VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Sometimes, doctors don't know what sets off the racing, thumping heartbeat caused by supraventricular tachycardia ( SVT). What they do know for certain: It starts in the upper chambers of your heart with electrical signals that tell it when to pump. These impulses go in a loop instead of heading off to the right place. This causes your heartbeat to speed up -- sometimes to three times its normal pace. With a little detective work, you and your doctor might be able to figure out what your triggers are. That could help you control this condition. Here are some common things that trigger the condition: Do you drink a lot of coffee to jump-start the day? You would probably have to have a lot of cups o' joe to set your heart racing, although the amount varies from person to person. Caffeine is found in tea, chocolate, and energy drinks, too. Figure out how much you're really taking in. Alcohol can also be a trigger, and possibly in smaller amounts than caffeine. Certain medications have been known to trigger the pounding heart rhythm of SVT. These include: Digoxin ( Digitek, Digox, Lanoxin), for treating heart failure. Theophylline ( Elixophyllin, Norphyl, Phyllcontin), for treating asthma and other lung problems. If you're taking either of those prescription drugs and you start feeling your heart beating rapidly, let your doctor know at once. Other things to watch out for: Over-the-counter cold medications, namely decongestants (to relieve a stuffy nose) and antihistamines (to ease allergy symptoms). If possible, try to avoid any product listing these ingredients: Ephedrine Pseudoephedrine Phenylephrine Herbal supplements and diet pills. Illegal drugs such as cocaine, Ecstasy or methamphetamines (crystal meth). Always check with your doctor before taking any drugs, either prescription or over-the-counter. If you are worn out or anxious, you may be more likely to have a bout of SVT. One small study was able to record electrical changes in the hearts of people with the condition who were mentally stressed. Another study concluded that panic attacks can trigger this. The symptoms are similar: a racing heart, light-headedness and a hard time breathing. Cigarettes may be a trigger, although scientists aren't absolutely sure. Even if smoking isn't directly linked, it causes a host of other problems. If you've had heart surgery, you may be left with scars that increase the chances you may get SVT. Up to 25% of people who've had a heart transplant will have this happen. This doesn't mean your body is rejecting the new organ. Working out too hard can sometimes be a trigger. Most of the time, though, exercise is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Fortunately, most cases of SVT are harmless. But if you have lots of spells that last a long time, that can weaken the heart muscle and lead to problems. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
context: When you're able to see things fine when they're far away, but everything gets blurry up close, you're probably farsighted. This is also is called hyperopia. It means that the eye focuses better on distant objects than on those that are close. Children with mild to moderate farsightedness can see both close and far away without correction, because the muscles and lenses in their eyes can squint very well and overcome the farsightedness. But as you get older, it gets harder to squint well, which makes it tougher to focus on things in the distance. Your eyes focus light rays and send the image of what you're looking at to your brain. When you're farsighted, the light rays don't focus like they should. The cornea, the clear outer layer of your eye, and the lens focus images directly on the surface of your retina, which lines the back of the eye. If your eye is too short, or the power to focus is too weak, the image will go to the wrong place, behind the retina. That's what makes things look blurry. Hyperopia often runs in families. But lots of children who get it from their parents outgrow it. You may have Trouble focusing on nearby objects Headaches Blurry vision Eye strain Fatigue or headache after you do a close-up task such as reading If you have these symptoms when you wear glasses or contacts, you may need a new prescription. All it takes to diagnose farsightedness is a basic eye exam. Glasses, contact lenses, or vision correction surgery can correct your vision. If your problem is severe, you may need to wear glasses or contacts all the time. But some people only need them to see objects up close, like when you read or sew. With farsightedness, your prescription is a positive number, such as +3.00. The higher the number, the stronger the lenses. If contacts or glasses aren't for you, eye surgery may be the answer. The most common procedure to correct farsightedness is LASIK. The doctor creates a flap on the top of your cornea, then uses a laser to sculpt tissue inside your eye. Then she'll move the flap back into place. Talk to your eye doctor about your options, how well they work, and what's involved. It's normal for your eyes to change as you get older. Adults over 40 who are already farsighted often need reading glasses earlier in life. Eventually, you may also need glasses or contacts to help you see better at a distance.
context: Excessive gas in babies is normally caused by air swallowing during feeding rather than a problem with the milk. You can prevent most excessive gas with effective burping. Don't try to burp your baby when they are feeding greedily. That is likely to upset them, make them cry, and cause them to swallow even more air. Pick a time when they slow down or are taking a break. Use the burping position they appear most comfortable with. There are three basic positions in which to gently pat and rub your baby's back: Over your shoulder Sitting on your lap, facing out or to the side Lying face down on your lap To avoid air swallowing during bottle feeding, make sure that the air is always at the bottom of the bottle, not at the nipple area. This ensures the air doesn't get swallowed. Less commonly, gas may signify a mild digestive problem. If this is the case: Check with your doctor or health visitor about changing your baby's formula. If you are breastfeeding, avoid certain foods, such as cow's milk products. Try an antigas medicine (although their effectiveness has not been proven). Try infant massage between meals: Place your infant facing you on your lap. Move the legs around as if he or she were riding a bicycle. Rub warm oil on the baby's tummy and gently massage. The good news is that most gas issues resolve themselves over time. However, if your baby's irritability is severe and chronic, you should suspect something other than gas as the culprit. And if your child is not growing well, the gas may be an indication of a significant digestive problem. See your baby's doctor to discuss any concerns you may have.
context: Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or legs -- especially on just one side of the body Slurred or unusual speech Trouble seeing in one or both eyes Trouble walking, dizziness, or balance problems Sudden confusion Severe headache Tell emergency personnel the exact time when you first noticed symptoms. If the person is having a stroke instead of a transient ischemic attack ( TIA), there is a medicine that may reduce long-term effects if given within four and a half hours of the first symptom appearing. Sooner is better. If the person is diabetic, check the blood glucose (sugar) level. Treat low glucose with a glucose tablet, glass of orange juice or other sugary drink or food, or a glucagon injection if the person is not able to swallow. A doctor will examine the person and run tests to confirm TIA. Tests may include an MRI or a CT scan. Treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, and possibly surgery to reduce the risk of stroke.
context: Think certain foods might be giving you or your child trouble? Allergy testing can help you figure out what's going on. See a board-certified allergist. First, he'll ask you questions about what you think you're allergic to and your symptoms. Sometimes that's enough to pinpoint the problem food, or he may suggest some tests. Allergy testing can help your doctor find out what you're allergic to, but it's not foolproof. After your tests are done, you'll need to work with him to get the right diagnosis. Skin testing is the most common and quickest food allergy test. Your doctor can test you for several foods at once. First, he'll puts a small drop of liquid containing the food on your skin, and pricks it. Then he'll watch for a reaction -- a small bump that may get red like a mosquito bite. If your skin reacts, you're probably allergic to that food. Your doctor can talk with you about other treatment options. If you don't react, you're probably not allergic to it. Your doctor will take a sample of your blood and expose it to different allergens. You won't learn the results right away. This test is usually sent to a lab, and results could take a week or more. Doctors don't use it as often. They may use it if they have an idea of what you're allergic to. That way, you don't have to be exposed to what may be the cause. Neither skin nor blood tests can accurately predict how severe a food allergy reaction may be. Doctors don't do this test often, because it's dangerous for people with severe food allergies. When is it useful? To confirm a skin or blood test, or to see if a child has outgrown an allergy. It can be used to eliminate a specific food from the list, too. Why? Sometimes your skin might react to a food, but you wouldn't have symptoms if you ate it. If a blood test doesn't find out what's triggering your symptoms, a controlled food challenge can help sort out the cause. For this test, you'll go to your doctors' office or a hospital. That way you can be watched closely in case you have a severe allergy attack. Your doctor will give you food samples and watch for a reaction. Or you may take capsules -- some with an allergen in it, some without. That way the doctor can be sure it's the food causing the reaction. Never try this type of test on your own, because it can cause a serious reaction.
context: Calcium channel blockers are typically used to treat high blood pressure or heart problems. Some have also been studied experimentally to treat mania or depression in bipolar disorder. Thus far, there is still uncertainty about whether or not they are effective for treating bipolar disorder. Calcium channel blockers block the small pores in cells (called L-type calcium channels) that allow calcium to move in and out, and widen blood vessels as well as affect the activity of nerve cells. It's not clear exactly how these drugs might affect mood, but research suggests that at least in some people with bipolar disorder, the way the brain uses calcium to regulate various functions within nerve cells may not work properly. The use of calcium channel blockers to treat bipolar disorder outside of research studies is experimental. Calcium channel blockers that have been studied to treat bipolar disorder include: Diltiazem Isradipine Nimodipine Verapamil Calcium channel blockers can lower blood pressure, so it is important that blood pressure is monitored during treatment. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness and light-headedness. Sometimes, a headache can develop after taking certain calcium channel blockers. These headaches should gradually disappear once you have been taking the medication for a while. Talk to your doctor if headaches continue. Some people also report tenderness, swelling, or bleeding of the gums when starting to take calcium channel blockers. Regular brushing, flossing, and gum massages along with routine dental visits can help lessen this effect. As with any medication, it is important to see your doctor regularly to make sure the drug is working properly. Calcium channel blockers tend to cause fewer serious side effects than many of the drugs that are traditionally used to treat bipolar disorder. However, it is important to remember that they are not as well studied as traditional medicines for bipolar and their effectiveness has not been well-established. Common calcium channel blocker side effects include: Slowed heart rate or irregular heart rhythm Flushing, a pounding sensation in the head, dizziness, headache Leg swelling Decreased blood pressure Tingling sensations in the arms or legs Weakness Constipation Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It isn't known if these drugs could harm the fetus.
context: Ulcerative colitis affects your colon, which is part of your digestive system. A lot of things can cause trouble in that general area, so how do you know what it feels like to have ulcerative colitis? It depends on how severe it is, and on what part of your colon is affected. Also, symptoms can come and go. You might not have any for weeks, months, or even years, and then they come back. Chances are about 50-50 that the effects will be mild. Still, most people with the disease have a few common issues: The most common sign is diarrhea with blood or pus in it. You might notice it in the toilet after you go. But it's possible to have blood in your stool and not be able to see it. If your disease is severe, the urge to empty your colon can come on fast and furious. You might be able to predict when it will happen. You might have to go to the bathroom soon after you eat. Certain kinds of foods, like spicy dishes or food with lots of fiber, might make it worse. But other times, the urge to go is unpredictable. It can even wake you up when you're asleep. It might be tough to hold diarrhea in and make it to the bathroom in time. Sometimes you may feel like you still have to go even though you just went, like you didn't empty your colon. Belly pain from ulcerative colitis can feel crampy, like a charley horse in your gut. It can happen before a bowel movement or while you're going. Other parts of your body might hurt as well. Some people with the disease have sore joints. Others' eyes hurt when they look at bright lights. Ulcerative colitis causes several problems that can make you feel very tired: Nausea and loss of appetite keeps you from eating, which leaves your body low on fuel. Diarrhea and swelling in your colon make it hard for your body to absorb what it needs for energy. Bleeding in your colon leaves you with too few red blood cells, or anemia. You don't get enough sleep because you get up often at night to go to the bathroom. You're dehydrated because of diarrhea. Diarrhea, loss of appetite, and not being able to absorb calories from your food can make you lose weight. Ulcerative colitis can cause canker sores in your mouth and sores on your skin. You might also get rashes. What you have might not be ulcerative colitis. Many conditions make you tired. Other gut problems can give you diarrhea and crampy belly pain, like: Crohn's disease, which causes pain and swelling in other places in your gut, not just your colon Irritable bowel syndrome An infection The only way to know why you have symptoms is to see your doctor and get tested. If you already know you have ulcerative colitis, call your doctor if your problems get worse or don't go away, even if you're already getting treatment.
context: ADHD is a chronic condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity. ADHD begins in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. As many as 2 out of every 3 children with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults. Symptoms of ADHD can differ from person to person, but there are three basic types of ADHD. Each one is identified by the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. When the main symptoms are inattention, distraction, and disorganization, the type is usually called primarily inattentive. The symptoms of hyperactivity and possibly impulsiveness appear to diminish with age but are seen in the primarily hyperactive/impulsive type. The third type has some symptoms from each of the other two and is called the combined type. Children with ADHD often have trouble functioning at home and in school and can have difficulty making and keeping friends. If left untreated, ADHD may interfere with school and work, as well as with social and emotional development. ADHD is more common in boys, whose impulsivity and hyperactivity may appear as disruptive behavior. Inattentiveness is a hallmark of ADHD in girls, but because they aren't often disruptive in the classroom, they may be harder to diagnose. ADHD tends to run in families. When one person is diagnosed with ADHD, there is a 25%-35% chance that another family member will also have the condition, compared to 4%-6% of the general public. No one knows for sure whether ADHD is more common today, but it is very clear that the number of children getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD has risen over time. Some of this increase in diagnosis and treatment is due to greater awareness of the symptoms and an expansion of what is considered ADHD. Some experts feel that ADHD is over diagnosed, while others feel it is under diagnosed or under treated.
context: You've heard of your immune system. But how much do you know about it? There's a good reason to find out. When you understand everything that it does for you, and how everyday things affect it, you can help it keep you well. Your immune system works to root out germs and other invaders that have no business in your body. For example, if you inhale a cold virus through your nose, your immune system targets that virus and either stops it in its tracks or primes you to recover. It takes time to get over an infection, and sometimes you need medicine to help, but the process is the cornerstone of prevention and recovery. Do your best to tame your stress. When you're wound up, your immune system doesn't work as well as it does when you're confident and mellow about your challenges. That may make you more likely to get sick. Other than your nervous system, your immune system is the most complex system in your body. It's made up of tissues, cells, and organs, including: Your tonsils Your digestive system Your bone marrow Your skin Your lymph nodes Your spleen Thin skin on the inside of your nose, throat, and genitals All of these help create or store cells that work around the clock to keep your whole body healthy. You're born with a certain level of protection, or âimmunity.â But it can get better. Think of a baby or young child who comes down with colds, earaches, or other everyday illnesses often. Their immune system is creating a "bank" of antibodies as they are exposed to illnesses for the first time, enabling them to fight off future invaders. Vaccines work in much the same way. They turn on your immune system by introducing your body to a tiny amount of a virus (usually a killed or weakened one). Your body makes antibodies in response that protects against threats like measles, whooping cough, flu, or meningitis. Then, when you come in contact with that virus in your everyday life, your immune system kicks in so that you don't get sick. Your immune system can become less effective as you get older. That can make you more likely to get sick or get infections. It can also make you more likely to get an autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, or even some kinds of cancer. The classic things that keep your heart, brain, bones, and the rest of you well are also good for your immune system: Eat nutritious foods. Stay active. Work to keep your weight healthy. Don't smoke. If you drink alcohol, keep it moderate (no more than one drink a day if you're a woman, and two drinks daily if you're a man).
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(); }); } You may have heard that drinking a glass or two of red wine each day can help reduce your risk of heart disease. It's true that alcohol has some heart-healthy benefits. But before you raise a glass and toast to your heart, know that the news about alcohol isn't entirely positive. A few studies have found that people who drink alcohol in moderation have lower rates of heart disease, and might even live longer than those who abstain. Alcohol has also been tied to a lower risk of blood clots and decreased levels of inflammation markers. Many believe that the main benefit of alcohol comes from its ability to raise HDL cholesterol levels (the âgoodâ type that helps sweep cholesterol deposits out of your arteries and protects against a heart attack). In particular, red wine might offer the greatest benefit for lowering heart disease risk and death because it contains higher levels of natural plant chemicals -- such as resveratrol -- that have antioxidant properties and might protect artery walls. Drinking too much alcohol can actually increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, raise blood pressure, contribute to obesity, and increase the levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood. Excessive drinking also can lead to heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and stroke. Eventually, heavy alcohol use can leave the heart too weak to pump efficiently, a condition called congestive heart failure. Because drinking alcohol also has other downsides, including increased risk of some cancers, cirrhosis of the liver, and an increased risk of accidents, the American Heart Association does not recommend that you start drinking wine or any other alcoholic beverages specifically to lower your cholesterol or improve your heart health. Instead, the organization advises watching your weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly to keep your cholesterol levels in check. If you do plan to drink, check with your doctor first, and drink in moderation -- (one glass of wine or beer a day for women, two for men). Some people, especially pregnant women, and those who take certain medicines regularly, should avoid alcohol entirely.
context: Osteoporosis is a complicated disease that we're still learning about. It's easy to get confused about who's at risk of getting it. It true that osteoporosis.does affect far more women than men. But men still make up 20% of all cases. That means about 2 million men in the United States have osteoporosis right now. More than 43 million men and women have osteopenia, a condition where your bones thin. It can lead to osteoporosis if not properly treated. The drugs help prevent bone loss, but they don't always give you the raw materials you need to build bones. Without calcium and vitamin D the drugs can't do their job. Be sure to eat foods rich in calcium, even if you take medication. Whether you get them as a part of your regular diet or through supplements, these essential nutrients are key. Make low-fat dairy a regular part of your diet. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are all good options. You can also get vitamin D from fortified foods, like cereals and orange juices. Many foods also have protein and other nutrients needed for not just bone health, but for total body health. If you still aren't getting enough calcium and vitamin D, then ask your doctor about supplements. But figure out a good routine to make sure you take them every day. Studies show most of us aren't very good at taking supplements regularly. Osteopenia boosts your risk of breaks. It slightly raises the risk in younger postmenopausal women, and it goes up significantly for both genders by their mid-60s. If your doctor says you have osteopenia, treat it as a warning sign -- a chance to practice good bone health by eating a calcium-rich diet, taking supplements if needed, and getting regular exercise. There's a lot you can do to slow the disease and lower your risk of breaks: Stop smoking, if you smoke. Make sure that you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits and don't eat too much protein, caffeine, and sodium. Don't drink too much alcohol. Maintain an active lifestyle. There are many different osteoporosis drugs. Your doctor can help you decide which are right for you. Some of these treatments can lower your risk of breaks in your spine by up to 65% and in other places by up to 53%. Exercise is good, too. Regular weight-bearing exercise can reduce the risk of breaks because it strengthens bones and helps you stay strong, agile, and avoid falls. Check with your doctor before starting to find out which types are safe for you.
context: You may have some or all of these symptoms: Hives -- itchy, bumpy, irregular patches on the skin Rash Itchy skin Swollen face, lips, or tongue Wheezing Most drug allergy symptoms start right after you take the drug, but some may take hours, days or weeks to appear. A serious, widespread allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. It may affect skin, airways, and organs. It also happens very quickly after taking a drug, often within minutes or seconds. Anaphylaxis is an emergency and is life-threatening. Symptoms include: Trouble breathing or throat feels like its closing Confusion Cramping Dizziness or fainting Hives covering much of the body Irregular heartbeat Shock or unconsciousness If you have any of these symptoms, call 911. Use an epinephrine shot if you have one, and take antihistamines to help slow down the reaction. Do not hesitate to use the epinephrine auto-injector. Using it as a precaution will not harm you and could save your life. Even if the reaction goes away, you still need to go to the hospital. Depending on your situation, your doctor may suggest that you: Stop taking the drug. This may be enough to make symptoms go away. Remember that your doctor needs to know if you stop taking a prescribed medication. Take an antihistamine, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Use a prescription medication. Your doctor may want you to take a steroid medicine.
context: While many types of repetitive behavior may represent a neurological problem, a doctor needs to establish whether or not they are seizures. Generalized seizures: All areas of the brain (the cortex) are involved in a generalized seizure. Sometimes these are referred to as grand mal seizures. The person experiencing such a seizure may cry out or make some sound, stiffen for several seconds to a minute and then have rhythmic movements of the arms and legs. Often the rhythmic movements slow before stopping. Eyes are generally open. The person may appear to not be breathing and actually turn blue. This may be followed by a period of deep, noisy breathes. The return to consciousness is gradual and the person may be confused for quite some time -- minutes to hours. Loss of urine is common. The person will frequently be confused after a generalized seizure. Partial or focal seizures: Only part of the brain is involved, so only part of the body is affected. Depending on the part of the brain having abnormal electrical activity, symptoms may vary. If the part of the brain controlling movement of the hand is involved, then only the hand may show rhythmic or jerky movements. If other areas of the brain are involved, symptoms might include strange sensations like a full feeling in the stomach or small repetitive movements such as picking at one's clothes or smacking of the lips. Sometimes the person with a partial seizure appears dazed or confused. This may represent a complex partial seizure. The term complex is used by doctors to describe a person who is between being fully alert and unconscious. Absence or petit mal seizures: These are most common in childhood. Impairment of consciousness is present with the person often staring blankly. Repetitive blinking or other small movements may be present. Typically, these seizures are brief, lasting only seconds. Some people may have many of these in a day
context: An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of your anus or anal canal. They're common, and they can be caused by any trauma or injury that stretches and tears the anus. Symptoms include: A visible tear in your anus Pain during, and even after, bowel movements Small amounts of blood on the surface of stools and toilet paper Burning and itching around the anus Smelly discharge You can easily mistake these symptoms as signs of other conditions, such as hemorrhoids. You might not be comfortable telling these problems to a doctor, but it's important to do so. That way, your doctor can rule out more serious conditions. In most cases, discussing your symptoms can give your doctor enough information to diagnose an anal fissure. If you've had any of the symptoms, be sure to tell her: When you have pain, burning, or itching How bad your discomfort is How long the pain and discomfort usually lasts What type of bleeding you've seen What, if anything, improves your symptoms Your doctor may ask you about your diet, bowel habits, and if you have any other medical conditions or intestinal problems. Even though your doctor can usually diagnose an anal fissure from the symptoms you tell her, the best way to learn whether or not you have one is through a physical exam. Your doctor may look at the area for a fissure. You probably won't need a rectal exam (when the doctor uses a gloved finger to feel inside the anus) or an anoscopy (when the doctor puts a lighted scope into the anal canal). Sometimes they're necessary, though. Generally, a visual exam of the area is all it takes. But if your doctor thinks an inflammatory bowel disease has led to the anal fissure, you might need more tests. Often, the number and location of anal fissures can point to other conditions, like Crohn's disease. The presence of a skin tag at one end of a fissure may also point to chronic anal fissures. Your doctor might also suggest a test called a sigmoidoscopy to see the lower part of the colon, or the sigmoid colon. Or, you may need a colonoscopy to look at the whole large intestine. Both tests involve inserting a long, thin, flexible, lighted tube into your anus to view the colon. They're used to look for abnormal growths or inflammatory conditions. Once your doctor diagnoses an anal fissure, ask her these important questions: Can I expect this fissure to heal on its own? How can I treat an anal fissure at home? Do I need medication? Do I need to make changes to my diet? How long should it take for the fissure to heal? Am I likely to get more anal fissures? Will I need surgery? What are the risks of surgery?
context: Women are slightly less likely than men to get heart failure -- when your heart is too weak to pump enough blood through your body. It can make you feel run down, wheezy, and swollen with fluids. It's a lifelong condition, but it can be treated and managed with the help of your doctor. About 3 million women in the U. S. have it. Some 455,000 more join the ranks each year, and that number is on the rise. As with other types of heart problems, women and men can get heart failure for different reasons, and it can affect them differently. You typically get heart failure because of a health issue that weakens, damages, or stiffens your heart. That includes heart attacks, faulty heart valves, and infections. But the causes of heart failure in women and men can vary: High blood pressure . This doubles or triples your chance of getting heart failure. But high blood pressure is much more common in women who have heart failure than in men. Diabetes . A woman in her mid-30s to mid-60s who has diabetes is twice as likely to get heart failure as a man of that age. Atrial fibrillation . A woman who has an irregular heartbeat may be at higher risk of heart failure than a man who has one. Coronary heart disease. Fat-clogged arteries are less likely to be a main cause for heart failure in women than in men. At the same time, women are more likely to have heart failure, a stroke, or die within 5 years after a heart attack than men. Pregnancy. Although it's rare, women can have heart failure in the month before or a few months after they give birth. If they do, they're likely to have it again with future pregnancies, especially if they're over 35, African- American, or have pregnancy-related diabetes. Menopause. Women who never had children or started menopause early have higher odds of having heart failure. Doctors aren't sure why this is the case. Women who get heart failure sometimes respond differently to treatments than men, and the condition can affect them differently: Women tend to get heart failure at an older age. They often get it with stronger hearts, measured by the heart's ability to pump blood. The heart is unable to relax and becomes stiff. Women survive longer with heart failure. Doctors aren't sure why, but it could be because men generally have a more serious underlying medical condition, such as coronary heart disease as opposed to high blood pressure. The tradeoff for living longer with heart failure is that women typically are less able to exercise, are in the hospital more often, and are more likely to be depressed. Different medications and therapies for heart failure may work better in women. They include: Beta-blockers. They are sometimes used to treat high blood pressure. Aldosterone antagonists. They help the body get rid of water. Pacemakers. These devices control your heartbeat.
context: Like the name says, antisperm antibodies fight sperm. It happens when the immune system mistakenly targets sperm in a man's semen as an invader and damages or kills it. Antisperm antibodies aren't common. Both men and women can make them. They can make it harder for couples to have a baby. But it's rare for antibodies by themselves to make it impossible to get pregnant. In men, an infection in their prostate or an injury to their testicles can set off an immune response when the sperm comes in contact with blood. This can also happen after a testicle surgery like a vasectomy. Women's bodies can make antisperm antibodies if they have an allergic reaction to semen. Antibodies in a woman's vagina kill the sperm. That's rare, and doctors don't know exactly why it happens. If you and your partner are having a hard time getting pregnant, your doctor may recommend fertility tests, including checking for antisperm antibodies. For women, this can be done with a sperm immobilization test with a blood sample. Less commonly, your doctor may check your cervical mucus for antisperm antibodies. With men, an immunobead test can be done on sperm. You'd need to masturbate to provide a sample of semen. Another choice is an antiglobulin reaction test done on blood. Not all experts agree that it makes sense to test for antisperm antibodies. Some say we don't have enough evidence about the best way to help people who have the antibodies and who want to have babies. For men, your doctor may give you medication to lower your body's immune response. That could lead to fewer antibodies and raise the chances that your female partner could get pregnant. For women, one treatment that's shown to help your chances of getting pregnant is intrauterine insemination. That's when your doctor puts the sperm directly in your uterus. This allows the sperm to avoid contact with antisperm antibodies in your cervical mucus.
context: If you suspect you have chlamydia, your doctor may want to test cervical or penile discharge or urine using one of several available methods. In most cases of chlamydia, the cure rate is 95%. However, because many women don't know they have the disease until it has caused serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually active women under age 25 and others at higher risk should be tested for chlamydia once a year during their annual pelvic exam even if they don't have symptoms. Pregnant women should also be tested as part of their routine lab work. If you are diagnosed with chlamydia, your doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics. A single dose of azithromycin or taking doxycycline twice daily for 7 to 14 days are the most common treatments and are the same for those with or without HIV. With treatment, the infection should clear up in about a week. Do not have sex for at least 7 days until you have taken all of your medication, and do not stop taking the antibiotics even if you feel better. Your doctor will also recommend that your partner(s) be treated as well to prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease. Women with serious infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, may require a longer course of antibiotics or hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics. Some severe pelvic infections may require surgery in addition to antibiotic therapy. Make sure you get retested after three months to be certain the infection is gone. Do this even if your partner has been treated and appears to be infection free.
context: Seizures need emergency care unless you know the person has a history of seizures and can be treated for a brief seizure at home. Loosen clothing around the person's neck. Roll the person on his or her side to keep the airway open. Don't put anything into the person's mouth. Move sharp objects, such as glassware or furniture, away from the person. Ask bystanders to give the person room. Do not restrain or hold down the person. Medications may be needed. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.
context: Whether you're trying to lose weight, gain weight, or stick to your current weight, you might be tempted to look up the suggested calories per day for your gender, age, and activity level. The following chart should only be used as a reference point, because every person is so different metabolically even when they are the same size and gender. The following suggested calorie ranges are generated using the Institute of Medicine's estimated energy requirement calculation. 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 maintain weight, the chart below shows you your daily calorie limit. It's based on your age, activity level, and the BMI (body-mass index) of 21.5 for women and 22.5 for men. To lose weight -- It used to be recommended that to lose a pound per week you would need to decrease total calories by 500 a day. Now researchers believe weight loss is a slower process and that a decrease of 10 calories a day leads to a loss of about one pound in a year, but it can take as long as 3 years to get there. The key is to be patient and work with a dietitian to help find the right plan for you. To gain weight, it's best to work on a plan with a dietitian. For successful weight loss that you can maintain over time, experts recommend choosing foods that are lower in calories but rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients. Gender Age Sedentary* Moderately Active* Active* Females 19-30 31-50 51+ 1800-2000 1800 1600 2000-2200 2000 1800 2400 2200 2000-2200 Males 19-30 31-50 51+ 2400-2600 2200-2400 2000-2200 2600-2800 2400-2600 2200-2400 3000 2800-3000 2400-2800 * Sedentary means a lifestyle that includes light physical activity associated with typical activities of daily living. Moderately active consists of walking 1.5 to 3 miles daily at a pace of 3 to 4 miles per hour (or the equivalent). An active person walks more than 3 miles daily at the same pace, or equivalent exercise.
context: It's dramatic. Your heart begins to pound and you hyperventilate, sweat, and tremble. You fear you're having a heart attack or something equally serious. Then, 10 minutes or so later, it's gone. What just happened? You had a panic attack. They're fairly common, usually beginning between ages 15 and 25. If they keep coming back, you have a persistent fear of more attacks, or you change your behavior significantly because of them, you have something called panic disorder. Nearly one in 20 adults have it, and women are twice as likely as men to get it. Many people with panic disorder relate an attack to what they were doing when it happened. They may think the restaurant, elevator, or classroom caused the attack. Then they'll avoid those places. That may lead to something called agoraphobia -- the fear of leaving home or being in public places. What brings on panic attacks and panic disorder isn't clear. Some researchers believe panic disorder may come from an oversensitivity to carbon dioxide, which makes your brain think you're suffocating. There's also an association between panic attacks and phobias, like school phobia or claustrophobia. Some believe there are ties between panic attacks and: Depression Alcohol abuse Cigarette smoking Suicide risk Seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that happens in winter Panic disorder may start after: A serious illness or accident The death of a close friend Separation from family The birth of a baby Attacks may come after the use of mind-altering drugs. Most often, however, they come "out of the blue." One may even begin while you're sleeping. Some medications can cause panic attacks, including some antidepressants. If you're 40 or older and have panic disorder, you may have depression or another hidden medical condition. Talk to your doctor to find out what's going on. Usually, a panic attack comes with a few of these: A sense of approaching danger Quick, intense, heartbeat Nausea Chills Cramps in your belly Headache Numbness or tingling Shortness of breath Throat tightness Trembling Hot flashes A feeling that you're apart from reality If you feel like you're having a panic attack, see you doctor right away. While they are not dangerous, they can get worse without treatment. Symptoms of a panic attack are similar to those for more serious conditions. If you're not sure if what you're having is a panic attack, call your doctor, just to be safe.
context: At your regular eye exam, one thing your eye doctor always checks is your intraocular pressure. It gives an important picture of your eye health and can find signs of optic nerve damage that might affect your eyesight. Your eyes are filled with fluid that helps keep them inflated like a ball. The ânormalâ pressure in the eyes can change during the day and differ from person to person. In healthy eyes, the fluids drain freely to keep the eye pressure steady. If your eye pressure is consistently too high or too low, it could be a warning that you may have problems with your vision. A tonometry test measures your intraocular pressure. It's like pressing a balloon to check for air. It shows how firm your eyeball is with the same measurement units used to check blood pressure. The normal range for intraocular pressure is about 10-20 mm HG. The test is done in a couple of ways. Your doctor may touch your eye with the tip of a tool. You may get numbing eye drops first. Rarely, your doctor might give you a quick puff of air onto the eye. Normal intraocular pressure helps support the shape of the eye, which in turn supports the 2 million parts of the eye that help you see. High pressure. When the fluid in the front of your eye doesn't drain as well as it should, or your eye is producing too much fluid, pressure can get too high. Your doctor may call this ocular hypertension. It can lead to glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that causes blindness. High eye pressure is one of the top reasons people get it. Glaucoma doesn't cause pain, and you can have it for years without noticing any changes in your vision. So checking for high eye pressure can help you catch it early. You might get ocular hypertension after an eye injury or disease. Some medications, such as steroids, also can raise your eye pressure. It might also happen after certain medical procedures, such as when you get a tube put into your throat. If yours is already high, a spike may damage your vision. Low pressure. This is a less common concern than high eye pressure. Often, people get low pressure because of a leak in the eye after surgery. For some people, very low pressure can bring on blurry vision or other problems. Others can see just fine with it. When the pressure is below 5 mm HG, doctors call it ocular hypotony. It can make you more likely to get several eye problems, including: Swelling in the cornea, the clear outer dome of your eyes Cataracts Damage to the macula, the light-sensing part of the retina that allows you to see Discomfort Unlike with blood pressure, the danger zones for eye pressure can be tricky to pin down. People can have different ranges for what's normal. One in 3 people with glaucoma never have âhighâ eye pressure, while others can have higher-than-normal pressure without damaging their optic nerves. That's one reason for you to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist regularly.
context: Crohn's disease is part of a group of diseases known as inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD). There are five types of Crohn's disease, each with its own set of symptoms. This is the most common type of Crohn's disease. It affects the small intestine, known as the ileum, and the colon. Symptoms: You might have: Considerable weight loss Diarrhea Cramping Pain in the middle or lower right part of your abdomen This type of Crohn's disease just affects the ileum. Symptoms: Considerable weight loss Diarrhea Cramping Pain in the middle or lower right part of your abdomen Fistulas, or inflammatory abscesses, may form in the lower right section of your abdomen. This form affects the stomach and duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Symptoms: Nausea Weight loss Loss of appetite Vomiting (if narrow segments of bowel are obstructed) This type of the disease causes areas of inflammation in the jejunum, which is the middle part of your small intestine. Symptoms: Cramps after meals Fistulas Diarrhea Abdominal pain that can become intense. This form of Crohn's disease affects only the colon. Symptoms: Skin lesions Joint pain Diarrhea Rectal bleeding Ulcers, fistulas, and abscesses around the anus There can be overlap between these types of Crohn's disease. Sometimes more than one area of your digestive tract is affected. The disease can be further divided by phenotypes, or physical characteristics as it gets worse. For Crohn's, these are based on: Your age when you were diagnosed: Child Young adult Elderly The affected body part: Terminal ileum Colon Ileocolon Upper gastrointestinal tract How the disease behaves: Stricturing: The disease causes swelling and scarring on the walls of your intestine. This makes the walls thicker and can form strictures, or narrowed areas, that lead to blockages. Penetrating: Crohn's causes fistulas, perianal ulcers, inflammatory masses, or abscesses Uncomplicated It is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, even when your disease goes into remission for long periods of time. You should: Exercise regularly. Eat healthy foods. Avoid smoking.