VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Branched-chain amino acids are essential nutrients. They are proteins found in food. Your muscles "burn" these amino acids for energy. The specific amino acids that make up the branched-chain amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The term branched-chain simply refers to their chemical structure. Athletes may take oral supplements of branched-chain amino acids ( BCAAs) to try to help with recovery from workouts and enhance athletic performance. Studies suggest that BCAAs may prevent muscle breakdown during exercise. But they are not likely to help with athletic performance. People also take BCAAs as medicine to try to treat problems such as: Muscle wasting Chronic loss of appetite Certain brain disorders In some cases, health care providers may deliver them intravenously (by IV). Although more research is needed, BCAAs have been studied and may: Improve appetite in people who are malnourished or have cancer Improve symptoms related to hepatic encephalopathy or tardive dyskinesia It is too early to prove whether BCAAs are helpful for diabetes or an inherited form of autism spectrum disorder, two other reported uses. Dosages of BCAAs vary, depending upon the reason for use. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it hard to establish a standard dose. You can get branched-chain amino acids from these foods: Whey, milk, and soy proteins Beef, chicken, fish, and eggs Baked beans and lima beans Chickpeas Lentils Whole wheat Brown rice Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews Pumpkin seeds Side effects. When taken up to six months, oral supplements of BCAAs have not often been linked with harmful side effects. However, side effects may include: Nausea Pain Headache Risks. BCAAs may interfere with blood glucose levels during and after surgery. You may also be at increased risk if you have chronic alcoholism or branched-chain ketoaciduria. Also, avoid using BCAAs if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Interactions. Talk with your doctor first if you are taking: Diabetes medications Parkinson's medications Corticosteroids Thyroid hormone Proglycem (diazoxide) Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications or foods. He or she can let you know if the supplement might increase your risk. The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements. However, it has approved an injectable branched-chain amino acid to counteract nitrogen loss.
context: Don't run out and buy a new pair of glasses as soon as you notice you have blurred vision. It could just be a temporary problem that develops rapidly and is caused by high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar causes the lens of the eye to swell, which changes your ability to see. To correct this kind of blurred vision, you need to get your blood sugar back into the target range. For many people this is from70 mg/d L to 130 mg/d L before meals and less than 180 mg/d L one to two hours after the start of a meal. Ask your doctor what your personal target range should be. Blurred vision can also be a symptom of more serious eye problems. If your vision is blurred, contact your doctor. The American Diabetes Association offers these eye care guidelines for people with diabetes: Adults with type 1 diabetes should have a full dilated eye exam within 5 years of their diagnosis. Adults with type 2 diabetes should have a complete eye exam soon after they have been diagnosed. Get a dilated eye exam if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
context: Breaking the itch-scratch cycle is key. You want to keep her skin healthy, moist, and clean. Try these tips: Dry the drool. For babies, spit can be a constant cause of skin irritation. Be gentle. Use fragrance- and dye-free cleansers and soaps. Harsh soaps can dry skin and break down its protective barrier. Clip nails short. Babies and most kids (and adults!) can't fight the urge to scratch that itch. That won't make the itch go away, but it will make raw, infected skin more likely. Bathe. Use lukewarm (not hot) water and avoid bubble baths. Keep baths short (3 to 5 minutes). A lengthy soak can dry out skin. Moisturize after a bath. Let herair dry or gently pat her skin dry. Then use an ointment or cream, and don't be afraid to slather it on. Ointments are more effective than creams, and creams are more effective than lotions. Lotion tends to be watery; oily ointments stick better and are better moisturizers. Dress her in soft cotton fabrics. Rough clothes can make her itch, which will make her scratch. Spot and treat an infection. If you see symptoms of a skin infection -- pus or very red, sore, raised, hot, or crusty skin -- call your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a topical steroid cream for her skin. Ask when and how to safely use it. Your doctor can decide if an antihistamine might help to ease the itch. If so, it may also help your child sleep.
context: To prevent getting a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, always avoid sex with anyone who has genital sores, a rash, discharge, or other symptoms. The only time unprotected sex is safe is if you and your partner have sex only with each other, and if it's been at least six months since you each tested negative for STDs. Otherwise you should: Use latex condoms every time you have sex. If you use a lubricant, make sure it's water-based. Use condoms for the entire sex act. Condoms are not 100% effective at preventing disease or pregnancy. However, they are extremely effective if used properly. Learn how to use condoms correctly. Avoid sharing towels or underclothing. Wash before and after intercourse. Get a vaccination for hepatitis B. This is a series of three shots. Get tested for HIV. If you have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse, get help. People who are drunk or on drugs often fail to have safe sex. Consider that not having sex is the only sure way to prevent STDs. It was once thought that using condoms with nonoxynol-9 helped to prevent STDs by killing the organisms that can cause disease. New research shows that doing so also irritates a woman's vagina and cervix and may increase the risk of an STD infection. Current recommendations are to avoid using condoms with nonoxynol-9. To prevent giving an STD to someone else: Stop having sex until you see a doctor and are treated. Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment. Use condoms whenever you have sex, especially with new partners. Don't resume having sex unless your doctor says it's OK. Return to your doctor to get rechecked. Be sure your sex partner or partners also are treated.
context: Your joints hurt. Somebody you know said it might be gout. But how do you know if that's really the problem? Gout can be hard to diagnose. That's because some of the signs are like those for other conditions. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the blood. It can form tiny crystals that settle in your joints. An attack often starts with pain in the big toe, but it can spread or involve other joints. It may happen after an illness or injury. Gout usually affects just one joint at a time. But if it isn't treated, other joints may hurt too. Attacks that came from time to time may become constant. In the U. S., about 1 person in 50 gets gout. It's more common in men than in women and children. And it tends to run in families. You have a higher risk of gout if you: Are overweight Eat foods high in purines (anchovies, asparagus, dried beans, liver, sardines, gravy, beer, and animal organs) Drink too much alcohol Take certain medicines A gout attack will usually go away in about 3 to 10 days. But you can feel better sooner if you treat it. To be sure that you have gout, see your doctor. He'll examine you, and he might do some tests. These test help your doctor know if you have gout, or something else with similar symptoms: Joint fluid test. Fluid is taken from the painful joint with a needle. The fluid is studied under a microscope to see if the crystals are there. Blood test. A blood test can check the level of uric acid. A high level of uric acid doesn't always mean gout. X-ray. Images of the joints will help rule out other problems. Ultrasound. This painless test uses sound waves to look areas of uric acid. The pain and redness of gout can look like an infection or other conditions. Pseudogout ( SUE-doh-gout) is another form arthritis. The crystals formed in this condition are made of calcium pyrophospate, not uric acid. But like regular gout, the attack comes on all of a sudden. Joints become swollen, warm, painful, and stiff. Reactive arthritis is a reaction to infection that has similar signs. Psoriatic arthritis and infectious arthritis can look like gout, too. The good news is that gout can be controlled with medicine. To manage the pain, apply ice, raise the affected area, rest, and take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen. These steps can help prevent another gout attack: Exercise and eat a balanced diet to control your weight. Drinking lots of water may help prevent uric acid stones. Stay away from sugary drinks. Avoid alcohol. Eat less meat and seafood. Get protein from things like low-fat dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk). Take medicines to lower uric acid levels. People with gout usually do quite well once they learn to manage an attack and prevent future attacks. The first step is see your doctor to make sure that gout is the real cause of those red, painful, swollen joints.
context: var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } A lot happens in your body while you sleep. When you get your ZZZs, you cycle between REM and non- REM sleep. REM stands for rapid eye movement. During REM sleep, your eyes move quickly in different directions. That doesn't happen during non- REM sleep. First comes non- REM sleep, followed by a shorter period of REM sleep, and then the cycle starts over again. Dreams typically happen during REM sleep. There are three phases of non- REM sleep. Each stage can last from 5 to 15 minutes. You go through all three phases before reaching REM sleep. Stage 1: Your eyes are closed, but it's easy to wake you up. This phase may last for 5 to 10 minutes. Stage 2: You are in light sleep. Your heart rate slows and your body temperature drops. Your body is getting ready for deep sleep. Stages 3: This is the deep sleep stage. It's harder to rouse you during this stage, and if someone woke you up, you would feel disoriented for a few minutes. During the deep stages of NREM sleep, the body repairs and regrows tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system. As you get older, you sleep more lightly and get less deep sleep. Aging is also linked to shorter time spans of sleep, although studies show you still need as much sleep as when you were younger. Usually, REM sleep happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep. The first period of REM typically lasts 10 minutes. Each of your later REM stages gets longer, and the final one may last up to an hour. Your heart rate and breathing quickens. You can have intense dreams during REM sleep, since your brain is more active. Babies can spend up to 50% of their sleep in the REM stage, compared to only about 20% for adults.
context: You can soothe your psoriatic arthritis symptoms -- or even stop them before they start -- with a combo of exercise, medicines, and other treatments. Your doctor can tell you exactly what you need to do. Chances are, these tactics will be high on his list, right next to taking your medicines. Are you cautious about exercise? Get out there. Just make sure you stick with what your doctor says is OK for you -- probably low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or biking. Make sure you pace yourself, too. When you make exercise a habit, you can: Ease arthritis symptoms. Improve how you move. Get stronger and more flexible. Keep your weight healthy, which takes pressure off your joints. Help your heart. Boost your mood. Give yourself more energy. You can work out on your own or with the help of a physical therapist. Warm up first, so your muscles can ease into it. One of your best options is water therapy, also called hydrotherapy or aqua therapy. It's an exercise program held in a pool. The water takes some of the weight off your joints, so it may be easier for you to do well. Whatever exercise you choose, make sure it's one you'll like enough to do it regularly. Also, try to be active throughout your day. You can garden, give the dog an extra walk, and fit in some stretches while you're at your kid's sports practice. Moist heat can relax achy muscles and relieve stiffness and joint pain. You can use a warm towel, hot pack, or take a warm bath or shower. Coldness can cut back on swelling and ease pain. You can cool down with a bag of ice or with frozen veggies wrapped in a towel. You don't have to give up the things you love to do. Just look for ways to do them that take the stress off your joints. The way you walk, sit, stand, or hold things can help. Change your position at work, at home, and throughout the day. Sit and stand up straight, and don't arch your back. Good posture helps you feel better. Make these three things a habit: 1. Pace yourself. Switch between heavy, hard, or repetitive tasks and light or easy tasks. Make sure you take breaks. 2. Be kind to your joints. Put as little stress on them as possible. Use larger, stronger joints when you can, instead of smaller ones. For example, wear a shoulder bag rather than a handheld purse. 3. Get an assist. Many helpful devices -- like canes, grab bars, extra-thick pens, luggage carts, or sit/stand stools -- can make your day easier. Ask an occupational therapist which ones would help you. It's natural to have flare-ups, but then you'll have times where you feel better. If you notice any new symptoms, tell your doctor. That'll help keep things in check so you don't have more joint damage. You can keep your symptoms under control with treatment.
context: The keys to preventing constipation are simple enough. You should drink adequate amounts of water. Six to eight glasses a day is a good rule. Also, get sufficient fiber by eating: Fruits Vegetables Grains Fiber is critical, because most of our stool is actually made up of bacteria, and fiber provides the bacteria a good place to grow. Sounds strange, but the interaction results in a larger volume of stool and better bowel function. Also, be sure to exercise regularly.
context: Most doctors recommend exercise for patients with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Many people begin an exercise program with easy, range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics. Sports are not off-limits, either, but ask your doctor which are best for you. The doctor may have suggestions about how to get started or may refer you to a physical therapist, preferably one who has experience working with people who have arthritis. The therapist will design an appropriate home exercise program and teach you about pain relief methods, proper body mechanics (placement of the body for a given task, such as lifting a heavy box), joint protection, and conserving energy. Discuss exercise plans with your doctor. Start with supervision from a physical therapist or qualified athletic trainer. Apply heat to sore joints before starting to exercise. This is optional, but some people with arthritis find that it helps. Stretch and warm up with range-of-motion exercises. Start strengthening exercises slowly with small weights (a 1- or 2-pound weight can make a big difference). Progress slowly. Use cold packs after exercising. This is optional, but some people with arthritis find that it helps. Add aerobic exercise. Consider appropriate recreational exercise (after doing range-of-motion, strengthening, and aerobic exercise). You will protect your joints from injuries if you start with range-of-motion, strengthening, and aerobic exercise that gets your body in the best condition possible. Ease off if joints become painful, inflamed, or red, and work with your doctor to find the cause and eliminate it. Choose the exercise program you enjoy most and make it a habit. Most experts agree that if exercise causes pain that lasts for more than one hour, it is too strenuous. People with arthritis should work with their physical therapist or doctor to adjust their exercise program when they notice any of the following signs of strenuous exercise: Unusual or persistent fatigue Increased weakness Decreased range of motion Increased joint swelling Continuing pain
context: If you're living with a transplant, "rejection" is a word that can send shivers up your spine. But organ rejection is often not as bad as it sounds. As scary as the word may be, it doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to lose the organ. It often means your medication needs to be adjusted. Once you've established a new medication regimen that works, you can usually go back to business as usual. But that doesn't mean you can ignore the problem. Be on the lookout for the signs of rejection. Symptoms vary depending on the kind of organ transplant you've had. General signs include: Pain at the site of the transplant Feeling unwell Crankiness (in children) Flu-like symptoms Fever Weight changes Swelling Change in heart rate Urinating less often See your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. Organ rejection can be acute or chronic. It's fairly common to have an episode of acute rejection within a year of your transplant. Sometimes, acute rejection leads to chronic rejection. This is when an organ slowly loses its ability to function. Rejection becomes less likely over time. But you're never quite out of the woods. It may develop even years after the surgery. That's why it's key to keep on top of your condition and get regular checkups.
context: Throughout our lives, healthy cells in our bodies divide and replace themselves in a controlled fashion. Cancer starts when a cell is somehow altered so that it multiplies out of control. A tumor is a mass composed of a cluster of such abnormal cells. Most cancers form tumors, but not all tumors are cancerous. Benign, or noncancerous, tumors do not spread to other parts of the body, and do not create new tumors. Malignant, or cancerous, tumors crowd out healthy cells, interfere with body functions, and draw nutrients from body tissues. Cancers continue to grow and spread by direct extension or through a process called metastasis, whereby the malignant cells travel through the lymphatic or blood vessels -- eventually forming new tumors in other parts of the body. The term "cancer" encompasses more than 100 diseases affecting nearly every part of the body, and all are potentially life-threatening. The major types of cancer are carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia. Carcinomas -- the most commonly diagnosed cancers -- originate in the skin, lungs, breasts, pancreas, and other organs and glands. Lymphomas are cancers of lymphocytes. Leukemia is cancer of the blood. It does not usually form solid tumors. Sarcomas arise in bone, muscle, fat, bloodvessels, cartilage, or other soft or connective tissues of the body. They are relatively uncommon. Melanomas are cancers that arise in the cells that make the pigment in skin. Cancer has been recognized for thousands of years as a human ailment, yet only in the past century has medical science understood what cancer really is and how it progresses. Cancer specialists, called oncologists, have made remarkable advances in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Today, more people diagnosed with cancer are living longer. However, some forms of the disease remain frustratingly difficult to treat. Modern treatment can significantly improve quality of life and may extend survival.
context: Alzheimer's is a disease that robs people of their memory. At first, people have a hard time remembering recent events, though they might easily recall things that happened years ago. As time goes on, other symptoms can appear, including: Trouble focusing A hard time doing ordinary activities Feeling confused or frustrated, especially at night Dramatic mood swings -- outbursts of anger, anxiety, and depression Feeling disoriented and getting lost easily Physical problems, such as an odd walk or poor coordination Trouble communicating People with Alzheimer's might forget their loved ones. They might forget how to dress themselves, feed themselves, and use the toilet. The disease makes brain tissue break down over time. It usually happens to people over age 65. A person can live with Alzheimer's disease for just a few years or for a few decades. More often, however, people live with it for about 9 years. About 1 in 8 people age 65 and over has the disease. Women are more likely to have it than men. People who get Alzheimer's disease are usually older, but the disease isn't a normal part of aging. Scientists aren't sure why some people get it and others don't. But they do know that the symptoms it causes seem to come from two main types of nerve damage: Nerve cells get tangles, called neurofibrillary tangles. Protein deposits called beta-amyloid plaques build up in the brain. Researchers aren't sure what causes this damage or how it happens, but it could be a protein in blood called Apo E (for apolipoprotein E), which the body uses to move cholesterol in the blood. There are a few types of Apo E that may be linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's. It could be that certain forms of it cause brain damage. Some scientists think it plays a role in building the plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer's. Whether or not Apo E partly causes Alzheimer's, genes almost certainly play a role in the disease. Someone with a parent who had the disease is more likely to have it, too. There is some evidence that people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol have a greater chance of getting Alzheimer's. More rarely, head injuries may be a reason, too -- the more severe they are, the greater the risk of Alzheimer's later in life. Scientists are still studying many of these theories, but it's clear that the biggest risks linked to Alzheimer's disease are being older and having Alzheimer's in your family.
context: To help speed your recovery from prostate cancer, it's helpful to know about some self-care you can do at home. Note, however, that these are general guidelines and may not apply to every patient. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for care after treatment. Small pieces of tape (called Steri- Strips), if used, may remain over the incision site and may be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. The incision should be kept clean and dry for one week after surgery. Ask your doctor when you may take a shower or bathe. Do not go swimming until you have discussed this with your doctor at your follow-up appointment. You will be given a prescription for pain relief after the procedure. You may also take Extra Strength Tylenol as directed by your doctor. Do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin for the first three days after the procedure. The area may be black and blue right after the procedure. This will go away in a few days. You may feel numbness, tingling, or discomfort. This is normal. Consult your doctor before resuming any physical activity. Most men can resume driving 10 to 14 days after surgery. Ask your doctor for specific advice. Your doctor will let you know when you can resume having sex. When you go home from the hospital after prostate cancer treatment, call your doctor if you have: A fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit Increased pain not eased by pain medication Trouble urinating, such as an inability to urinate at all, pain with urination, blood in the urine (when it is not expected), or unusually frequent urination
context: Since you were recently diagnosed with chronic constipation, ask your doctor these questions at your next visit. What is chronic constipation? Is my chronic constipation a sign of a serious disease such as colon cancer? Can the medications I take be the cause of chronic constipation? What medical tests can help determine the cause of chronic constipation? Are psyllium powder mixes or other over-the-counter ( OTC) remedies effective for ending constipation? If I've been taking laxatives, how would I know if I'm dependent? What dietary changes should I make to help chronic constipation? How can exercise help me avoid chronic constipation? Would yoga or meditation help ease chronic constipation? Besides medication, what other treatments are there for chronic constipation?
context: If you're trying to manage diabetes, you already know it's important to keep track of your blood sugar levels. But how do you handle a spike that comes after you eat? It's called "postprandial" blood glucose, and if you take some simple steps, you can get it under control and help avoid health problems. When your blood sugar is high, you can get symptoms like a foggy-headed feeling that makes it hard to focus or think clearly. Your energy may also take a dive, and you may feel nervous or moody. If your levels go too low, you could even pass out. In the long run, if your blood sugar stays up, you could be at risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, or other problems. The American Diabetes Association ( ADA) recommends you check your blood sugar levels right before mealtime with a blood sample from a finger stick. Then do it again 1 to 2 hours after that first bite of food. Keep this up for a week or so. Write down the time and the blood sugar number. Make a note about anything you think might affect your levels, like medicine or exercise. And don't forget to log exactly what you ate, along with portion sizes and the amount of carbs. What levels are too high after a meal? Experts vary on what the number should be, but the ADA says a general goal is a blood sugar level under 180 mg/d L, 1 to 2 hours after a meal. Talk to your doctor about what you should aim for, and don't adjust your medicine without speaking to him first. Get medicine that works for you. The right insulin or medication program can make a big difference. In general, to cover after-meal spikes, those that kick in quickly and for a short time are a better choice than ones that work slowly over a long period. Your doctor can explain your options. Keep blood sugar in check before meals. That way, even if it goes up after you eat, it won't be so dramatic. Watch what you eat. Limit sweets, white bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes. They tend to trigger post-meal spikes. The type of fat you eat may play a role, as well. One study shows you may be able to curb blood sugar spikes after you eat if you skip foods with lots of butter and choose a meal made with a little olive oil instead. Eat breakfast every morning. Even when you're in a hurry to get out the door, don't be tempted to skip it. A study shows that folks with diabetes who don't eat breakfast get higher blood sugar spikes after lunch and dinner. The ideal morning meal? It might just be one that's packed with protein. A small study shows that when people ate a 500-calorie breakfast that was 35% protein, their post-meal blood sugar levels were lower than those who started their day with high-carb food. But check with your doctor to see what's right for you. Go for an after-dinner walk. It's a healthy habit for everyone, but if you have diabetes, it's also a good way to burn extra glucose from a meal.
context: Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes either single or multiple raised, pearl-like bumps (papules) on the skin. It is a chronic infection, so lesions may persist from a few months to a few years. However, most cases resolve in six to nine months. Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus (the molluscum contagiosum virus) that is part of the pox virus family. The virus is contagious through direct contact and is more common in children. However, the virus also can be spread by sexual contact and can occur in people with compromised immune systems. Molluscum contagiosum can spread on a single individual through scratching and rubbing. Common locations for the molluscum contagiosum papules are on the face, trunk, and limbs of children and on the genitals, abdomens, and inner thighs of adults. The condition usually results in papules that: Are generally painless, but can itch Are small (2 to 5 millimeter diameter) Have a dimple in the center Are initially firm, dome-shaped, and flesh-colored Become softer with time May turn red and drain over time Have a central core of white, waxy material Molluscum contagiosum usually disappears spontaneously over a period of months to years in people who have normal immune systems. In people who have AIDS or other conditions that affect the immune system, the lesions associated with molluscum contagiosum can be extensive and especially chronic. Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum is based on the distinctive appearance of the lesion. If the diagnosis is in question, a doctor can confirm the diagnosis with a skin biopsy -- the removal of a portion of skin for closer examination. If there is any concern about related health problems, a doctor can check for underlying disorders. Molluscum contagiosum is usually self-limited, so treatment is not always necessary. However, individual lesions may be removed by scraping or freezing. Topical medications, such as those used to remove warts, may also be helpful in lesion removal. Note: The surgical removal of individual lesions may result in scarring. To prevent molluscum contagiosum, follow these tips: Avoid direct contact skin-to-skin with anyone who may have the condition. Treat underlying eczema in children. Remain sexually abstinent or have a monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected individual. ( Male and female condoms cannot offer full protection, as the virus can be found on areas not covered by the condom.)
context: A diabetic coma could happen when your blood sugar gets too high -- 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/d L) or more -- causing you to become very dehydrated. It usually affects people with type 2 diabetes that isn't well-controlled. It's common among those who are elderly, chronically ill, and disabled. Doctors aren't sure why, but they think these people may not realize they're thirsty or may not be able to get enough to drink. This is a serious condition, and if it isn't spotted soon and treated quickly, it could be fatal. Knowing the symptoms can help you stay safe. If you have diabetes and you've had a heavy thirst and gone to the bathroom more often than usual for a few weeks, check with your doctor -- especially if your blood sugar isn't well-controlled. As your body loses more and more water, you may notice: High fever Weakness Drowsiness Altered mental state Headache Restlessness Inability to speak Visual problems Hallucinations Paralysis These factors may lead to dehydration and coma: Infection Heart attack Kidney failure Medicines (diuretics, some heart medications, or steroids) Illness Bleeding ulcer Blood clot Uncontrolled blood sugar Once your doctor spots the early signs, he may send you to the hospital. You'll get an IV to replace lost fluids and electrolytes such as potassium. And you'll get insulin or other medication to control your blood sugar. The coma can lead to death if left untreated. Take these simple steps to help protect yourself: Check your blood sugar regularly, as your doctor recommends. Know your target blood sugar ranges and what to do if the readings are too high. Plan how often to check your blood sugar when you're sick. Take extra care of yourself if you're ill.
context: Vitreomacular adhesion ( VMA) can be serious, but it's treatable. It involves two parts of your eye. One is the vitreous, or the âjellyâ part that fills the eyeball. The other is the macula, a small area on the retina responsible for the central part of your field of vision. The macula is important in seeing fine details, such as when you're reading. It's considered the most sensitive part of the retina. As we grow older, the jelly in our eyes begins to shrink. That's mainly because of age and regular wear and tear. It eventually pulls away from the retina. That's the light-sensitive tissue on the back of your eye that includes the macula. Sometimes the jelly doesn't completely separate. It sticks -- or adheres -- to the macula. This is vitreomacular adhesion. It can hold on so strongly, it pulls on the macula (your eye doctor may call this âtractionâ). When that happens, it can affect vision -- what doctors call symptomatic VMA. VMA usually happens in folks older than 50. It's pretty common for those over 70. It's more likely to happen to women than men and to people who are nearsighted. It can lead to distorted or blurry vision. It rarely causes a permanent loss of sight. If you have VMA: Your vision could become less sharp. You could have wavy vision, or things could look distorted. You also could see things smaller than they actually are, which is called micropsia. If any of these are happening, see your eye doctor right away. Your doctor will give you special eye drops to dilate your pupils and a complete eye exam. Part of that will be something called optical coherence tomography ( OCT). The test uses light to take pictures of your retina and map the layers of your eye. If your eye doctor says you have VMA but your symptoms aren't severe, she may want to wait and see if your vision gets better by itself. If things become serious, you have treatment options. The goal is to break the adhesion so that the vitreous no longer pulls on the macula. One is surgery called a vitrectomy, which relieves the pulling on the macula by removing the jelly and replacing it with fluid or a temporary gas bubble. After the surgery, you may be asked to lie facedown so the bubble or fluid floats to the back of your eye, lessening the pull and hopefully allowing any damage to the macula to get better. How well your vision gets better depends on: If you keep that face-down position while you're healing The amount of eye damage that you had How long the damage was there Another type of treatment is medication that's injected into your eye. It can lead to the release of the adhesion between the vitreous and macula, beginning the process of healing. Getting older has its challenges. Keeping your vision as sharp as possible is one of them. Regular eye exams can help spot early signs of vitreomacular adhesion.
context: Although they're separate diseases, depression is sometimes a symptom of hypothyroidism. That's when your thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. Medication can boost those levels, and that can improve or get rid of your symptoms, including depression. The two conditions share so many signs that doctors sometimes overlook the possibility that someone who is depressed may also have low thyroid levels. If you have hypothyroidism, you may have fatigue, sluggishness, and trouble concentrating. You may sleep too much, too. All of that may cause you to feel depressed. At the same time, you could also have: Slower heart rate Sensitivity to cold Joint or muscle pain or cramps Tingling in your hands and fingers Vague aches and pains Modest weight gain Constipation Dryness or yellowing of your skin Brittle or thick nails Hoarse voice Swelling in front of your neck Hair thinning or loss Menstrual period changes To help your doctor figure out if your depression is because of hypothyroidism, he should test you for thyroid disorders. Blood tests can confirm them if they show low levels of a thyroid hormone called thyroxine and a high level of one called thyroid-stimulating hormone ( TSH). Studies show that if you have both hypothyroidism and depression, thyroid-replacement medications may work better than antidepressants. They boost levels of two major thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (also called T3) and thyroxin ( T4). When thyroid pills lower TSH levels, you may start feeling better. If you're feeling depressed, see your doctor. Both hypothyroidism and depression are treatable. A proper diagnosis is a major first step toward feeling more like yourself.
context: No matter how prepared you think you are, you'll still have questions once your newborn arrives. One of the most common worries new parents have? Whether their little one is eating the right amount. Every baby is unique, but there are some basic guidelines to keep in mind when it's time for a feeding. Newborn to 2 months: During their first month, babies need to eat 8-12 times each day. That's about once every 2-3 hours. Some who are breastfeeding, though, can eat every 1.5 hours, and up to 15 times a day. If your baby isn't waking up on his own for a feeding during the first few weeks, you should get him up to eat on schedule. If you're breastfeeding, your little one will spend about 10 to 20 minutes on your breast. Some may nurse for longer, but make sure he's actually sucking and swallowing the whole time. Giving formula? Plan on your baby drinking 1.5 to 3 ounces at each feeding. After about a month, he'll start eating at least 4 ounces at each feeding. As breastfed babies get the hang of nursing, they'll get more milk from you, too. You may not notice, though, since they'll do it in less time. Whether you're nursing or bottle feeding, as your baby keeps growing, so will his appetite. At 2 months, he may drink 4-5 ounces at each feeding, 3-4 hours apart. At 4 months, he may need up to 6 ounces every time. The pediatrician also may encourage you to start to introduce solid foods. By 6 months, some babies drink as much as 8 ounces of breastmilk or formula even as they go longer between feedings. Remember: The exact amount your little one drinks will vary from day to day. For instance, he may want to eat more than normal when he's going through a growth spurt. Trust your baby to know how much food he needs. You can watch for a few signs that he's full: He pulls away from your breast or his bottle He falls asleep during a feeding He shakes his head or keeps his mouth closed Those signs can also help you know that you're not overfeeding your little one. And at regular checkups, your pediatrician will let you know if your baby's growth (height and weight) is on track. When he's getting the right amount of food, you'll see: Plenty of wet diapers. The first few days after birth, he may only wet one or two diapers each day. After that, he should need six to eight cloth (five or six disposable) diaper changes every 24 hours, plus have two to five poopy ones each day. Steady weight gain. After the first 2 weeks, your baby should gain about 4-7 ounces per week until his sixth month, and 3-5 ounces from 6 to 18 months. Your baby is active and happy. A child that's eating well will look alert and be active. He'll also seem content between feedings. Reasons to call your doctor include: Dark pee or orange crystals in his diaper He would rather sleep than eat He won't latch onto your breast, or he pulls away from you He's fussy right after feedings As a new parent, it's key to learn to trust your instincts. If you have any concerns about your baby's eating, check in with his doctor.
context: It may sound like a disease of the past, but tuberculosis, or TB, is still a real concern today. And as the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, the best way to be well is to avoid getting sick in the first place. A person who has the active disease in their lungs can spread it through the air. â Activeâ means the TB germs are multiplying and spreading in your body. If you're in close contact with someone who has it, you can get it. That's why doctors advise those who have active TB disease to stay home and away from other people as much as possible, until they're no longer infectious. If you have active TB disease, you must get treated right away. This might involve taking a number of medications for 6 to 12 months. It's important to take all of your meds, as they're prescribed, the entire time -- even if you feel better. If not, you can get sick again. If you have TB germs in your body but they haven't become active, you have what doctors call âlatent TB.â You can't spread the disease to others. But your doctor may still recommend that you take medications to keep the germs from becoming active. Follow these other tips to help prevent others from getting TB during your first few weeks of treatment, or until your doctor says you're no longer contagious: Take all of your medicines as they're prescribed, until your doctor takes you off them. Keep all your doctor appointments. Always cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Seal the tissue in a plastic bag, then throw it away. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. Don't visit other people and don't invite them to visit you. Stay home from work, school, or other public places. Use a fan or open windows to move around fresh air. Don't use public transportation. In countries with high rates of TB infection, infants are often given the Bacillus Calmette- GuÃ©rin vaccine, or BCG. Doctors in the U. S. don't generally recommend it because TB isn't a widespread problem here. Still, health care workers who spend a lot of time around TB patients might benefit from the vaccine. Doctors make that decision based on the health care worker and their unique circumstances.
context: A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor cuts and removes a small sample of skin to have it tested. This sample may help your doctor diagnose diseases such as skin cancer, infection, or other skin disorders. There are several types of skin biopsy, including: Shave biopsy: The doctor shaves a thin layer from the top or around a lesion. Punch biopsy: The doctor uses an instrument called a punch to remove a circular section through all layers of the lesion. Excisional biopsy: The doctor uses a scalpel to take off the entire lesion. This method is used for smaller lesions. Incisional biopsy: The doctor uses a scalpel to remove a small sample of a large lesion. The doctor will first cleanse the biopsy site, and then numb the skin by using an anesthetic (pain-relieving) injection. The skin is then sampled using one of the above procedures. Shave biopsies do not usually need stitches, while punch, excisional, and incisional biopsies will usually be closed with sutures or steri-strips. The procedure is usually done in the doctor's office. After the skin biopsy is done you may have some soreness on or near the biopsied site for a few days. Tylenol is usually sufficient to relieve any discomfort. If you had stitches after the procedure, keep the area clean and moist. Your doctor will tell you when the stitches should be removed (usually within one week). If adhesive steri-strips (which look like small pieces of tape) were used to close the incision, keep the area dry and do not remove them. They will gradually fall off on their own. If the strips do not fall off on their own, your health care provider will remove them at your follow-up appointment. You should expect a small scar from the biopsy. The tissue is processed, and a pathologist examines the skin biopsy sample under a microscope to determine if there is any disease. The results usually come back within one to two weeks. Call your doctor if you have bleeding that can't be stopped by applying pressure or any signs of infection such as redness, warmth, tenderness, pus, or red streaks. Also call if you have any questions or concerns after a skin biopsy.
context: Your pulse is your heart rate, or the number of times your heart beats in one minute. Heart rates vary from person to person. Your pulse is lower when you're at rest and higher when you exercise. Knowing how to take your pulse can help you evaluate your exercise program. If you are taking heart medications, recording your pulse daily and reporting the results to your doctor can help him see if your treatment is working. Place the tips of your index and middle finger on the palm side of your other wrist, below the base of the thumb. Or place the tips of your index and middle finger on your lower neck, on either side of your windpipe. Press lightly with your fingers until you feel the blood pulsing beneath your fingers. You may need to move your fingers around until you feel the pulsing. Count the beats you feel for 10 seconds. Multiply this number by six to get your heart rate (or pulse) per minute. A normal resting heart rate is usually 60-100 beats per minute. Your number may vary. Children tend to have higher resting heart rates than adults. The maximum heart rate is, on average, the highest your pulse can get. To calculate your predicted maximum heart rate, use this formula: 220 - Your Age = Predicted Maximum Heart Rate For example, a 40-year-old's predicted maximum heart rate is about 180 beats per minute. Your actual maximum heart rate can be determined by a graded exercise test. If you are taking medicines or have a medical condition (such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes), ask your doctor if your maximum heart rate (and target heart rate) should be adjusted. You gain the most benefits when you exercise in your ''target heart rate zone.'' Usually, this is when your exercise heart rate (pulse) is 60%-80% of your maximum heart rate. In some cases, your doctor may decrease your target heart rate zone to begin with 50%. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Your doctor can help you find a routine and target heart rate zone that match your needs, goals, and physical condition. When beginning an exercise program, you may need to gradually build up to a level that is within your target heart rate zone, especially if you have not exercised regularly before. If the exercise feels too hard, slow down. You will reduce your risk of injury and enjoy the exercise more if you don't try to overdo it. To find out if you are exercising in your target zone (between 60%-80% of your maximum heart rate), stop exercising and check your pulse. If your pulse is below your target zone (see the chart below), step up the intensity of your workout. Age Target Heart Rate ( HR) Zone (60%-80%) Predicted Maximum Heart Rate 20 120-170 200 25 117-166 195 30 114-162 190 35 111-157 185 40 108-153 180 45 105-149 175 50 102-145 170 55 99-140 165 60 96-136 160 65 93-132 155 70 90-128 150 Your Actual Values: Target HR: Max. HR: