VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Periodic limb movement disorder ( PLMD) is a sleep disorder characterized by rhythmic movements of the limbs during sleep. The movements typically involve the legs, but upper extremity movements may also occur. Movements occur periodically throughout the night and can fluctuate in severity from one night to the next. They tend to cluster in episodes that last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. These movements are very different from the normal spasms, called hypnic myoclonia, that we often experience initially while trying to fall asleep. The causes of PLMD are unknown. However recent research has shown that people with a variety of medical problems, including Parkinson's disease and narcolepsy, may have frequent periodic limb movements in sleep. Iron deficiency seems to be the most commonly recognized cause of PLMD and its cousin, Restless Legs Syndrome. Vitamin B12, thyroid function, and folic acid and magnesium levels may be related to the disorder. PLMD may be aggravated by medications, most notably, antidepressants, but the research is not conclusive. Symptoms of PLMD are usually leg movements with the extension of the big toe in combination with a partial flexing of the ankle, knee, or hip. Movement of the legs is more typical than movement of the arms. It can often cause a partial or full brief awakening, resulting in fragmented sleep. Patients are frequently unaware of these movements. A sleep partner may observe PLMD, which often affects the partner before the person knows of his or her behavior. In other cases, the diagnosis is made with the use of an overnight polysomnogram (a test that records bodily functions during sleep). This test is often used to assess the cause of daytime sleepiness or recurrent awakenings from sleep. Blood work may be done in order to test iron status, folic acid, vitamin B12, thyroid function, and magnesium levels. If iron deficiency is found, iron supplements will be prescribed. Generally, there are several classes of drugs that are used to treat PLMD. These include drugs closely related to those that treat Parkinson's disease, anticonvulsant medications, benzodiazepines, and narcotics. Current treatment recommendations consider the anti- Parkinson's type medications as a first line of defense. Medical treatment of PLMD often significantly reduces or eliminates the symptoms of these disorders. There is no cure for PLMD and medical treatment must be continued to provide relief. The use of caffeine often intensifies PLMD symptoms. Caffeine-containing products such as chocolate, coffee, tea, and soft drinks should be avoided.
context: The use of traditional antidepressants to treat bipolar depression is considered experimental. This is because these medicines have not been proven effective for treating bipolar depression and, therefore, none are FDA approved for that indication. There is no research to show that they have any greater benefit than taking a mood stabilizer (such as lithium or Depakote) alone. Many of the existing studies of their efficacy have focused mainly on people with unipolar rather than bipolar disorder. Using antidepressant medication alone to treat a depressive episode is not recommended in people with bipolar I disorder. The drugs may flip a person, particularly a person with bipolar I disorder, into a manic or hypomanic episode. Hypomania is a more subdued version of mania. Using antidepressants alone also may lead to or worsen rapid cycling in some bipolar patients. In rapid cycling, a person has 4 or more distinct episodes of mania/hypomania or depression over a 1-year period. This person may be more prone to experience a relapse or the next phase of illness sooner and more often than people without rapid cycling. Nevertheless, there are many different types of antidepressants sometimes used to treat depression in people with bipolar disorder. If an antidepressant is effective, it usually takes at least 4-6 weeks for people to respond to treatment. Sometimes a doctor will try several different medicines before finding one that might work for a patient. These medications include SSRIs such as Zoloft or Prozac, SNRIs such as Effexor, and novel antidepressants such as Wellbutrin. Note: The FDA has determined that antidepressant medications can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your health care provider.
context: Aging and the sun take a toll on our skin. Increasingly, people are taking antioxidants to their skin care routine. Their goal: Help protect skin from the inside out. Supplements for Skin and Beauty Certain vitamins and antioxidants may improve the health and quality of your skin. Vitamins C and E, and selenium are antioxidants that may help protect skin from sun damage. Vitamin A Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is key for cell growth, and often used as a topical antiaging treatment. Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10, also known as Co Q10, acts as an antioxidant, which helps protect cells from damage. Vitamin CVitamin C, ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that helps tissue grow and repair itself. Vitamin EVitamin E helps the body regulate retinol levels, which is essential for healthy skin. Selenium Selenium is a mineral that may help protect the skin against sun damage and wrinkles. Information About Vitamins and Supplements Do you know how to evaluate vitamins and supplements? There are so many vitamins, supplements, and herbal extracts on the shelves. Use these tips to find out which ones may be right for you. Safe Upper Limits for Vitamins and Minerals When it comes to vitamins and minerals, how much should you take? Find out the safe upper limits for the vitamins you take, as well as the recommended daily allowance you may need. Vitamin and Supplement Glossary: Common Definitions This glossary provides simple definitions for common terms such as antioxidants, fat soluble, or phytochemicals. Find out what the lingo really means.
context: When you take care of someone with heart disease, keep an eye on his symptoms and learn when it's time to call the doctor. If he shows any of these signs, get in touch with the doctor's office: Feeling of fullness in the stomach with a loss of appetite or nausea Extreme fatigue or less able to complete daily activities Respiratory infection or cough that gets worse Fast heart rate (above 100 beats per minute) New, irregular heartbeat Chest pain or discomfort during activity that goes away with rest Trouble breathing during regular activities or at rest Changes in sleep patterns, such as trouble sleeping or feels he needs to sleep a lot more than usual Pees less than usual Gets restless or confused Constant dizziness or lightheadedness Nausea or poor appetite Call 911 if he has: New chest pain or discomfort that is severe and unexpected. It can happen with or without shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or weakness. Fast heart rate (more than 150 beats per minute), especially if he is short of breath, too Shortness of breath that doesn't go away when he rests Sudden weakness or can't move his arms or legs Sudden, severe headache Faints and loses consciousness
context: Call your health care provider to set up a prompt appointment, even if you only see blood once in the urine. Inform the staff about the blood when you call. Symptoms may include blood clots or red, pink, orange, or brown color in urine. Be ready to answer these questions for the health care provider: What color was the blood in the urine? Were there blood clots? If so, what size and shape? Was there blood at the beginning or end of the urine stream or during the entire stream? Was it painful for to urinate? Where was the pain located (for example, back, side, groin, or genital area)? Are there other symptoms, such as frequent or urgent urination? Burning during urination? Fever or chills? Most causes of blood in the urine are not serious, but some are. The health care provider may order one or more of these tests: Urinalysis to check for urinary tract infection or kidney disease Blood test to check for kidney disease Kidney imaging studies to check for a tumor, kidney or bladder stone, enlarged prostate, or blockage to urine flow Cystoscopic examination (looking at the inside of the bladder with a very thin scope) to check for a tumor or bladder stone
context: Autoimmune disease. A breakdown of the body's immune system, which defends you against infections. The immune system mistakenly attacks your own cells. This can cause an autoimmune disease like psoriasis. Biologic drugs/therapies. Medications made from living things to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. They block attacks from your immune system. Erythrodermic psoriasis. A serious type that affects most of the body. Symptoms include red skin, lots of shedding, itching, pain, and body temperature that goes up and down. An outbreak usually requires you go to the hospital. It is the least common type but also the most severe. Guttate psoriasis. The second most common type, mostly found on children and young adults. The spots are much smaller and not as thick as those of plaque psoriasis. They usually show up on the trunk, arms, and legs. They often happen suddenly with a cold or other respiratory infection, or after tonsillitis or strep throat. Immune system. Your body's natural defense system, which helps fight infections. When the immune system mistakenly attacks your body's own cells, it is called an autoimmune response -- which can trigger an autoimmune disease like psoriasis. Inverse psoriasis. A type found in skin folds such as the armpit, groin, beneath breasts, and buttocks. It appears as shiny, smooth, red sores. Phototherapy. A treatment that involves brief exposures to ultraviolet light -- ultraviolet A ( UVA) or B ( UVB). Plaque. Patches of scaling skin that cover sores. They usually appear on elbows, knees, and trunk. Plaque psoriasis. The most common type. Eighty percent of people with psoriasis have this kind. It appears as raised, inflamed, red patches with silvery, white, or red scaly skin. Most often on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. Psoralen and UVA light therapy ( PUVA). A treatment that involves taking medication called psoralen, which makes your skin more sensitive to light, before a brief exposure to ultraviolet A ( UVA) rays. Psoriatic arthritis. A type of arthritis that may happen in someone with psoriasis. The fingers and toes are most often affected. People with pustular psoriasis or psoriasis of the nails are more likely to develop this type. Ten percent to 30% of people with psoriasis get it. Pustular psoriasis. A type with non-infectious, pus-filled pimples in red skin. It can be very painful, and you may need to go to the hospital. Topical medications. Ointments, creams, and solutions that are applied to your skin. Topical medications used for psoriasis include corticosteroids, retinoids, vitamin D3, and vitamin A derivatives.
context: var ia Module Data = ia Module Data || []; ia Module Data.push({ type: ' Video', id: 'ia-video-1', position: 'left', mode: 'interactive', video: { chronicle ID: '091e9c5e817e9c0c', title: ' Myofascial Pain Syndrome ( Muscle Pain)', description: ' Web MD explains myofascial pain syndrome ( MPS), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. ', }, share: { suppress: false, title: ' Web MD explains myofascial pain syndrome ( MPS), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. ', url: 'www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/myofascial-pain-syndrome', } }); window.webmd Video Promise = window.webmd Video Promise || $. Deferred(); $(function() { require(['ia-modules/1/ia-modules.min','video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader','webmd.oauth/1/webmd.oauth'], function(ia M, video Loader, oauth){ window.webmd Video Promise.resolve(video Loader, oauth); }); }); Myofascial pain syndrome ( MPS) is a fancy way to describe muscle pain. It refers to pain and inflammation in the body's soft tissues. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles). It may involve either a single muscle or a muscle group. In some cases, the area where a person experiences the pain may not be where the myofascial pain generator is located. Experts believe that the actual site of the injury or the strain prompts the development of a trigger point that, in turn, causes pain in other areas. This situation is known as referred pain. Myofascial pain may develop from a muscle injury or from excessive strain on a particular muscle or muscle group, ligament or tendon. Other causes include: Injury to muscle fibers Repetitive motions Lack of activity (such as having a broken arm in a sling) Myofascial pain symptoms usually involve muscle pain with specific "trigger" or "tender" points. The pain can be made worse with activity or stress. In addition to the local or regional pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome, people with the disorder also can suffer from depression, fatigue and behavioral disturbances. Trigger points can be identified by pain that results when pressure is applied to a specific area of a person's body. In the diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome, two types of trigger points can be distinguished: An active trigger point is an area of extreme tenderness that usually lies within the skeletal muscle and which is associated with a local or regional pain. A latent trigger point is a dormant (inactive) area that has the potential to act like a trigger point. It may cause muscle weakness or restriction of movement. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen or opioids may be used to treat myofascial pain. Medications for sleep, depression or muscle spasm are sometimes used, as well. Non-drug treatments may include: Physical therapy " Stretch and spray" technique: This treatment involves spraying the muscle and trigger point with a coolant and then slowly stretching the muscle. Massage therapy Trigger point injection In some chronic cases of myofascial pain, combinations of physical therapy, trigger point injections, and massage are needed.
context: Angiotensin II receptor blockers (also called ARBs) block the effects of a substance called angiotensin II. It causes blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to high blood pressure. ARBs help expand blood vessels to lower blood pressure and make it easier for the heart to pump blood. ARBs are often prescribed for those who can't tolerate ACE inhibitor medication. There are several different ARBs, including: Candesartan ( Atacand) Eprosartan ( Teveten) Irbesartan ( Avapro) Losartan ( Cozaar) Olmesartan ( Benicar) Telmisartan ( Micardis) Valsartan ( Diovan) Candesartan and Valsartan are approved to treat heart failure. Most ARBs can be taken on an empty or full stomach. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions. Follow the label on how often to take it. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses, and how long you'll take them will depend on the type of ARB prescribed and your condition. Have your blood pressure and kidneys tested regularly while you take these. Keep all appointments with your medical team so they can monitor your response to the medicine. It may take many weeks for you to feel the full effects of the medication. Dizziness , lightheadedness, or faintness upon rising: These may be strongest after the first dose, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Get up more slowly. Call your doctor if these symptoms don't go away or are severe. Diarrhea , muscle cramps or weakness , back or leg pain , insomnia (trouble sleeping), sinusitis , or upper respiratory infection: Call your doctor if these symptoms don't go away or are severe. Irregular heartbeat , or fast or slow heartbeat: Call your doctor if these symptoms don't go away or are severe. Confusion: Call your doctor right away. If you have severe vomiting or diarrhea, you may become dehydrated. This can lead to low blood pressure. Call your doctor. Also call him if you have any other side effects that concern you. Don't use salt substitutes if you're taking an ARB. They have potassium and can also cause you to retain it. Choose foods low in both potassium and sodium. A dietitian can help you. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines (like ibuprofen or naproxen) and aspirin may make you hang on to sodium and water and lower the effect of your ARB. Check with your doctor before taking any anti-inflammatory medications. Digoxin and warfarin may interfere with the effects of some ARBs. If you're taking these drugs, tell your doctor before an ARB is prescribed. Talk to your doctor before taking any new medication, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and supplements.
context: Skin warts are common, and there are many treatments. If home remedies for warts don't work, you can try over-the-counter wart removers. If your warts still don't disappear, you can turn to treatment by a doctor, who can freeze or cut off the wart. Here are some home remedies and treatments for common warts, such as plantar warts on the soles of the feet or palmar warts on the hands. For the most part, these remedies do not work very often. People try countless home remedies for warts, but most do not help. They rub warts with garlic, or apply a paste made of baking powder and castor oil. They crush vitamin C tablets into a paste to cover the wart. They even soak warts in pineapple juice. Prolonged application of duct tape also has its fans, although evidence does not support its use. Most dermatologists say it's safe to try drugstore wart removers -- as long as you've confirmed that it's really a wart. Sometimes calluses or corns are mistaken for warts. If in doubt, ask your doctor. Many over-the-counter wart treatments contain salicylic acid. The success rate is about 50% over 6 weeks or so. Other treatments work by "freezing" the wart. After two or three treatments, each lasting about 10 days, the success rate is about 40% to 50%. There is also the option of over-the-counter freezing sprays which can kill the wart by freezing the tissue. The spray has to be applied directly to the wart area in an effort to freeze deep enough into the effected tissue. For this reason, these sprays are only really effective on smaller warts. If successful, the wart should disappear in a few days. Over-the-counter treatments aren't recommended for common warts on the face or lips and should not be used on genital warts. See your doctor about treatments for those warts. If you go to a doctor, you can choose from many wart treatments. Some focus on destroying the wart and others on boosting your immune system so your body clears the wart. Among the options: Liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart off Prescription-strength salicylic acid applied at home to get rid of the wart Laser or surgery to cut the wart off Topical immune system stimulants such as squaric acid, which is applied to the skin for several weeks to help fight the virus that causes the wart Immune therapy for warts can take 6 to 12 weeks to work. Removing warts with a laser or surgery is the fastest treatment, but is also the most expensive and invasive. It also may cause scarring.
context: 5- HTP is an amino acid. Amino acids are substances that build proteins in your body. 5- HTP is related to serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood, sleep, and pain. It is available as a supplement and is generally considered safe, although some contaminated supplements have caused dangerous side effects. 5- HTP supplements may raise levels of serotonin in the brain. Some studies have found that 5- HTP supplements help relieve depression. Some research showed that 5- HTP worked as well as some antidepressants. 5- HTP supplements also seem to help with fibromyalgia symptoms. In some studies, it's eased pain, morning stiffness, and sleep problems. People take 5- HTP for other conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, and obesity. There's not enough evidence to know whether it works for these conditions. There's no standard dose for 5- HTP. For depression, typical dosages range from 150 to 300 milligrams a day, or sometimes even higher. Ask your doctor for advice. 5- HTP is not in food. Your body makes 5- HTP from tryptophan, another amino acid. While tryptophan is in many foods, eating more of these foods doesn't seem to have much effect on 5- HTP levels. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications. Side effects. 5- HTP supplements may cause cramping, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, irregular heartbeats, rash, and loss of appetite. Risks. Contaminated 5- HTP supplements led to dangerous side effects in the past. Some people have developed a life-threatening neurological condition after taking 5- HTP supplements. These supplements may have been contaminated. Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take these supplements. Interactions. Don't use 5- HTP supplements if you take antidepressants. It could cause a serious interaction. Check with a doctor first if you take any other drugs, especially cough medicines, painkillers, or treatments for Parkinson's disease. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) does regulate dietary supplements; however, it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don't have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.
context: Apply ice to the area. Don't press on the eye. For pain, give acetaminophen ( Tylenol). Don't give aspirin or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin), because they can increase bleeding. See a health care provider to make sure there is no further damage to the eye. Call a health care provider immediately if: The person's vision is blurred, double, or lost in either eye. The person is in severe pain. You suspect a serious eye injury. There is drainage or bleeding on the white part of the eye or drainage from the eye. The eyeball or pupil looks abnormal. Skin around the eye is split or there is a cut on the eyelid. Continue icing the area several times a day for 1 or 2 days. After 1 or 2 days, apply warm compresses to the bruised area instead. Depending on the injury, the provider may prescribe eye drops and recommend follow up with an eye doctor.
context: When you have ankle osteoarthritis, you might have inflammation or swelling of the joint that connects your foot with the lower part of your leg. Here is an overview of things you should know about how arthritis may affect your ankles. Osteoarthritis of the ankle, unlike other parts of the body, isn't the "wear and tear" kind that goes along with aging. Instead, it's almost always due to an injury. You might hear your doctor call it "post-traumatic" arthritis. You can get ankle osteoarthritis after one injury, like a fracture, or after many injuries over time, like repeated sprains. If you're flat-footed, bow-legged, or knock-kneed or if you have high arches, you might also get ankle osteoarthritis, because these conditions put extra strain on your joints. When you've got ankle osteoarthritis you might have: Pain in the joint, which can get worse with activity and might not get better with aspirin or ibuprofen Swelling and stiffness Trouble walking and bending your ankle Reduced motion, such as problems pushing the gas pedal in your car The symptoms can develop months or even years after you were injured. They can get worse over time, but how fast or slowly varies. You get pain and other problems because the cartilage in your joint thins or wears away. Cartilage is the thick connective tissue at the end of bones. It protects them and allows them to move easily. If you don't have enough, your bones rub against each other, causing pain. Because cartilage in the ankle is thicker than in other joints of the body, it takes longer to wear down. That may partially explain why this type of osteoarthritis doesn't happen as often as it does in other joints. To diagnose your condition, your doctor will probably start by asking you questions such as: What are your symptoms? When did they start? Does your pain get worse when you're walking or running? Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Have you had any injuries in the ankle such as sprains or a fracture? Your doctor will examine your ankle for swelling and see how well it moves. He'll also check to see if you have any pain during motion. You will get an X-ray of your ankle. If it shows that the space between your bones is narrow, it could indicate cartilage loss has occurred. It can also spot a bone spur, a clue that you might have arthritis. Occasionally doctors use other imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI), which uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make pictures of the inside of your joint. You might also be asked to get a CT scan, which uses powerful X-rays to make detailed images of the ankle.
context: This simple test can give your doctor more information about your health when other tests, like blood potassium tests or kidney function tests, show a problem. Potassium is a type of mineral called an electrolyte that helps your cells and organs work. Your body needs it to digest food, keep your heart beating right, and many other activities. You get most of your potassium from foods. Your body uses what it needs, and your kidneys put the rest into your urine as waste. Your doctor may do it if your potassium was checked from a blood sample and your results showed something may not be right. A second test with urine can help her narrow down the reasons. Your doctor also may order the urine test if: You take diuretics or are on dialysis You have kidney or adrenal gland problems For the test, you'll need to either pee into a cup once or collect several samples over 24 hours and save them in a larger container. Your potassium level can be different in your urine than it is in your blood. Normally, your kidneys filter it out of your blood and get rid of it when you pee. For example, diabetes or heart medicine can make your blood potassium level high but your urine potassium level low. On the other hand, kidney failure, diarrhea, or too much sweating can do the opposite. That's why sometimes your doctor needs to test both. Usually, blood potassium levels in adults should be between 3.6 and 5.2 millimoles per liter, or mmol/ L. Hyperkalemia . This happens when your blood potassium levels are 7 mmol/ L or higher. This can happen if your kidney can't get rid of enough potassium through your urine. It can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeats, and other problems. Conditions that can lead to hyperkalemia include: Blood transfusion Kidney failure Addison's disease or other hormone problems Injury from accidents or trauma Eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia Infection Diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes Dehydration Lack of magnesium Hypokalemia. Very low levels of blood potassium -- below 2.5 mmol/ L -- can be dangerous. As with levels that are too high, symptoms of low potassium can include muscle weakness that starts in your legs and moves up. If your blood potassium is too low, your kidneys will normally try to hang on to it and pass less into your urine. Hypokalemia could result from: Vomiting or diarrhea Dehydration Too much aldosterone, a hormone that helps control your blood pressure and blood volume Not enough potassium from foods or supplements Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) overdose
context: Radical prostatectomy involves surgically removing the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissue. This treatment is recommended to treat early stages of the disease. Discover how common this procedure is, the complications involved with this surgery, and more. Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer Laparoscopic prostate surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery performed with the aid of a small camera. Discover the advantages of this surgery type, its side effects and more. Laparoscopic Prostate Surgery
context: Multiple sclerosis ( MS) is different for everyone who has it. The symptoms it causes and when they flare up vary not only between people but also throughout one person's life. This means it can be hard for doctors to diagnose someone with the condition. They might say you "probably" or "possibly" have MS. Your diagnosis is based on the symptoms you have, how and when they flare up or improve, which of your body's functions give you trouble, and your test results. There's no way to predict how your condition will change throughout your life. It may take time, but as your doctor gets more clues about the type of MS you have, you can have a clearer idea of how it will affect you in the coming years. The way the disease changes and gets worse is different for each of the three types of MS: Relapsing-remitting MS: People with this type have attacks when their symptoms get worse, called relapses, followed by full, partial, or no recovery. These flares seem to change over several days to weeks. Recovery from an attack takes weeks, sometimes months, but symptoms don't get worse during this time. Most people have this type when they're first diagnosed with MS. Secondary-progressive MS: People who get this type usually start with relapsing-remitting MS. Over time, symptoms stop coming and going and begin getting steadily worse. The change may happen shortly after MS symptoms appear, or it may take years or decades. Primary-progressive MS: In this type, symptoms gradually get worse without any obvious relapses or remissions. About 15% of all people with MS have this form, but it's most common type for people diagnosed after age 40. An MS relapse starts when nerves in the brain and spinal cord get inflamed (swollen or irritated). Then, those nerves lose the coating, called myelin, that surrounds and protects them. A plaque forms around them instead. A plaque in the brain or spinal cord changes the electrical signals that zip up and down nerves. They can get slower, distorted, or stop altogether. Those signal changes cause the symptoms of MS. One example of an MS flare is optic neuritis, inflammation of the nerve that connects the eye and the brain, which makes it harder to see. Flares can be mild and not cause major problems, or they can severely affect your day-to-day life. They usually last from a few days to several weeks, though some can stick around for months. Medications called corticosteroids can treat MS relapses. These drugs reduce inflammation. If you take them for a short amount of time, they can make the flare shorter and less severe. Sometimes a symptom flare has nothing to do with the course of your disease, but happens because something has aggravated your condition, like a fever, infection, or hot weather. It's called a pseudo-relapse or a pseudoexacerbation. For example, some people's symptoms get worse during or after times of intense stress. This break doesn't mean that all the symptoms of MS disappear. Instead, you mostly return to the way you were before the last relapse began.
context: When you're going through cancer treatment, it's important that you don't get dehydrated. That's when your body loses more fluid than you take in. When there isn't enough water in your system, it can't work the way it should. Fluid has many jobs in your body. It: Controls your heart rate and your blood pressure Keeps your body temperature steady Removes toxins and waste Carries nutrients and oxygen around your body Protects organs, tissues, and joints Your treatment can lead to dehydration in several ways: Side effects like vomiting and diarrhea can make you lose a lot of fluid. Medications, surgery, radiation therapy, or even the foods you eat with your treatment can cause it. Chemotherapy can dry you out. A high temperature can lead to dehydration. When you're being treated for cancer, you have a chance for developing an infection that can cause a fever Make sure you drink enough water before, during, and after your treatment: Sip all day. It isn't enough to drink water when you're parched. You can get dehydrated and never feel thirsty. Some health experts suggest at least 8 glasses of liquid a day, even more if you have diarrhea or vomiting. Ask your doctor how much sounds right for you. Try other liquids. If water doesn't do it for you, try something else. Milk, juice, sports drinks, and decaf coffee or tea all count as fluids. Sometimes, drinks with ice are easier to swallow. Foods count, too. Soups, frozen pops, gelatins, fruits, and vegetables all have liquids. Choose foods with high water content, like watermelon, lettuce, and broccoli. Suck on ice chips. If you can't stomach the idea of drinking or eating, try ice chips. A few at a time will give you a little liquid. It takes a lot to add up to a glass of water, but every little bit helps. Keep track. It's hard to know how much liquid is coming in and going out unless you measure it. Log how many ounces you drink, and record how many times you throw up or have diarrhea. This will help if you have to call your doctor about symptoms. Here are some other things to look for: Dry mouth, tongue, or lips Dizziness Feeling weak or tired Nausea Constipation Dry skin Swollen, dry, cracked tongue Fast weight loss Headache Dark yellow urine or less urine Irritability Dehydration can be serious if you don't get it under control. Let your doctor know if you have any of these symptoms: Extreme thirst that doesn't go away when you drink Irritability or confusion You can't sweat or pee Fever Fast heartbeat Very dark urine Low blood pressure
context: If you or someone you know shows any of the following warning signs, contact a mental health professional right away or go to the emergency room for immediate treatment. Talking about committing suicide Always talking or thinking about death Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless Saying things like " It would be better if I wasn't here" or " I want out" Depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving recklessly Losing interest in things one used to care about Visiting or calling people one cares about Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
context: It may take some trial and error to find the biologic drug that works best for your rheumatoid arthritis ( RA), but there's a good reason to keep at it. Most folks eventually find one that helps. And when you do, it may ease your symptoms or cause them to fade completely. You should start to feel better in 4 to 6 weeks, though sometimes it can take 3 to 6 months to work. Your doctor may also prescribe other medicines that work faster to help you in the meantime. But if your symptoms don't improve, let your doctor know. The goal is to find the best medicines for you as quickly as possible. Timely treatment helps protect your body from RA damage. When your doctor first prescribes you a biologic, it's usually an "anti- TNF" drug. These include: Adalimumab ( Humira) Adalimumab-atto ( Amjevita), a biosimilar to Humira Certolizumab ( Cimzia) Etanercept ( Enbrel) Golimumab ( Simponi) Infliximab ( Inflectra, Remicade) Infliximab-abda ( Renflexis), a biosimilar to Remicade Infliximab-dyyb ( Inflectra), a biosimilar to Remicade If the first anti- TNF you try doesn't work for you, your doctor will most likely try another one. If you still don't get relief, he may switch you to another type of biologic. These include: Abatacept ( Orencia), which blocks the immune system's T cells to lower inflammation Anakinra ( Kineret), which targets interleukin-1, a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation. Your doctor will call this type of drug an " IL-1 blocker." Rituximab ( Rituxan), which targets certain B cells, which are part of your immune system Tocilizumab ( Actemra), which targets IL-6, a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation. Your doctor will call this type of drug an " IL-6 blocker." Sometimes, biologic drugs will help you for a while and then don't work as well. It's not clear why. If it happens to you, tell your doctor. He'll probably switch you to another biologic or add another type of RA drug, like methotrexate or sulfasalazine, so your treatment works better. Some people get more help from biologics than others. Experts can't predict who'll respond well and who won't. But they know that people who get treatment in the earlier stages of RA tend to do better than those who've had the disease for many years. Biologics also work best if you take them on a regular schedule. If you can't do that due to side effects or the cost of the drugs, ask your doctor about your options.
context: Looking for more information on multiple sclerosis? Or support when you're caring for someone with the disease? Here are some organizations that can help. Family Caregiver Alliance (800) 445-8106 www.caregiver.org Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (954) 776-6805 https://msfocus.org National MS Society (800) 344-4867 www.nationalmssociety.org National Caregivers Library www.caregiverslibrary.org National Alliance for Caregiving (301) 718-8444www.caregiving.org Caregiver Action Network (202) 454-3970www.caregiveraction.org Eldercare Locator (800) 677-1116www.eldercare.gov
context: Anxiety and stress may be the causes of recurrent nightmares. Here are two strategies that therapists use to help people relax. Ask yourself: Is this a productive thought? Is it helping me? If it's just a negative thought you're rehashing, then you must be able to say to that thought: ' Stop!' Do yoga, meditation, or get some exercise to relax. Exercise is a terrific outlet for anxiety. Taking some slow, deep breaths may also be helpful for calming your anxiety. Behavioral changes like limiting screen time before bed and eliminating caffeine and alcohol can also help you get more restful sleep. If your anxiety does not improve after a few weeks, talk to your doctor. You may have an underlying medical problem (such as an overactive thyroid or a sleep disorder) or a treatable psychiatric condition (such as an anxiety disorder) causing you to feel this way.
context: You already know that a scratchy throat, annoying cough, and lots of sneezing are part of the game. You can also probably count on a stuffy nose and some aches and pains. But when is it time to put down the chicken soup and get some advice from a pro? Take stock of your symptoms and see if they fit into one of these patterns: You have trouble breathing or chest pain . Your cold or flu shouldn't make you short of breath or cause your chest to hurt. If that's happening to you, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as heart disease, asthma, or pneumonia. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room. Your fever doesn't get better. If it won't go away it might mean you've got another infection in your body that needs treatment. Generally, a fever for an adult is a temperature over 100.4 degrees F. You can't keep anything down. Your body needs fluids to work right. If you can't drink anything without vomiting, you may need to go to your doctor's office or the hospital to get fluids through an IV. It hurts to swallow. That's not normal. Although a sore throat can make it hurt a little to swallow, severe pain can be a sign of an infection or injury that needs to be treated by a doctor. You can't get rid of your cough . If it doesn't go away, it's likely due to postnasal drip -- mucus that moves from your nose into your throat. It can be treated with antihistamines. But it could also be related to asthma or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Your doctor can tell you what to do for it. A lasting, severe cough is also the main symptom of whooping cough, a disease that's become more common in many parts of the U. S. So, if you've been hacking away for more than 2-3 weeks, your doctor may give you a test to see if you've got it. Your congestion and headache won't go away. Colds and allergies that block your nose with mucus can lead to a sinus infection. If your cold medicine doesn't give you relief, see your doctor for more treatment.
context: Every child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) should be involved in his own treatment plan. For most kids, that treatment involves medication. From the start, your child should understand what ADHD is, how it affects him, and how his medicine helps his symptoms. He should also know what his treatment plan is and how it works. Kids who feel involved are more likely to take their medication as prescribed. They may also be more aware of their symptoms. They'll know when something changes or if a treatment isn't working as it should. Every child is different. Many ADHD experts think it's best for you, not your child, to dispense pills each day as long as he's living with you. If your child is in middle school or high school, you may want to let him take his medication on his own. It's still best for you to monitor how many pills are in the bottle, and watch to see that he takes them as prescribed. If he manages that well, he may be ready to take pills without supervision. You know your child best, but talk to his doctor and other people involved in his ADHD treatment, like therapists and teachers, before you make that call. If you decide it's time to let him manage his meds, make sure he understands these key things before you hand over the pill bottles: He has to take ADHD medication as prescribed. More is not necessarily better. Make sure he or she knows it may be dangerous to increase the dose without talking to your doctor. Research shows that most college students who take ADHD medication are more likely to take it as prescribed during the weekdays, when they're studying. On the weekends, they may skip it. This can make symptoms worse. That can make it harder to study or do tasks that require concentration. It can even increase the odds he'll engage in risky behavior. If he thinks he doesn't need as much medication, or is ready to go off it altogether, he should talk to his doctor before making any changes. No one else can take his medication. Other students who don't have ADHD may want to take his stimulant medication to help them focus while they study. But giving pills to another person is illegal and can get him into trouble with school and legal authorities. He should stay in touch with his doctor. His doctor needs to know if something changes with his symptoms or side effects. If he's far from home, he can check in by phone or email, or he can ask his doctor to recommend another ADHD health professional closer to him who can check on how he's doing. He can't run out of medication. Part of managing medication means making sure there are enough pills to follow the treatment plan without breaks. His doctor may not be able to order certain ADHD stimulant medications over the phone, so he may need to work with a local doctor to get refills. He can't drink or use illegal drugs while on ADHD medication. ADHD medications are safe, but they can have serious side effects if he takes them with alcohol or other drugs.
context: Bleeds excessively Spurts blood Does not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure Is to the chest, abdomen, or neck Is accompanied by any emergency symptoms: severe pain, fast breathing or trouble breathing, vomiting, dizziness, unconsciousness Is to the eye or in the throat. Leave the object in place. Keep the person calm. The object that caused the puncture wound cannot be easily removed The puncture wound is deep, on the face, or touching bone The wound is visibly dirty The wound is an animal or human bite The wound occurred through the bottom of a shoe -- stepping on a nail, for example If the object that caused the puncture is small and you can easily remove it, do so. Apply firm, direct pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth until bleeding stops. Rinse the wound under clean water for several minutes. Then wash the area with mild soap and water and rinse again. Apply an antibiotic cream. Use a sterile bandage to protect the puncture wound from dirt or further injury. For pain, give ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen ( Tylenol). Check with the doctor first, though, if you have any medical conditions or take any other medicines. See a healthcare provider for any signs of infection: redness, increasing pain, swelling, or pus at the site. Ask the health care provider if a tetanus shot is needed. Some wounds may need antibiotics. Ask the health care provider.
context: Do your toenails split, peel, and turn yellow? If so, you may be one of an estimated 40 million Americans who live with toenail fungus. The good news is, you don't have to live like this. A number of remedies can help you walk with confidence. Here are 10 that you can buy at your local drugstore. You may even have some of them in your medicine cabinet. Although these may not be as effective as medicines your doctor can prescribe, they might be worth a try: Undecylenic Acid This fungus fighter is the main ingredient in many over-the-counter ( OTC) products. You can buy it at your local drugstore as a liquid or a polish you paint onto your nails. It eases the raw, irritated skin that can come with a fungus. Tolnaftate This is a staple in OTC products for athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch. It comes in a cream, powder, spray, or liquid. You may feel relief after 2 to 3 days, but keep using it for at least 2 weeks after symptoms disappear. Clotrimazole You'll find this in many OTC yeast infection creams. But it's also used to treat toenail fungus. Scientists in the U. K. found it worked for most of the patients who used it in a 12-week trial. You can buy it as a cream or lotion. Terbinafine You may know this by its brand name, Lamisil. You can buy it over the counter as a cream, gel, spray, or powder. Or you can ask your doctor for the tablets. Take one tablet each day for 12 weeks. It'll kill toenail fungus, but it may take a few months to see full results. Tea Tree Oil This oil comes from a tree in Australia. It's a popular treatment for many conditions, including foot fungus. Research shows it works as well as clotrimazole, which is found in many OTC treatments. Mentholated Cream You probably already use this to treat chest colds. But did you know vapor rub is also a popular home remedy for toenail fungus? There's not a lot of proof that it works. But in one very small study -- just 18 people -- more than half said it did. Snakeroot Extract Don't be afraid of the name. This fungus fighter comes from a plant, not snakes. People who tried this natural remedy found it worked almost as well as ciclopirox, a medicine used to treat skin infections caused by a fungus. Baking Soda In the lab, plain old sodium bicarbonate limited growth of the most common types of fungi that cause skin and nail infections. You probably have a box in your pantry already. Ozonized Sunflower Oil Who knew sunflower oil can also fight germs? One study found that this natural remedy worked against yeasts that cause foot fungus. There's more work to do, but so far, researchers don't see any side effects. Eucalyptus Oil People love this popular plant because of its fresh scent. But it does more than smell good. It also works on toenail fungus. Scientists say it may work just as well as treatments you get from your doctor.