VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: When your triglyceride levels are too high, you may not have symptoms. It's a "silent" problem with big implications, such as a four-fold increase in the likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. A simple blood test is all it takes to check your triglyceride levels. If they're too high, you can get them back under control, often by changing your daily habits. If you already know that your triglyceride levels are too high, the actions you take now might even save your life. Having high triglycerides could be a sign that you're becoming insulin-resistant, which means your body isn't using insulin (a hormone that controls blood sugar) properly. When insulin doesn't do its job, glucose can't get into your cells. That raises your blood sugar levels, which can lead to pre-diabetes and, eventually, type 2 diabetes. Having diabetes makes you much more likely to have a heart attack and other heart problems, in addition to the risk from your high triglycerides. Untreated diabetes is a major health threat. To manage it well, you may need to track everything you eat, test your blood sugar, exercise, lose extra weight, take medication as directed, and keep up with your medical appointments. Many people don't know that they have diabetes. Your doctor should check on whether you do, and if so, help you get both your diabetes and your triglycerides under control. High triglyceride levels can be a clue that you have fatty liver disease. Poor eating habits lead not only to high levels of fat in the bloodstream (triglycerides) but increased storage of fat throughout the body, including in the liver. Elevations in liver function tests (like ALT and AST) can indicate that fatty liver is present. Fatty liver usually does not cause symptoms, but unless reversed, fatty liver can lead to permanent liver damage and cirrhosis. If your triglyceride levels are âvery highâ -- above 500 mg/d L -- you are more likely to get inflammation in your pancreas. Inflammation of the pancreas (a condition which doctors call pancreatitis) can cause permanent tissue damage. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, which may be severe. If you have high triglycerides, your doctor's treatment should include healthy eating and exercise. Avoiding processed and sugary foods is paramount; these dietary changes alone can have a tremendous impact on your triglyceride levels. Your doctor may also recommend taking omega 3 fatty acid supplements. Begin today. Talk to your doctor or other health care provider about exactly what you need to do to start living a healthy lifestyle to lower triglycerides, help prevent a heart attack or stroke, avoid or manage diabetes, and reduce your chances of developing liver disease and pancreatitis.
context: Chemotherapy is the use of any one or combination of cancer-fighting drugs. It is prescribed in cases of recurrent or advanced prostate cancer that has not responded to hormone treatment, but it is not used to treat early stage disease except as part of a clinical trial. Chemotherapy is given in cycles of treatment followed by a recovery period. The entire treatment generally lasts three to six months, depending on the type of chemotherapy medications given. Generally, chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously (directly into the vein) or by mouth. Once the drugs are absorbed, they enter the bloodstream and travel to virtually all parts of the body to reach cancer cells that may have spread beyond the prostate. Chemotherapy may be ordered for advanced prostate cancer that has not responded to hormone treatment. It is usually given for metastatic disease (disease that has spread). Metastatic disease may be present at diagnosis or, in some cases, the cancer can return in a distant location months or years after initial treatment. Chemotherapy is given to cause the cancer to shrink and, hopefully, to disappear. Even if the cancer does not disappear, symptoms may be relieved. Because chemotherapy acts to kill rapidly-dividing cancer cells, it also kills other rapidly-dividing healthy cells in the bodies, such as the membranes lining the mouth, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, hair follicles, and bone marrow. As a result, the side effects of chemotherapy relate to these areas of damaged cells. The good news is that the damaged noncancerous cells will be replaced with healthy cells. Most side effects are only temporary. The specific side effects you have depend on the type and amount of medicines you are given and how long you are taking them. The most common, temporary side effects of chemotherapy include: Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite Hair loss Mouth sores Diarrhea Infertility (a potential permanent side effect of chemotherapy) Other side effects associated with chemotherapy's effects on bone marrow include an increased risk of infection (due to low white blood cell counts), bleeding or bruising from minor injuries (due to low blood platelet counts), and anemia-related fatigue (due to low red blood cell counts). Some medications help control certain side effects, such as nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. Although it may take some time, side effects related to chemotherapy will go away when the treatments stop. Ask your doctor about specific side effects you can expect from your chemotherapy medicines. Also, discuss troubling or unmanageable side effects with your doctor.
context: The symptoms of shingles include: Localized burning, tingling, itching, prickling pain that starts days days to weeks before the rash appears. The pain varies by person but can be constant or come and go. Days after these symptoms appear, a group of fluid-filled blisters appears on a red, inflamed base of skin; the blisters typically crust over in a week. The rash may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, or headache. The rash will not cross the mid-line of your body. You suspect an outbreak is beginning. If you take antiviral drugs in the early stages, you may shorten the course of the infection. You have the rash anywhere on your face. This puts you at risk of herpes zoster in the eye, which can lead to corneal damage and vision problems. The affected area becomes secondarily infected with bacteria (indicated by spreading redness, swelling, a high fever, and pus); antibiotics can help halt the spread of bacterial infection but not the shingles itself. Your rash lasts longer than 10 days without improvement. The pain becomes too great to bear; your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers or a nerve block. You have shingles and are in contact with someone who has a weakened immune system. You develop any strange symptoms with the shingles rash, such as vertigo, buzzing in your ears, rapid onset weakness, double vision, face droop, or confusion.
context: A part of the person's body or skin is turning white and hard or black. The person has lack of feeling in the area. The person shows signs of hypothermia. See Hypothermia Treatment. See a doctor or go to a hospital emergency room. Until you can see a doctor: Get the person to a warm place and remove any wet clothing. Unless absolutely necessary, the person should not walk on frostbitten toes or feet. Do not rewarm the skin until you can keep it warm. Warming and then re-exposing the frostbitten area to cold air can cause worse damage. Gently warm the area in warm water (not hot) or with wet heat until the skin appears red and warm. If no water is nearby, breathe on the area through cupped hands and hold it next to your body. Do not use direct heat from heating pads, radiator, or fires. Do not rub or massage the skin or break blisters. Loosely apply dry, sterile dressings. Put gauze or clean cotton balls between fingers or toes to keep them separated. Once you get medical care, the next steps depend on the particular case. At the hospital, a doctor will rewarm the area. The doctor may administer medication for pain or intravenous fluids if the person is dehydrated. The doctor may also give a tetanus vaccine. The person may be hospitalized for a few days. In severe cases they may require amputation of the frostbitten area to avoid gangrene.
context: Xylitol is a carbohydrate found in the birch tree and several kinds of fruit. It has a chemical structure that looks like a cross between a sugar and an alcohol, but it is neither. Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener added to some foods. It's nearly as sweet as sugar (sucrose), but has fewer calories. People with diabetes sometimes use xylitol as a sugar substitute. Blood sugar levels stay at a more constant level with xylitol than with regular sugar. This is because it is absorbed more slowly by the body. Some types of gum or oral care products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, also contain xylitol. Mouth bacteria can't use xylitol as a source of energy, so it may help prevent tooth decay and the buildup of plaque. Researchers have studied the use of xylitol to prevent sudden attacks of middle ear inflammation (otitis media) in children with frequent earaches. One way it may help is by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. More studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness for this and other uses. Optimal doses of xylitol have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it difficult to set a standard dose. Xylitol is extracted from plant material. The amount naturally found in foods is very small. However, it is increasingly found as an ingredient (additiive) in more and more foods and health products. In addition to gum, xylitol can be found in some hard candies, chocolate, table syrup, jams, jellies, baked goods, cough syrup, vitamins, some nut butters, over-the-counter medications and many others. Xylitol is mostly safe, especially if taken in amounts found in food. The FDA has approved xylitol as a food additive or sweetener. Side effects. If you take large amounts of xylitol, such as 30 to 40 grams, you may experience diarrhea or gas. Increasing the dose gradually may help minimize these effects. Risks. There is not enough information to confirm xylitol's safety in pregnant and breastfeeding women, so they should not use it for medicinal purposes. Although some animal studies have shown tumor growth resulting from high doses of xylitol over long periods, more research is needed. If you are a dog owner, be aware that xylitol can be toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Interactions. Doctors don't know of any interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. Tell your doctor about any you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications, foods, or other herbs and supplements.
context: Acne may have started in your teen years, that time when age and hormones meet to cause those awful breakouts. Or, you may have begun experiencing acne breakouts in your adult years. Either way, many people find acne bothersome or embarrassing. To reduce acne and its damage to your skin, follow these tips. Choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne. These products often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help to clear acne sores. Clean your face gently, as trauma to the acne breakouts may worsen the acne or cause scarring. When washing your face, use your hands, as any terrycloth or other scrubbing material may cause acne sores to rupture. If you need to use a moisturizer, use only light, non-comedogenic moisturizers, which do not aggravate acne. There are oil-free moisturizers on the market that contain anti-bacterial agents for acne-prone skin. This type of product may be your best option. If you wear makeup, use an oil-free foundation. Heavy makeup or other cosmetic products that block pores may cause a flare-up of acne. Never pick. Picking can result in further inflammation and possible scarring.
context: Medication errors are unfortunately common in the practice of health care. Hospital medication errors are especially scary. How would you even know if a nurse is giving you the wrong drug or the wrong dosage? But experts say that you can help prevent such mistakes. Here are some tips. Bring in your medications. Your health care team at the hospital needs to know about every drug you take, whether it's prescription, over-the-counter, or an herbal supplement. One easy way to do this is to bring in all of your medications in a bag to show them. Keep a written or electronic copy. You can keep digital images of your medications on your smart phone or input your medication into a secure mobile application. A written list with the names and dosing of your medication is also useful. Find out if you should continue taking your regular medicines when in the hospital. If you're currently taking a daily medicine -- for high blood pressure or heart disease, for instance -- find out whether you should continue taking it when you're in the hospital. Don't assume that the hospital doctors and nurses will already know the drugs prescribed by your family doctor. You need to tell them explicitly; especially confirm with them the dosage of the medication you take. Always ask. When a nurse comes in to give you a drug, ask questions. What does this drug do? How much do you need? How often do you need it? Asking questions is a key way of lowering the risk of errors. Make sure the medicine is for you. Another way to avoid a serious hospital medication error is to ask your nurse to compare your ID with the name on the prescription before you get it. Keep notes. Before surgery, start up a list of the drugs you'll probably be taking, along with doses and details about why you take the medicine (indication). Bring it with you to the hospital and keep it up to date. This way, you're more likely to notice any changes to your regimen. Ask your family to help out. Since you might be drowsy and forgetful after surgery, it's great to have a family member or friend who's keeping track of your medication for you.
context: The name black hairy tongue may sound scary, but the condition is harmless. Black hairy tongue is caused by bacteria or fungi in the mouth, which make the tongue appear black and hairy. It's easily remedied by good old-fashioned oral hygiene. A black hairy tongue is caused by too much bacteria or yeast growth in the mouth. The bacteria build up on tiny rounded projections called papillae. These lie along the surface of the tongue. Instead of shedding as they normally do, the papillae start to grow and lengthen, creating hair-like projections. They can grow to 15 times their normal length. Normally, the papillae are pinkish-white. But as they grow, pigments from food, drinks, and possibly the bacteria or yeast themselves get caught in the papillae, dyeing the tongue a color. Most often that color is black, hence the name. But the tongue can also turn brown, yellow, green, or a variety of other colors. Certain lifestyle habits and conditions can make people more likely to develop black hairy tongue. They include: poor oral hygiene smoking tobacco drinking a lot of coffee or tea using antibiotics (which may disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the mouth) being dehydrated taking medications that contain the chemical bismuth (such as Pepto- Bismol for upset stomach) not producing enough saliva regularly using mouthwash that contains peroxide, witch hazel, or menthol getting radiation therapy to the head and neck Black hairy tongue is more common in men, people who use intravenous drugs, and those who are HIV-positive. Other than the appearance of the tongue, most people with black hairy tongue don't have any symptoms or feel any discomfort. The exception is when there is too much growth of the yeast Candida albicans, which can cause a burning sensation on the tongue. This burning sensation is called glossopyrosis. Some people complain of a tickling feeling in the back of the roof of the mouth, a metallic taste in their mouth, or nausea. In more severe cases, the condition may lead to a gagging feeling. Sometimes, food getting caught inside the extra-long papillae can cause bad breath. Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to treat black hairy tongue. Gently brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Also, brush your tongue. You can use a tongue scraper to make sure you're thoroughly cleaning the area. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your mouth clean. Other tips include: If you smoke, quit. Add more roughage to your diet. Soft foods won't clean off the tongue effectively. Call your doctor or dentist if the problem doesn't get better on its own. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or an antifungal drug to get rid of the bacteria or yeast. Topical medications, such as tretinoin ( Retin- A), are also sometimes prescribed. As a last resort, if the problem doesn't improve, the papillae can be surgically clipped off with a laser or electrosurgery.
context: Your child is bleeding heavily. The wound is deep. The edges of the wound are gaping. The wound is spurting blood. You can't stop the bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure. An object has punctured the skin and is still in the body. The cut involves the eye or the cartilage of the nose or ear. Cuts and scrapes are common in young children. Usually, parents can treat them at home. The cut is on your child's face. The cut is larger than a half inch, jagged, has dirt in it, isn't healing well, or seems infected. Do not remove an object that has penetrated the body. Put pressure on the wound and call 911. Wash your hands. Clean the wound with lots of cool water. Make sure all dirt and debris are removed. Clean the area around the wound with mild soap and water. Cover the wound with gauze or a clean towel and press down with your palm. If the gauze soaks through, don't remove it. Put another layer of gauze on top. Keep up the pressure for a few minutes after the bleeding stops. Try to elevate the area where the wound is, such as the leg or arm. Apply an antibacterial ointment to the area. If the wound is minor and unlikely to get dirty, let it heal in the open air. If the wound is likely to get dirty because it's on the hands or feet, put on a bandage. Monitor for signs of infection such as redness or drainage.
context: Whether you got your swimmer's ear after a dunk in the pool or because an infection set in while you were on dry land, the symptoms are the same. You may notice things like: Itchy feeling inside your ear Pain in the ear, which can be severe Your ear hurts when you move your head or gently pull on your earlobe Tender inside your ear Fluid drains out of the ear A bad-smelling, yellowish discharge from the ear You don't hear as well (things sound muffled) Always check with your doctor if you see any signs of an ear infection. Also, call him if you feel dizzy or have ringing in your ears, which means you may have a more serious problem that needs to get checked out by a doctor. Also call your doctor if you have: Severe pain. Your doctor can suggest medicine that can give you relief. Rash on your scalp or near your ear. You may have seborrheic dermatitis or herpes zoster (shingles). Your doctor can recommend treatment.
context: Hepatitis A can make you feel like you have the flu. The liver infection is passed when: An infected person's stool comes into contact with your food, water, or skin. You have sex with someone who has the infection or you otherwise are in close contact with him. You eat or drink something that has the virus in it. The best way to cut your risk of getting sick is to wash your hands: Before you eat After you use the bathroom or handle a dirty diaper You can get the first symptoms anytime between 15 and 50 days after you came in contact with the virus. But they usually show up between about 2 and 4 weeks later. Most people with hepatitis A usually have sudden: Extreme tiredness Loss of appetite Muscle aches and pains Nausea and vomiting Low-grade fever Several days later, some symptoms of liver problems can show up. You may have: Dark urine Light-colored bowel movements Yellow skin (jaundice). It's less common in children under age 6. Yellowing of the white part of your eyes Pain in the upper right part of your belly Itchy skin If your child has hep A, he may also have: Cold symptoms Cough Sore throat If you're over age 50 or have a long-term liver disease, you may have a more severe case of the disease called fulminant hepatitis A infection. You could have symptoms like: Spontaneous bleeding or easy bruising Confusion and changes in alertness Liver function that gets worse Yellowing of the skin and eyes that gets worse Make an appointment if you have any of the symptoms and you recently: Traveled out of the country, especially if you went to Mexico, South America, Central America, or anywhere without good sanitation Ate at a restaurant that reported a hepatitis A outbreak Found out someone close to you, like a roommate or caregiver, was diagnosed with hepatitis A Had sex with someone who has hepatitis A Ate raw shellfish Used illegal drugs When you see your doctor, he may spot some more signs that you've got the disease. For instance, he might find that you have: A swollen liver and spleen Tenderness in the right upper side of your belly There's a lot of variety in how people feel when they have the disease. It's possible you might not have any symptoms. But people often feel and look sick. You might even need to go to the hospital. Symptoms and complications are more common as you get older. Most children under age 6 with hep A don't have any. How long it lasts can vary from person to person. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some things to keep in mind: Mild hepatitis A may last 1 to 2 weeks. Most people are much better within 3 weeks. Young children who get symptoms usually get better within 2 months. If you have a severe infection, it can cause problems for several months. You may need to stay in the hospital. Some people have symptoms that can last more than 3 months or have problems that come and go for 3 to 9 months.
context: Psoriasis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints. The combination of skin flare-ups and joint pain is known as psoriatic arthritis. If you're not sure if you have it, talk to your doctor. Psoriatic arthritis usually hits joints like your knees, fingers, toes, and back. When you get flare-ups there, it may be tough to do everyday tasks. But you can still look your best. These tips and tricks can make your self-care routine easier and more enjoyable: 1. Start with a warm shower. Heat boosts blood flow. That can help ease stiff, painful joints. You may feel less sore and more flexible if you shower before starting your day. If you have psoriasis plaques on your skin, don't take a super long or hot shower. That can make skin flare-ups worse. 2. Get comfortable. As you get ready to do your hair and makeup, think about how you're feeling. For example, if your hips or knees hurt, try sitting down in front of a mirror rather than standing in front of a sink vanity. 3. Give yourself time. If you're rushing, you're more likely to move in ways that cause more pain. Build in extra time in the morning so you can move at a speed that feels good. 4. But look for shortcuts. If you blow-dry your hair, towel or air-dry it as long as possible so you don't have to hold the blow dryer as long. In the shower, use a moisturizing body wash so you don't have apply moisturizer again when you get out of the shower. 5. Choose easy-to-use products. If you have trouble applying liquid foundation, think about a switch to powder. You can put it on with a wide-handled makeup brush. Get extra-wide lip-gloss tubes and makeup pencils. Hairbrushes with longer handles can make it easier to reach the back of your head. 6. What about an occupational therapist? If you have severe joint pain and a limited range of motion, one can come to your house and make suggestions on how to make everyday activities easier, like your beauty routine. It's often covered by insurance, too.
context: If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you know the feeling. Your joints are painful, stiff, and swollen -- and you're looking for quick relief. There are a lot of medicines that can help. Although the best approach is to use prescription drugs that slow down your disease, you can also fight your symptoms with meds you can find easily on the shelves of your pharmacy. These drugs lower inflammation that's causing many of your RA symptoms. They can ease your joint pain, achy muscles, and stiffness. Their formal name is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and you can get them over the counter or with a prescription. There are quite a few choices, and they come in generic and brand-name versions. Here are some of the more common ones. Over the counter: Ibuprofen Naproxen Prescription: Celecoxib Diclofenac Indomethacin Meloxicam Like any medicine, these have both risks and side effects. You could also get an upset stomach if you take NSAIDs regularly. Some of the more common problems that come with them include: Gas Bloating Heartburn Stomach Pain Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea, constipation, or both If you take high does or use them often and for a long time, NSAIDs may raise your chances of a heart attack or stroke. Long-term use can also lead to painful ulcers or bleeding. If that happens, your doctor might give you another drug to protect your stomach while you take the NSAID. These drugs, also called steroids, ease pain and inflammation too. They come in the form of pills and shots. Prednisone is the one most often used for RA symptoms. It's better if you only take steroids for a short while. Over time, they cause weight gain. They can also make your bones brittle and more likely to break, a condition called osteoporosis. These drugs can also raise your chance of having diabetes, cataracts, and high blood pressure and increase your risk of infection. It's fine to take over-the-counter acetaminophen when your joints hurt occasionally. But if you have severe joint damage and constant pain, your doctor may prescribe something stronger. One option is to take acetaminophen paired with an NSAID. In rare cases, your doctor might prescribe short courses of opioids. These drugs have side effects and some serious risks. You could become constipated, too sleepy, or foggy. Over time, you might get dependent on or addicted to the drug. If your pain is only in one small area of your body, your doctor might have you try a drug that goes on your skin. You may hear him call this a topical medicine. You rub a small amount of cream or gel over the joint that hurts. Some of these medications come in patches. Your choices for this kind of medicine include NSAIDs, lidocaine, and capsaicin, the chemical in hot peppers. You can buy some over the counter, and your doctor will prescribe others. Medication that you put on your skin may have fewer side effects than those you take by mouth. That's because they don't get into your bloodstream. However, that also means they may not work as well for RA as they might for other conditions.
context: Autoimmune inner ear disease ( AIED), is a rare disease that happens when your body's immune system mistakenly attacks your inner ear. It can cause dizziness, ringing in your ears, and hearing loss. Less than 1% of the 28 million Americans who have hearing loss have it because of AIED. It's slightly more common in middle-aged women. If you have AIED, you'll have hearing loss that starts in one ear and then spreads to the other. This may take weeks, or it could happen over a few months. Other symptoms can include: Dizziness or problems with your balance Fullness in your ear Tinnitus (ringing, roaring, or hissing in your ear) Vertigo (a sense that you're spinning) Your immune cells are always on the lookout for germs trying to invade your body. If they mistake cells in your inner ear for a virus or bacteria, they attack them. This is called an autoimmune reaction. Your immune cells may harm other organs as well. Just under 30% of people who have AIED have another autoimmune disease that affects their whole body, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, ulcerative colitis, or Sjoegren's syndrome (dry eye syndrome). Because the symptoms of AIED are so common, it can be hard to diagnose. Many times, it's mistaken for an ear infection until hearing loss has spread to the second ear. To diagnose AIED, your doctor will ask questions about your health and medical history, do a physical exam, and give you a hearing test. She'll also test your balance, which can show how well your inner ear is "talking" to your brain. You might also have blood work done. There's no test that can tell for sure that you have AIED, but the results may show that you're having an autoimmune reaction. If they do, it's a good idea to see an otolaryngologist (ear doctor) who's also trained in autoimmune disorders. Since you may not get a clear answer, your doctor may start you on treatment without a sure diagnosis to prevent damage to your hearing that can't be fixed. Many people aren't diagnosed with AIED until they start treatment and their symptoms get better. Your doctor probably will give you a drug that helps with inflammation. High doses of steroids have been shown to work well for AIED, but they have many side effects. So you probably won't take them for more than a few weeks. After you take the steroids, your doctor may prescribe a medication that can calm down your immune system. Other drugs like azathioprine ( Imuran), cyclophosphamide ( Cytoxan), and methotrexate are sometimes used for this. A hearing aid can help you adjust to hearing loss, but in severe cases, your doctor might suggest a cochlear implant. This is a small device that affects the nerves in your inner ear that send signals to your brain. There, the brain turns them into sound. Part of the cochlear implant sits behind your ear. The other part is put under your skin during surgery. As doctors learn more about AIED, more treatment options may be possible. These include drugs that work better with fewer side effects as well as gene therapy. New genes may be used to help damaged ear cells start working again.
context: Some women get high blood sugar during pregnancy. This is called gestational diabetes. It affects only pregnant women who've never been diagnosed with another type of the disease. Most doctors check for it between 24 and 28 weeks. But if you have any of the health problems that could lead to diabetes -- you're overweight, have high blood pressure, or a family history of the disease -- talk to your doctor before you get pregnant. High blood sugar during pregnancy can cause your baby to grow very large. That can lead to complications during delivery. The baby could be born with low blood sugar, yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice), breathing trouble, and other problems. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, though, your doctor will work with you to keep your blood sugar under control throughout your pregnancy. If you answer yes to two or more of these questions, you could be more likely to get gestational diabetes: Are you overweight? Are you related to anyone who has or had diabetes? Are you Hispanic/ Latina, African- American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander? Are you older than 25? In a previous pregnancy, did you have any of the following: Gestational diabetes Stillbirth or miscarriage Large baby (weighing more than 9 pounds) Do you have polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS) or another health condition linked to problems with insulin? Have you ever had problems with insulin or blood sugar, such as insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, or âprediabetesâ? Do you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease? If your doctor thinks you're at risk, he'll give you a "glucose challenge" test. You'll drink a really sweet beverage. One hour later, you'll get a blood sugar reading. If the results come out higher than 130 to 140 mg/d L, you'll go back to the doctor's office on another day for a more involved process. This is called the 3-hour glucose tolerance test. You might have to follow some diet instructions, like fasting for 8 to 12 hours before you take the test. The doctor will check your fasting blood sugar level when you get to his office. Then he'll give you a drink that's even sweeter than the one in the first test. You'll get blood sugar readings 1, 2, and 3 hours later. If two or more of the results are higher than the normal values, you'll be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.â Values are: fasting: Higher than 94 mg/d L, 1 hr - higher than179 mg/d L, 2 hr higher than 154mg/d L, 3 hr higher than 139 mg/d L. If you have the condition, your doctor will tell you about healthy lifestyle changes you'll need to make -- these involve your diet and physical activity. You will be educated about following a pregnancy diabetic diet and will start checking your sugars throughout the day.
context: It starts with good communication. Before your eye doctor prescribes a drug, tell him or her if: You're allergic to any medication You're on any other drugs, including over-the-counter ones You're pregnant or think you might be You have problems with any medications When you take eye medication, follow these safety tips: Read all labels carefully. Know exactly why you're supposed to take each drug. Keep a list of all your medications and their dosages with you. Eye drops, certain skin lotions, and vitamins are considered drugs and should be on your list. Take your meds exactly as your doctor prescribed. Review possible side effects. Most reactions will occur when you start a new medication, but this isn't always the case. They might be delayed or might happen when you add another drug. Don't stop treatment unless you talk to your doctor first or you have a serious side effect. Call him or her as soon as possible if you feel you need to stop the medication. If you quit too early, the illness might return or become harder to treat. Don't double the dose unless your doctor says to. If you miss a dose, don't panic. Take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your schedule. Don't keep medication that's outdated or no longer needed. Store it in a dry area away from moisture, unless the doctor or pharmacist tells you to refrigerate it. Always keep medications out of the reach of children. Contact your doctor right away if you have any unusual side effects. Don't share your medications with others. If you store your medications in a container, label it with the drug name, dose, frequency, and expiration date. Know when your medications will run out. Renew you prescriptions as you need them. Buy your medications at the same pharmacy, if you can. When you travel, don't pack medications in your checked baggage. Keep them in your carry-on bag so you'll have them if your luggage gets lost. Take extra doses with you when you travel in case your flight is delayed and you need to stay away longer than planned. If you have any questions about your medication, ask your doctor. Ask your doctor how food will affect the medication. Some things prevent your body from absorbing drugs into your bloodstream. Some foods can increase the potency of drugs. And some drugs need to be taken with food so that your stomach won't get upset. Tell the doctor if you're expecting or breastfeeding. Small amounts of medication can pass from mother to child.
context: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver and found in certain foods from animals, such as dairy products, eggs, and meat. The body needs some cholesterol in order to function properly. However, too much cholesterol can increase a person's risk of developing heart disease. There are several factors that contribute to high cholesterol -- some are controllable while others are not. Gender: After menopause, a woman's LDL cholesterol level ("bad" cholesterol) goes up, as does her risk for heart disease. Age: Your risk may increase as you get older. Men aged 45 years or older and women aged 55 years or older are at increased risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. Family history: Your risk of high cholesterol may increase if a father or brother was affected by early heart disease (before age 55) or a mother or sister was affected by early heart disease (before age 65). Diet: The trans fats, saturated fat, sugar, and (to a lesser extent) cholesterol in the food you eat raise total and LDL cholesterol levels. Weight: Being overweight can make your LDL cholesterol level go up and your HDL level go down. Physical activity/exercise: Increased physical activity helps to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) levels. It also helps you lose weight.
context: If you're a new parent, you might think about your baby's poop more than you ever thought you would. Different colors and textures pop up all the time. How do you know if they're normal or a sign of a problem? Get a handle on the basics to get you through this stage in your baby's life. Your baby's first poops are called meconium. It's a thick and sticky residue that is greenish-black in color. You should see it only in the first 3 days of your baby's life. The milk your baby swallows heads to his stomach, where acids break it down and it moves into the small intestine. Some of the digested nutrients and water get absorbed into the bloodstream, and the larger, undigested ones (like fiber) keep moving through. If they continue through the intestines at a leisurely pace, your little one's body has enough time to absorb more water from them, so what comes out may be quite firm. But if things are moving rapidly, more water will come out with the rest of the waste, which could mean diarrhea. As poop moves thorough the intestines, it also picks up digestive juices, bile, bacteria, and other things, which give it different colors and smells. What a baby eats makes a difference in what winds up in his diaper. The body tends to absorb breast milk more completely -- sometimes there's so little left that a baby may not poop for days. On the other hand, many breastfed babies pass a mustardy, "seedy" yellow stool with each feeding, at least for a short while. Formula-fed babies tend to have darker, tan-colored stools that happen less often. But remember: Every baby is different, and there is a very wide range of normal when it comes to poop. The color and timing of a baby's poop changes as his diet changes, as his digestive tract matures, and as it gets more new, normal bacteria. It's rare that color changes are signs of a digestive problem. Usually, they just mean that there is more or less of the yellow/green/brown/orange pigments that stool picks up along the way. Let your baby's doctor know if you see: Poop that stays chalky white. It may mean his liver isn't making enough bile to digest the food. Poop that is tarry black. There may be blood in his digestive tract that has turned dark as it traveled through the intestines. Bright red blood in his poop. A red stool can also be caused by certain medicines, beets, and food colorings. But the pediatrician can test your baby's poop to see if it has blood. You don't need to worry about green, orange, and yellow stools. They are par for the course and rarely a sign of a digestive problem.
context: Genital herpes raises lots of questions, whether you've just found out you have it, are trying to manage outbreaks, or have a partner who has it. To help get the answers you need, here are the most important questions you'll want to ask your doctor. What type of herpes virus do I have? Should I be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases? How can I keep my partner from becoming infected? How soon should my partner be tested? How often can I expect to have symptoms? How will they affect my daily life? Should I start taking medication? If not now, when should I consider it? Will herpes complicate any other health problems I have? Can I still plan to have children? Can you recommend a support group or a counselor to help me deal with my diagnosis? Would I benefit from taking herpes suppression drugs every day, or should I take medication only when I have flare-ups? Which drug would be the best choice for me, and why? What are the possible side effects? What should I do if my medication causes problems or doesn't work well? Is there anything else I can use to relieve my symptoms? What can trigger outbreaks? Can I make lifestyle changes to help prevent them? How often should my long-term partner be tested? How soon should a new partner wait to have a test? What should I do if I want to have children? Should I join a clinical trial for an experimental therapy? Can you recommend a support group or a counselor to help me work through this? If I have been infected, how long would it take for the virus to show up in tests? Is it possible to have a "false negative" test result? How can I be sure that my test result is accurate? Should I be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases? How likely am I to be infected by my partner? What can we do to reduce the risk? If I keep having sex with my partner, how often should I be tested? If I become infected, would my partner and I have to change our sexual routine? What symptoms should I watch for? Can I still plan to have children with my partner? What can I do to help my partner manage the condition? Can you recommend a support group or a counselor to help me come to terms with this?
context: It's pretty common to have a reaction to a certain food, but in most cases it's an intolerance rather than a true allergy. Why does it matter? Although they may have similar symptoms, a food allergy can be more serious. These clues can help you figure out if it is an allergy or intolerance. A doctor can help you know for sure. Food Allergy: Usually comes on suddenly Small amount of food can trigger Happens every time you eat the food Can be life-threatening Food Intolerance: Usually comes on gradually May only happen when you eat a lot of the food May only happen if you eat the food often Is not life-threatening A food allergy and an intolerance both can cause: Nausea Stomach pain Diarrhea Vomiting When a food irritates your stomach or your body can't properly digest it, that's an intolerance. You may have these symptoms: Gas, cramps, or bloating Heartburn Headaches Irritability or nervousness A food allergy happens when your immune system mistakes something in food as harmful and attacks it. It can affect your whole body, not just your stomach. Symptoms may include: Rash, hives, or itchy skin Shortness of breath Chest pain Sudden drop in blood pressure, trouble swallowing or breathing -- this is life-threatening. Call 911 immediately. These triggers cause about 90% of food allergies: Peanuts Tree nuts (such as walnuts, pecans and almonds) Fish Shellfish Milk Eggs Soy Wheat The most common food intolerance is lactose intolerance. It happens when people can't digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy. Another kind of intolerance is being sensitive to sulfites or other food additives. Sulfites can trigger asthma attacks in some people. What about a gluten allergy? While celiac disease -- a long-lasting digestive condition that's triggered by eating gluten -- does involve the immune system, it doesn't cause life-threatening symptoms. Your doctor can find out if you have an allergy or intolerance. These things may help: Keep a diary of the foods you eat and the symptoms you have. Stop eating some foods to help figure out which one is causing symptoms. Have allergy tests done. If you have a food allergy, you'll need to stop eating the food altogether. If you have a food intolerance, you'll need to avoid or cut back on that food in your diet. For lactose intolerance, you can look for lactose-free milk or take a lactase enzyme supplement. With a food allergy, you could be at risk for anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Ask your doctor if you need to carry epinephrine shots ( Adreniclick, Auvi- Q, Epi Pen, a generic, or Symjepi) which you could give yourself in an emergency. If so, always carry two injections with you. Learn which foods -- and how much -- cause you to have symptoms. Either avoid the food or only have as much as you can without triggering symptoms. When you eat out, ask your server about how your meal will be prepared. It may not always be clear from the menu whether some dishes contain problem foods. Learn to read food labels and check the ingredients for trigger foods. Don't forget to check condiments and seasonings. They may have MSG or another additive that can cause symptoms.
context: Unconscious Not able to breathe because something is blocking the airway or has caused it to close off Wheezing or gasping Not able to cry, talk, or make noise Turning blue in the face Grabbing at the throat Looking panicked Young children are prone to choking. If the child is coughing and gagging but can breathe and talk, don't do anything. But if he can't breathe, you must act quickly to stop a life-threatening situation. Move the child to the floor and start CPR. Take the object out of his mouth only if you can see it. Hold the child face down on your forearm, supported by your thigh. Keep the child's torso higher than the head. Use the heel of your free hand to thump the child in between the shoulder blades up to five times. Turn the child face up, and keep supporting the head and neck. If the object is not out yet, go to step 4. Place the child on a firm surface, which may still be your forearm. Put two or three fingers in the center of the child's breastbone and push quickly up to five times. Repeat the back thumping and chest pushes until the object comes out or the child loses consciousness. If the child is still not breathing, open the airway by putting your thumb in the child's mouth and grasping the lower incisors or gums. The jaw should lift up so you can look for the object. Do not do a finger sweep. Do not try to pull the object out unless you see it clearly. You could accidentally push the object deeper in the child's throat. If the child loses consciousness, perform CPR and take the object out of his mouth only if you can see it. Never do a finger sweep unless you can see the object in the child's mouth. Stand behind the child and wrap your arms around his waist. Place a fist just above the child's belly button. Hold the fist with your free hand and quickly push in and up. Repeat until the object comes out or the child loses consciousness. If the child loses consciousness, move the child to the floor and start CPR. Take the object out of his mouth only if you can see it. Never do a finger sweep unless you can see the object in the child's mouth.
context: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease, meaning it is caused by a person's genes. It affects the glands that produce mucus and sweat, causing mucus to become thick and sticky. As the mucus builds up, it can block airways in the lungs. This makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. Mucus buildup also makes it easier for bacteria to grow. This can cause frequent infections in the lungs. Mucus buildup can prevent necessary digestive enzymes from reaching your intestines. The body needs these enzymes to digest the nutrients in the food that you eat, including fats and carbohydrates. People with cystic fibrosis also lose large amounts of salt when they sweat. This can cause an unhealthy imbalance of minerals in your body. It can lead to: Dehydration Fatigue Weakness Increased heart rate Low blood pressure Heat stroke Death in rare cases About 30,000 Americans have cystic fibrosis. Each year about 1,000 new cases are diagnosed. Sixty years ago, the disease killed most people who had it before they reached elementary school. Nowadays people with cystic fibrosis have an average lifespan of about 37 years. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease. For someone to get cystic fibrosis, both parents must be carriers of the gene that causes it and then pass it on. If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance that each pregnancy will result in a child born with cystic fibrosis. Boys and girls are equally likely to get the disease. About 10 million Americans carry the gene and do not know it. More whites get the disease than do people of other races.