VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: If you have Crohn's disease, your doctor may prescribe steroids at some point to help get flares under control. They ease inflammation because they calm down your overactive immune system. They can have side effects, but they're usually mild, and you won't take the medication for very long. You may have: Weight gain A puffy, rounded face, also called âmoon faceâ Stretch marks Acne More facial hair Insomnia, or poor sleep Night sweats Mood swings Memory lapses Hyperactivity Thin skin that bruises easily You may notice a few of these, or none at all. It depends on your steroid dosage and how long you take the medication. The longer you take a steroid, the more likely you'll get one or more of these: High blood pressure High blood sugar Osteoporosis, or weak bones that break easily Cataracts Glaucoma Steroids slow your immune system. That can make it harder for your body to fight off infections. While you take them, you're more likely to have: Genital yeast infection Mouth yeast infection, or thrush Urinary tract infection ( UTI) Most people with Crohn's take steroids for only a few weeks or months at a time. You'll cut back on your dosage, and as you lower the amount, most side effects should ease up and go away on their own. It's important that you don't just stop your medicine. If you have trouble with side effects, call your doctor. He can lower your dosage or have you take your steroids every other day. You'll probably start with the pill form of the drug. It goes into your bloodstream and spreads throughout your body. But you may need the steroids to help only in a small area. This can help with side effects because the medication goes only where you have inflammation. These options include: Suppositories that go into your rectum and dissolve Enemas Rectal foams Ask your doctor if one of these could work for you. You can't use suppositories for too long because they can weaken the muscles in your rectum. Your doctor may give you calcium supplements or vitamin D to protect your bones while you're on steroids. Bisphosphonate drugs, like alendronate ( Fosamax) or risedronate ( Actonel), may help prevent osteoporosis, too. Exercise can help you keep your bones and muscles strong. Eat a healthy diet and stay active to manage your weight. It's not a good idea to take short-term steroids often, because the side effects only get worse. Talk to your doctor about another medicine to control your flares. Steroids are also called corticosteroids. The ones most often used for Crohn's include: Prednisone ( Prednicot, Rayos, Sterapred) Methylprednisolone ( Medrol, Depo- Medrol) Hydrocortisone Budesonide ( Entocort EC, Uceris ) Budesonide is a newer kind of steroid that can have fewer side effects. But it's not right for everyone. It's used only for people with mild to moderate Crohn's in certain parts of your bowel.
context: Tennis elbow is one of those tricky conditions that might go away with a little self-care. Or it might not. So maybe you see how it goes before checking in with your doctor. That's fine, but if a few weeks go by and you're still telling yourself, â I'll call tomorrow if it's not better,â you might want to pick up the phone. Tennis elbow means you have damaged tendons in your arm. It's common in people who play sports such as tennis and squash, but more often, you have it because of a job or serious hobby where you have to grip and twist a lot. In fact, painters, carpenters, plumbers, and dentists are all more likely to get it. Because symptoms can get worse over time, it helps to know when to check in with your doctor. The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outside of your elbow, which might go into your forearm and wrist. You may feel pain when doing nothing at all or with anything from holding a pen to opening a jar. The first step in treatment is usually rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medicine. A lot of times, that'll do the trick. But if you still have symptoms after a week or so, or if they get worse, it's time to call your doctor. Also, call your doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms: It's hard to move your arm. There's a lump or bulge in it. Pain or difficulty moving your arm keeps you from your everyday activities. The area around your elbow is reddish or swollen. Your doctor will start with a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and what causes them. During the exam, she may feel different parts of your arm to check for pain. She may also move the arm, wrist or fingers in different ways Often, that's enough to tell if you have tennis elbow. If your doctor thinks there may be something else going on, you may get tests such as: Electromyography. This will help your doctor see whether you have a problem with the nerves in your elbow and how well and fast they send signals. It can also measure electrical activity in your muscles when they're at rest and when you contract them. MRI. This can find arthritis in your neck or problems in your back, such as a disk issue, that could cause pain in your elbow. X-ray. This can check for arthritis in your elbow.
context: Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) and Lyme disease are very different conditions that need separate treatments. Still, they share symptoms. If you have them, you may wonder which condition you have. It's a long-term disease that leads to joint inflammation. It affects the soft tissues surrounding joints. It can also affect other organs. If you have this, your body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. You can get it at any point in your life. It's most commonly found in middle age, and it affects nearly 3 times as many women as men. Symptoms can include: Morning joint stiffness that lasts more than an hour Less range of motion Swollen joints Some people call Lyme disease âthe great imitator,â because it can be confused with a number of other conditions, including: Chronic fatigue syndrome Food poisoning Fibromyalgia Multiple sclerosis Depression Of course, rheumatoid arthritis Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection that's spread through the bite of several different kinds of ticks. It's the most common tick-borne disease in the U. S. The disease was named for the place it was first reported in 1975 -- Old Lyme, CT. About 30,000 cases are reported each year, but the CDC believes the number is 10 times higher than that. Unlike RA, Lyme is most common in children, older adults, and people who spend more time outdoors, like park rangers and firefighters. The more time you spend outside, the greater your chance of running into the ticks that carry the disease. Symptoms of Lyme disease include: Chills Fever Headache Joint pain Muscle pain Stiff neck The classic âbull's-eyeâ rash at the site of the tick bite is an excellent indicator. But the rash may not happen for everyone. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause health issues, including: Numbness or pain Paralysis or weakness in the face muscles Heart problems Chest pain Shortness of breath Arthritis Since the symptoms of RA and Lyme disease are so similar, it's easy to see how they might be confused. Still, it's important to find out which condition you may have. Go to your doctor first. To rule out RA, he'll ask you about your symptoms and medical history. You might get a blood test to look for antibodies linked to the disease. Your doctor may send you to a rheumatologist, who'll look over your joints for tenderness, swelling, or limited movement. Treatment for RA includes long-term: Medication Physical therapy Exercise Education You may also need surgery at some point. A blood test for Lyme can determine if an infected tick bit you. If so, antibiotics can get rid of the infection and its symptoms if the diagnosis is quick. If you don't have the telltale rash, it may take a few weeks for antibodies to show up on a blood test.. Early treatment is key with Lyme. If you don't get it, your symptoms may disappear for a while. But they'll return, with more complications. So if you suspect you have Lyme disease -- if you've been exposed to ticks or had a rash -- talk with your doctor right away.
context: Rosacea is diagnosed by examining the skin on your face. The presence of enlarged blood vessels will distinguish it from other skin disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to control rosacea and prevent its progression. There is no cure for rosacea. The primary goal of treatment is to control the redness, inflammation, and skin eruptions. The biggest key to controlling rosacea is to avoid triggers -- factors that cause the skin to flush. Common triggers include sun exposure, very hot or very cold weather, alcohol, very hot foods, spicy foods, intense exercise, and stress. In addition, menopause and some drugs may cause flushing. To help identify your triggers, keep a diary of when symptoms appear, what you were doing, the environmental conditions, and what you think may have brought on your symptoms. Discuss this with your doctor. Proper skin care can also help. Use very mild skin cleansers and high-quality, oil-free cosmetics and moisturizers to help prevent irritation. Also, use a sunscreen with broad spectrum coverage ( SPF 30 for UVB protection and zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone for UVA protection) to help prevent symptoms triggered by sunlight. If these measures aren't enough, long-term treatment with oral antibiotics such as erythromycin ( ERYC), metronidazole ( Flagyl), tetracycline, doxycycline ( Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), and minocycline ( Dynacin, Solodyn) has been shown to control skin eruptions and curb the progression of rosacea. In most cases, results take a few months to appear, so patience and diligence are required. Because there is no cure for rosacea, treatment with prescription medication is often required for months to years to control symptoms. In addition, dermatologists commonly prescribe topical creams, lotions, ointments, gels, foams, or pads, such as: Azelaic acid ( Azelex and Finacea) Brimonidine( Mirvaso) Clindamycin ( Cleocin, Clindagel, and Clinda Max) Erythromycin ( Erygel) Ivermectin ( Soolantra) Metronidazole ( Metro Cream or Metro Gel) Oxymetazoline ( Rhofade) Sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur ( Avar, Sulfacet, Clenia and Plexion). In more advanced cases, laser surgery may be used to eliminate visible blood vessels or excess skin tissue caused by rhinophyma.
context: Maybe you already manage your diabetes with insulin shots, medicine, and a healthy diet. Go ahead and give yourself a high-five for taking care of your condition, but don't drop your guard! You still could get low blood sugar levels. It's called hypoglycemia, and it can happen when your body has too much insulin, or too little food or sugar, called glucose. If you don't treat it in time, it can lead to insulin shock, which can cause you to have a seizure or pass out. Stay out of the danger zone with some simple tips: Listen to your body. Everybody reacts differently to low blood sugar. You might feel shaky, sweaty, or get a pounding heart. You could notice that you're grumpy or upset. Learn your warning signs so you can deal with low blood sugar before it's a problem. Test your glucose at the first sign of symptoms. Different kinds of meters can do this. If yours checks "whole blood," a glucose reading under 70 mg/dl is low. On a newer meter that monitors "plasma glucose," 80 mg/dl or lower means low blood sugar levels. Ask your doctor what your target numbers should be. Always carry quick-sugar foods with you. To raise your blood sugar quickly back to a safe level, you'll need to eat 15 grams of simple carbohydrates. Foods with protein and fat won't do the trick fast enough. Try: Three or four glucose tablets 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of juice 1/2 cup regular (not diet) soda A small piece of fruit, like an apple, orange, or half a banana 1 tablespoon of sugar, plain or dissolved in water Rest 15 minutes. If you don't feel better after you eat and your blood sugar is still low, eat another 15 grams of a quick-sugar food, then retest your glucose. Repeat until your levels return to normal. If your next meal is an hour or more away, you'll need to have another snack to keep your blood sugar from dipping again. Prepare for an emergency. If you don't raise your blood sugar in time, there's a chance you may go into insulin shock, which can be dangerous. Talk to your doctor about whether you need a prescription for a glucagon kit. Glucagon is a hormone you can inject that releases stored glucose into your bloodstream. It can raise your blood sugar if you can't eat or drink. Ask others for help. Don't wait until you're having an emergency to tell others about your diabetes. Your family members, co-workers, and friends you see often need to be able to help you. Tell them your symptoms of low blood sugar and what types and amounts of food they can give you. If you have emergency glucagon, they should learn how to inject it into your arm, bottom, or thigh, or know to call 911 if you pass out. ID yourself. Always wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace that has your health information in case you do pass out. Talk to your doctor. For most people, hypoglycemia is mild and easy to treat. If you're having low blood sugar problems several times a week or they're severe, call your doctor. You might need to change your medicine, diet, or even when you work out, since exercise can affect your insulin levels.
context: Heart pump medication, also called inotropic therapy, makes an injured or weakened heart pump harder. It's used to make the heart muscle's contractions stronger. It may also speed the heart's rhythm. It's used in end-stage heart failure to help relieve and control symptoms so you can perform your daily activities better. These medications are only used when other drugs don't control heart failure symptoms anymore. Heart pump drugs are sometimes given in the short term to people waiting for a heart transplant. The risk of death rises if they're taken long term. Heart pump medications include: Dobutamine ( Dobutrex) Milrinone ( Primacor) The first time you get them will be in a hospital where you can be closely watched. Dobutamine and milrinone are IV medications given through an infusion pump into your vein. This helps make sure the dose is accurate. You might get them continuously or periodically over 6 to 72 hours, one or more times per week. Even if you feel well, don't stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor. If you are discharged from the hospital with an inotropic medication, a home health nurse will give you specific directions on how to care for your intravenous site, catheter, and infusion pump. Tell your doctor or nurse right away the first time any of these side effects happen: Headache Increased heart rate High blood pressure Nausea Vomiting Shortness of breath Faintness, dizziness, or lightheadedness Mild leg cramps or tingling sensation If any of the following side effects happen, stop the infusion and call your doctor right away: Irregular, fast heartbeat (more than 120 beats per minute) Pain or swelling at your infusion site Fever of 101 F or higher Pump malfunction (then call the pharmacy immediately for a replacement) Yes. While taking heart pump medication, make sure you: Carefully follow the low-sodium diet and daily exercise program advised by your doctor. Avoid alcohol, which increases the side effects of this drug. Keep all appointments so your doctor can see how well the medicine is working. Always have enough infusion bags of your medication. Check your supply before vacations, holidays, or other occasions when you may not be able to get it. Never get other intravenous medications through the same intravenous line. Take precautions to prevent infection while you are taking this drug. Your doctor will let you know what you need to do.
context: High cholesterol is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. That can include coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. High cholesterol has also been linked to diabetes and high blood pressure. To prevent or manage these conditions, work with your doctor to see what steps you need to take to lower your cholesterol. The main risk from high cholesterol is coronary heart disease. If the cholesterol level is too high, cholesterol can build up in the walls of your arteries. Over time, this build-up -- called plaque -- causes hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. This causes arteries to become narrowed, which slows the blood flow to the heart muscle. Reduced blood flow can result in angina (chest pain) or in a heart attack if a blood vessel gets blocked completely. Atherosclerosis causes arteries that lead to the brain to become narrowed and even blocked. If a vessel carrying blood to the brain is blocked completely, you could have a stroke High cholesterol also has been linked to peripheral vascular disease. This refers to diseases of blood vessels outside the heart and brain. In this condition, fatty deposits build up along artery walls and affect blood circulation. This occurs mainly in arteries that lead to the legs and feet. Diabetes can upset the balance between HDL and LDL cholesterol levels. People with diabetes tend to have LDL particles that stick to arteries and damage blood vessel walls more easily. Glucose (a type of sugar) attaches to lipoproteins (a cholesterol-protein package that enables cholesterol to travel through blood). Sugarcoated LDL remains in the bloodstream longer and may lead to the formation of plaque. People with diabetes tend to have low HDL and high triglyceride (another kind of blood fat) levels. Both of these boost the risk of heart and artery disease. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) and high cholesterol also are linked. When the arteries become hardened and narrowed with cholesterol plaque and calcium, the heart has to strain much harder to pump blood through them. As a result, blood pressure becomes abnormally high. High blood pressure is also linked to heart disease.
context: Also called â Lea's Shield,â this cup-shaped device is a âbarrier methodâ of birth control for women. It's made of silicone, and it covers the cervix so that sperm can't get into the uterus. The shield has a valve on it that creates suction when you insert it, to help it fit against the cervix. A woman should first put spermicide in it and then insert it into her vagina before sex. It must stay in place for at least 8 hours after intercourse. The shield has a loop on it to help with removal. You must take it out within 48 hours in order to avoid getting toxic shock syndrome. It's about 85% effective at preventing pregnancy. That means that in a typical year, 15 out of 100 women who use it will get pregnant. The device only comes in one size, so you don't need to see your doctor to get fitted for one. But you will need a prescription for it. No. The male latex condom provides the best protection from most STDs.
context: Maybe your daughter got off the bus looking pale and feverish. Or maybe you feel a scratchy throat and a stuffy nose coming on. Whatever the symptoms, you expect a lot of sniffles and coughs this week. Before the virus knocks you and your family out, try these tips to prepare for colds and flu. If you're lucky, they may also prevent at least some of your family from getting sick. Stock up on supplies. Be ready before cold and flu season starts. Load up on tissues, hand soap, hand sanitizer, and paper towels. Consider picking up a few distractions in case your kids get sick, like puzzles, coloring books, or DVDs. Check your medicine cabinet. Make sure it contains pain relievers, fever reducers, and any other medications you use when your family is fighting colds or the flu, like decongestants or cough syrups. Review the correct doses based on age and weight. Check to see if any medications overlap or interact. Test your thermometer to make sure the batteries still work. Clean your humidifier. Be strict about washing hands. Germy hands spread colds and the flu. Tell your family to scrub their hands well with soap for 20 seconds. Tell kids to wash for as long as it takes to sing " Happy Birthday" twice. Make sure you do it, too! Plan for sick days. You may need some days off. Even if you don't get sick, you may need to take care of your sick kids. Start thinking about it now: What's your office policy for sick days? Will you have to take unpaid days off? Line up support. You may need outside help. See if any family members can watch the kids if they're home sick from school. Or ask a neighbor if they can take the kids to soccer and dance if you're laid up in bed. Disinfect. You don't need to spend all day spraying every surface with disinfectant. You may just want to disinfect some heavily touched items -- like doorknobs, remote controls, and phones -- each day. Switch to paper goods. If everyone's sick, use paper towels instead of hand towels in the bathroom. Switch out glasses for paper cups, and toss them after one use. You'll be less likely to swap germs. Fill the fridge and pantry. Stock up on some easy-to-make foods for lunches and dinners, in case you need a few days to rest and recover without cooking. Have some favorite drinks and snacks on hand for your kids. Include some (healthy) comfort foods like chicken soup and PB& J. Rest. Whether you're trying to recover from a cold or flu, or trying to avoid it, get plenty of sleep. Get your kids to bed on time, too. Get your flu shot. One of the best ways to help keep the flu away from your home is to make sure your whole family gets vaccinated.
context: You might be surprised to learn that it's Uncle Sam, not the doctor, who defines whether you're legally blind. The government uses the term âlegal blindnessâ to decide who can get certain benefits, like disability or job training. It is not the same as being totally blind. If you're completely blind, you can't see any light or form. Of the people with eye disorders, only about 15% can see nothing at all. If you're legally blind, you can still see -- just not that clearly. Normal vision is 20/20. That means you can clearly see an object 20 feet away. If you're legally blind, your vision is 20/200 or less. That means if an object is 200 feet away, you have to stand 20 feet from it in order to see it clearly. But a person with normal vision can stand 200 feet away and see that object perfectly. An estimated 1.1 million Americans are legally blind. Some conditions, like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetes, can affect your sight to the point that you may be diagnosed with the condition. Your doctor will check your vision during a standard eye exam. She'll measure your eyesight while you're wearing glasses or contact lenses. Your vision might fall below 20/200 without them. If it improves when you put on your glasses or contacts, you're not considered legally blind. It varies from person to person. You might be able to see objects at a distance but not from the sides of your eyes (peripheral vision). Or, you might have great peripheral vision but trouble seeing objects far away. In some states, being classified as legally blind may impact your ability to drive. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. You can't diagnose yourself with the condition. Your doctor has to make that call, so let her know if you're having eye trouble. If you learn you're legally blind, organizations like the American Foundation for the Blind can help. They have programs to help you deal with the physical and emotional effects of vision loss. Being legally blind affects your vision, but it doesn't have to stop you from leading a fulfilling life.
context: Benzodiazepines are generally not a "core" treatment for mania, but they can rapidly help control certain manic symptoms -- such as restlessness, agitation, or insomnia -- in bipolar disorder until mood-stabilizing drugs can take effect. They are usually taken for a brief time, up to two weeks or so, with other mood-stabilizing drugs. Benzodiazepines slow the activity of the brain. In doing so, they can help treat mania, anxiety, panic disorder, and seizures. Benzodiazepines prescribed for bipolar disorder include (among others): alprazolam ( Xanax) clonazepam ( Klonopin) diazepam ( Valium) lorazepam ( Ativan) Benzodiazepines act quickly and bring on a sense of calmness. They can sometimes cause lightheadedness, slurred speech, or unsteadiness. Possible benzodiazepine side effects include: Drowsiness or dizziness Lightheadedness Fatigue Blurred vision Slurred speech Memory loss Muscle weakness Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and addictive. They are usually avoided in people with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, unless they are necessary on a short-term basis as part of a drug or alcohol detox. Benzodiazepines can slow thinking or interfere with judgment. It is also dangerous to combine them with alcohol or certain other medications. If you have been taking the benzodiazepines in high doses or for a long time, you may suffer withdrawal symptoms if you stop the drug suddenly. Talk with your doctor about whether you still need the medication and, if not, how to taper off the drug.
context: Before you have surgery for breast cancer, take some time to learn about the different types of procedures. You and your doctor will choose the best option for you. Your doctor removes your entire breast, including the nipple in this procedure. He doesn't remove your lymph nodes, small glands that are part of your immune system. You're most likely to have this procedure when the cancer isn't in your lymph nodes, or if you're having a mastectomy to lower your risk of getting breast cancer. The surgeon removes all of your breast tissue, including your nipple and lymph nodes in the armpit. He leaves the chest muscles intact. This may be a good option if you have invasive breast cancer. Your surgeon removes all of your breast tissue along with the nipple, lymph nodes in your armpit, and chest wall muscles under the breast. This procedure is rarely done today. The modified radical mastectomy is as effective in most cases, and it's less disfiguring. A radical mastectomy is usually only recommended if the cancer has spread to your chest muscles. Your surgeon removes the skin of the nipple and areola, and the area where the tumor was taken out, but leaves the rest of the skin so it can be used for your breast reconstruction. It may not be an option for you if you have cancer cells close to your skin, or if you plan to wait to have breast reconstruction. Your surgeon removes the tumor along with some of the breast tissue surrounding it. If you have this procedure, you'll most likely need radiation treatments to follow. This may not be a good option for you if you can't or won't have radiation. Also, a lumpectomy is usually not an option if you're pregnant, have a large tumor, or cancer that has grown outside the breast tissue. An important part of breast cancer surgery involves checking the lymph nodes to see if the cancer has spread. The doctor usually does this at the time of the original surgery, but sometimes he does that at a later time. There are two main types of lymph node surgery for breast cancer: Axillary lymph node dissection ( ALND). The surgeon takes out about 10 to 20 lymph nodes from under the arm. Those then get checked for cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy. The surgeon finds and removes the lymph node where the breast cancer would most likely have spread first. This surgery is less likely to cause lymphedema, or swelling in the arm, than an ALND. Many women who get a mastectomy choose to get breast reconstruction either right afterward or later on. You can use breast implants or your own tissue, usually from your lower abdomen. The length of your stay in the hospital will vary, depending on the type of surgery you have, how well you tolerate the operation, and your general health. Lumpectomies are usually outpatient procedures. You'll recover in a short-stay observation unit and will likely go home later the same day. If you have a mastectomy or an ALND, you'll probably stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 nights.
context: Bruises are not very common in infants. They're more common on the lower legs and foreheads of toddlers just learning to walk, active preschoolers, and elementary schoolchildren. The bruised area seems very painful, swollen, or infected. Your child has a bruise after a serious accident or head or abdominal injury. Your child has a large number of bruises or unexplained bruises. Your child has a fever. Wrap a cold pack in a towel or washcloth and hold it against the bruise for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat, but no more than once an hour. Do not hold ice or anything frozen directly against a child's skin. If possible, raise the bruised area above the heart to reduce swelling. Use infant or child-formula acetaminophen ( Tylenol). Don't use ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) because it may prolong bleeding. Follow the dosing instructions on the label. If your child has never taken this medication before, call your pediatrician first. Don't give aspirin to a child under 16.
context: Since it is brief, the vision loss of migraine with aura is not usually treated. But you may need relief for the headache that accompanies or follows it. Medications used to prevent migraine with aura include those typically used for the more common form of migraine, such as antiseizure medications like topiramate, antidepressants such as amitriptyline, and CGRP inhibitors, like erenumab ( Aimovig) or fremanezumab ( Ajovy). The FDA approved the transcutaneous magnetic stimulator by e Neura or Spring TMS that can be applied to the back of the head at the onset of the aura to help prevent the headache. There is also a noninvasive vagus nerve stimulator called gamma Core. When placed over the vagus nerve in the neck, it releases a mild electrical stimulation to the nerve's fibers to relieve pain. Similarly, Cefaly uses transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation and is worn as a headband on the forehead and turned on daily for 20 minutes to prevent migraine from developing.
context: Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach and in front of the spine. The pancreas produces digestive juices and hormones that regulate blood sugar. Cells called exocrine pancreas cells produce the digestive juices, while cells called endocrine pancreas cells produce the hormones. The majority of pancreatic cancers start in the exocrine cells. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back Unexplained weight loss Loss of appetite Fatigue Depression The factors which could put you at risk for developing pancreatic cancer include: Smoking Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) Inherited conditions (including hereditary pancreatitis) Familial pancreatic cancer syndromes Long-standing diabetes Obesity After taking down your health history and performing a physical exam, the doctor may order several tests to determine the cause of your problem or extent of the condition, including: CT scan (computed tomography) MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Endoscopic ultrasound ( EUS) Laparoscopy (surgical procedure to look at organs) Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ( ERCP) Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography ( PTC; procedure used to X-ray liver and bile ducts) Biopsy (removal of tissue to view it under a microscope) There are various treatments for pancreatic cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to treat cancer, while radiation therapy uses X-rays or other kinds of radiation to kill cancer cells. Surgery can be used to remove a tumor or to treat symptoms of pancreatic cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that only about 23% of patients with cancer of the exocrine pancreas are still living one year after diagnosis. About 8.2% are still alive five years after being diagnosed.
context: Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are annoying irritations inside the mouth that afflict as many as 20% of Americans. They are different from cold sores, which usually appear on the outside of the mouth on the lips. They are also different from traumatic ulcers, which look like canker sores but are caused by rough dentures, a slip of the toothbrush, or hot food. Canker sores appear most commonly in adolescents and young adults, often occurring during times of stress. They are also more likely to appear around a women's menstrual period, and there is a greater likelihood of having canker sores if a parent also has them. No one knows what causes canker sores, or why women are more likely to get them. Outbreaks often seem related to physical or emotional stress. Certain foods such as acidic foods, tomatoes, eggplant, and possibly gluten, may also cause them to develop. Ingredients in toothpaste can trigger a canker sore. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious. They don't pose any health risk other than the discomfort that comes along with them. Canker sores cannot be prevented. Many techniques have been proposed, but there is little evidence they work.
context: Traditional antidepressants are considered "experimental" for treating bipolar depression in that none has been proven to be more effective than a placebo (sugar pill) in bipolar I disorder. If taken alone, some may actually worsen symptoms of bipolar or uncover a manic episode. Studies also have shown that they may not provide additional benefit for bipolar depression if they're are taken along with a mood stabilizer such as lithium or Depakote. Nevertheless, your doctor may prescribe newer antidepressants known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) for treating depression in bipolar disorder -- along with lithium or other mood stabilizing drugs such as valproate, carbamazepine or an atypical antipsychotic. If and when an antidepressant is effective for someone with bipolar depression, it is believed that the medicine works by boosting the functioning of nerve cells in the brain that communicate through the chemical (neurotransmitter) serotonin. This class of antidepressants includes: citalopram ( Celexa) escitalopram ( Lexapro) fluoxetine ( Prozac) fluvoxamine ( Luvox) paroxetine ( Paxil) sertraline( Zoloft) Vilazodone ( Viibryd) and vortioxetine ( Trintellix, formerly called Brintellix) are two newer antidepressants that affect the serotonin transporter as well as other serotonin receptors in the brain. Most antidepressants take several weeks to start working. Though the first one that is prescribed works in the majority of people, others may need to try two or three to find the right one. Your doctor may also prescribe a sedative to help relieve anxiety, agitation, or sleep problems while the antidepressant begins to work. SSRI side effects are generally milder than those of the older classes of antidepressants. There are many strategies to counteract the common side effects of SSRIs if they develop, and some side effects may occur only briefly at the beginning of treatment. Common SSRI side effects may include: Nausea Nervousness Insomnia Diarrhea Rash Agitation Erectile dysfunction Loss of libido Weight gain or loss In people with bipolar disorder, SSRIs and other antidepressants carry a risk of inducing mania, making it essential to monitor for signs of excess energy, decreased need for sleep, or abnormal and excessive mood elevation. The FDA also recommends closely observing young people treated with SSRIs or other antidepressants for worsening depression or the emergence of suicidal tendencies. It is sometimes difficult to know whether suicidal thoughts or behaviors that occur or worsen during antidepressant treatment are the result of the antidepressant itself or of the ongoing depression that the antidepressant may not be effectively treating. For this reason, the FDA recommends careful monitoring of patients being treated with these drugs -- especially at the beginning of therapy and during dose changes.
context: No matter how great a caregiver you are for someone with Alzheimer's, eventually you're going to need a break. Sometimes, a nearby family member or friend can step in while you run errands or get some exercise. But in other cases, adult day care may be the way to go. These programs offer safe places for older adults to socialize, join in activities, and get medical or rehabilitation services if they need them. Many centers serve a broad range of clients, while others focus on specific disorders such as Alzheimer's. Your loved one can go to day care during daytime hours and come home for the night. For many families, the programs are a way to give caregivers a break while helping their loved ones stay in their homes and keep some of their independence for as long as possible. Some centers offer only adult day-care services, but you can also find programs at another type of care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted-living residence. Adult day care services usually include: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy Meals Social activities, like crafts, music, movies, and community projects Transportation, support, and help with personal care like bathing, eating, dressing, and grooming Medical services from health care professionals, including registered nurses and therapists Find the centers that offer adult day care in your area. Local churches and senior centers may have a list of nearby programs. You can also check with assisted-living facilities and nursing homes. Find out about the center's application process, who they serve, and take a look at sample menus and activity calendars. Once you've done some basic research, there are a few things to consider: How long the program has been open Who owns or sponsors it When they're open How much does it cost? Will insurance cover it? If they offer transportation to and from the center The best way to know what a day care is like is to see it in person. Schedule a tour of the center for yourself and your loved one. Some things to keep in mind as you visit: Is the staff friendly? Does the center look and smell clean? Is there a place for people to go when they're sick? What kind of licensing or credentials do the staff have? Do volunteers help out? What is the staff-to-client ratio? ( Six clients per staff member is good). Can you look at a list of references? Most states require that adult day-care centers have licenses and sometimes even certification. To find licensed and certified centers in your area and to learn more about adult day care, visit the eldercare.gov web site. The cost of adult day care varies from place to place. Centers funded by corporations or religious groups can be less expensive options. If your loved one gets medical services such as physical or speech therapy through the program, Medicare, Medicaid, or veterans' benefits may cover part of the costs.
context: Medications called opioids can knock out some of the toughest pain. But they can also make you constipated. The problem doesn't always start right away. It can happen any time you're taking the drug. The main symptoms of opioid constipation are: Your stools might get hard and dry. You might not get the urge to go as often as before. You may have to push really hard when you go. You might feel like you don't get everything out. Constipation can be more than just uncomfortable. If you don't treat it, you might have pain and cramping in your gut, and your belly may stick out. Eventually your intestines might get blocked, which can be dangerous. Your best bet is to try to keep the problem from happening. When your doctor gives you a prescription for an opioid, ask about ways you can avoid constipation. If it does happen, ask your doctor about treatment. Call him right away if you feel severe pain. How bad constipation is can depend on how much of an opioid you're taking. Unlike other side effects from these drugs, like feeling sleepy or nauseated, constipation doesn't go away after a few days on the medication. Scientists think this is because your gut doesn't get used to opioids the way the rest of your body does. The longer you take the drug, the bigger the chance it will block you up. The medicine can mess with your digestion in a few ways: Mixed signals. Normally the muscles around your intestines squeeze and let go to push stools through your gut. This movement, called peristalsis, happens in waves. Think of milking a cow, where you squeeze and let go. Opioids can slow or stop peristalsis by sending messages along the nerves inside your intestines and spine. These messages can make your intestines squeeze on both ends of the stool so that it doesn't go anywhere. No exit. Your intestines also have round muscles called sphincters that separate one part of your gut from another, like the small intestine from the large intestine. Sphincters work like drawstrings. When they open, stools can pass through. Opioids can tighten up those muscles in your intestines so they don't open up, or they only open up a little bit. Drying up. Your intestines absorb some of the water from your stool as it moves through your gut. When everything goes smoothly, they absorb the right amount of water. But when opioids slow your gut down, waste takes longer to pass through. This gives your intestines time to absorb too much water, so your stools get hard and dry. Opioid constipation is different from the kind you might get from foods that block you up, too little fiber in your diet, or not drinking enough H2 O. Unlike these other types, a powder fiber made with psyllium is usually not enough to get you going. Talk to your doctor if you start to feel constipated. He can recommend treatments and other habits that can give you relief.
context: Your brain and spinal cord are bathed in fluid. A spinal tap, also called a lumbar puncture, is a procedure doctors use to remove and test some of this liquid, called cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF). It helps them diagnose disorders of the brain and spinal cord, including multiple sclerosis. The results of the procedure can help doctors see whether your body's immune system is attacking itself, which is what happens in multiple sclerosis. If you have the condition, your CSF (spinal fluid) will have higher amounts of certain proteins. If someone's CSF doesn't have these proteins, though, they might still have multiple sclerosis -- 5% to 10% of people with the condition never show signs in their spinal fluid. Also, these signs can show up in a number of other diseases, too. So a spinal tap by itself can't confirm or rule out a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. It must be part of the total picture of testing for the disease. You don't have to do anything to get ready, unless your doctor gives you special instructions. In most cases, you'll need to stop taking any blood thinner medicines, including aspirin, for a few days beforehand. And if you're allergic to latex or any medications, tell your doctor. To start, you'll lie on your side with your knees drawn as close to your chest as possible. Or you'll sit with your arms and head resting on a table. After the skin around your lower back is cleansed and covered, you'll get medicine to numb that part of your body. Your doctor will put a long, thin hollow needle in your low back between two bones in your lower spine and into the space filled with CSF. He'll take 1-2 tablespoons of fluid and remove the needle. The procedure doesn't touch your spinal cord. You'll need to lie on your back or stomach for a few hours. You also may need to give a sample of your blood for testing, too. Avoid intense exercise for a day or so after the procedure. Yes. But just like most tests, there are a few minor risks. These include: Headache. About 10% of people get a spinal headache -- one that gets worse when you sit or stand and feels better instantly when you lie down. If you get one, lie down as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids. Infection. But the risk is very low. Bloody tap. Sometimes the procedure may pierce a small blood vessel, so blood mixes in with the CSF. You won't need treatment for it, but in some cases, you may need another spinal tap later on to get a "clear" sample. Call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual drainage, including bloody discharge, or pain that gets worse.
context: When your baby cries, she is letting you know something is wrong and she needs your help. But when it's after midnight and you've been up for hours with a baby in tears, it doesn't matter what the cause is. You just want to comfort your little one. Not everything is going to work for every baby all the time, but you may get some much-needed relief with these fuss-busters. Just as loud noises can make your baby cry, soothing sounds may calm her. In the womb, she got used to hearing a heartbeat. Try out different background sounds, like a white noise machine, a recorded heartbeat, the shower, or household appliances like dishwashers or washing machines. If the sound really seems to work, record it so you can play it when your baby is upset. Babies also respond to familiar voices. Sing your baby a gentle lullaby or quietly hum while you hold her, or as she lies on your chest. Has your baby ever stopped crying after you picked her up and walked around? If so, you know that motion can be a fuss-buster. Many crying babies find comfort in smooth, rhythmic movements, like being rocked in a rocking chair, hammock, or infant swing. Take yours for a walk in a stroller or for a car ride -- just be sure she's safely strapped into her rear-facing car seat. Try out different types of motion to see what soothes your baby best. Don't place her on top of a vibrating appliance, such as a dishwasher or dryer, because she could fall. Your baby may relax when she feels like she did in the womb. Swaddle her in a blanket, or gently pat her on the back in a pattern like a heartbeat. Lie down with her against your side, or keep her close to your body in an infant sling as you walk around. A warm bath may also help. Pediatrician Harvey Karp, MD, advises using the 5 S's -- a mix of fuss-busting techniques -- to comfort your teary infant. This method may help create a safe, womb-like feeling. Try: Swaddling Side/stomach soothing -- lay baby on her side or stomach. Use this when your baby's colicky, but don't leave her unwatched. And never put her to sleep on her side or stomach -- always lay her on her back. " Shhhing" sounds Swinging Sucking (feed her, or give her a pacifier) No matter which technique you try, remember that your baby is more likely to stop crying if you remain calm.