VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: â High-functioning autismâ isn't an official medical term or diagnosis. It's an informal one some people use when they talk about people with an autism spectrum disorder who can speak, read, write, and handle basic life skills like eating and getting dressed. They may live independently, and are a lot like anyone else. 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(); }); } For a long time, however, only people with very severe symptoms were diagnosed with autism. Starting in the 1990s, milder forms were recognized, including high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome, which share many of the same symptoms. Then in 2013, the American Psychiatric Association grouped the autism-related disorders into one term: autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. Still, you may hear some people who aren't doctors continue to use terms like Asperger's. It may be that they're not familiar with the spectrum, or they may be referring to a diagnosis made before the conditions were renamed as autism spectrum disorder. Like all people on the autism spectrum, people who are high functioning have a hard time with social interaction and communication. They don't naturally read social cues and might find it difficult to make friends. They can get so stressed by a social situation that they shut down. They don't make much eye contact or small talk. People on the spectrum who are high-functioning can also be very devoted to routine and order. They might have repetitive and restrictive habits that seem odd to others. There's a wide range of how they do with school and work. Some do very well in school, while others get overwhelmed and can't concentrate. Some can hold a job, and others find that really hard to do. It all depends on the person and the situation. But even for someone on the spectrum who can do a lot, social skills are usually underdeveloped.
context: Tubal ligation is surgery women can get to "tieâ their fallopian tubes. It's a type of female sterilization. The goal is to prevent eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus, so you can't get pregnant. You can get tubal ligation done in a hospital or at an outpatient surgical clinic. You will get anesthesia, so you won't feel anything. The surgeon will make one or two small cuts in your belly and use a long, thin device similar to a small telescope (called a laparoscope) to cut, seal, band, clamp, or tie your fallopian tubes shut. The doctor will then stitch up your cuts, and you can go home a few hours later. Like any procedure, there is a chance of infection, pain, or bleeding. Tubal ligation is almost -- but not quite -- 100% effective. There is a slight risk of becoming pregnant after tubal ligation. That can happen if the tubes grow back together, which is very rare. In some cases, it's possible to reverse tubal ligation. But it's major surgery that requires a couple of days in a hospital. There is a good chance that you might not be able to get it reversed. It depends on what method of tubal ligation you got, how long ago that was, and whether your tubes are too damaged to undo it. Reversing a tubal ligation increases your likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy when compared to patients who have not had previous tubal surgery. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg is in the fallopian tube instead of in the uterus. It is a life-threatening condition. No. The procedure is just about preventing pregnancy. Male condoms provide the best protection from most sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs), including HIV.
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(); }); } One of the most dangerous aspects of hypertension is that you may not know that you have it. In fact, nearly one-third of people who have high blood pressure don't know it. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is through regular checkups. This is especially important if you have a close relative who has high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain symptoms to look out for,including: Severe headache Fatigue or confusion Vision problems Chest pain Difficulty breathing Irregular heartbeat Blood in the urine Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. You could be having a hypertensive crisis that could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Untreated hypertension can lead to serious diseases, including stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and eye problems.
context: Emphysema is a form of chronic (long-term) lung disease. This and chronic bronchitis are the two main types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD), the third-leading cause of death in the United States. These conditions are called âobstructiveâ because it's as though something is blocking the smooth flow of air in and out of the lungs. Doctors estimate that more than 24 million people in the United States have emphysema or another form of COPD. Many of them don't know it. You get emphysema when the linings of the tiny air sacs in your lungs become damaged beyond repair. Over time, your lung damage gets worse. Here's what happens: The fragile tissues between air sacs are destroyed and air pockets form in the lungs. Air gets trapped in these pouches of damaged tissue. The lungs slowly get larger, and you find it harder to breathe. If you have symptoms of emphysema, your doctor will do tests to see how well your lungs work. If you have the condition, you won't be able to empty your lungs of air as quickly as you should. Doctors call this âairflow limitation.â There are two major known causes of emphysema: Smoking. Most of the time, tobacco is the main culprit. Doctors don't know exactly how smoking destroys air sac linings, but studies show that smokers are about six times more likely to develop emphysema than are nonsmokers. Doctors don't know why some smokers get emphysema and others don't. There is no cure for emphysema, but if you're a smoker with the disease, kicking the habit might help slow down the damage it does to your lungs. AAT deficiency: Alpha-1 antitrypsin ( AAT) is a natural protein that circulates in human blood. Its main function is to keep white blood cells from damaging normal tissues. The body needs these cells to fight infections. An estimated 100,000 people in the United States were born with a condition that keeps their bodies from making enough AAT. If you have AAT deficiency, your normal white blood cells will damage your lungs. The harm is even worse if you smoke. Over time, most people with severe AAT deficiency develop emphysema. If you have this disease, you may also develop liver problems. Secondhand smoke. Doctors have long known that being around cigarette smoke -- even if you aren't a smoker -- can lead to lung damage over time. Several studies suggest that people exposed to high amounts of secondhand smoke probably have higher odds of getting emphysema. Air pollution. Scientists believe this plays a role, but it's hard to measure. That's because most people are exposed to pollution, but emphysema takes years to develop.
context: If you or a loved one has heart failure, you probably know how important good daily habits are to treatment. A healthy weight, active lifestyle, and proper medication are all key ways to take charge of the disease. But even you've been carefully following doctor's orders, it's crucial to keep an eye out for the return of symptoms. That's because heart failure can be under control for a time and then become an issue again. Keep up with your regular checkups, and know which symptoms may mean your treatment needs to be tweaked. 1. Trouble breathing or shortness of breath When your heart can't properly fill and empty, blood backs up in your veins. This causes fluid to leak into your lungs. Your doctor may call it pulmonary edema. This can make it hard to breathe during activities, rest, or even sleep. You may be woken up by sudden breathlessness. Maybe you'll need to prop yourself up with extra pillows to breathe easier. This constant search for air can leave you tired and anxious. 2. Fatigue When your heart isn't pumping right, the body starts to move blood from less vital parts like your arms and legs to the centers for survival -- the heart and brain. This can leave you feeling exhausted after everyday activities. 3. Persistent cough An ongoing wheeze or cough that brings up white or slightly blood-colored mucus can be another symptom of fluid building up in your lungs. Call the doctor if you notice it. 4. Weight gain or swelling Just as fluid can build up in your lungs when the heart fails to properly pump blood, fluid can also increase in your tissues. This can be made worse by the fact that your kidneys get rid of sodium and water. As a result, your feet, ankles, legs, or belly may swell. This can cause shoes and socks to feel tight. It may also cause a seemingly sudden change in weight. 5. Lack of appetite or nausea Because blood is being moved away from your digestive system, your appetite may not be as big as it usually is. You might also feel a bit nauseous. 6. Increased heart rate When your heart struggles to pump the right amount of blood, it may speed up to make up for it. This can lead to palpitations, which could cause your heart to race or feel like it's fluttering or throbbing. 7. Confusion, trouble thinking Unusual amounts of things like sodium in your blood can bring disorientation, confusion, or memory loss. If you've seen any of these seven red flags, get medical help right away. Waiting for symptoms to get worse can be dangerous. With the right care, you can keep things under control.
context: Some medications you take for other health conditions can make your psoriasis worse. If that happens, your doctor may suggest other treatments that don't cause flare-ups to manage your health problems. Check your medicine cabinet to see if you take any of the meds discussed below. These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They're painkillers that ease joint pain and swelling from psoriatic arthritis. But they also can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Naproxen ( Aleve) and indomethacin ( Tivorbex) are NSAIDs that have been linked to the skin condition. Others also might cause problems. If you have trouble with NSAIDs, ask your doctor if you can try a different kind of pain reliever, such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol). Some drugs that treat mental health issues like depression or bipolar disorder can make your psoriasis worse. They include fluoxetine ( Prozac, Sarafem) and lithium. A few medications that treat anxiety, panic disorders, and sleep problems may affect your skin condition, too: Alprazolam ( Niravam, Xanax) Clonazepam ( Klonopin) Diazepam ( Valium) Your doctor may lower the dose of these medicines to see if that helps. You might, though, need to switch to something else. If you have heart disease or a heart rhythm problem, you might take a medicine that's been linked to psoriasis flares. These drugs include: Amiodarone Digoxin ( Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin) Gemfibrozil ( Lopid) Quinidine Talk with your doctor if you take one of these meds. If your plans include travel to southern Africa or another part of the world where malaria is common, you might need medicine to protect yourself against the mosquito-borne disease. But be aware. If you have psoriasis, chloroquine ( Aralen) and hydroxychloroquine ( Plaquenil) can cause problems. A few other drugs to discuss with your doctor include: Antibiotics like tetracycline. They're often used to treat infections like pneumonia. Drugs called interferons. They help your body fight off viruses like hepatitis C. Terbinafine ( Lamisil, Terbinex). This medicine treats infections caused by a fungus such as toenail fungus.
context: If you have uveitis, it means that part of your eye -- often your uvea, a section of your eye that contains your iris -- is inflamed. With the proper care, your eye doctor can help prevent the glaucoma, cataracts, or blindness uveitis can cause. How will your doctor know you have it? They'll look at several things. Many people who have uveitis go to a doctor because their eye has become red or painful. This change can be sudden or gradual. It's worth a trip to their office if you notice: Redness in your eye Eye pain Blurry vision Sensitivity to light Floaters (dark spots that seem to float in front of your field of vision) You'll probably be asked for it, maybe through a questionnaire in your doctor's office. This'll help your eye doctor rule out other problems or confirm that you have uveitis. If you've had trauma to your eye or surgery on it, you may be more likely to get uveitis. You're also at greater risk if you have: AIDS Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis Lupus Multiple sclerosis Psoriasis Rheumatoid arthritis Shingles Tuberculosis Ulcerative colitis Your doctor may: Put special drops in your eyes to make your pupils bigger (they may say âdilateâ). They'll do this so they can see the inside of your eye better. Ask you to use your eyes to follow an object that moves up and down, left and right, without turning your head Have you read an eye chart Test your peripheral (side) vision Your doctor may use special tools to check that the pressure within your eye is healthy and that fluids are able to drain out of your eyes well. You may hear them call it a âtonometry test.â Eyes with uveitis become inflamed. So your doctor will check for swelling and inflammation in each eye. They may use something called a slit lamp microscope. It shines a tiny bit of light into one eye at a time while making the inner structures of your eye appear larger. They might want to look at the blood vessels in your uvea, since they may be inflamed. Your doctor may inject you with a special dye that glows green in fluorescent light. The dye goes into a vein in your arm. Once it reaches your eye, the doctor can take a picture of your lit-up blood vessels. If they're damaged or inflamed, your doctor will see it. Some things that cause uveitis can show up in a blood test. If you find out you have a condition that needs to be treated by someone other than an eye doctor, you'll get a referral. In some cases, your doctor may order tests like an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or even a skin test to find the cause of your uveitis. If these tests find that another disease is causing it, your eye doctor should send you to a specialist for a follow-up.
context: In most cases, your primary care doctor or dermatologist will be able to diagnose psoriasis by examining your skin. However, since psoriasis can look like eczema and other skin diseases, diagnosing it can sometimes be difficult. If your doctor isn't sure whether you have psoriasis, he or she may order a biopsy. Your doctor will remove a small sample of your skin and have it looked at under a microscope. If you have symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, such as swollen and painful joints, your doctor might run blood tests and take X-rays to rule out other forms of arthritis.
context: What made your good sinuses go bad? The problem isn't the sinuses themselves. They're just hollow air spaces within the bones between your eyes, behind your cheekbones, and in the forehead. They make mucus, which keeps the inside of your nose moist. That, in turn, helps protect against dust, allergens, and pollutants. That's all normal. So what happened to yours? If the tissue in your nose is swollen from allergies, a cold, or something in the environment, it can block the sinus passages. Your sinuses can't drain, and you may feel pain. Sinuses are also are responsible for the depth and tone of your voice. This explains why you sound like Clint Eastwood when you're all stuffed up. There are eight sinus cavities in total. They are paired, with one of each in the left and right side of the face. Two sinus cavities are in your forehead. Two are behind each cheekbone. Two sinus cavities are within the bones between your eyes. Two are behind each eye. Blockages. Each sinus has a narrow spot, called the transition space (ostium), which is an opening that's responsible for drainage. If a bottleneck or blockage happens in the transition of any of your sinuses, mucus backs up. An extra sinus. About 10% of people have one. It narrows that transition space. Deviated nasal septum. Your nasal septum is the thin wall of bone and cartilage inside your nasal cavity that separates your two nasal passages. Ideally, it's in the center of your nose, equally separating the two sides. But in many people, whether from genetics or an injury, it's off to one side, or âdeviated.â That makes one nasal passage smaller than another. A deviated septum is one reason some people have sinus issues. It can also cause snoring. Narrow sinuses. Some people just have variations in their anatomy that create a longer, narrower path for the transition spaces to drain. Sinus sensitivity and allergies . You may be sensitive to things in your environment and to certain foods you eat. That can cause a reaction that leads to swelling in the nose. Your doctor can prescribe medications to control your symptoms. If you have sinus problems and allergies, you should avoid irritants such as tobacco smoke and strong chemical odors. Use these tips to reduce inflammation and prevent problems: Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face several times a day to help open the transition spaces. Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus. Inhale steam (water vapor) two to four times per day. Sit in the bathroom with the hot shower running. Use a nasal saline spray several times per day. Wash your nose with a salt water solution from a neti pot. Get a humidifier to moisten the air you breathe and help open sinuses. If your sinus problems are related to allergies: Avoid your allergy triggers. Use antihistamines and decongestants if needed. Talk to your doctor to see if you need prescription medicines, allergy shots, or other forms of "immunotherapy" (such as under-the-tongue tablets). Lastly, if your sinus problems keep coming back, you can ask your doctor about the pros and cons of surgery to clean and drain the sinuses.
context: When you have eczema, you may already know that some cosmetics irritate your skin -- but that doesn't mean you have to give up on makeup. Some products may trigger a flare, but others have ingredients that are gentle on the sensitive skin on your face and neck. The trick is to know the difference. 1. Shea butter, glycerin, and lanolin. These moisturizing ingredients repair your skin and help it look healthier. Look for skin care products that list one of these first, second, or third on the ingredients list. 2. Hyaluronic acid. It helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. Smooth on cream with hyaluronic acid for an extra boost of moisture and to ease flaky, dry skin. 3. Niacinamide. If red patches show through no matter how many layers of makeup you pile on, try a serum or cream that has this compound, also called vitamin B3. It can reduce redness from eczema by strengthening your skin's natural barrier. Apply niacinamide cream first, then put on cosmetics. 1. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol. These products tend to dry out or irritate skin, which is a problem for people with eczema. The condition is partly caused by a weak skin barrier, which lets irritating chemicals get into skin more easily, and lets more water evaporate. So it's best to avoid products that make that problem worse. 2. Preservatives like methylparaben or butylparaben. They help keep cosmetics and skin care products from going bad or growing bacteria, but they can also lead to inflammation. Try using products with natural preservatives like neem oil or grapefruit seed extract when you can -- they're less irritating. 3. Fragrances. No matter how soft and subtle a scent may be, ingredients that give fragrance to makeup and lotion can trigger eczema flare-ups. Your safest bet? Pick cosmetics that are made for sensitive skin (it will say so on the package). Look for those that say âfragrance-freeâ rather than âunscentedâ on the label. Natural or organic products are also usually free of perfumes, but read their labels to make sure.
context: There isn't a cure for psoriasis, and there isn't a perfect treatment either. Treatment for psoriasis can be demanding and cause side effects. Before treatment, you should make sure that your doctor is comfortable prescribing systemic and biologic medications when they're necessary. Some doctors are reluctant to use these powerful drugs because of their side effects. Caution is important, but experts point out that certain cases demand systemic and biologic medicines. Working with a doctor who understands all of the possible treatments will give you the widest array of options. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor about psoriasis treatment. They might help you figure out the best way to treat your psoriasis. Although not all of these questions may apply to your situation, it's still a good idea to look them over. If my psoriasis doesn't bother me much, do I really need treatment? Will I need different kinds of treatments for different parts of my body, such as my elbows, groin, face, scalp, or fingernails? Is my psoriasis so severe that I need to use phototherapy or systemic therapy instead of topical treatments? What are the side effects of these treatments? Does your office have all treatments for psoriasis available -- such as light boxes for phototherapy -- and do you routinely prescribe systemic or biologic medications to treat the condition? If I'm too busy to make regular phototherapy appointments, can I use a light box at home? Should I be evaluated for psoriatic arthritis? If you think I have psoriatic arthritis, should I see a rheumatologist as well? What treatment will help both my psoriasis and arthritis symptoms? How much will psoriasis treatment cost? Does my insurance limit the number of therapeutic choices that are open to me? Will my therapy be long-term, or will it be sporadic? How often will I need to come in for check-ups in order to treat my psoriasis effectively? If nothing seems to help my psoriasis, what should I do? Are there any medical conditions that may prevent me from getting systemic treatments? What do you need to know about my past medical history?
context: Theanine is an amino acid, a building block for protein. It's naturally in tea leaves, especially green tea. Many people drink green tea because it helps them feel calm. Theanine supplements may help people feel more relaxed and lower anxiety, some early studies have shown. Theanine supplements helped boys with ADHD sleep better in one small study. Another small study showed that when combined with caffeine, theanine may sharpen thinking. More research is needed to see how theanine affects these conditions. People who drink green tea -- which is high in theanine -- had a lower risk of stroke, one study found. We don't know if it was actually the theanine in the green tea that produced the benefit. Some animal and lab studies show that theanine could help with dementia, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Theanine could also boost the benefits -- and reduce side effects -- of some drugs for cancer treatment. But we don't yet know whether theanine supplements would have these benefits in people. We need more research to know for sure. Standard doses of theanine have not been set for any condition. Ingredients in supplements may vary widely. This makes it very hard to set a standard dose. Theanine is found in tea, especially green tea. It is also found in some mushrooms. 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. Studies have not found side effects from using theanine supplements. Drinking lots of green tea can cause upset stomach and irritability from the caffeine. It's not clear if using theanine supplements in the long-term is safe. Risks. We don't know if theanine is safe for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using theanine supplements. They could interact with stimulants, sedatives, and drugs for high blood pressure. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and drugs are. The FDA does not review these supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market.
context: Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is a common nerve condition where you have unpleasant creeping, tugging, or pulling feelings in your legs. You might also have an overwhelming urge to move your legs. The symptoms are usually worse at night or when you're resting. Doctors don't know the cause of RLS, and there's no cure. But certain things can trigger symptoms. Knowing your triggers and how to avoid them will help. Possible triggers include: Medication -- Your prescription or non-prescription drugs can make your RLS symptoms worse. These include some antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs, antidepressants, and beta blockers. Never stop taking a prescription drug without talking to your doctor first. If you notice that your symptoms get worse while on medication, talk to your doctor about switching drugs or dosages. Being still -- Long car trips or flights, sitting in a movie theater, or being stuck in a cast can all set off symptoms. Try to take breaks if you can, so you're not still for too long. Lack of sleep -- Sometimes RLS can get worse if you go to sleep later or get up earlier than usual. Stick to a regular bedtime routine and get plenty of sleep. Alcohol -- If you find that your symptoms are worse when drinking alcohol, try skipping it, especially close to bedtime. Caffeine -- Limit the amount of coffee, cola, or tea you drink -- particularly in the evening. Other hidden culprits: chocolate, energy waters, and even some cold medicines, too. Read labels closely. Smoking -- If you find smoking makes your RLS symptoms worse, try to quit. You'll improve your overall health by kicking the habit. Exercise -- Regular, moderate exercise may help ease your symptoms. For example, it may help to take a short, easy walk before bedtime or do some gentle stretching. But if you exercise too hard -- even early in the day -- it may make your symptoms worse. Stress -- RLS symptoms can be amped up during times of stress. Find ways to reduce anxiety and tension, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Temperature â While hot, humid weather can make RLS worse for some people, others might have issues with cold. Try to avoid extreme temperatures. Get temporary relief from a hot bath, cold shower, or ice packs and heating pads. Refined sugar -- These are found in many processed foods and sweetened drinks. Some people who have RLS say that when they cut back on sugar, they have fewer symptoms. Clothing -- If you're sensitive to certain fabrics or tight clothing, try different clothes, especially when you sleep, to see if that affects your symptoms.
context: It's in nearly all states and 22 other countries. But most cases have been reported in these states: â¢ Connecticut â¢ Delaware â¢ Maine â¢ Maryland â¢ Massachusetts â¢ Minnesota â¢ New Hampshire â¢ New Jersey â¢ New York â¢ Pennsylvania â¢ Rhode Island â¢ Vermont â¢ Virginia â¢ Wisconsin Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of the tiny black-legged, or deer, tick found in the Eastern and Central U. S., and the western black-legged tick in the Pacific West. The riskiest months for Lyme disease are May through September, when young ticks are likely to be biting. In humans, the bacteria may cause flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, it may attack many tissues -- including the heart and nervous system -- and trigger an immune response that can lead to Lyme arthritis.
context: The person is in shock from severe dehydration (faints, can't walk, is confused or is having trouble breathing) Dehydration with the following symptoms should be evaluated and treated in an emergency room: Little to no urination Extreme thirst Lack of tears Dry mouth Sunken eyes Dizziness or lightheadedness Rapid breathing and heartbeat Lack of alertness Blurred or double vision Trouble swallowing or breathing Muscle weakness Signs of food poisoning from eating a canned food: Symptoms may start within hours of eating the contaminated food Others who ate the food are also sick Nausea and/or vomiting Abdominal pain and cramping Watery diarrhea Fever Give a child an oral rehydration solution. Call your health care provider for age-appropriate dosing specifics. Give an adult as much clear fluid as possible. The person should drink fluids slowly in frequent, small amounts. Drinking too much too fast can worsen nausea. Seek medical help if: Vomiting in an adult or a child age 2 or older lasts more than 1 day or a fever or severe diarrhea (large amounts of loose stool every 1 to 2 hours) lasts more than 2 days. A child under age 2 has vomiting or diarrhea for more than 12 hours or has a fever with vomiting and diarrhea. Vomit or diarrhea turns bloody or tarry. The person has kidney, liver, or heart disease and must restrict fluid intake. The person develops sudden, severe abdominal pain. Dehydration symptoms develop. Symptoms fail to resolve after a week. Gradually ease food back into the person's diet. Start with bland, easy-to-digest food such as crackers, bananas, toast, rice, and chicken. Avoid dairy, caffeine, and alcohol until recovery is complete. If medical treatment is necessary, the person may receive fluids intravenously and anti-nausea medications.
context: Everyone knows what a sore throat feels like. It's one of the most common health complaints, particularly during the colder months of the year, when respiratory diseases are at their peak. The raw, scratchy, burning feeling at the back of your throat is often the first warning sign that you have a cold, or that the flu is on the way. But it can also be the first symptom of more serious conditions, so you should watch how it develops. Call your doctor if your sore throat feels worse or lasts longer than the run-of-the-mill type.
context: Go to an emergency room or call a health care provider immediately if: The finger or toe is deformed. It may be broken. A nearby joint was also injured. More than a quarter of the nail is discolored or there is continuing, intense pain. Signs of infection develop, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, or a red streak extends from the wound. If less than a quarter of the nail is discolored and pain is manageable, home treatment may be enough. For swelling, ice and elevate the area. For pain, give over-the-counter pain medication. If you seek medical help, the doctor may make a small hole in the nail to drain blood and reduce pressure. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to treat injury.
context: Methotrexate is a medicine doctors use to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis as well as other conditions, and other kinds of arthritis. Doctors call it a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. That means it not only helps arthritis symptoms, but it also helps prevent damage to joints. Each child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis is different. What works well for one may not work well for another. Over time, your child's doctor may try different medicines and combinations of medicines, including methotrexate. It may be one of the first medicines he prescribes. Your child may be given methotrexate as a pill, a liquid, or an injection. Although it takes a few weeks to get the full effect, symptoms should get better within that time. The goal with methotrexate is to help protect your child's joints from further damage. It does this by blocking certain immune system chemicals, or enzymes. The medicine doesn't cure the disease. But it does help ease, or even stop, the symptoms. Most will do well on methotrexate, but with any medicine, there may be risks and side effects. Some to watch out for are: Liver problems Low blood cell counts Lung problems Your child will have regular blood tests to check for problems. These might include: Complete blood count, or CBC. This will check the number of each type of blood cell. Liver enzyme tests. This test checks for liver problems. Serum creatinine. This test will check the kidneys. Your child will get these tests before she starts to take the methotrexate, then every 1 to 4 months. Your child's doctor may recommend she take one of the B vitamins (folic acid) while on methotrexate. Taking folic acid helps prevent some of the side effects, like nausea. It also lowers some of the risks. Methotrexate has lots of advantages. It's been used and studied for a long time. The risks and side effects are well known, as well as how to prevent and treat them. And, unlike some other medicines for the condition, methotrexate is inexpensive. Studies have shown the benefits of taking this drug. Children may show overall improvement, including less inflammation and fewer joint symptoms.
context: The child stops breathing or is turning blue. This is the child's first seizure. Seizure lasts more than ten minutes or is accompanied by breathing problems. The child is not awake and alert after seizure. Witnessing a child have a seizure is frightening and you should seek emergency help to be safe. But seizures often don't cause serious health problems. Febrile seizures, which happen during a fever, can be common in toddlers and young children. When to Call a Doctor If the child has had a seizure before and your pediatrician has told you what to do, take those steps. You should also call your pediatrician. Place the child on the floor and clear away objects that are close. Don't put anything in the child's mouth. Move the child onto his side, and clear out his mouth if he vomits. Don't try to hold the child down or restrain her movements. Do not leave the child unattended. The doctor will most likely want to examine the child. The doctor may want to do testing to make sure the child does not have a serious infection, especially if the child is under age 1. The doctor will advise you how to lower fever. Do not try to lower fever after a seizure without consulting your doctor. Hospitalization is usually not necessary.
context: An intra-aortic balloon pump, or IABP, is a long, skinny balloon that controls the flow of blood through your largest blood vessel, the aorta. The device gets smaller when your heart pumps so blood can flow out to the rest of your body. Then it gets bigger when your heart relaxes to keep more blood in your heart. Your doctor may recommend an IABP if your heart isn't getting enough blood or isn't sending enough out to the rest of your body. This condition is called cardiogenic shock. It can happen after a heart attack, when your heart is weak, or because of another heart problem like: Arrhythmia -- when your heart doesn't beat in a regular rhythm Myocarditis -- when an infection inflames your heart muscle An IABP also might be used to help you recover from surgery to reopen or bypass a blocked artery near your heart. It's only in place for a short time, typically a few days, while you're in the hospital. An IABP is attached to a tube called a catheter. Your doctor will put the catheter and balloon into an artery in one of your legs and use an X-ray camera to move it up to your aorta. The device is hooked up to a machine that tells the balloon when to get bigger and when to get smaller. It uses helium to blow up the balloon because helium won't cause problems in your body if it leaks. If you're already in surgery, like during a bypass, your doctor will put the device in while you're asleep. If not, your doctor will give you medicine to help you relax, then he'll use another medication to numb the part of your leg where he'll put the catheter in. You might feel a bit of chest pain, but you shouldn't feel the IABP once it's in place. Be sure to tell your doctor or a nurse if the pain doesn't go away after a few minutes. You'll need to stay in bed and keep your leg straight to make sure the device doesn't move. Your doctor and nurses will keep a close eye on you to make sure the IABP is working the way it should. It may need to stay in your aorta several days. When it's time to take it out, your doctor will again give you medicine to relax, then pull out the catheter, and close the cut where it came out. As with any procedure, there's a chance of a problem. For example, it's not unusual to have some bleeding in the area where the device was put in. But more serious issues, like trouble with the blood flow in your arms or legs or gas leaking from the balloon, are rare.
context: If you think your hairline is receding every time you look in the mirror, you're not alone. More than half of men 50 or older have signs of hair loss. It reaches 4 out of 5 men by age 70. Why? It's usually something you can blame on your family tree, but there are several other possible reasons. Male pattern baldness -- you may hear it called androgenetic alopecia -- is triggered by the genes you got from your parents. Exactly how it is inherited isn't clear, but it does tend to run in families. So if you have close relatives who are balding, you're more likely to have it, too. Doctors don't fully understand why certain hormonal changes cause hair follicles to shrink, or why the balding process gradually happens in the same pattern for most men. But it usually starts with a thinning of the hairline above your temples and crown. Depending on your family history, male pattern baldness can start as early as your teens. Not only will your hair get thinner, but it may get soft, fine, and shorter. Temporary hair loss can be a sign of a medical issue, like anemia or thyroid problems. A diet low in protein and iron can also cause you hair to thin. Hair loss could be a side effect of certain drugs you take for: Cancer Arthritis Depression High blood pressure Heart problems Radiation treatment or chemotherapy can cause widespread hair loss, but usually your hair will grow back with time, once the treatments end. Sudden or excessive weight loss, a severe physical or emotional shock, surgery, or even fever and the flu can bring hair loss that could last several months. Things like ringworm can create scaly patches on the scalp and bald spots. The hair usually grows back after treatment. If you have sudden hair loss that leaves round bald spots about the size of a quarter in various places on your head, you may have a genetic condition called alopecia areata. It often begins in childhood. You're more likely to have it if a close family member has it. Your body's own immune system attacks your hair follicles, causing small patches of hair to fall out. There's no pain or sickness involved, and it's not contagious. Your hair may grow back, but it may fall out again, too. Some people have an urge to pull out their own hair -- from the scalp, eyebrows, or someplace else -- a chronic condition known as trichotillomania. It could affect 1-2% of adults and teenagers. Wearing a ponytail, braids, or cornrows where the hair next to the scalp is pulled tightly can cause temporary hair loss called traction alopecia. In addition, hot oil treatments and perms may damage your hair follicles. There are a number of old wives' tales about hair loss, most of which are false. For example: Wearing a baseball cap or hat may give you âhat hair,â but it does not lead to hair loss. Neither does swimming in a chlorinated pool or salt water. Sunscreen won't make your hair fall out, but it will protect the areas where your hairline has receded. Hair dryers may cause your hair to be more brittle, but they won't lead to permanent hair loss.
context: Scientists are looking for new ways to treat advanced prostate cancer in clinical trials. These studies test new drugs to see if they're safe and if they work. They're often a way to try new medicine that isn't available to everyone. Your doctor can tell you if one of these trials might be a good fit for you and how to find one. Clinical trials for people with prostate cancer let researchers find new methods to treat the cancer and manage symptoms and side effects. One thing to keep in mind when you join one is that you may not actually get a chance to take the drug that scientists are testing. Some people in the trial may get the new medicine, but others will get the standard treatment for prostate cancer. If you're part of the group that gets the new drug, it's likely you'll also get other, proven prostate cancer treatments along with it. Your doctor will discuss these details with you. If you're in a clinical trial, you may take new medicines that could improve your health. But even if you don't get the new drug, there are still advantages: You'll get detailed care and attention from the health care team that manages the study. Some clinical trials may cover all or part of your medical costs while you take part. When you volunteer for cancer research, the results could help other men with prostate cancer live longer. The new treatment may not work as well as standard treatments. There's also a risk of side effects from the drug the clinical trial is testing. You won't know ahead of time if those side effects are worse than those of your current treatment.
context: Prickly pear cactus grows in hot, sunny climates, like the southwest U. S. and Mexico. It is considered a healthy part of the Mexican diet. People eat the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. It's also a traditional remedy for diabetes. In people with type 2 diabetes, supplements made from one type of broiled prickly pear cactus stem may lower blood sugar levels. Early research shows that the supplements may lower blood sugar by 17% to 46% in some people. Only one species -- opuntia streptacantha -- had this effect. More research is needed to see if this effect would continue with repeated doses. Diabetes is a very serious condition. Don't ever try to treat it on your own with supplements. Prickly pear cactus may also help prevent hangovers by reducing swelling. One study shows that taking prickly pear cactus supplement five hours before heavy drinking cuts hangover symptoms by 50%. People were less likely to have an upset stomach and dry mouth. Binge drinking, however, is never safe or advised. Prickly pear cactus may help with the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. It may also lower unhealthy cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. But we need more research to be sure. Prickly pear cactus is a folk remedy for many other conditions, ranging from sunburn to ulcers to preventing mosquito bites. Some people use it on the skin to soothe bug bites. However, we don't know if these uses actually work. It is also being studied for wound healing and as a potential anti-cancer agent. There's no standard dose for prickly pear cactus for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to set a standard dose. Ask your doctor for advice. People eat prickly pear cactus in sautÃ©s, omelets, salads, and many other dishes. Raw, it tastes like watermelon. People also make it into: Candies Juices Wine Jellies Powders As a food, it's very common in Mexico. 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. It's not known whether the supplement causes side effects. As a food, prickly pear cactus seems to be safe. It may cause minor side effects, such as: Upset stomach Diarrhea Bloating Headache Risks. If you have diabetes, don't take prickly pear cactus supplements unless a doctor says it's safe. You may need to stop taking prickly pear cactus before surgery. It's not known if prickly pear cactus is safe for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Interactions. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using prickly pear cactus supplements. Since prickly pear cactus affects blood sugar levels, it may not be safe if you're taking diabetes drugs. 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: Complications of Crohn's disease may or may not be related to the inflammation within the intestine. Intestinal complications of Crohn's disease include obstruction and perforation of the small intestine or colon, abscesses (collections of pus), fistulae, and intestinal bleeding. Massive distention or dilatation of the colon (megacolon) and rupture (perforation) of the intestine are potentially life-threatening complications. Both may require surgery, but, fortunately, these two complications are rare. Recent data suggest that there is an increased risk of cancer of the small intestine and colon in patients with long-standing Crohn's disease, but studies are conflicting. Other complications involve the skin, joints, spine, eyes, liver, bones, and bile ducts. Skin involvement includes painful, red, and raised spots on the legs (erythema nodosum) and an ulcerating skin condition generally found around the ankles called pyoderma gangrenosum. Painful eye conditions (uveitis, episcleritis) can cause visual difficulties. Arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints of the extremities. Inflammation of the low back (sacroiliac joint arthritis) and of the spine (ankylosing spondylitis) can cause pain and stiffness. Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) or bile ducts (primary sclerosing cholangitis) also can occur. Sclerosing cholangitis causes narrowing and obstruction of the ducts draining the liver and can lead to yellow skin (jaundice), recurrent bacterial infections, and liver cirrhosis with liver failure. Sclerosing cholangitis with liver failure is one of the reasons for performing a liver transplant. Sclerosing cholangitis often is complicated by the development of cancer of the bile ducts or gallbladder. People who also have cirrhosis are at increased risk of developing liver cancer. The nutritional deficiencies associated with Crohn's can compromise a child's growth, and can weaken the bones, leading to osteoporosis.