VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Are you thinking about getting weight loss surgery? Then you may have questions, such as these: Keep in mind that weight loss surgery is for people who are obese (body mass index, or BMI, is 30 or more). How much weight you lose in the first year after surgery depends on the type of surgery. You may lose between 50% and 70% of your extra body weight within two years after surgery. When you're considering bariatric surgeons, ask the following questions: Are they board-certified by the American Board of Surgery? Are they members of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery? What's their success rate? How many weight loss surgeries do they perform each year? How often do their patients have complications? What side effects are most common? Look for a center or hospital that offers educational seminars, or for support groups that you can turn to before and after your operation. Your doctors may ask you to lose some weight before surgery to show your commitment to change, and to improve your health. Some surgeons ask people to try to lose 15 pounds to 30 pounds before surgery. If you smoke, your doctor will likely tell you to quit, both for your long-term health and to cut the chances of problems from your operation. Smokers are more likely to have complications, such as pneumonia, from surgery. You may also meet with a nutritionist about changing the way you eat. When people start building better food habits before surgery -- eating smaller portions, eating slowly, paying closer attention to the nutritional makeup of meals -- they often adapt better to life after surgery. The process may also require a psychological evaluation. All surgeries carry some risk of infection or blood clots. Being obese makes complications more likely, particularly if you have early signs of diabetes or heart disease. You should get a thorough checkup to find any potential problems before surgery. Using an experienced and qualified surgeon is also critical. There's also a chance of getting medical problems due to nutritional deficiencies such as anemia. Your doctor will want to monitor your nutritional health with regular checkups as well as have you follow a healthy diet and exercise plan that may include taking supplements. Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. Recovery from gastric banding usually takes at least 1 week, and with a gastric bypass, it is often up to 4 weeks. Because of new techniques, weight loss surgery can often be performed with minimum invasion, via small incisions. In a few centers around the country, weight loss surgery is even done on an outpatient basis. Contact your insurance company to ask what it covers and what it requires. Many insurance companies want to know what you've done to try to lose weight before surgery. Paying for weight loss surgery yourself is very expensive. A typical weight loss operation can run from $15,000 to $25,000 on average. There may be financing options; check the terms carefully so you know what you're getting into.
context: There are a variety of strong pain relievers, including narcotic drugs, that your doctor may prescribe to help relieve arthritis pain. Often, these pain relievers are combined with acetaminophen ( Tylenol). They include: buprenorphine transdermal patch ( Butrans) fentanyl transdermal patch ( Duragesic) hydrocodone ( Hysingla, Zohydro) hydromorphone ( Dilaudid, Exalgo) methadone ( Dolophine, Methadose) morphine ( Arymo, Kadian, MS Contin, Morphabond) oxycodone ( Oxaydo, Oxy Contin, Xtampza, Xartemis) Oxymorphone ( Opana) Roxy Bond Tapentadol ( Nucynta) Tramadol ( Conzip) Troxyca ER Vantrela ER If you're taking a narcotic for arthritis pain, keep in mind that alcohol and drugs containing acetaminophen or Tylenol don't mix. The combination can greatly increase your risk of severe liver damage. When you take narcotic drugs, you also run the risk of developing a tolerance to the drugs. That means you need more and more of the drugs in order to get the same effect. You also run the risk of becoming dependent or even addicted. In addition, narcotic drugs can cause side effects such as constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating. The drugs lubiprostone ( Amitiza), methylnaltrexone ( Relistor), naldemedine ( Symproic), and naloxegol ( Movantik) are approved to treat constipation due to opioid use in those with chronic pain. Unlike ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, or other NSAID drugs, narcotics do not decrease the inflammation that occurs with arthritis. Narcotic drugs work on pain receptors in the brain to relieve pain. If you have pain that isn't relieved by a narcotic drug or NSAID alone, speak to your doctor about combining the two. In some cases, an NSAID/narcotic combination may relieve pain better than either alone.
context: Although you can't reverse natural balding, you can protect hair from damage that may eventually lead to thinning. Many people put tremendous stress on their hair. Hair dryers, hot curlers, hair dyes, permanents, tight braids, and hair straightening products, and chemical-laden cosmetics may cause dry, brittle, and thinning hair. To prevent hair damage that may cause hair loss, follow these tips: Go natural: Leave your hair its natural color and texture. If that is not an option for you, give hair time to recover between blowouts and chemical treatments. Don't style your hair with tight braids. Choose products wisely: Use a basic shampoo designed for your hair type. When curling your hair, choose less-damaging sponge rollers. Also, brush using a moderately stiff, natural-bristle brush, which is less likely to tear your hair. Brush properly: Proper hair brushing can do as much for the condition of your hair as any over-the-counter product. Using a proper brush, apply full strokes from the scalp to the tips of your hair to distribute the hair's natural oil. Be gentle, and avoid brushing your hair when wet, when it is especially fragile. It is best to use a wide-toothed comb on wet hair.
context: Sleep disruption is parents' most frequent concern during the first years of a child's life. Half of all children develop a disrupted sleep pattern serious enough to warrant a visit to the pediatrician. In children younger than 3 ½ years, peak frequency of night terrors is at least one episode per week. Among older children, peak frequency of night terrors is one to two episodes per month. The doctor may want to do an evaluation to exclude other possible disorders that might cause night terrors.
context: Gastric bypass surgery shrinks the size of your stomach, so you can't eat as much as you used to. The surgeon will also re-route, or bypass, part of your digestive system so you don't absorb as much food. There are several types of gastric bypass surgery: Roux-en- Y gastric bypass: This is the most common gastric bypass surgery done in the U. S. Surgeons can do it through a small cut, which has a quicker recovery time than more complicated surgery. First, the surgeon makes a small stomach pouch by stapling part of the stomach together or by vertical banding. This limits how much food you can eat. Next, the surgeon attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine to the pouch. That creates a bypass for food, so it skips part of your digestive system. As a result, you absorb fewer calories and nutrients. Extensive gastric bypass (biliopancreatic diversion): This is a more complicated type of gastric bypass. The surgeon removes the lower part of the stomach. He then connects the small pouch that remains directly to the last part of the small intestine, completely bypassing the first two parts. It works for weight loss, but it's not widely used because it has a high complication rate and can leave you short on nutrients. People who have gastric bypass surgery are at risk for: Pouch stretching. The stomach gets bigger over time, stretching back to its original size. Breakdown of staple lines. The staples fall apart. Nutritional, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies. Your body will be less able to get nutrients from food. Stomal stenosis. A narrowing forms at the connection of the stomach and small intestine causing nausea, vomiting, reflux, and then an inability to eat. This will need to be dilated. Gastric bypass surgery also may cause "dumping syndrome." When that happens, food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, sweating, fainting, and, occasionally, diarrhea after eating, as well as becoming extremely weak after eating sweets. You can get gallstones when you lose weight quickly. If that happens, your doctor can give you medicine to dissolve them. Because these surgeries change how your body handles food, you should talk with your doctor about making sure you get all the nutrients you need.
context: Your skin reflects your health. It's your body's canvas and one of its most valuable assets. It's also the only skin you'll ever get, so your daily habits mean everything. Start simple. Before spending a lot on skin care products, evaluate your current skin care routine. Do you properly cleanse your skin and wear sunscreen every day? Even though you won't see immediate results, those little steps make a big difference over time. Start early. If you're a teenager or if you have a teenager at home, start now to develop healthy habits. If you're older, you can still nourish, pamper, and protect your skin for the future. Seek professional help for skin problems. Don't expect perfection from your skin, but don't hesitate to get some professional help from a dermatologist to help your skin be its best. Wear sunscreen daily. In every season, cloudy or sunny, sunscreen is a must. Make it a daily habit to protect your skin. Also do this: Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeved shirts, and pants. Use a generous amount of sunscreen and reapply it every two hours, and more often if swimming or sweating. Use sunscreens that have a sun protection factor ( SPF) of 30 or more and that have UVA and UVB protection. Don't use tanning beds. There is no such thing as a "safe tan." Wear sun protective clothing with a UPF (ultra protection factor) of 30 or higher. Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection or UV 400 protection.
context: When osteoporosis has made your bones weak, the chances are higher that they'll crack or break, even the bones of your spine. These spine fractures, also called vertebral compression fractures, can cause severe back pain that makes it hard to stand, walk, sit, or lift objects. The best way to prevent these fractures is to keep your bones as strong as possible by treating or preventing osteoporosis. Many people report some type of back pain when they have a spine fracture, but others don't have any symptoms. That makes it hard for doctors to diagnose the problem early on. But over time, symptoms of a spinal fracture may include: Sudden, severe back pain Pain that gets worse when you stand or walk Trouble bending or twisting your body Loss of height A curved, stooped shape to your spine Fractures in the lower spine often cause greater pain and trouble moving than those in the upper spine. It is possible to fracture more than one bone in the spine. Women, especially those older than 50, are most likely to get spine fractures. By age 80, about 40% of women have had one. Your age makes a difference, too. As you get older, your bones become thinner and weaker, and you're more likely to have osteoporosis. Women and men who have osteoporosis have much higher chances of getting spine fractures. To know if you have a spine fracture, your doctor will give you an X-ray or a computerized tomography ( CT) scan to get a closer look at your bones. If he finds one, he'll talk with you about the best way to treat it. You'll probably get medicine to relieve your pain while the fracture heals. Your doctor will also encourage you to move around as soon as possible. Physical therapy might be a good idea, too -- a therapist can teach you exercises to help with your injury. Some people need more support for their spine with a brace or surgery. Having one fracture means you're more likely to have another, so your doctor may also talk to you about taking medicines that treat osteoporosis and make your bones stronger. Your doctor may also want you to have a bone density test called a dual X-ray absorptiometry ( DXA or DEXA) scan. It's the best way to diagnose osteoporosis. If you start taking medicine to build your bone strength, you may get a scan every so often to see how well the treatment is working. The best way to prevent them is to prevent osteoporosis. Even if you already have it, you can take steps to keep it from getting worse. Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and get regular exercise, especially the weight-bearing and muscle strengthening kinds. Ask your doctor if you need a bone mineral density test to see how strong your bones are. It is never too early -- or too late -- to prevent bone loss.
context: While postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) is an effective way to treat menopausal hot flashes, it is not recommended for everyone. The following quiz may help you determine if HRT is right for you. 1. Do you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as extremely heavy periods or spotting between periods? Yes No 2. Is there a history of breast cancer in your family? Yes No 3. Do you have a history of endometrial or uterine cancer? Yes No 4. Do you currently have, or have you in the past had, venous thrombosis (blood clots in the lungs or veins)? This includes thrombosis or blood clots during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills. Yes No 5. Do you have chronic liver disease? Yes No 6. Do you smoke? Yes No 7. Do you have gallbladder disease? Yes No If you answered yes to any of the above questions, HRT may not be for you. Please check with your doctor to see if you can take HRT. If not, there are other treatment options for hot flashes.
context: When you're on a low-calorie diet, you usually get between 800 and 1,500 calories a day. For some people, an alternative for short-term weight loss is a very low-calorie diet. Many very low-calorie diets are commercially-made formulas of 800 calories or fewer that replace all the food you usually eat. Others, such as the well-known grapefruit diet rely on eating a lot of the same low-calorie food or foods. Very low-calorie diets are not the same as over-the-counter meal replacements, which you substitute for one or two meals a day. If you have a BMI over 30 (which your doctor will call âobeseâ), then a very low-calorie diet may let you lose about 3 to 5 pounds per week, for an average total weight loss of 44 pounds over 12 weeks. Losing that amount of weight may improve weight-related medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. But in the long-run, very low-calorie diets aren't more effective than more modest diets. Once you go off a diet, you need to change your lifestyle, committing to healthy eating and regular physical activity. Very low-calorie diets are not OK for everyone. Talk to your doctor to see if this kind of diet is appropriate for you. If your BMI is greater than 30, then very low-calorie diets are generally safe when used under proper medical supervision. For people who are overweight but not obese ( BMI of 27-30), very low-calorie diets should be reserved for those who have weight-related medical problems and are under medical supervision. Very low-calorie-diets are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and are not appropriate for children or teens except in specialized treatment programs. They also may not be OK for people over age 50, either, depending on the potential need for medications for pre-existing conditions, as well as the possibility of side effects. People on a very low-calorie diet for 4 to 16 weeks report minor side effects such as fatigue, constipation, nausea, and diarrhea. These conditions usually improve within a few weeks and rarely prevent people from completing the program. Gallstones are the most common serious side effect of very low-calorie diets. Gallstones are more common during rapid weight loss. When the body experiences a calorie deficit, it starts to break down fat for energy. The liver then secretes more cholesterol and when combined with bile, can form gallstones. To be healthy, you need a balance of foods from different food groups. It's difficult to get good nutrition and feel satisfied on a very low-calorie diet. In addition, consuming as few as 800 calories daily may not give you the energy you need for daily living and regular physical activity, especially if you eat the same foods every day. Talk to your doctor or dietitian to make sure you get the nutrients you need while on a very low-calorie diet.
context: Print these questions and answers to discuss with your doctor. Essential tremor is a movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable shaking (tremors) in different parts and on different sides of the body. Areas affected often include the hands, arms, head, larynx (voice box), tongue, and other areas. In rare cases, the lower body is affected. The primary symptoms associated with Essential Tremor include: Uncontrollable shaking that occurs for brief periods of time Shaking voice Nodding head Tremors that worsen during periods of emotional stress Tremors that worsen with purposeful movement Tremors that lessen with rest Balance problems, in rare cases Tremor severity may fluctuate during pregnancy and after delivery. Discuss the use of ET medications with your doctor before getting pregnant, as some drugs put the developing baby at risk. There is no cure for essential tremor, but treatments that provide relief from its symptoms may be helpful in improving quality of life. These include medications, MRI-focused ultrasound, and surgical procedures that ease tremor. Not every treatment or procedure is effective for every person with ET, but most patients find satisfactory relief. Your doctor will recommend an individualized treatment plan, including certain lifestyle changes that may help to reduce your tremors. There is currently no evidence that alternative therapies are beneficial in treating Essential Tremor. Patients who have tremors that worsen with emotional stress may find relaxation therapies helpful, but this type of alternative therapy is certainly not a treatment. Some herbal supplements may actually increase tremor. Always consult your doctor before trying any alternative therapy.
context: Are protein shakes right for you? What's in them, and what should you look for if you're trying to choose one? Almost everyone can get enough protein from foods. Healthy adults should get about 45 to 56 grams of protein a day. If you exercise regularly, you may need more calories and protein -- from any source. Protein shakes are used mainly by athletes who need nourishment right after their workouts, says Jose Antonio, chief executive officer and co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition ( ISSN). Protein shakes can range in their protein content, but all contain some carbohydrates and maybe a little fat. They come a variety flavors in powder form or in ready-to-drink packages, such as cans or foil packs. Read the label. Protein shakes vary in protein content. " If you're a body builder, you're going to shift to the drinks that have a bit more protein," Antonio says. If you're an endurance athlete, like a marathoner, you may favor drinks with more carbs, Antonio says. But the most important thing is simply to drink something after your workout. If your goal is to lose body fat, change to a protein shake that's high in protein, has fewer carbohydrates, and only a little bit of fat. Protein shakes use different types of protein in varying amounts. They may include: Milk Whey Casein Egg Soy Rice The source of the protein and how it's purified during manufacturing may affect how well your body can use it. Although it's best to get protein through your diet, supplementing it with a combination of whey and casein is a good choice, as long as you tolerate dairy well, because both come from milk. Soy protein is another option. It's a plant-based protein. It's as effective as most animal sources of protein, Antonio says. Soy is also rich in nutrients.
context: There are two main types of human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) -- HIV-1 and HIV-2. Both can lead to AIDS. However, they're very different from each other. HIV-1 is the most common type. When you hear the term " HIV," it's probably HIV-1. HIV-2 occurs in a much smaller number of people, mostly in West Africa. In the U. S., it makes up only 0.01% of all HIV cases, and those are primarily people from West Africa. It's harder to transmit HIV-2 from person to person, and it takes longer for the infection to turn into AIDS. Both HIV-1 and HIV-2 have multiple groups within them. Those groups branch out even further into subtypes, or strains. HIV constantly makes copies of itself. Some strains multiply faster and can be passed from person to person more easily than others. Your doctor can treat your HIV better if she knows what strain you have. A blood test can tell you. The same test also can tell if certain HIV drugs won't work well for you. HIV-1 has four groups -- one large one and three much smaller ones. Group M ( Major) This group is responsible for the HIV epidemic. Nearly 90% of all HIV-1 cases stem from this group. The group has nine named strains: A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J, and K. Some of these have sub-strains. Researchers find new strains all the time as they learn more about HIV-1 group M. The B strain is the most common in the U. S. Worldwide, the most common HIV strain is C. Scientists haven't done much research on strains other than B, so information on the rest is limited. The drugs that treat the B strain (antiretroviral drugs) also work on most others. Groups N, O, and P The smaller HIV-1 groups are rare outside of west central Africa, specifically Cameroon. They are: N ( New, Not- M, or Not O group): This form of the virus has only been seen in a small group of people in Cameroon. Researchers haven't named any strains for this group because there are so few cases of it. O ( Outlier group): This group has almost as many variations as the M group. However, researchers haven't identified its separate strains yet because it's so rare. P group: This is the newest group of HIV-1. It was given its own name because of how different it is from the M, N, and O strains. When the virus multiplies, the copies sometimes change (mutate) and develop into another HIV strain in your body. You can end up with a strain your HIV drugs won't work against. This makes your viral load -- the amount of HIV in your body -- go up. In that case, you'd need another type of treatment. You also can have two or more strains if you were infected by more than one person. This is called superinfection. Superinfection is rare -- it happens in less than 4% of people. You're at the highest risk of superinfection in the first 3 years after you get HIV. Everyone reacts differently to infection. You might not notice any change in your symptoms or viral load with a new infection. But it can make your HIV worse, especially if you have a strain drugs won't work well against. If that happens, the drugs you take for your original HIV strain won't necessarily treat the new strain.
context: Tiny passages called tear ducts run down the sides of your nose and drain tears from your eyes. These tubes can get blocked in any part of the duct. It can happen for different reasons, including the shape of the ducts, an infection -- even your age. Some of the most common causes are: Babies are sometimes born with a blocked tear duct. In some cases, the duct or drainage system doesn't form correctly in the womb. Conditions like Down syndrome that change the shape of the skull and face can make the ducts narrower than usual. More often, the cause is a thin piece of tissue that covers the tear duct in the womb. It doesn't open up before birth like it should. About 5% of infants are born with this, and it stops tears from flowing out of their eyes. This covering usually goes away on its own a month or two after the baby is born. Though you can get a blocked duct any time, they're more common in middle age and older. As you age, the tiny holes, or puncta, that drain tears out of your eyes, get smaller. This narrowing slows the flow of fluid from your eyes into the tear ducts. Women over age 40 are most likely to get blocked tear ducts, which may be due to hormone changes. An infection in your eyes or nose can cause swelling. This presses on and narrows the tear duct. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses like herpes can all make the area around your eyes and nose swell and block the ducts. A blockage in your tear duct can also lead to an infection when bacteria multiply in the narrowed tube. If you have ongoing sinusitis, you get swollen tissues in your sinuses, which can form scars that block the tear ducts. Sinus surgery can also lead to a blockage by damaging the tear ducts or the holes that drain to them. Any injury to your nose or eyes can cause swelling and scar tissue. Sometimes, little pieces of bone block the tear ducts. A broken nose or surgery to the nose, sinuses, or other parts of the face could also lead to a blocked tear duct. If you have allergies, you may have little rounded growths called polyps in the lining of your nose. These growths can press down on the tear ducts. Sometimes, glaucoma treatments affect the tear ducts. Certain eye drops may cause the conjunctiva in the eye and the tear ducts to swell. A few cancer treatments are linked to blocked tear ducts. For example, during radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer, the tear ducts may absorb iodine and become swollen. Docetaxel -- a type of chemotherapy used to treat breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer -- can also affect the tear ducts. If your eyes are irritated and runny, your doctor will do an exam and ask questions to help pinpoint the cause. Once you know what's causing your excess tearing, you can start on a treatment to relieve it.
context: The mornings with irritable bowel syndrome are the most challenging for Jeffrey Roberts. His stomach cramps up. He feels like he needs to be near a bathroom at all times. So he gives himself at least 2 hours to get ready for work. When he goes out, he often takes routes he knows will have public restrooms along the way. This is reality for Roberts and up to 20% of American adults who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) at some point in their lives. Their exact symptoms, and the severity, may differ. But for people with IBS, daily life is greatly influenced by the way their digestive system behaves. A flare-up of symptoms can mean hours of misery. " IBS is an illness which seems to strike people down," says Roberts, president of the IBS Self Help and Support Group. What causes these recurring symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation? Doctors don't have a clear picture what IBS is or what causes it. But researchers do have a few theories: IBS sufferers may have a more sensitive colon than others. In people with IBS, the brain may perceive contractions in the gut more acutely than others. The immune system may respond differently to stress and infection in people with IBS. Hormonal changes may trigger IBS symptoms (70% of those who suffer from IBS are women). The neurotransmitter serotonin that is produced in the gut may act on digestive tract nerves. Those with diarrhea may have increased serotonin levels in the gut, while those with constipation-predominant IBS have decreased amounts. Though no one fully understands what causes IBS, doctors do agree that IBS is a bona fide medical condition. They do not think it's "all in your head." According to the American College of Gastroenterology, IBS is also clearly defined by what it is not: It is not an anatomical or a structural problem. It is not an identifiable physical or chemical disorder. It is not a cancer and will not cause cancer. It will not cause other gastrointestinal diseases. Basically, IBS is a collection of symptoms that has been ongoing for at least 6 months, and has occurred at least 3 times a month in the past 3 months. IBS always involves abdominal pain or discomfort. This pain must have two of these three characteristics to be diagnosed IBS: Relieved with defecation Associated with a change in frequency of stool Associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool Certain foods or situations may trigger a flare-up of IBS symptoms. People with IBS can keep a symptom journal to figure out what triggers their illness and how best to avoid those triggers. If you think you may have IBS, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and care. Depending on the type of IBS that you have, there are various treatment options, including dietary changes, stress management, medication, behavioral therapy, and alternative treatments. " It's a matter of trying to live with your symptoms rather than having your symptoms take over your life," says Roberts.
context: Crohn's is an autoimmune disease. That means your body's immune system mistakes your own tissues for threats and attacks them, usually in your intestines. That leads to inflammation. Experts know about the connection between Crohn's and blood clots in the veins. But they are still working to understand the link between Crohn's and heart and blood vessel disease. They believe that the inflammation caused by Crohn's leads to damage in the lining of blood vessels, causing heart disease. Doctors aren't sure, but they think the long-term inflammation that Crohn's causes could make you more likely to have clogged arteries. Your doctor may call this atherosclerosis. It fills the inner walls of your arteries with tiny bits of fatty deposits called plaque. If a piece breaks off or grows big enough to block blood flow, you could have a heart attack or stroke. How Crohn's disease raises your risk for this condition isn't clear. But it can happen to people with other autoimmune conditions, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. So it may have something to do with the substances your body makes during long-term inflammation. People with Crohn's disease have abnormally high: Erythrocyte sedimentation rates High-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( CRP) levels Homocysteine All three of those link to heart disease. Some substances your body makes can also raise your odds of blood clots in your veins. Just like when plaque clogs or breaks off in an artery, a clot that breaks off in a vein can cause life-threatening lung problems. People with Crohn's can have hardened arteries at a younger age than people who don't. But they also tend to have lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and other things that can cause heart disease. The risk is highest in young, adult women. The chance of a heart attack or stroke seems highest during flares -- when your Crohn's disease is active and your symptoms are bothering you. Some research may show a link between flares and people with Crohn's admitted to the hospital for heart failure. Corticosteroids control inflammation, so they're often the first medication your doctor prescribes. They can also raise your blood pressure and blood sugar. Doctors aren't sure if they play a role in clogged arteries. Mesalamine ( Apriso, Asacol, Delzicol, Lialda, Pentasa) is another drug doctors often try early on. It can inflame your heart muscle, a condition your doctor calls myocarditis. Symptoms go away when you stop taking it. Talk to your doctor about your risk for heart disease. You may get tests to see if you're likely to have clogged arteries. Imaging tests can also check for damage in your blood vessels and heart. To lower your chance of heart problems, keep your disease under control and prevent flare-ups as much as you can. If your doctor finds a problem, he may prescribe heart medicine. Some Studies show that some heart disease meds, like statins and ACE inhibitors, may also help Crohn's disease.
context: It sounds so simple: Don't eat or drink too much. But looks can be deceiving. It's easy to eat or drink more than you planned to. You can leave that mistake behind when you start to recognize a true serving size. Hint: It's often smaller than you think it should be. Instead of trying to memorize lists of ounces, cups, and tablespoons, simply compare the serving sizes of foods to familiar things. For example, a single serving of: Vegetables or fruit is about the size of your fist. Pasta is about the size of one scoop of ice cream. Meat, fish, or poultry is the size of a deck of cards or the size of your palm (minus the fingers). Snacks such as pretzels and chips is about the size of a cupped handful. Apple is the size of a baseball. Potato is the size of a computer mouse. Bagel is the size of a hockey puck. Pancake is the size of a CD. Steamed rice is the size of a cupcake wrapper. Cheese is the size of a pair of dice or the size of your whole thumb (from the tip to the base). The best way to determine the amount of food in a serving is to look at the Nutrition Facts label and measure it. For example, fill a measuring cup with the proper-sized portion of vegetables, rice, etc. and then empty it onto a plate. That will help you learn what these serving sizes look like. At home: Use smaller dishes at meals. Serve food in the right portion amounts, and don't go back for seconds. Put away any leftovers in separate, portion-controlled amounts. Consider freezing the portions you likely won't eat for a while. Never eat out of the bag or carton. Don't keep platters of food on the table; you are more likely to "pick" at it or have a second serving without realizing it. At restaurants: Ask for half or smaller portions. Eyeball your appropriate portion, set the rest aside, and ask for a doggie bag right away. If you have dessert, share. At the supermarket: Beware of mini-sized snacks -- small crackers, cookies, and pretzels. Most people end up eating more than they realize, and the calories add up. Choose foods packaged in individual serving sizes. If you like to eat ice cream out of the carton, pick up ice cream sandwiches or other individual-size servings.
context: Vulvar vestibulitis is a type of vulvodynia, or pain around the vulva â the sex organs outside a woman's body. The pain is in your vestibule, the part of your vulva around the opening of your vagina. It can cause redness and irritation of the skin and pain in the glands inside the skin. This condition is also called âvestibulodyniaâ or âlocalized provoked vulvodynia.â They can be different for every woman. They may be mild and annoying, or severe enough to interfere with your life. Symptoms can be constant, or they can come and go. They include: Pain from pressure (sitting, biking, working out, tight clothes, touch) Pain from sex or using a tampon Burning or stinging Feeling raw Peeing a lot, or suddenly feeling like you have to pee Usually, itching isn't a symptom. Vulvar vestibulitis can take a toll on your sex life and relationships. When you try to have sex, the muscles in your pelvis can tense up so it hurts even more. The pain may make you not want to have sex at all. Doctors don't know, but some studies show it may be linked to the following: Human papillomavirus ( HPV) Yeast infections Bacterial infections Changes in the acidity of the vagina Detergents and soaps Spermicides and lubricants Menopause Stress Any woman can get vulvar vestibulitis. It doesn't matter if you've had sex or not or how old you are. Your risk may be higher if you have interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), endometriosis, or problems with the muscles that support their bladder, uterus, vagina, or rectum. Doctors aren't sure which comes first -- those conditions or vulvar vestibulitius. Your doctor will look for redness around your vulva. She'll use a cotton swab to touch different parts of your vulva to see where it hurts. She might also ask questions about your family medical history and run tests to make sure you don't have an infection. Once your doctor gives you a diagnosis, there's a lot you can do to manage your symptoms. For example: Try different detergents Use a mild soap Avoid using pads, tampons, or other scented sanitary products Avoid tight clothes. Wear clothes that breathe, such as cotton. Cut back on alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners Try witch hazel pads Pour lukewarm water over your vulva after you pee Soak in a lukewarm bath with 4 or 5 tablespoons of baking soda for 10 to 15 minutes, and do it up to three times a day. Use petroleum jelly or vegetable shortening ( Crisco) on your skin to keep it moist Your doctor can offer you treatments, like medications and creams. She might suggest injections that will help your body fight infection. She may recommend physical therapy with a specialist who can teach you how to strengthen as well as relax your muscles. If these treatments don't work, your doctor might explore surgery or laser treatment to remove skin that's involved. Counseling for you and your sex partner may help ease your fears about pain during sex. You may have to try a few different treatments until you find one that helps most. You might also have to use more than one treatment at a time.
context: Most of the cells in your body contain carnitine, which your liver and kidneys make. Carnitine helps your cells produce energy. Acetyl- L-carnitine ( ALC) is a form of carnitine that's available as a supplement. People have tried to treat many health problems using ALC, including: Alzheimer's disease. Several studies show improvements or slower declines in mental ability in people with Alzheimer's disease who took ALC. High blood sugar. Research shows that people with prediabetes had some improvement in their blood sugar levels after taking ALC for 2 months. Alcoholism . ALC may help reduce cravings in people who are alcoholic. Depression . Research found that ALC treatment reduced symptoms of depression in older people. It also improved dysthymia, a milder form of depression, about as well as a common medication. Fragile X syndrome. This is a genetic problem. ALC has been used to affect certain behaviors in boys with fragile X, such as their social skills and hyperactivity, but research is mixed as to whether it really helps or not. Male infertility. Men taking ALC in some studies had better sperm movement. Sciatica. Research has linked ALC with less pain or less intense pain in people with pain from sciatica. Peyronie's disease . This condition causes the penis to curve abnormally. In one study, men who took daily ALC for 3 months had less pain and curving of the penis. The problem also progressed less in the men taking ALC. Supplement makers suggest varying amounts of this supplement for different purposes. Common dosages range from 1 to 3 grams daily, divided into several doses. But optimal doses have not been established for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it difficult to establish a standard dose. Animal-based foods are good sources of carnitine, including: Beef, 4 oz cooked - 56-162 mg Chicken, 4 oz cooked - 3-5 mg Milk, 1 cup whole - 8 mg Cheese, 2 oz cheddar - 2 mg Side effects. People taking carnitine have reported a number of side effects, including: Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting Headaches Trouble sleeping Higher blood pressure Lower blood sugar and higher triglycerides (in people with diabetes) Psychosis (in people with bipolar disorder) Risks. Avoid using carnitine if you're allergic or sensitive to it. Carnitine may not be safe for people with: Bipolar disease Neuropathy Hypothyroidism Seizures Children and pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use carnitine, because its safety is unknown. Interactions. Check with your doctor first if you're taking blood-thinning drugs. Carnitine may interact with drugs or supplements that lower blood sugar. It may affect how your body breaks down certain drugs and supplements. Carnitine may increase the effects of or have other interactions with many drugs. It may also interact with a number of herbs and supplements. Avoid using this supplement with D- or DL-carnitine. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications.
context: Nobody likes cockroaches. They're icky and spread germs. But did you know that cockroaches are also a major allergy and asthma trigger? Cockroach allergies -- and cockroaches -- are most common in cities. Between 78% and 98% of homes in urban areas have cockroaches. Up to 60% of people with asthma who live in cities are allergic to cockroaches. Due to the warmer climate, cockroach allergy is especially common in the South, particularly in low-income families. But cockroaches can invade anyone's home. Specifically, people seem to be allergic to the saliva, waste, and bodies of cockroaches. Chronic stuffy nose Frequent ear and sinus infections Itchy eyes and nose A cough that doesn't go away Shortness of breath Wheezing Chest tightness Cockroach allergy can also cause rashes. If your doctor thinks you have a cockroach allergy, you may need skin tests to be sure. Cockroaches are good at hiding in walls and cracks. You may not even know they're there. Experts say that if you see just one roach in your house, about 800 could be nearby but out of sight. The first thing you need to do is reduce your contact with cockroaches. That means making changes around your house. Seal all food in jars or plastic containers. If cockroaches don't find anything to eat, they may go elsewhere. Keep your kitchen and dining room clean. Vacuum and mop regularly. Wipe up spills and clean up crumbs right away. Keep a lid on your kitchen trash. Don't leave your pet's food out in a bowl. Reduce clutter. Roaches can hide behind piles of newspapers or boxes. They may eat paper, too. Check pipes for leaks under sinks and in the basement. Cockroaches like damp places. Use cockroach baits. Boric acid may help. Make sure to keep baits away from children or pets. If you are allergic to cockroaches, over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid sprays, or prescription allergy medication will help symptoms. If you have asthma, your doctor may prescribe other pills and an inhaler. Allergy shots may also help ease your symptoms. You'll get a series of shots over several years.
context: Cardiac rehabilitation is an important part of heart failure treatment. You'll get education and support from a team of medical professionals. You can learn how to get more physical activity, ease your symptoms, and avoid more heart problems. It's usually divided into phases covering four main parts: Physical activity Lifestyle education Mental health Emotional support Who'll help you along the way depends on your needs. Your group may include: Doctors Nurses Dietitians Exercise experts Physical and occupational therapists Mental health specialists How long your program will last depends on your needs. Many run about 3 months. Still, your own track may be different. Talk with your team. Before you begin your program, you'll go through a health assessment that could include: Sharing your medical history A physical exam An electrocardiogram, or EKG, to measure your heart's electric signals Lab tests to check your blood sugar or cholesterol Exercise: Your team will create a plan that's safe and easy to follow. It will likely include aerobic exercises like walking or cycling and strengthening exercises like light weightlifting. Your plan will evolve as your fitness improves. Lifestyle changes: Your team will also help you create a diet plan tailored to you. You'll learn to plan meals and make healthy food choices that are low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and salt. You'll get help to quit smoking if you need it, too. Support: Depression and anxiety are common for people with heart disease. Emotional and psychological support is an important part of your treatment and recovery. Your team may include a mental health specialist, or your team may refer you to support groups or classes.
context: You're stuffed up and sneezy and want some relief. If you could even make your cold just a little shorter, you'd be happy. Can zinc make a difference? Recent studies support zinc's role as a cold buster. It has proven to be helpful for reducing the number of upper respiratory infections in children and can reduce the duration of colds in adults: Zinc is an essential mineral that's found in almost every cell, and it helps your body resist infection. It also plays an important part in tissue repair. And it may lower the ability of cold viruses to grow on or bind to the lining of your nose. You can buy zinc as supplement, but it's also found naturally in a number of foods, like: Shellfish Beef and other red meats Nuts and seeds Beans Milk and cheese Tea, coffee, and some medicines interfere with the way zinc is absorbed in your intestines. Researchers report mixed results. One analysis reviewed 15 earlier studies and found that taking zinc through the first few days of a cold, either as a syrup or lozenge, may shorten how long you're sick. It also appeared to prevent colds in people who used it over the course of about 5 months. But in other studies, researchers found no differences in symptoms between those who took zinc and those who took a "dummy" pill. What does this research mean to you and your family? For now, the studies are inconclusive. For every one that shows a benefit with zinc, there's another that finds it doesn't help at all. Many experts say that if there is any advantage in taking zinc, it's minor. Short-term use -- less than 5 days -- doesn't cause serious side effects, but it can make your mouth irritated, leave a metallic taste, or give you an upset stomach. Experts recommend that you not take zinc for more than 5 days. Long-term use -- more than 6 weeks -- can lead to copper deficiency but this can be overcome by taking almost any multivitamin. Researchers say zinc nasal sprays cause animals to lose their sense of smell. There have been several reports of people having decreased sense of smell or completely losing it. Because of this risk, the FDA issued a warning to stop using several nasal sprays that contain zinc. Keep in mind that zinc is necessary for your health and safe to take through food such as seafood and eggs. But supplementing with higher doses, particularly for a long time, can be toxic. While some studies show some help for colds from zinc lozenges and nasal sprays, the results are inconsistent. More research is needed. Zinc's side effects, especially when nasal sprays or gels are used, may outweigh benefits, which may be slight, at best.