VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: If you're looking for relief from tummy trouble, you may want to consider trying helpful bacteria and yeast called probiotics. Millions of friendly bacteria live in your intestines, and they're important for your digestion. But diarrhea can throw the microbes in your gut off balance. Probiotics may help get things back on track. You can find probiotics in certain foods, like yogurt, and they also come in the form of supplements. Not all probiotics can ease diarrhea, though, and some help only certain types of diarrhea. So which ones can help, and when? Some of the best proof that probiotics work comes from studies of diarrhea in children, especially when it's caused by rotavirus. Probiotics might cut bouts of infectious diarrhea by half a day to about 2 days. Some research shows that the bacteria strains most likely to help are Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, although other strains might be useful. A mix of a few different probiotics may also treat this type of diarrhea. Antibiotics kill the germs in your body that make you sick, but they also kill some of the good bacteria. This can upset the normal balance in your intestines, leading to diarrhea. Studies of children and adults show that you may cut your chances of having diarrhea if you take probiotics before and during treatment and several days after stopping your antibiotics. Saccharomyces boulardii and some strains of lactobacillus can work. When you're away from home, you may get diarrhea when you eat or drink contaminated food or water. There's no hard proof that probiotics work for this problem. Some research shows they help travelers avoid this kind of diarrhea, but other studies show there isn't any benefit. The strongest evidence points to help from Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii. An infection with C. difficile bacteria causes severe and sometimes life-threatening diarrhea and inflammation in the colon, called colitis. Probiotics may keep you from getting this germ. And there's some evidence they might stop the problem from coming back. That's important, since repeat infections become hard to control. Scientists have done many studies of Saccharomyces boulardii against this type of bacteria. It appears to help, especially when combined with lactobacillus strains. Probiotics may help treat ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD). Some studies show probiotics may also help treat Crohn's disease, the other form of IBD, but the results aren't as strong. Most health food stores stock dozens of brands of probiotic foods and supplements, like yogurts or dairy drinks, capsules, powders, and liquids. Look for probiotics with a specific type of bacteria that's been tested and found to work. Make sure the product has a Good Manufacturing Practices ( GMP) seal. Choose products that say that they still work "through end of shelf life" rather than "at time of manufacture."
context: If you've had a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting, talk to your doctor about treatments that can help prevent it from happening again. One such preventive treatment may be allergy shots. Allergy shots for insect stings put tiny amounts of the allergen (you may hear it called âinsect venomâ) into your body over time. Your body gets used to the allergen, and if you get stung again, you won't have such a bad reaction. If allergy shots are right for you, your doctor will first test to find out which insects you're allergic to. Then you'll typically get the shots once or twice a week. The dose will go up slightly over time until you reach a maintenance dose, usually in about 3 to 6 months. You'll get longer stretches of time between doses in the maintenance phase -- about once or twice a month for 3-5 years, although some people need to keep taking shots for longer. For most people, allergy shots are safe and work well. You may have some redness and warmth at the injection site. You could also have: Itching Hives Swelling of the skin In rare cases, allergy shots can cause a more serious or even life-threatening reaction. For that reason, you'll get your shots at your doctor's office. Allergy shots aren't for everyone. If you've never had a serious allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting, you probably don't need them for an insect allergy. They may be more risky for people with heart or lung disease or who take certain medications. Be sure to tell your allergist about your health and any medicines you take, so you can decide if allergy shots are right for you.
context: Signs of hair loss and hair loss conditions vary between men, women and children. However, people of any age or sex may notice more hair collecting in their hairbrush or in the shower drain. The signs of hair loss and hair conditions in men may include: Thinning hair on the scalp A receding hairline A horseshoe-shaped pattern that leaves the crown of the head exposed Signs of hair loss and hair conditions in women may include: General hair thinning, especially at the crown of the head Signs of hair loss and hair conditions in children and young adults may include: Sudden loss of patches of hair Complete loss of all hair on the body Patches of broken hairs and incomplete hair loss on the scalp and/or eyebrows Excessive shedding of hair, but not complete baldness, after various illnesses and drug treatments, rapid weight loss, anemia, or stress You or your child have a sudden loss of patches of hair Your child has patches of broken hairs and incomplete hair loss on the scalp and/or eyebrows Your child is rubbing or pulling out his or her hair You or your child suffer an unexplained loss of hair on any part of the body
context: A rare but potentially life-threatening disease, rheumatic fever is a complication of untreated strep throat caused by bacteria called group A streptococcus. The main symptoms -- fever, muscle aches, swollen and painful joints, and in some cases, a red, lattice-like rash -- typically begin two to four weeks after a bout of strep. In some cases, though, the infection may have been too mild to have been recognized. The knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists are the joints most likely to become swollen from rheumatic fever. The pain often migrates from one joint to another. However, the greatest danger from the disease is the damage it can do to the heart. In more than half of all cases, rheumatic fever scars the valves of the heart, forcing this vital organ to work harder to pump blood. Over a period of months or even years -- particularly if the disease strikes again -- this damage to the heart can lead to a serious condition known as rheumatic heart disease, which can eventually cause the heart to fail. Rheumatic fever can also cause a temporary nervous system disorder once known as St. Vitus' dance, now known as Sydenham's chorea. This is a nervous disorder -- characterized by rapid, jerky, involuntary movements of the body, usually occurring more on one side of the body. People with mild cases of chorea may find it difficult to concentrate or write. More severe cases can cause the muscles of the arms, legs, or face to twitch uncontrollably. It can also be associated with muscle weakness and emotional outbursts. Because of antibiotics, rheumatic fever is now rare in developed countries. In recent years, though, it has begun to make a comeback in the U. S., particularly among children living in poor, inner-city neighborhoods. The disease tends to strike most often in cool, damp weather during the winter and early spring. In the U. S., it is most common in the northern states. Rheumatic fever results from an inflammatory reaction to certain group A streptococcusbacteria. The body produces antibodies to fight the bacteria, but instead the antibodies attack a different target: the body's own tissues. The antibodies begin with the joints and often move on to the heart and surrounding tissues. Because only a small fraction (fewer than 0.3%) of people with strep throat ever contract rheumatic fever, medical experts say that other factors, such as a weakened immune system, must also be involved in the development of the disease. Pay attention to sore throats, especially in children. If your child has a severe sore throat without other cold symptoms, accompanied by a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, or a milder sore throat that persists for more than two or three days, see a doctor. It may be strep throat, which should be treated with antibiotics.
context: Digoxin, also called digitalis, helps an injured or weakened heart pump more efficiently. It strengthens the force of the heart muscle's contractions, helps restore a normal, steady heart rhythm, and improves blood circulation. Digoxin is one of several medications used to treat the symptoms of heart failure. It may also be prescribed if you have atrial fibrillation (a common irregular heart rhythm). Types of digoxin include: Digoxin ( Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps, Digitek) Digitoxin ( Crystodigin) Digoxin is usually taken once a day. Try to take this drug at the same time every day. Follow the label directions on how often to take it. The time allowed between doses and how long you need to take it will depend on your condition. You may have to take this drug for a long time, possibly for the rest of your life. Possible side effects of taking digoxin include: Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting Changes in vision, such as flashes or flickering of light, sensitivity to light, seeing things larger or smaller than they are, blurring, color changes (yellow or green), and seeing halos or borders on objects Drowsiness and fatigue Headache Confusion Depression Muscle weakness Irregular heartbeat or slow heart rate Contact your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. Your dose may need to be changed. Once you and your doctor have determined the correct dose, you usually will not experience side effects if you take digoxin exactly as prescribed. Also, contact your doctor if you have any other symptoms that cause concern. When taking digoxin: Digoxin is generally prescribed in combination with diuretics, an ACE inhibitor and a beta-blocker. If you experience an increase in side effects after taking your medications together, contact your doctor. You may need to change the times you are taking each medication. If you are taking Questran, Questran Light, or Colestid, take it at least two hours after digoxin to prevent interactions. Consult with your doctor before taking the following over-the-counter medications, as they can interfere with the effects of digoxin: antacids; asthma remedies; cold, cough or sinus medicine; laxatives, medicines for diarrhea; or diet medications. Follow your doctor's dietary advice, which may include: following a low-sodium diet, taking a potassium supplement, or including high-potassium foods (such as bananas and orange juice) in your diet. While taking this drug, your doctor may tell you to take and record your pulse daily. He or she will tell you how rapid your pulse should be. If your pulse is slower than recommended, contact your doctor about taking digoxin that day. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so your response to the drug can be monitored. You may have electrocardiograms ( ECGs) and blood tests, and your dose may be adjusted. This medication may cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
context: Try to remove the stinger immediately. It contains venom and will release it into your body for several seconds after it goes in. Scrape a fingernail across the stinger to help remove it from your skin. Clean the area with soap and water. If you only have a reaction at the sting site, a cold compress or an ice pack should be enough treatment. For pain, take aspirin, an anti-inflammatory like Advil, or acetaminophen ( Tylenol). Don't give aspirin to a child under age 19 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, which affects the liver and brain. Try diphenhydramine ( Benadryl) or another nonprescription antihistamine to calm the itch. Or you can use an over-the-counter steroid cream. If you have several stings or a severe allergic reaction, you'll probably need medical help. If you have a serious reaction called anaphylactic shock, call 911. The symptoms are: Trouble breathing Hives or swelling Swelling of your lips or tongue Swelling or tightness in your throat Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Dizziness or fainting Fast heartbeat Low blood pressure Stomach pain If you have a severe allergic reaction, or a known bee sting allergy, make sure you have prescribed epinephrine injections handy. Autoinjectors, or pens, are made to be easy to use. Inject yourself or your friend or family member right away. After you take the shot, call 911 right away for more treatment. If your doctor has prescribed an auto-injector for you, carry two at all times. Don't wait to use the auto-injector if you start to have symptoms of anaphylaxis. Even if what you're feeling turns out to not be allergy related, using it won't harm you. Most people have minor reactions -- a little pain or itching; maybe a welt. If yours is like this, your doctor can tell if you're allergic to bees or wasps with a simple skin test that uses purified, freeze-dried venom. But if you had a severe or anaphylactic reaction, he may do a blood test called a RAST instead. It's safer for you, though it takes more time and is more expensive. If you had a serious reaction to a bee or wasp sting, talk to your doctor about allergy skin testing. Also ask about a bee-sting kit (be sure you know how to give yourself the shot). You should also wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that describes your allergy. If you've had a severe reaction and a positive venom skin test, you might try venom immunotherapy. You'll get a weekly series of shots of purified venom. It can prevent a future anaphylactic reaction. You can also lower your odds of a sting by avoiding brightly colored, white, or pastel clothing. Don't use cosmetics or perfume with floral scents. Food odors attract insects, especially yellow jackets, so be alert when you cook or eat outdoors.
context: If your child suffers from night terrors, it can be stressful and frightening for you, as well. Night terrors are scary life-like dreams from which it is very hard to wake. Often a child may cry out, ask for help, thrash, kick, and scream -- but cannot be comforted. Because he is so deep into the dream, he cannot hear the person trying to wake him, even though the child may look at you and seem to be awake. The cause of night terrors isn't known. About 10% of children have them as a result of undergoing anesthesia for surgery. The terrors may last a couple of weeks after surgery. Here are some steps you can take to cope with night terrors: Make your child's room safe to try to prevent him from being injured during an episode. Eliminate all sources of sleep disturbance, such as caffeine, sugar, high-energy activities, and activities involving lit screens such as cell phone games before bed. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and wake-up time. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to help your child during the actual episode except to make sure he is safe. Just take comfort in the fact that the night terror is short-lived. No adequate treatment exists for night terrors. Management primarily consists of educating family members about the disorder and reassuring them that the episodes are not harmful. In severe cases in which daily activities (school performance, peer or family relations) are affected, a low-dose benzodiazepine or an antidepressant medication may be used as a temporary treatment.
context: Pancreatic cancer often grows and spreads silently before it's discovered. For this reason, most cases of pancreatic cancer are difficult to treat. The uncomfortable fact is that anyone can get pancreatic cancer. A few risk factors for pancreatic cancer have been identified, but many people who get pancreatic cancer have no risk factors. Cigarette smoking is one controllable risk factor for pancreatic cancer. People who smoke are about twice as likely to get pancreatic cancer as are nonsmokers. Fortunately, the reverse is also true. After quitting smoking, the risk for pancreatic cancer steadily falls, eventually falling to the same risk as a nonsmoker after 10 to15 years. Large studies also point to obesity and inactivity as potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer. People who exercise regularly have about half the risk of pancreatic cancer as sedentary people do. Other factors such as coffee and alcohol consumption and use of aspirin and NSAIDs have not been consistently shown to increase (or decrease) the risk of pancreatic cancer. Exercising, keeping a healthy weight, and not smoking should somewhat reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Numerous studies have tried to identify which foods, if any, contribute to developing pancreatic cancer. The results don't allow any firm conclusions: A typical American diet, high in fat and smoked or other processed meats, has been associated with pancreatic cancer in some but not all studies. A healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables seemed to protect against pancreatic cancer in some but not all studies. In experiments, lab rats fed a high-protein, high-fat diet were consistently found to develop pancreatic cancer. However, laboratory data doesn't necessarily apply to people. No diet has been proven to change your risk for pancreatic cancer. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, with lean meats in moderation, is the best diet for overall health. Bottom line: There is no definite technique to prevent pancreas cancer. However, not smoking, exercising, and eating a proper diet is the best lifestyle choice for overall health.
context: Who should undergo regular screening for prostate cancer? The American Cancer Society recommends that men should not be screened before they have received information from their health care provider during a discussion regarding the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening. That discussion, which allows men to make an informed decision, should take place based on the following schedule: Age 50 for men who have an average risk for prostate cancer and an expectation of living at least 10 years or more Age 45 for men in the high-risk group, such as African Americans and those with a father, brother, or son that was diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65 Age 40 for men who have more than one close relative (father, brother, or son) who had proatate cancer at an early age See your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms: Difficulty initiating or stopping a urine stream Frequent urination Pain on urination Pain on ejaculation Blood in your semen Go to the nearest hospital emergency department right away if you have any of the following symptoms: Urinary tract infection - Burning pain on urination, urgency, frequent urination, especially with fever Bladder obstruction - Not urinating or urinating very little despite drinking enough fluid; producing little urine despite straining; pain due to a full bladder Acute kidney failure - Not urinating or urinating little, with little discomfort, despite drinking enough fluid Deep bone pain, especially in the back, hips, or thighs, or bone fracture; this is a possible sign of advanced prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. Prostate cancer can spread to nearby organs or travel through your bloodstream or lymphatic system to your bones or other organs. The most common site of bone metastasis in prostate cancer patients is the spine. Eventually, pressure from the vertebrae or the tumor at the spine will result in compression of the spinal cord. Spinal cord compression is a true emergency and may be the first sign of cancer. Signs that your spinal cord is compressed include: Weakness in the legs and difficulty walking Increased difficulty urinating or moving your bowels Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels Decreased sensation, numbness, or tingling in the groin or legs. These symptoms are often preceded by pain in the hip (usually on one side) or in the back, lasting a few days or weeks. Such symptoms require immediate evaluation in the nearest hospital emergency department. Failure to be treated immediately can result in permanent spinal cord damage.
context: During the first few months of your baby's life, pay special attention if you think she has a fever. Her immune system isn't as good at fighting infections as it will be at 3 or 4 months of age. Most doctors say a baby has a fever if her temperature rises to 100.4 F or above. It's best to take her temperature rectally. Take a few readings when your infant is well to get a sense of what her normal temperature is. If your baby is under age 3 months and has a fever, take her to a doctor. For at least the first 6 months of life, call your doctor anytime she has a fever. At your baby's next checkup you can ask if the doctor has a âfever policy.â That will give you a better idea about when you need to call. If you're worried, take the better-safe-than-sorry approach: Dial him up. Fever is only part of the story. Sometimes a baby can be sick even if she doesn't have a fever. A more important question is: Does your newborn show other symptoms of illness? Call the doctor if your baby: Is irritable Is inactive Is sluggish Doesn't eat Has trouble breathing Has a rash Vomits Has diarrhea Your baby could have a fever for many reasons, but the most likely is infection. Simple things such as colds can cause a fever, but so can very serious infections such as meningitis. If your baby is under 3 months and has a fever, see a doctor.
context: Most of us know about the emotional symptoms of depression. But many people with depression live with chronic pain or other physical symptoms, too. These aren't "all in your head." Depression can cause real changes in your body. For instance, it can slow down your digestion, which can result in stomach problems. Because these symptoms happen with many conditions, people with depression may never get help for them. They don't realize that their physical problems might be caused by their mental illness. A lot of doctors miss them, too. Depression seems to be related to improper functioning of nerve cell networks or pathways that connect the brain areas that process emotional information. Some of these networks also process information for sensing physical pain. So many experts think that depression can make you feel pain differently than other people. Any kind of chronic painmay get worse. Headaches are fairly common. If you already had migraine headaches, they may seem worse. Back pain Muscle aches and joint pain Chest pain. It can be a sign of serious heart, stomach, lung or other problems. But depression can add to the discomfort. Digestive problems. You might feel queasy or nauseated. You might have diarrhea or become constipated all the time. Exhaustion and fatigue. No matter how much you sleep, you may still feel tired or worn out. Getting out of the bed in the morning may seem very hard, even impossible. Sleeping problems. Many people with depression can't sleep well anymore. They wake up too early or can't fall asleep when they go to bed. Others sleep much more than normal. Change in appetite or weight. Some people with depression lose their appetite and lose weight. Others find they crave certain foods, like carbohydrates, and weigh more. Dizziness or lightheadedness. Tell your doctor about any physical symptoms: Don't assume they'll go away on their own. Sometimes, treating your depression -- with therapy or medicine or both -- will clear up your physical symptoms. Medicines for depression "tweak" the chemicals your nerve cell networks use communicate, making them work more efficiently. Some antidepressants, such as duloxetine ( Cymbalta), venlafaxine ( Effexor), and older tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline ( Elavil) or desipramine ( Norpramin), may help with chronic pain, too. But you may also need something else. For example, your doctor may suggest an anti-anxiety or sleep aid medicine for insomnia so you can relax and sleep better. Since pain and depression can sometimes go together, easing your pain may lift your depression as well. You could try cognitive behavioral therapy. It can teach you ways to deal better with pain.
context: var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } To find out whether a hard patch of skin is a callus or a wart, your doctor will scrape some skin off the affected area. When the superficial skin is scraped off, warts bleed in a characteristic pattern. Calluses do not; they just reveal more dead skin. Warts are viral and require specific treatment. Most corns and calluses are corrected by a variety of measures, including a change in shoes, trimming of the calluses, and sometimes surgery. Most corns and calluses gradually disappear when the friction or pressure stops, although your doctor may shave the top of a callus to reduce the thickness. Properly positioned moleskin pads can help relieve pressure on a corn. Most foot doctors discourage the use of over-the-counter salicylic-acid corn remedies. When applied improperly, these corn "plasters" can create a chemical skin burn in healthy tissue around the corn and cause infections and ulcers (which is a hole through the skin) in patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or numbness in their feet. Oral antibiotics generally clear up infected corns, but pus may have to be drained through a small incision. Moisturizing creams may help soften the skin and remove cracked calluses. Apply the moisturizing cream to the callus and cover the area overnight with a plastic bag or a sock -- but only if instructed to do so by your doctor. Then gently rub off as much of the callus as you can with a coarse towel or soft brush. Using a pumice stone first to rub off the dead skin from a callus after a bath or shower and then applying moisturizing cream can also be effective. There are also stronger creams containing urea that might be more effective, but don't use these unless recommended by your doctor. Don't bother with hydrocortisone creams, which only help with rashes and itching and are not needed for calluses. You can consider surgery to remove a plantar callus, but there are no guarantees that the callus won't come back. A conservative approach is best initially. Keep the feet dry and friction-free. Wear properly fitted shoes and cotton socks, not wool or synthetic fibers that might irritate the skin. If a podiatrist or orthopedist thinks your corn or callus is caused by abnormal foot structure, walking motion, or hip rotation, orthopedic shoe inserts or surgery to correct foot deformities may help correct the problem.
context: Snoring is a common condition that can affect anyone, although it occurs more frequently in men and people who are overweight. Snoring has a tendency to worsen with age. Occasional snoring is usually not very serious and is mostly a nuisance for your bed partner. However, if you are a habitual snorer, you not only disrupt the sleep patterns of those close to you, but you also impair your own sleep quality. Medical assistance is often needed for habitual snorers (and their loved ones) to get a good night's sleep. Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is physically obstructed. Air flow can be obstructed by a combination of factors, including: Obstructed nasal airways: Some people snore only during allergy seasons or when they have a sinus infection. Deformities of the nose such as a deviated septum (a structural change in the wall that separates one nostril from the other) or nasal polyps can also cause obstruction. Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue: Throat and tongue muscles can be too relaxed, which allows them to collapse and fall back into the airway. This can result from deep sleep, alcohol consumption, or use of some sleeping pills. Normal aging causes further relaxation of these muscles. Bulky throat tissue: Being overweight can cause bulky throat tissue. Also, children with large tonsils and adenoids often snore. Long soft palate and/or uvula: A long soft palate or a long uvula (the dangling tissue in back of the mouth) can narrow the opening from the nose to the throat. When these structures vibrate and bump against one another the airway becomes obstructed, causing snoring. Habitual snoring can be a sign of a serious health problem, including obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea creates several problems, including: Interruptions of breathing (lasting from a few seconds to minutes) during sleep caused by partial or total obstruction or blockage of the airway Frequent waking from sleep, even though you may not realize it Light sleeping. Waking up so many times a night interferes with the normal pattern of sleep, causing more time to be spent in light sleep than in more restorative, deeper sleep. Strain on the heart. Prolonged suffering from obstructive sleep apnea often results in higher blood pressure and may cause enlargement of the heart, with higher risks of heart attack and stroke. Poor night's sleep. This leads to drowsiness during the day and can interfere with your quality of life and increase risk for car accidents.
context: Most street drugs are illegal for good reason. Along with often being addictive, they're bad for you in many ways. You may have noticed that many drug addicts have bad teeth. That's because drugs such as methamphetamine (meth), heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and even marijuana can cause problems for your teeth and gums. Here are a few of the main reasons: They all can cause dry mouth, which means you make less saliva. You need saliva to clean your teeth. Drugs that are stimulants -- like meth, heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy -- can make you clench or grind your teeth. This weakens your teeth and can even make them break. It also can cause pain in your jaw. If you abuse drugs, especially stronger ones like meth or heroin, you're less likely to take good care of your teeth or go to the dentist. That can let decay quickly get worse. Many people who use drugs also smoke. This can make the effects of drug use on your mouth worse. Here are some other ways common street drugs can hurt your mouth. Methamphetamine ( Meth) In one study, 96% of people who used meth had cavities and 58% had untreated tooth decay. People use the term "meth mouth" to describe this condition of stained, badly damaged teeth. One reason for the damage is that the drug is acidic and causes vomiting and reflux. And even though it makes you less hungry, it makes you crave soda and sweets. The damage can happen in a short amount of time and often leads to the loss of teeth. Heroin People who inject heroin into their veins can expect damage similar to what's caused by meth -- rotten, discolored, broken, and missing teeth, as well as gum disease. Heroin is a pain-killing drug. So in addition to the ways most illegal drugs can hurt your mouth, it also may cause you to ignore the pain of damaged teeth and gums. That lets the problems get worse. Cocaine This drug can have different effects on your mouth, depending on how you take it. When you snort it, cocaine can damage the tissue between your nose and the roof of your mouth, eventually causing a hole and making it hard to talk or eat. Like meth, it's very acidic. So when you smoke crack or put powdered cocaine in your mouth, the acids coat your teeth and can break down their protective enamel. This can cause gum disease and tooth decay. If you rub it on your gums, it can cause mouth sores. Marijuana Smoke from pot is a carcinogen and can cause mouth cancer. In addition, if you smoke pot often, you can develop something called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which leads to nausea and vomiting. The acids from your stomach that end up in your mouth can wear away enamel and lead to tooth decay.
context: Vision problems are pretty common for people with MS. The symptoms usually come and go on their own, but you can talk to your doctor about treatments to protect your eyesight and what you should do if you start to have trouble seeing. Vision Loss This happens when the optic nerve which connects the eye to the brain gets inflamed. It is called optic neuritis. About half of people with MS will have the condition at least once. It's often the first sign that someone has the disease. But other conditions can cause optic neuritis so it doesn't always mean that a person has or will get MS. Symptoms of optic neuritis usually come on suddenly. They include: Blurred vision Graying of vision Blindness in one eye for a short time, especially during an MS flare Pain with eye movement) It's rare to get this condition in both eyes at once. Vision loss tends to get worse for a few days before it gets better. The inflammation could last anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. If you start to have any symptoms, let your doctor know. IV steroids are generally used to treat the first episode of optic neuritis, but studies suggest that the use of low dose oral steroids may increase the chance of a recurrence. Although the symptoms can be disturbing, the best treatment may be no treatment at all. Double Vision This happens when the muscles that control an eye movement are not coordinated because one or more of them not working properly. In MS, the problem occurs in the part of the brain that controls the nerves that go to these muscles. It may be worse when you're tired or you strain your eyes, so try to rest them throughout the day. Uncontrolled Eye Movements People with MS may develop, small, rapid and repetitive eye movements. They may lose control of how they move their eyes up and down or side to side (sometimes described as a quiver). The problem is called nystagmus. It may be mild or it may be severe enough to keep someone from seeing well. Some meds and special eyeglass prisms may ease the condition and improve vision.
context: Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be caused by many things. But it isn't a disease. It's a symptom of another health problem. What causes the ringing? Usually it's from damage to tiny hairs in your inner ear. That changes the signals they send to your brain that control how you hear sound. You might get tinnitus as a normal part of aging, but there are other causes. It could be temporary, or it might last for the rest of your life. Age-related hearing loss: For many people, hearing gets worse as you age. This usually begins around 60. It usually affects both ears. You'll probably notice a problem with high-frequency sounds. Loud noises: Loud noises are a leading cause. It could be something you hear every day for years, or something that only happens once. That includes everything from concerts and sporting events to loud machinery and backfiring engines. They can affect one or both ears, and they may cause hearing loss and pain. The damage can be permanent or temporary. Too much earwax: Your body makes this gunky stuff to trap dirt and protect your ears. But if it doesn't wash away on its own and too much piles up, it could lead to ringing or hearing loss. Your doctor can remove the buildup gently. Don't grab a cotton swab and try to do it yourself. Certain medicines: Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can trigger ringing or make it louder. This includes aspirin, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), quinine-based medication, and certain antibiotics, antidepressants, and cancer drugs. Usually the stronger the dose, the greater your chance of problems. Often if you stop the drug, your symptoms will go away. See your doctor if you think a drug may be to blame. But don't stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first. Ear and sinus infections: You might notice tinnitus when you've had a cold. That could be due to an ear or sinus infection that affects your hearing and increases pressure in your sinuses. If that's the cause, it shouldn't last long. If it doesn't get better after a week or so, see your doctor. TMJ: Problems with your jaw or temporomandibular joint ( TMJ) can cause tinnitus. You might notice popping or pain in the joint when you chew or talk. The joint shares some nerves and ligaments with your middle ear. A dentist can treat TMJ disorders and help keep ear ringing from getting worse. Blood pressure issues: This can include high blood pressure and things that raise it in the short term, like stress, alcohol, and caffeine. Hardening of the arteries can also play a role. Blood vessels close to your middle and inner ear become less stretchy, so your blood flow is stronger and seems louder. Other medical problems: These include changes in your inner ear bones, an inner ear disorder called Meniere's disease, or head and neck injuries. Conditions like fibromyalgia and Lyme disease also can trigger ear ringing. Your doctor will help you figure out the cause and ease the sounds.
context: Your thyroid is shaped like a small butterfly, and is usually found inside the lower front of your neck. It's a gland that controls your metabolism. It also releases hormones that direct many functions in your body, including how you use energy, how you produce heat, and how you consume oxygen. Thyroid cancer develops when cells change or mutate. The abnormal cells begin multiplying in your thyroid and, once there are enough of them, they form a tumor. If it's caught early, thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. Researchers have identified four main types: Papillary thyroid cancer. If you have thyroid cancer, you probably have this type. It's found in up to 80% of all thyroid cancer cases. It tends to grow slowly, but often spreads to the nymph nodes in your neck. Even so, you have a good chance for a full recovery. Follicular thyroid cancer makes up between 10% and 15% of all thyroid cancers in the United States. It can spread into your lymph nodes and is also more likely to spread into your blood vessels. Medullary cancer is found in about 4% of all thyroid cancer cases. It's more likely to be found at an early stage because it produces a hormone called calcitonin, which doctors keep an eye out for in blood test results. Anaplastic thyroid cancer can be the most severe type, because it's aggressive in spreading to other parts of the body. It's rare, and it is the hardest to treat. If you have thyroid cancer, you probably didn't notice any signs of it in the early stages. That's because there are very few symptoms in the beginning. But as it grows, you could notice any of the following problems: Neck, throat pain Lump in your neck Difficulty swallowing Vocal changes, hoarseness Cough There is no clear reason why most people get thyroid cancer. There are certain things, though, that can raise your odds of getting it. Inherited genetic syndromes. Some conditions, including cancer, come from the DNA you get from your parents. In 2 out of 10 cases of medullary thyroid cancer, for example, the cancer is a result of an abnormal gene you've inherited. Iodine deficiency. If you don't get much of this chemical element in your diet, you could be at more risk for certain types of thyroid cancer. This is rare in the United States because iodine is added to salt and other foods. Radiation exposure. If your head or neck was exposed to radiation treatment as a child. Thyroid cancer is more common in women than men. Women tend to get thyroid cancer in their 40s and 50s, while men who get it are usually in their 60s or 70s. Follicular thyroid cancer happens more often in whites than blacks and in more women than men. You can still get thyroid cancer if you're younger. Papillary thyroid cancer, for example, happens most often in people between ages 30 and 50. Thyroid cancer is usually very treatable, even if you have a more advanced stage of it. That's because there are effective treatments that give you a great chance for a full recovery. And surgery, when it's needed, can sometimes cure it.
context: Most people who get an organ transplant can go back to work. Settling back into your old job can help you feel like yourself again -- and it pays the bills, too. Jeffrey D. Punch, MD, former chief of the Division of Transplantation at the University of Michigan Health System and a professor of Transplant Surgery at the university, says that he encourages his patients to go back to work. " I advise people to do as much as they can," Punch tells Web MD. " It's healthy to be more active and involved." But readjusting can be a challenge. You may not slide back into your job as smoothly as you like. Though you may be sitting in the same chair behind the same desk, things may not feel quite the same. If you've been sick and out of work for some time, returning can be hard. People working in very competitive fields may feel out of the loop after an organ transplant. Your co-workers may seem to have left you behind, Punch cautions. If you're recovering slowly or worried about returning to work, Punch recommends that you start with a volunteer job. It will ease you back into the working world, but won't demand too much of you. After all, people do have complications sometimes, and you might need to go back to the hospital for a few days. " If your only job is volunteer work clipping hedges at a church, no one will be too mad if you can't show up," Punch says. " But if you're an attorney trying a big case, it can be a problem." Going back to work after a long absence can make you feel like the new kid in school all over again. You're craving to feel normal, but can't because everyone is treating you so strangely. Barry Friedman, RN, senior director of the Florida Advent Health Transplant Institute, says that many people don't understand how common and how successful transplants are. They think that a transplant recipient must still be gravely ill. Or they treat you like a fragile medical marvel. So it may be up to you to tell them otherwise. Living with a transplant often means that you have to become an educator, too. Talking openly with your co-workers and boss about what it's like to have a transplant may make everyone feel more at ease. Unfortunately, some of these common misconceptions about organ transplants can be more than annoyances. They can hurt your career. " Many corporations, if they find out that you have a transplant, are afraid to take you on," says Friedman. " That's a challenge that many people with transplants face." Punch says that some people with transplants find it hard to get insurance coverage. If you feel that you're being treated unfairly at work, don't accept it. After all you've been through, you probably know how to fight back. Talk to people on your health care team. Many transplant centers have social workers who will help you transition back into life. Get some advice from folks in a support group. Don't let your employer's wrong-headed notions hold you back.
context: If you've been trying to have a baby and it's just not happening, you might have a low sperm count. But don't panic. It's actually one of the most common causes of male infertility. You'll have to see your doctor to be sure. But there may be things you can do to boost your count naturally. And they're actually pretty simple. A ânormalâ sperm count is at least 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. If you have less than that, you have what doctors consider âlowâ sperm count, called oligospermia. When you don't have enough sperm, there's less of a chance they'll reach and fertilize the egg, which can lead to fertility problems. Even if you have a normal sperm count, they still have to be healthy enough to make the journey from your partner's vagina to the cervix and uterus to the fallopian tubes. If they're not, you'll have a hard time getting her pregnant. There are three ways your doctor can tell whether your sperm is healthy or âquality.â Quantity. This measures how many sperm you have in your semen when you ejaculate. Remember, you need at least 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen to have a ânormalâ sperm count. Movement. Doctors call this âmotility.â It measures how fast or well your sperm move to their final destination -- your partner's egg. You want at least 50% of your sperm moving. Structure. Normal sperm have egg-shaped heads and long tails. Sperm use these tails to âswimâ to the egg. The more normal-shaped sperm you have, the easier it will be for them to reach your partner's egg. Any number of things can lead to low sperm count, including previous medical problems, age, and your environment. Your lifestyle factors in, too, so if you smoke or use recreational drugs, they can affect your fertility. Fortunately, there could be a number of things you can do to increase the amount of healthy, quality sperm your body makes. Exercise. We know that moderate exercise can boost your mood. But it turns out that it can boost your sperm count, too. Researchers found that men who exercise at least three times per week for 1 hour showed increases in their sperm count and the number of moving sperm, as well. Stop stressing. It's easier than it sounds, but do it, especially if you're trying to have a baby. In a study of 950 men, researchers found that males who had more than two stressful events before starting treatment for infertility were more likely to have low sperm count and motility. If you smoke, quit. Men who smoke are more likely to have lower sperm count, density, and motility. They also produce less semen than men who don't smoke. Say no to drugs. Certain ones, like cocaine and heroin, can affect your ability to get or keep an erection. Other drugs, like marijuana, can make it hard for you to produce sperm. They can also reduce your sperm's motility or prevent them from developing normally. Eat right. Choosing a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables may boost your semen quality. Eating fewer fatty foods and a little less protein could also help.
context: Neurologic exam When trying to diagnose REM sleep behavior disorder, or RBD, the neurologic exam is often normal. However, symptoms and signs of Parkinson's disease, such as hand tremor at rest, slowness in movement, and muscle stiffness (rigidity) that may suggest an underlying neurologic cause of RBD, should be considered. Polysomnography Polysomnographic video recording is the single most important diagnostic test in persons with RBD. This test is usually conducted in a sleep study center. The person undergoing testing is required to sleep at the center while the following parameters are monitored: Electrical activity of the brain (electroencephalogram, or EEG) Electrical activity of the heart (electrocardiogram, or ECG) Movements of the muscles (electromyogram) Eye movements (electrooculogram) Respiratory movements These parameters are monitored as the person passes through the various sleep stages. Characteristic patterns from the electrodes are recorded while the person is awake and during sleep. Continuous video recording is done to observe behaviors during sleep. In persons with RBD, the polysomnogram shows an increase in the muscle tone associated with the EEG pattern of REM sleep, whereas in healthy persons, the EEG pattern of REM sleep is associated with an absence of muscle tone (atonia). Additionally, the video recording will show body movements coinciding with the EEG pattern of REM sleep. Imaging studies Imaging studies (for example, a CT scan and MRI of the brain) are not routinely indicated in persons who have no neurologic cause of RBD, but they may be done if some abnormality is detected during the neurologic exam. Imaging studies should also be considered in younger patients (younger than age 40) where there is no known precipitant cause such as alcohol or medication use.