VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: If primary biliary cholangitis (formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis) isn't treated, or if it gets worse and causes liver damage, there's a chance you could have other serious problems. That's why your doctor will keep a close eye on you. Some of those issues include: Portal hypertension: Your portal vein carries blood from your stomach, intestines, spleen, gallbladder, and pancreas to your liver. Scar tissue from cholangitis blocks normal circulation and can boost pressure in your portal vein. That leads to problems like swelling, an enlarged spleen and blood vessels, and toxin buildup. Toxin buildup: When your liver can't remove toxins from your blood, they could build up in your brain. You might notice problems with memory and concentration. It may also cause confusion, sleep problems, and personality shifts. It can become so serious that you wind up in a coma. This condition is called hepatic encephalopathy. Enlarged veins: When blood can't flow freely through your portal vein, it can back up elsewhere, especially your stomach and esophagus. That leads to more pressure in your veins, which can trigger bleeding and enlarged blood vessels, called varices. This is serious, and you'd need to see a doctor right away. Enlarged spleen: Portal hypertension can fill your spleen with white blood cells and platelets. That means there are fewer of them elsewhere in your blood where your body needs them. Swelling: When your liver fails, fluid often builds up in your ankles, feet, legs, and belly. If there's too much, you could get a serious infection called bacterial peritonitis. You'll need to treat it right away. Weak bones: Your bones could become thin, weak, and easier to break. You could get osteoporosis. Your doctor will prescribe calcium and vitamin D to help keep your bones strong and prevent problems. Gallstone and bile duct stones: When bile backs up and can't flow through the ducts, it can harden and turn into stones. You could also get stones if bile can't flow easily to and from your gallbladder. They're often painful and can lead to infections. Problems with fat absorption: When bile can't move around the way it should, it can be hard for your body to absorb fat. You might not get enough of vitamins A, D, E, and K -- the ones that dissolve in fat. You might also have loose, greasy bowel movements because of fat buildup in your stool. Your doctor might suggest you take these vitamins as replacement therapy. Liver cancer: The damage that comes with cholangitis could make you more likely to get it. Treatments work best if you find tumors early, so your doctor will check for signs of liver cancer every 6-12 months. She might use blood tests, ultrasound, or both. Other diseases: You also may be more likely to get conditions related to your immune system, like thyroid problems, limited scleroderma ( CREST syndrome), Sjogren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
context: Doctors have been using Botox for years to successfully treat wrinkles and facial creases. Botox is a brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are also other brand names, such as Dysport and Xeomin. Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle can't contract. That makes the wrinkles relax and soften. Botox is most often used on forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eye), and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox. Getting Botox takes only a few minutes and doesn't require anesthesia. Botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. It generally takes 7 to 14 days to take full effect, and it is best to avoid alcohol starting at least one week before the procedure. You should also stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before treatment to reduce bruising. The effects from Botox will last three to six months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and need to be treated again. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are shrinking. Temporary bruising is the most common side effect of Botox. Headaches, which end in 24 to 48 hours, can happen, but this is rare. A small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping. This usually ends within three weeks. Drooping usually happens when the Botox moves around, so don't rub the treated area for 12 hours after injection or lie down for three to four hours. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease should not use Botox. Since Botox doesn't work for all wrinkles, you should consult with a doctor first. Botox is not covered by insurance when used for cosmetic purposes. Check with your health insurance company for coverage details.
context: Many people think that what they eat affects their psoriasis, but no studies have shown a connection. Doctors can't be sure there's no link between some foods and psoriasis. It's just that so far, there's no proof. According to most experts, the best dietary advice for people with psoriasis is the same as for anyone else: Eat a diet low in fats and sweets and high in fruits and vegetables, lean meats or other proteins like beans and legumes. While you're at it, get regular exercise -- being overweight can make psoriasis worse and keep your medication from working like it should. Watch how much you drink -- alcohol can aggravate psoriasis, too. Still, you shouldn't ignore your own experience with psoriasis. If your skin gets worse after you eat certain foods, then stop eating them and see what happens. That food could be a trigger for you. Even though there's no proof, you'll find dozens of psoriasis diets described in books and on websites. At some point almost every food has been blamed for an outbreak -- sugar, junk food, wheat products, tomatoes, coffee, and eggs are often called out. There are just as many theories about what foods might be good, among them herbal teas, some fruit juices, and fish oil supplements. It's no surprise that psoriasis diets disagree about what's good and what's bad. If you're thinking about trying a psoriasis diet, talk to your doctor first. He'll probably tell you any diet that cuts down on the amount of junk food and alcohol you eat and drink is OK. Stay away from extreme diets that claim to cure psoriasis. They won't work. Avoid those that require you to fast, get enemas, or take other extreme steps. These diets can be time-consuming, expensive, hard to stick with, and in some cases, even dangerous. Don't assume that supplements you buy in the supermarket are helpful or even safe. Taking supplements in extremely high doses, which some shady psoriasis "diet experts" suggest, can be toxic. Always talk to your doctor before going on any diets or using any supplements or alternative medicines. You may feel so frustrated with your psoriasis that you're ready to try anything. Be careful. Never let desperation make you gullible.
context: If your child has ADHD, she likely has many symptoms. Often, one type of treatment isn't enough to help with all the behavior issues. She may need a combination of treatments. This is adjunctive therapy. You may also hear it called combination therapy or complementary therapy. It can work in different ways. For some children with ADHD, the first treatment may be behavioral therapy, which gives the child, parents, and teachers training and tools to deal with symptoms. It rewards good behavior and gives consequences for poor ones. Other kids may start out with a medication to help control symptoms. There are different types of drugs used for ADHD: stimulants, nonstimulants, and antidepressants. Whether your child tries behavioral therapy or medication first, you may find it's not enough on its own. Often, these two types of treatments are used together. Research shows a combination of behavioral therapy and medications called stimulants works best to manage symptoms of ADHD. But that doesn't mean it works for every kid. It may sound strange to take these medications at the same time, but this form of adjunctive therapy has worked for many kids. Despite the name, stimulants don't make a child excitable. They help them focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. They boost and balance certain brain chemicals. They stimulate the part of the brain that controls impulses. Nonstimulants can improve concentration and impulse control. They tend to have a longer-lasting, smoother effect than stimulants. For some kids, taking these two different types of drugs together can best manage behavior problems. Even if your child doesn't have a mood disorder like depression, your doctor may still suggest a combination of these two types of drugs to help with your child's symptoms. Antidepressants aren't approved to treat ADHD, but doctors do use them for it, often in combination with stimulants. Antidepressants can help control hyperactivity and aggression. Some kids with ADHD also have depression or other mood disorders, so the two drugs together may be the best treatment plan for them. Some kids with ADHD may benefit from changes in what they eat, such as going gluten-free or avoiding certain food dyes and additives, although research is limited on how well this works. Omega-3 supplements may also help some children, and one is available by prescription. Talk to your doctor to find out if a supplement, or a change in diet, may be a good option for your child. Both can be used along with other treatments, but only under the guidance of a doctor. You need to make sure she takes her meds exactly as the doctor prescribes. Your child won't get the most benefit if you break from it. Be aware of how long each medication should stay in her system. Some are short-acting, but some work for as long as 24 hours. Make note of any changes in behavior or symptoms. Let the doctor know if you see anything that concerns you.
context: Changes in hearing are common as people get older. But, like going gray, the shift rarely happens overnight. Think of how a person's first silver strands may only show in a certain light. The start of an age-related hearing problem can be just as subtle. But it's important to pay attention to those first signs. People with untreated hearing loss are more likely to be depressed, feel isolated, and have memory problems later on. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, talk to your doctor or an audiologist about getting a hearing test. 1. Children's voices sound muffled or unclear. When aging takes a toll on your cochlea, the inner ear organ that helps you hear, the cells that detect high-pitched sounds are usually the first to fail. This can make it harder to understand anyone with a high-pitched voice, like children and women. It's also the reason you may not hear your microwave beep or the crickets chirping at sunset. 2. You can't follow the conversation in noisy places. The background noise at malls and restaurants is generally low-pitched, while many letters in speech, such as âfâ and âs,â are high-pitched. If you have trouble hearing the high tones, you will hear the noise better than the speech of people around you. Age-related changes in how the brain processes sound can also make it harder to ignore background noise. 3. You're exhausted after social events. When you can't hear all the sounds of speech, your brain has to fill in the gaps to make sense of what others are saying. That takes a great deal of focus, especially when there's more than one person speaking at a time. All this effort may leave you tired after social events. If this sounds like you, talk to your doctor or an audiologist. Professionally fit hearing aids could ease the strain. 4. You're watching people's lips instead of making eye contact. When one sense doesn't work as well as it used to, the brain tries to make up for it by using more of another sense -- in this case, eyesight. Picture the shape of someone's lips when saying âfâ or âpâ -- you can âseeâ these sounds even if you can't hear them. This may lead you to shift your eyes to the speaker's mouth when you're having trouble hearing. 5. Your ears feel clogged. Sometimes this happens when there's too much wax or fluid in your ears. But if your doctor tells you your ears look clear, it's a good idea to get a hearing test. Age-related hearing loss can make sounds seem dull or muffled, which may seem similar to a clogged feeling. 6. The volume on your TV keeps creeping up. Television shows tend to mix together dialogue, sound effects, and music. When you hear bass tones better than high tones, the music and effects can drown out parts of the speech. So to make out what the characters are saying, you may crank up the volume. If others in your house complain that the TV is too loud, it's time to get your hearing checked.
context: Dizziness Lightheadedness Unsteadiness Dimming or blurring of vision Weakness Fatigue Nausea Cold, clammy skin Fainting Pale skin You experience any of the symptoms listed above. You have been diagnosed with low blood pressure and are experiencing an increase in the frequency of symptoms, such as falling down or passing out. You experience symptoms as a result of taking prescription or nonprescription medication. If your blood pressure gets severely low, there's a significant danger that your body will not receive enough oxygen to carry out its normal functions. Decreased oxygen can result in impaired functioning of the heart and brain and cause difficulty with breathing. Someone with low blood pressure can lose consciousness or go into shock (when the organs shut down).
context: Although lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U. S. in both men and women, both the occurrence of lung cancer and the deaths related to it can be reduced. More than four out of every five cases of lung cancer are associated with cigarette smoking. The cause-and-effect relationship has been extensively documented. During the 1920s, large numbers of men began to smoke cigarettes, presumably in response to increased advertising. Twenty years later, the frequency of lung cancer in men climbed sharply. In the 1940s, significantly more women became smokers. Twenty years later, there was a similar dramatic increase in lung cancer among women. Lung tumors usually start in the spongy, pinkish gray walls of the bronchi â the tubular, branching airways of the lungs or the air sacs called alveoli. More than 20 types of malignant tumors that originate in the lung itself -- primary lung cancer -- have been identified. The major types are small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. The more common non-small variety is primarily divided into squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large-cell carcinoma.
context: Angiotensin II receptor blockers ( ARBs) have similar effects as ACE inhibitors, another type of blood pressure drug, but work by a different mechanism. These drugs block the effect of angiotensin II, a chemical that narrows blood vessels. By doing so, they help widen blood vessels to allow blood to flow more easily, which lowers blood pressure. ARBs are generally prescribed for people who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors. Examples of ARBs include: Atacand (candesartan) Avapro (irbesartan) Benicar (olmesartan) Cozaar (losartan) Diovan (valsartan) Micardis (telmisartan) Teveten (eprosartan) Some of the side effects of taking ARBs include: Dizziness , lightheadedness, or faintness upon rising, This side effect may be strongest after the first dose, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Contact your doctor if these symptoms are persistent or severe. Physical problems. Diarrhea, muscle cramps or weakness, back or leg pain, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), irregular heartbeat, or fast or slow heartbeat, sinusitis or upper respiratory infection. Contact your doctor if these symptoms are persistent or severe. Confusion. Contact your doctor right away. Severe vomiting or diarrhea. If you become sick with severe vomiting or diarrhea you may become dehydrated, which can lead to low blood pressure. Contact your doctor. Abnormalities in blood chemistry laboratory tests. Cough, though less commonly than with ACE inhibitors. Also contact your doctor if you have any other symptoms that cause concern. ARBs can be taken on an empty or full stomach. Follow the label directions on how often to take this medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and how long you need to take the medication will depend on the type of ARB prescribed, as well as your condition. Note: It may take many weeks for you to feel the full effects of the medication. While taking this medication, have your blood pressure and kidney function checked regularly, as recommended by your doctor.
context: Usually, you have a very small amount of alpha-fetoprotein ( AFP) in your body. But when you have liver disease, some types of cancer, or are pregnant, you'll usually have more of it in your blood. An AFP tumor marker test checks the level of this protein. A higher AFP level doesn't always mean you have a health problem. Some people simply have more AFP than is typical. Your doctor may want you to have an AFP tumor marker blood test to: Narrow down the cause of a lump in your liver, testicles, or ovaries Help decide the best treatment for cancer See how well a cancer treatment is working Make sure cancer hasn't come back after treatment AFP tests can also check for birth defects in an unborn baby. Doctors may test spinal fluid for AFP, too, depending on what they're looking for. You can have an AFP blood test at your doctor's office or in a hospital. A technician will use a needle to take a sample from a vein in your hand or arm. You may feel a small prick and have a little bleeding or bruising where the needle goes in. Then they'll send your blood to a lab. Doctors measure AFP in your blood in nanograms per milliliter (ng/m L). The normal level for most healthy adults is between 0 and 8 ng/m L. Many things, including cancer, liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis, as well as an injured liver that's healing, can raise that number. You'll likely need more tests to get the right diagnosis. Very high levels -- 500 to 1,000 ng/m L or more -- are often a sign of certain kinds of cancer. Other types of cancer may not show up on an AFP test. When you have liver disease already, an AFP of more than 200 ng/m L usually means you have liver cancer. For people who have a raised AFP but less than 200 ng/m L, the doctor may want to do an AFP- L3% test (also called L3 AFP). This compares the amount of a specific kind of AFP ( AFP- L3) to the total amount of AFP in your blood. It helps doctors figure out what's going on, especially when you have a chronic liver disease, like cirrhosis. An AFP- L3% result of 10% or more suggests that you have higher odds of getting liver cancer and your doctor should watch carefully for signs of it. These tests can also help your doctor check how well your cancer treatment is working. Ideally, you want to get back to a normal level. Regular AFP tests can help catch a relapse early, too. If the cancer you had before comes back, your AFP level will go up, sometimes before you have any symptoms.
context: Exactly what your surgeon will do when you get weight loss surgery depends on what type of surgery you're getting. Weight loss surgery works in three basic ways: Restricting how much food your stomach can hold at any time. This is "restrictive" weight loss surgery. Preventing your digestive system from absorbing all the nutrition in the food you eat. This is "malabsorptive" surgery. A combination of these two ways Here's what each procedure involves. Restrictive types of weight loss surgery are gastric banding, intragastric balloon, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. These procedures make less room in the stomach for food right after it's swallowed. Gastric banding involves placing a band around the top end of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. The band limits the amount of food you can eat by making you feel full after eating small amounts of food. There are two approved gastric banding devices and procedures approved in the U. S. -- LAP- BAND and the Realize band. The intragastric balloon is a saline-filled silicone balloon that is placed in the stomach, limiting the amount of food you can eat and making you feel full faster. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy involves removing about 75% of the stomach. What remains of the stomach is a narrow tube or sleeve, which connects to the intestines. Gastric bypass surgery also involves creating a small pouch. The difference between gastric bypass and gastric banding is that food doesn't pass through the pouch to be further digested in the larger part of the stomach. Instead, the pouch empties directly into the small intestine. To make this work, the small intestine is severed. The surgeon connects one end of it to an opening in the new stomach pouch. After this surgery, when you eat, food bypasses most of your stomach and the first part of your small intestines. That makes this surgery both restrictive and malabsorptive. Surgeons rarely do weight loss surgery that's only malabsorptive. One exception is a surgery that removes much of the stomach. That surgery is called a biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch. Before you have weight loss surgery, you'll go through an evaluation process that includes counseling and various tests. All types of weight loss surgery have pros and cons. Those that involve more cutting, sewing, and rearranging things inside of you may yield slightly better results, but they also may come with more side effects.
context: The name sounds complicated. But this is a simple handheld gadget that helps keep your lungs clear when you're off your feet for a while. Maybe you've had surgery on your chest or belly, or you've fractured your ribs and find it painful to take deep breaths. Or you have pneumonia or a lung condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) or cystic fibrosis. The breaths you take may not be as deep as usual. That means the air in your lungs may not move much and may not clear out any infections. You inhale through an incentive spirometer to exercise your lungs and to get air into every nook and cranny. Your doctor may also call it a manual incentive spirometer. It's made of plastic and is about the size of a small notebook. It has a mouthpiece that looks like a vacuum tube. When you inhale with it, the suction will move a disc or a piston up inside a clear cylinder. The deeper you breathe, the higher the piston rises. Most spirometers have numbers on the cylinder to show how much air you take in. They also may have a gauge to tell if you're inhaling at the right pace. You may need a couple of tries to get the hang of it. After that, a spirometer is easy to use. Sit straight on a chair or the edge of your bed. If you've had surgery on your chest or belly, you may be sore there. Hold a pillow there to support it and help keep it from hurting. Breathe out completely to clear all the air from your lungs. Close your lips firmly around the mouthpiece. You'll have to breathe in only through your mouth. Plug your nose if you need to. Breathe in slowly, and make the piston rise as high as you can while you keep the indicator between two arrows to know you are inhaling at the right pace. Then hold your breath up to 10 seconds. Note where the piston stopped. While you're holding your breath, it will gradually sink. Loosen your lips from the mouthpiece when the piston hits the bottom of the cylinder. Breathe out slowly and rest for a bit. Do this 10 times, or as many as your doctor recommends. Aim to get the piston higher each time. When you finish, cough to clear any mucus from your lungs. If you're sore from surgery, hold the pillow against you while you cough. Repeat the exercise every hour you're awake, or as often as your doctor says. You can use a special spirometer if you have an opening in your windpipe because of a tracheotomy. It has a valve instead of a mouthpiece. You hook it up to the tracheostomy tube connected to your throat. When you empty out and refill the air in your lungs, you get rid of fluid and germs that can lead to an infection. You also exercise your lungs, so that they're able to put more oxygen into your body. That helps you to heal and avoid lung infections. If you're having surgery, your doctor may want you to start using your spirometer at home before you head to the hospital. If you strengthen your lungs, you're less likely to pick up an infection there. Experts debate the advantages of incentive spirometry. Studies show that deep breathing exercises appear to work just as well. Your doctor will suggest what may work best for you.
context: When you make it a habit to get good sleep, you're healthier and you feel better. See how many of these things you can do in the next 30 days. 1. Go to sleep and wake up at about the same times every day. 2. Make your bedroom dark, quiet, and comfy. 3. Try to get 7-8 hours of shut-eye per night. 4. Don't eat a big meal close to your bedtime. 5. Get up and read a book if you can't sleep. 6. Take your computer and TV out of your bedroom. 7. Put your smartphone in a drawer, so the screen light doesn't keep you up. 8. Try not to nap. 9. Avoid caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime. 10. Exercise most days this week. Do it early in the day if you find that later workouts hamper your sleep. 11. Start a sleep diary. Write down how well and how long you rest. 12. Don't drink alcohol at night. 13. Talk with your doctor about any sleep problems you often have.
context: Medicines can ease your stuffy nose and itchy eyes once allergies strike, but you can take steps to keep your symptoms from showing up in the first place. Keep windows closed and use air conditioning if you're allergic to pollen. Don't use fans. They can stir up dust. Filter the air. Cover air-conditioning vents with cheesecloth to catch pollen, and use HEPA filters. They remove lots of very small particles that other ones miss. Make sure you clean air filters often. Keep the humidity in your house below 50%. That'll prevent the growth of mold. If you have pets, keep them out of the bedroom. Bathe them at least once a week, too. Avoid areas where molds may collect, including basements, garages, crawl spaces, barns, and compost heaps. Have someone else clean these areas often. Put dehumidifiers in basements and other areas of the house where mold tends to collect. Clean them every week. Make sure shoes and clothes are dry before storing. Take wet clothes out of the washing machine right away, so mold doesn't grow. Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles with mold-killing cleaners. Don't over-water indoor plants. Wet soil encourages mold growth. Use hypoallergenic covers for pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Stay away from overstuffed furniture. Wash your bedding every week in hot water. Don't let anyone smoke in your house. Wear a mask and gloves when you clean, vacuum, or paint to limit the dust and chemicals you come in contact with. Vacuum twice a week. Limit throw rugs to reduce dust and mold. Make sure the rugs you have are washable. Choose hardwood or vinyl floors instead of carpeting. If you must have carpet, choose low-pile. Avoid dust-collecting blinds or long drapes. Use window shades, instead. Make sure there's an exhaust fan over the stove to remove cooking fumes. Check the forecast. Stay indoors as much as possible on hot, dry, windy days, when pollen counts tend to be highest. The worst time to be outside is usually late morning through mid-day. Avoid extreme temperature changes. They're triggers for some people with asthma. Wear a mask (like a low-cost painter's mask) when mowing the lawn if you're allergic to grass pollen or mold. Better yet, have someone else mow for you. Wear a mask when gardening if pollen bothers you. Avoid raking leaves or working with hay or mulch if you're allergic to mold. After being outdoors, take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes to remove pollen. To protect yourself from insect stings , wear shoes, long pants, and sleeves. Don't wear scented deodorants, perfumes, shampoos, or hair products. Don't hang clothes or linens outdoors to dry. Pollen and molds can collect in them and make your allergies worse. Pack your allergy meds in your carry-on bag. Saline nasal spray can be especially helpful on planes and in hotel rooms where the air is dry. Bring an extra supply of medication in case you need them. Ask for a non- smoking room. Ask for non-allergenic pillows. Or bring your own hypoallergenic pillow cover from home. If possible, keep the vent on the room air conditioner shut. Eat in smoke-free restaurants.
context: Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) happens when your body's defenses -- your immune system -- target the synovium, a thin layer of tissue that lines your joint. Your joints are usually the most severely affected, but the inflammation can spread to other organs and systems. RA causes ongoing pain, fatigue, and other problems. It's different from osteoarthritis, which results from breakdown of cartilage, the squishy tissue that cushions the ends of your joints. Doctors don't know exactly what causes this disease. But they know these things could be risk factors for RA: Age. RA can affect you at any age, but it's most common between 40 and 60. It isn't a normal part of aging. Family history. If someone in your family has it, you may be more likely to get it. Environment. A toxic chemical or infection in your environment can up your odds. Gender. RA is more common in women than men. It's more likely in women who've never been pregnant and those who've recently given birth. Obesity. Extra weight, especially if you're under 55. Smoking. If your genes already make you more likely to get RA, lighting up can raise your odds even higher. And if you do get the disease, smoking can make it worse. There's no way to prevent RA, but you can lower your chances if you: Quit smoking. It's the one sure thing besides your genes that boosts your odds of getting RA. Some studies show it also can make the disease get worse faster and lead to more joint damage, especially if you're ages 55 or younger. If you're overweight and a smoker, your chances of developing RA go up. Take care of your gums: New research shows a link between RA and periodontal (gum) disease. Brush, floss, and see your dentist for regular checkups. Even though there's nothing you can do to ensure you won't get it, keep in mind that early treatment can make your symptoms less painful and save your joints from damage. Ideally, you should begin treatment within 3 to 6 months of your first symptoms.
context: Stomach flu. Chickenpox. Pinkeye. Strep throat. These bugs spread fast. You can catch some of them, like the flu, from a person who doesn't have symptoms yet. Sickness spreads in many ways. You can breathe in germs when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes. You get some diseases, like chickenpox or pinkeye, if you touch a person who has it. And you can catch others, like hepatitis B, by having sex with an infected person or by coming in contact with their blood. Germs are everywhere. Follow these five easy steps to help keep your family clear from catchy infections. You don't have to get sick. There's a vaccine for many common contagious diseases. Make sure your family is up to date on their vaccinations. That includes adults, who should get a tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis booster vaccine (also called Tdap) if they haven't had one yet. Then they should get a diphtheria/tetanus, or Td, booster every 10 years. People over 60 should get a shot to prevent shingles. People 65 and over need to get two pneumonia shots. And most everyone over 6 months old should get a yearly flu vaccine. Adults may also need any vaccinations that they didn't get as children. Remember, more shots means fewer chances for disease to spread. The CDC calls hand washing a âdo-it-yourself vaccine.â It's one of the easiest things you can do to stop germs in their tracks. Follow these steps to make sure: Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). Use soap. Rub your hands together for 20 seconds - about as long as it takes to sing â Happy Birthdayâ twice. Rinse. Dry your hands with a clean towel or let them air dry. Don't have soap and water? Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. When should you wash your hands? Before, during, and after you prepare food Before you eat Before and after you care for a sick person Before and after you treat a cut or wound After you use the bathroom After you change a child's diaper or clean up after a child who's used the bathroom After you blow your nose, cough, or sneeze After you touch an animal or its waste After you feed your pet After you touch garbage Germs can linger on hard surfaces for hours or days. That's why it's important to keep places like counters, sinks, and faucets clean. You'll also want to wipe down phones, remotes, doorknobs, and light switches often. Keep your germs to yourself. Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have one, use the inside of your elbow. Don't eat or drink after anyone, even family. Don't use each other's lip balm or utensils. One of the fastest ways for germs to spread from person to person is by mouth. We can't promise you'll never get sick, but follow these basic tips and your odds of catching -- or spreading -- illness will go way down.
context: To avoid an allergic reaction, you need to know what you're allergic to. Skin testing one way your doctor can check on what causes your symptoms. These tests use extracts (a concentrated liquid form) of common allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, animal dander, and foods. Once those get in your skin, they could trigger a rash. Your skin will get irritated and may itch, like a mosquito bite. That reaction is how the doctor can tell you're allergic to something. When you have an allergy, your immune system will make antibodies and set off chemicals to fight off the trigger. The steps vary depending on what type of test you're having. There are three main ways to get allergens to react with your skin. Scratch test, also known as a puncture or prick test: First, your doctor or nurse will look at the skin on your forearm or back and clean it with alcohol. They'll mark and label areas on your skin with a pen. Then they'll place a drop of a potential allergen on each of those spots. Next, they'll scratch the outer layer of your skin to let the allergen in. ( It's not a shot, and it won't make you bleed.) Intradermal test: After they look at and clean your skin, the doctor or nurse will inject a small amount of allergen just under your skin. Patch test: Your doctor could put an allergen on a patch and then stick that on your arm or back. Plan for an hour-long appointment. The pricking part of scratch and intradermal tests takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Then you'll wait about 15 minutes to see how your skin reacts. Patch tests take more time, and two visits to your doctor. You'll have to wear a patch for about 48 hours in case you have a delayed reaction to the allergen. Tell your doctor about all medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter products. Some drugs can affect the results, so your doctor will give you a list of medicines to avoid before the test. If you can't stop taking a medication, your doctor or nurse may do a separate test to find out if that drug will hamper the results. Since allergy medicines, such as OTC antihistamines, stop allergic reactions, you shouldn't take them for a few days before your appointment. You need to let your body react to the allergens in the test. A skin test may be mildly irritating, but most people say it doesn't hurt. Although you're coming into contact with things you could be allergic to, they're very small amounts. Whole-body reactions to allergy skin tests are rare, but let your doctor know right away if you have: Fever Lightheadedness Trouble breathing A widespread rash Swelling on your face, lips, or mouth Trouble swallowing The doctor or nurse will clean any extracts and ink marks off your skin with alcohol. You may need to use a mild cortisone cream to ease itching. If you get a patch test, you'll go home with bandages on your skin. Don't get these areas wet -- no baths or swimming. When you go back to the doctor in a couple of days, he'll take another look at your skin. Your doctor or allergist will use the results of your test to come up with a treatment plan for you.
context: Doctors use electroconvulsive therapy ( ECT) to treat severe depression. Sometimes, they also use it to treat other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. ECT is one of the fastest and most effective ways to relieve symptoms in severely depressed or suicidal people or those who have mania or other mental illnesses. In schizophrenia, ECT is often extremely effective for a syndrome called catatonia, a condition that may coincide with schizophrenia, some forms of depression, and other psychiatric disorders in which a person's body becomes rigid and cannot be moved. Doctors may also use ECT to ease other symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking. ECT is traditionally used more often to treat depression or bipolar disorder, however, than schizophrenia. It is thought to be more effective for treating psychosis when mood symptoms are also present. The effectiveness of ECT has therefore not been as extensively studied for treatment of schizophrenia as for mood disorders. First, you get general anesthesia and a drug that relaxes your muscles. Then, you get electrodes placed on your scalp. The doctor will send a finely controlled electric current through those electrodes for a very short time. This will cause a brief seizure in your brain. Because your muscles are relaxed, the seizure may only cause slight movement of your hands and feet. You'll âwake upâ minutes later, and probably won't remember the treatment. You may be confused for a short time afterward. Most people get ECT two to three times a week for 2-4 weeks. You'll probably also get psychotherapy and take medicine under a psychiatrist's care. Many people misunderstand ECT, even though it's been around since the 1940s. Many of the risks and side effects have been related to anesthesia, doctors using the equipment improperly or doing the ECT in the wrong way, and staff who haven't had the right training. There is also a misconception that ECT should only be a "last resort" form of treatment, or that it is used as a "quick fix" instead of long-term therapy or hospitalization. Movies and TV shows have shown it incorrectly, adding to the misunderstandings. You and your doctor should talk about all your treatment options, in order to find those that are best for you. If your doctor recommends ECT, you should get a complete medical exam, including your medical history, physical and neurological exams, a heart test called an EKG, and lab tests. Your doctor should closely check what medicines you've taken or are taking, too. Keep in mind that you'll probably need medicine or other treatment to prevent a relapse. Many doctors suggest follow-up treatment that includes medicine or ECT given less often, called "maintenance ECT." Short-term memory loss is the major one. This usually goes away within a few weeks after treatment ends.
context: â Food poisoningâ is a broad term that can actually cover a whole lot of different infections. Your exact symptoms and their severity will vary. That will depend on the kind of bacteria, virus, or parasite that's infected you, how much is in your system, and how well your immune system is fighting it off. Despite the wide range of types, most cases of food poisoning cause some mix of the following: Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting If you have a mild case, you might think you have a stomach flu or virus. You may get better without any treatment. But some people have such bad symptoms that they may need to go to the hospital. Learn more about the symptoms and when to call the doctor. Cramps in your stomach and gut, diarrhea, and vomiting may start as early as 1 hour after eating tainted food and as late as 10 days or longer. It depends on what is causing the infection. Some other possible, common symptoms of a variety of food poisonings might include: Bloating and gas Fever Muscle aches Weakness Abdominal pain and cramping You've probably heard of the some of the bad bugs that can cause food poisoning: Campylobacter E. coli Listeria Salmonella Shigella You've probably also heard of one of the nastiest: botulism, a rare but severe type of bacterial food poisoning. Symptoms of botulism might include: Slurred speech or blurred vision Muscle weakness Hard time swallowing Dry mouth Muscle paralysis from the head down through the body Vomiting Call 911 if you see any symptoms of botulism in yourself or a loved one. A mild case usually passes on its own with just rest and lots of fluids. You should call a doctor, however, if you or a loved one have: Any signs of dehydration: dry mouth, little or no urination, dizziness, or sunken eyes Any diarrhea in a newborn or infant Inability to hold down liquids without vomiting Diarrhea that lasts longer than 2 days (1 day in a child) or is severe Severe gut pain or vomiting Fever of 102 F or higher, or a rectal temperature of 100.4 F in a baby younger than 3 months Stools that are black, tarry, or bloody Muscle weakness Tingling in your arms Blurry vision Confusion Diarrhea or flulike illness in pregnant women Jaundice (yellow skin), which can be a sign of hepatitis A
context: Types of Mental Health Specialists Choosing the right doctor or therapist to treat schizophrenia and other mental health issues makes a big difference. How do you find those professionals? A number of professionals can treat mental illnesses, including the following: Psychiatrists These doctors diagnose and specialize in the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental, emotional, or behavioral problems. They can prescribe medications and do “talk therapy.” Psychologists They can’t prescribe medicine in most states. Psychiatrists and psychologists often work hand-in-hand and treat many of the same conditions. Psychologists can also give someone tests to see how well they’re able to handle normal daily life. You may want to look for a psychologist who does cognitive rehabilitation, remediation, or enhancement. This type of therapy teaches them how to communicate their own needs and show that they understand the needs of others. Licensed Clinical Social Workers ( LCSWs) and Licensed Professional Counselors ( LPCs) These professionals are trained to provide professional counseling for psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues. They can specialize in areas such as marital and family counseling, relaxation therapy, stress management, and sex therapy. Because LCSWs and LPCs are not medical doctors, they can’t prescribe medications. Primary Care Doctors In many cases, your regular doctor may diagnose your illness or refer you to a specialist. Holistic and Alternative Medicine Doctors They specialize in complementary and alternative medicines, holistic medicine, nutritional medicine, and herbal medicine treatments. These doctors may be able to prescribe medications but often choose different approaches that may combine natural medicines with mental health therapies. First, they’ll consider what you need. Then, they may recommend other mental health therapists such as life coaches, psychologists, or psychoanalysts. Psychoanalysts These psychiatrists, psychologists, or other mental health professionals have advanced training in psychoanalysis, which is a particular form of psychotherapy. But psychoanalysis isn’t considered an appropriate treatment for schizophrenia or other forms of psychosis. So this isn’t the type of specialist that your loved one needs. How to Find the Right Mental Health Professional To get referrals, you could ask: Your doctor Your health insurance company Trusted friends, family, or clergy You can also: Use a referral service from a national professional organization for therapists or doctors. Call a local or national medical society or mental health organization. Before you schedule your first appointment, make a list of questions so you get the information you want, such as his or her: Experience in working with people who have schizophrenia Education, licenses, and years in practice Fees, lengths of sessions, insurance coverage, and office hours Availability in case of an emergency Treatment approach and philosophy Specialization by age group or condition
context: Could your itchy rash be a symptom of eczema? It's possible. Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a term that covers many types of skin problems. The way to know for sure whether you have it or not is to see a doctor. But there are some common warning signs you can watch for. People usually have their first eczema symptoms when they're babies. But children and adults can have the condition. No two people have exactly the same symptoms. In general, the disease often appears as skin patches that can be: Very itchy Red Dry Swollen Sore Rashes tend to come and go. With time, they can get crusty and scaly. Some types of eczema can also blister, leak fluid, crack, or peel. An infection or too much scratching can make your symptoms worse. It can even make your skin thick and leathery. You can have eczema anywhere on your body, but it often shows up on the: Insides of your elbows Backs of your knees Face, often on the cheeks Behind the ears Buttocks Hands and feet Sometimes, you may have other skin changes along with eczema, such as small raised bumps or hives. Or, you might have an extra fold of skin under your eyes. When you scratch too much, your skin might break open a little. This allows bacteria or viruses to get inside and can lead to an infection. Sometimes, the medications you take to control eczema can also cause other health problems if you take them for a long time. Although eczema symptoms tend to die down as babies get older, people who had the condition as infants are at higher risk for other skin problems throughout life, like sensitive skin, infections, or eyelid dermatitis. The best way to diagnose eczema is for a doctor to get your entire medical and family histories. She may ask about: If you have asthma or allergic reactions, such as to pollen, pets, or foods Substances that tend to irritate your skin, like soaps or cosmetics Any recent extra stress Where and when your symptoms started Any treatment you've had for other skin conditions The doctor can sometimes tell by looking at a rash whether or not it's eczema. But it may take more than one visit to rule out other problems. The doctor might also refer you to a specialist, such as a dermatologist or allergist. There's no test for eczema, but allergy testing can help pinpoint any allergic triggers. Other common triggers include irritants, heat, or stress. When you talk with your doctor, get as much information about your condition as you can. Here are some questions to get you started: What's the cause of my eczema? What's the best way to treat it? Do I need a prescription? Is there anything new that might work better than what I've tried in the past? Can I prevent a new outbreak of eczema? When should I call you about my symptoms?