VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Many women going through menopause experience insomnia, an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. This is a normal side effect of menopause and is usually caused by symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. Symptoms of insomnia can include one or more of the following: Difficulty falling asleep Waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep Waking up too early in the morning Non-refreshing sleep (feeling tired upon waking and throughout the day) Alcohol may help you relax and fall asleep, but it should not be used as a sleep aid, because it has a rebound effect. It can disturb your sleep later and can cause you to awaken in the middle of the night. Milk contains a substance called tryptophan. The body uses tryptophan to make serotonin, a chemical in the brain. Serotonin helps control sleep patterns, appetite, pain, and other functions. Milk does not contain enough tryptophan to change sleep patterns, but drinking a glass of milk before bed may help you relax. There are many steps you can take to get yourself sleeping soundly through the night. Here are some tips. Do not nap during the day. Exercise daily. However, be sure to avoid vigorous exercise three hours or less before bedtime. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine throughout the day. Keep your bedroom cool to prevent night sweats. Do not go to bed until you are tired. Take a warm bath or shower at bedtime. Do not watch television, eat, or read in bed. Do these activities in another room until you feel sleepy. Follow the same bedtime routine each night. Avoid using sleeping pills. When lifestyle changes such as these fail to remedy insomnia, talk to your doctor. There may be other options that can help. He or she may be able to prescribe temporary medicine to help you sleep and get you sleeping regularly. In addition, your doctor can rule out other conditions that may be causing your sleep problem. For example, if depression is causing your sleep problems, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant. If your insomnia is a result of menopausal symptoms, you may also want to talk to your doctor about taking hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) for a short period of time. HRT may help alleviate symptoms that are causing your sleep problem.
context: With migraine, one of the best things you can do is learn your personal triggers that bring on the pain. Red wine, caffeine withdrawal, stress, and skipped meals are among the common culprits. The first step is to track your migraine symptoms in a diary. Note what you were doing before and when your headache came on. What were you eating? How much sleep did you get the night before? Did anything stressful or important happen that day? These are key clues. When you look at your diary, you might find that these things tend to lead to a migraine: Stress Menstrual periods Changes in your normal sleep pattern Extreme fatigue Certain foods and drinks Too much caffeine or withdrawal from it Skipping meals or fasting Changes in the weather Exercise Smoking Bright, flickering lights Certain smells Watch what you eat and drink. If you get a headache, write down the foods and drinks you had before it started. If you see a pattern over time, stay away from that item. Eat regularly. Don't skip meals. Curb the caffeine. Too much, in any food or drink, can cause migraines. But cutting back suddenly may also cause them. So try to slowly ease off caffeine if it seems to be one of your headache triggers. Be careful with exercise. Everyone needs regular physical activity. It's a key part of being healthy. But it can trigger headaches for some people. If you're one of them, you can still work out. Ask your doctor what would help. Get regular shut-eye. If your sleep habits get thrown off, or if you're very tired, that can make a migraine more likely. Downsize your stress. There are many ways to do it. You could exercise, meditate, pray, spend time with people you love, and do things you enjoy. If you can change some of the things that make you tense, set up a plan for that. Counseling and stress management classes are great to try, too. You can also look into biofeedback, where you learn how to influence certain things (like your heart rate and breathing) to calm down stress. Keep up your energy. Eat on a regular schedule, and don't let yourself get dehydrated. These things are migraine triggers for some people: Foods that have tyramine in them, such as aged cheeses (like blue cheese or Parmesan), soy, smoked fish, and Chianti wine Alcohol, especially red wine Caffeine, which is in coffee, chocolate, tea, colas, and other sodas Foods made with nitrates, such as pepperoni, hot dogs, and lunchmeats Bread and other baked goods Dried fruits Potato chips Pizza, peanuts, and chicken livers
context: Depending on the cause of your fainting spell, you may have some or all of these symptoms before or during the episode: Dizziness Weakness Sweating Blurred vision, seeing spots Headache Sensation that the room is moving Ringing in the ears (see tinnitus) Nausea, vomiting Paleness Tingling or numbness of fingertips and around lips Bluish cast to the skin Shortness of breath Incontinence (involuntary urination or defecation) You have an unexplained fainting episode. Especially if the episode occurs during exercise, happens during heart palpitations (feeling the heart beat irregularly), or if you have a family history of recurrent fainting or sudden death.
context: It may surprise many parents that circumcision of a newborn son is a family decision, not a medical one. Approximately two-thirds of boys in the United States are circumcised, some because of the family's religious beliefs or cultural norms. But for many, the decision is a personal choice. So how do you choose? There are some potential medical benefits of circumcision in terms of a slightly lower risk of urinary tract infections ( UTIs) in little boys, certain sexually transmitted infections in men, and penile cancer. However, all of these problems are uncommon (for example, only about 1% of all boys will have a UTI), so lowering the risk of an uncommon problem isn't a huge benefit. Additionally, an uncircumcised penis is easy to care for and keep clean, so improved hygiene is not a reason for routine circumcisions, either. Ask yourself the following questions: What are your feelings about circumcision in general? Is the baby's father circumcised or not? Do you think it will matter if his penis looks the same or different than that of his male role models? Are there cultural or religious reasons to have your child circumcised (or not) that are important to you and your family? Finally, after all is said and done, what does your heart tell you is the right thing to do? It should be performed in the first few days of your son's life by a medical doctor, under local anesthesia. If it is performed a few weeks after birth, the circumcision is generally done by a urologist who will use general anesthesia. Make sure the circumcision is performed by an experienced professional. In some areas, an obstetrician does it in the hospital. In others, pediatricians do it. Some religious groups have the circumcision done later as part of a meaningful ceremony, either by a specially trained non-physician or a physician. Ask the following questions before the procedure: How and when is circumcision done? What are the potential risks of circumcision and how often do they occur? What is entailed in caring for the recently circumcised penis? Dealing with your son's pain: Circumcision hurts. However, hospitals routinely use local anesthesia during circumcisions. Ask if that will be done and, if not, why not. The hospital may also give acetaminophen for 24 hours after the procedure. You may ask if your infant can suck on sugar during the circumcision procedure to try to lessen the pain. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to go with this decision. Weigh all the factors involved and trust your heart to make the right decision. Your little boy will do just fine either way.
context: You don't have to worry that you'll hurt during surgery. Before it gets underway, you'll get medicine called anesthesia to block pain, help you relax, and sometimes let you sleep through the operation. But to make sure things go smoothly, you need to prep the right way. Your doctor will likely tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your operation. That's because anesthesia makes you sleepy and relaxed. The muscles of your stomach and throat also relax, which can cause food to back up and get into your lungs. An empty stomach helps prevent this. Your doctor may tell you not to use some of your medications a few days or more before your surgery because they don't mix well with the drugs used for anesthesia. You may also need to stop certain meds because they can make you bleed more during the operation, like blood thinners such as clopidogrel ( Plavix) and warfarin ( Coumadin), and NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen. Blood pressure drugs and reflux medicines should be OK to take, but ask your doctor to know for sure. Some of them can react with your anesthesia, increase bleeding, or affect your blood pressure during surgery. They include supplements like: Black cohosh Feverfew Garlic Ginger Ginkgo Ginseng Kava St. John's wort Valerian Tell your doctor about every supplement you take and get her opinion on whether you need to stop using it. It depends on the kind of surgery you have. Your doctor will also take into account things like your age, weight, gender, and overall health. A special doctor called an anesthesiologist will make sure you get just the right type and amount of medicine. Your medical team will also monitor you closely during the operation to make sure you don't have a bad reaction to the anesthesia. When you meet him before your surgery, he'll ask you about your medical history. Let him know if you: Are allergic to latex, rubber, or medicines Have a health condition, including high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, sleep apnea, or thyroid disease Have asthma, COPD, bronchitis, or other breathing problems Smoke, drink alcohol, or take street drugs Take NSAIDs or steroid medicines Have numbness or weakness in your arms or legs Have bleeding problems Are pregnant Reacted to anesthesia in the past Ask your anesthesia doctor any questions you have about your surgery or the medicine you'll get. Make sure you're comfortable with your anesthesia team and that you know what to expect before your operation. It depends. If you have "local" anesthesia, which just numbs part of your body during surgery, you may be able to drive yourself home. But you won't be able to drive after "general" anesthesia, which puts you to sleep during the operation. The same is true if you get some kind of "sedation" medicine, which relaxes you. Arrange for a friend or family member to take you home. And have someone stay with you for the first day while you recover at home.
context: Acrocyanosis is blueness of the extremities (the hands and feet). Acrocyanosis is typically symmetrical. It is marked by a mottled blue or red discoloration of the skin on the fingers and wrists and the toes and ankles. Profuse sweating and coldness of the fingers and toes may also occur. Acrocyanosis is caused by narrowing (constriction) of small arterioles (tiny arteries) toward the end of the arms and legs.
context: Good for you: You've achieved your desired weight. Next up? Keeping it off. Yes, you can! Have a positive attitude. The changes you made can stick. Use these five tips to help you stay on track: Don't skip meals. Skipping meals can slow your metabolism down. Skipping meals can also cause overeating later in the day. Weigh yourself daily. A daily weigh-in may seem like overkill, but research shows the method is more effective than getting on the scales less frequently. Keep a health journal. To ensure you're sticking to your healthy goals, write down everything you eat or drink. Be honest and accurate; otherwise, the journal is not as helpful. The journal will help you see when you're reaching for higher-calorie foods, so you can make adjustments. You can also record when you exercise (and how long). Notice any trends -- for example, if you're gaining weight because you're eating the same but stopped exercising. Stay committed to a healthy diet. Eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need. Include choices from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources. Be active. Now's not the time to cut back on your workouts. You still want to exercise most days of the week. Physical activity is one of the most important aspects of keeping weight off, so make sure you're building it into your daily routine.
context: The hormonal changes and physical discomforts associated with pregnancy can affect a pregnant woman's quality of sleep. Each trimester of pregnancy brings its own unique sleep challenges. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the following are the most common sleep changes that may occur in each trimester: Frequent waking due to an increased need to go to the bathroom Disruptions in sleep as a result of physical and emotional stress associated with pregnancy Increased daytime sleepiness Sleep during the second trimester of pregnancy improves for many women, because nighttime urination becomes less of an issue as the growing fetus reduces pressure on the bladder by moving above it. Still, the quality of sleep may remain poor as a result of the growing baby and emotional stress associated with pregnancy. You are likely to experience the most sleep problems during this trimester as a result of the following: Discomfort due to your growing belly Heartburn, leg cramps, and sinus congestion Frequent nighttime urination returns, because the baby's changing position puts pressure on the bladder once again. One or more of the following tips may help you get the sleep you need during pregnancy. However, if your sleep disturbances are severe, talk to your doctor. Extra pillows: Pillows can be used to support both the tummy and back. A pillow between the legs can help support the lower back and make sleeping on your side easier. Some specific types of pillows include the wedge-shaped pillow and the full-length body pillow. Nutrition: Drinking a glass of warm milk may help bring on sleep. Foods high in carbohydrates, such as bread or crackers, can also promote sleep. In addition, a snack high in protein can keep blood sugar levels up and could help prevent bad dreams, headaches, and hot flashes. Relaxation techniques: Relaxation can help calm your mind and relax your muscles. These techniques include stretching, yoga, massage, deep breathing and a warm bath or shower before bed. Exercise: Regular exercise during pregnancy promotes physical and mental health. Exercise also can help you sleep more deeply. However, vigorous exercise within four hours of bedtime should be avoided. Prescription and over-the-counter medications: Ideally, all medications (including over-the-counter medications) should be avoided during pregnancy. Some drugs can hurt the developing baby. However, there are some medications that are considered safe to take during pregnancy and that might help you sleep better. Always talk to your doctor before taking any kinds of drugs. This includes over-the-counter drugs, herbs and dietary supplements.
context: The term inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD) covers a group of disorders in which the intestines become inflamed (red and swollen), probably as a result of an immune reaction of the body against its own intestinal tissue. Two major types of IBD are described: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. As the name suggests, ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon (large intestine). Although Crohn's disease can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or the colon. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease usually run a waxing and waning course in the intensity and severity of illness. When there is severe inflammation, the disease is considered to be in an active stage, and the person experiences a flare-up of symptoms. When the degree of inflammation is less (or absent), the person usually is without symptoms, and the disease is considered to be in remission.
context: Do you know these some common terms about ADHD? ADHD, combined type: The most common type of the disorder. People with this type of ADHD have inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type: With this type, people have both hyperactive and impulsive behavior, but they may not show enough symptoms of inattention to fall into the combined type. ADHD, predominantly inattentive type: People with this type have inattention but not hyperactive or impulsive behavior. This type of ADHD was formerly known as attention deficit disorder ( ADD). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD): A developmental and behavioral disorder. People that have ADHD have inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Typically, symptoms are significant enough to cause problems in everyday life. Attention deficit disorder ( ADD): This is the former name of ADHD, predominantly inattentive type. The term ADD is no longer used. Executive function deficit: Executive function is a set of mental skills that make sure things get done. Someone with an executive function deficit has a hard time planning or starting tasks and seeing them through. People with ADHD often have this deficit. Clinical trial: Also called a research study, they test how well new approaches work in people. Clinical trials may compare a new treatment to a treatment that is already available. Neural: Related to the nervous system. Neurotransmitter: A chemical in the brain that acts as a messenger to help transmit nerve impulses between brain cells. Nonstimulants: This type of medication is sometimes used to treat symptoms of ADHD. They work by decreasing impulsive behavior or improving attention span. Psychostimulants or Stimulants: These medicines are often prescribed for people with ADHD. They affect dopamine activity in the brain and can help them focus their thoughts and ignore distractions.
context: Scorpionfish, lionfish, and stonefish are all poisonous fish that live in tropical and temperate oceans, especially the Red Sea and Indian and Pacific Oceans. They have erectile spines on their dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. Because these fish are not aggressive, contact with them and the poisonings that result are usually accidental. Contact with ornate lionfish causes mild poisoning. Contact with camouflaged scorpionfish causes moderate-to-severe poisoning. The motionless stonefish, when contacted, causes severe -to -life-threatening poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning include: Intense throbbing pain that peaks in 1-2 hours and lasts 12 hours. Redness, bruising, swelling, numbness, tingling, and tissue shedding at the wound site Severe reactions include: Nausea Vomiting Abdominal cramps Tremors Abnormal heart rhythms Weakness Shortness of breath Seizures Decreased blood pressure Fainting Paralysis. Severe poisoning can result in death. Respond to potential poisoning with the following actions: Remove the exposed person from the water to prevent drowning. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as the poisoned person can tolerate. Repeat as necessary to control pain. Use tweezers to remove any spines in the wound. Scrub the wound with soap and water. Then flush the affected area with fresh water. Do not apply tape to close the wound. All cases of scorpionfish, lionfish, and stonefish poisoning require medical attention to ensure no foreign material remains in the wound. Antivenom is given, especially for stonefish poisoning, and a tetanus booster may be needed. Wilderness: Scorpionfish, Lionfish, and Stonefish Poisoning, poisonous fish, scorpion fish, sea scorpion, stone fish, lion fish, lion-fish,turkey fish, fire-fish, marine bite, fish poisoning, fish venom, venomous fish
context: When you have hypothyroidism, you may not realize it at first. The symptoms come on slowly. Some of them, like fatigue, happen when you have other conditions, too. You may mistake them for signs of aging or stress. You're getting symptoms because your thyroid gland stopped working right. It isn't making enough thyroid hormone, which helps run many of your body's systems. Hypothyroidism can make you feel tired and sensitive to cold. You might gain a few pounds, too. Low thyroid levels can also affect your mood and thinking. For example, you might have: Depression Memory problems Trouble thinking clearly You may have pain, stiffness, and swelling in your: Muscles Joints Face Eye area Tongue A hoarse voice, slow speech, and hearing problems are also symptoms. So is constipation. Women may also have changes in their menstrual cycle. Changes in your skin can happen, too. It can become: Cool and pale Dry and itchy Rough or scaly Yellow-looking, especially on the soles of your feet, palms, and the "laugh lines" of your face You nails may turn brittle or grow slowly. Your hair might change, too. It could become brittle or coarse, or you could have hair loss. Sometimes you can get thinning or loss of eyebrow hair, especially on the outer third of your brows. Because hypothyroidism can weaken your heart and lungs, you might also notice: A slow heart rate Shortness of breath during exercise Weakness High blood pressure High cholesterol levels Although the condition usually affects adults, it can happen to kids, too. They have the same symptoms as grown-ups, but because thyroid hormones control growth, they frequently stop growing like they should. They may also reach puberty later. Adolescent girls could have problems with menstrual cycles, too. Kids with hypothyroidism can also have problems with schoolwork, thanks to memory problems and fatigue. No matter how old you are, if you're having symptoms, see your doctor. He can prescribe medicine that will boost your levels and get you back to feeling like your old self.
context: Can't get or keep an erection so you can have sex? That's what doctors call erectile dysfunction, or ED. If it happens only occasionally, it's not likely to be serious. All men have problems with erections at some time in their lives. If it slowly but consistently gets worse, there's probably a physical cause. This is generally what happens with chronic impotence. If it happens suddenly but you're still stiff early in the morning and can get an erection while masturbating, that suggests your mind is involved. There could be something going on physically, too. Pick up the phone if your ED worries you so much that it causes anxiety or threatens your sexual relationship. At the very least, your doctor can clear up misinformation, which often makes sexual problems worse. Sometimes taking medication for a short time can get you through a rough patch, too. Also talk to the doctor if it's painful to get an erection or difficult because your penis is curved (a condition called Peyronie's disease). If the problem doesn't go away, it could be an early warning sign of a more serious, larger condition. For example, the penile artery can get narrower because of coronary artery disease or diabetes. To help your erections, your doctor may suggest taking medication as a pill or as an injection in your penis, or using a mechanical device. And you'll need to deal with the underlying medical condition, too.
context: Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder that results in velvety, light-brown-to-black markings that occur in areas including the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Acanthosis nigricans can affect otherwise healthy people, or it can be associated with certain medical conditions. Sometimes acanthosis nigricans is congenital (something a person is born with). It also can occur as a result of obesity or an endocrine (glandular) disorder. It is frequently found in obese people with diabetes or a tendency towards diabetes and is most common among people of African descent. There are many other possible causes of acanthosis nigricans, including: Addison's disease, a condition caused by a deficiency of hormones from the adrenal gland Disorders of the pituitary gland within the brain Growth hormone therapy Hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone caused by decreased activity of the thyroid gland) Oral contraceptives Most people with acanthosis nigricans have an insulin level that is higher than that of people of the same weight who don't have acanthosis nigricans. Eating too much of the wrong foods, especially starches and sugars, can raise insulin levels. Rarely, people with certain types of cancer can also develop acanthosis nigricans. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor through a medical history and physical exam. Eating a special diet can help reduce circulating insulin and may lead to some improvement of the acanthosis nigricans. Other treatments to improve skin appearance include Retin- A, 20% urea, alpha hydroxyacids, topical vitamin D, and salicylic acid prescriptions. These are only minimally effective, however. Acanthosis nigricans caused by a drug may go away once the medication is stopped. When acanthosis nigricans is related to obesity, weight management is an important part of prevention. A diet that contributes to reduced insulin also can help prevent acanthosis nigricans. Other preventive strategies include treating medical problems that are linked to acanthosis nigricans (such as hypothyroidism) and avoiding medications that tend to cause or worsen the condition (like birth control pills).
context: When you put your hand on your chest, you should feel your heart's familiar lub-dub beat. If your heart races rather than beats and the feeling lasts for a few minutes, that's a sign you might have a condition called atrial fibrillation. You might hear it called AFib for short. Some of these symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, can mimic those of a heart attack. If you aren't sure whether you have AFib or you're having a heart attack, call your doctor or 911. When you have this condition, faulty electrical signals make your heart flutter or beat too fast. This abnormal rhythm stops your heart from pumping as well as it should. Your blood flow can slow enough to pool and form clots. AFib raises your chances for a stroke and other heart complications. You might feel: Heart palpitations -- a flutter in your chest Pain and pressure in your chest Confused Dizzy Faint Short of breath Sweaty Tired Weak Not everyone with AFib has a racing or pounding heartbeat. A few things can affect whether you have symptoms and how severe they are, including: Your age -- older people often don't have symptoms What caused your AFib How much it affects your heart's ability to pump You might feel a flutter or quiver in your chest when your heart beats. Your heart might beat faster than usual, pound, or race. The feeling often lasts for a few minutes. Sometimes your heart will skip a beat. A regular heartbeat, or what your doctor will call normal sinus rhythm is a âlub-dub, lub-dubâ sound. Your heart contracts and relaxes to move blood from the upper chambers (called the atria) to the lower ones (the ventricles) and out to your body. Doctors classify AFib by how long your symptoms last. The fluttering goes on longer with some forms than others: Paroxysmal fibrillation last 7 days or less Persistent AFib lasts for more than 7 days Permanent AFib doesn't go away If your AFib continues for many months or years, you can reach the point where you barely notice the symptoms. Sometimes, they don't go away on their own. Your doctor may have to treat you to bring your heart back into the right rhythm. Call your doctor if your heart doesn't go back into a normal rhythm within a few minutes, or your symptoms get worse. Call 911 right away if you have these symptoms, which could be signs of a heart attack or stroke: Pain or pressure in the middle of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes Pain that spreads to your jaw, neck, arms, back, or stomach Nausea Cold sweat Drooping face Arm weakness Trouble speaking Your doctor will do tests to check your heartbeat and the electrical impulses in your heart. These and other tests can show whether you have AFib. If you do have an irregular heartbeat, you can get treatments to bring it back into a normal rhythm. You may also need treatments to lower your heart rate, or you may not need anything done at all. Your doctor may also recommend medication to lower your chance of having a stroke.
context: Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a very rare condition that's spread by mosquitoes. The common name is often used because if you have it, your arms and legs can swell and become much bigger than they should be. Your sex organs and breasts may also swell up. The affected skin can thicken and harden to look something like an elephant's skin. It's more common to people who live in tropical or subtropical areas. If you have it, there are medicines and treatments to help with the swelling and discomfort. Usually, to get elephantiasis, you would have to be bitten by a lot of mosquitoes over a long time, in a country where certain types of roundworms are known to exist. It starts when mosquitoes infected with the roundworm larvae bite you. The tiny larvae survive in your bloodstream and grow. They finish maturing in your lymph system. They can live there for years and cause a lot of damage to your lymph system. This is what causes the swelling. You may not know you have elephantiasis until you notice the swelling. Not only will those body parts begin to look bulky and lumpy with stiff, tough skin, there is also pain in the swollen area. You may also have chills, fever, and just feel bad all over. Your doctor can find out if you elephantiasis by giving you a physical exam. She will ask about your medical history, and whether you've traveled to a place where you were more likely to have gotten elephantiasis. She also will have blood tests done to see if roundworms are in your bloodstream. These tests need to be done at night, because that's when these parasites are active. There are medicines to treat elephantiasis. Your doctor may give you one called diethylcarbamazine ( DEC). You'll take it once a year. It will kill the microscopic worms in your bloodstream. Another way to treat elephantiasis is to use DEC in combination with a medicine called ivermectin. This is also taken once a year, and the combination has shown better long-term results. If you have elephantiasis symptoms, there are some things you can do on your own to ease them: Wash and dry the swollen areas daily. Use moisturizers. Check for wounds and use medicated cream on any sore spots. Exercise, and walk when possible. If your arms or legs are swollen, keep them elevated when you're lying down or seated. You may also be able to wrap the affected areas tightly to prevent them from getting worse, but you should check with your doctor before doing this. Sometimes, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure in very swollen areas, like the scrotum. Elephantiasis can be disabling. Sometimes it's hard to move the affected body parts, which means it could be difficult to work. It might even be hard to get around in your home. You might also worry about how your condition looks to other people. This can cause anxiety and depression. If you have elephantiasis and want information about support groups, ask your doctor. You can also go online to find resources that might help.
context: You have significant bleeding or bleeding won't stop. Pain gets much worse. There is discharge, fever, or chills. See your doctor if: Pain is persistent. You have bloody stools or a small amount persistent bleeding from anus or rectum. Soak in warm baths. After bowel movements, gently pat area with moist toilet paper or pads. Take acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) for pain. If you know you have hemorrhoids, use over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream. If you have fissures (cracks or splits in anal opening), use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. If you see a doctor, the next steps depend on the cause of pain. The doctor will do an exam and may prescribe creams or suppositories. The doctor may recommend lifestyle or dietary changes. In some cases, surgery or other treatment may be necessary.
context: For all ruptured tendons, regardless of site, follow the standard RICE ( Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) home therapy procedure as you seek medical attention. Resting the affected extremity Ice application to the affected area Apply ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel or with a reusable cold pack wrapped in a towel. Applying ice directly to skin may lead to further damage if left on for a prolonged period of time. Compression of the affected area to minimize swelling Apply compression by loosely wrapping the affected area with an ACE bandage. Be sure that the bandage does not cut off blood flow to the area in question. Elevation of the extremity if possible: Try to keep the area above the level of your heart to minimize swelling. It is recommended that the quadriceps rupture should be immobilized in an extended (straight knee) position and that biceps rupture should be immobilized in a sling with the elbow bent at 90 °. Quadriceps Partial tears may be treated without surgery. Your doctor may place your straight leg in a cast or immobilizer for 4 to 6 weeks. Once you are able to raise the affected leg without discomfort for 10 days, it is safe to slowly stop the immobilization. Achilles tendon Treatment without surgery involves immobilizing your foot so that the sole of the foot is pointed downward for 4 to 8 weeks. This treatment has been advocated by some because it gives similar results to surgery in motion and strength. The problem with this treatment is that it has a rerupture rate of up to 30%. Nevertheless, it may still be a reasonable option for those who are at increased operative risk because of age or medical problems or inactive people who may tolerate mild weakness in supporting weight on the ball of the foot (called plantarflexion). Rotator cuff The rotator cuff is unique because treatment without surgery is the treatment of choice in most tendon injuries. More than 90% of tendon injuries are long term in nature, and 33-90% of these chronic rupture symptoms go away without surgery. In contrast, acute rupture, as occurs with trauma, may or may not be repaired surgically depending on the severity of the tear. If the tear is less than 50% of the thickness of the muscle or less than 1 cm in size, the dead tissue is removed arthroscopically. A small incision is made and a tool called an arthroscope is passed into the joint. Through it, the surgeon can see and remove dead tissue without actually cutting the joint open. The shoulder is then left to heal. Biceps Most surgeons prefer not to operate on a ruptured biceps tendon because function is not severely impaired with its rupture. Studies suggest that after biceps rupture, only a small fraction of elbow flexion is lost and approximately 10-20% strength reduction in supination (ability to turn the hand palm up). This is considered to be a moderate loss and not worth the risk of surgery in middle-aged and older people. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
context: The big day is here! You're headed to the hospital for your organ transplant surgery. Here's an idea of what you can expect. Keep in mind that these are only general facts. You're unique, so your experience will be, too. The team approach is standard. A host of people will be taking care of you. Of course, you'll have your transplant surgeon and transplant doctor. Other team members typically can include: The transplant coordinator An intensive care or critical care specialist An infectious disease doctor Nurses A pharmacist A dietitian A physical therapist An occupational therapist A psychiatrist or psychologist A social worker A financial coordinator Smaller transplant centers may have fewer people. It depends on what organ you're getting, along with many other things. For example, you may spend less time in the operating room if you've already had surgery on that organ or a previous transplant. Transplant surgery times differ a lot. A few examples include: Liver, 5 to 8 hours Kidney, 4 to 5 hours Pancreas, 2 to 4 hours Both kidney and pancreas, 5 to 7 hours Your surgeon can give you a better estimate, taking into account your specific circumstances. Again, it depends in part on what surgery you have, as well as the standard process your hospital follows. Right after the operation, you may go to an intensive care or critical care unit. You'll be able to see visitors as soon as your doctor decides you're well enough. That's often sooner than you might expect. If you're feeling good, it may even be the same day as your surgery. During recovery, the emphasis is on getting you up and active. You'll likely be sitting in a chair within a day or two. How long you can expect to stay in the hospital varies, too. Your care team will consider things like how sick you were when you went in and how well your surgery went. For kidney transplants, it's often 4 or 5 days; for kidney and pancreas, it may be 7 to 10 days. Liver transplants are also often 7 to 10 days. Although you may be tired, pay attention to the information you'll get about what comes next. You'll have to take drugs to prevent organ rejection, called immunosuppressants. Make sure you understand your medications, and know how to recognize side effects so you can let your doctor know right away if there's a problem. Be aware of the possible complications of your surgery, too, so you can tell if something isn't right. Ask about limits on your daily activity as well as driving restrictions, so you can arrange for someone to help you get through the day and to lend a hand around your home if you'll need it. Remember: Your social worker is key to this process. They can help you figure out your options and find the support you'll need.
context: You can do a lot to support your friends or relatives as they manage their diabetes. Encourage them. It's hard to have a serious medical condition. You'll also want to learn the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and what to do about them. If you're the main caregiver for someone with diabetes, you can do even more: Remind him to check his blood sugar levels on time. Help to make and get to doctor appointments. Offer to keep a record of her symptoms or other concerns, and agree to help her talk about it with her doctor. Together, plan how to handle a diabetes-related emergency or complications. Support him in making good food choices, and prepare healthy food together. Go with him to a diabetes support group. People with diabetes need to take their medicines as prescribed. Sometimes, they may need a little help with that. Make sure the person is able to give himself or herself the medication. Can he open the cap on the pill bottle or give himself insulin? Does she keep all her diabetes supplies in a convenient place? If your loved one takes pills, capsules, or tablets, use a pill calendar. This plastic container has days of the week listed and is divided into parts of the day. You can get one at most larger pharmacies. Fill the pill calendar once a week or once a month, as needed. Check it regularly to see if they missed any doses. It could be that your friend or relative doesn't see well, and can't read the prescription bottle. Make an appointment with an eye doctor (an ophthalmologist) for a vision checkup. Take care of yourself, too. If caregiving starts to become stressful, it helps to talk with someone you trust, whether it's a friend, relative, or counselor. You may also want to join a support group. To find one, ask your loved one's doctor, or check with a local hospital or the American Diabetes Association.
context: Diarrhea is a common side effect of drugs, and many medications can cause it. Certain ones are frequent culprits. Doctors don't really understand why antibiotics cause diarrhea. They think it's because the drugs kill bacteria that help your body digest food. Whatever the reason, just about any antibiotic can bring on diarrhea. If yours does, talk to your doctor. He may be able to give you a different one to try. Over-the-counter medicines you take for heartburn can cause diarrhea. When they do, it can be because they contain magnesium or calcium. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, you might take a type of drug called a proton pump inhibitor ( PPI). You also might take a PPI if you have an ulcer. It doesn't happen often, but some people who take these drugs get diarrhea. Some have a version caused by a serious bacterial infection called Clostridium difficile ( C. diff). PPIs are available over-the-counter and by prescription. They include: Dexlansoprazole ( Dexilant) Esomeprazole ( Nexium, Vimovo) Lansoprazole ( Prevacid, Prevacid 24 HR) Omeprazole ( Prilosec, Zegerid, Prilosec OTC, Zegerid OTC) Pantoprazole ( Protonix) Rabeprazole ( Acip Hex) Diarrhea is sometimes a side effect of drugs prescribed to treat depression and mood disorders. A group of meds called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, is a common culprit. These are the most commonly prescribed drugs for depression. They include: Citalopram ( Celexa) Escitalopram ( Lexapro) Fluoxetine ( Prozac) Paroxetine ( Paxil, Pexeva) Sertraline ( Zoloft) Vilazodone ( Viibryd) Some antidepressants are âatypicalâ because they work differently in your body than other classes of mood-disorder drugs. Some of them can cause diarrhea. Those include: Bupropion ( Wellbutrin, Forfivo XL, Aplenzin, Zyban) Nefazodone Trazodone, which is also used to treat insomnia Vortioxetine ( Trintellix) Lithium ( Eskalith, Lithobid), another drug used to treat mood disorders, can also cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is common among people undergoing cancer treatment. Chemotherapy drugs can change how your body breaks down food. That disrupts how your small intestine works, which can lead to diarrhea. Researchers have linked more than 700 drugs to diarrhea. Among the ones not already mentioned are: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, which are taken to relieve swelling and pain Metformin, a prescription drug that treats type 2 diabetes Colchicine ( Colcrys, Mitigare), a medicine prescribed for people with gout Angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) inhibitors, a group of drugs prescribed for high blood pressure Bisphosphonates, prescribed for osteoporosis
context: There are many types of dermatitis, or inflamed skin disorders, including: Seborrheic dermatitis Atopic dermatitis Nummular dermatitis Irritant contact dermatitis Allergic contact dermatitis Stasis dermatitis Most types of dermatitis can be diagnosed by a doctor's observation of the irritation and its location on the body. Sometimes a skin scraping will be taken for microscopic analysis. To identify causes of allergic contact dermatitis, a doctor may use patch tests, which involves the application of suspected allergens to areas of skin on the back. The first steps in treating dermatitis is to identify the type of dermatitis you have and eliminate the cause, if possible. Mild skin inflammations usually respond to over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. To reduce inflammation and heal the irritation of most types of dermatitis, a doctor usually recommends a prescription corticosteroid cream and might prescribe an oral antihistamine to relieve severe itching. You may need an antibiotic if a secondary infection develops. Severe dermatitis may call for corticosteroid pills or injections. In addition to medications, other treatments may be used to treat dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis may respond to dandruff shampoos. These products may contain tar, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, sulfur, or selenium, any of which may be effective. Contact dermatitis caused by chemicals can be treated by avoiding the triggering chemical, medications to relieve symptoms such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, and other coping mechanisms. Nummular dermatitis can be treated with moisturizing lotion and a prescription-strength corticosteroid cream. Stasis dermatitis can be treated by wearing support stockings and elevating your legs above the level of the heart to reduce their swelling. Also, the underlying condition that is causing the leg swelling should be controlled.
context: Emergency medical assistance is critical for any serious wound to the chest. Even if there are no external wounds, there may be internal damage. If the person is unresponsive, has stopped breathing, or is gasping for air: For a child, start CPR for children. For an adult, start adult CPR. Use a cloth, pad, piece of clothing, plastic, aluminum, or whatever is at hand. If possible, cover two inches beyond the edge of the wound. If blood bubbles up from the wound or you hear air passing through the chest cavity, tape cover down on three sides to prevent air from building up in the chest. Do not remove any objects that have penetrated the chest. Apply pressure over dressing to control bleeding. If blood soaks through the dressing, apply additional dressing on top of old one. If possible, place the person on the injured side or sitting up. If breathing becomes weak, apply CPR as instructed above. The medical team will assess the injury and stabilize the person. A blood transfusion may be necessary if there is significant blood loss. A temporary chest tube may be placed to get air out from around the lung (pneumothorax). Surgery is likely for a serious chest injury.
context: Obesity is usually the result of overeating, but in a small percentage of people excess weight gain is a symptom of another disease. Medical causes of obesity can include: Hypothyroidism. This is a condition where the thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces too little thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone regulates our metabolism. So too little hormone slows the metabolism and often causes weight gain. If your doctor suspects thyroid disease as a cause of your obesity, he or she may perform blood tests to check your hormone levels. Cushing's syndrome. This condition results when the adrenal glands (located on top of each kidney) produce an excess amount of a steroid hormone called cortisol. This leads to a build-up of fat in characteristic sites such as the face, upper back, and abdomen. Depression. Some people with depression overeat, which can lead to obesity. There are also certain inherited conditions and other diseases of the brain that can cause excess weight gain. Certain medications, notably steroids, and also some antidepressants, antipsychotics, high blood pressure drugs, and seizure medications can also cause increased body weight. A doctor can determine if any of these conditions or treatments are responsible for your obesity.