VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: One in five Americans has genital herpes, but many don't know it because the symptoms can be mild or even absent. Genital herpes is usually spread by sexual contact and caused by the type 2 herpes virus ( HSV-2). However, the type 1 herpes virus ( HSV-1), which more commonly causes cold sores, can also infect the genitals -- usually through oral sex. There's no cure for genital herpes. Once infected, you're infected for life. Herpes is most often spread from active sores. But you don't have to have a sore to give the virus to another person. Occasionally, an infected person "sheds" infectious virus without obvious signs of an outbreak. That's why it is especially important to get tested -- to help prevent spreading the infection. If you have been exposed to the genital herpes virus, there are steps you can take to prevent spreading the infection to a sexual partner. The best way to prevent spread -- short of abstinence -- is to use a condom every time you have intercourse. In addition, some studies indicate that treatment with genital herpes medication may be able to help prevent spread of the infection from partner to partner among monogamous couples. It's also very important for women to avoid getting a new herpes infection while pregnant. And if a woman is going to have a baby, she should know whether she has genital herpes. It's rare for a mother to give herpes to her newborn -- unless it is a new infection or she is having an outbreak of genital herpes during delivery. In this event, a C-section may be necessary. If you think you may have been exposed to genital herpes via sexual contact, it's a good idea to discuss testing with your doctor. When there's a genital herpes outbreak, a doctor can swab the sores to check for the herpes virus. The sooner the swab is taken after an outbreak starts, the better the chances of the test being accurate. The common way to find out whether you've got the virus is through genital herpes blood tests. Genital herpes blood tests show whether you have herpes -- and whether it's type 1 or type 2. Blood samples are usually used to see if the immune system has produced antibodies against the herpes virus. Results take several days and only tell that you have been exposed to the virus at some point. A positive test for HSV-2 probably indicates that you have the infection. It's possible to get genital herpes tests from commercial blood-testing facilities. But it's much better to be able to understand your test results in the context of regular medical care. Talk with your doctor about herpes testing. Many areas also have state or county public health clinics that may offer tests at a lower cost. There are good treatments for genital herpes. These prescription drugs can prevent or limit outbreaks and can even lower the odds of spreading the infection. And you can take steps -- such as using latex condoms during sex -- to prevent herpes spread. Many people think their sex lives are over when they find out they have genital herpes. It just isn't so. Honest, frank communication with your sex partner and proper medical care are the key to living with herpes -- and living well.
context: When schizophrenia is under control, and the symptoms stop or get better, it can be easy to think it's behind you. But relapses can happen. That means that the symptoms come back. You can help prevent them by watching out for early warning signs. Talk to your doctor right away if you -- or your family and friends -- notice any of these signs. The doctor may be able to adjust treatment or help you get back on track if you stopped taking your meds. Be alert to these early signs: Trouble sleeping Eating less Trouble concentrating or being disorganized Staying away from other people or disappearing unexpectedly Mood changes, nervousness, or irritability Having strange ideas or disorganized thinking Poor personal hygiene Speech that doesn't make sense Hearing voices Delusions, suspiciousness, or increased paranoia Aggressive talk Suicidal thoughts Some later signs may include: Physical aggression against yourself or others Smiling for no reason Strange thoughts Breaking things It's important to avoid relapses, because each one can raise the chance of future relapses. And when relapses happen, symptoms may become harder to treat. Take medicine as instructed. Do this even if schizophrenia symptoms have gone away. Stopping medicine is the most common cause of relapses. How quickly this happens varies. It can be days, weeks, or months after stopping. Work closely with your doctor to find the lowest dose to control symptoms, as well as the best method and type of medication. For example, a once-a-month, long-acting antipsychotic given by a shot helps some people stay on track. Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. They make symptoms worse and a relapse more likely. Friends and family members can help you find services that treat substance abuse problems. Find positive ways to manage stress. For people with schizophrenia, stress can trigger symptoms. When you feel overwhelmed, step back and take a break. If you're supporting a friend or relative with schizophrenia, try to help them find healthy ways to relax. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day. Some studies suggest that exercise, along with medications, may help schizophrenia symptoms. To stick with it, find an exercise partner. Do your best to get the sleep you need. Sleep can be a problem for people with schizophrenia. Exercise and limiting caffeine help.
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(); }); } Neck and shoulder pain can be classified in many different ways. Some people experience only neck pain or only shoulder pain, while others experience pain in both areas. Causes of neck pain include: Abnormalities in the bone or joints Trauma Poor posture Degenerative diseases Tumors Muscle strain The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with a large range of movement. Such a mobile joint tends to be more susceptible to injury. Shoulder pain can stem from one or more of the following causes: Strains from overexertion Tendonitis from overuse Shoulder joint instability Dislocation Collar or upper arm bone fractures Frozen shoulder Pinched nerves (also called radiculopathy) X-rays: Plain X-rays can reveal narrowing of the space between two spinal bones, arthritis-like diseases, tumors, slipped discs, narrowing of the spinal canal, fractures and instability of the spinal column. MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive procedure that can reveal the detail of neural (nerve-related) elements, as well as problems with the tendons and ligaments. Myelography/ CT scanning: This is sometimes used as an alternative to MRI. Electrodiagnostic studies: Electromyography ( EMG) and nerve conduction velocity ( NCV) are sometimes used to diagnose neck and shoulder pain, arm pain, numbness and tingling. The treatment of soft tissue neck and shoulder pain often includes the use of anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen ( Advil or Motrin) or naproxen ( Aleve or Naprosyn). Pain relievers such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) may also be recommended. Depending on the source of pain, drugs like muscle relaxers and even antidepressants might be helpful. Pain also may be treated with a local application of moist heat or ice. Local corticosteroid injections are often helpful for arthritis of the shoulder. For both neck and shoulder pain movement, exercises may help. For cases in which nerve roots or the spinal cord are involved, surgical procedures may be necessary. Your doctor can tell you which is the best course of treatment for you.
context: When allergies make your nose stuffed up, an antihistamine generally doesn't help. But a decongestant might. Here's how decongestants work: Allergies make the lining of your nose swell. Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues. That relieves the congestion. But decongestants can't help with sneezing or itching. 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(); }); } Decongestants come in pills, liquids, nose drops, and nasal sprays. Many are available without a prescription. Common decongestants include: Afrin, Dristan, Vicks Sinex (oxymetazoline) Sudafed PE, Suphedrin PE (phenylephrine) Silfedrine, Sudafed, Suphedrin (pseudoephedrine) Some over-the-counter decongestants -- those with pseudoephedrine -- are found behind the pharmacy counter. Many medicines combine an antihistamine and decongestant, like Allegra- D, Benadryl Allergy Plus Sinus, Claritin- D, and Zyrtec- D. Don't use decongestant nasal sprays longer than three days. Using them longer can actually make your nose more stopped up when you stop them. Ask your doctor before taking decongestants if you have: Glaucoma High blood pressure that's not under control Heart conditions Thyroid problems Enlarged prostate Diabetes Decongestants make some people feel jittery or have trouble sleeping. If that happens, cut back on caffeine while taking them. If that doesn't help, you may need to stop taking them. Nasal sprays are less likely to cause these problems and may be a short-term solution.
context: Now that you've made the big decision to get your hip replaced, don't just go on auto-pilot until your surgery date rolls around. The right prep can make a huge difference in making your recovery speedy and smooth. Learn about the procedure. Before you check into the hospital, find out everything you can about hip replacement surgery, the type of joints to choose from, and what to expect during recovery. Check out expert web sites like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ( AAOS) or the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons ( AAHKS). Write down questions for your surgeon. You're going to have a bunch of things to ask about, but it may be hard to remember them all when you're sitting in the office. Jot down a list beforehand on a pad so you'll be prepared for your appointment. Consider the impact on work. Think through how surgery and recovery will affect your job and home life. Depending on what you do for a living, you may need a few weeks -- or even a few months -- away from your workplace. Get in shape before surgery. It could help speed up your recovery. If you're overweight, try to lose a few pounds. Build up your strength, too. A strong upper body will make it much easier to get around on crutches or a walker. Meet with a physical therapist. It's helpful to do this before your surgery. The right exercise is key to a good recovery and a successful hip replacement. If you learn how to do some before your operation, it will make them easier to do later. Test drive your crutches or walker. See if you can borrow them at the doctor's office. If you get comfortable with them now, it will help you get around easier after your surgery. Get family and friends to help. No one can recover from hip replacement alone. Work out a plan with your loved ones now. If you live alone, see if a friend or close relative could stay with you for a while. If you don't have a support system you can rely on, ask your doctor if you could stay in a rehab center after surgery while you recover. Rearrange your home. It's important to make changes now so everything will be ready when you get back from the hospital. Consider sleeping in a room on the first floor. Set up a kind of "base camp" where you'll spend most of your time -- with phone, computer, remotes, and everything else you'll need in easy reach. Make sure your house will be easy to move around in with a walker or crutches. Remove possible tripping hazards, such as loose rugs. Buy helpful gadgets. Devices like reachers or long-handled shoe horns will come in handy after surgery. Set up railings on stairways or in the bathroom to make life during recovery easier and safer.
context: This inflammation of the oil glands in your eyelids is the most common cause of dry eyes. It can result from: An excess growth of bacteria that's normally found on your skin A blocked oil gland on your eyelid A hormone imbalance Allergies It makes your eyelids red, itchy, and a little swollen. The bases of your eyelashes may also look scaly. You might also notice: Feeling like something is in your eye A burning feeling in the eye Sensitivity to light Red and swollen eyes or eyelids Blurry vision Dry eyes Crusty eyelashes There is no cure. But it can be treated and controlled. Just take care of your eyelids. If you don't treat blepharitis, it could scar or injure your eyelids and your eye. If you have blepharitis, take the steps listed below to help cleanse your eye: Wet a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water. Wring it out and place it over your closed eyelids for 5 minutes. Rewet as necessary to keep it warm. This will help soften crusts and loosen oily debris. If your doctor advises: Make a solution of half baby shampoo or mild soap, half water. Place the cloth over your index finger, dip it in the mix, and use it to clean your eyelid. Wash one lid at a time. Close the eye you're cleaning. Rub the washcloth over your eyelashes and the edge of your lids for about 30 seconds to loosen clogged oils. Apply light pressure to squeeze out clogged oils from the glands behind your lashes. Rinse thoroughly with a clean, warm, wet washcloth. Pat dry. If the blepharitis results from a problem with your oil glands, the doctor may suggest a testosterone cream to put on your eyelids. He may also suggest Lipi Flow, a 12-minute procedure that gently heats clogged glands and applies mild pressure to âmilk outâ the oils and testosterone cream. Yes. It's easy. Keep your eyelids clean. Remove all eye makeup before bedtime. Don't use eyeliner on the back edges of your eyelids behind the lashes. If you're in the early stages of treating blepharitis, you can prevent further irritation by not using makeup. Once you do start to use it again, replace products used in or near your eyelids. They may be contaminated.
context: While the idea of "going under" may worry you, the risks of anesthesia are pretty low these days. As a matter of fact, not only have errors become relatively uncommon, but experts say anesthesia is one of the safest areas of health care today. But even so, anesthesia does still pose some risks. Here are ways to lower them: Ask your doctor about alternatives to general anesthesia. While general anesthesia is sometimes necessary, ask about other approaches -- like a local or spinal anesthetic. See if you might have a choice. See if you can meet with your anesthesiology team. This is a great way to go over your options and understand your anesthesia risks. Ask if your age or any other health conditions might affect your risks. Find out if any family members have ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia. Although very rare, some people do inherit a genetic susceptibility to have dangerous reactions to anesthesia, such as a severe spike in blood pressure. So, it's always worth asking your family to make sure. If someone in your family has had such a reaction, tell your doctor. Make sure your doctor knows if you or anyone in your family has ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia before. This should go without saying, but some people just assume that their surgeon must already know their complete medical history. That isn't the case. Make sure to tell everyone -- nurses, anesthesiologist, and surgeon -- if you've ever had a problem with anesthesia before. Don't hesitate to repeat yourself. Follow the doctor's instructions about eating. The night before surgery, your doctor will probably tell you that you shouldn't eat anything after midnight. This is one of the most important instructions to follow. Why? If you go under anesthesia with food in your stomach, you may vomit up some of this food and breathe it in. This can lead not only to aspiration pneumonia but then potentially make it impossible to get oxygen into your lungs during the anesthesia procedure -- and without oxygen, systems within your body fail and you can die. If you do eat after midnight, inform the surgical staff immediately; your surgery may need to be postponed or cancelled. Also, at least a week before surgery, you should stop your herbal medicines and any vitamins mentioned by your doctor; some of these can interact with anesthesia medicines.
context: This long-lasting liver disease may not have symptoms early on. Sometimes, your doctor finds out you have it because of a routine blood test. Other times, you may have symptoms, so your doctor may order tests. You may feel tired, or have itchy skin, dry eyes, or a dry mouth. As the disease gets more serious, you may also have other signs, like: Yellow skin and eyes Pain and swelling in your abdomen Joint, bone, or muscle pain Darkened skin Swollen feet or ankles If your doctor thinks you might have PBC, he'll do a physical exam and ask you about your family history. Although the disease isn't directly passed down from parents to children, there seems to be some sort of family link. He'll probably order some tests. Those can include blood tests, imaging tests, and maybe a liver biopsy. Your doctor will want to do liver function tests to see how the organ is working. They check the levels of certain enzymes that show if you have liver disease. The tests also help spot damage to the ducts that carry bile away from your liver. This fluid is key for digestion because it helps your body absorb fats, cholesterol, and other fluids you don't need. When your bile ducts are injured, which is what happens with PBC, those substances hang around in your liver, and the organ doesn't work the way it should. The doctor will also do a blood test that checks for something called anti-mitochondrial antibodies, or AMAs. People with PBC almost always have them. If you don't have PBC, you won't have AMAs. Your doctor may also want a closer look at your liver, bile ducts, and the surrounding area. The tests may include: Ultrasound: This test uses high-frequency sound waves to check your liver and bile ducts for damage. MRI: Using magnetic fields and radio waves, this shows detailed images of your bile ducts. CT scan: This special type of X-ray can also check for problems in and around your liver. ERCP: A procedure called an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ( ERCP) lets your doctor see your bile and pancreatic ducts. You'll get medicine to make you go to sleep. The doctor will put a small flexible tube with a light and camera on the end into your mouth. It slides through your body to your ducts. Then your doctor will inject dye into the area and take X-rays to look for problems. ERCP may be used to repair certain problems like a blockage of the ducts. Your doctor may remove a small sample of your liver tissue with a needle and send it to a lab. This test is usually done at a hospital or medical center, so you can get medicine to make you sleepy and control pain. The sample will be sent to a lab, where a doctor will look at it under a microscope. Not everyone needs this test. You might get one if your AMA blood test is negative but you have other signs of PBC.
context: Genital herpes most often appears as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. When these blisters burst they leave the tender sores known as ulcers. The first time a person has a herpes outbreak, the ulcers may take two to four weeks to heal. The next outbreaks may not occur for weeks, months, or even later. When they do, they usually are less severe than the first outbreak. Herpes infection doesn't go away, but the outbreaks tend to become less frequent over time. Genital herpes symptoms also include: Numbness, tingling, or burning in the genital region A burning sensation while urinating or having intercourse Painful urination, difficulty urinating, or a frequent need to urinate Watery blisters in the genital area Many people with recurrent herpes experience warning signals up to 48 hours before an outbreak. These may consist of tingling, itching, or pain at the site of the eruption, or pain running down into the buttocks or to the knees. A doctor can diagnose genital herpes by looking at the outbreak and taking a sample of tissue or fluid from the sores. There are also blood tests for HSV-1 and HSV-2. Although they can't pinpoint when the infection was acquired or predict when an outbreak is likely to happen again, they are useful for diagnosing the condition if the outbreak is healing or has already healed. Medications are available to treat and reduce or prevent recurrent herpes outbreaks.
context: You've taken a big step to protect your heart by taking medicine. But triglyceride meds can have side effects. Don't let them take you off course. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms that bother you or don't go away. Common side effects include: Back pain Diarrhea or vomiting Gas or bloating Headache Nausea Mild stomach pain Call your doctor right away if you have any of these more severe symptoms: Chest pain or irregular heartbeat Dark-colored urine, pain or burning when you urinate, or decreased urination Muscle aches, cramps, pain, or weakness Severe stomach pain Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) Never switch the type of niacin you take without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms that bother you or don't go away. Common side effects include: Cough Flushing Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting Rash or itching skin Call your doctor right away if you have any of these more severe symptoms: Breathing problems, such as shortness of breath Lightheadedness or faintness ( If symptoms wake you at night, get up slowly so you don't faint.) Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness Dark-colored urine Irregular heartbeat Swelling Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) If your face or neck turns red, itches, tingles, or feels warm: Avoid alcohol or hot drinks when you take your niacin pill. Take aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory med 30 minutes before you take niacin. Flushing of the face usually goes away after you take the medicine for a few weeks. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms that bother you or don't go away. Common side effects include: Burping Joint pain Strange taste in your mouth Upset stomach Call your doctor right away if you have any of these more severe symptoms: Chest pain Fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms Irregular heartbeat Lifestyle changes are the best way to address high triglycerides, but sometimes doctors do prescribe medications. If you have side effects, your first thought might be to stop the medicine. First, talk to your doctor before making any changes in your medications.
context: Sickle cell disease ( SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder. That means it's passed down through families. You're born with SCD. It is not something you catch or develop later in life. The disease gets its name because when you have SCD, your red blood cells look like a sickle, which is a C-shaped farm tool. Red blood cells contain a molecule called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. In a healthy person, hemoglobin is smooth, round, and flexible. That allows red blood cells to glide easily through your bloodstream. But if you have SCD, the hemoglobin's shape is abnormal. It forms rods that clump together. That causes red blood cells to become rigid and curved. The odd-shaped cells block blood flow. It's dangerous, and can cause extreme pain, anemia, and other symptoms. About 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease. Most of them are African- Americans. A problem in the hemoglobin-beta gene found on chromosome 11. The defect forms abnormal hemoglobin molecules. Both your parents need to pass the abnormal hemoglobin gene on to you in order for you to develop the disease. If both your parents carry the defective gene, you have a 1 in 4 chance of inheriting the disease and becoming sick with it. If a child is born with one defective hemoglobin-beta gene, he may become a carrier of the disease. Carriers usually don't develop SCD symptoms. But, they can pass the disease on to future children if their partner also carries the sickle cell trait. There are several different forms of sickle cell disease. The type you or your child inherit depends on many things, including the specific type of abnormal hemoglobin you have. Hemoglobin SS, also called sickle cell anemia, is usually the most severe type of this disorder. Other common forms include: Hemoglobin SC (usually mild) Hemoglobin SÎ² thalassemia Rare types are: Hemoglobin SD Hemoglobin SE Hemoglobin SO In the U. S., newborn screening programs require that all babies are tested for sickle cell disease shortly after birth.
context: Facial fractures are broken bones anywhere on the face. This includes the nose, cheekbones, the area around the eyes, and the upper and lower jaw. Most of the time, they're due to some kind of trauma to the face, like motor vehicle crashes, sporting injuries, falls, or fights. Sometimes, they happen because the bones in the face are weakened by a dental procedure or condition. It depends on which bones in the face are broken. Some things, like pain, swelling, and bruising, are symptoms of any broken bone. Here's what you can expect to experience with the main types of facial fractures: Broken nose (nasal fracture) Pain Swelling Nosebleeds Bruising around the nose Difficulty breathing Forehead fracture (frontal bone) The forehead may appear inverted (pushed inward) Pain around the sinuses Injuries to the eyes Broken cheekbone/upper jaw (zygomatic maxillary fracture) Flatness of the cheek Altered sensation underneath the eye on the affected side Problems with eyesight Pain with jaw movement Eye socket (orbital) fracture This involves the bones of the eye socket. It usually happens when a blunt object such as a fist or a ball hits the eye. A black eye Redness or bleeding in the white of the eye Blurry or decreased vision Numbness in the forehead, eyelids, cheek, or upper lip/teeth Swelling of the cheek or forehead Broken jaw Pain Bruising, swelling, or tenderness along the jaw or below the ear Inability to bring the teeth together properly (malocclusion) Bruising under the tongue (almost always indicates a jaw fracture) Missing or loose teeth Numbness in the lower lip or chin Midface (maxillary) fracture: The main symptom is swelling or deformity on the face. If you have a facial injury, see your doctor as soon as possible. Some facial fractures can be life-threatening. Others can cause problems with your respiratory system, airway passages, central nervous system, or vision that can't be reversed. The physical examination and types of tests your doctor orders will depend on the type of injury you have. Your doctor will examine your face for any signs of swelling and pain. He'll also check for any changes in mobility (whether you're able to move parts of your face). You'll probably have X-rays taken. Most fractures will show up clearly on these tests. This depends on your specific injury, how bad it is, and whether you have any other problems at the time. Your doctor's goal will be to put the bones back into their natural position. This is called âreducingâ the fracture. He'll also want to keep the bones in place to prevent further injury. Doctors call this âfixingâ the fracture. You may need surgery. Or, your doctor may use plates, screws, wires, or other devices to repair your injury. He may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
context: The JC virus, or John Cunningham virus, is a common germ. More than half of all adults have been exposed to it. It doesn't cause problems for most people, but it can be dangerous if you have a weak immune system. There's no known way to keep yourself from getting it. The virus was first discovered in 1971. A doctor found it in the brain of a man with Hodgkin's lymphoma and named the virus after him. Experts don't know how it's spread, but it's thought that many people pick it up as kids through food or water that has the virus in it. It settles in your urinary tract, bone marrow, tonsils, or brain. It can stay there for years, and most people never know they have it. In people with very weak immune systems, the virus can bring on a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy ( PML). PML damages the outer coating of your nerve cells. It can cause permanent disabilities and can even be deadly. People with HIV/ AIDS are most at risk for PML. Those with Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, or lymphoma are also at risk, as are people who take certain immune-suppressing drugs because of multiple sclerosis ( MS), rheumatoid arthritis, or organ transplants. The symptoms usually come on fairly quickly and get worse over time. They can be different depending on the area of your brain that's affected, but the most common signs are: Clumsiness Weakness that gets worse Changes in personality Trouble speaking Vision problems Tests can detect if you carry the JC virus. Your doctor might look at a sample of your tissue under a microscope or check your blood for signs that your body is fighting the infection. This is important to know if you know you have a weakened immune system or if you take drugs that suppress your immune system. If your doctor thinks you might have PML, you'll need an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make detailed images and look for certain patterns in your brain tissue. Next, your doctor may want to do a spinal tap. He'll use a needle to take spinal fluid from your lower back. If the JC virus is in this fluid, you have PML. If not, you may need a biopsy or other tests to find out for sure. PML has been linked to the drug natalizumab ( Tysabri), used to treat MS and Crohn's disease. People with MS or Crohn's disease may be tested for the JC virus before they start this medication or others like it. If you're a carrier of the virus, you might still be able to take the drugs, but discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. People with MS and Crohn's disease who develop PML often have to stop taking the drugs. They also may have a procedure called plasma exchange to clear out the medication. Certain HIV drugs may make your immune system stronger and help prevent the JC virus from causing PML. These drugs have become more common, so the number of people with HIV/ AIDS who have PML has been going down. Scientists are studying several drugs for PML, but none has been approved by the FDA. However, treatments that make your immune system stronger can be used to help your body fight the infection.
context: Psoriasis causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. It can look like a rash, so you may worry that you could get it from someone else or pass it to others. But rest easy: It's not contagious. You cannot catch the disease by touching someone who has it. Though psoriasis symptoms show up on the skin, the condition is actually a problem with the immune system, called an autoimmune disease. It means the body's defenses overreact or react at the wrong times, which affects the body inside and out. When people have psoriasis, their immune systems cause skin cells to grow much faster than normal. They pile up too quickly and form thick, scaly lesions. There are several different kinds of the disease, but the most common is plaque psoriasis. Lesions often appear on the knees, elbows, or scalp, although they can be anywhere on the body. These patches can feel swollen, itchy, and sore, and may crack and bleed. Other types of the condition may cause small red spots, pus-filled bumps, or red scaling patches all over. Scientists know that certain genes are linked to psoriasis. So if someone in your family has the condition, you may have the same genes and be more likely to get it yourself. Even when people have the right mix of genes, however, they also need something that triggers, or wakes up, their disease. It could be something physical, like a cut, scratch, bad sunburn, or an infection like strep throat. Stress, some medications, and cold weather (which can cause dry, cracked skin) are also common triggers. But being around someone else with psoriasis is not. Once something triggers psoriasis, it becomes a long-lasting condition. That means most people have it for the rest of their lives, although they may be able to control it with medication and other treatment. Before doctors knew what caused psoriasis, they often confused it with leprosy -- and people who had it were considered contagious. But now we know that you cannot catch the condition by brushing up against someone who has it. You also can't get it from kissing, having sex, or swimming in the same water. People get psoriasis because of their genes, not because of bad hygiene, their diet or lifestyle, or any other habits. They didn't get it from someone else, and they cannot infect others. Even so, there's a lot of stigma around the condition, which can be hard for people who have it. They might feel uncomfortable when people stare at their lesions or avoid touching them, and they may try to hide their outbreaks under long clothing. If you have psoriasis, you can help put an end to confusion and misunderstandings about the disease by talking openly with friends, family, and co-workers. And if you know people who have it, make sure they know that their condition doesn't affect your opinion of them or make you not want to be around them.
context: Wondering how you can protect yourself from seasonal flu? Or just weighing the pros and cons of the seasonal flu vaccine? The flu vaccine is not only about protecting you from getting the flu but also to prevent you from transmitting the flu to vulnerable people around you, such as the elderly, children, or the immuno-compromised. Here are some of the fast facts about flu prevention that you've been looking for. Influenza causes more than 200,000 (and maybe as many as 710,000) people in the U. S. to be hospitalized every year. Up to 56,000 people die each year from flu-related causes. Prevention is key: The United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that everyone ages 6 months or older should have a flu vaccine. Ideally, you should get the seasonal flu vaccine by the end of October. The upcoming holiday season means hugs and kisses, which help spread the flu virus. However, getting vaccinated with the flu shot makes sense any time during flu season, which may last from September to May. Think the flu vaccine can give you the flu? It can't. The vaccine is made with a dead (flu shot) or weakened form of the flu virus (nasal flu vaccine), which can't give you influenza. The nasal flu vaccine has caused transfer of the virus to others, but the risk of this happening is extremely low. Concern that there's a link between autism spectrum disorders and the vaccine preservative thimerosal has prevented some parents from getting their kids vaccinated. Worry no more. Studies have found that there is no link between vaccines containing thimerosal and ASD. And if you're still worried, thimerosal-free flu vaccines are now the standard for children in the U. S. -- and available to adults for the asking. Stuck on the fact that you need to get vaccinated every year? There's a good reason. Flu viruses change, so flu vaccines must change, too. Each year's vaccine is unique, cultivated from the flu strains health officials believe will be most menacing that year. It's long been advised that people with allergies to eggs should not get the flu shot. However, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says the vaccine contains such a low amount of egg protein that it's unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in those with an egg allergy. If you have a severe egg allergy (anaphylaxis), talk to your doctor before getting the flu vaccine. Also, flu vaccines not made with the use of eggs are available. For those age 65 and older, a high-dose version of the flu vaccine called Fluzone is recommended when available. It may be more effective at protecting the elderly because their immune systems are more fragile. The nasal spray Flu Mist vaccine is approved for healthy, non-pregnant adults, and those between ages 2 and 49. There is a needle-less option for people ages 18 to 64.
context: Also called Hashimoto's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease, a disorder in which the immune system turns against the body's own tissues. In people with Hashimoto's, the immune system attacks the thyroid. This can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid does not make enough hormones for the body's needs. Located in the front of your neck, the thyroid gland makes hormones that control metabolism. This includes your heart rate and how quickly your body uses calories from the foods you eat. The exact cause of Hashimoto's is not known, but many factors are believed to play a role. They include: Genes. People who get Hashimoto's often have family members who have thyroid disease or other autoimmune diseases. This suggests a genetic component to the disease. Hormones. Hashimoto's affects about seven times as many women as men, suggesting that sex hormones may play a role. Furthermore, some women have thyroid problems during the first year after having a baby. Although the problem usually goes away, as many as 20% of these women develop Hashimoto's years later. Excessive iodine. Research suggests certain drugs and too much iodine, a trace element required by your body to make thyroid hormones, may trigger thyroid disease in susceptible people. Radiation exposure. Increased cases of thyroid disease have been reported in people exposed to radiation, including the atomic bombs in Japan, the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and radiation treatment for a form of blood cancer called Hodgkin's disease. Hashimoto's symptoms may be mild at first or take years to develop. The first sign of the disease is often an enlarged thyroid, called a goiter. The goiter may cause the front of your neck to look swollen. A large goiter may make swallowing difficult. Other symptoms of an underactive thyroid due to Hashimoto's may include: weight gain fatigue paleness or puffiness of the face joint and muscle pain constipation inability to get warm difficulty getting pregnant joint and muscle pain hair loss or thinning, brittle hair irregular or heavy menstrual periods depression slowed heart rate Because the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroid may be similar to those for other medical conditions, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis. There is no cure for Hashimoto's, but replacing hormones with medication can regulate hormone levels and restore your normal metabolism. The pills are available in several different strengths. The exact dose your doctor prescribes will depend on a number of factors, including: age weight severity of hypothyroidism other health problems other medicines that may interact with synthetic thyroid hormones Once you start treatment, your doctor will order a lab test called a thyroid-stimulating hormone ( TSH) test to monitor thyroid function and help ensure you are getting the right dose. Because thyroid hormones act very slowly in the body, it may take a few months for symptoms to go away and your goiter to shrink. However, large goiters that do not improve may make it necessary to remove the thyroid gland.
context: Researchers, doctors, and people with diabetes agree that injected insulin works well to manage the disease. They'll probably also say that getting insulin into your body through something other than a needle would be even better. You can't get insulin in a pill, but how about breathing it in? The idea of inhaling insulin has been around for decades. It wasn't until the 1990s that researchers made it possible. With an inhaler much like the ones people with asthma use, you breathe a fine insulin powder into your lungs. There, it enters your blood through tiny blood vessels. In June 2014, the FDA approved Afrezza. It's an inhaler with pre-measured, rapid-acting insulin you use before meals. It's not for diabetes emergencies such as diabetic ketoacidosis ( DKA). Common side effects of inhaled insulin are low blood sugar, a cough, and a scratchy or sore throat. If you have type 1 diabetes, you'll still need to take long-acting insulin, too, to help control your blood sugar. If you smoke or you have a lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, you shouldn't use inhaled insulin. The FDA approved the first inhaled insulin, Exubera, in September 2006. People who had type 1 or type 2 diabetes could use it. But the drug's maker took it off the market in October 2007, because it didn't seem to catch on with patients. People thought the inhaler was too big and clunky. ( The Afrezza inhaler is much smaller.) Later, the FDA was concerned that Exubera might cause lung problems including cancer.
context: Your doctor tells you she wants to do a urine culture. It's a test to check for germs or bacteria in your pee that can cause a urinary tract infection ( UTI). Your urinary tract includes the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that carry your pee (ureters and the urethra). An infection usually starts in the bladder or urethra (the tube your pee comes out of). But it can affect any part of this system. If you have an infection, there may be a burning feeling when you pee. Or, you may feel like you need to go, but nothing or very little comes out. If you also have a fever or belly pain, it may mean you have a more serious infection. You pee in a cup. It sounds simple enough, and it is. Just make sure you get a âcleanâ urine sample so any germs found in it are from an infection in your urinary tract and not another source, like your skin. Here's how you do it: Wash your hands. Wipe the area around where you pee with the cleaning pad given to you. If you're a woman, spread the outer lips of your vagina and clean from front to back. Men should wipe the tip of their penis. Pee a little in the toilet first and stop. Don't pee in the cup right away. Then, collect about 1 or 2 ounces in the cup. Make sure the container doesn't touch your skin. Finish peeing in the toilet. This is called a âmidstreamâ urine catch. Wash your hands again. Some people may need their sample collected through a catheter -- a thin tube put into your urethra and into the bladder. This is done with the help of a health care worker. The sample is placed in a clean container. Your sample goes to a lab. Drops of your pee are put in a petri dish and stored at body temperature. Over the next few days, any bacteria or yeast in the sample will multiply and grow. A lab worker will look at the germs under the microscope. Their size, shape, and color tell which types are there. The lab worker will note how many are growing. If it is a true infection, usually one type of bacteria dominates. The lab worker will report the identity of the germ. If there are no harmful germs, the culture is called ânegative.â If there are bad germs growing, it's âpositive.â The most common thing that causes UTI's is E-coli â bacteria that live in your intestines. The lab may do more testing to see which drugs have the best chance of fighting the infection. Your doctor's office will call in 1 to 3 days. She'll go over the results with you. If you have an infection, you'll be given antibiotics. Most of the time, it goes away. But it may come back, especially if you're a sexually active woman. In young woman, sexual intercourse increases the risk for an infection. The risk is higher in older men who have an enlarged prostate. It's important to take your medicine the way your doctor tells you to. An infection that starts in the bladder or urethra can spread to the kidneys and damage them.
context: You'll be facing some changes as you deal with breast cancer. Your energy levels might go up and down. You may be dealing with treatment side effects. There are plenty of things you can do to make those changes easier to handle. Get better sleep. Cancer can sometimes make it hard to sleep well at night, so focus on making sure you get as much good rest as you can. Try not to take naps during the day. Skip caffeine, or only drink coffee in the morning. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try yoga, mindfulness, and massage therapy to help you relax. That should help you sleep better at night. Fight fatigue with exercise. It may seem odd, but exercise can give you more energy even when cancer or your treatment wipes you out. Things like walking, yoga, biking, or swimming can make you feel good and keep you strong. It can ease side effects and boost your mood. It can also help you live longer and lower your chance of the disease coming back. Light exercise is usually safe during all breast cancer treatments, but ask your doctor if you're unsure whether to start an activity. Snack to control nausea. Nausea is a common side effect of chemo or radiation for some people, though it doesn't happen to everyone. You may get it right after treatment or up to 3 days later. To keep yourself feeling good, you may find that it's best to eat a light meal or snack before a session. It can help if you eat five or six small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Even if you don't feel hungry, eat something like white toast, plain yogurt, or clear broth. On the other hand, some people handle treatment better on an empty stomach. See what works best for you. Make the most of your energy. You might have good days when you have lots of energy and other days when you're exhausted. Try to do something you love on the days you feel good. Rest on the days you have less get-up-and-go. Here are tips to help when your energy is low: Try escaping your fatigue. Listen to your favorite music or read a great book. Watch a funny movie or spend time with friends. Head outside. Take a walk in the woods or work in the garden. Watch the birds or sit by a lake. Spending time in nature can ease fatigue. Accept help. Don't be too proud to let someone pitch in with chores like cooking or grocery shopping. It will save your energy for more important things. Keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts is a good way to sort through all the emotions you're feeling right now. Journaling can help you sleep better and ease fatigue. It can also make it easier to adjust to all the changes you're going through. Try keeping a private diary or even a blog where you can update friends and family members online. You can keep an art journal for doodling. Or just write down one line each day. Try to look for the positive things or events that have happened since your cancer diagnosis. Have you spent more time with someone you love? Taken the chance to try something new? Keep those good things fresh in your mind by writing about them.