VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: After hurting your leg, you're probably dealing with some discomfort and inconvenience. But that's not all you have to be concerned about. This type of injury raises your chances for getting a blood clot. Any time a blood vessel gets damaged, the nearby blood can thicken and organize into a sticky clump, or clot. Some clots only affect veins near your skin's surface. This condition, called superficial thrombophlebitis, typically doesn't lead to serious problems. When a blood clot forms farther inside your leg, it's known as deep vein thrombosis ( DVT). These clots can be dangerous if they break loose and travel to your lungs. Doctors call this a pulmonary embolism ( PE). Trauma could result from a car accident, a sports injury, or even a fall. Common mishaps that may lead to a clot include: Broken bones Bad bumps Severe bruises Severe muscle injuries A 2008 study revealed even minor leg injuries -- ones that don't need a cast or bed rest -- can raise your odds of having DVT. Researchers found as many as 1 in 13 blood clots may be caused by small problems, such as muscle tears or ankle sprains. Many people don't notice any symptoms. Spotting DVT could be tricky after an injury because a bruise or bump can look like a clot. DVT symptoms can be mistaken for a muscle tear, a charley horse, a twisted ankle, or shin splints. Your leg could: Swell Hurt or feel tender, maybe like a cramp Feel warm Look red or discolored Have veins that stick out If a clot moves to your lungs, you may: Cough up blood Have pain in your chest Feel your heart beat fast Have trouble breathing Hurt when you breathe Call your doctor if you notice anything unusual or worrisome after a leg injury. Some people are more likely than others to develop a blood clot. Your odds are higher when you: Have a close family member with DVT Are older Have a blood clotting disorder or a vein disease Have cancer Are pregnant Use birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy Being overweight and smoking will raise your chances. Also, being a couch potato can lead to a clot. While blood clots are less common in younger, healthy people, they're still possible. Fit athletes are likely to be injured, get dehydrated, and travel long distances for events. These things increase the odds of blood clots, too. You might still be hurting from your injury, but activity is key for keeping clots at bay. Don't sit or stand for more than an hour at a time if you can help it. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Your doctor might tell you to wear special compression stockings if you have a higher chance for developing a clot. Drink plenty of water, and stay away from alcohol, especially if you're traveling long distances. Try not to hurt your legs again during your recovery. Losing extra weight and quitting smoking can lower your chance of getting a blood clot.
context: 1. Try Changing Eating Patterns For morning nausea, eat toast, cereal, crackers, or other dry foods before getting out of bed. Eat cheese, lean meat, or other high-protein snack before bedtime. Sip fluids, such as clear fruit juices, water, or ice chips, throughout day. Don't drink lots of fluid at one time. Eat small meals or snacks every two to three hours instead of three large meals per day. Don't eat fried, greasy, or spicy foods. Avoid foods with strong odors that are bothersome. Or eat foods cold or at room temperature. 2. When to Call a Doctor Seek medical help if vomiting is so severe or constant that the person can't keep down fluids or food. 3. Follow Up The doctor may need to treat the person for dehydration. The doctor may recommend medication to control vomiting during pregnancy.
context: Just for a moment, think of your body as a kitchen pantry. Most of it is stocked with food you use every day. But you also store items in there as well -- an extra box of pasta or can of beans to have on hand when supplies get low. Your body stores iron in the same way. It uses some of the iron it gets from food right away to make oxygen in the blood. But it also stores iron for times when there's not enough in your diet. Iron is stored in a protein called ferritin. And to see how much is stored in your body, your doctor might order a ferritin blood test. Doctors order a ferritin test if other blood tests point to possible anemia, which can lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood. It can be used to check if there is too much or too little iron in the body. Doctors can also use it to diagnose restless legs syndrome and Still's disease in adults (a rare type of arthritis with fever and rash). Low iron could be the cause if you're: Often feeling dizzy, weak, and tired Having headaches Look pale You may also have strange cravings for licorice, chalk, dirt, or clay. You may feel a burning sensation on your tongue. If left unchecked, low levels of iron can cause heart failure (when your heart doesn't pump blood to your body as well as it should). It can also cause these symptoms: Chest pain Leg pain Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus A ferritin blood test can also help your doctor figure out whether your body is storing too much iron. High levels may point to alcohol abuse, infection, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, overactive thyroid, or some types of cancer. Symptoms of high iron levels vary and can include: Exhaustion Heart problems Joint pain Low sex drive Loss of body hair Stomach pain Weight loss If ferritin is the only test you're having, you can eat and drink as usual. You may need to fast for other blood tests. Always check with your doctor beforehand. Think about wearing a shirt with short sleeves so the technician can get to your arm easily. A ferritin test should only take a few minutes. Remember to look away if the sight of blood or a needle makes you dizzy or nauseous. After cleaning the skin around it, a technician will insert a needle into a vein in your arm. He may wrap an elastic band around the upper part of your arm to make the vein easier to find. Once the right amount of blood is collected, the technician will take off the band and needle and stop the bleeding with a cotton ball or bandage. The blood will be labeled and sent to a lab. Like other routine blood tests, the ferritin test is considered safe. You may feel the following: Faint or lightheaded A lump or bruise under the skin Slight pain where the needle went in Depending on the lab, test results normally come back within a day or two. If your results are lower than normal, you have iron deficiency and possibly anemia. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements or order more blood tests to figure out the cause. Higher than normal results mean your body is storing too much iron. Your doctor may adjust your diet or supplements. Since high iron is a symptom of other medical issues, you may have more tests to pinpoint the cause.
context: Maybe you fell asleep with your arm pinned under you. Or you kept your legs crossed too long. Chances are, you've had a "pins and needles" feeling in your limbs, fingers, or feet. That prickling, burning, tingling, numb, itching, or "skin crawling" feeling is called paresthesia. While it may seem weird, it's usually painless and harmless. But sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious medical problem. Paresthesia is caused by pressure on a nerve. When that pressure is gone -- you uncross your legs, for example -- the feeling goes away. But in some cases, it doesn't go away. Or if it does, it comes back regularly. That's called chronic paresthesia, and it can be a sign of a medical condition or nerve damage. Chronic paresthesia can be caused by: An injury or accident that caused nerve damage A stroke or mini-stroke -- when blood flow to your brain is cut off and causes damage Multiple sclerosis -- a disease of the central nervous system that affects the way your body feels Diabetes -- a blood sugar disorder that can damage your nerves over time A pinched nerve (often in your neck, shoulder, or arm) from injury or overuse Sciatica -- pressure on the sciatic nerve (which goes from your lower pelvis to your buttocks and legs), a common problem during pregnancy that typically causes numbness and pain in your back or legs Carpel tunnel syndrome -- when the small tunnel that goes from your wrist to your lower palm gets too narrow and causes pain and numbness in your forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers Lack of some vitamins, especially low levels of vitamin B12, which is important for nerve health Alcohol abuse Certain medications -- such as some types of chemotherapy that cause nerve irritation or damage as well as some antibiotics, HIV, and anti-seizure medications In many cases, paresthesia goes away on its own. But if any area of your body regularly goes numb or gets that "pins and needles" feeling, talk to your doctor. She'll ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. She also may recommend certain tests to figure out what's causing your paresthesia. These might include an X-ray, blood test, or magnetic resonance imaging scan ( MRI). An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make detailed images of certain areas of your body. Treating the cause of your paresthesia will usually help with your pins and needles.
context: Nearly 1 in 10 Americans know their hearing isn't as good as it used to be, but more than half of them have never gotten their hearing checked. The most obvious reason to get help early is that hearing problems can get worse if you ignore them. Sometimes damage can be permanent. There are tiny hairs inside your ears that send sound waves to your brain. If those hairs are damaged, they will never grow back. And if you're doing something that hurts your ears without realizing it, the sooner you find out the better. Sometimes even everyday drugs like aspirin or antibiotics can cause trouble. If you take care of hearing problems early, the cure may be simpler and easier. For example, one of the most common problems is nerve damage. If you go to the doctor right away, you might get better just by taking pills instead of having to face surgery or hearing aids. And there's no need to put off hearing aids. All kinds of misunderstandings keep people from getting help. The devices have come a long way in recent years. Even people with mild hearing problems can benefit from wearing them. Is one of these myths holding you back? There's nothing I can do to cure my hearing loss. In the past, doctors couldn't do much to help people who had trouble in one ear, who couldn't hear high-pitched sounds, or who had nerve damage. But with today's technology, nearly all of those people can make strides with hearing aids. Wearing hearing aids will make me look old. Missing the punch line to a joke or not paying attention can make you look far more "out of it" than wearing a hearing aid. Keeping up with the conversation is what keeps you sharp. In fact, the worse a person's hearing gets, the more likely they are to develop dementia, studies show. Hearing aids are bulky and ugly. Hearing aids that fit completely inside the ear canal now work for most people. Hearing aids make everything sound too loud. In the past, hearing aids just made all sounds louder. Today, they adjust automatically to provide enough volume for whatever you're listening to. Hearing loss can hurt your quality of life. A large study by the National Council on Aging connected hearing loss to stress, anger, depression, loneliness, memory loss, and many other problems. The study showed it could hurt a worker's chances of earning a raise or promotion. On the other hand, the same study showed improvements in earning power, self-esteem, social life, physical health, and almost every other area with the use of hearing aids. Early treatment is key for children. If children can't hear well, it will affect their ability to talk, communicate, make friends, and develop normally. Babies should be tested in the hospital when they are born, or at least by the time they're a month old. If there is a problem, they need professional help as early as possible, before they are 6 months old. Keep an eye out if your toddler has lots of ear infections. Although hearing loss caused by ear infections is usually temporary, it can cause lasting problems if children struggle while they're learning critical skills.
context: You can get herpes in your eye, but it isn't the same kind you get from sex. Two types of herpes viruses can lead to serious eye problems. One also causes cold sores, and the other also leads to chickenpox. Neither is the same strain that causes genital herpes. That means you can't get the eye problems, which your doctor might call herpetic eye disease, from having sex. The varicella-zoster virus is the one that causes chickenpox and shingles. When it affects your eye, it's called herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Herpes simplex type 1, or HSV1, which causes cold sores on your lips and mouth, can also lead to eye problems. It usually results in an infected cornea. Your doctor will call this herpes simplex keratitis. Herpes simplex type 2 ( HSV2) can also cause keratitis, mostly in newborns, but it's rare. Like many viruses, these two are probably both already in your body and have been for a while. They live near your nerve fibers but usually don't cause problems. Outbreaks happen when viruses multiply or move from one area of your body to another. A weakened immune system makes it more likely that you'll have an outbreak. The viruses have different symptoms. But each can be painful since they irritate your nerves. Symptoms of herpes zoster ophthalmicus include: Severe pain on one side of the face, in your scalp, or around your eyes Redness, rash, or sores on your eyelids and around the eyes, especially on the forehead A rash on the tip of your nose Eye redness A swollen or cloudy cornea If symptoms involve only your eye, it's probably herpes simplex keratitis. You might notice: Pain in and around one eye Eye redness A feeling of dirt or grit in your eye Overflowing tears Pain when you look at bright light Cloudy or swollen cornea Your doctor may check your eye pressure and use special dye to study the surface of your cornea. It's the same for both conditions. Because herpes is a virus, antibiotics won't work. Some medications can help, but you have to get them within 5 days or so after symptoms start. Your doctor will prescribe antiviral eye drops, pills, or both. Take what he gives you for as long as he says to take it. Your eye might start to look or feel better soon, but the infection could come back if you stop treatment too soon. He might also give you steroid eye drops. They can control the disease if you get them at the right time, but they can also raise eye pressure. You'll need regular office visits during treatment so the doctor can keep track of it. You could also get an eye drop that keeps your pupil dilated (open). It will prevent spasms in your eye muscles and ease your pain. It might start to look better after a few days, but still hurt. That doesn't mean that treatment isn't working. The medications will do their job, and the pain will go away. It's rare, but if you have the kind of virus that causes shingles, your eye could hurt for weeks or months. If that happens, your doctor might try other options, like sending you to a chronic pain specialist.
context: Thalamotomy Thalamotomy is a surgery for Essential Tremor that destroys a small part of a structure in the brain called the thalamus. Surgeons typically perform this procedure on only one side of the brain because surgery on both sides of the brain increases the risk for potential complications. The procedure provides relief to the opposite side of the body. So, if the right side of the brain is operated on, the person will experience tremor relief on the left side of his body. Approximately 80% of patients who have this procedure experience relief from their tremors. Common, but temporary, side effects of thalamotomy include: Confusion Weakness Disturbed speech Balance problems The major disadvantage of thalamotomy is the permanent destruction of this area of the brain, which may limit future treatment options, and thalamotomy should only be performed under rare circumstances. Deep brain stimulation, described below, is safer and more effective. Deep Brain Stimulation Also called "thalamic stimulation," deep brain stimulation is a way to inactivate the thalamus without destroying a part of the brain. The risks are, therefore, much less than with thalamotomy. Rather than destroying brain tissue, deep brain stimulation achieves the same effects using small electrical shocks. The electrode for deep brain stimulation is left in the brain and connected by a wire to a pacemaker-like device implanted under the skin of the chest. The pacemaker-like device generates the tiny electrical impulses that aren't painful to the patient. These shocks alter electrical "messages" going through the thalamus. Deep brain stimulation provides moderate relief for approximately 90% of patients. Advantages of deep brain stimulation include: It doesn't destroy brain tissue and won't limit future treatment. The device can be removed at any time. It is adjustable. It may be more effective in controlling tremors than thalamotomy. Disadvantages of deep brain stimulation include: The presence of a foreign object in the body, increasing the risk of infection. A battery in the device that must be replaced every three to five years. Uncomfortable sensations that may occur during stimulation. Focused Ultrasound ( FUS) Focused ultrsasound ( Ex Ablate Neuro) works similarly to a thalamotomy but uses magnetic resonance images ( MRI) to focus ultrasound to destroy tissue in the thalamus. Patients are awake and responsive during the entire treatment. Advantages of this procedure are: no anesthesia no incisions no bur holes into the brain reduced risk of infection or damage to uneffected area Conversely, the disdvantages are: it produces s a nonreversible brain lesion is not effective in every case improvement can decline over time As with any surgery, there are potential risks associated with these forms of treatment for essential tremor. Talk with your doctor about these risks and any other potential complications.
context: Migraines can be tough wherever they happen. Dealing with them when you're not at home can be especially tricky. You can prepare for when a migraine hits when you're out and about. Some steps you can take may stop one from happening at all. They don't cause migraines, but they can set them off. Triggers are different for everyone. When you know which things can start your migraines, you can try to avoid them. If you can't stay away from them, at least you'll know to be prepared for when they happen. When you're away from home -- traveling, at a big event, or even at work -- it can be easy to miss meals. Your sleep pattern may change. You may just not get enough rest. Stress and spreading yourself too thin can bring on attacks in many people. Make an extra effort to eat well, sleep well, and manage stress wherever you are. It can help to know some ways to relax, like deep breathing or relaxing your muscles. Be sure to drink plenty of water, too. Sometimes, if you're at the gym, on vacation, or running errands, it can be easy to forget to drink up. But dehydration can start a migraine. Water is always a great choice. There are other things you can't avoid, like: Weather changes Bright lights Strong smells Motion sickness Still, if you know your triggers, you can be prepared for them. If you normally take pain medicine when a migraine comes, make sure you have it within reach at all times. If you're traveling, keep it with you. Don't check it in your luggage or leave it in the trunk of your car. If you exercise, pack it in your gym bag. Take it as soon as you feel a headache starting. That way, it'll get to work fast. If a migraine hits, try to find a quiet, dark place you can go, like your hotel room. Turn off the lights and lie down for a few minutes. Even if you can't sleep, it may help to put a cool, damp cloth on your forehead. Rub your scalp or put light pressure on your temples. If you take preventive medicine, don't miss a dose when you're away. Be sure to bring extra pills with you, too. Ask your doctor when to take it if you are crossing time zones. If you've had a lot of migraines, you probably just try to tough it out when one strikes. Not all migraines are the same, though. If yours doesn't let up with treatment, you may need emergency help. Go to the ER or see a doctor if you feel like this is the worst headache you've ever had. Get help if it came on suddenly, or if you also have: High fever Weakness Numbness Trouble seeing Trouble speaking Confusion Fainting Stiff neck Nausea Vomiting
context: Carbohydrates are a great source of energy for your body, but they affect your blood sugar too. If you have diabetes, keep track of how many you eat with a few simple tricks. Know your carbs. It's a lot more than just pasta and bread. All starchy foods, sugars, fruit, milk, and yogurt are rich in carbs, too. Make sure you count them all, not just the obvious ones. Put together a meal plan. Figure out the amount of carbs, protein, and fat you can eat at meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels steady. Most adults with diabetes aim for 45-60 grams of carbs per meal and 15-20 grams per snack. That number may go up or down, depending on how active you are and the medicines you take, so check with your doctor or a registered dietitian. Look at labels. They make counting carbs easy. Find the " Total Carbohydrate" number listed on a package's " Nutrition Facts" panel. Then, check the serving size and confirm the amount you can eat. Repeat this step with other foods you plan to eat. When you add all the grams of carbs, the total should stay within your meal budget. Starch, fruit, or milk = 15. Fresh foods don't come with a label. You may have to guess the number of carbs they have. A good rule of thumb: Each serving of fruit, milk, or starch has about 15 grams. Vegetables don't have a lot, so you can eat more of them. Two or three servings of veggies usually equal 15 grams of carbs. Pay attention to portion sizes. The size of one serving depends on the type of food. For instance, one small (4-ounce) piece of fresh fruit, 1/3 cup of pasta or rice, and 1/2 cup of beans are each one serving. Buy a pocket guide that lists carb counts and portion sizes. Or download an app on your smartphone. Measuring cups and a food scale when you eat at home will help you be accurate. Adjust your insulin. Your doses may change, depending on the amount of carbs you ate at a meal and the difference between your target blood sugar level and your actual reading. You'll need to know your "insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio," or the number of carbs one unit of insulin will cover. Generally, one unit of fast-acting insulin covers 12-15 grams of carbohydrates. Your body can also be more sensitive to insulin changes throughout the day. Stress or how much you exercise also has an impact. It's important to work out a plan with your doctor for how to change your treatment if you need to. Make healthy choices. Carb counting focuses on the number of them you eat at every meal, not what types. Still, pick healthy options when you can. Foods and drinks with added sugar are often high in calories and low on nutrients. Healthy carbs like whole grains, fruits, and veggies will give you energy and the vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help control your weight.
context: Knowing what can raise your odds of depression may help you get the best medical care when you need it. Genetics: A history of depression in your family may make it more likely for you to get it. It's thought that the condition can be passed down. The exact way this happens, though, isn't clear. Death or loss: Sadness and grief are normal reactions. Sometimes, though, such big stresses can bring serious symptoms of depression, like thoughts of suicide or feelings of worthlessness. Conflict: Personal turmoil or disputes with family or friends may lead to depression. Abuse: Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can bring it on, as well. Life events: Even good things, like moving or graduating, could make you depressed. Other changes that can do that include: A new job Loss of employment or income Marriage Divorce Retirement Having a baby Other illnesses: Sometimes depression pairs with, or can be a reaction to, another illness. Examples include: Sleep problems Chronic pain Anxiety ADHD Medications: Depression can be a side effect of something you take for another condition. If this happens to you, talk with your doctor about changing what you take. Substance abuse: Nearly 30% of people who abuse drugs or alcohol have depression, too. Some people misuse substances when they feel down. For others, heavy use of alcohol or drugs can bring on depression symptoms. Other problems. Things like social isolation due to another illness or separation from a family or social group can lead to depression. Treatment works best when you start it early. If you think you may have depression, talk with your doctor. They can help you figure out if you do and give you ways to feel better.
context: Your digestive system is remarkably efficient. In the space of a few hours, it extracts nutrients from the foods you eat and drink, processes them into the bloodstream, and prepares leftover material for disposal. That material passes through about 20 feet of intestine before being stored temporarily in the colon, where water is removed. The residue is excreted through the bowels, normally within a day or two. Depending on your diet, age, and daily activity, regularity can mean anything from three bowel movements a day to three each week. As fecal material sits in the colon, the harder the stool becomes and the more difficult it is to pass. A normal stool should not be either unusually hard or soft, and you shouldn't have to strain unreasonably to pass it. Our busy, modern lifestyles may be responsible for most cases of constipation: not eating enough fiber or drinking enough water, not getting enough exercise, and not taking the time to respond to an unmistakable urge to go to the bathroom. Persistent, chronic constipation may also be a symptom of more serious conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, or an underactive thyroid gland. Bowel habits tend to vary with age and circumstances. Bottle-fed babies, for example, tend to have firmer stools and more bouts of constipation than breast-fed babies. Some children become constipated when they start school or other activities, because they are embarrassed to ask permission to use the toilet. Toddlers often become constipated during toilet training if he or she is unwilling or afraid to use the toilet. Being sensitive to pain, children may avoid the toilet if they have minor splits or tears in the anus from straining or other irritations. Kids can also become constipated from consuming certain foods, such as dairy products. Older people, especially those who are more sedentary, tend to develop constipation more often. Medications that can cause constipation include narcotics, diuretics, iron supplements, antacids, and drugs for blood pressure, seizures, and depression.
context: Small, itchy red bumps on the skin are the symptoms of heat rash. The rash may feel prickly, stinging, or burning. The rash is severe or painful or does not go away on its own within a few days. You develop an infection in an area where you recently had heat rash. You have a fever or any other signs of illness. The rash is bright red or has streaks. The rash starts after you have been taking an antibiotic or new medication.
context: The person is seriously injured. You suspect injury to the person's head, neck, or back. Bone is sticking out of the skin. Bleeding doesn't stop after several minutes of firm pressure. Blood spurts from the wound. Experience loss of feeling at the injured site Experience loss of warmth beyond the injured area. Apply firm pressure to wound with clean cloth until bleeding stops. If bone is pushing through skin, do not touch it or try to put it back in place. The purpose of the splint is to hold still and protect a wounded body part from further damage. Cut away clothing if it cannot be removed without moving the injured body part. Gently tape the dislocated area or fracture to a rolled-up newspaper, ruler, stick, or a rolled-up piece of clothing with first aid tape. In general, try to include the joint above and below the injury in the splint. As much as possible, avoid moving the injured limb, and never force it or try to twist it back into place. Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth or a cold compress. Elevate the injured area if possible. For pain, give ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen ( Tylenol), or naproxen ( Aleve, Naprosyn). Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 18. The doctor will X-ray the dislocation or fracture and may realign and set it. The doctor may apply a splint or cast, or surgery may be required.
context: Blood tests can help you find out if a reaction you're having is because of an allergy. They're often used instead of the more traditional skin test if you have a skin condition or if you're taking medications, like antihistamines, which interfere with those tests. You may hear it called an Ig E (or s Ig E) test. A small amount of your blood is taken and analyzed. A lab checks for proteins called antibodies that your immune system might make in response to something you're allergic to. These blood tests may not give you results as specific as those from a skin test. They also tend to be more expensive. Talk to your doctor to see if they're the right thing for you to get to the bottom of your allergies.
context: How many people get the flu each year? How much does it cost us? How well does the vaccine work? Here's a rundown of some important statistics based on the best available data. 5% to 20% -- Percentage of the U. S. population that will get the flu, on average, each year. 200,000 -- Average number of Americans hospitalized each year because of problems with the illness. 3,000 to 49,000 -- Number of people who die each year from flu-related causes in the U. S. $10 billion+ -- Average costs of hospitalizations and outpatient doctor visits related to the flu. 1 to 4 days -- Typical time it takes for symptoms to show up once you've caught the virus. Adults can be contagious from the day before symptoms begin through 5 to 10 days after the illness starts. December to February -- Peak flu season in the U. S. 171 million to 179 million -- Number of flu vaccine doses expected to be available in the U. S. for the 2015-2016 flu season. 6 months -- The youngest age for which the CDC recommends a flu shot. Swine flu -- A new type that spread worldwide during 2009-2010, causing the first flu pandemic -- global outbreak of disease -- caused by a new flu virus in more than 40 years. It's estimated that the pandemic caused more than 12,000 flu-related deaths in the U. S. In contrast to seasonal flu, nearly 90% of the deaths were of people younger than 65. 3 viruses -- You get protection from two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus with the 2015-2016 "trivalent" flu vaccine: A/ California/7/2009 ( H1 N1)pdm09-like virus A/ Switzerland/9715293/2013 ( H3 N2)-like virus B/ Phuket/3073/2013-like virus ( B/ Yamagata lineage) Some of the 2015-2016 flu vaccine is "quadrivalent" and protects against an additional B virus ( B/ Brisbane/60/2008-like virus). 2 weeks -- Time it takes after vaccination for an adult to develop disease-fighting antibodies against the flu. 3 to 7 days -- Time it takes for a regular case of the illness to go away. You might have a cough and fatigue for more than 2 weeks, though.
context: Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle. Milk thistle is sometimes used as a natural treatment for liver problems. These liver problems include cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. Some claim milk thistle may also: Provide heart benefits by lowering cholesterol levels Help diabetes in people who have type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis Silymarin is the main active ingredient in milk thistle. Silymarin is both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It's unclear what benefits, if any, this may have in the body. At this point, there is not enough scientific data to say whether or not milk thistle can help liver problems. Some early research suggests milk thistle may aid people with alcohol-related liver disease. Other studies show no improvement in liver function in this group of people. Some studies also show milk thistle may offer a possible benefit for people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene. More information is needed before doctors can say milk thistle actually benefits the liver. Medical research does suggest that milk thistle, combined with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. Studies have shown a decrease in blood sugar levels and an improvement in cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers also have found that milk thistle improved insulin resistance, a key characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a serious condition. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as they may interfere with your medication. By lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, milk thistle may help decrease the chance of developing heart disease. However, studies on possible heart benefits only have been done in people with diabetes. People with diabetes often have high cholesterol. It's unclear if milk thistle may have the same effects in other people. Milk thistle can also be taken in conjunction with cholesterol lowering medications, like statins. It can help prevent elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication. Milk thistle can be taken orally in supplements or in tea. Milk thistle can be combined with other herbs. Usually, milk thistle causes few, if any, serious side effects. Studies show that it's safe when taken for up to 41 months. Milk thistle may cause diarrhea. More rarely, it may cause nausea, bloating, gas, and upset stomach. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should avoid using milk thistle. If you have a ragweed allergy, you should also avoid milk thistle. Milk thistle may cause a rash or lead to severe allergic reaction. Since milk thistle may mimic the effects of estrogen, some women should avoid this herb. This includes women who have fibroid tumors or endometriosis. Additionally, women with breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers should not take milk thistle. Always tell your doctor of any supplement you are taking. Milk thistle may interact with certain medications.
context: The pancreas is an organ located behind your stomach next to the top of the small intestine. It is about six inches long and less than 2 inches wide. It has two big manufacturing jobs in the body: It makes digestive juices that help the intestines break down food. It produces hormones -- including insulin -- that regulate the body's use of sugars and starches. The pancreas is divided into three sections: the head, the body, and the tail. The organ has special cells called endocrine cells that make hormones and are clustered together in groups called islets that are found mostly in the tail and body sections of the gland. The pancreas also has exocrine cells, another type of specialized cell, which represent 95% of the cells in the pancreas. They are spread throughout the gland and perform the digestive functions. In pancreatic cancer, the organ's cells grow abnormally. About 95% of pancreatic cancers are exocrine cell cancers, called adenocarcinoma. These cancers usually originate in the head of the pancreas. Endocrine cell cancers -- or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors -- are slower growing tumors with a different prognosis and treatment than pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic cancer almost always strikes over the age of 45, with about two-thirds of cases occurring in people over the age of 65. It is slightly more common in men than in women. Most cases are incurable. The incidence of pancreatic cancer has risen with an increase in the average life span, with an estimated 53,670 new cases projected for 2017 and 43,090 deaths in the U. S., making it one of the leading cancer killers. Aside from advanced age, smoking is the main risk factor for pancreatic cancer; a smoker is twice as likely as a nonsmoker to get the disease. People frequently exposed to certain chemical carcinogens may also be at increased risk. Excessive dietary fat and protein as well as low fiber intake may promote the disease. High body mass index (a measure of obesity), increased height, and a low level of physical activity increases the risk as well. Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with diabetes but the link is not fully understood. Others with an increased risk include: African- American males Those with a history of chronic pancreatitis Those with a family history of pancreatic cancer Other hereditary diseases associated with pancreatic cancer include familial breast cancer, familial melanoma syndrome, Peutz- Jeghers syndrome, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome, and hereditary pancreatitis.
context: Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland. That's a pea-sized gland found just above the middle of your brain. It helps your body know when it's time to sleep and wake up. Normally, your body makes more melatonin at night. Levels usually start to go up in the evening once the sun sets. They drop in the morning when the sun goes up. The amount of light you get each day -- plus your own body clock -- set how much your body makes. You can also buy melatonin supplements. They come in pills, liquids, and chewables. You might find them in natural or synthetic forms. The natural forms are made from the pineal gland in animals. People use melatonin when they have insomnia -- trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. They also take it for other sleep problems. This could include something called delayed sleep phase disorder. If you have that, falling asleep before 2 a.m. is tough. So is getting up in the morning. Folks may also try it if they have jobs that disrupt typical sleep schedules, a condition called sleep work disorder. It's used to treat or prevent jet lag, too. That's the tired, run-down feeling some get when they're traveling across time zones. Doctors are also studying to see if melatonin can help with: Alzheimer's disease Cancer Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS) High nighttime blood pressure Sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorders While melatonin generally brings fewer side effects than other sleep medicines, you could still have: Daytime sleepiness Headache Dizziness Stomach discomfort Anxiety Crankiness A "heavy head" feeling Short-lived depression Melatonin supplements might cause problems if you take them with some medicines, including: Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) Drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants) Diabetes drugs Birth control pills Tell your doctor if you're thinking about taking any supplement, especially if you take any medicine or have a health condition. The natural form of melatonin might have a virus or other issues. If you take melatonin, pick a synthetic type. Everybody reacts differently to medicines and supplements, so melatonin may or may not work for you. Some studies say it could help with jet lag and some sleep issues like delayed sleep phase disorder, shift work disorder, and some sleep disorders with children. Other research shows it may let people with insomnia fall asleep slightly faster. It may also help you sleep better through the night, but not necessarily longer. Still more studies have shown that melatonin doesn't help sleep problems at all. There's also not enough research to say it helps with any issues not related to sleep.
context: Bee pollen is a mixture of the pollens picked up by bees as they fly from one flower to another. Bee pollen is a popular folk remedy for many conditions, including premenstrual syndrome ( PMS) and enlarged prostate. It's also used as an energy tonic. Despite its long-standing traditional use, there's little evidence that bee pollen has any particular health benefits. A few studies have been promising: One small study found evidence that bee pollen might reduce some side effects of radiation therapy for cancer. Other studies looked at an extract of bee pollen and found some benefits in men suffering from chronic prostatitis or enlarged prostate. Another study found that a product containing bee pollen (and several other ingredients) seemed to reduce PMS symptoms. However, more research needs to be done before it's known whether bee pollen truly helps those conditions. There is evidence that bee pollen is not helpful in boosting athletic performance or stamina. The many other uses of bee pollen -- from increasing strength to slowing aging -- are largely unstudied. As a food, bee pollen does at least seem to be nutritious. It's a good source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates. Note that bee pollen is not the same as other substances derived from bees -- which are sometimes used as supplements -- like bee venom, royal jelly, and honey. Since bee pollen is an unproven treatment, there is no standard dose. Ask your doctor for advice. There are no foods sources of bee pollen besides the pollen itself. Side effects. Generally, bee pollen seems fairly safe. However, it could cause potentially serious allergic reactions in people with allergies to honey, pollen (like ragweed or other plants, depending on where the bee pollen comes from), or bee stings. Symptoms could include itching, redness, swelling, hives, shortness of breath, and even anaphylactic shock. Risks. If you have any medical conditions, check with a doctor before you start using bee pollen regularly. It might not be safe for people with allergic asthma, blood disorders, or liver disease. People who take bee pollen for allergies could actually aggravate their symptoms if they are allergic to any of the pollens in the supplement. Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using bee pollen supplements. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, bee pollen is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
context: Hyperhidrosis affects up to 3% of the population, and complications are rarely medically serious. On the annoyance scale, though, excessive sweating can be off the charts. Complications of hyperhidrosis can include skin problems, which are usually minor. It can, though, lead to significant psychological distress. Social and emotional complications. Excessive sweating causes serious problems for many people. Many people with hyperhidrosis say their symptoms are intolerable or barely tolerable. They avoid social and professional opportunities because of embarrassment. Many also report difficulties in their romantic lives because of excessive sweating. Maceration. This is a fancy word for the mushy, wet appearance skin gets when it's continually moist. This general skin breakdown can lead to other skin conditions, which are usually mild. Jock itch (tinea cruris). This fungal infection takes hold in the folds of the groin. Heavy sweating creates a continuous moist environment that can make jock itch more likely. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis). Similar to jock itch, athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the feet. The fungus thrives in moist conditions. Athlete's foot often starts in between the toes, where excessive sweating may be severe. Body odor (bromhidrosis). It's not the sweat itself that smells bad. It's the substances skin bacteria create when they come in contact with sweat. The sweat in the underarm and genital areas is most prone to create body odor. Sweaty feet, constricted in tight shoes, run a close second. Keeping these areas clean and dry can help, but it can also be difficult for people with hyperhidrosis. Warts and bacterial infections. The maceration or skin breakdown from heavy sweating can allow easier entry for bacteria and viruses that cause skin infections, including warts.
context: About three-fourths of people with MS have trouble walking. It can be one of the most challenging parts of the condition. Dalfampridine ( Ampyra) is a medication that helps you get around more easily. Unlike other MS treatments, it won't keep symptoms from getting worse or change the course of the disease -- it's just intended to improve how you walk. Ampyra helps electrical signals move better along the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. When you have MS, your nerves lose the protective coating, called myelin, that helps messages zip up and down your body. That means your muscles don't get clear signals that tell them when and how to move. Ampyra restores the flow of those signals and helps your nerves send their messages more effectively. You'll need a prescription from your doctor. You take one 10-milligram tablet twice a day, 12 hours apart. You should never take more than one pill at once or more than two in 24 hours. You can take Ampyra with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. Don't break, crush, chew, or dissolve them before you take them. That could release the medication too fast in your body, possibly causing a seizure. Take only the dose your doctor prescribes. If you miss a dose, don't double up on the next one. If you take a higher dose or take them less than 12 hours apart, you can increase your risk of a seizure. If that happens, stop taking the drug and call your doctor right away. The most common ones include: Urinary tract infections Trouble sleeping Dizziness Headache Nausea Weakness Back pain Balance problems Irritation of the nose and throat, or a sore throat Burning, tingling, or itching on the skin Indigestion Constipation or diarrhea Some people also had relapses of their MS when they took the drug. Let your doctor know if you have any side effects. Talk with your doctor about whether it's the best medication for you and your symptoms. You should not take the drug if you: Are taking compounded 4-aminopyridine (fampridine, 4- AP) Have had seizures before Have moderate to severe kidney problems Tell your doctor if you: Have other medical problems, like urinary tract infections Are pregnant or want to have a baby Are breastfeeding or plan to start You should also let your doctor know if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter meds, including any vitamins and supplements.