VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: If there is obvious deformity, severe pain, numbness, or the person cannot move the wrist or maintain a grip, see a doctor immediately or go to a hospital emergency department. These are signs of a possible fracture. Support the hurt arm and wrist with a makeshift splint, such as a ruler, stick, rolled up newspaper, a pillow or sling, until you get help. Minimize wrist motion to prevent further injury. Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times the first day. You may apply a compression wrap such as an Ace bandage. Elevate the wrist above heart level. For pain and inflammation, give the person over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol), ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin), or naproxen ( Aleve, Naprosyn). Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 18 unless advised by your doctor for a specific condition. If pain and swelling get worse in 24 hours, see a doctor. The doctor may need to order X-rays to rule out a fracture that was not obvious at first and examine the wrist to look for signs of tendonitis, arthritis, gout, infection, or other conditions.
context: Though stomach cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world, the number of cases has dropped over the past several decades. There's no guarantee you can prevent it, but there's plenty you can do to lower your chances of having it. Here's how to give yourself every possible advantage. Check on ulcers. Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) is a common bacteria. It doesn't always make people sick, but it can infect your stomach lining and cause ulcers. It's also a carcinogen, which means it can cause cancer. If you've got stomach ulcers, your doctor may need to check to see if you have an H. pylori infection and treat it. Pile on the produce. Make sure each meal includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. That can lower your chance of getting stomach cancer. Oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are great choices. With grapefruit, though, you may want to ask your doctor if it will affect any meds you take (including statins, which many people take to lower their LDL or âbadâ cholesterol level). The American Cancer Society recommends choosing fish, poultry, or beans, instead of processed meats or red meat, and whole-grain breads, pasta, and cereal, instead of refined grains (for instance, whole-wheat flour instead of white flour). Cut down on smoked foods. In the days before refrigerators, people smoked, pickled, and salted food to preserve it. Large amounts of salt and preservatives can hurt the lining of your stomach and make you more likely to get stomach cancer. So limit smoked and pickled foods, including salted meats and fish. Kick the habit. Smoking puts you at risk for many kinds of cancers, including stomach cancer. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor. And avoid other people's âsecondhand smoke,â too. Make a move. Exercise is an everyday habit that pays off from head to toe. Being fit and active can lower your risk for many different types of cancers and other health problems. Check on your weight. People who are overweight may be more likely to get stomach cancer. If you're not sure whether your weight is in a healthy range, ask your doctor. Use aspirin wisely. You might take aspirin, ibuprofen, and other over-the-counter medication like it to ease pain, fever, or swelling. It may also cut your odds of having stomach and colon cancers. But you shouldn't take those medications to prevent stomach cancer, as they can also cause internal bleeding. Your doctor can explain what's best for you. Consider genetic testing. Does stomach cancer run in your family? A genetic test can tell you if you carry certain genes that make you more sensitive to stomach cancer, including the CDH1 gene and Lynch syndrome.
context: APap test looks for changes in the cells of the cervix that showcervical canceror conditions that may develop intocancer. Pap screen testing should begin at age 21. Routine screening is recommended every three years for women ages 21 to 65. You could also consider combining the Pap test with human papillomavirus screening or the HPV test alone every five years after the age of 30. Testing is your best tool to detect pre-cancerous conditions that may lead to cervical cancer. If detected early, cervical cancer can be cured. Even if you are menopausal or postmenopausal, you should continue to have Pap or HIP tests. Women who have had a total hysterectomy for a noncancerous condition and have not had a previous history of precancerous Pap tests may be able to stop Pap screening depending on their medical history and risk of contracting human papilloma virus ( HPV). Screening may also be discontinued at ages 65 or 70 if women have had at least three normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap tests in the previous 10 years. You can get a Pap test every three years if both of these are true for you: You have had normal Pap test results for three years in a row. You have no history of a precancerous Pap test result, no HIV infection, no weakened immune system, and no history of in utero exposure to diethystilbestrol. Women who have a higher risk of cancer may need a Pap test more often. Your doctor can recommend what is best for you. Pap smears may be discontinued after a total hysterectomy unless the surgery was performed for cervical pre-invasive or invasive cancer or other uterine cancers, or if you are considered to be at high risk for other reasons; for example, if you are HIV positive (carry the virus that causes AIDS), or have a weakened immune system. In these situations, Pap smears should be continued as determined by your doctor. Women who have had a hysterectomy and no longer need Pap smears should continue to have routine pelvic exams performed by their doctor. Pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix seldom cause symptoms. For problems to be detected, a pelvic examination and a Pap smear are usually required. When cancer is present in the cervix, the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding. Bleeding may start and stop between regular menstrual periods, or it may occur after sexual intercourse or douching (although douching is not recommended). Abnormal vaginal discharge is another symptom. Pain is NOT an early warning sign of the disease. These symptoms can be caused by other conditions and are not sure signs of cancer; but be sure to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
context: As the saying goes, âthe eyes are the window to the soul,â and if you have dry eyes, that âwindowâ could use some attention. Whether the problem is due to allergies or something else, there are treatments and simple changes in your lifestyle that you can make to feel, and look, better. Dry eyes, sometimes just called âdry eye,â is a common problem. It's more likely after age 50, and it's more often reported by women than by men. You get dry eye if your eyes have problems with tears, including when: Tears are not made properly. Tears evaporate too fast. There are many reasons you can have dry eyes. Allergies are one possible explanation. But there are many others, such as: Side effect of medications Pregnancy Hormone replacement therapy for women LASIK surgery Not blinking often enough Wearing contact lenses for the long term Immune system problems like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis Eyelid infection (blepharitis) Not completely blinking after cosmetic eyelid surgery Since there are so many possible reasons, you shouldn't assume that allergies are the explanation. Your eye doctor can help you find out what's going on. Your treatment should focus on the root cause of your dry eyes. If you have allergies and dry eyes, and take antihistamines for the allergies, you may have to stop taking them, since antihistamines can make dry eye worse. Depending on what you're allergic to, you can take a variety of steps to ease your allergy symptoms (including dry eyes): Close windows in your house and car when pollen counts are high, and use air conditioning. Wear sunglasses or glasses when you're outside. This will help keep pollen out of your eyes. Use special mattress covers on your bed to cut down on dust mites. Use a dehumidifier when humidity in your house is high to help cut down on mold. Wash your hands after you pet a dog or cat. Purchase air purifier devices for the rooms you spend the most time in, such as your bedroom. If you have dry eye without allergies, there are also treatments. Your doctor may prescribe cyclosporine, which helps fight inflammation. Or she might change one of your prescriptions if your dry eye is a medication side effect. You can also ask your eye doctor if your contact lenses are the problem. You might need to try different lenses, or even stop wearing them completely. It's not likely, but your doctor may recommend a procedure that only takes a minute to plug the holes that allow tears to drain from the eyes to the nose. There are also everyday changes you can make -- such as trying to blink more often and eating fish that are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids -- to help your eyes stay moist. Flax oil, which you take by mouth, can also help. If you only have dry eye every now and then, or your symptoms are mild, you may be able to get some relief from simple remedies and from over-the-counter eye drops (often called âartificial tearsâ). In addition to over-the-counter artificial tears, decongestant eye drops may help. But if you have red eyes, you shouldn't take them for more than a week, as they can make the redness worse.
context: Congratulations! Your baby is halfway through his first year. He may be squealing, cooing, and making noises that almost sound like words. Get ready for some more big changes. Your baby will be sitting and crawling soon. If you haven't already, be sure to safety-proof your home before your baby gets moving. Here's what to expect at your baby's 6-month checkup. Measure your baby's weight, height, and head circumference. Give your baby a yearly flu shot, either at this visit or any of the next few checkups in the autumn months. Is your baby rolling back and forth? Is your baby sitting up on his own or with a little help? Has your baby started teething? Does your baby pass objects from one hand to the other? What solid foods is my baby ready for now? What foods should and shouldn't I give him? When your baby is ready to move on from infant cereal, try vegetables, meat, and fruits. Puree, mash, or cut food into tiny pieces. Do not give your baby raw fruits or vegetables just yet. Give baby one new food at a time. Wait 2 to 3 days to see if baby has a reaction before trying a new food. Don't give your baby cow's milk, honey, seafood, peanuts, or tree nuts right now. If you decide to offer egg, start with the yellow part first. Your baby's poop may change color or consistency, depending on what he eats. Try using a sippy cup. How should I play with my 6-month-old? Play peek-a-boo! Place toys just out of reach on the floor to encourage crawling. Read to your baby every day and give him board books to "read" on his own and explore. Give your baby things he can manipulate -- like stacking cups, blocks, pots and pans, and squeaky toys. Your baby may soon be propelling himself around, so continue child-proofing your home: Create a baby-proof safe area where he can move and explore to his heart's content. Keep older children's toys -- ones with small parts -- away from the baby. Put padding on the sharp corners of furniture. Secure electrical cords out of reach. Make sure baby won't be able to grab or try to pull up on unsteady furniture. Anchor bookcases and TVs to the wall so your child can't pull them over and hurt himself. Put safety locks on reachable cabinets. Keep all medications and chemicals out of reach, in locked cabinets. Your baby is getting more social every day. Soon he'll be babbling and saying his first words. Just think about how far your baby has come in half a year, and there's still so much more to come!
context: Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition that occurs when a microscopic fungus enters either a fingernail or toenail. Fungal infections occur in toenails more often than in fingernails. Anyone can get nail fungus, but infections are more common in people over age 60. For people who have diabetes or a weakened immune system, nail fungus can present serious risks. Usually, nail fungus occurs when fungus enters the nail through a small trauma (cut or break) in the nail. Nail fungus is not caused by poor hygiene. Nail fungus can be spread from person to person. It may be hard to determine exactly where or how a fungal infection is acquired. However, a warm, wet place (for example, a locker room) is a good place for a fungus to grow. A nail fungus infection can make nails thick and discolored. Uncommonly, you may feel pain in your toes or fingertips. Your doctor may be able to tell if you have a nail fungus infection by looking carefully at your nails. He or she may scrape some debris from under a nail and look at it under a microscope or send it to a lab to determine what kind of infection you have. Treatment for a nail fungus may include topical creams, gels, nail lacquers, or oral medications (antifungal drugs). Rarely, surgery may be required. Although seldom done, removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal. Oral drugs, such as terbinafine, can cure almost 50% of nail fungus infections. Toenail infections are more difficult to treat than fingernail infections because the toenail grows more slowly. In addition, a damp, warm environment of a shoe or boot can encourage fungal growth. To prevent getting a nail fungus infection: Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms. Keep the inside of your shoes dry and change socks frequently (100% cotton socks are recommended). Wear shoes that fit properly (shoes with a wide toe area and ones that don't press your toes). Use absorbent or antifungal powder. Ingrown toenails can occur when the corner or side of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe. In many cases, ingrown nails occur in the big toe. The end result of this common condition is pain, redness, and swelling. Infection can occur in some cases. Some common causes of ingrown toenail include cutting the nails too short or not straight across, injury to the toenail, and wearing shoes that crowd the toenails. In mild cases, ingrown toenails may be treated with a 15-20-minute soak in warm water. Dry cotton can be placed under the corner of the nail. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing increasing pain, swelling, and drainage of the area. Minor surgery can be performed to remove the part of the nail that is poking into the skin. You can prevent ingrown toenails by: Wearing shoes that fit properly Keeping toenails at a moderate length and trimming them straight across
context: Going on a high-protein diet may help you tame your hunger, which could help you lose weight. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } You can try it by adding some extra protein to your meals. Give yourself a week, boosting protein gradually. Remember, calories still count. You'll want to make good choices when you pick your protein. If you plan to add a lot of protein to your diet, or if you have liver or kidney disease, check with your doctor first. Choose protein sources that are nutrient-rich and lower in saturated fat and calories, such as: Lean meats Seafood Beans Soy Low-fat dairy Eggs Nuts and seeds It's a good idea to change up your protein foods. For instance, you could have salmon or other fish that's rich in omega-3s, beans or lentils that give you fiber as well as protein, walnuts on your salad, or almonds on your oatmeal. How much protein are you getting? Here's how many grams of protein are in these foods: 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese: 14g 3 ounces tofu, firm: 9g 1/2 cup cooked lentils: 9g 2 tablespoons natural-style peanut butter (7g) or almond butter (6.7g) 3 oz skinless chicken breast: 26g 3 oz fish fillet (depending on type of fish): 17-20g 1 ounce provolone cheese: 7g 1/2 cup cooked kidney beans: 7.7g 1 ounce almonds: 6g 1 large egg: 6g 4 ounces low-fat plain yogurt: 6g 4 ounces soy milk: 5g 4 ounces low-fat milk: 4g While you're adding protein to your diet, you should also stock up on "smart carbs" such as: Fruits Vegetables Whole grains Beans and legumes (both also have protein) Low-fat milk and yogurt (both have protein) Also try healthy fats such as: Nuts and natural-style nut butters Seeds Olives Extra virgin olive oil and canola oil Fish Avocados To help manage your appetite, it also helps to split your daily calories into four or five smaller meals or snacks.
context: This blood test is often done for women who seem to have too many male hormones. It can also be done when a woman has a low sex drive and when a boy starts puberty too early. DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone. This is a hormone found in the adrenal glands, above the kidneys. DHEA helps to make other hormones, like testosterone in men and estrogen in women. Your natural DHEA levels are highest when you're a young adult. They get lower as you age. In your adrenal glands and liver, DHEA changes to DHEA- S ( DHEA-sulfate). The DHEA- S test is done to check whether your adrenal glands are working well. It measures the amount of DHEA- S in your bloodstream. In women, this can cause symptoms like: No menstrual periods A lot of body and facial hair Lots of acne Hair loss Fertility problems Other traits usually found in men, including a deep voice, lack of breasts, male pattern baldness, and a large Adam's apple More muscle Too much DHEA may not be as noticeable in men. High levels of DHEA- S in children can cause boys and girls to get pubic or underarm hair early. This is linked to aging and to conditions like: Diabetes Dementia Trouble getting or keeping an erection Low sex drive Osteoporosis, or weakened bones Lupus AIDS Chronic fatigue syndrome You don't have to do anything special before the test. But tell your doctor if you're taking a DHEA- S supplement or medications like antidiabetic drugs that have DHEA. Supplements labeled "athletic performance enhancer" also may contain DHEA. If you're a woman, your doctor may do the test a week before or after your period. That's because menstruation affects your DHEA levels. A lab worker will take a blood sample from your arm with a needle. The normal range for DHEA- S depends on your age, sex, health, and even the way the lab measures the results. A normal level means your adrenal glands are working right. A high level of DHEA- S could mean you might have: Adrenal cancer or tumors Cushing's disease, which can cause fat on the back of the neck and on the belly, full face, skin bruising, and excess hair growth Adrenal hyperplasia, a condition that makes your adrenal gland overactive Polycystic ovarian syndrome, which causes sex hormones to get out of balance and often leads to infertility A low level of DHEA- S might mean: A damaged adrenal gland Addison's disease, a rare condition that causes weak muscles, lack of energy, weight loss, and low blood pressure Hypopituitarism, a rare hormonal disease that can lead to tiredness, low sex drive, infertility, weight loss, and short height in children This will depend on your specific condition or disease. Your doctor likely will order other tests for an exact diagnosis.
context: Palmoplantar pustulosis is an autoimmune disorder that causes blister-like sores to show up on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. It can also cause cracked skin or reddened, scaly patches. There's no cure for PPP, but it a dermatologist can treat it. Sometimes it comes back. But it could go away and never return. PPP first appears as tiny blisters with yellow pus. Eventually, these turn brown and become scaly. PPP can also cause painful cracks in your skin. The blisters and sores can make it hard for you to walk comfortably or to use your hands without pain. The cause is unclear, but there's a known link between PPP and smoking. Studies show that up to 90% of people with the skin condition smoke or once did. Nicotine in tobacco products can affect your skin cells and cause inflammation in your sweat glands, especially on your hands and feet. If you stop smoking, your symptoms may get better. Any adult can get the condition. But more women have it than men, and it's most often found in people between 40 and 60. As many as 24% of people with PPP also have psoriasis. Psoriasis happens when skin cells build up rapidly with thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches. To see if you have PPP, your doctor will check your skin. Most often, they'll take a painless scrape or swab of the area. Sometimes, they'll need to remove a small piece of skin to confirm PPP. The area will be numbed, and you may need a few stitches afterward. Your doctor will look at the tissue under a microscope to see if you have PPP. Though nothing will cure PPP, treatment can help. Yours may include: Topical steroids . These creams, used with a sterile bandage or vinyl dressing, are anti-inflammatory treatments. They can help with inflammation, swelling, tenderness, and pain. . This ointment can help heal blisters and make them less itchy. Coal tar also slows the production of your skin cells and helps shed cells so your skin doesn't become thick. Acitretin tablets. Made from , these can help you manage PPP. But acitretin can have strong side effects, so it's not for everyone. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant shouldn't use it. Men who want to have children should talk to their doctor before taking it. Photo therapy or PUVA. This treatment uses medication along with ultraviolet light to slow down skin growth and help with symptoms for long periods of time. Here are some tips to help you feel better: If you smoke, stop. Don't use bubble bath or shower gel. Do use a soap with moisturizer. Protect your skin. Wear vinyl gloves when you work with water, use household cleaners, or work in your garden. Wear 100% cotton socks, and avoid shoes made from man-made products. Be careful. Any injuries, even minor ones, can be hard on your skin. If you have an injury, use waterproof bandages. Keep the affected areas clean. Rest your hands and feet often.
context: Spermicide is a chemical that prevents pregnancy by killing sperm so they can't fertilize an egg. The only spermicide available in the U. S. is nonoxynol-9 ( N-9). You can get it as a foam, jelly, tablet, cream, suppository, or dissolvable film. You can use spermicide by itself or combine it with other methods. Some condoms have spermicide. It varies with the type you have. Follow the directions on the package. Most types tell you to: Insert the spermicide deep into your vagina Wait 10-15 minutes before you have sex Don't wait any longer than 30-60 minutes to have sex Leave it in for at least 6 hours after sex Although you can use spermicide alone, it works better when you combine it with a condom or diaphragm. Spermicide used alone is about 70% to 80% effective, but when used together and properly, spermicide and condoms are about 97% effective in preventing pregnancy. No. Also, spermicide may irritate your genitals. This can make it easier for you to get HIV and other STDs. If your penis or vagina gets irritated, stop using the spermicide and see your doctor. Other than not having sex, condoms are the best way to prevent STDs. Spermicide will help prevent pregnancy, especially if a condom breaks or spills. You can get products with spermicide at most drugstores and supermarkets. You don't need a prescription Follow the package instructions carefully. It varies by type, but it ranges from 50 cents to $1.50 per use or about $8 per package.
context: If you're like a lot of folks, you probably think a migraine means you've got a splitting headache. But there's a lot more to it than that. Along with the pain, your body will send you other telltale signs, from shifts in your spirits to feeling sick to your stomach. The sooner you recognize what's happening, the quicker you can get the right kind of relief. A change in mood is part of the migraine package for about 60% of people. When it happens before a migraine hits, doctors call it a "prodrome." A mood swing after a migraine eases is called a "postdrome." Researchers haven't fully connected the dots between migraine headaches and moodiness. But whatever the reasons, your mood may shift in a variety of ways. You may: Feel hyperactive Find it hard to think Have trouble concentrating Get depressed or anxious Feel cheerful About 25% of people who get a migraine have visual changes that are known as auras. You may see spots, wavy or jagged lines, or flashing lights. The symptoms usually ease in under an hour. Auras can also happen before a migraine headache hits, serving as a warning sign. In some cases, you may get an aura without a headache. Besides vision issues, some other aura symptoms that you may notice are: Numbness or feeling of pins and needles in your arm or leg Verbal quirks that make it hard to speak Limb weakness or uncontrollable jerking You may find these feelings begin gradually, then build up over several minutes. They can last for up to an hour. Lots of folks with migraines get nauseated or throw up. The possible culprit: sudden changes in brain chemistry that affect your brain vomiting center. When you have a migraine, you might feel like heading to a dark, quiet spot for relief. Sensitivity to light and noise is behind it. Your doctor may call your urge to avoid light "photophobia" and your sensitivity to sound "phonophobia." Migraine headaches are sometimes misdiagnosed as a sinus headache or a tension-type headache. That's because migraines can give you pain in your sinus, jaw, or neck area. When you have a full-blown attack, you may be sensitive to anything or anyone touching your head. The reason? Many researchers point to abnormal changes in levels of substances that are naturally produced in your brain. When the levels increase, they can cause inflammation and irritate nearby nerves, causing pain. There are still more ways you might feel when you get a migraine. Some things to watch out for: Increased appetite Sweating or cold hands Pale facial color Drowsiness or depression Restlessness Sense of well-being Surge of energy Excessive yawning No matter how you feel, it's a good idea to keep a diary of your symptoms. Take it with you when you see your doctor so you can give him an accurate update on what's been going on. It will help him make the right diagnosis and put you on the road to relief.
context: Your dentist says you need to have your wisdom teeth taken out. But they don't hurt, you say, so why remove them? These days, oral surgery to remove wisdom teeth is a standard practice -- almost a rite of passage for young adults. It's not always necessary, though. Still, just because your wisdom teeth aren't a source of pain doesn't mean there's nothing wrong. The teeth could be stuck, or impacted. That means they can't break through your jaw and into your mouth. Maybe your mouth is too small to make room for them, or the teeth could be growing at an angle to other teeth. They can damage the tooth next door if they push up against it. Some dentists take out healthy molars to prevent problems later on. As you age, the bones in your mouth get harder. That makes your teeth tougher to remove. If you wait, you could have problems after surgery that range from heavy bleeding and fractured teeth to severe numbness and minor loss of movement in your jaw. These troubles could last a few days or a lifetime. When wisdom teeth cause problems, or X-rays show they might down the line, they need to come out. Other good reasons to take them out include: Damage to other teeth: That extra set of molars can push your other teeth around, causing mouth pain and bite problems. Jaw damage: Cysts can form around the new teeth. If they aren't treated, they can hollow out your jaw and damage nerves. Sinus Issues: Problems with wisdom teeth can lead to sinus pain, pressure, and congestion. Inflamed Gums: Tissue around the area can swell and may be hard to clean. Cavities: Swollen gums can create pockets between teeth that help bacteria grow and cavities form. Alignment: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems with crowding of other teeth and even make treatment to straighten other teeth necessary. Your dentist will look at the shape of your mouth and the position of your teeth to make a decision. Your age plays a role, too. Still not ready to part with your molars? You can ask your dentist to explain what he sees with your teeth. In many cases, you can wait several months to see if things change before making your decision. But if you have pain or notice swelling or a bad odor near your back teeth, it may be time for a second look.
context: Meditation is a simple technique that, if practiced for as few as 10 minutes each day, can help you control stress, decrease anxiety, improve cardiovascular health, and achieve a greater capacity for relaxation. Although meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, the meditative technique called the "relaxation response" was pioneered in the U. S. by Harvard doctor Herbert Benson in the 1970s. The technique has gained acceptance by physicians and therapists worldwide as a means of relieving symptoms of conditions ranging from cancer to AIDS. When our bodies are exposed to a sudden stress or threat, we respond with a characteristic "fight or flight" response. The ''adrenaline rush'' we experience is a result of the release of the hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. They cause an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate, faster breathing, and increased blood flow to the muscles. The relaxation response is a technique designed to elicit the opposite bodily reaction from the "fight or flight" response -- a state of deep relaxation in which our breathing, pulse rate, blood pressure, and metabolism are decreased. Training our bodies on a daily basis to achieve this state of relaxation can lead to enhanced mood, lower blood pressure, improved digestion, and a reduction of everyday stress. The relaxation response technique consists of the silent repetition of a word, sound, or phrase -- perhaps one that has special meaning to you -- while sitting quietly with a good posture and eyes closed for 10 to 20 minutes. This should be done in a quiet place free of distractions. Sitting is preferred to lying down in order to avoid falling asleep. Relax your muscles starting with the feet and progressing up to your face. Breathe though your nose in a free and natural way. During a meditation session, intruding worries or thoughts should be ignored or dismissed to the best of your ability by focusing on the sound, word or phrase. It's OK to open your eyes to look at a clock while you are practicing, but do not set an alarm. When you have finished, remain seated, first with your eyes closed and then with your eyes open, and gradually allow your thoughts to return to everyday reality. The technique requires some practice and may be difficult at first, but over time almost anyone can learn to achieve the desired state of relaxation. In his book The Relaxation Response (published in 1975 and reissued in 2000), Benson recommends practicing the technique once or twice a day. He recommends not practicing the relaxation response within two hours after eating a meal, because the digestive process may interfere with the technique. The relaxation response can also be elicited through other meditative and relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation. No matter how the relaxation state is achieved, the physical and emotional consequences of stress can be reduced through regular practice.
context: var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Pruritus simply means itching. It can be associated with a number of disorders, including dry skin, skin disease, pregnancy, and rarely, cancer. Anyone can get pruritus but certain groups of people are more susceptible to the condition, including: People with seasonal allergies, hay fever, asthma, and eczema People with diabetes People with HIV/ AIDS and various types of cancer, especially those with leukemia or lymphoma Pregnant women The elderly Finding the cause of the itching and treating any underlying skin disease is the first step in solving pruritus. If a drug reaction is suspected, switching to a different medication may be helpful to reduce the itching. However, most drug reactions have a rash along with itching. The best way to prevent pruritus is to take care of your skin. To protect skin: Use skin creams and lotions that moisturize your skin and prevent dryness. Use sunscreens regularly to prevent sunburns and skin damage. Use mild bath soap that won't irritate your skin. Take a bath or shower in warm -- not hot -- water. Avoid certain fabrics, such as wool and synthetics, that can make skin itch. Switch to cotton clothing and bed sheets. Since warm, dry air can make skin dry, keep the thermostat in your house down and use a humidifier. To relieve itching, place a cool washcloth or some ice over the area that itches, rather than scratching. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to treat pruritus, including antihistamines and topical steroids. Rarely, steroid pills and antibiotics may also be needed.
context: In the vast majority of cases, there are no clear symptoms of high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), which can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and eye problems if untreated. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. This is especially important if you have a close relative who has high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain symptoms to look out for, including: Severe headache Fatigue or confusion Vision problems Chest pain Difficulty breathing Irregular heartbeat Blood in the urine If you have any of these hypertension symptoms, see a doctor immediately. You could be having a hypertensive crisis that could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Your diastolic pressure -- the second, or bottom, number in a blood pressure reading -- suddenly shoots above 120 ,or your systolic pressure, the first number, is over 180; you may have malignant hypertension (also known as ''hypertensive emergency''), a life-threatening condition that can result in heart attack, stroke, kidney and eye problems. You are experiencing severe headaches, nausea, blurred vision, and confusion or memory loss; this may be a sign of malignant hypertension. You are pregnant and develop hypertension; symptoms may include severe headache and sudden swelling of the legs. High blood pressure during pregnancy can affect not only your own health, but also the health of your unborn child. You're taking drugs for high blood pressure and experiencing worrisome side effects, such as angioedema (swelling of your mouth or tongue), drowsiness, constipation, dizziness, or loss of sexual function; your doctor may prescribe a different anti-hypertensive drug.
context: Sleep disorder tests are often used to diagnose insomnia. A doctor will likely perform a physical exam and take a medical and sleep history to determine the cause of the sleep problem. Further tests may be required. During the exam, your doctor will seek to identify any medical or psychological illness that may be contributing to your insomnia. For example, you may be asked about chronic snoring and recent weight gain, which might suggest sleep apnea as the cause of insomnia. You will also likely be asked questions to see if you are suffering from anxiety, depression or other conditions that may keep you from getting a good night's sleep. Sleep diary: Tracking your sleep patterns may help your doctor reach a diagnosis. Epworth Sleepiness Scale: a validated questionnaire that is used to assess daytime sleepiness. Polysomnogram: a test measuring activity during sleep. Actigraphy: a test to assess sleep-wake patterns over time. Actigraphs are small, wrist-worn devices (about the size of a wristwatch) that measure movement. Mental Health Exam: Because insomnia may be a symptom of depression, anxiety, or another mental health disorder, a mental status exam, mental health history, and basic psychological evaluations may be part of your initial assessment.
context: When you've been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your doctor will work with you to decide what treatment is right for you. Often, you'll have several of treatments at the same time. Here's a look at the main ones: Surgery. This is usually the first step. It's done to take out a piece of the mass to see if it's cancer. Doctors call this a biopsy. Surgery helps "stage" the cancer to see how far it has spread. Once cancer is confirmed, your surgeon will take out as much of the tumor as possible. How much surgery you have depends on how far the cancer has spread. In some cases, the ovaries, uterus, cervix, or fallopian tubes may need to be removed. Other tissue typically removed includes lymph nodes, the omentum (fatty apron covering the intestines) and all visible cancer. If your surgery is in the very early stages or you want to have children, your doctor may not remove all your reproductive organs. Chemotherapy (âchemoâ). You may need chemo to get rid of any cancer cells that are still in your body after surgery. You usually receive these powerful medications through an IV. But sometimes they work better for ovarian cancer if they're injected into your abdomen. This lets the medicine come into direct contact with the part of your body where the cancer was and is most likely to spread. Radiation. These high-energy X-rays can help kill any cancer cells that are left over in the pelvic area. Radiation is given to you just like a regular X-ray. It can be used if cancer has come back after treatment or to help control symptoms like pain. Targeted Therapy. These treatments use newer medications that find and attack cancer cells while doing little damage to surrounding normal cells. These meds all work in different ways, but they're able to stop cancer cells from growing, dividing, or fixing themselves. The medications are either taken by mouth or given by IV. Hormone Therapy. In some cases, your doctor might suggest using hormones or hormone-blocking medications. According to the American Cancer Society, this therapy is most often used to treat ovarian stromal tumors, not epithelial ovarian cancer. Clinical Trials. Doctors are always conducting studies to take a closer look at new treatments and procedures. By taking part in these trials, you can get access to current state-of-the-art treatments. But they may not be right for everyone. Ask your doctor how you can find out more and if a clinical trial might be right for you.
context: Spondylolisthesis is a slipping of vertebra that occurs, in most cases, at the base of the spine. Spondylolysis, which is a defect or fracture of one or both wing-shaped parts of a vertebra, can result in vertebrae slipping backward, forward, or over a bone below. There are many causes for spondylolisthesis. A vertebra might be defective from the time a person is born, or a vertebra may be broken by trauma or a stress fracture. In addition, vertebrae can be broken down by infection or disease. Commonly, this disorder occurs in children and adolescents who are active in athletics, such as gymnastics. Symptoms include: Lower back pain Muscle tightness and stiffness Pain in the buttocks Pain radiating down the legs (due to pressure on nerve roots) Spondylolisthesis is treated with the strengthening of supportive abdominal and back muscles through physical therapy. For patients who continue to have severe pain and disability after physical therapy, there is the option of surgical fusion (arthrodesis) of the vertebra to the bone below.
context: The word osteomalacia means âsoft bones.â The condition keeps your bones from mineralizing, or hardening, as they should. That makes them weak and more likely to bend and break. Only adults have it. When the same thing happens in children, it's called rickets. Osteomalacia is more common in women and often happens during pregnancy. It's not the same as osteoporosis. Both can cause bones to break. But while osteomalacia is a problem with bones not hardening, osteoporosis is the weakening of the bone. Your bones rely on certain minerals to grow strong and stay solid. If your body isn't getting enough of them, you can get osteomalacia. There are different reasons it can happen. The main ones are: You're not taking in enough vitamin D. You need this vitamin to absorb calcium from your diet. You can get it from sunlight or certain foods or supplements. Lack of vitamin D can take a toll on your bone health. Your body has a hard time absorbing vitamin D. Gastric bypass or other surgeries that remove part of your stomach or intestines, celiac disease, and certain liver or kidney disorders can all affect your body's ability to take in vitamin D or convert it to its active form. Some seizure medications may cause it. You also can get it if your kidneys aren't handling acids correctly. Over time, extra acid in your body fluids can slowly dissolve bone. It's rare, but some people have a genetic condition that causes osteomalacia. If you have soft bones, you may have symptoms, including: Easily broken bones Feeling tired Pain Stiffness Trouble getting up from sitting or walking up stairs Weak muscles in your arms and thighs People with osteomalacia may walk with a waddling, side-to-side stride. Your doctor probably will recommend: Blood tests to measure the level of vitamin D in your body X-rays to look at your bone structure Bone mineral density scans to test the amount of calcium and phosphate in your bones It doesn't happen often, but your doctor may want to do a bone biopsy. This involves taking a piece of your bone tissue to check it. If osteomalacia comes from not getting enough vitamin D, you can treat it by getting more of it in your diet through certain foods and supplements. Foods with vitamin D include: Cereal Cheese Eggs Fish (tuna, salmon, swordfish, sardines) Liver Milk Orange juice (fortified with vitamin D) Yogurt You also can get more vitamin D by spending time in the sun. But talk to your doctor about it, and be sure to wear sunscreen. Too much sun can boost your chance of skin cancer. If your body has trouble absorbing vitamin D, your doctor will need to treat the cause, if possible. You'll also need to take larger doses of calcium and vitamin D than the normal daily recommendation. To treat broken or deformed bones from osteomalacia, your doctor may give you a brace to wear. If the problem is severe, you may need surgery.
context: Has difficulty breathing or is unable to breathe Suddenly starts coughing or choking after being fed Has a cough associated with any skin color change such as turning blue Seems out of breath Is unable to talk or eat Colds, flu, and allergies cause congestion in babies and toddlers. Colds and flu are most commonly caused by viruses, so antibiotics won't help. Supportive treatments can help with symptoms, however there is no cure and the body needs to fight off the virus. Symptoms last longer than two weeks Your child is congested and is three months or younger. Your child has a severe cough or a cough that sounds like a bark. Your child is breathing fast and has a fever with a cough. Your child has ear pain. Use an infant nasal bulb, or aspirator, to suck mucus from your baby's nose. It's OK to use nasal saline to loosen the mucus. If your child is able, have her blow her nose regularly. Never use a cold or cough medicine in kids under age 4 unless a pediatrician suggests it. If your child is over 3 months, offer him what he usually drinks, such as formula or breastmilk. Water is good, too. Older children can have warm soups and other drinks. Use a cool-mist humidifier if the air is dry. Use saline nose drops to moisten the nasal passages. Sit in the bathroom with the hot shower running and have your child breathe in the steam. If your child is older than a year, try 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey for cough. Avoid irritants, such as cigarette smoke. Rub petroleum jelly under the nose to prevent chapping. If your child has allergies, talk to your pediatrician about treatment.
context: Gout is a type of arthritis that happens when you have too much uric acid in your blood and it forms sharp crystals in one or more of your joints. This usually happens in your big toe, but you also can have gout in your knee, ankle, foot, hand, wrist, or elbow. Attacks are sudden and cause serious pain, often with redness and swelling around the joint. They usually last 3 to 10 days, but the first 36 hours are typically the most painful. After the first attack, some people don't have another one for months or maybe years. Men outnumber women 3-to-1 on gout. It's also more common in men over 40. Women are more likely to get it after menopause. You're more at risk if you're overweight and drink alcohol often. You also might be more likely to have it if you: Have a family history of gout Take certain diuretics (water pills) that help with high blood pressure or some medicines for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease Have had gastric bypass surgery Your body makes uric acid to break down a chemical called purine. This chemical is naturally in your body and also in some foods, including red meat, shellfish, and sugary drinks like cola or juice. In normal amounts, uric acid dissolves in your blood, and leaves your body when you pee. But if your body makes too much uric acid (hyperuricemia) or if it doesn't get rid of enough of it, crystals form and collect in your joints and cause gout. Uric acid buildup also can lead to disfiguring lumps called tophi that form around the affected joint. And if the crystals accumulate in the urinary tract, they can cause kidney stones. If you have a gout flare-up, call your doctor right away. You can take anti-inflammatory medicine (like aspirin and ibuprofen), ice the inflamed area and drink plenty of fluids.