VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Diabetes educators can be nurses or other health professionals who have specialized expertise in diabetes and lots of experience working with people who have it. Your diabetes educator will help you learn about all the things in your day-to-day life that can help control the disease -- like exercise, nutrition, medications, and checking your blood sugar. They can be nurses or other health professionals who have specialized expertise in diabetes and lots of experience working with people who have it. They must pass an exam to become a certified diabetes educator, and they must renew their credentials every 5 years. This helps make sure that they stay up-to-date on the latest findings and breakthroughs. Your diabetes educator will help you learn to take in stride all the things in your day-to-day life that can help control the disease -- like exercise, nutrition, medications, and checking your blood sugar. They may also work with your family so they understand your needs better and can be there to support you. Yes, it does. For example, it helps you keep good blood sugar levels. There's research to suggest that diabetes education can lower your risk of complications like nerve and kidney damage, which helps you avoid dialysis and gives you a better quality of life. Knowing what's going on with your body also helps you feel more in control of your health. One study of more than 1,200 people who got four 30-minute, one-on-one sessions with diabetes educators had impressive results. Folks in the study learned about important self-care strategies, like: Healthy eating Exercise Medication Self-monitoring Easing stress Dealing with potential problems They also had the chance to participate in group sessions. After 15 months, they lowered their A1c levels (blood sugar across a 3-month period) by an average of 67%. Their LDL, or bad cholesterol, went down by 53%. Before the study, about 1/3 had high blood pressure; after the study, only 1/4 had it. Yes, Medicare and most private insurers do. But to be covered, an education program has to meet standards set by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. So check with your doctor to make sure your diabetes educator does, unless you're going to pay the cost yourself. The American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics created a guide to help doctors make referrals to certified diabetes educators. It recommends seeing someone once a year as well as when: You're first diagnosed New problems come up that might affect how you manage your diabetes Your treatment or care changes
context: Has trouble breathing Shows signs of shock Call your health care provider or go to a hospital emergency room. If possible, kill the spider and take it to the doctor with you. Symptoms include target-like marking and slight swelling at wound site, muscle pains and cramps within 2 hours of the bite, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, itching, anxiety, and increased blood pressure. Apply ice on the way to the health care provider's office or emergency room to relieve pain and swelling. The health care provider will examine and clean the wound. The person may require a tetanus shot or booster, depending on the date of the last injection. A person with severe symptoms -- such as intense pain and cramping or high blood pressure -- may be admitted to the hospital. Antivenin may be needed.
context: A pulmonary embolism ( PE) usually happens when a blood clot called a deep vein thrombosis ( DVT), often in your leg, travels to your lungs and blocks a blood vessel. That leads to low oxygen levels in your blood. It can damage the lung and other organs and cause heart failure, too. A PE can be life-threatening, so if you've been diagnosed with DVT, you should be aware of this risk. Follow the treatment plan for your DVT to stop the clot from getting bigger and to keep new clots from forming. PE won't always cause symptoms. You might have: Chest pain, which may get worse with a deep breath Sudden shortness of breath or rapid breathing Fast heartbeat Sudden cough Coughing up blood Lightheadedness or fainting Anxiety Call 911 if you notice these symptoms. They could also be symptoms of a heart attack, pneumonia, or other serious problems. Your doctor will order different types tests, including lung tests, to check for a PE. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may give you a drug called a thrombolytic to dissolve the clot. These medicines can save your life, but they can also cause bleeding that's hard to stop. You'll have to be in the hospital, and the staff will watch you carefully. For some very serious cases, a specialist may need to do surgery to break up and remove the clot. If your symptoms aren't life-threatening, or if using a thrombolytic would be too dangerous, your doctor will give you medication that interrupts the clotting process or stops platelets in your blood from sticking together. They don't break down the clot, but they'll keep it from getting bigger while your body works on dissolving it. Afterward, you'll probably take a blood thinner pill for at least 3 months. If your doctor prescribes warfarin ( Coumadin), you'll need to get your blood tested often to make sure you have the right amount of the drug in your system. You won't need blood tests if you take a newer blood thinner, such as apixaban ( Eliquis), dabigatran ( Pradaxa), edoxaban ( Savaysa), or rivaroxaban ( Xarelto). You and your doctor should figure out what may have caused your DVT, so you can take steps to avoid getting more clots.
context: When you have psoriasis, you have patches of thick red skin. In severe cases, they can split open. This causes deep cracks, or âfissures.â There are ways you can ease the pain and treat the bleeding. 1. Treat the cuts. First, stop the bleeding. Use a clean cloth or bandage to apply steady pressure for 10 minutes. Don't lift it up to check the wound. When the bleeding stops, rinse the area with cool or lukewarm water. This helps prevent infection. 2. Seal the crack. Closing those gaps helps them heal faster. It also protects the wound by keeping out dirt, debris, and germs. Ways you can do it include: Liquid bandage: This over-the-counter product creates a thin plastic coating on the skin. It's waterproof and flexible. To apply it: Gently bring the edges of the crack or cut together. Spray, brush, or dab the liquid on top of the skin. It dries in less than a minute and lasts for up to a week. Because some of these products are made with alcohol, this might sting. Don't put it inside a wound, around the eyes, or on large areas of skin. Super glue: This household staple can fix psoriasis fissures, too. That's because its main ingredient is the same one found in many liquid bandages. It works in the same way: Carefully bring the edges of the cut or crack together, and dab it to the skin on top to create a seal. Adhesive bandage or tape: Watertight medical tape can seal cracks. It also keeps the wound moist, which helps it heal. For small cuts, you can also use the sticky part of a bandage. Put them across the wound. They can act as a bridge to hold the skin together. 3. For a quick fix, use lip balm. You're out and about when your skin splits. Now what? If it's a small cut, put a thick layer of lip balm or petroleum jelly on it. This'll protect your skin until you're able to treat it properly. 4. Soften the skin. Thick, dry patches worsen cracking and bleeding. They can also lead to more fissures. Take these steps to keep your skin moist: Soak in a lukewarm bath for 15 minutes. Avoid hot water and harsh soaps. They can dry you out. To ease the itching and irritation, you can add: Oils Epsom salts Colloidal oatmeal Dead Sea salts When you get out, pat your skin dry with a towel. Then put on an emollient ointment, cream, or oil. At bedtime, slather on some moisturizing ointment, like petroleum jelly. Other options include: Vitamin E Olive oil Shortening Then cover the area to lock in the moisture overnight. You can use plastic. Wear cotton gloves and socks to protect your hands and feet. Reapply moisturizer at least twice a day. Think ointment or oil is too greasy? Try a thick cream instead of a thin lotion. 5. Apply a medicated lotion, cream, or ointment. Your skin cracks when it gets too dry, tight, and stretched. To help existing wounds heal -- and prevent new ones -- you need to can the inflammation that causes the swelling. The first line of treatment is a corticosteroid lotion, cream, or ointment. They're available over the counter or as a prescription in higher doses. Put it on once or twice a day. Don't use it for more than 3 weeks without your doctor's permission.
context: If you were physically active before 50, that's great. But if you didn't exercise regularly, it's not too late to start. Physical activity may help tame some of the symptoms of menopause -- hot flashes, joint pain, and sleep problems. Exercise also lowers your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Plus, it helps control weight and melts belly fat. The effects of exercise are so potent that it influences every physiological system in the body for the better. Many difficulties of aging are linked to an inactive lifestyle. And while your chronological age may be 55, your biological age can be 35 -- if you follow a consistent exercise program. Before you start, check with your doctor, especially if you have any of the risk factors for heart disease (smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or family history). Then, get moving. A complete fitness program must include the following: Aerobic exercise. Walking, jogging, swimming, and dance exercise are good ones to try. Aerobic exercise works the large muscles in your body, benefitting your cardiovascular system -- and your weight. Work up to getting 20 or more minutes per session, 3 or 4 days a week. Make sure you can pass the âtalk test,â which means exercising at a pace that lets you carry on a conversation. Strength training. Lifting hand weights improves your strength and posture, maintains bone strength, reduces the risk of lower back injury, and also helps you tone. Start with a hand weight that you can comfortably handle for eight repetitions. Gradually add more reps until you can complete 12. Stretching. Stretching exercises help maintain flexibility and range of motion in joints. They also reduce the risk of injury and muscle soreness. Yoga and Pilates are good forms of stretching exercise; they build core body strength and increase stability. Every bit of movement counts. If you're too busy for a regular workout, look for other ways to be in motion. Research shows that all those extra steps you take during the day add up to big health benefits. Here are some ideas to get you on your feet: Adopt a dog and take it for walks every day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. At home, don't shout at your family members from the stairs -- go on up. Get up and talk with co-workers, rather than sending emails. Have a meeting with one or two colleagues? Take it outside and make it a walking meeting. Walk briskly whenever you can. Always wear comfortable shoes, or bring them with you, so that your feet can be your main mode of transportation. Find a sport, game, or activity you like. You'll stay committed to exercising if you're doing something that you enjoy.
context: If you've ever had a urinary tract infection, you know how painful and frustrating they can be, especially if they keep coming back. While antibiotics generally clear up a UTI within a few days, there are also some simple measures you can take to help prevent getting one in the first place. To say goodbye to burning, frequent urination, and other unpleasant symptoms, start with these changes today. The key is to keep bacteria out of your system. Drink plenty of water, and relieve yourself often. The simplest way to prevent a UTI is to flush bacteria out of the bladder and urinary tract before it can set in. If you're well-hydrated, it will be tough to go too long without urinating. Wipe from front to back. Bacteria tend to hang around the anus. If you wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement, they're less likely to make it to the urethra. Wash up before sex and urinate after it. Use soap and water before sex. This keeps bacteria away from the urethra. And urinating afterward pushes any bacteria that entered the urinary tract back out. Steer clear of irritating feminine products. Skip douches, deodorant sprays, scented powders, and other potentially irritating feminine products. Rethink your birth control. A diaphragm, spermicide, or spermicide-lubricated condom can make you more likely to get a UTI because they all can contribute to bacterial growth. If you often get UTIs and use one of these birth control methods, switch to a water-based lubricant for vaginal dryness, and consider trying another birth control method to see if it helps. Some doctors also advise women who get a lot of UTIs to wear cotton underwear, take showers instead of baths, and avoid tight clothes that can trap bacteria near the urethra. While these are simple enough to do, none of them are supported by scientific data. If you get a lot of UTIs, your doctor may consider: A daily low dose of antibiotics, taken for 6 months or longer Having you test yourself for a UTI at home when you have symptoms Taking a single dose of antibiotics after having sex If you've gone through menopause, you could ask about estrogen vaginal cream. After menopause, women have less estrogen in their bodies, which can cause vaginal dryness and make the urinary tract more vulnerable to infection. The treatment can help balance the area's p H factor and allow âgoodâ bacteria to flourish again. There's no harm in trying it. But it's not a proven fix. Over the years, a lot of studies have focused on a substance found in cranberries that's thought to prevent bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract. But none of these studies have shown how much of this substance it would take to help prevent UTIs. If you still want to give it a try, drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills is probably fine to do. But there are some exceptions, like if you take a blood-thinning medication, a medication that affects the liver, or aspirin. It's always wise to talk to your doctor first, before you try any supplements.
context: Oral surgery can go a lot easier if you put in a little preparation. If you know what to expect ahead of time, you may be more at ease about what you need to have done. Your process should start long before you walk in for your appointment. 1. Be informed. Schedule time with your dentist or oral surgeon to make sure you understand the reasons for your procedure. Find out the risks and benefits of what you're having done. Bring questions to ask, too. 2. Make sure you have a ride. If you're getting sedation, including nitrous oxide, you'll need someone to drive you home. Anesthesia can impair your judgment, which makes it unsafe for you to operate a car. Ask a friend or family member to give you a ride. If nobody you know can do it, you can take a cab or use public transportation. If neither of those options are available where you live, ask the doctor's office if it's possible for you to wait there until it's OK to drive. 3. Fast. If you're going to be sedated,don't eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight of the evening before your surgery. This reduces your risk of aspiration, a rare but serious complication of anesthesia that fills the lungs with the contents of your stomach. If you need to take medication during your fast, you can have a small sip of water, if need be. 4. Bare your arms. Wear short sleeves if you're going to have sedation for your procedure. It'll help nurses take your vital signs, give you your IV, or put blood pressure cuffs on you so they can monitor you during the surgery. 5. Bring a box. Have a container with you to store dentures, partial plates, or removable bridgework while the procedure is being performed. 6. Give yourself time. On the big day, arrive at least 20 minutes early. This will give you time to complete any last-minute paperwork. You'll also have a chance to relax before your surgery happens. Right before the work begins, a nurse will take your vital signs. If you have any lingering questions about your procedure, this is the time to ask them.
context: Night sweats can be a symptom of many things, from certain types of cancer to hormonal changes. Medications and other health problems may also be to blame. It's no fun to wake up with your clothes and bedding soaked, but there are ways to make living with them easier. Night sweats can be linked to cancer and certain cancer treatments: Lymphoma Leukemia Carcinoid tumors (usually in your digestive tract) Adrenal system tumors Hormone therapy for breast, gynecologic, and prostate cancers If cancer is to blame, you'll have other symptoms, like a constant fever and unexplained weight loss. Other things that can bring on night sweats include: Medications like prescription painkillers, steroids, and antidepressants Menopause HIV Some bacterial infections Low blood sugar An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism Anxiety You might notice: Waking up soaking wet -- from your hair to your clothing to your sheets Chills A mild fever that leads to heavy sweating Drenching sweats without a fever A sudden, brief feeling of warmth accompanied by flushing or sweating If you have a cancer diagnosis, call your treatment team or your doctor if you have: Tremors or chills that cause you to shake A fever of 100.5 F or higher (when you take your temperature by mouth) for over 24 hours Take these simple steps to ease the discomfort: If you have a fever, take medicine like acetaminophen -- so long as your doctor says it's OK. Change out of your wet clothes ASAP. Change the sheets if you have to. Bathe at least once a day to soothe your skin and stay clean. Keep a fan on at night. Don't use too many blankets. Sleep in fabrics that move moisture away from your skin. Try a cool gel pillow. Stick one foot outside the covers, to lower your body temperature. Take a cool shower before bed. Stay at a healthy weight. You can also try relaxation and stress-reducing techniques like yoga, acupuncture, meditation, or breathing exercises. Some studies show that the slow and steady rhythm of breathing may ease night sweats and help you get back to sleep. Late in the day, and especially just before bedtime, don't: Drink alcohol or hot beverages Exercise Try to sleep in a hot room Eat spicy, hot foods None of these things will prevent night sweats, but they should help ease your symptoms.
context: Along with traditional headache medications, other drugs -- like antidepressants -- can help you have fewer and less-severe headaches. Generic Name Brand Name Possible Side Effects Amitriptyline Elavil Fatigue, dry mouth, weight gain, constipation, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Older adults also may feel confusion or faintness. Desipramine Norpramin Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, weakness, weight gain Doxepin Silenor Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, weakness, weight loss Imipramine Tofranil Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, weakness, weight gain Nortriptyline Pamelor Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, weakness, weight gain Protriptyline Vivactil Dry mouth, weight gain, constipation Generic Name Brand Name Possible Side Effects Fluoxetine Prozac Nausea, dry mouth, appetite changes, agitation Nefazodone Serzone Blurred vision, lightheadedness, clumsiness, ringing in the ears, skin rash, itching Paroxetine Paxil Fatigue, weight gain Sertraline Zoloft Insomnia, restlessness Venlafaxine Effexor Vision changes, low sex drive, headaches Citalopram Celexa Drowsiness, nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, sweating Escitalopram Lexapro Ejaculating too fast or too slow, insomnia, headache, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea Trazodone Oleptro Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea and vomiting, a bad taste in your mouth Bupropion Wellbutrin Agitation, anxiety, buzzing or ringing in ears, skin rash, hives, itching Phenelzine Nardil Chills, cold sweats, confusion, dizziness or lightheadedness when you get up, overactive reflexes
context: Keeping a sleep diary will let you learn about your sleep patterns and habits. Make a chart with spaces for: How long you think it took you to fall asleep when you first went to bed How long and well you slept How many times you woke up during the night and how long it took you to fall back asleep How much caffeine or alcohol you consumed and when What and when you ate and drank What emotion or stress you had What drugs or medications you took Here is an example of a sleep diary. Print it out and use it or create your own sleep diary. Date: Bedtime: Wake time: Duration of sleep: Number of times awake at night: Quality of sleep: Caffeine consumption and time consumed Alcohol consumption and time consumed Food/drink consumption and time consumed Emotions/ stress Medications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
context: Each year, more than 212,000 people, including 72,000 children under age 5, are treated in emergency rooms across the U. S. for toy-related injuries. Follow these tips for choosing safe and appropriate toys for children: Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced for your child's age and developmental level may pose safety hazards to younger children. For infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts, which could pose a fatal choking hazard. Never give young children small balls or balloons. How small is too small? If a toy or part can fit inside a toilet paper tube, it's too small. Look for sturdy construction on plush toys, such as tightly secured eyes, noses, and other potential small parts. Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points, especially for children under age 8. Avoid toys with strings, straps, or cords longer than seven inches. They could wrap around a child's neck. Do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age 8. Check toys that make loud noises, which may damage young ears. If it sounds too loud to an adult, it's too loud for a child. Look for labels on toys that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide. Check instructions for clarity. If you buy bicycles, scooters, skateboards, or inline skates, don't forget to include appropriate safety gear, such as helmets and pads. Throw away plastic wrappings on toys as soon as they're opened. Follow instructions carefully when assembling toys. Also, dispose of any small objects that may have been present for packing purposes. Research has shown that many manufacturers and retailers continue to sell toys that have small parts but are not labeled with the choke hazard warning as required by law. Other toys that exceed safety standards for loudness, toxic ingredients, and strangulation hazards are also in toy stores and increasingly available via the Internet. It is also important to monitor the toys your children play with. Make sure they are not broken or coming apart. Also make sure the paint isn't cracked or peeling off. Repair or discard damaged toys.
context: Everyone experiences stress. When stress persists, however, the body begins to break down and problems like essential tremor can occur or become worse. Coping with stress requires identifying stressors in your life and learning ways to reduce them. Stress is your reaction to any change that requires you to adjust or respond. It is important to remember that you can control stress, because stress comes from how you respond to certain situations. Stress can be caused by anything that requires you to adjust to a change in your environment. Your body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. We all have our own ways of coping with change, so the causes of stress can be different for each person. Common causes of stress include: Death of a loved one Confrontations Marital difficulties/divorce Deadlines Legal problems Job loss/new job Retirement Money problems Illnesses When you are not sure of the exact cause of your stress, it may help to know the warning signs of stress. Once you can identify these signs, you can learn how your body responds to stress and can take steps to reduce it. Your body sends out physical, emotional, and behavioral warning signs of stress. Anger Inability to concentrate Excessive worry Sadness Frequent mood swings Stooped posture Sweaty palms Chronic fatigue Weight gain or loss Erectile dysfunction Shaking Over-reacting Acting on impulse Using alcohol or drugs Withdrawing from relationships Changing jobs often Lower your expectations; accept that there are events beyond your control. Ask others to help you, delegate. Take responsibility for the situation. Engage in problem solving. Express distressing emotions; be assertive instead of aggressive. Maintain emotionally supportive relationships and emotional composure. Avoid sources of stress. Learn to relax. Eat and drink sensibly. Stop smoking or other bad habits. Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy sense of self-esteem. You should seek help in dealing with your stress when you experience any of the following: Marked decline in work/school performance Excessive anxiety Alcohol or drug abuse Inability to cope with demands of daily life Irrational fears Significant change in sleeping or eating habits Persistent physical ailments and complaints Suicidal thoughts or urge to hurt others Self-mutilation or other self-destructive behavior Sustained withdrawn mood or behavior Your personal doctor can determine if your stress is due to an anxiety disorder, a medical condition, or both. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional, if necessary. If the situation is an emergency, call a crisis hotline or go to the nearest emergency room.
context: It's easier for you to get a cold than it is to get HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HIV is only spread through specific body fluids: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), vaginal and rectal fluid, and breast milk. So you can prevent an infection by avoiding those. The most common way people get HIV is by having sex with an infected person. You can't tell by looking at someone whether they have HIV, so you have to protect yourself -- and your sex partner. Kissing, erotic massage, and mutual masturbation are safe sex activities. When either person's penis, vagina, or anus gets involved with the other's -- or a mouth -- there's a chance of passing HIV. You can lower your risk a lot by using a latex or polyurethane condom when you have sex. ( Natural-skin condoms prevent pregnancy, but they don't prevent infections.) Put the condom on as soon as there's an erection. Use water-based lubricants, no oils. A female condom, called a vaginal pouch, also protects against HIV. Oral sex without a condom or dental dam isn't safe, but it's far less risky than unprotected vaginal or anal sex. Don't have unprotected sex outside marriage or a committed, exclusive relationship. The safest thing is to not use drugs, especially injected ones. But if you're not ready to or can't stop, you can still lower your chances of getting HIV. If you use drugs, don't inject them. If you inject drugs, don't share the equipment. This includes everything: needles, syringes, cookers, cotton, and rinse water. Find out if there's a needle exchange program near you, where you can trade in used ones for new, clean ones. Don't have sex when you're high or drunk. It's easy to forget or not care about safe sex. Get an HIV test if you haven't already. Mothers with HIV can give the virus to their babies during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. You can take anti- HIV drugs while you're pregnant to help prevent passing the virus to your baby. But when you have HIV, you should feed your infant formula or breast milk from an uninfected woman. Be careful and avoid blood getting into any cuts or open sores on your own skin, or in your eyes or mouth. Wear gloves and protective eyewear if you can. Although it's rare, you can be infected by HIV from contact with the blood of an infected person. People who are very likely to get HIV -- like sex workers, or those in a relationship with someone who is HIV-positive -- can take a pill every day to help prevent an infection. This is called Pr EP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis. But it's not a free pass. You'll still need to try to prevent contact with the virus. Call your doctor or go to an urgent care clinic right away. You might be able to take medicine to stop the infection. You need to start within 72 hours, and sooner is better for it to work. It's not like a morning-after pill. The treatment lasts for several weeks, and there can be serious side effects. But it could keep you from getting HIV.
context: The main symptom of dermatitis, or skin inflammation, is dry, red, itchy skin. There are many types of dermatitis. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of dermatitis you have. Contact dermatitis, caused by exposure to an irritant or allergic reaction, typically shows up as a red, itchy rash that is limited to the area of skin exposed to the substance. Nummular dermatitis, common in people who have dry skin or live in dry environments, shows up as red, itchy, circular patches of weeping, scaly, or crusted skin. Seborrheic dermatitis , called cradle cap in infants, causes greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp and eyebrows, behind the ears, and around the nose. Stasis dermatitis causes scaling, darkening and swelling of the lower legs. Sometimes ulcerated or open skin appears inside the lower legs and around the ankles. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) can cause extreme, persistent skin itchiness. However, many times, itchiness results simply from dry skin. Your skin has oozing sores; honey-yellow crusting; red, swollen, tender areas; or other signs of infection. You may need treatment with antibiotics or other drugs. The affected skin does not respond to treatment with over-the-counter creams or medicated shampoos. You should have a medical diagnosis and treatment. You are exposed to anyone with herpes simplex virus infection while you are having a flare-up of atopic dermatitis (eczema). You are at increased risk of contracting the viral disorder.
context: Doctors use two basic types of ablation to treat atrial fibrillation ( AFib). Catheter ablation happens through a thin, flexible tube that goes into a blood vessel in your leg or neck. Surgical ablationâinvolves cutting into your chest. Your recovery and the results you can expect will depend on which procedure you have. Often, the treatment will ease your symptoms and return your heartbeat to normal. It may also lower your chances of a stroke and other heart problems. You may need to stop taking some medications in the days before your procedure, including blood thinners and medicines for your heart rate and rhythm. The night before, you should stop eating and drinking after midnight and wash with antibacterial soap. Your doctor will give you specific instructions for the kind of ablation you're having. For most procedures, you'll rest in a recovery room for a few hours while a nurse closely watches your heart rate and blood pressure. You need to lie flat and still to prevent bleeding from where your skin was cut. You may go home the same day as your catheter ablation, or spend a night in the hospital. If you go home, plan to have someone drive you. You may feel a little sore and tired at first, but you'll be back to normal soon. For surgical ablation called mini-maze, you're in the hospital just a couple of days and will need to take it easy for a few weeks. Open-heart maze is major surgery. You'll spend a day or two in intensive care, and you may be in the hospital up to a week. At first, you'll feel very tired and have some chest pain. You can probably go back to work in about 3 months, but it may take 6 months to get back to normal. Catheter ablation is considered safe. But it can cause: Infection Bleeding Blood clots that go to your leg, heart, or brain Damage to your heart or blood vessels During a mini-maze treatment, you could also get a collapsed lung or inflamed heart tissue. An open-heart maze procedure is more complicated, so there are more things that may happen. You run the risk of: Pneumonia Heart attack or stroke New heart rhythm problems Because it's surgery, there is a slim chance you might die from having a maze procedure. Catheter ablation may not cure your AFib, but it will often relieve your symptoms. If you've had AFib a long time, you'll likely need a repeat treatment to keep your heartbeat normal. You may also need medicine to control your heart rhythm for a few months following the procedure. Most people who have the maze procedure get long-term relief from their symptoms. And many don't need to take heart rhythm medicine afterward.
context: Most of us have had back trouble of some kind or another, whether it's mild discomfort or terrible pain that knocks you off your feet. But with sciatica, you'll likely know right away that this is something different. The telltale sign of sciatica is pain that starts in your lower back and shoots down one leg, sometimes all the way into your foot. Sciatica is triggered when something -- usually a herniated disk but sometimes a bone spur â puts pressure on your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down to your legs and feet. This can happen with an injury or just with the wear and tear of aging. Mild sciatica usually responds well to do-it-yourself treatment, like over-the-counter medicines and hot and cold packs. But if your back pain lasts for more than a week or gets worse, it's time to call the doctor. If you have pain that comes on suddenly, is caused by an injury, or makes you lose control of your bladder or bowels, these are emergencies and you should call your doctor immediately. The first thing your doctor probably will do is ask questions about your back pain: Do you have numbness or weakness in your legs? Do certain positions help your discomfort? Has the pain kept you from doing any activities? Have any home remedies eased your pain at all? He will also want to know about your lifestyle: Do you do a lot of physical work, like heavy lifting? Do you sit for long periods of time? How often do you exercise? Next he'll want to give you a physical exam to try to figure out which nerve is causing your problem. He may have you do some exercises to see if they make your pain worse, such as rising from a squat, walking on your toes and heels, and raising one leg while lying on your back. If your pain is ongoing (chronic) or severe, your doctor might also get some imaging tests done. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can look for herniated disks or bone spurs that clearly would be causes of sciatica. An electromyography ( EMG) test can also tell him what nerves in your back are being compressed. If your doctor diagnoses you with sciatica, the good news is that most cases clear up in a few weeks without surgery. If over-the-counter drugs haven't made a dent in your pain, your doctor probably will prescribe anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants. You might also need to do physical therapy or get steroid injections to help relieve your discomfort. Accupuncture and treatment by a chiropractor are alternative treatments that also may be helpful. The conversation about surgery will start start only after you've first tried non-surgical treatments.
context: A toe stuck in an upside-down " V" position is probably a hammertoe. Some symptoms of a hammertoe include: Putting on a shoe hurts the top of the bent toe. Corns form on the top of the toe joint. The toe joint swells and takes on an angry red color. It's hard to move the toe joint -- and it hurts when you try. The ball of the foot under the bent toe hurts. Your feet often hurt. You should see a doctor to learn how to keep your symptoms from worsening. Foot doctors are called podiatrists. Call one, or ask your doctor for a referral. The earlier you seek treatment, the likelier it is that the problem won't get worse. If you have diabetes or can't feel your feet well, you may need to have custom shoes to avoid open sores or infections.
context: People with bipolar disorder are at great risk for suicide if they are not getting treatment. The National Mental Health Association reports that 30%-70% of suicide victims have suffered from a form of depression. Men commit almost 75% of suicides, even though twice as many women attempt suicide. Risk factors for suicide include: Having mental and substance abuse disorders Family history of mental or substance abuse disorders Having attempted suicide previously Having a family history of physical or sexual abuse Having family members or friends who have attempted suicide Keeping a firearm in the home If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide -- and has shown warning signs -- do not leave them alone. Seek the help of a health care professional right away. People often talk about suicide before they attempt it, so pay close attention to what they are saying and take them seriously. Some warning signs of suicide include: Talking about suicide Always talking or thinking about death Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless Saying things like " It would be better if I wasn't here" or " I want out" Worsening depression A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights Losing interest in things one used to care about Visiting or calling people one cares about Putting affairs in order, tying up lose ends, changing a will Recent worsening of sleep Not sleeping Seeming restless or agitated Think you cannot stop from harming yourself Hear voices telling you to harm yourself Want to commit suicide You know someone who has mentioned wanting to commit suicide
context: High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to many complications of diabetes, including diabetic eye disease and kidney disease, or make them worse. Most people with diabetes will eventually have high blood pressure, along with other heart and circulation problems. Diabetes damages arteries and makes them targets for hardening, called atherosclerosis. That can cause high blood pressure, which if not treated, can lead to trouble including blood vessel damage, heart attack, and kidney failure. Compared to those with normal blood pressure readings, people with hypertension more often have: Coronary artery disease or heart disease Strokes Peripheral vascular disease, hardening of the arteries in the legs and feet Heart failure Even blood pressure that's at the higher end of normal (120/80 to 129/80), called elevated, impacts your health. Studies show that you have a two to three times greater chance of getting heart disease over 10 years. Readings vary, but most people with diabetes should have a blood pressure of no more than 130/80. The first, or top, number is the "systolic pressure," or the pressure in your arteries when your heart squeezes and fills the vessels with blood. The second, or bottom, number is the "diastolic pressure," or the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats, filling itself with blood for the next contraction. When it comes to preventing diabetes complications, normal blood pressure is as important as good control of your blood sugar levels. Usually, high blood pressure has no symptoms. That's why you need to check your blood pressure regularly. Your doctor will probably measure it at every visit, and you may need to check it at home, too. Many of the things you do for your diabetes will also help with high blood pressure: Control your blood sugar. Stop smoking. Eat healthy. Exercise most days. Keep your weight in a healthy range. Don't drink a lot of alcohol. Limit how much salt you eat. Visit your doctor regularly. Most doctors use ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors) and ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers) first. Although other medications treat high blood pressure, these also prevent or slow kidney disease in people with diabetes. Some blood pressure drugs may make your blood sugar and lipid levels worse. Blood pressure medicines can also cause erectile dysfunction. Find out from your doctor what your prescribed medicines might do. Other drugs known commonly as "water pills" or diuretics help your body get rid of extra fluid.
context: There are three major types of hepatitis, and all of them affect your liver. Some of the symptoms are similar, but they have different treatments. Hepatitis A. This type won't lead to long-term infection and usually doesn't cause any complications. Your liver heals in about 2 months. You can prevent it with a vaccine. Hepatitis B. Most people recover from this type in 6 months. Sometimes, though, it causes a long-term infection that could lead to liver damage. Once you've got the disease, you can spread the virus even if you don't feel sick. You won't catch it if you get a vaccine. Hepatitis C. Many people with this type don't have any symptoms. About 80% of those with the disease get a long-term infection. It can sometimes lead to cirrhosis, a scarring of the liver. There's no vaccine to prevent it. You get it from eating or drinking something that's got the virus in it. You can get it if you: Have sex with someone who's infected Share dirty needles when using illegal drugs Have direct contact with infected blood or the body fluids of someone who's got the disease If you're pregnant and you've got hepatitis B, you could give the disease to your unborn child. If you deliver a baby who's got it, he needs to get treatment in the first 12 hours after birth. Just like hepatitis B, you can get this type by sharing needles and having contact with infected blood. You can also catch it by having sex with somebody who's infected, but that's less common. If you had a blood transfusion before new screening protocols were put in place in 1992, you are at risk for hepatitis C. If not, the blood used in transfusions today is safe. It gets checked beforehand to make sure it's free of the virus that causes hepatitis B or C. The most common symptoms for all three types are: Dark urine Stomach pain Yellowing of skin or eyes Pale or clay-colored stool Low-grade fever Loss of appetite Fatigue Feeling sick to the stomach Lack of nutrition If you have hepatitis B, you may also have achy joints. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms. If you have hepatitis A, your doctor will carefully see how well your liver is working, but there aren't any treatments to cure it. There are several drugs that treat long-term hepatitis B, such as: Adefovir ( Hepsera) Entecavir ( Baraclude) Interferon Lamivudine () Telbivudine ( Tyzeka) Tenofovir ( Viread) For hepatitis C, some people improve if they get a combo of the drugs peginterferon alpha and ribavirin. But there are side effects to this treatment, including severe anemia (low red blood cells) and birth defects. Your doctor may also suggest other drugs for hepatitis C, which cure more people and may be better tolerated, including: Daclatasvir ( Daklinza) Elbasvir /grazoprevir ( Zepatier) Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir ( Harvoni) Ombitasvir-paritaprevir-dasabuvir- () Sofosbuvir ( Sovaldi) Sofosbuvir /velpatasvir ( Epclusa)
context: You may go for weeks or months without having a flare. But suddenly, your chest feels tight. You're coughing and wheezing a bit. During an attack, the muscles in your airway tighten. Their lining gets swollen. They make more and thicker mucus. All of this makes it hard to breathe. Just before or at the very start of an attack, you may notice changes that can tip you off. They include: Coughing a lot, especially at night Trouble sleeping Losing your breath Hard to breathe after exercise Feeling cranky Lower PEF numbers, from your peak flow meter Follow the steps in your asthma action plan. You may be able to stop the episode or keep it from getting bad. When symptoms flare, it might be hard for you to do normal, everyday things. You may have: Short, shallow, fast breaths A whistling sound when you breathe, especially out A cough that won't go away Squeezed feeling in your chest Use your rescue inhaler. Try to stay calm. Signs of worsening asthma include: Feeling panicky Wheezing when you breathe both in and out Inability to stop coughing Having trouble talking or walking Getting a tight neck and chest muscles Having a pale, sweaty face Follow the " Red Zone" or emergency instructions in your asthma action plan. Call 911 or get to the hospital. You need medical attention right away. You'll probably feel tired and worn out. For the next few days, you're more likely to have another flare, too. Pay attention for warning signs. Take care of yourself. Follow your asthma action plan closely. Make sure you take your medications. Use your peak flow meter. Avoid your triggers.
context: If you notice yellow patches on the inside corners of your eyelids, you might have this. The patches made up of cholesterol that's under your skin. They aren't harmful, but if you don't like the way they look, your eye doctor can help you get rid of them. Even though it won't hurt you, xanthelasma could be a sign that you're more likely to get heart disease. So don't ignore this skin condition, and get it checked out by your doctor. The condition is rare, but you can sometimes get it if there are high levels of cholesterol or other fats in your blood. It's also possible to get it even if your cholesterol levels are normal. Most people who get it are middle-aged or older. It's more common in women than in men. If you have it, you should have your cholesterol checked with a blood test. About half the people with xanthelasma have high cholesterol. You're more likely to get these growths if you have: High LDL ("bad") cholesterol or low HDL ("good") cholesterol Inherited high cholesterol (your doctor might call this familial hypercholesterolemia) Liver disease called primary biliary cirrhosis, which can raise cholesterol levels It's most common among people whose families are from Asia or the Mediterranean. The patches probably won't go away on their own. They'll either stay the same size or grow over time. If you're worried about how they look, you can have them removed. Your doctor can do that with one of these methods: Dissolve the growth with medicine Freeze it off with intense cold (he'll call this cryosurgery) Remove it with a laser Take it off with surgery Treat it with an electric needle (you might hear this called electrodesiccation) These treatments work well, but there can be side effects like: Scars Changes in skin color Turned-out eyelid The growths may come back, especially if you have inherited high cholesterol. Xanthelasma may be an early warning sign that cholesterol has started to build up in your blood vessels. Over time, it can form hard, sticky gunk called plaque in your arteries. This buildup is called atherosclerosis, and it can lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. The growths may also be linked to other heart disease risks, like: Diabetes High blood pressure Obesity Smoking If you notice growths on your eyelids and want them removed, see a dermatologist or an aculoplastics surgeon. That's an eye doctor who has also specialized in doing platic surgery on the eye. Also get your primary care doctor to check your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other heart risks.