VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Pain management for burns can be difficult, because burns differ in type and severity. There are three types of burns: First-degree burns are considered mild compared to other burns. They result in pain and reddening of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). Second-degree burns (partial thickness burns) affect the epidermis and the dermis (lower layer of skin). They cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. Third-degree burns (full thickness burns) go through the dermis and affect deeper tissues. They result in white or blackened, charred skin that may be numb. 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(); }); } Dry heat (such as fire), wet heat (such as steam or hot liquids), radiation, friction, heated objects, the sun, electricity, or chemicals can all cause burns. Thermal burns are the most common kind of burns. These burns occur when flames, hot metals, scalding liquids, or steam come in contact with skin as a result of many different circumstances, including house fires, vehicle accidents, kitchen accidents, and electrical malfunctions. The symptoms of burns depend on the cause and type of burn. They can include: Blisters Pain ( The degree of pain is not related to the severity of the burn, as the most serious burns can be painless.) Peeling skin Red skin Shock ( Symptoms of shock may include pale and clammy skin, weakness, bluish lips and fingernails, and a drop in alertness.) Swelling White or charred skin Burn treatment depends on the type of burn. First-degree burns usually are treated with skin care products like aloe vera cream or an antibiotic ointment and pain medication such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol). Second-degree burns may be treated with an antibiotic cream or other creams or ointments prescribed by a doctor. The treatment of third-degree burns may require the process of skin grafting or the use of synthetic skin. Severe burns covering large parts of the body may need more intensive treatments such as intravenous ( IV) antibiotics to prevent infection or IV fluids to replace fluids lost when skin was burned. Burn pain can be one of the most intense and prolonged types of pain. Burn pain is difficult to control because of its unique characteristics, its changing patterns, and its various components. In addition, there is pain involved in the treatment of burns, as the wounds must be cleansed and the dressings changed. Studies show that aggressive treatments for pain are needed with severe burns.
context: Gout is arthritis that happens when you have too much uric acid in your blood and it forms sharp crystals in one of your joints. Your big toe is the most common place for it to happen. Flare-ups can last up to 10 days. The first 36 hours are the most painful. It usually affects only one joint at a time, but if it's not treated, you might end up with it in your knee, ankle, foot, hand, wrist, or elbow. The most common signs of a gout attack are: Sudden and severe pain in a joint, usually in the middle of the night or early morning Tenderness in the joint. It can also be warm to the touch and look red or purple Stiffness in the joint If gout isn't treated over long periods of time, the crystals can form lumps under the skin around the joint. They're called tophi. They don't hurt, but they can affect the way the joint looks. And if the crystals accumulate in the urinary tract, they can form kidney stones. If you have an attack of gout, call your doctor as soon as possible. Until your appointment, you can ice and elevate the joint, and take anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen. You also should drink plenty of fluids, especially water, but stay away from alcohol or sweet drinks.
context: For centuries, the roots of the North American black cohosh plant have been used for various ailments. Black cohosh is now a popular remedy for the symptoms of menopause. This has been especially true since the risks of a standard treatment for menopause -- hormone therapy -- were publicized more than a decade ago. Black cohosh is most often used to control the symptoms of menopause, such as: Headaches Hot flashes Mood changes Sleep problems Heart palpitations Night sweats Vaginal dryness Some studies have found evidence that black cohosh does help with these symptoms. However, many experts consider the evidence unclear and say that we need more research. Other uses of black cohosh have less scientific support. Women sometimes take it to regulate periods, ease PMS symptoms, and induce labor. Black cohosh has also been used to relieve arthritis pain and help lower blood pressure. Definitive research has not verified black cohosh's effectiveness for these uses. For menopausal symptoms, the dose of black cohosh used in studies has been 20-40 milligram tablets of a standardized extract taken twice a day. Directions for taking black cohosh in other forms will vary. Some experts say that no one should take black cohosh for more than six months at a time. No. There are no food sources for black cohosh. Side effects from black cohosh include headaches and upset stomach, but there are many others. Side effects may be more likely to occur at high doses. There have been some people who may have developed liver problems after using black cohosh, the specifics of which are still being investigated. Nonetheless, people with pre-existing liver problems, or those taking any other medication/substance that affects the liver, should either avoid black cohosh or check in with their health care provider prior to use. Risks. Black cohosh may not be safe for: Women who are pregnant (although it is sometimes used to induce labor) Women who have -- or have had -- breast cancer or uterine cancer Women who have endometriosis Children under 18 People with liver disease, a high risk of stroke or blood clots, or seizure disorders People with allergies to aspirin Interactions. People taking other medicines including birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, sedatives, or blood pressure medicine should not take black cohosh without the approval of their doctors.
context: Floaters -- those spots, lines, or other shapes you see before your eyes -- aren't a big deal most of the time. They come and go and are usually harmless, if annoying. But there are times when floaters could be a sign of a problem. See your doctor if you have: Floaters that don't go away A sudden increase in floaters Also, call your doctor right away if you have floaters and: You see flashes of light. There's a dark shadow or curtain in part of your peripheral, or side, vision. You have trouble seeing. Your eyes hurt. These symptoms together may mean a tear or a more serious break in your retina. You should treat a possible retinal break or detachment as an emergency. Treatment may save your sight. Your doctor may suggest you see an eye specialist, either an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The specialist will ask you questions about your current eye symptoms and medical history, and may check your eyes after giving you drops to dilate, meaning widen, your pupils. This allows the doctor to see inside your eyes, including the vitreous and retina. The vitreous is the clear gel within the eye that gives the eyeball its round shape. If changes in this part of your eye cast shadows on your retina, you may see floaters. Your doctor may also do more eye tests. For example, you may have an ultrasound exam of your eyes. If you have a retinal tear or detachment, your doctor may be able to repair it with special procedures or surgery. If you only have mild floaters without a retina problem, you probably won't need treatment. If you do, your doctor might use a special laser. If floaters are severe and interfere with vision and don't go away after several months, you might need surgery to remove and replace the vitreous, though this is not common. The operation is called a vitrectomy. Floaters may also be treated with a laser. Depending on what your doctor finds and whether or not you get treatment, you may need a follow-up eye exam.
context: Pelvic inflammatory disease ( PID) is an infection of the female reproductive system. It's usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection. If you have it, most likely your doctor will give you antibiotics, but sometimes a hospital stay may be needed. PID can affect different parts of your reproductive system, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. If it's not treated properly, you can end up with repeated infections, or it may make it hard for you to have a baby. Several kinds of bacterial infections can give you PID, including gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma genitalium. About 770,000 women get it each year. Several different types of antibiotics have been found to work against the illness, and you may be given several types to take together. You'll most likely be taking antibiotics for 2 weeks. You should always follow the directions and take all of them, even if you feel better. Your symptoms should improve within 3 days. If they don't, you should go back to your doctor, because you may need to try something else. In more serious cases, your treatment may include a stay in the hospital. There may be several reasons for this: You've been taking antibiotics and your symptoms aren't improving. Your doctor might ask you to take more tests to figure out why. You need to take antibiotics with an IV. If you're not able to keep pills down, for instance, your doctor will want you to get antibiotics directly into your body with intravenous fluids. You've developed what's called a âtubo-ovarian abscess.â This happens when part of an ovary or fallopian tube fills with infected fluid that needs to be drained. IV antibiotics are usually given first to see if they'll clear up the infection. You are sick to your stomach, vomiting or running a high fever. Your doctor might not be able to rule out another abdominal problem, such as appendicitis. You should tell anyone you've had sex with in the past 60 days about your illness. If it's been longer than 60 days since you've had sex, tell your most recent partner, who should also get treated. You should not have sex while you're undergoing treatment for PID, and neither should your partner.
context: Snoring occurs when there is obstruction to flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose. It's very common, and although it can be noisy for people living with you, it's usually not a serious problem. The sound is produced by vibration of the soft tissues of the upper airways during sleep. The soft palate (the soft part of the roof of your mouth) and the attached uvula often are the structures that vibrate usually during inspiration. It can happen when the muscles that keep the airways open become too relaxed or there is too much tissue nearby, curbing air flow. You are more likely to snore if you're overweight and if you: Drink alcohol Smoke Take medications such as sleeping pills, cold medicines, or antihistamines Sleep on your back Sleep on a pillow that's too soft or too large Have enlarged tonsils, chronic nasal congestion, or deviated nasal septum Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition that's linked to snoring. If you have sleep apnea, you briefly stop breathing during sleep several times a night. Sleep apnea can make you tired, give you headaches, and is linked to other serious conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. If you think you have sleep apnea, ask your doctor for a referral to a sleep lab, where they can check to see if you need have this condition and need treatment such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine to help you breathe steadily while you sleep. If you're overweight, losing extra pounds may help, too.
context: Most hiccups will go away on their own. But in some cases they can last for a while. And if you test one of those old wives' tales about stopping hiccups â say, getting someone to scare you â you're probably going to be disappointed. There are a few home remedies you can try, although there's not very much proof that any of them really work. Hold your breath and swallow three times Breathe into a paper bag Drink a glass of water quickly Swallow a teaspoon of sugar Pull on your tongue Gargle with water If your hiccups last more than 2 days or are severe enough to interfere with eating, breathing, or sleeping, contact your doctor. She might be able to treat chronic hiccups with medication or run some tests to see why your hiccups aren't going away. Talk to your doctor immediately if, along with hiccups, you have any kind of stomach pain, fever, shortness of breath, or vomiting, or if you cough up blood.
context: Colds and the flu have so much in common that it can sometimes be hard to tell them apart. Both are caused by viruses that infect your airways. They have some of the same symptoms that can leave you feeling miserable. There are enough differences, though, that may help you figure out which one you have. That can change how you treat your symptoms.. You can get a cold anytime -- spring, summer, or fall, but most likely in winter. Flu season typically runs from November through March, although you can get it in October or as late as May. You can catch the flu at other times of the year. But symptoms outside of flu season are more likely to be from a cold or an allergy. Flu tends to be much worse than a cold. And the flu, especially in children and older people, is more likely to lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia and a hospital stay. Rarely, symptoms may not be enough for your doctor to know if it's a cold or the flu. Then she may do a test to find out what you have.
context: If multiple sclerosis symptoms make you head to the bathroom more often than you'd like, try some simple tips that can help you take charge of your urge to go. Don't sip. Drink a small glass of water (about 6 to 8 ounces) all at once every few hours during the day. That's better than sipping drinks constantly, which might make you want to pee more often. You'll know when you get enough to drink because your urine will turn light yellow. Stop drinking before bed. Stay hydrated, but don't drink too close to bedtime or you could wake up during the night to use the bathroom. Have your last drink of water or other fluid at least 2 hours before you go to bed. Limit caffeine and alcohol. Cut back on coffee, soda, beer, and wine. Caffeine and alcohol can irritate your bladder and increase the urge to go. Alcohol also affects the way your kidneys absorb water, and it can make your bladder fill up more quickly than usual. Don't smoke. Nicotine is another bladder irritant. If you smoke, ask your doctor for advice on nicotine replacement products, medicines, and other methods to help you quit. Do Kegel exercises . Just like you tone your biceps and triceps, you can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support your bladder. These muscles hold urine in your bladder so it won't leak when you sneeze, cough, or laugh. To find the right muscles, squeeze like you would to stop the flow of urine, hold for about 4 seconds, then release. Do these exercises a few times each hour. You don't have to set aside a special place or time. Do them wherever and whenever you like. If you have trouble finding your pelvic floor muscles, ask a nurse or physical therapist for help. Retrain your bladder. Go to the bathroom on a regular schedule, such as every 2 hours. Do it even if you don't feel like you need to. That way you'll prevent your bladder from filling up too much and overflowing. If you feel the urge to pee before the full 2 hours are up, try to hold it in for just 5 minutes more by tightening your pelvic floor muscles. Over time, you should be able to have longer and longer periods of time between bathroom visits.
context: What should I do about a fever? Call your pediatrician if your child is less than 8 weeks old and is running a temperature of at least 100.4 F. Give her plenty of clear fluids. The condition draws water from her body. If she doesn't feel like drinking, give her small sips every 10 to 15 minutes. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if child is at least 6 months old), if she feels so bad she can't sleep or eat. Both lower a fever and ease pain. Never give aspirin. It can lead to Reye's syndrome, a serious problem. Call your pediatrician if a fever lasts more than 24 or 48 hours -- or if your child also has a headache, vomiting, or a rash. Also call if she hasn't had all the recommended vaccines or has other health problems that make infections more likely or more risky. Try to stay calm -- a fever is how the body fights off an infection. What's the best way to check her temperature? A digital thermometer is easy to use and safer than a glass mercury thermometer, which can sometimes break. The best specific type of digital thermometer depends on your child's age. For babies and toddlers : Use a digital rectal thermometer, because they're the most accurate and easiest to use with children this age. For kids ages 2 to 5: Use a digital ear or under-arm thermometer. These are not as accurate as the rectal ones, but can give you a general idea about your child's temperature. For kids 5 and older (who won't bite down): Use a digital mouth thermometer. ( The label may say oral thermometer.) Once you have the right thermometer: Before using: Wash it in lukewarm soapy water, then rinse and dry with a clean paper towel. Insert according to package directions, then wait until the thermometer beeps to tell you it's ready to read. Write down your child's temperature and the medicine you give. List the time and the dose if you use medicine to reduce fever. Share this information with your pediatrician if you need to call. After using: Wash and rinse the thermometer, or wipe it with rubbing alcohol. Store it in a container in a cool, dry place.
context: STDs are sexually transmitted diseases. This means they are most often -- but not exclusively -- spread by sexual intercourse. HIV, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, some forms of hepatitis, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are STDs. STDs used to be called venereal diseases or VD. They are among the most common contagious diseases. More than 65 million Americans have an incurable STD. Each year, 20 million new cases are reported; half of these infections are among people ages 15 to 24 and they can have long-term consequences. STDs are serious illnesses that require treatment. Some STDs, such as HIV, cannot be cured and can be deadly. By learning more about STDs, you can learn ways to protect yourself. You can get a STD from vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can also be infected with trichomoniasis through contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or toilet seats, although it is more commonly spread by sexual contact. You are at high risk if: You have more than one sex partner You have sex with someone who has had many partners You don't use a condom when having sex You share needles when injecting intravenous drugs You trade sex for money or drugs HIV and herpes are chronic conditions that can be managed but not cured. Hepatitis B also may become chronic but can be managed. You may not realize you have certain STDs until you have damage to your reproductive organs (rendering you infertile), your vision, your heart, or other organs. Having an STD may weaken the immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to other infections. Pelvic inflammatory disease ( PID) is a complication of gonorrhea and chlamydia that can leave women unable to have children. It can even kill you. If you pass an STD to your newborn child, the baby may suffer permanent harm or death. STDs include just about every kind of infection. Bacterial STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Viral STDs include HIV, genital herpes, genital warts ( HPV), and hepatitis B. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. The germs that cause STDs hide in semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and sometimes saliva. Most of the organisms are spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but some, such as those that cause genital herpes and genital warts, may be spread through skin contact. You can get hepatitis B by sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors, with someone who has it.
context: If you have lupus, you're likely to have skin issues at some point, but treatment can bring relief. Your doctor will likely prescribe a topical medication, such as a steroid cream or gel, to clear up the problems. Sometimes steroid shots are used. You can also help prevent skin reactions, too. The best way is to use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's ultraviolet ( UV) rays, and cover up! You can have skin lupus with or without having full-blown systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE), the most common kind of lupus. Be on the lookout for some of these rashes that can be caused by skin lupus: Butterfly rash: Called a "malar" rash, this may spread over your nose and cheeks in the shape of a butterfly. The butterfly rash can be just a faint blush or a very severe, scaly rash. The sun's UV rays can trigger it and make it worse. Sores and rashes. Some may be coin-shaped (called discoid lupus). Or you may develop red, scaly patches or a red, ring-shaped rash, especially where your skin gets sun or other UV light. The sores get worse without treatment. They usually don't itch or hurt, but they can cause scarring. If this happens on your scalp, you may get patches of permanent baldness. Small, red, coin-shaped areas. These are caused by exposure to the sun's UV rays and are called subacute cutaneous lesions. They'll likely appear on your arms, shoulders, neck, or upper torso in patches, like psoriasis. They don't cause scarring, but they can darken or lighten the skin where they appear. Lupus may also cause skin problems in areas such as your mouth, scalp, lower legs, and fingers. Here are some skin changes to watch out for: Mucous membrane lesions. These are sores in the mouth or nose. Hair loss. In some cases, your immune system may destroy hair follicles and make hair fall out for a time. New hair may sometimes grow in. A severe lupus flare can also make your hair fragile and brittle. This is most likely around the edge of your scalp. Purplish spots on lower legs. These happen when the blood vessels in your skin become inflamed and damaged. They may show up as small spots or larger knots. They may also show up as lines or spots of red or purple bumps in the folds of your fingernails or on your fingertips. These spots are called cutaneous vasculitis lesions. They can cause severe damage to skin tissue and gangrene. If you have small black spots on your fingers or toes, let your doctor know right away. Color changes in fingers and toes. Blood vessels in your fingers and toes can tighten and slow the flow of blood there. The tips of your fingers or toes may turn red, white, or blue in cold weather or a cold room. They may also tingle, hurt, or go numb. This problem is known as Raynaud's phenomenon. It helps to keep your toes and fingers warm by wearing mittens and thick socks. Bluish, lacy pattern under the skin. This is known as livedo reticularis. It's likely to appear on your legs, where it can give a "fishnet" look. Like Raynaud's, it tends to be worse in cold weather.
context: Nearly two-thirds of the people who have RA are overweight or obese. Carrying extra weight increases your odds of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic problems. It takes an added toll on your health if you have RA. It can: Ramp up your RA symptoms Keep your meds from working the way they should Put more stress on already damaged joints RA has no cure. Getting to a healthier weight can lead to fewer complications and a better chance of remission. Dealing with RA means dealing with chronic inflammation. Most treatments focus on easing that. It not only damages the lining of your joints, inflammation can also cause problems with other parts of your body, like your: Skin Eyes Lungs Heart Blood vessels Having more fat cells brings more inflammation. That's because fat cells release proteins called cytokines. When they build up, they start the inflammation process. The more fat cells you have, the more cytokines you'll have. The more cytokines you have, the more inflammation you have. That makes RA symptoms worse and causes more damage to your body. Doctors often prescribe biologics like infliximab ( Remicade) or it's biosimilars, infliximab-abda ( Renflexis), Infliximab-dyyb ( Inflectra), as a treatment for RA. These drugs target parts of your immune system that cause inflammation. When you're overweight, the effectiveness of these drugs goes way down. Studies show they work for only about half of overweight people, compared to 75% of people at a healthy weight. Some disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs ( DMARDs) like methotrexate ( Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall) also don't work as well when you're overweight. Doctors aren't sure why. It may be because the cytokines that fat cells add to your system keep inflammation going, no matter how you treat it. What they do know is slimming down makes it more likely that DMARDs will help you feel better. Whether you have RA or not, adding pounds to your frame puts pressure on your joints. The ones that bear weight feel the most strain, like your: Ankles Knees Hips Low back Spine Feet When you add that to a disorder that wears down your joints with constant inflammation, you have double trouble.
context: Herpes zoster oticus is a rare type of shingles -- a viral infection of a nerve that causes a painful rash on the face including the ear. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. In cases when herpes zoster oticus also causes muscles of the face to become paralyzed, it is called Ramsay Hunt syndrome ( RHS). Anyone who's had chickenpox can get it, but it commonly affects people over 60. RHS often causes a painful rash of blisters filled with fluid in or around one ear. In some cases, blisters also can show up in your mouth and throat. Regular shingles also cause a blistery rash, but the bumps usually break out on a smallish strip of your torso instead of on your face. Because of the nerve that is affected, RHS also usually causes some weakness in the muscles in your face. You might find it hard to smile or completely close one eye. In rare cases, you might not be able to move the muscles on one side of your face at all Other common symptoms include: Ear pain which can start before you see a rash. Hearing loss Ringing in the ear Vertigo Nausea/vomiting The virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster) hibernates inside groups of nerves. It can stay there forever and never cause trouble again -- or it can "wake up" and create a new infection in one of the nerves in your body. When it affects the nerve in your face that goes to your ear, it's called herpes zoster oticus. In most cases, there doesn't seem to be a reason for the "reactivation" of the virus. Unlike with chickenpox, people who get shingles can get it again. You can't get RHS from someone who has it. But the blisters have the live varicella zoster virus in them. So newborns and people who haven't had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it can get chickenpox from someone with RHS. If you think you may have RHS, you should see a doctor right away so you can begin treatment quickly. Your doctor can usually diagnose it by asking you about your symptoms and doing an exam. But she may want to test a bit of fluid from a blister to confirm it. If started early, antiviral drugs, like acyclovir, may help you get better faster. Your doctor also may give you a prescription for pain medication or a corticosteroid to help make you more comfortable and get rid of some of the inflammation. Infections usually clear up within a couple of weeks. Some people have nerve pain from RHS after the rash is gone. In rare cases, surgery is needed to ease pressure on the nerve in your face.
context: A human bite causes serious injury. The wound will not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure. Blood spurts from the wound. Apply firm, direct pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth until bleeding stops. Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Rinse for several minutes under running water. Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. Cover the wound with a gauze or bandage. See a health care provider about any human bite that has broken the skin, because there is a high risk of infection. Signs of infection include redness, pain, swelling, or pus. Tell the health care provider if the person has stiffness, lack of mobility, or numbness in the area. There may be damage to tendons or nerves. Deeper bite wounds may require stitches. The health care provider may give a tetanus shot or booster. The health care provider may prescribe antibiotics.
context: The colon, which is the first 4 feet or 5 feet of the large intestine, is part of the body's digestive system. It has the job of absorbing water from waste material (feces) and returning it to the body. It also absorbs any remaining nutrients. The solid waste material is then passed through the colon to the rectum. From there, it is eliminated from the body through the anus. When the colon, rectum, or anus is unable to function normally because of disease or injury, or needs to rest from normal function, the body must have another way to eliminate the waste. A colostomy is an opening -- called a stoma -- that connects the colon to the surface of the abdomen. This provides a new path for waste material and gas to leave the body. A colostomy can be permanent or temporary. While still in the hospital after your surgery, you will be educated about the care of your colostomy and given some tips for making the necessary adjustments. Living with a colostomy will require a modification of your lifestyle. But with proper education and guidance, it can be manageable. Hopefully the following tips will help you adjust. And, keep in mind there are colostomy societies and support groups available to offer assistance. Monitor your medications. Some medicines can cause constipation or diarrhea. Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid foods that cause excessive gas, such as cabbage, beans, and some nuts. A dietitian can help you choose a balanced diet that will help you avoid constipation and diarrhea and not interfere with your colostomy. Live your life. Having a colostomy is not the end of life as you know it. Modern colostomy supplies are designed to lie flat and are not noticeable under clothing. Most colostomy patients are able to return to work and to many of the activities -- including sex -- they enjoyed before surgery. Consider colostomy irrigation. Some people find that a process called colostomy irrigation, which uses an enema through the stoma, clears the colon for the day and a bag may not be necessary. Talk to your doctor to find out if you are a candidate. Be sure to talk with your doctor or the nurse about resuming your normal activities and about any concerns you have about living with your colostomy. In some cases of colostomy, skin irritation or infection can result from stool that leaks under the bag. A hernia can develop around a colostomy, and the bowel may become narrow. Taking good care of your stoma and eating a balanced diet can help you avoid these problems.
context: Sabotaging your weight loss efforts involves more than just cheating on your diet. It happens when you set goals you can't meet and when you refuse to give yourself the praise you deserve. It doesn't have to be that way. Use this guide to turn self-sabotage into support. You want to reach your goal weight -- fast. So you vow, â I'm going to go to the gym for 2 hours every single day!â Or, you promise yourself, â I'm going to lose 30 pounds for that wedding next month!â Taking that approach to weight loss simply won't work. Drastic, over-the-top plans won't take you to your goal weight. Instead, take small steps toward a realistic goal. It will keep you moving steadily forward. It may take longer than you'd like, but you're much more likely to stick with your plan. You can set smaller goals along the way, too. And they don't all have to involve the bathroom scale. Add one more day of exercise to your week, and stick with it for a month. Add one more glass of water to your day over the course of a week; it will help you feel fuller. Go to bed 5 minutes early every day for a week until you're hitting the sack about 8 hours before you have to wake. Celebrate each time you meet a small goal. Treat yourself to something small (like downloading a new song) that's not about food. â I'll go to the gym tomorrow at 7 a.m.,â you promise yourself. But then a friend calls for breakfast. Or you're running late for work. Or you're too tired to get up early. â I'll go tomorrow, for sure,â you say. And the cycle of procrastination continues. The likely culprit: fear. To start a new course, ask yourself, â Why am I afraid to go to the gym?â The answer might be a faulty belief, like telling yourself you're a failure or weak. You could be trying to protect yourself from the shame or embarrassment you think you'll feel when you hop on the treadmill. Fears come in all reasons and rationales, like: You think other people will be jealous if you lose weight, and they may stop hanging out with you. You believe that people will notice you more if you take action, and you're not confident you'll know how to respond. Noticing a fear is the first step to overcoming it. Occasional treats are fine. But if you often think of food as a reward -- when you've had a rough day, or even when you've eaten well -- that's a red flag. Dig a bit deeper. When you're tempted to give in to reward eating, take 5 minutes to write down what's going on. Think about the automatic thoughts you had. Automatic thoughts are what you say to yourself. They're how you interpret what you hear and see, which doesn't always match the facts. When you're upset, write down what your first negative thought was, and look at it objectively. Are my feelings based on facts? What would someone else think about what happened? Is my reaction reasonable given what happened? After you've had this kind of thinking, write out a more realistic thought, one with a more balanced perspective. Finally, write what you could do next time you're upset or in a similar situation that would be more effective.
context: You pulled a muscle lifting weights at the gym. Or maybe your arthritis is acting up. Is there anything you can do, besides wait it out? Your grandma could have the answer. Epsom salt has been used for hundreds of years to ease all kinds of aches and pains. A simple soak in the tub may help you feel better. Despite the name, Epsom salt isn't like the stuff you put on your fries. It's called a salt because of its chemical structure. The " Epsom" part is a place in England where it's found in natural springs. You can find it in most drugstores, usually around the aspirin and laxatives. Many grocery and natural food stores also carry it. A large box costs just a few dollars. It's not the same as Dead Sea salts, a blend of minerals found only in the Dead Sea in the Middle East. The water and light there supposedly help skin diseases, arthritis, and other health problems. Epsom salt is also different from fancy bath crystals. They may not be made from the same chemicals. Plus they often have oils, colors, and perfumes to relax you and soften your skin. In water, it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate. The theory is that when you soak in an Epsom salt bath, these get into your body through your skin. That hasn't been proven, but just soaking in warm water can help relax muscles and loosen stiff joints. People use Epsom salt baths as a home treatment for: Arthritis pain and swelling Bruises and sprains Fibromyalgia, a condition that makes your muscles, ligaments, and tendons hurt, and causes tender points throughout your body Ingrown toenails Insomnia Psoriasis, a disease that causes red, itchy, scaly skin Sore muscles after working out Soreness from diarrhea during chemotherapy Sunburn pain and redness Tired, swollen feet While there are plenty of folk remedy claims, there aren't a lot of studies to back them up. Taking this type of bath probably won't hurt you, but if you have health concerns, check with your doctor first. The water should be very warm -- not hot, but comfortable to the touch. Add the Epsom salt while the water is running to help it dissolve. For a standard-sized tub, use the amount suggested on the package, usually 1 to 2 cups, or the amount recommended by your doctor. Don't use Epsom salt in a hot tub, whirlpool, or other tub with jets unless the manufacturer says it's OK. Keep the part of your body that hurts in the water for at least 12 minutes. Just relax. Check with your doctor about how long and how often you should soak. You may need to do it just once for an ingrown toenail, or every day if you have arthritis pain.
context: The majority of people who have hiatal hernias don't even realize it. Those who do know typically find out when visiting a 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(); }); } health care provider because of chronic heartburn. Symptoms may include: Heartburn, regurgitation Difficulty swallowing Chest pain radiating from below the breastbone A bloated feeling after eating Shortness of breath You have chest pain; you may have angina (chest pain associated with heart disease), or you may be having a heart attack. Get medical care immediately. You are being treated for heartburn or hiatal hernia, and you feel sudden chest or stomach pain, have difficulty swallowing, are vomiting, or are unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas; you may have a hernia that has become obstructed or strangulated, which are emergencies. Seek medical help without delay. Your hiatal hernia is accompanied by chronic heartburn; stomach acid is repeatedly burning your esophagus, which can lead to esophagitis (an inflamed and ulcerated esophagus), esophageal bleeding or scarring, or cancer. See your health care provider as soon as possible.
context: You probably already know that bipolar disorder can bring with it dramatic mood swings. You can go from the depths of depression to the racing thoughts, extreme energy, and wired feelings that doctors call âmania.â But have you heard of âhypomaniaâ? It's a less severe form of mania. It actually may feel pretty good because your mood is up and you have more energy than usual, but it's not out of control. The problem is that for someone with bipolar disorder, hypomania can evolve into mania. Or it can switch to serious depression. And you can't tell which one might happen, because the pattern isn't predictable. You may: Have lots of energy Feel high or wired Have racing thoughts Talk fast Take more risks Need less sleep than usual to feel rested Have more distractions than usual Have intense senses, such as smell and touch Some people with bipolar disorder become psychotic when manic or depressed -- for example, hearing things that aren't there. They may hold onto false beliefs, too. In some instances, they see themselves as having superhuman skills and powers -- even considering themselves to be god-like. Keep in mind that you may not notice these things in yourself. It might be a friend or family member who notices the patterns. If symptoms last for a week or more and cause problems in your life, it may be mania.
context: Horner syndrome causes problems on one side of your face when the nerves there are damaged. It can have many different symptoms, such as small pupils or droopy eyelids. It's also called Horner- Bernard syndrome or oculosympathetic palsy. You can get Horner syndrome at any age, and both men and women get it. In rare cases -- about 1 in 6,250 births -- a baby can be born with it. These symptoms affect your eyes or face on the same side: Droopy eyelid (ptosis) No sweat on one side of your face Slightly raised lower eyelid Small pupil (the black dot in the middle of your eye) Pupils in each eye are different sizes Sunken or bloodshot eye You also can have pain or headaches, which happens more often in middle-aged men. Children who get it before age 2 also can have one iris (the colored area around the pupil) that's a lighter color than the other one. Their faces may not flush on one side on hot days or after playing. Horner syndrome can be a sign of a serious health risk such as nerve damage. See your doctor if you notice any of its symptoms. Horner syndrome usually is caused by some kind of damage to a string of nerves that help control your eyes, heart rate, sweat, and blood pressure. Many things can affect the flow of signals through them: Cancer Cysts or tumors Damage to your aorta (the main blood vessel to your heart) or the myelin (a thin sheath around your nerves) Infection at the base of your skull Injuries to your carotid artery or jugular vein, which carry blood through your neck Migraines and cluster headaches Stroke Surgery Neck or shoulder injuries during delivery can cause Horner syndrome in some babies, but it's very rare. Babies born with damage to their aorta can also have it. And neuroblastoma, a type of cancer, can cause it in some kids. Only 5% of people who have the syndrome are born with it. Sometimes, there's no known reason for it. Your doctor or an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) can do tests to see if you have Horner syndrome. She'll do a physical exam and ask about your medical history to find out if you've had any illness or injury that could have caused nerve damage. Then she'll put drops in your eyes to see how your pupils react. If you have Horner syndrome, one pupil won't widen or shrink as much as it should when the drops go in. Other tests may show if you have any kind of growth, damage, or injury that could cause it. The doctor may ask for any of the following: X-rays MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): Powerful magnets and radio waves used to make detailed images CT scan (computerized tomography): Several X-rays taken from different angles and put together to show a more complete picture Your doctor also may want to test your blood or urine to check for any health problems that could cause nerve damage. There are no treatments specifically for Horner syndrome. The best way to help your symptoms is to treat the health problem that caused them.
context: If you suffer from mild or moderate arthritis joint pain, an arthritis cream or patch may help. Such creams and patches work to reduce pain in several different ways. Some commonly used counterirritants contain menthol, eucalyptus oil, oil of wintergreen, camphor, eugenol from cloves, and/or turpentine oil. When rubbed on the skin, these arthritis creams or ointments create a feeling of cold or heat over the painful joint or muscle, which may help soothe painful arthritis joints. Popular brands include Therapeutic Mineral Ice, Icy Hot, and Tiger Balm. Of topical pain medications, capsaicin, an ingredient found in cayenne peppers and available in over-the-counter creams and ointments ( Capzasin- P, Dolorac, Zostrix), probably has been studied the most. Capsaicin cream warms the skin when applied over the joint and temporarily blocks a chemical called substance P, which delivers pain messages to the brain. It has shown some effectiveness in trials for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and is a useful adjunctive therapy for some people. Remember to use disposable gloves when applying capsaicin cream, and avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, and mouth. Other arthritis creams are available that contain salicylates, compounds related to aspirin. Using topical salicylates may help you avoid most of the side effects of taking aspirin by mouth, but how well it works to relieve pain is unclear. Some brand names include Aspercreme, Bengay, Flexall, and Sportscreme. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are commonly taken by mouth to relieve arthritis pain. Arthritis creams consisting of NSAIDs, commonly used in other countries, are starting to become available in the U. S. Although studies show topical NSAIDs give short-term relief only, it is likely that the topical route is safer than taking NSAIDs by mouth. There are several available products by prescription. Lidocaine patches are another alternative pain remedy for arthritis joint pain. Lidocaine is a drug that blocks transmission of nerve messages. It acts as an anesthetic, an agent that reduces sensation or numbs pain. In findings presented at the American Pain Society's annual meeting in 2005, researchers reported that 143 patients with knee osteoarthritis pain either used the Lidoderm patch, which contains lidocaine, once daily for 12 weeks, or took Celebrex, an NSAID, by mouth. At 12 weeks, 71% of both groups reported at least a 30% improvement in their knee pain, which is considered significant pain relief. Arthritis creams and patches are usually well tolerated. However, skin irritation is possible. Symptoms of skin irritation include redness or burning where you applied the cream or patch. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to see if you should stop using the product. Allergic reactions can also occur. If you have signs of a severe allergic reaction -- hives, difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face -- you should stop using the product and seek emergency care or call your doctor immediately.