabetes, arthritis, HIV/ AIDS, lupus, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. The pain and fatigue that people with chronic illness experience has a large impact on their daily lives, including sleep. Because of their illness, these patients often have trouble sleeping at night, and are sleepy during the day. This is especially the case for people who have neurological (nervous system) diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Insomnia and other sleep disorders can make the person's pain and quality of life worse. In addition, some drugs used to treat chronic illnesses can cause sleep problems. People who have a chronic illness may also suffer from depression or anxiety, which can also cause sleep problems. The first step to treating sleep problems linked to chronic illnesses is to try to control the pain associated with the illness. Once pain is controlled, sleeping may not be a problem. Your doctor can prescribe the appropriate pain-relieving medication that suits your condition. If following adequate pain control, you are still experiencing sleep problems, these simple steps may help. Keep noise in the room and surrounding area down as much as possible. Sleep in a dark room. Keep the room temperature as comfortable as possible. Eat or drink foods that induce sleep, such as warm milk. Avoid naps during the day. Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine. There are a number of other non-medicinal approaches that are effective for sleep problems, including biofeedback, relaxation training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and sleep restriction techniques. These therapies are most often administered by a psychologist who specializes in sleep disorders. Learn about behavioral treatments for insomnia and other sleep problems. If these methods are not effective, there are several prescription medications to help people sleep. These agents include zolpidem ( Ambien), eszopiclone ( Lunesta), and zaleplon ( Sonata) as well as benzodiazepines such as alprazolam ( Xanax), antidepressants, antihistamines, and antipsychotics. For patients who have chronic pain and depression, insomnia may best be treated with tricyclic antidepressants. Learn about medications used to treat insomnia. It's usually a good idea to try non-drug pain-reducing methods before turning to sleeping pills. When sleeping pills are prescribed, it's best to use them for a short time only (less than two weeks). If they are used for longer periods, sleep medications may cause tolerance and psychological dependence. Talk to your doctor to find the best sleep solution for you.
context: Can you help your brain stay healthy as you age by doing things that challenge your mind? Could that also help you avoid memory loss, or even prevent or delay dementia such as Alzheimer's? Scientists need to do more research to find out for sure. But a number of studies show there are benefits to staying mentally active. Here's what we know about the impact of exercising your brain. When people keep their minds active, their thinking skills are less likely to decline, medical research shows. So games, puzzles, and other types of brain training may help slow memory loss and other mental problems. One study involved more than 2,800 adults 65 and older. They went to up to 10 hour-long brain-training sessions for 5 to 6 weeks. The sessions focused on tactics for these skills: Memory Reasoning Speed of processing information People who took the training showed improvement in these skills that lasted for at least 5 years. They also improved at everyday tasks, such as the ability to manage money and do housework. But what about prevention of Alzheimer's and other dementias? Does brain training help? One study found that exercising the mind delayed declines in thinking skills. After people started having Alzheimer's symptoms, though, mental decline sped up in those who kept their minds engaged. It's possible that being mentally active bolstered the brain at first, so symptoms didn't show up until later. The silver lining here? People who regularly challenge their minds may spend a shorter part of their lives in a state of decline, even if they do get Alzheimer's. That may be vary from person to person. But the main idea seems to be keeping your brain active and challenged. You could start with something as simple as eating with the hand you usually don't use from time to time. You can also: Learn something new, such as a second language or a musical instrument. Play board games with your kids or grandkids. Or get your friends together for a weekly game of cards. Mix it up by trying new games. The extra bonus of activities like these? Social connections also help your brain. Work on crossword, number, or other kinds of puzzles. Play online memory games or video games. Read, write, or sign up for local adult education classes. Studies of animals show that keeping the mind active may: Reduce the amount of brain cell damage that happens with Alzheimer's Support the growth of new nerve cells Prompt nerve cells to send messages to each other When you keep your brain active with exercises or other tasks, you may help build up a reserve supply of brain cells and links between them. You might even grow new brain cells. This may be one reason scientists have seen a link between Alzheimer's and lower levels of education. Experts think the extra mental activity from education may protect the brain by strengthening connections between its cells. Neither education nor brain exercises are a sure way to prevent Alzheimer's. But they may help delay symptoms and keep the mind working better for longer.
context: Many people with Parkinson's disease have a hard time swallowing because they lose control of their mouth and throat muscles. As a result, chewing and managing solid foods can be difficult. If you have Parkinson's disease, and it's hard for you to swallow, you have a higher chance of aspiration (inhaling fluid or stomach contents into the lungs) and pneumonia. For some, special swallowing techniques are enough to ease these problems. Others need to change their diet. If you have Parkinson's disease and have trouble swallowing, talk with your doctor. She will refer you to a speech pathologist who can take a close look at how you swallow and figure out if aspiration could be a problem. You may take a swallowing study, using foods and liquids of varying consistency. The way you sit, the foods you eat, and how you eat can affect your ability to swallow. To use your posture to make chewing and swallowing easier, you can: Sit upright at a 90-degree angle. Tilt your head slightly forward. Stay seated or standing for 15-20 minutes after you eat a meal. When you eat: Lessen distractions. Stay focused on eating and drinking. Don't talk with food in your mouth. Eat slowly. Cut your food into small pieces, and chew it thoroughly. Don't try to eat more than 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Keep in mind that you may need to swallow two or three times per bite or sip. If food or liquid catches in your throat, cough gently or clear your throat, and swallow again before you take a breath. Do it over, if you need to. Concentrate on swallowing frequently. If you don't make enough saliva: Drink plenty of fluids. Every once in a while, suck on ice pops, ice chips, lemon ice, or lemon-flavored water to add to your saliva. That'll help you swallow more often. If chewing is difficult or tiring: Cut back on or stop eating foods you have to chew, and eat more soft things. Puree your food in a blender. If thin liquids make you cough, thicken them with a liquid thickener. ( Your speech pathologist can recommend one.) You can also use thicker liquids instead of thin ones, like nectars instead of juices and cream soups instead of plain broths. When you swallow less often, saliva can build up in your mouth. This can cause you to drool. If it's happening to you, talk with your doctor. She can suggest therapies or medicines that can help make things better. In most cases, you can crush your pills and mix them with applesauce or pudding. But crushing some drugs, like Sinemet CR, can affect how the drugs work. Ask your pharmacist which meds you can crush and which you can get as a liquid.
context: Both men and women are affected by sexual problems. Sexual problems occur in adults of all ages. Among those commonly affected are the elderly, which may be related to a decline in health associated with aging. The most common sexual problems in men are ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunction, and inhibited sexual desire. There are different types of ejaculation disorders, including: Premature ejaculation -- This refers to ejaculation that occurs before or soon after penetration, usually 30-60 seconds after penetration. Three minutes or longer is considered normal. Inhibited or retarded ejaculation -- This is when ejaculation is slow to occur. Retrograde ejaculation -- This occurs when, at orgasm, the ejaculate is forced back into the bladder rather than through the urethra and out the end of the penis. In some cases, premature and inhibited ejaculation are caused by a lack of attraction for a partner, past traumatic events, and even psychological factors, including a strict religious background that causes the person to view sex as sinful. Premature ejaculation, the most common form of sexual dysfunction in men, often is due to nervousness over how well he will perform during sex. Certain drugs, including some antidepressants, may affect ejaculation. This generally does not require treatment unless it impairs fertility. Retrograde ejaculation is common in males with diabetes who suffer from diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). This is due to problems with the nerves in the bladder and the bladder neck that allow the ejaculate to flow backward and into the bladder. In other men, retrograde ejaculation occurs after operations on the bladder neck or prostate, or after certain abdominal operations. Nerve damage to the spinal cord or back can also affect ejaculation.
context: Tendinitis, also called overuse tendinopathy, typically is diagnosed by a physical exam alone. If you have the symptoms of overuse tendinopathy, your doctor may order an ultrasound or MRI scans to help determine tendon thickening, dislocations and tears, but these are usually unnecessary for newly diagnosed cases. Your doctor can also assess whether you have similar problems such as bursitis (inflammation of the fluid "cushion" surrounding the joints). The goals of treatment for overuse tendinopathy are to restore movement to the joint without pain and to maintain strength in surrounding muscles while giving the tissues time to heal. Adequate rest is crucial. Returning too soon to the activity that caused the injury can lead to chronic overuse tendinopathy or torn tendons. As an immediate treatment for overuse tendinopathy, doctors and physical therapists often recommend the RICE program: rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured tendon. They may also suggest a short course of aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory drugs to help inflammation and pain. Occasionally, your doctor may discuss injecting corticosteroids (a stronger anti-inflammatory drug) around the tendon for an acute injury, but these are not used in chronic overuse tendinopathy due to potential harmful effects of use. A physical therapist can propose an exercise plan that rests the tendon while strengthening nearby muscle groups and maintaining overall muscle tone. Only gradually will you begin to exercise the tendon itself. Your program may also include "eccentric" exercises, in which you gradually strengthen the muscle while stretching, stopping at the first sign of pain. You may also work into easy stretching exercises, done several times a day. Ultrasound and whirlpool treatments are useful for relaxing muscles and tendons, improving circulation, and promoting healing. For chronic tendinitis, there is open surgery and FAST (focused aspiration of scar tissue), which is ultrasound-guided and minimally invasive. Vary your exercises and gently stretch all the muscles and tendons you are planning to exercise. Include warm-up and cool-down exercises and stretches in your routine. As a general rule, a good warm-up is five minutes for every 30 minutes of planned exercise. So, one hour on the treadmill or elliptical trainer should be preceded by 10 minutes of warm-up. Try to prevent repetitive use of the same joint, resting it when possible. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear or other equipment, and slowly increase your exercise load as a dramatic increase in tendon use can pose a significant risk for overuse tendinopathy.
context: Biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis are effective. They reduce some of the signs and symptoms of RA, like the number of tender or swollen joints, pain, and disability. And they can slow or stop joint damage. Still, relief doesn't come cheap. Biologics can be expensive, even with medical insurance. Why do they cost so much? What can you do to get the medication you need? There are many reasons: Biologic agents are more expensive to make than chemical drugs like DMARDs. The materials needed to create them cost more, and the manufacturing process, which uses live organisms, is more complex. The cost of research and development is higher, too. Biologics use technology called genetic modification. Simply put, biologics target specific parts of RA's inflammatory process while sparing others. Drugmakers say the cost of researching and developing these drugs makes them much more expensive than chemical drugs. There isn't as much brand competition. Because many biologics work in different ways to ease inflammation, there aren't as many similar drugs. As a result, pharmacy benefit managers can't negotiate prices for them. The way they are given. You'll get some biologics by IV in a rheumatologist's office or infusion center. You take DMARDs by mouth at home. The fact that some biologics are taken by IV also affects the way Medicare will reimburse you for them. If your doctor prescribes a biologic to treat your RA and your insurance covers it, your portion of the payment can still sometimes run hundreds of dollars per month. If you can't afford that, there are still ways to get the medications your doctor recommends: Patient assistance plans: Most, if not all, companies that make biologics offer plans to help people who can't afford them. These programs may cover copayments or, in some cases, offer the drugs at a discount or for free. To find out if the drug company that makes your biologic offers assistance, talk with your doctor or check the company's website. State programs: Some states offer help to older and disabled people without drug coverage. To learn more about what your state offers, visit the Medicare website and search "prescription drug assistance." Private foundations: Some organizations help folks with low and moderate incomes afford their medicines. If you risk going without drugs you need, your doctor may know an organization that can help. So don't be afraid to ask. Needy Meds has information on more than 2,400 drug assistance programs. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance and Rx Assist also can point you in the right direction. Pharmacy discount programs: Some pharmacies have discount programs. Ask yours what it offers. Now, there are things called âbiosimilarsâ available for some biologics. As the name implies, these more affordable alternatives are similar, but not identical, to the original biologic. Trials must show that a biosimilar drug is as safe and effective as the original biologic. The FDA is still refining the requirements a drug will have to meet to be called "biosimilar." There are currently several available and more to come
context: Medicine that boosts your levels of thyroid hormone is an easy way to treat your hypothyroidism. It's not a cure, but it can keep your condition under control for the rest of your life. The most common treatment is levothyroxine ( Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint, Unithroid, Unithroid Direct), a man-made version of the thyroid hormone thyroxine ( T4). It acts just like the hormone your thyroid gland normally makes. The right dose can make you feel a lot better. Your doctor will decide how much to give you based on your: Age Health Thyroid hormone levels Weight If you're older, or you have heart disease, you'll probably start on a small dose. Your doctor will slowly raise the amount over time until you see an effect. About 6 weeks after you start taking the medicine, you'll go back to your doctor for a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels. Depending on what the results are, your dosage may change. Once your levels are stable, you'll see your doctor for a blood test every 6 months to a year. To make sure your hypothyroidism stays under control: Stick with the same brand. Different types of thyroid hormone medicine may contain slightly different doses. That could mess with your hormone levels. Follow a schedule. Take your medicine at the same time each day. Aim for about an hour before a meal or at bedtime. Don't take it when you eat. Food can affect the way your body uses it. Don't skip doses. If you miss one, take it as soon as you remember. You can take two pills in one day if you need to. Follow instructions carefully. Don't stop taking your medicine without first checking with your doctor. You should start to feel better a few days after you begin taking medicine. But it may take a few months for your thyroid hormone levels to get back to normal. If your levels get better, but you still have symptoms like fatigue and weight gain, your doctor may need to change your treatment. The main risk of thyroid medicine is if you take too much of it, you can get symptoms of an overactive thyroid, like: Fast heartbeat Sensitivity to heat Hunger Nervousness and anxiety Shakiness Sweating Thin skin and brittle hair Tiredness Trouble sleeping Weight loss If you have any of these, see your doctor for a blood test. He may need to lower your dose. Some medicines can affect the way your thyroid drug works, including: Anti-seizure medicines like carbamazepine ( Tegretol) and phenytoin sodium ( Dilantin) Birth control pills and estrogen Cancer drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors Medicines for depression, like sertraline ( Zoloft) Testosterone If you take one of these meds, talk to your doctor about how you should time taking your other medications based on when you take your thyroid medication. You'll need to keep taking thyroid medicine throughout your life to control your hormone levels. Keep up with your treatment and you'll see results. You'll feel better, and your levels won't drop again.