VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Growing pains may sound like an old wives' tale. In the case of Sever's (or Sever) disease, though, your child's growth spurt can lead to serious pain. It's not actually a disease but a heel injury. During a growth spurt, your child's heel bone grows faster than the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in her leg. In fact, the heel is one of your child's first body parts to reach full adult size. When the muscles and tendons can't grow fast enough to keep up, they are stretched too tight. If your child is very active, especially if she plays a sport that involves a lot of running and jumping on hard surfaces (such as soccer, basketball, or gymnastics), it can put extra strain on her already overstretched tendons. This leads to swelling and pain at the point where the tendons attach to the growing part of her heel. Sever's disease is more common in boys. They tend to have later growth spurts and typically get the condition between the ages of 10 and 15. In girls, it usually happens between 8 and 13. Symptoms can include: Pain, swelling, or redness in one or both heels Tenderness and tightness in the back of the heel that feels worse when the area is squeezed Heel pain that gets worse after running or jumping, and feels better after rest. The pain may be especially bad at the beginning of a sports season or when wearing hard, stiff shoes like soccer cleats. Trouble walking Walking or running with a limp or on tip toes The good news is that the condition doesn't cause any long-term foot problems. Symptoms typically go away after a few months. The best treatment is simply rest. Your child will need to stop or cut down on sports until the pain gets better. When she's well enough to return to her sport, have her build up her playing time gradually. Your doctor may also recommend: Ice packs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to relieve the pain Supportive shoes and inserts that reduce stress on the heel bone. These can help if your child has another foot problem that aggravates Sever's disease, such as flat feet or high arches. Stretching and strengthening exercises, perhaps with the help of a physical therapist In severe cases, your child may need a cast so her heel is forced to rest. Once your child's growth spurt ends, and she's reached full size, her Sever's disease won't return. Until then, the condition can happen again if your child stays very active. Some simple steps can help prevent it. Have your child: Wear supportive, shock-absorbing shoes. Stretch her calves, heels, and hamstrings. Not overdo it. Warn against over-training, and suggest plenty of rest, especially if she begins to feel pain in her heel. Try to avoid lots of running and pounding on hard surfaces. If she's overweight, help her lose those extra pounds, which can increase pressure on her heels.
context: Allergies are all about your immune system. The job of your immune system is to protect you from germs such as bacteria and viruses. But if you have an allergy, your immune system will also defend your body against a harmless substance such as cat dander or dust mites. When you come across an allergy trigger, your body makes molecules called Ig E antibodies. These trigger a series of reactions that can cause swelling, runny nose, and sneezing. In people with allergic asthma, the muscles around their airways begin to tighten. The airways themselves also become inflamed and flooded with mucus. The symptoms of allergic asthma are generally the same as those of non-allergic asthma. They include: Coughing Wheezing Shortness of breath Fast breathing Tightening of the chest Allergens you inhale are some of the most likely to worsen your allergic asthma. Pollen from trees and grass, such as ragweed Mold Animal dander (from hair, skin, or feathers) and saliva Dust mites Cockroaches People may also have allergic reactions if they touch or eat allergens. This type of exposure rarely causes asthma symptoms, but it can cause a serious and even life-threatening reaction, such as anaphylactic shock, which makes it hard to breathe. Irritants can also trigger an asthma attack, even though they don't cause an allergic reaction. Tobacco smoke Air pollution Cold air Strong chemical odors Perfumes or other scented products Intense emotions that cause you to laugh or cry Your doctor might recommend allergy tests to figure out what allergens affect you. These tests usually involve pricking your skin with a tiny amount of the suspected allergen or injecting it under your skin. Your doctor then checks your skin for a reaction. If a skin test isn't possible, you might get a blood test instead. When pollen counts are high, stay inside as much as possible. Keep the windows closed. If you have an air conditioner, use it to filter the air. To keep dust mites out, wrap your pillows, mattress, and box springs in allergen-proof covers. Wash your sheets once a week in hot water. Get rid of items where dust can gather, such as on heavy curtains or piles of clothing. If your child has allergic asthma, only buy washable stuffed animals. Remove wall-to-wall carpeting, if possible. If moisture is a problem in your home, get a dehumidifier to cut down on mold. Repair any plumbing leaks. If you have pets, keep them out of the bedroom. Keep your kitchen and bathroom very clean to avoid mold and cockroaches. Be careful doing outside work. Gardening and raking can stir up pollen and mold. Bronchodilators, which relax the muscles around the airways, allow you to breathe easier. These drugs are often used to stop asthma symptoms after they've started. Sometimes, you use them daily to help control your asthma. Anti-inflammatory drugs, which ease swelling, are used for long-term control of asthma. Other medications can prevent your airways from tightening or block the release of chemicals that trigger the allergic reaction. Allergy shots or tablets can train your immune system to stop overreacting to specific allergens.
context: As the heart beats, it pumps blood through a system of blood vessels called the circulatory system. The vessels are elastic tubes that carry blood to every part of the body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart while veins return it. Vascular disease includes any condition that affects your circulatory system. This ranges from diseases of your arteries, veins, and lymph vessels to blood disorders that affect circulation. Vascular pain develops when the communication between blood vessels and nerves is interrupted or damaged due to vascular disease or injuries. The following conditions fall under the category of vascular disease. Like the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries) and brain (cerebral arteries), the peripheral arteries (blood vessels outside your heart and brain) also may develop atherosclerosis, the build-up of fat and cholesterol deposits, called plaque, on the inside walls. Over time, the build-up narrows the artery. Eventually the narrowed artery causes less blood to flow and a condition called "ischemia" can occur. Ischemia is inadequate blood flow to the body's tissue. Peripheral artery disease ( PAD) can cause various symptoms including the following: Blockage in the legs can lead to leg pain or cramps with activity (a condition called claudication), changes in skin color, sores or ulcers, and feeling tired in the legs. Total loss of circulation can lead to gangrene and loss of a limb. Blockage in the renal arteries (arteries supplying the kidneys) can cause renal artery disease (stenosis). The symptoms include uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart failure, and abnormal kidney function. An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel. One can form in any blood vessel, but aneurysms occur most often in the aorta (aortic aneurysm), which is the main blood vessel leaving the heart. The two types of aortic aneurysm are: Thoracic aortic aneurysm (part of aorta in the chest) Abdominal aortic aneurysm Small aneurysms generally pose no threat. However, aneurysms increase a person's risk for: Atherosclerotic plaque (fat, cholesterol, and calcium deposits) formation at the site of the aneurysm The potential for a clot (thrombus) to form at the site and then dislodge Increase in the aneurysm size, causing it to press on nerves or other organs, causing pain Aneurysm rupture ( Because the artery wall thins at this spot, it is fragile and may burst under stress. A sudden rupture of an aortic aneurysm may be life threatening.) Renal artery disease is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis of the renal arteries (see above). It occurs in people with generalized vascular disease. Less often, renal artery disease can be caused by a congenital (present at birth) abnormal development of the tissue that makes up the renal arteries. This type of renal artery disease occurs in younger age groups.
context: Vascular reconstructive surgery is one way to improve blood flow to the penis to help a man with erectile dysfunction ( ED) get and keep an erection. Doctors rarely recommend the operation, though, since it's technically difficult, costly, and doesn't always work. The goal of the operation is to bypass blocked arteries that cause erection problems. A surgeon transfers an artery from a muscle in the belly to one in the penis. This creates a path for blood to move around the problem area. It may be a good option for only a few men, usually those who are younger and have ED because of an injury to the penis and the area around it. If that's you, talk to your doctor to see if this surgery is right for you. Unfortunately, vascular reconstructive surgery doesn't seem to work very well over time. Even the best studies show that only 1 out of 20 men improved after the treatment. The success rate is higher for younger men with a single damaged blood vessel from a pelvic or genital injury.
context: Want to find a way to make your knee osteoarthritis ( OA) feel better that doesn't involve popping a pill? A thinner waistline could be the answer. If you're overweight, you can cut your pain when you shed a few pounds. A leaner "you" can ease pressure on your joints, reduce inflammation, and help you get around more easily. Even if you don't have knee OA now, you may cut your risk of getting it if you keep your weight under control. When you walk, your joints get a pounding. For every step, your knee takes on a force equal to 3-6 times your weight. What does that add up to? We'll do the math for you. Even as little as 10 extra pounds puts an additional burden on your knee of 30-60 pounds. If you only took one step a day, it might not be a big deal. But of course, you probably take thousands, which means a lot of stress on your knees. The more you weigh, the greater the stress. The long-term result -- stiff, swollen, and achy joints. When you carry extra pounds you also speed up the loss of cartilage in your knees. That's the stuff that creates a cushion between your bones. If you don't have enough, your bones start to rub against each other. And that leads to irritation, pain, and swelling. When you drop a few pounds, you won't reverse your OA or create new cartilage. But it can ease your symptoms, improve how well you get around, and prevent more damage to your joints. Even small changes in your weight can make a difference. If you shed just 1 pound, you'll take 4 pounds of pressure off of your knees. Drop 10 pounds and you'll take 40 pounds of pressure off. The more pounds you lose, the better. If you're overweight, experts suggest you aim for 10% of how much you weigh now. Research backs that up. In one study, people who lost at least 10% of their weight had more relief in pain and inflammation than people who lost less than that. Try to set a 10% goal for yourself. For instance, if you weigh 200 pounds now, try to lose 20 pounds. Aim for a loss of 1-2 pounds a week. You can try diet, exercise, or a combination of both. If you're very overweight or have other health problems, talk to your doctor about other options like low-calorie diets, gastric surgery, or weight loss medications.
context: Is gasping for breath Can't cry or talk because of breathing trouble Grunts when breathing Has blue lips May have a small object caught in her throat Is breathing very fast Looks very sick Breathing problems are common in young children, but in some cases they can be serious. Is younger than 1 year old and still has trouble breathing after you cleaned out her nose Has been diagnosed with bronchiolitis (a common lung infection in children) or a reactive airways disease (such as asthma or a condition like asthma) episode Has trouble breathing or is breathing very fast when not coughing Has severe coughing attacks or continuous coughing Is wheezing or making a high-pitched whistle sound when breathing out or in Can't take a deep breath because of chest pain or coughed-up blood Has a fever that persists Flares her nostrils or draws in her chest muscles to breathe Is sluggish Is vomiting and can't keep fluids down Has a cold where the symptoms rapidly worsen Give babies plenty of breast milk or formula. Give older children water or juice mixed with water. Children may eat more slowly because of breathing problems, so give them plenty of time. Thin mucus in a stuffy nose with saline nose drops. Remove mucus from a baby's nose with a suction bulb. Use a cool-mist humidifier near the child to add moisture to the air. Sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running and have your child breathe in the steam. Let the child rest. Give children's-formula acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Motrin) if the child is older than 6 months to bring down a fever. Keep the child away from cigarette smoke.
context: If you have a burning pain in your stomach that keeps coming back, a peptic ulcer is one possible reason for it. That's a sore on the inside of your stomach or at the upper portion, or beginning, of your small intestine. People used to think ulcers were caused by stress or even spicy foods. But while those things can make ulcers worse, doctors now know the most common cause is a kind of bacteria called H. pylori. Using over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen for a long time can damage the lining of your stomach and cause ulcers, too. Your doctor can tell you if you have one and recommend treatments based on the reason behind it. Most of the time, ulcers heal quickly and don't come back once they're treated. If your doctor thinks you might have a peptic ulcer, he'll probably start with a physical exam and some tests: He'll feel your belly and ask if you've had things like tenderness, pain, or bloating. He might use a stethoscope to listen to any sounds your stomach is making. The next step will be tests to look for signs of the H. pylori bacteria. Your doctor may take samples of your blood, stool, or breath for these. In some cases, especially if you're older and your symptoms include things like weight loss or loss of appetite, he might use a long, flexible tube called an endoscope to look down your throat and into your stomach for signs of an ulcer. ( You'll be given medicine to make you sleepy.) An endoscope can also take a small sample of tissue from an ulcer that can be tested in a laboratory. He might ask you to drink a milky liquid called barium before he takes X-rays of your stomach. This drink coats your digestive system and makes problems like ulcers show up more clearly. If you have a peptic ulcer, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on what's causing it: The most common remedy is a combination of antibiotic drugs to kill the H. pylori bacteria and medications to get rid of acid in your stomach. These typically include proton pump inhibitors (like Aciphex or Nexium), and antibiotics. You'll take PPIs for several weeks. If your ulcer is caused by over-the-counter painkillers, you'll need to quit taking them. He also may give you a drug called a protectant, which coats ulcers to protect them from stomach acid. Lifestyle changes can help, too. You might need to: Quit smoking. Drink less alcohol or caffeine. Stay away from foods that make your symptoms worse. After treatment, your doctor may want to keep a close eye on you, depending on: The size of your ulcer and where it was How well the treatment worked If you had any other problems An ulcer can cause serious problems, like stomach bleeding, if it's not treated. An untreated ulcer also can lead to a hole in your stomach, which may need to be fixed with surgery.
context: The bone has broken through the skin. The arm is bleeding heavily. The arm is numb, white, or blue. There is deformity to the arm. As long as you get medical treatment right away, a broken arm usually heals well. You think your child has a broken arm. Symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and refusal to move the arm. Do not try to straighten the arm. If the bone has broken through the skin, do not touch it. Drape gauze or a clean diaper over the injury, apply pressure to control the bleeding, and get emergency help. Don't try to straighten the arm. Try to keep it still and don't move it. Put some soft padding around the arm, like a soft cloth. Splint the wrapped arm with a ruler, newspaper, or magazine to keep it from moving too much. Gently wrap cloth or tape around the splint and wrapping to hold them together. Make sure the splint and wrapping aren't cutting off circulation. If your child may have a broken arm, go to the pediatrician's office or the emergency room. While waiting to see a doctor, put a wrapped ice pack or ice in a towel on the arm for a few minutes at a time. If possible, keep your child's arm elevated. Check with a doctor before using any pain reliever.
context: Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. Episodes of mania and depression eventually can occur again if you don't get treatment. Many people sometimes continue to have symptoms, even after getting treatment for their bipolar disorder. Here are the types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I disorder involves periods of severe mood episodes from mania to depression. Bipolar II disorder is a milder form of mood elevation, involving milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with periods of severe depression. Cyclothymic disorder describes brief periods of hypomanic symptoms alternating with brief periods of depressive symptoms that are not as extensive or as long-lasting as seen in full hypomanic episodes or full depressive episodes. " Mixed features" refers to the occurrence of simultaneous symptoms of opposite mood polarities during manic, hypomanic or depressive episodes. It's marked by high energy, sleeplessness, and racing thoughts. At the same time, the person may feel hopeless, despairing, irritable, and suicidal. Rapid-cycling is a term that describes having four or more mood episodes within a 12-month period. Episodes must last for some minimum number of days in order to be considered distinct episodes. Some people also experience changes in polarity from high to low or vice-versa within a single week, or even within a single day, meaning that the full symptom profile that defines distinct, separate episodes may not be present (for example, the person may not have a decreased need for sleep). Sometimes called "ultra-rapid" cycling, there is debate within psychiatry as to whether this phenomenon is a valid or well-established feature in bipolar disorder. A pattern of rapid cycling can occur at any time in the course of illness, although some researchers believe that it may be more common at later points in the lifetime duration of illness. Women appear more likely than men to have rapid cycling. A rapid-cycling pattern increases risk for severe depression and suicide attempts. Antidepressants may sometimes be associated with triggering or prolonging periods of rapid cycling. However, that theory is controversial and is still being studied.
context: Pustular psoriasis is a rare skin disease. It makes your skin become red and painful with raised, pus-filled bumps. People of all ages and races can get pustular psoriasis. Men get the disease as often as women do. The average age of someone who has the disease is 50. Children don't get pustular psoriasis very often, but when they do, more boys than girls get the disease. It's rare among children ages 2 to 10. There are many reasons why people get pustular psoriasis. These include: Certain drugs. There's a long list, but the ones you're most likely to run across are: Pain or fever reducers with aspirin Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen) Some anti-depressants like lithium or trazodone) Penicillin (antibiotic) Calcipotriol (a psoriasis drug) Coal tar (also used to treat psoriasis) Zinc pyrithione (the active ingredient in dandruff shampoo) Steroids ( Prednisone). If your doctor prescribes these drugs and you stop taking them more quickly than the doctor wants you to, it can trigger the disease. Sunlight. Too much time in the sun or under ultraviolet ( UV) light can cause flare-ups. Stress. Feeling stressed can trigger pustular psoriasis. Pregnancy. It's more common in pregnant women. Infections. An infection may trigger the disease. Unknown reasons. Sometimes, you never find out what caused your pustular psoriasis. You may not be able to prevent the disease, but you might lower your risk if you follow these healthy guidelines: Maintain a healthy weight. Many people with psoriasis are overweight or obese. Sometimes people gain weight after they get psoriasis. Doctors don't know if there's a link between extra pounds and psoriasis, but it's wise to try to lose weight safely if you weigh more than you should. People who carry extra pounds have more severe cases of psoriasis, and the treatments for the disease don't work as well. If you smoke, quit. People with the habit are more likely to get psoriasis. Studies have shown that most people with pustular psoriasis who smoke were smokers before they got sick. The habit may trigger the disease in certain people. People who smoke at least a pack a day may have more severe psoriasis flare-ups, too. Treatments don't work as well on smokers, and smokers are less likely to have symptom-free periods between flares. Limit beer, wine, and liquor. If you have psoriasis, you should avoid alcohol or at least limit how much you drink. Alcohol can make men more likely to get psoriasis. People who drink have more flare-ups, and treatments don't help as much as they do for people who don't drink. Lower your stress levels. Do your best to relax and let things roll off of your back at work, at home, and when you're out and about. Avoid stressful people and events, if you can. Try exercise or meditation to bust stress. Don't sunbathe. Some people have flare-ups of pustular psoriasis after they get a sunburn or if they get too much UV light when they spend time outside or visit a tanning salon. If you're prone to pustular psoriasis, avoid all-day visits to the beach or park, cover up, and wear sunblock when you go outside. Stay away from tanning salons, too.
context: Is not breathing Lost consciousness Had a seizure Is hard to wake up Is slurring speech or acting confused Wobbles when walking Has weak arms or legs Can't move his neck as usual Keeps bleeding Has a dent in the skull or a lot of swelling Minor head injuries in young children are scary. And although the wounds are usually small, some head injuries need immediate medical care. You think the injury is serious or if your child: Is younger than 2 Has neck pain Keeps crying Needs stitches for a wide open wound Vomited several times Isn't crying but has clear fluid coming from the ear or nose Has blurry vision Has a bad headache Has memory loss Shows signs of confusion Has a history of brain injury Fell from a height greater than three feet Was struck in the head by an object travelling at a high speed Wash the area with mild soap and water. To stop bleeding, use a sterile cloth and apply pressure for 10 minutes. Ice the area for 20 minutes using ice wrapped in a towel or cloth. Ice the area again after an hour to reduce swelling and pain. Keep an eye on your child for 2 hours. Pay attention to how he walks and talks. Look for changes from his normal behavior. Watch for any signs listed above that indicate you should call the doctor. Give the child only clear liquids. If your child is acting normally after 2 hours, give children's-formula acetaminophen ( Tylenol) to relieve pain, if needed. Do not give them aspirin because it could lead to bleeding. Continue to watch your child for signs of a more serious injury for 24 hours. It's OK to let your child go to sleep, but you may want to check on him every few hours to make sure he's breathing normally. After 24 hours, follow up with your pediatrician for help in evaluating your child's condition and to get answers to questions such as when it will be OK for your child to return to play or other activities.
context: Chest discomfort that may last more than a few minutes or go away and come back; it may feel like squeezing, fullness, pressure, or pain. Pain or discomfort in the upper body, including arm, left shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or below the breastbone Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (with or without chest pain) Sweating or "cold sweat" Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting Light-headedness, dizziness, or extreme weakness Anxiety or rapid or irregular heartbeats Do not drive to the hospital unless you have no other option. Ambulance personnel can start care as soon as they arrive. If there is no history of aspirin allergy or bleeding, emergency response may ask the person to chew one 325 mg aspirin slowly. At the hospital, an emergency department doctor will examine the person and run tests to see if chest pain stems from a heart attack or another cause. Tests may include an electrocardiogram ( ECG), chest X-ray, and blood tests. Inform the person's doctor about the chest pain and ER visit.
context: Want to work more fitness into your busy life? Print this simple chart to help you get a sense of your current fitness level. Aerobic exercise is designed to improve the heart and lungs of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Muscle strengthening is important, especially as we age, to prevent loss of muscle bulk and strength, and overall fitness. The chart records both aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening exercises. Both are crucial for good health. Aerobic activity can help control weight and can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and many other conditions. Muscle-strengthening exercises are important for the same reasons but will also boost your metabolism. Every day, jot down the number of minutes you spent doing aerobic exercise along with any muscle-building activities you did. With strengthening exercise, it's important to write down the number of repetitions you completed also to show progress. However, the number of repetitions is not as important as the ability to perform the exercise correctly and safely without pain. At the end of the week, see how your totals compare to what's recommended by the CDC for a healthy adult. Exercise routines, like all routines, can be modified for variety to keep it interesting as you build this healthy habit.
context: The primary symptoms of bipolar disorder are periods of elevated or irritable mood accompanied by dramatic increases in energy, activity, and fast thinking. The illness has two (bi) strongly contrasting phases (polar): 1) bipolar mania or hypo-mania and 2) depression. 1) Bipolar mania or hypo-mania symptoms include: Euphoria or irritability Increased energy and activity Excessive talk; racing thoughts Inflated self-esteem Unusual energy; less need for sleep Impulsiveness, a reckless pursuit of gratification (shopping sprees, impetuous travel, more and sometimes promiscuous sex, high-risk business investments, fast driving) 2) Bipolar depression/major depression symptoms include: Depressed mood and low self-esteem Low energy levels and apathy Sadness, loneliness, helplessness, guilt Slow speech, fatigue, and poor coordination Insomnia or oversleeping Suicidal thoughts and feelings Poor concentration Lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities
context: Whether your shoes are too tight or you touched a hot stove, the result is all too familiar: a painful pocket of skin that's filled with fluid. A single blister like that is usually easy to treat at home, but if you see signs of infection, it's time to call your doctor. Friction. You can get blisters when something rubs against your skin, like a tool handle or a new pair of shoes. Unlike corns and calluses, which show up after rubbing that's gone on for a long time, friction blisters come from brief, intense contact on a small area. Burns . You can get a blister from getting too close to a flame or steam, or if you touch a hot surface. A severe sunburn can also cause blisters. Cold. Extreme low temperature on your skin can cause blisters. For example, you might get one if your doctor freezes off a wart. Irritants or allergy triggers. Your skin may blister if you come in contact with certain chemicals, cosmetics, and many plant allergens. You may hear your doctor call this problem irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Drug reactions. Sometimes your blisters may be a reaction to a drug you take. When your doctor prescribes a new medicine, always let him know about any drug reactions you've had in the past. And call your doctor if you get a blister after taking a medication. Autoimmune diseases. Three diseases that curb your immune system -- your body's defense against germs -- can cause blisters: Pemphigus vulgaris, a possibly life-threatening skin disease, causes painful blisters in the mouth or skin. They become raw and crusted after they burst. Bullous pemphigoid causes less severe blisters that heal faster and are not life-threatening. It mostly happens in elderly people. Dermatitis herpetiformis causes small, itchy blisters. It's a long-term condition that usually starts when you're a young adult. It's linked to gluten sensitivity. Infection. Blisters are a common symptom of conditions like chickenpox, cold sores, shingles, and a skin infection called impetigo. Genes. There are rare genetic diseases that cause the skin to be fragile and to blister. If you leave your blister alone, it often gets better in 1 or 2 weeks. While it's healing, stay away from the activity that brought on the blister. Some steps you can take to help the healing process: Put on a loose bandage. It protects your blister while it heals. Keep it padded. If your blister rubs up against your shoe, you can stop it from getting worse by using padding underneath the bandage. Usually, there's no need to drain your blister, but you may want to if it's large and hurts a lot. If you decide to do it, use a small needle that you've sterilized with rubbing alcohol. Then pierce the edge of the blister. Afterward, wash the spot with soap and water and cover with petroleum jelly. Be on the lookout for signs that your blister is infected. Call your doctor if it gets more painful or you notice: Pus leaking out Swelling Redness
context: Beta-blockers are drugs that block the effects of adrenaline, the hormone that triggers your body's fight-or-flight response when you're stressed. This slows your heart rate and eases up on the force your heart squeezes with. Your blood pressure goes down because your heart isn't working so hard. These medicines can also relax blood vessels so the blood flows better. Beta-blockers include: Acebutolol ( Sectral) Atenolol ( Tenormin) Betaxolol ( Kerlone) Bisoprolol ( Zebeta, Ziac) Carteolol ( Cartrol) Carvedilol ( Coreg) Labetalol ( Normodyne, Trandate) Metoprolol ( Lopressor, Toprol- XL) Nadolol ( Corgard) Nebivolol ( Bystolic) Penbutolol ( Levatol) Pindolol ( Visken) Propanolol ( Inderal) Sotalol ( Betapace) Timolol ( Blocadren) Your doctor will probably want you to try another medicine to control your blood pressure before he prescribes a beta-blocker. You may need to take other kinds of medicine for your high blood pressure, too. You might have to check your pulse daily. When it's slower than it should be, find out from your doctor if you should take your medication that day. Take your medicine regularly with meals to keep the level steady so it works consistently. Beta-blockers may not work right when you take them while you're also using another drug. Or they could change how another medicine works. To avoid problems, let your doctor know about any medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- or supplements that you're taking, especially: Other blood pressure and heart medicines Allergy shots Antidepressants Diabetes medicines and insulin Street drugs, such as cocaine Avoid products with caffeine and alcohol. Don't take cold medicines, antihistamines, or antacids that have aluminum in them. If you're going to have surgery of any kind (including dental procedures), make sure the doctor knows you're taking a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers may not work as well for older people and for African- Americans. Doctors don't usually prescribe them for people with asthma, COPD, or breathing trouble or for those with very low blood pressure (hypotension), a type of heart rhythm problem called a heart block, or a slow pulse (bradycardia). Beta-blockers can make symptoms of these conditions worse. These drugs can hide signs of low blood sugar. You'll have to check your blood sugar more often when you have diabetes. They may not be safe for women who are planning a pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant while you're taking a beta-blocker. When you're taking a beta-blocker, you may: Feel drained of energy Have cold hands and feet Be dizzy Gain weight You could also have: Trouble sleeping or vivid dreams Swelling in your hands, feet, and ankles Shortness of breath, wheezing, or other breathing problems Depression Let your doctor know if any of these bother you a lot. He may change your dose or switch you to a different medicine. A beta-blocker might raise your triglycerides and lower your "good" HDL cholesterol a bit for a little while. Don't stop taking your beta-blocker unless your doctor says it's OK. That could raise your chance of a heart attack or other heart problems.
context: Passionflower is a vine that grows in warm areas of the southern U. S., Mexico, and South America. It's been used for centuries to try to treat sleep issues, boils, earaches, liver problems, and other ailments. In the U. S. passionflower is available in a variety of forms, including: Capsule Extract Dried Oil Passionflower has been used by some people to try to treat insomnia. But there is little evidence that it works. Today, supplements containing passionflower are often marketed as relaxation aids. Passionflower is also taken by some people to try to relieve anxiety. Some small studies suggest that it may be helpful, though they are not conclusive. One study suggests that passionflower may help people who are addicted to drugs such as heroin and morphine by lessening the anxiety they feel during withdrawal. But the researchers say their results need to be tested more before any conclusions can be drawn. Another small study shows that passionflower may lessen anxiety among people about to undergo surgery. Passionflower oils and extracts are sometimes applied to the body to try to treat hemorrhoids and burns. However, no studies have examined its effectiveness for such uses. Passionflower extract is sometimes used to flavor foods. It is, according to the FDA, generally recognized as safe. Several side effects have been reported, including: Dizziness Sedation Loss of coordination Allergic reaction Confusion Passionflower may interact with certain medications. For example, it may increase the effects of pentobarbital and benzodiazepine drugs. Both of these drugs are used to lessen anxiety and insomnia. Passionflower may also interact with: Other sleep aids Anticoagulant drugs Passionflower should not be taken by pregnant women. That's because it may stimulate the uterus and potentially induce labor. People expecting to undergo surgery should stop taking passionflower at least two weeks before the procedure. That's because passionflower may interact with anesthesia and other medication during and after surgery. The FDA does not regulate supplements. If you take passionflower, be sure to tell your doctor. He or she can give you specifics about safety and drug interactions.
context: Surgery is the main treatment for most types of kidney cancer. It's the first thing doctors recommend if the tumor hasn't grown outside of the kidney. But it can still be an option if your cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options. Learn the benefits -- and risks -- of surgery so you can decide if it's right for you. The surgery for stage IV renal cell carcinoma is called a radical nephrectomy. A surgeon removes your whole kidney and some of the tissue around it. If your cancer hasn't spread much farther than your kidney, the procedure might cure you. Even if your cancer has spread, surgery could help you live longer. It can also relieve symptoms like pain and bleeding. Before your operation, you'll get general anesthesia. This medicine will make you sleep and keep you from feeling pain during the surgery. Your care team will put a thin tube called a catheter into your bladder to drain urine. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a cut in your side, back, or belly and removes: Your whole kidney The adrenal gland that's on top of the kidney Some of the fat around the organ Some nearby lymph nodes After surgery, you'll go to a recovery room. Your care team will watch your blood pressure, heartbeat, and other vital signs while you wake up from the medicine. After you're fully awake, you'll go to an intensive care unit or regular hospital room to finish your recovery. You should be able to go home 3 to 5 days after the operation. About 2 weeks later, you'll see your surgeon to check on your progress. It takes about 4 weeks to heal from surgery. During this time, you'll need to avoid heavy lifting and other intense activities. If your cancer has spread to other organs, you will probably need another treatment besides surgery. Your doctor might give you targeted therapy or immunotherapy. These treatments kill cancer cells all over your body. If you're not healthy enough for surgery, you have another option. A procedure called arterial embolization can relieve symptoms like pain and bleeding. During this procedure, the surgeon places small pieces of a special gelatin sponge or other material into the main blood vessel that goes to your kidney. These pieces block blood flow to the organ. Without enough blood, the cancer will shrink. Your doctor may want to do an arterial embolization before you have a radical nephrectomy. Shrinking the tumor can make it easier to do the surgery. Any operation can have risks. If you're having a kidney removed, it's possible that you'll have problems such as: Infection Bleeding Pneumonia A reaction to the anesthesia drugs Damage to organs and blood vessels Your other kidney fails Before your procedure, ask your surgeon about the chances you could have these problems. Your body can work like normal with just one kidney. It will take over the job of filtering your blood. You'll see your doctor for regular visits to make sure that your other kidney works well. You'll also have follow-up appointments to check the status of your cancer. Your doctor might recommend changes to your diet or exercise routine to help keep your kidney healthy.
context: Potassium and magnesium are often prescribed to heart patients taking diuretics, or ''water pills.'' They replace the electrolytes you lose because of the water pills. Examples of potassium supplements include: Kaochlor 10% Kaon CL Kay Ciel K- Dur K- Lor Klotrix K- Lyte Slow- K Magnesium supplements include: Magnesium glycinate Mag- Ox Uro- Mag Take potassium and magnesium supplements right after meals or with food. Follow the label on how often to take it. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses, and how long you take it will depend on which medicines you were prescribed and your condition. Possible side effects of potassium and magnesium supplements include: Nausea, vomiting , diarrhea , and abdominal discomfort. If these side effects continue, call your doctor. If you take controlled-release tablets or capsules and have severe vomiting, vomit blood, or have abdominal pain or swelling, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away. Black, tarry, or bloody stools. These are signs of stomach bleeding. If you have them, call your doctor right away. You should also call your doctor if you have: Confusion Irregular or slow heartbeat Numbness Tingling in hands, feet, or lips Shortness of breath or trouble breathing Anxiety Unusual tiredness or weakness If you are taking magnesium or potassium supplements, let your doctor know if: You are using a salt substitute (many salt substitutes contain potassium). You are using ACE inhibitors or certain diuretics. You have a kidney disorder. You are taking any other supplements. While taking potassium or magnesium, have your blood pressure checked regularly as advised by your doctor. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the lab so that he can see how you're responding to the supplements. Blood tests might be done to help monitor the level and decide on the dose.
context: Heat or high humidity can make many people with multiple sclerosis ( MS) experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms. Doctors believe that this occurs because heat causes nerves (whose myelin covering has been destroyed from MS) to conduct electrical signals even less efficiently. Most people with MS avoid hot baths, hot showers, and heated swimming pools. For reasons that are not well understood, extremely cold temperatures and changes in temperature can also cause MS symptoms, usually spasticity, to flare. Avoid extreme temperatures. Extreme temperatures may worsen your symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Avoid exercise on hot and humid days, and never exercise to the point of fatigue. Use air conditioning. If hot and humid conditions worsen your MS, try to stay in cool and dry areas as much as possible. A home air conditioner may be tax-deductible for some people with MS; talk to your doctor. Some people use a cooling vest on extremely warm days. It is important to remember that while climate may worsen the symptoms of MS, climate changes do not produce more actual nerve damage. The adverse effects of temperature and humidity are generally temporary. However, it can take longer (a few days) to recover if you get overheated.
context: Shellfish poisoning is caused by eating shellfish contaminated with bacteria or, more commonly, viruses. Contaminated shellfish include shrimp, crabs, clams, oysters, dried fish, and salted raw fish. Contaminated fish may have a tainted odor or taste. Symptoms of shellfish poisoning begin 4-48 hours after eating and include: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain Cramps. A person who has blood in the stool and a fever may have a bacterial infection. Follow these steps for someone with shellfish poisoning: Do not induce vomiting. Help the person stay well-hydrated. Encourage the person to drink frequent sips of clear fluids. IV fluids may be necessary if nausea and vomiting cannot be controlled. There is no specific cure available for shellfish poisoning, and antibiotics do not shorten the illness. Drugs used to control diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps should not be used except for bismuth ( Pepto- Bismol). These drugs are referred to as antimotility drugs since they decrease stomach and intestine motion. Antimotility drugs other than bismuth preparations can worsen or lengthen the illness because the infectious agent is not expelled from the body as rapidly. Seek medical treatment immediately if the person is unable to tolerate oral fluids, if fever is present, if there is blood in the stool, or if other concerning symptoms develop. For all other cases of shellfish poisoning, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. wilderness: shellfish poisoning, gastrointestinal; food poisoning; diarrhea; abdominal cramps; vomiting; nausea
context: Arachnoiditis is a pain disorder caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surrounds and protects the nerves of the spinal cord. It is characterized by severe stinging, burning pain, and neurological problems. Arachnoiditis has no consistent pattern of symptoms, but in many people it affects the nerves connecting to the lower back and legs. The most common symptom is pain, but arachnoiditis can also cause: Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs Sensations that may feel like insects crawling on the skin or water trickling down the leg Severe shooting pain that can be similar to an electric shock sensation Muscle cramps, spasms and uncontrollable twitching Bladder, bowel and sexual problems As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe or even permanent. Many people with arachnoiditis are unable to work and suffer significant disability because they are in constant pain. Inflammation of the arachnoid can lead to the formation of scar tissue and can cause the spinal nerves to stick together and malfunction. The arachnoid can become inflamed because of an irritation from one of the following sources: Direct injury to the spine. Chemicals: Dye used in myelograms (diagnostic tests in which a dye called radiographic contrast media is injected into the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerves) have been blamed for some cases of arachnoiditis. The radiographic contrast media responsible for this is no longer used, however. Also, there is concern that the preservatives found in epidural steroid injections may cause arachnoiditis. Infection from bacteria or viruses: Infections such as viral and fungal meningitis or tuberculosis can affect the spine. Chronic compression of spinal nerves: Causes for this compression include chronic degenerative disc disease or advanced spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal column). Complications from spinal surgery or other invasive spinal procedures: Similar causes include multiple lumbar (lower back) punctures. Diagnosing arachnoiditis can be difficult, but tests such as the CAT scan (computerized axial tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) have helped with diagnosis. A test called an electromyogram ( EMG) can assess the severity of the ongoing damage to affected nerve roots by using electrical impulses to check nerve function. Note: Myelograms with the radiographic contrast currently in use, combined with CAT scanning, are not considered to be responsible for causing arachnoiditis or causing it to worsen. There is no cure for arachnoiditis. Treatment options for arachnoiditis are similar to those for other chronic pain conditions. Most treatments focus on relieving pain and improving symptoms that impair daily activities. Often, health care professionals recommend a program of pain management, physiotherapy, exercise, and psychotherapy. Surgery for arachnoiditis is controversial, because outcomes can be poor and provide only short-term relief. Clinical trials of steroid injections and electrical stimulation are needed to determine whether those treatments are effective.