VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Diabetes makes you more likely to get a wide range of skin problems. But you can do a lot to keep yours healthy. These simple tips can help. Get educated. One key to preventing problems is to understand what causes them. Talk to your doctor. Learn about the complications, what your particular risks are, and how you can lower them. Control your diabetes. Get -- and keep -- your blood sugar within a normal range. If you already have skin problems, you can stop them from getting worse. Strive for a healthy weight, eat right, cut back on salt, maintain a healthy blood pressure, and exercise. That's a tall order, but talk to your health care team for support. Be aware. If you have diabetic nerve damage, which is called neuropathy, you could have an infected cut, scratch, or skin puncture and not know it. Don't let a small problem turn into a big one. Be aware of your body. Check your legs, ankles, feet, and in between your toes every day for new wounds or old ones that never seem to heal. Treat wounds and sores. Don't neglect them. If you find a nick, a scratch, a small cut, or anything that isn't healing or that worries you, talk to your doctor right away. Cover up. This simple first line of defense can help you avoid the cuts and scratches that can lead to infection. Whether you're gardening or walking the dog, cover your legs with long pants and your feet with flat, well-fitting shoes. Prevent dry skin. Skin that's too dry can crack, itch, and get infected. Keep your skin -- especially at armpits, toes, and groin -- clean and dry, but not too dry. Take short, lukewarm showers or baths and use mild soaps and shampoos when you wash. Skip deodorant or scented cleansers, which can be harsh on sensitive skin. Moisturize if your skin is dry. The best time is right after a shower or bath, when it's still moist. Dry well by patting gently. Don't rub. Focus on underarms, between legs, under breasts, and between toes. Basic skin care can go far toward helping you prevent problems later on. If you have questions or if a cut, scrape, or bruise worries you, talk to your doctor or dermatologist right away.
context: You can't make an outbreak of shingles go away any faster, but you can do a lot of things on your own to make yourself more comfortable. Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that gives you chickenpox. It shows up with a painful rash and usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks. With pain, burning, itching, and all-around discomfort, the symptoms can be tough to ride out. Try these 7 simple self-care tips to treat your body and ease your mind: Your top priority is to find relief for the pain and itching that the rash causes. You might try: 1. Oatmeal baths: Dip into a cool tub of water. For extra relief, add colloidal oatmeal, which is made of oats that have been ground to a very fine powder. This soothing bath may help calm your itching. 2. Cold compresses: Run a washcloth under cool water and place it on your blisters for about 20 minutes at a time. Not only can this relieve itching, it also keeps your blisters clean. That helps you avoid a skin infection. A couple of important notes: If your blisters aren't oozing anymore, stop using cold compresses If you are using any creams or patches on your rash, don't use compresses at the same time 3. Loose clothing: You'll likely find that relaxed fits made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, give you more comfort. If you need to cover your blisters, avoid bandages that might stick to your rash. 4. Calamine lotion: Treat your skin with this smooth, cool, and soothing balm. While calamine's great, it's best to avoid antibiotics that you rub on your skin. They can make the blisters take longer to heal. You can get worn down mentally when you're in constant pain. Stress can make it seem even worse. Self-care starts with treating your rash, but don't stop there. Your mind and emotional state need to be cared for as well. 5. Stick with good habits: Your body's working hard to fight the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles. To give it the right support, you can: Eat nutritious food and have regular meals. Ask someone to make a run to the grocery store for fresh fruit and such if you're not up for it. Try to get a good night's sleep and rest anytime you need to. Do gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching. Light activity can help take your mind off the pain. Keep it simple though, and check with your doctor if you're trying something new. 6. Distract yourself: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to put your focus elsewhere. Here are a few things to try: Call a friend Listen to music that relaxes you Read a book Watch a favorite movie Work on hobbies you enjoy 7. Keep calm: Relaxation can be a big help. With a calmer mind, you can better handle your discomfort. You may want to try: Meditation Tai chi Walking Yoga Experiment with these as you live through your shingles outbreak. Different things can help depending on the severity of your symptoms and how you're feeling from day to day.
context: Medical terms linked to the flu don't have to be confusing. Here are brief definitions for things you may hear your doctor or friends say. Antibacterial. It can kill bacteria or slow their growth. Antibiotics . Medicines that treat infections by killing bacteria. They don't work on viruses, like the flu. Antibiotic resistance. When bacteria get used to an antibiotic and no longer respond to it. This happens because doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotics to people who don't need them. Antiviral agents. Medicines that treat viral infections. Antivirals like oseltamivir phosphate ( Tamiflu), peramivir ( Rapivab), or zanamivir ( Relenza) can be used to treat the flu or to help prevent it in people at high risk. As a treatment, they work best if you get them within the first 2 days after your symptoms start. Bacteria. Microscopic one-celled organisms. Some of them cause illness. Bronchitis . Inflammation of the airways leading to your lungs. Causes include viruses, bacteria, and irritants like cigarette smoke. Common cold . A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Colds aren't related to the flu. Germs. Any microbes, including viruses or bacteria. Immune system. The group of organs and special cells in your body that protect you from disease. Immunity. Protection from disease. Immunization . A way to make you immune to a disease, specifically by taking a vaccine. Influenza . Also called the flu, it's a common but sometimes serious viral infection of your lungs and airways. It can cause congestion, fever, body aches, and other symptoms. Microbe. A microscopic organism. Nasal vaccine. A vaccination, like Flu Mist, that you breathe in, rather than one given by shot. Pneumonia . An inflammation of the lungs. Symptoms are fever, chills, cough, chest pain, and trouble breathing. It's often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Reye's syndrome . A life-threatening brain and liver disease that can follow infection with a virus, like the flu. It's most common in children. It's often linked with taking meds that contain aspirin. Sinusitis . Swollen sinuses, especially the ones around your nasal passages. Causes include infection with a virus or bacteria. " Stomach flu ." The common name for tummy troubles caused by any number of different microbes. It has no relation to flu. Vaccine. A substance that helps protect against certain diseases. Vaccines contain a dead or weakened version of a microbe. It helps your immune system recognize and destroy the living microbe during a future infection. Virus. A microscopic organism that invades living cells to reproduce. Many, like influenza, cause illness. Antibiotics don't affect a virus.
context: If you are clinically depressed and also experiencing sexual problems, you're not alone. Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction ( ED) or an inability to have an orgasm, often co-exist with depression. The good news is that doctors can usually treat sexual problems that are related to depression. Think of the brain as a highly sensitive sex organ. Sexual desire starts in the brain and works its way down. That's because of special brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These chemicals increase communication between brain cells and trigger more blood flow to the sex organs. The problem is, with depression and other mood disorders, the brain circuits that communicate using these chemicals don't function properly. Many men and women with depression tell of having low or no sexual desire. And that puts a tremendous strain on intimate relationships. As helpful as antidepressants are in boosting a person's mood or sense of self-worth, some types of antidepressants -- for example, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs) -- can have undesirable side effects. Those side effects can result in sexual problems. Antidepressants help boost mood in people with depression by altering the functioning of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). But the same chemicals are involved in the sexual response. Antidepressants affect nerve pathways that regulate the sexual response, potentially causing sexual dysfunction. The sexual side effects of antidepressants sometimes increase as the dose of medication increases. Antidepressants that affect serotonin are also often used to treat premature ejaculation in men. Sexual problems with antidepressants may include: Inability to initiate or enjoy sex Erectile dysfunction ( ED) or delayed ejaculation for men Decreased sexual desire Inability to achieve an orgasm If you have depression and are noticing a reduced interest in sex or problems with sexual functioning, it is important for you and your doctor to figure out if the cause of sexual dysfunction is the depression, the antidepressant you may be taking, or some other medical explanation. There are ways to manage the sexual side effects of antidepressant medicines without compromising treatment. Your doctor might try newer antidepressants that may not dampen the libido or sexual response, or he may prescribe another medication to try to counteract sexual side effects, which can be taken in tandem with the antidepressant. Without knowing there's a sexual problem, your doctor can't do anything about it. Talk openly with both your partner and your doctor. Then ask your doctor what might help your situation. Once they realize that the sexual problems associated with the medications can be treated, most people taking antidepressants choose to continue taking them.
context: The best way to prevent diverticulitis is to modify your diet and lifestyle. Here are some tips: Eat more fiber by adding whole-grain breads, oatmeal, bran cereals, fibrous fresh fruits, and vegetables to your diet. However, take care to add fiber gradually. A sudden switch to a high-fiber diet can cause bloating and gas. Bulk up your diet by adding an over-the-counter preparation containing psyllium, derived from the plant Plantago psyllium. You can also try ground psyllium seed: Once a day, add 1 teaspoon ground psyllium seed over any cold liquid and drink within a few minutes of preparing, before the mixture gels. Drink plenty of fluids (at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day) if you increase your intake of fiber. Avoid refined foods, such as white flour, white rice, and other processed foods. Prevent constipation by trying over-the-counter stool softeners. However, don't use suppositories or laxatives for constipation on a long-term basis without consulting your doctor. Prunes, prune juice, and psyllium seed are all good natural laxatives. Specially formulated teas to fight constipation are available in health food stores, but some may be very strong, so use them only as directed. Avoid products containing senna ( Cassia senna), which is an especially strong herbal laxative and can be habit forming. Also, senna can cause staining of the lining of the colon, which may result in a condition called melanosis coli. Polyethylene glycol ( Mira Lax) is a useful laxative for short-term use in constipation. Prescription drugs, such as Amitiza, are available for long-term constipation. Talk to your doctor about these medications. Exercise regularly. Exercise can help the muscles in your intestine retain their tone, which encourages regular bowel movements. If you have the urge to move your bowels, don't delay or ignore it.
context: A spinal headache is the name for a type of headache that follows a procedure like a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or epidural block (such as that performed during labor and delivery). During a spinal tap, a needle is placed within the fluid-filled space that surrounds your spinal cord. This creates a passage for the spinal fluid to leak out, which changes the fluid pressure around your brain and spinal cord. If enough of the fluid leaks out, you may get a spinal headache. Because the design of spinal needles has improved, spinal headaches after you get a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia are rare. The odds are usually low after an epidural, too, unless the needle accidentally punctures the dura mater, a tough membrane that covers your spinal cord. The pain from a spinal headache can: Be dull and throbbing Vary from mild to incapacitating Get worse when you sit up and better when you lie down You may also notice: Dizziness Ringing in your ears (tinnitus) Hearing loss Blurry or double vision Nausea Stiff neck Without treatment, spinal headaches may go away on their own within 2 days to a couple of weeks. If the headache requires treatment, it could involve: Hydration: This can help raise cerebral spinal fluid ( CSF) pressure. You might need to get fluids through your veins (the doctor will call this intravenous fluids, or IV for short). Caffeine: The doctor might tell you to drink a beverage high in caffeine. Bed rest: You may have to take it easy for 24-48 hours. Medication: If other methods don't work, your doctor could try drugs like gabapentin, hydrocortisone, or theophylline. Blood patch: If you get a spinal headache after a procedure, the anesthesiologist can create a patch with your blood to seal the leak. To put the blood patch in place, the anesthesiologist will put a needle into the same space as, or right next to, the area where the anesthetic was injected. Next, he'll take a small amount of your blood and inject it into the epidural space. The blood clots and seals the hole that caused the leak.
context: var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } To see if you have the herpes simplex virus ( HSV), which causes cold sores, your doctor may simply examine the cold sore or may take a culture from it. The doctor may also test blood for antibodies to the virus. A positive antibody test only proves that you have the virus; it does not indicate whether or not the virus is active or when you may have acquired it. You can't cure HSV or a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and using over-the-counter remedies. Look for medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol and menthol to reduce cracking and soften scabs. Abreva is an over-the-counter topical remedy used to help speed healing and minimize pain from a cold sore. It must be used many times a day to speed the healing. If your cold sore is especially painful or irritating, your doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel to alleviate pain or an antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence. The antiviral medicines available for treatment include acyclovir ( Zovirax), famciclovir ( Famvir), and valacyclovir ( Valtrex). These oral medications are more effective when started within the first 48 hours of the outbreak. Valacyclovir is more expensive, but is better absorbed in the digestive tract and therefore more reliable. Acyclovir and another antiviral medication called penciclovir ( Denavir) also come in a topical form. Cold sores can become complicated by a bacterial infection, so it is also important to keep them clean by washing gently with soap and water as needed. Wash your hands after touching a cold sore. Don't rub your eyes after touching your cold sore; you could develop an ocular herpes infection, which may lead to blindness if left untreated. Don't touch your genitals after touching your cold sore; you could develop genital herpes. Replace your toothbrush. Don't kiss someone who has a cold sore or use that person's utensils, towels, or razors. Apply sunscreen to the face and lips before prolonged exposure to the sun. Replace your lipstick or lip balm.
context: A CT scan uses X-rays and computers to make images of the body. It can sometimes help doctors diagnose headaches and their causes. You might need one if you have headaches daily or almost every day or have a sudden onset severe headache. Doctors can't diagnose migraines with the test, though. The test can help your doctor rule out other causes of your pain, such as: A brain tumor An infection of the brain, called an abscess The buildup of fluid in the brain, a condition called hydrocephalus A sinus blockage Injuries A bulging, weak part of a brain artery, called an aneurysm, or bleeding in the brain The test is painless. To get the scan, you'll lie on a table. You may get a shot of "contrast material" into one of your veins, which will help doctors see parts of your brain more clearly on the image. Be sure to tell the doctor or nurse if you've had an allergic reaction to contrast material in the past. Your doctor will also need to check your kidney function before using contrast. The dyes have iodine, which can cause a reaction in some people. The CT scanner uses X-rays, but the amount of radiation you get from them is kept to a minimum. But if you are or think you may be pregnant, let the doctor know -- X-rays can be harmful to a growing baby. A child who needs to have a CT scan should get it at a facility that often works with children, so that the lowest possible dose of radiation can be used. Don't eat anything 4 hours before your test. Keep taking your medications as usual after you check with your doctor. Plan for your test to take at least an hour. Most scans take from 15 to 60 minutes. Ask your doctor any questions you have before the scan. You may get a drug that will make you feel relaxed and drowsy. You may need to change into a hospital gown, because snaps and zippers in street clothes can interfere with the scan. You also may need to take off your watch, rings, or jewelry. It's a good idea to leave your valuables, including jewelry, at home. If you get a shot of contrast material, you may feel flushed, or you may have a metallic taste in your mouth. These are common reactions. If you have shortness of breath or any unusual symptoms, tell the person who's giving you the test -- the technologist. The technologist will help you lie in the correct position on the examining table. The table will then automatically move into place for imaging. It's very important that you lie as still as possible during the procedure. Movement could blur the images. The technicians may ask you to hold your breath briefly at some points when they're taking the X-ray images. You can go back to your usual activities and eating habits right after a CT scan.
context: People struck by lightning may suffer cardiac arrest, so immediate and aggressive resuscitation greatly improves survival. If you are at risk from ongoing lightning, wait until danger has passed or move to a safer place, if possible. It is safe to touch the person. The body does not retain an electrical charge. If the person is not conscious and does not appear to be breathing normally, use an automated external defibrillator ( AED), if one is on hand, or: For a child, start CPR for children. For an adult, start adult CPR. Do not remove burned clothing unless necessary. Lay the victim down with head slightly lower than torso and legs. The emergency medical team will assess the person's condition. At the hospital, the person will be examined for internal or neurological injuries and burns.
context: Teriparatide ( Forteo) is a synthetic version of the human parathyroid hormone, which helps to regulate calcium metabolism. It promotes the growth of new bone, while other osteoporosis medications improve bone density by inhibiting bone resorption, or breakdown. It is the only osteoporosis medicine approved by the FDA that rebuilds bone. Forteo should be used only in men with osteoporosis and postmenopausal women. Teriparatide ( Forteo) is self-injected into the skin. Because long-term safety is not yet established, it is only FDA-approved for 24 months of use. It reduces spine fractures in women with known osteoporosis, and evidence also exists that it reduces hip fractures. Forteo is indicated for treatment of: Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture Men and women with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis at high risk for fracture Men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis at high risk for fracture High risk for fracture,is defined as a history of osteoporotic fracture, multiple risk factors for fracture, or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy Forteo is not used to prevent osteoporosis or to treat mild cases. Forteo's side effects may include: Itching, swelling, redness at injection site Back spasms Depression Leg cramps Heartburn Other side effects are also possible. Tell your doctor if you think Forteo is having a bad effect on your well-being.
context: Even though men don't have breasts like women, they do have a small amount of breast tissue. The "breasts" of an adult man are similar to the breasts of a girl before puberty. In girls, this tissue grows and develops, but in men, it doesn't. But because it is still breast tissue, men can get breast cancer. Men get the same types of breast cancers that women do, but cancers involving the parts that make and store milk are rare. Doctors used to think that breast cancer in men was more severe than it was in women, but it now seems that it's about the same. The major problem is that breast cancer in men is often diagnosed later than breast cancer in women. This may be because men are less likely to be suspicious of something strange in that area. Also, their small amount of breast tissue is harder to feel, making it more difficult to catch these cancers early. It also means tumors can spread more quickly to surrounding tissues. It's rare for a man under age 35 to get breast cancer. A man's chance of getting breast cancer goes up with age. Most breast cancers happen to men between ages 60 and 70. Other things that raise the odds for male breast cancer include: Breast cancer in a close female relative History of radiation exposure of the chest Enlargement of breasts (called gynecomastia) from drug or hormone treatments, or even some infections and poisons Taking estrogen A rare genetic condition called Klinefelter's syndrome Severe liver disease, called cirrhosis Diseases of the testicles such as mumps orchitis, a testicular injury, or an undescended testicle Symptoms of breast cancer in men are similar to those in women. Most male breast cancers are diagnosed when a man discovers a lump on his chest. But unlike women, men tend to delay going to the doctor until they have more severe symptoms, like bleeding from the nipple. At that point, the cancer may have already spread. The same techniques that are used to diagnose breast cancer in women are used in men: physical exams, mammography, and biopsies (examining small samples of tissue under a microscope). Likewise, the same treatments that are used in treating breast cancer in women -- surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, biological therapy, and hormone therapy -- are also used to treat breast cancer in men. The one major difference is that men with breast cancer respond much better to hormone therapy than women do. About 90% of male breast cancers have hormone receptors, meaning that hormone therapy can work in most men to treat the cancer.
context: Looking for more information on ADHD? Try these organizations. American Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry The academy has special sections with information for families and medical professionals. It offers updated guidelines for diagnosing and treating ADHD. Attention Deficit Disorder Association This association can broaden your understanding of the disorder. It offers resources to help you manage ADHD and find local support groups. You can also attend a tele-class and get details about upcoming ADHD conferences. American Psychological Association This group's web site covers addictions, ADHD, anger, anxiety, bullying, medication, and other emotional health issues. You'll also find links to help you locate a psychologist in your area. American Psychiatric Association Here you can search for facts about mental health problems common with ADHD. You can read in-depth information about anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders. You can locate a psychiatrist in your town through the site, too. CHADD ( Children and Adults with Attention- Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) This is a leading nonprofit organization with chapters throughout the U. S. At CHADD's web site, you can find social support by connecting with others affected by ADHD. You can search for a local chapter of CHADD to connect with other families near you living with ADHD. National Resource Center on ADHD This center calls itself âthe nation's clearinghouse for the latest evidence-based information on ADHD.â It has everything from information on medication and treatment, to tips on legal and insurance issues.n National Institute of Mental Health This government agency provides detailed information about ADHD, including statistics, symptoms and diagnosis. It also lists clinical trials that are available, and providwww.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/index.htmle free written and media resources about ADHD. CDC The CDC provides basic information about ADHD, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatments. It also discusses ADHD in children and the resources they need to succeed at home and in school. ADHD CME Faculty This organization is a resource for the public as well as health care professionals who need to be educated about ADHD in adults. While providing overall information, it also offers continuing medical education to doctors and other health care professionals to help them diagnose and manage ADHD.
context: An A1c test is key if you have diabetes or if your doctor thinks you might have a chance of getting it. It's a common blood test that gives information about your blood sugar. It's the main way to find out if someone has diabetes and how they're managing it. You might hear it called the hemoglobin A1c, Hb A1c, or glycohemoglobin test. The A1c measures your average blood sugar -- your doctor may call it blood glucose -- over the past 2 to 3 months. The results tell you how well your diabetes treatment plan is working or if you have diabetes. It's a lot like a baseball player's season batting average. A single game doesn't tell you how a player is performing in his career. One day's test results don't give you the complete picture of how your treatment is working. You should have an A1c test at least two times each year if you have diabetes. It's not a fasting test. You can take it any time of day, before or after eating. Your red blood cells have something called hemoglobin that carries oxygen from your lungs to cells all over your body. Glucose goes into your red blood cells and coats molecules of hemoglobin. The more glucose you have in your blood, the more coated hemoglobin molecules you have. The A1c measures how much of your hemoglobin is coated with sugar. The higher your level, the greater your chance for problems down the road. That means your blood sugar control plan isn't working at its best. Your doctor probably will have you take the A1c test as soon as you're diagnosed with diabetes. You'll also have the test if your doctor thinks you may get diabetes. The test will set a baseline level so you can see how well you're controlling your blood sugar. How often you'll need the test after that depends on several things, like: The type of diabetes you have Your blood sugar control Your treatment plan You'll probably get tested once a year if you have prediabetes, which means you have a strong chance of developing diabetes. You may get tested twice each year if you have type 2 diabetes, don't use insulin, and your blood sugar level is usually in your target range. You could get it three or four times each year if you have type 1 diabetes. You'll likely get four tests per year if you have type 2 diabetes and use insulin, or have trouble keeping your blood sugar level in your target range. You may also need the test more often if your diabetes plan changes or you start a new medicine. You will get your results back as a percentage. People without diabetes should be below 5.7% A result between 5.7% and 6.4% signals prediabetes. For people with diabetes, an A1c of 7% or less is a common treatment target. Someone who has had untreated diabetes for a long time might have a level above 8%. If you have diabetes and your level is above your target, your doctor may change your treatment plan to get your level down.
context: So the doctor says you have stage 0 breast cancer, and now you have lots of questions. What does that mean? Is it even really cancer? The truth is, doctors aren't entirely sure either. Some experts consider it the earliest stage of breast cancer. Others think of it as a sort of precancer stage. Cancer is defined as a group of diseases with abnormal cells that divide without control. Those cells can also invade nearby tissues. Stage 0 breast cancer is not invasive, though it could be later. It's less advanced than stage I cancer. There are two types of stage 0 breast cancer: Noninvasive Paget's disease, a rare form of breast cancer in the nipple Ductal carcinoma in situ ( DCIS). This is what most people mean when they talk about stage 0 breast cancer. The abnormal cells are still in your milk ducts and haven't affected the fatty tissue that makes up most of your breast. There's no known cause, and most people don't have any symptoms, though you may notice a lump or bloody discharge from your nipple. The abnormal cells may or may not become invasive and start to spread. There's no way to predict if this will happen. If you're diagnosed with DCIS, your pathology report will come with a grade. Grade 3 is the most likely to spread; grade 1 is the least likely. You should also have a test to see if your cancer cells have estrogen receptors. ( Your doctor might call this ER-positive or ER+.) If they do, it's a sign that your cancer might progress more slowly. Meanwhile, your doctor may suggest that you get genetic testing. It can find changes in your genes that may boost your breast cancer risk. What happens next depends on all of these factors, as well as your personal choice. Most experts agree that you should get some type of treatment. Even though stage 0 cancer is noninvasive, that could change. Most doctors would say it's better to be safe than sorry. There are three main treatment options: Lumpectomy only, a surgery that removes the abnormal cells and a little of the normal tissue near them Lumpectomy and radiation Mastectomy, a surgery that removes the entire breast Some experts believe âwatchful waitingâ is another valid option. About one third of the women with DCIS will get invasive cancer. Your doctor might suggest that you skip immediate treatment and keep a close eye on your condition instead. It's controversial. If you have surgery (and maybe radiation) right away, you might protect yourself from ever getting invasive cancer. Or you could end up going through painful procedures for no good reason. But if you skip surgery and radiation at first and choose to get more frequent screening tests, there's a chance you'll end up with cancer that's more advanced (and harder to treat) by the time doctors find it. It's a choice only you and your doctor can make.
context: If you need improvement in health problems from anxiety to poor sleep, you may want to consider aromatherapy. In this kind of treatment, you use extracts from plants called essential oils, by either breathing them through your nose or putting them on your skin. Some people put the oils on their skin when they get a massage or take a bath. Essential oils are made from flower, herb, and tree parts, like bark, roots, peels, and petals. The cells that give a plant its fragrant smell are its "essence." When an essence is extracted from a plant, it becomes an essential oil. It takes a lot of plant product to make essential oils. More than 200 pounds of lavender flowers are used to make just 1 pound of lavender essential oil. Not all products made with plant essence are essential oils. True essential oils aren't blended with other chemicals or fragrances. They're made using a specific process that doesn't change the chemistry of the plant. Lemon, chamomile, lavender, cedarwood, and bergamot are a few of the essential oils used regularly in aromatherapy. Experts think aromatherapy activates areas in your nose called smell receptors, which send messages through your nervous system to your brain. The oils may activate certain areas of your brain, like your limbic system, which plays a role in your emotions. They could also have an impact on your hypothalamus, which may respond to the oil by creating feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin. Some experts think that when you put essential oils on your skin, they cause a response in your skin and other parts of your body, like your joints. You shouldn't use aromatherapy instead of your regular medical treatment. But for some conditions, research shows that aromatherapy can have health benefits. It may: Ease stress, anxiety, and depression Boost feelings of relaxation Improve sleep Help improve quality of life for people with long-term health problems like dementia Ease certain types of pain, including pain from kidney stones and osteoarthritis of the knee Fight bacteria when you put them on your skin Ease some of the side effects of cancer treatment, like nausea and pain Aromatherapy is generally safe. Essential oils can cause side effects, though. Some can irritate your eyes, skin, or mucous membranes in your nose. They can also cause mild allergic reactions. If you drink some essential oils they can hurt your kidneys or liver. It's rare that people take essential oils by mouth, and you shouldn't do it unless your doctor says it's OK. If you're new to aromatherapy, work with an aromatherapist or your doctor. And keep in mind that essential oils aren't regulated by the FDA, which means that unlike drugs, the agency doesn't check to see if they're safe or work the way they're supposed to.
context: Do you know whether to take your nitroglycerin tablets before, during, or after chest pain? And are there times when you shouldn't take it at all? Doctors usually prescribe nitroglycerin for angina pectoris, which often is called just "angina." It's sudden heart-related chest pain. It happens because something prevents the flow of blood to your heart muscle. Nitroglycerin helps widen the blood vessels so more blood gets to your heart muscle. That helps stop the pain. Your doctor may give you instructions to take your nitroglycerin before you have angina. That means taking it before activities that are more likely to cause it. For example, you might take it 5 to 10 minutes before you go for a bike ride. You might also take it before: Exercise Physical activity like carrying heavy items, using the vacuum, or raking leaves Sex (don't take erectile dysfunction medicines at the same time) Situations that make you feel worried, anxious, or angry You may take your nitroglycerin when you first feel the symptoms of angina. It's important to know your own body and what angina is like for you. You may have: Aching, discomfort, or pain in your chest Aching, discomfort, or pain in your jaw, throat, shoulders, arms, or upper belly or abdomen Trouble breathing or shortness of breath Tiredness (fatigue) Nausea, a feeling of fullness or bloating, or gas If you have angina, take your nitroglycerin as instructed by your doctor. This might mean you take it as soon as you feel symptoms, or you wait a minute before you take it, or you take more than one pill over several minutes. If you take your nitroglycerin as instructed and you still have chest pain, get medical help right away. As with any medicine, nitroglycerin might be harmful if you don't take it correctly. You should not take nitroglycerin if: You have taken the maximum amount of short-acting nitroglycerin prescribed by your doctor You know your blood pressure is very low. Ask your doctor about this. You take medicine for erectile dysfunction Men with heart disease and other long-term health problems are more likely to have erectile dysfunction ( ED) or trouble with erections. There are medicines that help men who have ED. You or your partner may take one of them. Prescription ED pills include: Avanafil ( Stendra) Sildenafil ( Viagra) Tadalafil ( Cialis) Vardenafil ( Levitra, Staxyn) Why shouldn't you take your ED medicine with your nitroglycerin? The reason is that both lower your blood pressure. Taken together, your blood pressure may get to a very low, and dangerous, level. Because of this effect, the American Heart Association warns against it. You may still be able to take both medicines, at different times. Talk with your doctor about how long you should wait between taking the two medicines. For example, you may have to allow 24 to 48 hours or more between taking your ED medicine and nitroglycerin
context: Many snoring treatments are available over-the-counter in pharmacies, but most do not cure snoring. There are, however, a number of steps you can take to put an end to your snoring. Here are some tips for the occasional snorer: Lose weight and improve your eating habits. Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before you go to bed. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals (or snacks) at least four hours before you sleep. Establish regular sleeping patterns. For example, try to go to bed at the same time every night. Sleep on your side rather than on your back. Raise the head of your bed up four inches. Raise the whole bed, not just pillows. If none of these tips helps, talk to your doctor. There are a variety of medical treatments that may reduce or eliminate snoring. For mild forms of snoring caused by swelling of the lining of your nose, a doctor may prescribe a steroid nasal spray to take before going to sleep. He or she may also suggest dental appliances or nasal strips. For more severe forms of snoring due to sleep apnea, surgical procedures or continuous positive airway pressure may be prescribed. Continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP) Continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP) is a treatment in which a mask is worn over the nose and/or mouth while you sleep. The mask is hooked up to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air into the nostrils. The pressure from air flowing into the nostrils helps keep the airways open so that breathing is not impaired. Other PAP machines are also available, including the Bi PAP, which has two levels of air pressure, and the VPAP for varying levels of air pressure. Surgery Surgery may be needed to correct a physical problem that is causing you to snore. Surgical options include: Somnoplasty: A minimally invasive procedure to reduce the soft tissue in the upper airway or back of the throat Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: Removing the tonsils and/or adenoids may be needed to prevent snoring. Palate surgery: Your doctor may recommend removing certain tissues of the soft palate that may be obstructing your breathing. Upper airway stimulator: This device, called Inspire, is a treatment for people who have sleep apnea. It consists of a small pulse generator placed under the skin in the upper chest. A wire leading to the lung detects the person's natural breathing pattern. Another wire, leading up to the neck, delivers mild stimulation to nerves that control airway muscles, keeping them open. A doctor can program the device from an external remote. Also, the user has a remote to turn it on before bed and turn off upon waking in the morning.
context: Medical treatment for sleepwalking is necessary when it's caused by an underlying medical problem. In some instances, medications may be prescribed to control sleepwalking. There are also a number of steps a person can take to lessen the impact of sleepwalking. There is no known way to absolutely prevent sleepwalking; however, certain steps can be taken to minimize one's risk. These include: Get adequate sleep. Limit stress. Meditate or do relaxation exercises. Avoid any kind of stimulation (auditory or visual) prior to bedtime. These are steps you can take to prevent harm if and when you do sleepwalk: Keep a safe sleeping environment, free of harmful or sharp objects. Sleep in a bedroom on the ground floor, if possible. Lock the doors and windows. Cover glass windows with heavy drapes. Place an alarm or bell on the bedroom door. If sleepwalking is caused by underlying medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux, obstructive sleep apnea, seizures, periodic leg movements, or restless legs syndrome, sleepwalking episodes should stop once the underlying medical condition is treated. Medications may be necessary if the sleepwalker is at risk of injury, if sleepwalking causes significant family disruption or excessive daytime sleepiness, and when other treatment options have not worked. What medications are used to treat sleepwalking? Medications that may be useful include: Estazolam Clonazepam ( Klonopin) Trazodone ( Oleptro) Drugs can often be discontinued after several weeks without recurrence of sleepwalking. Occasionally, sleepwalking increases briefly after discontinuing the medication. Relaxation techniques, mental imagery, and anticipatory awakenings are the preferred treatment options for long-term treatment of people with a sleepwalking disorder. Anticipatory awakenings consist of waking the child or person approximately 15-20 minutes before the usual time of a sleepwalking episode, and then keeping him or her awake through the time during which the episodes usually occur. Relaxation and mental imagery techniques are most effective when done with the help of an experienced behavioral therapist or hypnotist. Follow-up with your sleep disorders specialist if symptoms persist, or if injury to self or to others occurs. Although disruptive and frightening in the short term, sleepwalking is not usually a serious disorder. The condition can often be treated effectively.
context: Some people have an allergic reaction to medicine and may break out in a rash. If this happens to you, call your doctor. He may tell you to stop taking the medicine and prescribe another. He'll also be able to find out if there's another cause to your skin problem, like a medical condition. Check out this roundup of some common medications that can cause rashes: 1. ACE Inhibitors: Captopril ( Capoten) Enalopril ( Vasotec) Fosinopril ( Monopril) Lisinopril ( Prinvil, Zestril) 2. Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine ( Carbatrol, Tegretol) Ethosuximide ( Zoronitin) Chlorpromazine (â Largactil, Thorazine, and others) Phenytoin ( Dilantin) Lomotrigene ( Lamictal) Zonisamide ( Zonegran) 3. Antibiotics Penicillins Cephalosporins Sulfonamides 3. Barbiturates Mephobarbital Phenobarbital 4. Pain medications Aspirin Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories ( NSAIDS) like ibuprofen, naproxen Codeine 5. Echinacea and other alternative and herbal medicines It's not a complete list. There are other meds that may also cause reactions. Before you go to the doctor's office, you could use your cell phone to take a picture of the rash. It will help him figure out the cause.
context: When you have allergies, even getting a little exercise outdoors can be a challenge. So before you head outside to get your sweat on, follow these tips to make your workout less itchy and sniffly. Experts use a number rating to tell you much pollen is in the air throughout the day. There are different readings for different types of pollens. A tree pollen level at or above 90 is high, for example, while 1 to 14 is considered low. Check a web site that tracks pollen counts for trees, mold, weeds, and grass across the U. S. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's site does this, for example. Depending on your allergy, you may want to avoid certain parts of the day. Ragweed counts usually peak in early midday, while grass pollen counts are higher in late afternoon and early evening. Plan your workouts for other times of the day when levels are lower. If you're in an urban area, winds can bring the pollen in town so that levels peak around midday. If you go out during high-pollen times, wear a face mask. As soon as you get home, rinse out your nose with saline to get rid of any grains inside. Some nose sprays will make it easier for you to exercise when pollen levels are high. Ask your allergist. Avoid outdoor exercise on dry, warm, windy days, which bring the highest pollen levels. Many types of the allergen cause eye problems, including a noncontagious form of pinkeye that causes itching, redness, and tearing. High humidity can cause problems, too. If the air feels heavy, you may have a hard time breathing. The humidity also fuels mold growth, which can trigger symptoms for some people. On the other hand, rain clears the air, making it a good time to go outdoors if you have allergies. Swimming is usually excellent for building up your lungs. Biking is also good. But chlorine from indoor pools can be irritating to some people, so use caution and leave the area if you have trouble breathing. Call 911 if you continue to have any trouble breathing. Running in cold weather also can trigger symptoms. Usually, it's not a true allergy that causes these problems, but spasms in your airways. With proper treatment, you should be able to do any sport or activity without a problem. If not, you may need to take another look at your treatment plan. If you're taking medicine and you still feel tired after exercising outdoors, or if it causes symptoms that you don't like, you may want to keep your workouts indoors. Start taking allergy medications a few weeks before the season. Don't wait until you have symptoms. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter and prescription options. Use medicines that worked for you in the past. Pay attention to the weather, especially when winter weather turns warm and pollens and molds release into the air.