VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Mild altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness: Symptoms may include: Fatigue Headache Loss of appetite Nausea Sleep problems Swelling of arms and legs Vomiting Weakness Severe altitude sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema ( HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema ( HACE): Symptoms may also include: Shortness of breath at rest, fast heart beat, dry cough, pink frothy phlegm or sputum, or crackling sound in lungs ( HAPE) Severe headache, altered vision, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures, and coma ( HACE) For mild acute mountain sickness, the person may be able to stay at current altitude to see if his or her body adjusts. If symptoms don't get better in 24 to 48 hours or if they get worse, the person should go down to a lower altitude and seek immediate medical care. For severe symptoms, the person should immediately be taken down 1,500 to 2,000 feet with as little exertion as possible. Keep going down until symptoms go away. Get medical help right away as waiting could cause serious problems or even death. Even if symptoms are mild, the person should not go any higher in altitude until symptoms are completely gone. Give oxygen, if available. Keep the person warm and have him or her rest. Give plenty of liquids. Give acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) for headache. Avoid alcohol and sleeping medications. If mild symptoms persist after descent, call a health care provider. For severe symptoms, the person should see a doctor as soon as possible, even if symptoms go away after descent.
context: You can do a lot to lower your odds of getting heart disease. Taking action will improve your health -- and, possibly, save your life. Get going on these 8 ways to get on track. 1. Quit smoking. If you smoke, you are more than twice as likely to have a heart attack as nonsmokers, and you're much more likely to die if you do have a heart attack. 2. Improve cholesterol levels. You're more likely to get heart disease if you have: Total cholesterol level over 200 HDL ("good") cholesterol level under 40 LDL ("bad") cholesterol level over 160 Triglycerides over 150 Cholesterol isn't the only thing that matters. Your doctor will consider the big picture, including all your potential risks. To help lower cholesterol levels, eat a diet low in cholesterol, saturated fat, and refined sugars and high in fiber. 3. Control high blood pressure. More than 50 million people in the U. S. have hypertension, or high blood pressure, making it the most common heart disease risk factor. Exercise and healthy eating as well as avoiding salt help. Some people may need medicine to control their blood pressure, too. And, if you snore or feel extremely fatigued throughout the day, getting tested for sleep apnea may be important. If you have it, treating it also will help control high blood pressure. 4. Get active. People who don't exercise are more likely to get heart disease, and die from it, than people who are active. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you aren't active now. She can tell you what you can do. 5. Follow a heart-healthy diet. Eat foods that are low in fat and cholesterol. Just about everyone should eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, and other plant-based foods. The fiber is good for your cholesterol, and you'll get vitamins the natural way, from foods. You can still eat fish (especially salmon or tuna, which are high in good-for-you omega-3 fatty acids), poultry, and meat, but make it lean and keep the portions modest. Also limit salt and sugar. Most people get too much of both. 6. Get to a healthy weight. Losing extra weight is good for your heart. It can also help you lower high blood pressure and manage diabetes. 7. Control diabetes. Diabetes makes heart disease more likely. Many people who have diabetes don't know it. Get tested and get treated. 8. Manage stress and anger. Everyone has stress, and it's normal to get angry now and then. When stress and anger flare up, especially if it happens a lot, that's a problem. Managing your stress and handling your anger in healthy ways puts you back in charge.
context: Regular exercise plays a starring role in keeping you healthy and preventing illnesses. It strengthens your immune system and helps fight viral and bacterial infections. Could it keep you from getting the flu this year? Or what if you've already come down with symptoms? Should you push yourself to work out anyway? We've got answers for you. Maybe. The best way to stay well is to keep your immune system strong. When you exercise, your white blood cells -- the ones that fight infections -- travel through your body faster and do their jobs better. Experts say you should get at least 30 minutes of moderate cardio like walking, swimming, biking, or running each day. There are other benefits to being more active, like less stress and better sleep. Stress is bad for your body and mind. You can ease it with regular exercise. Get 7 to 8 hours sleep a night, too, because that also helps keep your body's defenses in good shape. On the other hand, too much exercise -- like spending hours at the gym or running marathons -- can bring your immune system down. Extreme workouts can slash the number of white blood cells you have and boost the level of stress hormones in your bloodstream. Try to take it easy. Rest gives your body a chance to recover. Your immune system works best when it isn't in overdrive. If you have a fever, skip the workout. People usually run one for 2 to 5 days when they have the flu. It means your body is battling the infection. A high temperature pulls moisture out of your body. So does a workout. If you get too dried out, it could delay your recovery. Also, the flu is contagious. You can spread it to others for up to 7 days after your symptoms start. If you work out around other people, wait until your fever breaks and stays down on its own for at least 24 hours before you go back to your routine. If you don't have a fever yet but you do have other flu symptoms, talk to your doctor before you head to the gym.
context: Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm to the elbow. The pain centers on the bony bump on the inside of your elbow and may radiate into the forearm. It can usually be treated effectively with rest. Golfer's elbow is usually caused by overusing the muscles in the forearm that allow you to grip, rotate your arm, and flex your wrist. Repetitive flexing, gripping, or swinging can cause pulls or tiny tears in the tendons. Despite the name, this condition doesn't just affect golfers. Any repetitive hand, wrist, or forearm motions can lead to golfer's elbow. Risky sports include tennis, bowling, and baseball -- in fact, it's sometimes called pitcher's elbow. People may also get it from using tools like screwdrivers and hammers, raking, or painting. Golfer's elbow is not as well known as its cousin, tennis elbow. Both are forms of elbow tendinitis. The difference is that tennis elbow stems from damage to tendons on the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow is caused by tendons on the inside. Golfer's elbow is also less common.
context: Some of the following factors may trigger genital herpes symptoms: Sexual intercourse. Some people find that the friction of sexual intercourse irritates the skin and brings on symptoms. Using a water-based lubricant can help reduce irritation. Don't use one that contains the spermicide nonoxynol-9, however. Nonoxynol-9 can irritate mucous membranes, such as the lining of the vagina. Oil-based lubricants are a no-no, too. They weaken latex, making condoms more likely to break. Even if the friction of intercourse seems to be a trigger for symptoms, it probably won't cause a flare-up every time. Colds and sunlight. The common cold and sunlight seem to trigger outbreaks of oral herpes (cold sores), but no proof exists that they trigger genital herpes outbreaks. Hormones. Hormonal changes, like those that occur in the menstrual cycle, can affect genital herpes outbreaks. Surgery, weak immune system. Trauma to the body, such as having surgery, may make herpes symptoms appear. Having a weakened immune system does, too. People whose immune systems are weakened by HIV or chemotherapy, for example, tend to have outbreaks more often than people with normal immune functioning. Remember that triggers may not be the same for everyone, and doctors are not certain how much lifestyle affects herpes symptoms. If you think one triggers your symptoms, ask your doctor what you should do about it. For more guidance about relieving emotional stress, see How To Tell Your Partner or What to Do if Your Partner Has Herpes. You may also find reassurance by clicking on Re- Entering the Dating Scene and Sex and Herpes. For more information and help understanding words you may hear about genital herpes, see Resources and the Glossary.
context: The first step in managing hives is to find out the cause. You can then try to avoid that trigger. A mild case often disappears on its own after a few hours. If it lasts longer, you can try an over-the-counter antihistamine. See a doctor if your outbreak doesn't disappear in a few days, though. And get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of angioedema (such as swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat) or a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If you often get hives, or if your outbreaks affect you a lot, your doctor will probably prescribe antihistamines. Treatment with corticosteroids, which you take by mouth, will sometimes reduce swelling when antihistamines don't work. But doctors usually save them for more severe cases. Your doctor may also consider a biologic drug, omalizumab ( Xolair), for chronic hives in people age 12 and over. If you're severely allergic to bee stings or other insect bites, certain foods, or medications, ask your doctor about prescribing an emergency kit with epinephrine shots. You would use these to treat anaphylaxis. Always carry two epinephrine kits with you. Tell your doctor if you keep getting bouts of hives that last a month or more. Call 911 or get emergency medical help immediately if any of these things happen: 1. You start to get burning or itchy welts in your throat. 2. You get hives and a dry throat, cough, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, trouble breathing, or a sharp drop in blood pressure after a bee sting or insect bite or a new medication. This may be anaphylaxis. Give yourself an epinephrine shot, even if you're unsure whether your symptoms are allergy related. It's safe to use. You'll still need medical attention even if your symptoms seem to stop. 3. You have symptoms of angioedema (again, that's swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat). You need immediate medical attention so that the swelling doesn't block the air passage to the lungs.
context: Doctors who specialize in mental health used to divide schizophrenia into different subtypes: Catatonic Disorganized Paranoid Residual Undifferentiated. But that system didn't work well. Now, experts talk about schizophrenia as a spectrum disorder that includes all the previous subtypes. It's a group of related mental disorders that share some symptoms. They're like variations on a theme in music. They affect your sense of what's real. They change how you think, feel, and act. It's a psychosis, which means that what seems real to you isn't. You could have: Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren't there. Delusions: Mistaken but firmly held beliefs that are easy to prove wrong, like thinking you have superpowers, are a famous person, or people are out to get you. Disorganized speech: Using words and sentences that don't make sense to others. Strange behavior: Acting in an odd or repetitive way, like walking in circles or writing all the time, or sitting perfectly still and quiet for hours on end. Withdrawn and lifeless: Showing no feelings or motivation, or lacking interest in normal daily activities. People with schizophrenia have at least two of these symptoms for at least 6 months. One of them must be hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech. A single voice that offers ongoing comments about your thoughts and actions, or voices that talk to each other, is enough. There could have been times when you didn't have any symptoms, but the first one would have started at least 6 months ago. And you must have had them for at least a month continuously. You may have different symptoms at different times, and they may get worse or better -- and it's still schizophrenia. Doctors may categorize your schizophrenia according to your main symptom to make a diagnosis clearer. But rather than saying you have "paranoid schizophrenia," they would say you have "schizophrenia with paranoia,â for example. What makes schizophrenia different from some similar disorders in the spectrum is how long you've had symptoms and whether you also have signs of a mood disorder. Schizophreniform: You've had psychotic symptoms for at least a month but less than 6 months, . Many people with this disorder go on to have schizophrenia. In other words, schizophreniform is often early schizophrenia. But for about one-third of people, the symptoms just go away. Schizoaffective disorder: You'll have a combination of psychotic symptoms along with depression (major depressive disorder) or bipolar disorder. You could feel very down, or swing between super high-energy or highly irritable and very low, too. Psychotic symptoms have to sometimes happen even when your mood is OK for you to have schizoaffective disorder. This is a rare, serious, lifelong illness.
context: Difficulty breathing Tightness in throat Itching Nausea Fast pulse Dizziness Loss of consciousness See Severe Allergic Reaction Treatment. While still in water, irrigate wound to remove fragments of spine and tissue. Get the person out of the water. Gently manually remove obvious pieces of spine. Do not remove pieces of spine from the neck, chest, or abdomen Apply pressure above the wound if it is bleeding. Hot water inactivates any remaining venom and may relieve pain. Do not soak in hot water more than 90 minutes as the skin can burn Clean with soap and water. Apply dressing. Do not tape it closed. At the hospital, the barb and remnants of stingray spine will be removed. X-rays and CT scans may be done. A tetanus shot may be administered, if necessary. An antibiotic and pain reliever may be prescribed. Closely watch the wound as it heals for possibility of infection.
context: Most forms of multiple sclerosis ( MS) involve stretches of time when you feel good and other times when your symptoms act up. You might hear those worse periods called: Attacks Relapses Flare-ups Episodes Exacerbations How do you know if what you're having is one? During an attack, some symptoms you've had before may get worse, or you could have new ones. These can include: Fatigue Dizziness Problems with balance and coordination Trouble with your vision Issues with your bladder Numb or tingling feelings (pins and needles) Problems with your memory Trouble concentrating It's a relapse if: You'd been free of symptoms for at least 30 days before the ones you're having now started They last at least 24 hours There's no obvious trigger Not every symptom is a sign of a relapse. If yours last less than 48 hours, you may have had something called a pseudoexacerbation. That's when you temporarily feel symptoms. Keep in mind that if you have even the slightest fever, it could be a sign of an infection. That also can cause problems like those you'd feel in a relapse. If you think you're having a relapse, call your MS doctor right away, even if you don't think it's major. She'll ask about your symptoms, how long you've had them, if you've been sick, and if you've changed any of your medication. A relapse doesn't necessarily need treatment. In some cases, symptoms will ease on their own. Still, the fact you're having one can help your doctor make decisions about how you may be treated moving forward. Every person is different, so it may be hard to track down what can trigger a relapse for you. As you get more familiar with how the condition affects you, you'll recognize your symptoms more easily and know what to do about them.
context: Two of the best tips you can use at restaurants are to watch the salt and cut the portions. Some experts recommend that people with diabetes get less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily and others recommend even lower levels (no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day -- that's less than a teaspoon). These course-by-course tips will help: Appetizers Choose fresh fruit or vegetables. Avoid soups and broths. Stay away from bread and rolls with salty, buttery crusts. Salads Select fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid pickles, canned or marinated vegetables, cured meats, seasoned croutons, cheeses, and salted seeds. Order salad dressings on the side, and use small amounts of them. Main courses Choose plain foods including broiled, grilled, or roasted meat, poultry, fish, or shellfish. Select plain vegetables, potatoes, and noodles. Ask your server about the low-salt menu choices, and ask how the food is prepared. Ask for food to be cooked without salt or monosodium glutamate ( MSG). Avoid restaurants that do not allow for special food preparation (such as buffet-style restaurants and diners). Avoid casseroles, mixed dishes, gravies, and sauces. At fast-food restaurants, skip the special sauces, condiments, and cheese. Avoid salted condiments and garnishes such as olives and pickles. Desserts Choose fresh fruits, ices, sherbet, gelatin, and plain cakes. Servings at many restaurants are often big enough to provide lunch for 2 days. When eating out: Ask for half or smaller portions. Eyeball your appropriate portion, set the rest aside, and ask for a doggie bag right away. If you have dessert, share.
context: Has been injured by an electrical shock Electrical shocks always need emergency medical attention -- even if your child seems to be fine afterward.
context: You'll work closely with your doctor to manage your rheumatoid arthritis. These questions are a good starting point for your next checkup. Which RA medicines do you recommend for me, and why? How will we know if my treatment is working? What are the possible side effects? Would physical therapy or occupational therapy help me? Does exercise help? What kinds of activities are safe for me to do? How are my joints doing? What lifestyle changes do you recommend for me? What other specialists should I see? Are there complementary treatments I could try? Will I need surgery?
context: Grover's disease is a rare, temporary skin condition. It causes sudden red, raised, blistery, and sometimes very itchy spots that form around the middle of the body. The rash is most often seen in middle-aged men. Another name for this condition is transient acantholytic dermatosis ( TAD). Grover's disease usually happens in men over 50. However, women sometimes get it, too. Scientists aren't sure what causes Grover's disease. It may appear for no reason. Some doctors think that sun-damaged skin or extreme swings in temperature play a role. One popular, but unproven, theory is that it may be linked to sweating. Many cases have occurred in men who use hot tubs, steam rooms, electric blankets, and other warming items. It can also be caused by certain medications, organ transplants, kidney disease, Dialysis, or exposure to x rays. The main symptoms of Grover's disease are: Sudden rash on the chest, back, and sometimes arms and legs Blisters containing a thin, watery liquid with a hair follicle in the center Blisters clumped together, surrounded by a red swollen ring Itching, which may be intense Symptoms usually last about 6 to 12 months, but may go away sooner or take longer to disappear. Your doctor will examine you and the rash. Sometimes it can be tough to tell the difference between Grover's disease and other skin disorders. A shaved skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. If you have a mild rash, the first treatments may include: Antihistamines, taken by mouth Prescription cortisone cream, applied to the rash Other anti-itch lotions that contain menthol or camphor If your symptoms are very bad, your doctor may suggest retinoids or an antibiotic taken by mouth. But, these medicines can cause side effects (some may be severe). Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the medications you are prescribed. Severe, stubborn symptoms can be hard to treat and may keep coming back. This could mean you need long-term treatment. Your doctor may prescribe light therapy combined with medications if this happens. Other treatments that may be used for severe symptoms are: Antifungal pills Antifungal lotions such as selenium sulfide Cortisone shots, Oral corticosteroids Antibiotics Systemic retinoid Your doctor may also suggest you reduce activities that can cause a lot of sweating (like heavy-duty workouts), since sweating can worsen the rash. Your doctor might also recommend that you take fewer baths and showers, and that you don't spend a lot of time in the sun.
context: Eczema is a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the skin. Typically, eczema causes skin to become itchy, red, and dry -- even cracked and leathery. Eczema can appear on any part of the body. Eczema is a chronic problem for many people. It's most common in infants, many of whom outgrow it before adulthood. People with eczema have a higher risk of having allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever. Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. Eczema runs in families. Certain genes can cause some people to have extra-sensitive skin. An overactive immune system is thought to play a part, too. And some people think that defects in the skin contribute to eczema. These defects can allow moisture out through the skin and let germs in. Things that may trigger eczema include: Stress Contact with irritating substances such as wool, synthetic fabrics, and soap Heat and sweat Cold, dry climates Dry skin
context: Your liver is like your body's chemical processing plant. One of its many jobs is to filter or break down anything you take into your body. If you have hepatitis C, though, it may not work as well. Things may stay in your system too long and affect you more. They may actually injure your liver. To avoid problems like that, you might need to change what you eat and drink and the kinds of supplements and drugs you take. Don't drink any alcohol unless your doctor says it's OK. It can speed up damage to your liver cells. Recreational drugs in general are no good for your liver. For example, marijuana may lead to faster liver scarring. And using a needle to inject substances can raise your odds of getting reinfected with hep C. If you're a smoker, you need to quit. It can make you more likely to get liver cancer. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit. If you have cirrhosis (liver scarring) from hepatitis C, you need to be very careful about the meds you take. The doses of some medications will need to be adjusted, and some should be avoided completely. Things to avoid include: Acetaminophen NSAIDs Sleeping pills or tranquilizers Whatever stage of hepatitis C you have, make sure to: Share a list of all your prescription and over-the-counter drugs with your medical team. Make sure all your doctors know you have hep C. Take as few medications as you can. Carefully read the ingredient list of your over-the-counter drugs. Acetaminophen is in many cold and flu medications. It's also in most painkillers labeled "non-aspirin." Always take your meds exactly as your doctor recommends. Talk to your doctor before taking any of these if you have hepatitis C. Some of them may cause severe liver injury. It's also important to keep in mind that supplements and herbs aren't regulated by the FDA the way medications are. They don't go through the same tough testing to see if they're safe and effective. Some common natural products that can be risky for your liver are: Chaparral Jin Bu Huan Germander Comfrey, mate, and Gordolobo yerba teas Mistletoe Skullcap Pennyroyal (squaw mint oil) Margosa oil Kava Yohimbe Weight loss products can also harm your liver. So can large doses of vitamin and mineral supplements, including: Iron Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K In general, good nutrition may help your liver form new cells. But if you have hepatitis C, there are some foods to avoid or eat less of. Raw oysters or shellfish. They can have bacteria that give you serious infections that are more severe if you have hep C. Fatty, sugary foods. They can stress your liver or lead to fat deposits in it. Salty foods. Avoid these if you have fluid buildup in your belly or legs.
context: When you've got an itch, you probably want to scratch it. But whether it's from a mosquito bite, chickenpox, or chronic skin issue like eczema, any relief from scratching will be short-lived. And too much scratching can make the problem much worse. Your muscles, joints, and organs can hurt. But your skin is the only part of your body that can feel both pain and itch. An itch can be triggered by something outside your body, such as poison ivy, or by something happening on the inside, such as psoriasis or allergies. Though it feels good, scratching actually triggers mild pain in your skin. Nerve cells tell your brain something hurts, and that distracts it from the itch. It can make you feel better in that moment, but 1 in 5 people say scratching makes them itch somewhere else on their body. Sometimes the pain from scratching makes your body release the pain-fighting chemical serotonin. It can make the itch feel even itchier. That's why the more you scratch, the more you itch. The more you itch, the more you scratch. This cycle can be tough to break, especially if your itch is really bad. Not all itches are alike. Many happen when your body reacts to pollen, nuts, and other allergens -- your immune system makes a chemical called histamine. Others come from a problem with your nervous system, like shingles or a stroke. With those, you might feel numbness and tingling along with the itch. If you have psoriasis, your itching may feel more like burning. Some people compare it to being attacked by fire ants. Some drugs, like one used to treat malaria, cause a painful all-over itch. Whatever the reason, it's important not to scratch too much. It can lead to skin wounds, infections, and scarring. It can also make you anxious and stressed. If you can't take it and you simply must scratch, try not to use your fingernails. Instead, rub, pat, tap, or tightly hold the itchy area. You can also gently pinch your skin. It helps to keep your nails short so you're less likely to break your skin if you do scratch. You can also try wearing gloves to bed to protect your skin while you're asleep. You can try a few other things to deal with the urge to scratch: Avoid âitch triggers.â Whether it's a wool sweater, hot room, or a certain cleaning product, know what sets off your skin, then try to steer clear. Cool off. A wet compress or cold shower can ease the itching. Take care of your skin. Dry skin will make itching worse. Don't take long, hot showers or baths. Use a gentle, scent-free hydrating cleanser, and stay away from perfumed products. Apply lotion. At least once a day, use moisturizing cream to soothe your itchy skin. Your doctor may suggest something that has menthol or calamine in it to cool your skin. Ask your doctor. If over-the-counter creams don't work, ask about prescription meds. For example, corticosteroids can help ease the itch from eczema and psoriasis. If it's caused by nerve pain, like with multiple sclerosis, an antidepressant or anti-seizure drug might work. Watch for infection. Call your doctor if your skin is tender to the touch, begins to smell, or oozes pus.
context: A sting is what happens when an insect injects poison (venom) into your skin. The venom travels through the bug's stinger. That's what it uses to defend itself from harm. If you get stung, you'll feel pain. Your skin may turn red or swell at the site of the sting. In some cases, people who are allergic to the venom can have a life-threatening reaction. Doctors call this anaphylaxis. Among the most common stingers are: Wasps (including hornets and yellow jackets) Bees Fire ants An insect bite happens when a non-venomous bug pierces your skin and feeds on your blood. This may cause a bump (doctors call them âpapulesâ) to form. The telltale sign is intense itching. Examples of biters include: Mosquitoes Fleas Bedbugs Lice Among arachnids (eight legs instead of six) that cause these types of bites are ticks and some spiders. You can have an allergic reaction to a bite. Also, bugs that carry disease pass it on through their bites. This is often the case with ticks ( Lyme disease) and mosquitoes (malaria, Zika virus).
context: Lots of products claim to help guys bring back the shiny mane of their younger days. But only a handful of those seem to work. And you don't need to lighten your wallet on worthless shampoos and supplements in the quest for a fuller head of hair. There's no cure for baldness, but these options may help you keep it at bay if you're gradually losing hair. The best time to use them is before you've lost a lot. So when you start to notice thinning locks, check in with your doctor about what you can do. Popping a pill to thwart thinning hair may sound too good to be true, but it's possible with finasteride ( Propecia). The drug works by lowering levels of a hormone that shrinks hair follicles, called dihydrotestosterone ( DHT). It slows hair loss in about 88% of men and helps hair regrow in about 66%. You need a doctor's prescription to get finasteride, which you take every day. Be patient, though: It can take 6 months to see results, because hair loss and growth happen slowly. In clinical trials for the drug, about 3% of men had some side effects, including a lower sex drive and other sexual problems. It's possible that these issues can continue after you stop taking the drug. Keep in mind, too, that pregnant women shouldn't handle the pills -- touching broken or crushed tablets can cause birth defects in babies. It's not as easy to use as a daily pill, but minoxidil ( Rogaine), a liquid or foam that you rub into your scalp, is another option. The 5% strength seems to work best. Studies show it can help hair grow, but it may also help you hold on to the strands you already have. The earlier you start using minoxidil, the more likely it is to help. You have to use it for at least 4 months, and possibly for up to a year, before you can see if it's working. While you may grow more hair with finasteride, it tends to have more side effects than minoxidil. You also don't need a prescription for minoxidil. You apply the medicine twice a day to dry hair. Applicators make the process less messy. The main side effect is scalp irritation.
context: There are a number of blood tests that may be recommended as part of your epilepsy diagnosis and treatment. As part of your epilepsy treatment, your doctor may order a complete blood count ( CBC). A CBC helps the doctor establish a baseline and can identify infections, allergies, and other abnormalities that may affect the choice of appropriate anticonvulsant medication(s) and help to monitor the possible drug-induced side effects in the future. The CBC measures (among other things): The number of red blood cells (which carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body) The number of white blood cells (which fight infection) Platelets (which help the blood clot in case of a injury or bleeding) Hemoglobin (the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen) Hematocrit (the percentage of blood that is made up of red blood cells) Mean corpuscular volume (size of the red blood cells) Another important blood test is known as a chemistry panel. This test includes an evaluation of sodium, potassium, and blood sugar levels. Kidney and liver function tests are also often included, in what is known as a complete metabolic panel. This test will help your doctor identify conditions such as electrolyte (such as sodium) imbalances, kidney or liver damage, and diabetes, which may either be causing your seizures or may affect the choice of the appropriate anticonvulsant medications prescribed for you (including the doses needed). Your doctor may decide to run various other blood tests, including blood levels of medications you may be taking for seizure control. These tests are most often ordered when seizures continue to occur or when drug-induced side effects are suspected. The blood is drawn by a nurse or technician. He or she places a tourniquet on your arm to restrict the blood flow through the vein (which makes the vein bigger), cleans your arm with an antiseptic, and then inserts a needle into the vein. The blood is collected in one or two vials and the tourniquet is released. After the needle is removed, the nurse or technician will put a bandage on your arm. In the case of epilepsy, blood tests such as a CBC and chemistry panel help your doctor assess your overall health and identify conditions such as infections, anemia, or diabetes that may be triggering the seizures. Blood tests may also help identify conditions such as kidney or liver damage that may affect your treatment and to monitor for the possible occurrence of medication-induced side effects.
context: A urinary tract infection happens in the body's urinary system, which includes your: Kidneys Ureters (tubes that carries urine from your kidneys to your bladder) Bladder Urethra (a short tube that carries urine from your bladder to outside your body) Bacteria cause most UTIs. Anyone can get one, but they're most common in women, and concerning if you're are pregnant. If you think you might have a UTI, tell your doctor. With proper care, you and your baby should be fine. Most of these infections are limited to the bladder and urethra. But sometimes they can lead to a kidney infection. If they do, UTIs may lead to preterm labor (giving birth too early) and low birth weight. If you have a UTI, you may have: An urgent need to pee, or peeing more often Trouble with peeing A burning sensation or cramps in your lower back or lower belly A burning feeling when you pee Urine that looks cloudy or has an odor Hormones are one reason. In pregnancy, they cause changes in the urinary tract, and that makes women more likely to get infections. Also, your growing uterus presses on your bladder. That makes it hard for you to let out all the urine in your bladder. Leftover urine can be a source of infection. You'll take a urine test. Your doctor will test it for bacteria and red and white blood cells. A urine culture may also be checked. It shows what kind of bacteria are in the urine. You'll take antibiotics for 3-7 days or as your doctor recommends. If your infection makes you feel uncomfortable, your doctor will probably start your treatment before you get your urine test results. Your symptoms should go away in 3 days. Take all of your medication on schedule anyway. Don't stop it early, even if your symptoms fade. Many common antibiotics -- amoxicillin, erythromycin, and penicillin, for example -- are considered safe for pregnant women. Your doctor wouldn't prescribe others, such as sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, that can affect your baby's development. You can: Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Wipe yourself from front to back when you go to the bathroom. Empty your bladder shortly before and after sex. If you need a lubricant when you have sex, choose a water-based one. Don't douche. Avoid strong feminine deodorants or soaps that cause irritation. Wash your genital area with warm water before sex. Wear cotton underwear. Take showers instead of baths. Don't wear pants that are too tight.
context: Most episodes of atrial fibrillation aren't life-threatening, but an irregular heartbeat can cause complications like a heart attack or stroke. When you're prepared to spot and handle what's going on, you can help your loved one get the medical care they need faster, and ease your worries, too. To get started, make a list of their health conditions and the medications they take. That way, you can share the list with medical professionals during any emergency. If your loved one takes blood thinners, they should wear a medical bracelet or tag saying so. You'll also want to know what happens during an AFib episode, heart attack, and stroke, and the different warning signs of each. What it is: When the heart beats irregularly, causing it to flutter, race, pound, or noticeably skip beats, that's an AFib episode. The symptoms: Your loved one may be very tired and short of breath. They may feel faint, anxious, or confused. And they may notice that their heart is fluttering or pounding. How to help: Call a doctor right away. AFib episodes rarely cause serious problems, but they'll need to get checked out with a physical exam. If they're uncomfortable or their heart is beating rapidly, call 911 or go to an emergency room. Doctors may use medications or a device called a defibrillator to help their heart go back to a normal rhythm. What it is: A heart attack happens when blood doesn't flow to the organ like it should because of a blockage. This can damage its tissue and could be deadly. The symptoms: The main ones are discomfort, pain, pressure, or heaviness in the chest. A heart attack can also cause shortness of breath, nausea, confusion, and exhaustion. Important: Women don't always have "typical" symptoms. They may vomit or feel tingling or pain in their back, shoulders, arm, or jaw. How to help: If they have these warning signs, call 911 right away, even if you're not sure it's a heart attack. It's better to be wrong than to wait too long. The 911 operator will stay on the phone with you until help arrives. Tell them that the person has AFib. They may give you specific instructions for while you wait. What it is: A stroke happens when a blood clot travels to the brain. It's the biggest risk with AFib. Your loved one is five times more likely to have a stroke than other people. The symptoms: Remember the initials F. A. S. T. Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty Time to call 911 Stroke can also bring on a severe headache, vision problems, dizziness, confusion, trouble speaking, or numbness or weakness on one side of the body. How to help: Call 911. Don't wait to see if the symptoms go away on their own. The sooner they get medical treatment, the better. Try to help them lie down. Don't give them aspirin. Pay close attention to their symptoms until help arrives.
context: Pericardiocentesis, also called a pericardial tap, is a procedure in which a needle and catheter remove fluid from the pericardium, the sac around your heart. The fluid is tested for signs of infection, inflammation, and the presence of blood and cancer. Occasionally, pericardiocentesis is done in an emergency to treat something called cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening rapid buildup of fluid around the heart that weakens its pumping. The procedure relieves pressure there. Your doctor uses it to: Find out if the fluid around your heart is caused by problems such as infection or cancer Relieve symptoms, like shortness of breath, that are caused by the fluid around your heart Your doctor or nurse will tell you what you can and can't eat or drink before it. Ask your doctor what medications should be taken on the day of your procedure. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor how to adjust your meds the day of your test. Tell your doctor and nurses if you are allergic to anything. Bring all your medicines and any previous test results. You may be admitted to the hospital afterward. Bring someone with you to take you home. The room will be cool and dimly lit. You will lie on a special table in the cardiac catheterization lab. You will get a mild sedative to relax you, but you will be conscious during the procedure. An IV (intravenous) line is inserted into your hand or arm in case fluids or medications are needed. The doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb an area on your chest. A needle will be inserted, and then a catheter (a thin plastic tube) will be threaded into the sac around your heart. The doctor may use an X-ray or echocardiogram machine to make sure the catheter is in the right spot. The doctor will then drain the fluid around your heart. When the fluid has been removed, the catheter may be removed. Sometimes, it's left in place for more drainage. The whole thing takes about 20 to 60 minutes to perform. Your doctor will monitor you for several hours. If the operation isn't successful, more procedures may be needed to drain fluid from around the heart or to thin out the pericardium to relieve pressure. Pericardiocentesis is fairly safe, especially when imaging is used to guide the needle. But he procedure may: Bring on an irregular heart rhythm Cause cardiac arrest Cause a heart attack Puncture the heart, liver, lung, or stomach
context: Kids love animals -- whether it's the family dog or a cute lamb at a petting zoo. But animals, their food, and other supplies can have germs. So take steps to protect your kids when they're around pets and other creatures. Taking your toddler to a petting zoo or the county fair animal exhibit can be fun and educational. Besides supervising your children, here are some tips to reduce your child's exposure to germs around the animals. Find the hand washing stations as soon as you get there. And make liberal use of the sanitizer dispensers. Don't take food or drink in with the animals. Leave strollers, pacifiers, and cups outside, too. Don't let an animal lick your child. Wash your toddler's hands when you leave, even if he didn't pet an animal. Don't try samples of raw, unpasteurized milk. When you take your toddler to the neighborhood park, you can take simple steps to avoid germs lurking there. Steer clear of sandboxes. They attract cats and other animals. Cat droppings can carry bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Keep away from stray dogs. Up to 20% of dog bites lead to infection. Dog droppings can carry bacteria and parasites like hookworms. Avoid any wild animals, such as raccoons, squirrels, or prairie dogs. They can carry germs that lead to infections. Have your child wash his hands after the visit. Playground equipment is likely to have more germs than the picnic table. Toddlers often love the family dog. Here's how to focus on the fun and fight the doggie's germs. Teach your child to respect the dog by not pulling his hair or hitting him. If the dog gets upset and nips or bites, germs in his saliva can cause a potentially serious skin infection. Doggie treats can be tempting for toddlers to eat! But dry dog foods, dog treats, and the water bowl can carry germs. Put them where your child can't reach or have him wash his hands after handling them. Don't feed the dog in the kitchen. Dry pet food may carry salmonella. Infections are more likely in young children if pets are fed in the kitchen. Teach your child to stay away from the dog when it is eating. Be sure your toddler doesn't grab the dog's toys and put them in his mouth. Wash dog toys often. Get the dog his own bed. Most doctors say sleeping in the same bed with a pet isn't a good idea. Don't let your dog lick your child's face or skin -- especially if your child has an open wound, like a scraped knee. Teach your child to wash his hands after petting the dog. If you have a cat or two, teach your toddler to appreciate the pets while lowering infection risks. Here's how: To reduce the chance of infection, don't feed the cat in your kitchen. Keep your child away from the litter box. Cat droppings carry infection-causing germs. If your child is old enough to change the litter box, teach proper habits and ensure good hand washing after the chore. Pick a spot in the house besides the bedroom for the cats to sleep. Most pediatricians suggest that you don't sleep with your cats. Don't let the cat lick your child's face or skin, especially open wounds. Teach your child to wash her hands after petting the cats.
context: Cancer can affect the uterus, the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows. The uterus is lined with a special tissue called the endometrium. When cancer grows in this lining, it is called endometrial cancer. Most cancers of the uterus are endometrial cancer. If left untreated, endometrial cancer can spread to the bladder or rectum, or it can spread to the vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and more distant organs. Fortunately, endometrial cancer grows slowly and, with regular checkups, is usually found before spreading very far. Endometrial cancer usually happens in women past menopause. More than 95% of endometrial cancer happens in women over 40. Postmenopausal women have a high risk for endometrial cancer if they: Got their first period early Went through menopause late Are obese Have diabetes or high blood pressure Have few or no children Have a history of infertility, irregular periods, or abnormal cells in the endometrium (called endometrial hyperplasia) Have a family history of endometrial, colorectal, or breast cancer Women taking the drug tamoxifen to treat or prevent breast cancer have a slightly higher risk of endometrial cancer. But women who have taken birth control pills are only half as likely to have endometrial cancer after menopause. Women who take estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer. So women who have not had a hysterectomy should not be taking estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy. Rare ovarian tumors can make estrogen and increase a woman's chance of having endometrial cancer. High-fat diets, especially containing red meat, can increase the risk of cancer, including endometrial and colon cancer. Most endometrial cancer cannot be prevented. But there are certain things a woman can do to lower her risk. Taking birth control lowers the risk, but first talk with a doctor about possible pros and cons. Being healthy, eating well, and watching your weight may help lower the risk.