VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Of the many species of worms, the bristleworm is one of the most dangerous. Bristleworms are elongated segmented worms. Each segment contains a pair of bristles. Although bristleworms are not aggressive, they bite when handled, and the bristles can penetrate skin (sting). Bristleworms are often found under rocks and corals in tropical areas throughout the world - but it's likelier they are in your saltwater aquarium at home. You should use heavy gloves if you need to handle one. The bristleworm bite or sting may cause the following symptoms: Inflammation Burning Swelling Numbness Redness Pain Treatment for a bristleworm bite or sting includes the following: Apply topical acetic acid (vinegar) or isopropyl alcohol. Remove bristles with tweezers or adhesive tape. If severe inflammation and a continual burning sensation develop, apply hydrocortisone cream 3 times per day. If signs of infection are present, such as pus, redness, or heat, apply topical antibiotic ointment and contact your doctor. Oral antibiotics are usually recommended if there are signs of infection. Pain may be relieved with 1-2 acetaminophen ( Tylenol) every 4 hours or 1-2 ibuprofen ( Motrin, Advil) every 6-8 hours. Consult a doctor about treatment with available medications if bitten or stung by a bristleworm. Media file 1: A bristleworm. Media type: Photo Media file 2: Another bristleworm. Note obscured view due to camouflaged dorsum. Media type: Photo fireworm sting, bristleworm, bristle worm
context: If you have tuberculosis, you may not have any symptoms. That's because the germs that cause this illness can live in your body without making you sick. In fact, most people who get infected with TB are able to fight the germs before they spread. Doctors call this âlatent TBâ infection. But if the germs begin to multiply, you'll become sick with tuberculosis. Doctors call this âactive TB.â Symptoms may include: A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer Pain in your chest Coughing up blood or mucus Feeling weak or very tired Unexplained weight loss Chills Fever Sweating at night Having no appetite See your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. TB can be cured with treatment. Without it, it could be fatal.
context: This procedure was once of the most common ways to correct nearsightedness. But with the rise of more effective procedures like LASEK, LASIK and PRK, it's now considered outdated. People who have had RK may have later complications such as fluctuations of vision. Cornea collagen crosslinking may help reduce the fluctuations. To better understand your options, see Am I a Candidate for Refractive or Laser Eye Surgery?
context: An object such as a piece of glass or metal is sticking out of the eye. 1. For Chemical Exposure Don't rub eyes. Immediately wash out the eye with lots of water. Use whatever is closest -- water fountain, shower, garden hose. Get medical help while you are doing this, or after 15 to 20 minutes of continuous flushing Don't bandage the eye. 2. For a Blow to the Eye Apply a cold compress, but don't put pressure on the eye. Take over-the-counter acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) for pain. If there is bruising, bleeding, change in vision, or it hurts when your eye moves, see a doctor right away. 3. For a Foreign Particle in Eye Don't rub the eye. Pull the upper lid down and blink repeatedly. If particle is still there, rinse with eyewash. If rinsing doesn't help, close eye, bandage it lightly, and see a doctor.
context: If you've been having stomach problems, your doctor might order a stool culture or ask for a stool sample. This test can look in your poop for bacteria, a virus, or other germs that might be making you sick. Your doctor could order this test if you show any of these symptoms: Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days Poop that contains blood or mucus Stomach pain or cramping Nausea Throwing up Fever Your doctor may be more concerned if: You're very young or elderly You have a weakened immune system You've traveled outside the United States You've eaten contaminated food or water Your symptoms are severe You may need antibiotics to get rid of the infection or prevent other health problems, like dehydration (losing too much fluid). You'll need to give your doctor a sample of your poop. You won't need to do this at the doctor's office. Instead, you'll be given a special container with a lid to take home. This may have your name and birthdate on it. If not, you can write it on the label. Your doctor will go over how to collect the sample and any special instructions. In most cases, you'll follow these steps: Place something in your toilet to catch your poop. Your doctor may give you a small container or you could use a clean, empty plastic one that you have. If your stool isn't loose or watery, you could also spread newspaper or plastic wrap over the toilet rim. Make sure your poop doesn't touch the inside of your toilet. It could pick up germs that aren't yours. Place the sample into the container. Don't use your hands. Your doctor should give you a small spoon or spatula you can throw away after you use it. Don't overfill the container. For the test, you'll only need to provide a sample that's about the size of a walnut. Make sure to include any pieces that are bloody, slimy, or watery. Avoid getting urine mixed up with your stool. If you need to pee, do so before starting. Put the container in a sealed plastic bag and wash your hands well with soap and water. Flush any leftover poop down your toilet. Return the sample to your doctor's office as soon as you can. It can be kept in your refrigerator until then, but for no more than 24 hours. Tell your doctor about any medicines you're taking, since these can affect your test results. He should also know if you're taking any herbs, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs. Once your sample gets to the lab, it will be smeared inside a special sterile plate that helps bacteria to grow. Any that does is looked at more closely under a microscope. Most of the time, you should get results back within 1 or 2 days. If your test results are negative, that means that they're normal. No germs were found in your poop and you don't have an infection. A positive test result means that your poop was infected with a germ, virus, or other type of bacteria. The lab will tell your doctor which type it is and which medicines will fight against it. That can help him decide how to treat it.
context: If you've just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA), you may wonder what your future holds. The answer may lie in which of the two main types you have. This is the more common type (60%-80% of people with RA are seropositive). Having seropositive RA means your blood has antibodies that can attack your body and inflame your joints. They're called anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (your doctor may call them anti- CCPs), or anti-citrullinated protein antibodies ( ACPAs). Your doctor can give you a blood test to see if you have anti- CCPs. But having them doesn't always mean you have RA. Your doctor will make that call after he finds out what your symptoms are. Being seronegative means you don't have the anti- CCPs in your blood at all -- or you don't have much of them. If you still have RA symptoms and a negative test for anti- CCPs, then you probably have seronegative RA. No matter which diagnosis you get, your symptoms will probably be the same. These can include: Joint pain Joint stiffness Body stiffness in the morning for 30 minutes or more Inflammation of the body in other areas besides the joints Fatigue People with seropositive RA usually have more pain than those with the seronegative kind. They're also more likely to: Have nodules (swollen lumps under the skin) Have vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels) Have rheumatoid lung issues Have other illnesses along with their RA, like cardiovascular disease. Smokers are also more likely to get seropositive RA If you're seronegative, but have RA symptoms, you could have another condition. For instance, if you're seronegative but have inflammation in your body, you could have osteoarthritis. That's a joint disease where the cartilage on your bones has worn away, which causes joint stiffness. No matter which type of RA you have, your treatment will likely be the same. You'll be prescribed either: An anti-inflammatory medication ( NSAID), like ibuprofen or naproxen A corticosteroid medication, like prednisone A disease-modifying antirheumatic drug ( DMARD) such as methotrexate ( Trexall, Otrexup, Rasuvo) or leflunomide ( Arava) Your doctor may prescribe biologic DMARD therapies. There is some evidence that people who are seronegative don't respond as well to the DMARD rituximab ( Mabthera). These medications won't cure your RA. They'll just make the symptoms easier to deal with, or slow down the growth of the disease. Your doctor may also prescribe: Physical therapy Exercise Hot and cold compresses to help with the pain As a last resort, you may have surgery on your joints or tendons.
context: If you think you've been exposed to anthrax, seek medical help right away. Do this whether or not you have symptoms, which may not show up right away. You'll get a blood test to check for antibodies to anthrax or toxin made by the anthrax bacteria in your blood. You may also get swabs of your skin or samples of your spinal fluid, stool, or mucus that you cough up. Tell your doctor what happened. If he thinks you may have breathed in the spores that yield anthrax bacteria, you may get a chest X-ray or CT scan. The treatment you need will depend on what happened and how you were exposed. You'll get antibiotics, which you may get through an IV. You may also need an antitoxin, which is a type of medicine that counters the poisons that anthrax bacteria make. Anthrax antitoxins include obiltoxaximab ( Anthim) or raxibacumab ( ABthrax) to help treat inhaled anthrax. If your case is serious, you'll get the treatment in a hospital. There is an anthrax vaccine, but it's only for people who are at risk because they might become exposed to anthrax. This group includes people who work in a lab with anthrax, some people who work with animals or animal products, and some members of the U. S. military. The anthrax vaccine isn't approved for use after exposure, but that might change in an emergency situation, such as if anthrax were used in terrorism. In that case, people who are exposed would need three shots of the vaccine over 4 weeks, and also take antibiotics of 60 days. Remember, anthrax is rare in the United States. You can't get it unless the spores get into your body, either through a cut or because you breathe them in or drink or eat something that's contaminated with spores that contain the bacteria. You cannot catch anthrax from someone else.
context: Postherpetic neuralgia ( PHN) is a painful, chronic condition that can occur following shingles, a viral infection that causes a mildly itchy to intensely painful rash. PHN occurs most often in elderly people and in people whose immune systems have been compromised. The pain of PHN, which occurs in the same area as the pain and rash of shingles, results from damage to nerve fibers during the shingles infection. Shingles is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, but the disorder is most common in people over age 60. In PHN, pain is intense and may be described as burning, stabbing, or gnawing. Affected areas of the body may be hypersensitive or may have decreased sensation. In addition, areas previously affected by shingles may show evidence of scarring. PHN usually is diagnosed when pain lasts three months or more after an acute attack of shingles or appears after the skin lesions of shingles have healed. PHN is treated with medications including over-the-counter lidocaine patches, prescription pain relievers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. For many people, PHN may improve over time without treatment.
context: Getting a donor heart, liver, kidney, lung, or other organ can save your life. Sometimes, it can also lead to type 2 diabetes. How often does it happen? Experts aren't sure, but it could affect more than 1 in 10 people who get a transplant. For them, diabetes is especially risky. It makes organ rejection and dangerous infections more likely. But it can be treated. After an organ transplant, you need to take drugs for the rest of your life so your body doesn't reject the donor organ. These drugs help organ transplants succeed, but many of them, such as the medication tacrolimus ( Astagraf, Prograf) or steroids, can cause diabetes or worsen it. Apart from those medicines, you are also more likely to get diabetes if: You're obese. Diabetes runs in your family. You're African- American or Latino. You're older than 40. You have hepatitis C. Talk to your doctor if you think that you're at high risk of getting diabetes. He may be able to prescribe medicines that are less likely to cause it. Diabetes after an organ transplant may go away if your doctor changes or lowers your medication dosage. Many people can stop taking steroids after 6 months or so. This may solve the problem. While someone has diabetes, they may need medicine to manage it. Lifestyle changes make a difference, too. They include: A healthy diet Good control of your blood sugar Exercise Regular medical care
context: Tamoxifen is a medication that blocks the female hormone estrogen in the body. For more than 30 years, doctors have prescribed it to fight breast cancer tumors that depend on estrogen to grow. Scientists aren't sure exactly how the drug works. But they do know that some breast cancer cells are sensitive to estrogen. They need it to grow and spread. In order to fuel that growth, estrogen must attach itself to those breast cancer cells. Doctors think that tamoxifen stops estrogen from attaching to the cell. No estrogen means no growth for these types of breast cancer cells. There are different reasons, including: To treat breast cancer after surgery or radiation To treat cancer in one breast and reduce the risk of the disease in the other breast To prevent invasive breast cancer in women at high risk To treat the earliest stage of breast cancer, called ductal carcinoma in situ ( DCIS), after surgery and radiation To prompt ovulation in women with fertility problems To treat other cancers such as ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, melanoma, and brain tumors In higher than normal doses, tamoxifen may even kill some breast cancer cells that don't depend on estrogen. Women who have no history of breast cancer can take tamoxifen as a way to protect them from getting the disease. This drug reduces the risk of breast cancer in two ways: It blocks estrogen from working on cancer cells that are sensitive to the hormone. It blocks estrogen from acting on cells that are not cancerous. Tamoxifen also keeps healthy breast cells from growing and multiplying. That way, it also reduces the number of cells that could become cancer. In a study of more than 13,000 women at high risk for breast cancer, scientists found that women who took tamoxifen for 5 years had fewer breast cancers than women who took a placebo. Newer research suggests that taking the drug for 10 years lowers the risk even more. Another study by the National Cancer Institute found about a 50% reduction in breast cancer cases among women at high risk who took tamoxifen. The study also found another plus for the medicine -- it reduced the chance of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine from the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis. When a woman takes tamoxifen to treat breast cancer, most doctors agree that the benefits of the drug are much greater than the possible risks of taking it. Some experts believe that women who take it to prevent the disease should think carefully about the pros and the cons, like the cost of the drug and its side effects, which can be serious. Side effects of tamoxifen include: Blood clots Strokes Heart disease Uterine cancer Cataracts Milder side effects include symptoms that are similar to menopause, such as: Vaginal dryness Hot flashes Leg cramps Joint pain Tamoxifen may also cause irregular periods and sexual problems. If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer or you're at high risk for the disease, talk with your doctor to see if tamoxifen is right for you. Together, you can weigh the benefits and risks of this drug to make sure you get the healthiest result.
context: What are the common causes of acid reflux disease? Doctors aren't always sure. Triggered by an increase of acid in your esophagus, acid reflux disease may develop for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the common causes of acid reflux disease. Several factors may increase your risk for acid reflux disease. Stomach abnormalities. One common cause of acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia, which can occur in people of any age. A hiatal hernia happens when the upper part of the stomach and LES (lower esophageal sphincter) move above the diaphragm. This is the muscle wall separating your stomach from your chest. When it works correctly, the diaphragm normally helps keep acid from rising into your esophagus. But if you have a hiatal hernia, it is easier for acid to move up into your esophagus. Pregnancy . Many women experience acid reflux for the first time during pregnancy. This is caused by increasing levels of hormones combined with pressure from the growing fetus. Usually worst during the third trimester, the symptoms almost always go away after delivery. Smoking. Smoking may contribute to acid reflux disease by doing any of the following: Damaging mucus membranes Impairing muscle reflexes in the throat Increasing acid secretion Reducing LES muscle function Reducing salivation, which neutralizes the effect of acid Smoking also increases the risk for cancer of the esophagus. Acid reflux foods. Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal can trigger heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux disease, such as a dry cough or trouble swallowing. These are some of the common acid reflux foods that trigger symptoms: Alcohol Carbonated beverages Chocolate Citrus fruits, such as oranges or lemons Coffee or tea (regular or decaffeinated) Fatty or fried foods Foods containing tomato, such as spaghetti sauce, salsa, or pizza Garlic and onions Mint Spicy foods, such as those containing chili or curry Drinking alcohol also increases the risk of esophageal cancer. The more you drink , the greater the risk. When coupled with smoking, the risk is even greater than for using either alcohol or tobacco alone. Other causes of acid reflux disease. Other common causes of acid reflux disease include: Being overweight or obese Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist Snacking close to bedtime or lying down right after a meal Taking aspirin or ibuprofen, some muscle relaxers, or certain blood pressure medications
context: Migraines are so common, there's a special name for people who get them: migraineur. Yet, loved ones don't always understand the condition, and even if they do, serious headaches can put a strain on time with spouses, family, and at work. You may not be able to cut migraines out of your life, but you can help others understand how they affect you. That way, everyone will know what to expect and how they can help you. Kids can tell when parents don't feel well. It may make them feel sad, scared, or even that they caused it. You can put that fear to rest by talking to your children about your migraines -- when you're not in the middle of one. What you tell them can depend on their age and how much information you think they can handle. For younger kids, you can try a statement like this: " Sometimes, my head really hurts, so when that happens I may need quiet time so I can feel better." If you feel a migraine attack coming on, let your kids know that you're going to take your medicine and rest. Stay positive, and let them know that you will feel better soon. When a migraine is about to hit or is already in full swing, migraineurs may not be able to attend to family chores such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping. So their partners have to pick up the slack. That can put a strain on relationships. Many times, they need to cancel plans. And for many, the migraines disrupt their sex life. Even if you can't prevent your migraines (and there are medicines that can help you do that), you can try to plan for the times when they might happen. Migraine pain often starts at predictable times, like before or during a woman's period or when the weather changes. If you know your triggers, plan ahead. Make dinners in advance so you can microwave them on the nights you won't feel like cooking. Let your partner know that you may need down time in the next few days. That leaves time for them to plan to take on other family responsibilities, such as picking up the kids from school. Sex can also be a tough subject for couples affected by migraines. Some migraineurs don't like to be touched when they are having an attack. Tell your spouse ahead of time what helps and what doesn't when you're in the middle of a migraine. And let them know that "not tonight" doesn't mean "not ever." It's only temporary. More people are aware of migraines today than in years past, so it's likely that your boss and co-workers will understand the toll they take on you. Being open about your condition with your supervisor can help resolve many issues that could affect your job performance. You could say, " Sometimes I wake up with migraine pain, and I need to treat it before I come to work. I may come in late, but I will make up the lost time. Is that something that will work for you?" Most bosses will understand. On average, migraineurs take about 4 days off from work a year because of migraine pain. Understand and anticipate the impact migraine pain can have on others in your life. Talk to them about how you feel. This goes a long way to prevent or repair any problems. Clear communication is key.
context: Doctors tell you to stay home when you have the flu so you don't get other people sick. But how long do you have to shut yourself away? Here's how to know when you can be out and about again. How long can I spread it? About a week. Typically, you're contagious from 1 day before you have any symptoms. You stay that way for 5 to 7 days after you start feeling sick. Kids and people may be able to spread the virus for even longer, until all of their symptoms fade. How do I spread it? Most of the time, it's through droplets in the air. Sick people sneeze or cough out beads of moisture that contain the flu virus. They can travel up to 6 feet. You're exposed to the flu virus when you breathe the droplets in, or if they land in your mouth, nose, or eyes. You can also get it if you touch a place those droplets land -- like a desk, counter, or doorknob -- and then touch your face. The virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. When am I most contagious? Some experts believe you're most likely to spread the virus in the first t 3 to 4 days. That's because the more you cough and sneeze, the more droplets you shoot into the air and onto objects around you. Is there a way to tell if I'm still contagious? Fever is a definite sign. You should stay home for at least 24 hours after your temperature goes back down on its own. That means without the help of medicines. Do flu medicines help stop the spread? No. You can still make other people sick even if you're taking antiviral mediations that treat the flu. The CDC recommends four FDA-approved drugs to treat the flu: baloxavir marboxil ( Xofluza), oseltamivir ( Tamiflu), peramivir ( Rapivab), and zanamivir ( Relenza). These drugs could shorten the time that you're sick. And they might shorten the length of time that you can spread the flu. The Bottom Line: When it comes to the flu, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Listen to your doctor: Stay away from people when you're sick, even if you feel better. It's the only way not to spread the flu.
context: Researchers are always on the hunt for new and better ways to diagnose and treat breast cancer. From nanotechnology to improved tests, there have made some amazing breakthroughs. Usually, a mammogram and breast ultrasound are used to screen for breast cancer. Sometimes, doctors will also use breast MRIs. But researchers are studying newer imaging tests to help. Some of these tests include: Optical imaging -- Light is passed into the breast and the test measures the amount of light that comes back or passes through the tissue. Researchers are studying the use of this test with MRIs or 3 D mammograms to help diagnose breast cancer. Molecular breast imaging ( MBI) -- Doctors inject a drug that's slightly radioactive into a vein. Called a tracer, this drug attaches itself to any breast cancer cells. A special camera then sees the tracer and any cells. This test is being studied to be used with mammograms for women with dense breasts or as a way to look at breast problems like lumps. Positron emission mammography ( PEM) -- With the PEM scan, sugar is attached to a radioactive particle to look for cancer cells. The test may help find small groups of them. Electrical impedance imaging ( EIT) -- Breast cancer cells conduct electricity differently than normal cells. This test looks for that difference. It passes a bit of current through the breast and looks for changes with small electrodes on the skin. These drugs target cells that make too much of a protein called HER2. The protein is found in some people who have breast cancer. The targeted drugs include: Ado-trastuzumab emtansine ( Kadcyla) Lapatinib ( Tykerb) Neratinib ( Nerlynx) Pertuzumab ( Perjeta) Trastuzumab ( Herceptin) Breast cancer can spread to the bones. There are drugs that can prevent that spread or treat it when it happens. Drugs like pamidronate ( Aredia) and zoledronic acid ( Zometa) help strengthen bones. They also can lower the chance of fractures in bones made weak by breast cancer. Denosumab ( Xgeva) might also help other treatments work better. It can help make bones stronger and ease the chance of fractures in bones that have been weakened by cancer. This is the science of using very tiny objects. There's a lot of research in this field in cancer detection and treatment. Using nanoparticles, chemotherapy can target the cancer cells directly, without hurting the tissue around them. That would make the drugs more effective and cause fewer harmful side effects. There are several drugs approved for use. Others are being tested. Devices that use nanotechnology can also help find cancer. They let doctors look for signs of it in blood or other fluids. New drugs and therapies are being tested all the time. The goal is to offer more effective, less-toxic treatment with fewer side effects. Taking part in one of these trials may allow you to try a treatment years before it reaches the market. Ask your doctor if a trial might be right for you.
context: The best thing you can do is to not smoke and to avoid other people's smoke. Doing this will also help cut your chances of developing heart disease and many other serious conditions. Breaking the cigarette habit isn't easy, but it's possible. It often takes more than one attempt to quit for good. Keep at it, and ask your doctor what would help you reach your goal. You may also want to join a support group or a quit-smoking program. When you're getting ready to quit, you can try to cut back on how many cigarettes you smoke daily. But many people say that it's more effective to stop cigarette smoking "cold turkey" than to gradually taper off. If you live or work with people who smoke, encourage them to quit and ask them not to smoke around you. Smoking isn't the only cause of lung cancer. If you work with cancer-causing chemicals, follow all the safety rules to protect yourself.
context: Inotropic therapy is used in end-stage heart failure to help relieve and control heart failure symptoms so that you are better able to perform your daily activities. These medications are only used when other drugs no longer control heart failure symptoms. Inotropic therapy, also known as heart pump medication, stimulates an injured or weakened heart to pump harder. The primary purpose of this medication is to increase the force of the heart muscle's contractions. Inotropic therapy may also speed up the heart's rhythm. Heart pump drugs include: Dobutrex (dobutamine) Primacor (milrinone) Inotropic therapy for heart failure is first administered in the hospital where you can be closely monitored. Dobutamine and milrinone are intravenous (through the vein) medications administered by an infusion pump to help ensure the dose is accurate. These drugs may be ordered by your doctor to be given continuously or periodically over 6 to 72 hours, one or more times per week. Even if you feel well, do not discontinue your inotropic therapy medication from your intravenous catheter line or from your infusion pump without consulting your doctor. If you are discharged from the hospital with an inotropic medication, a home health nurse will provide specific directions on how to care for your intravenous site, catheter, and infusion pump. Notify your doctor or nurse right away the first time any of these side effects occur: Headache Increased heart rate High blood pressure Nausea Vomiting Shortness of breath Faintness, dizziness, or lightheadedness Mild leg cramps or tingling sensation If any of the following side effects occur, contact your doctor immediately: Irregular, fast heartbeat (more than 120 beats per minute) Pain or swelling at infusion site Fever of 101 ° F (38.3 ° C) or higher Pump malfunction (then call the pharmacy immediately for a replacement) Carefully follow the low-sodium (low-salt) diet and daily exercise program advised by your doctor. Alcohol increases the side effects of these medications and should be avoided. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so your response to this medication can be monitored. Be sure that you always have enough infusion bags of your medication. Check your supply before vacations, holidays, or other occasions when you may be unable to obtain it. Never administer other intravenous drugs through the same intravenous line. Take precaution to prevent infection while you are taking this drug. Your doctor will give you information on how to prevent infection.
context: Sometimes pain relief can be accomplished through physical therapy. Physical therapy ( PT) involves treatments that focus on prevention and management of injuries or disabilities. PT helps to relieve pain, promote healing, and restore function and movement. PT is practiced by a professionally trained physical therapist. A physical therapist is a specialist skilled and educated specifically in evaluation and conservative management, including rehabilitation, of orthopaedic, neurologic, and cardiovascular conditions.. A therapist may focus on decreasing pain with either passive or active therapy. Examples of passive physical therapy include: Manual therapies Heat/ice packs Electrical stimulation, including TENS units Ultrasound Dry needling Cupping Examples of active physical therapy include: Movement based activities, including stretching and range of motion exercises Specific strengthening exercises Pain relief exercises Low-impact aerobic conditioning An important aspect to keep in mind about physical therapy and pain relief is that each individual may respond differently to therapy. People have different types of bodies, different patterns of movement, and different habits. Physical therapists and their trained staff can monitor each individual and attempt to correct improper habits and movement patterns.
context: When you have diabetes, do your best to avoid getting the flu, or influenza. Everyone has a chance of catching this viral infection, but people with diabetes have a harder time fighting it off. The flu can put added stress in your body, which can affect your blood sugar levels and raise the chance of serious health complications. They usually come on quickly and may include: Fever (usually high) Severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes Weakness Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes Headache Dry cough Sore throat and runny nose For in-depth information, see Flu Symptoms: What You Might Feel. You can take some over-the-counter medications to ease your symptoms. But make sure you read the label. Avoid products with high amounts of sugar. This often includes liquid cold and flu drugs, cough drops, and liquid cough medicines. Look for sugar-free products instead. For in-depth information, see Flu Treatment: The Basics. You'll need to check often while you're sick. Because you're ill and feel awful anyway, you may not notice changes in your blood sugar levels. Take a reading at least every 3 to 4 hours. Call your doctor about any major changes right away. You may need to adjust your insulin. Check your ketones, if you have type 1 diabetes. If they get too high, you might have diabetic ketoacidosis ( DKA), which can cause a coma or even death. High ketones are another reason to call your doctor. You may feel really crummy and not hungry or thirsty at all. Still, you have to eat to keep your blood sugar levels steady. Stick with foods from your regular meal plan. Eat about 15 grams of carbs every hour or so, like a slice of toast, 3/4 cup of frozen yogurt, or 1 cup of soup. Some people get nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea with the flu. To make sure you get enough fluids, sip liquids throughout the day. Aim for 1 cup every hour. Choose sugar-free drinks -- tea, water, sugar-free ginger ale -- if your blood sugar is running high. If your blood sugar is low, try something that has about 15 grams of carbs: 1/4 cup of grape juice or 1 cup of a sports drink, for example. Because you have diabetes, you have a higher risk for complications. Your best strategy is to keep the flu away in the first place. Get a yearly shot or nasal vaccine. The best time for people with diabetes to get vaccinated is September. Ask family members, co-workers, and close friends to get the vaccine, too. You're less likely to get flu if those around you don't have it. Keep your hands clean. Frequent and thorough hand washing is the best way to avoid getting sick from germs. For in-depth information, see Flu Prevention Strategies. If you haven't gotten a pneumonia shot yet, talk to your doctor. According to the ADA, only 1 out of every 3 people with diabetes ever gets this shot. Yet people with diabetes are about three times more likely to die from flu and pneumonia.
context: Natalizumab ( Tysabri) is a treatment for people with relapsing forms of MS. It makes flares happen less often and keeps physical disabilities from getting worse quickly. Tysabri works in a different way from other multiple sclerosis drugs. It keeps the white blood cells of the immune system from entering the brain and spinal cord, which doctors think plays an important role in the damaging effects of MS. You'll go to your doctor's office to get the drug through a vein. That will take about an hour every 4 weeks. The most common ones are: Infections Headache Fatigue Depression Joint pain Menstrual problems It's possible for some people to have an allergic reaction to Tysabri. Symptoms include hives, itching, breathing problems, chest pain, nausea, flushing, dizziness, and rash. You'll need to stay at your doctor's office for about an hour after you get the drug to make sure the reaction doesn't happen. After the FDA first approved Tysabri, the drug's manufacturer took it off the market due to reports of a rare but serious brain infection called PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy). The company introduced a program that requires everyone taking the medicine to register and to follow up every so often in order to find any possible cases of PML as soon as possible. With these safety programs in place, the drug went back on the market. Your risk for PML goes up with the number of doses you take. It's also higher for people who've taken drugs that turn down their immune systems before they use Tysabri. Because of this risk, doctors usually recommend Tysabri only for people who've tried other MS treatments that haven't worked. Besides PML and allergic reactions, other serious side effects include liver damage and serious infections. Talk with your doctor about these side effects and whether Tysabri would be a good option for you. Together you can weigh the risks and benefits and decide if you should take the drug.
context: The cervical cap ( Fem Cap) is a soft, thimble-shaped cup made out of silicone or latex. It fits snugly over the cervix (where the uterus opens into the vagina). It's designed to block sperm from reaching the woman's egg. That's why it's called a âbarrierâ method of birth control. The diaphragm also uses the barrier method. The woman coats the inside of the cap with spermicide, and inserts it into her vagina and up to her cervix before sex. The cap blocks the cervix and the spermicide kills the sperm. You must keep the cap in place for at least 6 hours after sex. During that time, if you have sex again, you don't need to reapply the spermicide. But you should check that the cap is still in place. The woman uses her fingers to take the cap out. It's important to do that within 48 hours (2 days) after having sex. If you leave it in, there's a chance you could get a staph infection that gets out of control and becomes toxic shock syndrome, which needs immediate medical care. Once the cap is out, rinse it with soap and water, and let it air dry. Keep it in its case. Don't use it with any creams or lubricants. You need to make an appointment with your doctor to get fitted. It's important that the cap fit tightly. You should replace your cup every year. Estimates vary, but the CDC says that of 100 women who use the cap, about 12 will accidentally get pregnant in a typical year. It's less effective if you've had a baby by vaginal birth. And you need to follow the instructions exactly for it to work right. No. The male condom provides the best protection from most STDs.
context: A simple kidney cyst is a round pouch of smooth, thin-walled tissue or a closed pocket that is usually filled with fluid. One or more may form within the kidneys. Simple cysts are the most common type of kidney cyst. They are not the same thing as polycystic kidney disease, which is a progressive disease that can lead to kidney failure. Simple kidney cysts most often do not cause harm. 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(); }); } The cause of simple kidney cysts is not fully understood, but they do not appear to be inherited. Being male is a risk factor, however, as is age: Almost half of all people age 50 or older have one or more simple cysts in the kidneys. The size of these cysts may also increase with age and may double over 10 years. Simple kidney cysts usually do not cause symptoms. In most cases, a doctor finds them during an ultrasound or computerized tomography ( CT) scan done for another reason. However, simple kidney cysts may: Cause pain in your side, back, or upper abdomen if they enlarge and press on other organs Bleed Become infected, causing fever, chills, or other signs of infection Impair kidney function (rare) Simple kidney cysts have been associated with high blood pressure, but it is unclear what the relationship is between the two. If your cyst does not cause symptoms or complications, you do not need treatment. Your doctor may simply watch your cysts to make sure they don't cause any problems. However, in the rare case that you have symptoms, you may need treatment. You may have a procedure that involves these steps: A doctor punctures the cyst with a long needle inserted through the skin, using ultrasound for guidance. The doctor drains (aspirates) the cyst and may then fill the empty pouch with a solution that contains alcohol; this causes the tissue to harden and lowers the chances of recurrence. Scarring down the space within the cyst is called sclerosis. In some cases, a cyst will return and refill with fluid. Your doctor may recommend surgery that entails general anesthesia and a large incision. During the procedure, the surgeon would insert a thin, lighted viewing tube called a laparoscope and other instruments to drain the fluid from the cyst and remove or burn its outer wall to keep it from reforming. You may need to stay in the hospital for one or two days following the surgery.
context: Sealants are a thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth -- usually the back teeth (the premolars and molars) -- to prevent tooth decay. The painted on liquid sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, they cannot always get into all the nooks and crannies of the back teeth to remove the food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by "sealing out" plaque and food. Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are obvious candidates for sealants. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. In this way, the dental sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14. In some cases, dental sealants may also be appropriate for baby teeth, such as when a child's baby teeth have deep depressions and grooves. Because baby teeth play such an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, it is important to keep these teeth healthy so they are not lost too early. Applying the sealant is a simple and painless process. It takes only a few minutes for your dentist or hygienist to apply the sealant to seal each tooth. The application steps are as follows: First, the teeth that are to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned. Each tooth is then dried and cotton or another absorbent material is put around the tooth to keep it dry. Sometimes, an etching solution is put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the teeth. Other sealants do not require this step. The teeth are then rinsed and dried. Sealant is then painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes, a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden. Sealants can protect the teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can replace sealants as necessary. It is also possible for decay to get under a sealant that is starting to wear out. Your dentist will be able to diagnose and find these areas with the help of dental X-rays. Appropriate treatment, usually either a new sealant or a small filling, can then be provided before the problem progresses. Many insurance companies cover the cost of sealants. Check with your dental insurance carrier to determine if sealants are covered under your plan.
context: Some people say they drink alcohol to "drown their sorrows" after a bad breakup, job loss, or other major life stress. And yes, because alcohol makes you sleepy, a few beers or glasses of wine can seem to relax you and relieve anxiety. A drink once in a while when you're stressed out or blue is one thing. But when you need that cocktail every time a problem crops up, it could be a sign of alcohol abuse. There's also a strong link between serious alcohol use and depression. The question is, does regular drinking lead to depression, or are depressed people more likely to drink too much? Both are possible. Nearly one-third of people with major depression also have an alcohol problem. Often, the depression comes first. Research shows that depressed kids are more likely to have problems with alcohol a few years down the road. Also, teens who've had a bout of major depression are twice as likely to start drinking as those who haven't. Women are more than twice as likely to start drinking heavily if they have a history of depression. Experts say that women are more likely than men to overdo it when they're down. Drinking will only make depression worse. People who are depressed and drink too much have more frequent and severe episodes of depression, and are more likely to think about suicide. Heavy alcohol use also can make antidepressants less effective. Alcohol is a depressant. That means any amount you drink can make you more likely to get the blues. Drinking a lot can harm your brain and lead to depression. When you drink too much, you're more likely to make bad decisions or act on impulse. As a result, you could drain your bank account, lose a job, or ruin a relationship. When that happens, you're more likely to feel down, particularly if your genes are wired for depression. It's not always clear if depression makes you drink or vice versa. Studies of twins have shown that the same things that lead to heavy drinking in families also make depression more likely. Researchers have found at least one common gene. It's involved in brain functions like memory and attention. Variations in this gene might put people at risk for both alcohol misuse and depression. Home and social environment also play a role. Children who were abused or raised in poverty appear to be more likely to develop both conditions. It probably won't hurt to have a glass of wine or beer once in a while for social reasons unless you have a health problem that prevents you from drinking. But if you turn to alcohol to get you through the day, or if it causes trouble in your relationships, at work, in your social life, or with how you think and feel, you have a more serious problem. Alcohol abuse and depression are both serious problems that you shouldn't ignore. If you think you have a problem with either, talk to your doctor or psychologist. There are lots of choices when it comes to medication that treats depression, and there are drugs that lower alcohol cravings and counter the desire to drink heavily. Your doctor will probably treat both conditions together. You can also get help from Alcoholics Anonymous or an alcohol treatment center in your area.