VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Nicotine can make your blood sugar level go up or down. The chemical alters the way your body can use glucose, the sugar in your blood that fuels your cells. It could raise your odds of getting type 2 diabetes, and it can make your diabetes worse. On the flip side, nicotine may cause severe low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) for people who have diabetes and take insulin. Nicotine changes chemical processes in your cells so they don't respond to insulin and let it in, a condition called insulin resistance. Your cells need insulin so they can take glucose out of your blood and use it for energy. When they can't, the glucose stays in your blood, and your blood sugar level goes up. Nicotine can also trigger your body to make more triglycerides, a type of fat linked to insulin resistance. And nicotine raises levels of hormones that fight insulin. It doesn't take long for smoking to affect your cells' ability to use insulin. You could have signs of insulin resistance just an hour later. Studies show that people who have diabetes and smoke need larger doses of insulin to control their blood glucose. That's a problem because when your blood glucose is too high for a few years, it could lead to heart disease and damage to your kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Smoking is the most common way of getting nicotine, and the more cigarettes you smoke, the more likely you are to get type 2 diabetes. People who smoke have a 30% to 40% greater chance. Smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day almost doubles your odds. Other ways of getting nicotine can raise your blood glucose, too: Passive smoking, or secondhand smoke (breathing in smoke from other people's cigarettes) Chewing tobacco (dip, pinch, chew) Nicotine gum Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs, vaping) Your insulin resistance might get a little bit worse if you gain weight in the first few weeks after you stop using nicotine -- but stick with it. By the end of the second month, insulin will begin to work better. If you don't already have diabetes, you may be more likely to get type 2 after you quit. The chance of getting it is highest for the first 2 years. That's usually because you've gained weight, so talk to your doctor about ways to avoid putting on pounds. After 2 years, the chances begins to drop, and by 12 years, you'll be on a level playing field with someone who never smoked.
context: Like staging, grading levels are also assigned to prostate cancer cases. Grading takes place after a biopsy (removal and examination of tissue) is done. The tissue samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing disease by looking at these samples. If cancer is present, the pathologist will assign a grade for the cancer. The grade refers to the cancer's appearance and indicates how quickly a cancer is growing. Most pathologists assign a grade from 1 to 5 based on how the cancerous cells look compared to normal prostate cells. Grade 1. The cancerous tissue looks very much like normal prostate cells. Grades 2 to 4. Some cells do look like normal prostate cells, others do not. Patterns of cells in these grades vary. Grade 5. The cells appear abnormal and do not look like normal prostate cells. They appear to be scattered haphazardly throughout the prostate. The higher the grade, the more likely it is that the cancer will grow and spread rapidly. Pathologists often identify the two most common patterns of cells in the tissue and add the two grades, creating a Gleason score. The result is a number between 2 and 10. A Gleason score of less than 6 indicates a less aggressive cancer. A grade 7 and higher is considered more aggressive. Sometimes, when a pathologist looks at the prostate cells under the microscope, they don't look cancerous, but they're not quite normal, either. These results are often reported as "suspicious" and fall into one of two categories, either atypical or prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia ( PIN). PIN is often further divided into low grade and high grade. The significance of low-grade PIN in relation to prostate cancer remains unclear. Many men have it when they are young and never develop prostate cancer. Biopsy results that fall into either atypical or high-grade PIN are suspicious for the presence of prostate cancer in another portion of the gland. There is a 30% to 50% likelihood of finding prostate cancer in a later biopsy when high-grade PIN is initially discovered. For this reason, repeat biopsies are generally recommended.
context: The symptoms of diverticulitis are: Severe abdominal pain and cramping that is usually worse on the left side and increases when the area is touched Nausea Chills or fever Bloating Constipation, thin stools, or diarrhea Rectal bleeding (rare) You have a fever, chills, abdominal swelling, or are vomiting. You have blood in your stool. You have severe or persistent pain. Your abdomen becomes rigid and you experience pain when you move; you could have peritonitis, an infection of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. Get medical help immediately. If you continue to have severe pain, despite treatment, you may need further evaluation. Call your doctor.
context: Drugs do not cure periodic limb movement disorder ( PLMD) but can relieve symptoms. Note that many of the medications used to treat PLMD are the same as those used to treat restless legs syndrome. Benzodiazepines: These drugs suppress muscle contractions. They are also sedatives and help you sleep through the movements. Clonazepam ( Klonopin), in particular, has been shown to reduce the total number of periodic limb movements per hour. It is probably the most widely used drug to treat PLMD. Dopaminergic agents: These drugs increased the levels of an important neurotransmitter (brain chemical) called dopamine, which is important in regulating muscle movements. These medications seem to improve the condition in some people but not in others. Widely used examples are a levodopa/carbidopa combination ( Sinemet) and pergolide ( Permax). Anticonvulsants: These drugs reduce muscle contractions in some people. The most widely used anticonvulsant in PLMD is gabapentin ( Neurontin). GABA agonists: These agents inhibit release of certain neurotransmitters that stimulate muscle contractions. The result is relaxation of contractions. The most widely used of these agents in PLMD is baclofen ( Lioresal).
context: Symptoms of sarcoidosis vary depending on the area of the body involved, and may be mild, moderate, severe, or absent. The first symptoms are often vague and may include the following: Fatigue Fever Weight loss Joint pain Shortness of breath Persistent cough The lungs are usually the first area to be affected by sarcoidosis: 9 of 10 people with sarcoidosis have some type of lung involvement. Pulmonary sarcoidosis can be serious, leading to the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs. This complication can interfere with breathing. Other symptoms include skin rashes or red bumps (erythema nodosum) on the legs. In about 20% to 30% of cases, sarcoidosis affects the eyes,causing inflammation leading to redness, tearing, internal bleeding or masses. Late-stage disease complications involving the eyes include cataracts, glaucoma, and blindness. Sarcoidosis can affect almost any organ including the brain and nerves, heart, liver, joints, and various hormone-producing glands. The granulomas or clumps of cells that characterize sarcoidosis may occasionally be associated with high levels of calcium in the blood and urine. Too much calcium in the urine may lead to kidney stones. The course of sarcoidosis also varies among individuals. Usually, patients who experience more generalized symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, develop a mild form of the disease. Patients suffering from shortness of breath and skin rashes may develop more chronic, severe sarcoidosis. Race also seems to play a role; Caucasians are more likely to develop a mild form of the disease, while African- Americans tend to develop the more chronic, severe form. You have a cough that won't go away You develop a sudden, unexplained skin rash You experience sudden, unexplained weight loss You experience chronic fatigue or don't feel well
context: Lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer-related deaths for both men and women throughout the world. The American Cancer Society estimated that about 234,030 new cases of lung cancer would be diagnosed and about 154,050 deaths due to lung cancer would occur in 2018. Not counting skin cancer, it is the second most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the US. The most common type of cancer in the U. S. in 2018 was breast cancer, with 268,670 new cases expected. The next most common cancers were lung cancer and prostate cancer. Lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the cause of most cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U. S.
context: If you have constipation, exercise can help speed things up. According to experts, exercise does more than tone your heart and other muscles. Exercise is essential for regular bowel movements. In fact, one of the key things that leads to constipation is inactivity. Exercise helps constipation by lowering the time it takes food to move through the large intestine. This limits the amount of water your body absorbs from the stool. Hard, dry stools are harder to pass. Plus, aerobic exercise speeds up your breathing and heart rate. This helps to stimulate the natural squeezing (or contractions) of muscles in your intestines. Intestinal muscles that squeeze better will help move stools out quickly. Wait an hour after a big meal before doing any tough physical activity. After eating, blood flow increases to your stomach and intestines to help your body digest the food. If you exercise right after eating, blood flows away from your stomach and to your heart and muscles instead. Since the strength of your gut's muscle contractions depends on how much blood it has, less blood in the GI tract means weaker contractions and the food will move sluggishly through your intestines. This can lead to bloating, gas, and constipation. So after a big meal, give your body a chance to digest it before you start on that nature hike. Simply getting up and moving can help constipation. A regular walking plan -- even 10 to 15 minutes several times a day -- can help the body and digestive system work at their best. If you are already fit, you might choose aerobic exercise: running, jogging, swimming, or swing dancing, for example. All of these exercises can help keep the digestive tract healthy. Stretching may also help ease constipation, and yoga may, too.
context: EDTA is a molecule called a chelating agent. A chelating agent is a claw-like substance that can grab and stick to other molecules. Some types of EDTA stick to calcium. Other types stick to metals, such as lead. EDTA is sometimes prescribed by doctors to clean toxic metals, such as lead, from the blood. Doctors have used the molecule for decades to treat heavy metal poisoning. In those cases it is given through an IV. EDTA is also an ingredient in some prescription cancer-fighting medicines. Supplement makers claim that over-the-counter forms of EDTA can be taken by mouth to "detox" the body and make your gastrointestinal tract healthier. There is no scientific evidence to support this. Preliminary studies show that intravenous EDTA therapy under physician supervision may help patients who have had a heart attack, particularly if they have diabetes. However, more study is needed to prove this. Some people take EDTA to try to treat: Diabetes Peripheral vascular disease Alzheimer's disease Heart disease However, evidence is lacking that EDTA works for those conditions. Recent studies say it is not helpful and may even be dangerous. Optimal doses of EDTA supplements have not been set. Supplement ingredients and quality may vary widely. This makes it hard to set a standard dose. EDTA is a chemical that is added to certain foods and beverages to help them keep their color and flavor. For instance, it is sometimes added to: Sodas Canned fruits and vegetables Non-nutritive sweeteners Condiments such as mayonnaise Salad dressings The FDA says EDTA is considered safe for use in foods in the U. S. The most common side effect of EDTA is burning at the IV site. Chelating agents can also have serious, even life-threatening side effects. One of the most serious side effects of EDTA is kidney damage and kidney failure. Other side effects that have been reported in patients taking some forms of EDTA have included: Anemia Chills, fever, or headache Blood clot in a vein Lower levels of magnesium and potassium in the blood Diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea Fatigue Abnormal calcium levels in the blood Insulin shock Irregular heartbeats, which can be severe Low blood pressure Thirst Aching joints EDTA supplements may interfere with medicines you are taking. EDTA can interact with: Insulin Coumadin (warfarin) EDTA can also interact with diuretics (water pills). It may lead to dangerously low potassium levels. This can cause severe, irregular heartbeats. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any of these medicines. Talk to your doctor before taking EDTA if you take any medicines or have any of these conditions: Asthma Diabetes Heart problems Kidney disease Liver disease, including hepatitis Low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium Seizure disorders Tuberculosis Always tell your doctor about any medicines and supplements you are taking, including natural ones and those bought without a prescription. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any of your medicines or health conditions. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
context: You usually don't even notice it, but twelve to twenty times per minute, day after day, you breathe -- thanks to your body's respiratory system. Your lungs expand and contract, supplying life-sustaining oxygen to your body and removing from it, a waste product called carbon dioxide. Breathing starts at the nose and mouth. You inhale air into your nose or mouth, and it travels down the back of your throat and into your windpipe, or trachea. Your trachea then divides into air passages called bronchial tubes. For your lungs to perform their best, these airways need to be open during inhalation and exhalation and free from inflammation or swelling and excess or abnormal amounts of mucus. As the bronchial tubes pass through the lungs, they divide into smaller air passages called bronchioles. The bronchioles end in tiny balloon-like air sacs called alveoli. Your body has over 300 million alveoli. The alveoli are surrounded by a mesh of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Here, oxygen from the inhaled air passes through the alveoli walls and into the blood. After absorbing oxygen, the blood leaves the lungs and is carried to your heart. Your heart then pumps it through your body to provide oxygen to the cells of your tissues and organs. As the cells use the oxygen, carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed into the blood. Your blood then carries the carbon dioxide back to your lungs, where it is removed from the body when you exhale. Inhalation and exhalation are the processes by which the body brings in oxygen and expels carbon dioxide. The breathing process is aided by a large dome-shaped muscle under the lungs called the diaphragm. When you breathe in, the diaphragm contracts downward, creating a vacuum that causes a rush of fresh air into the lungs. The opposite occurs with exhalation, where the diaphragm relaxes upwards, pushing on the lungs, allowing them to deflate. The respiratory system has built-in methods to prevent harmful substances in the air from entering the lungs. Hairs in your nose help filter out large particles. Microscopic hairs, called cilia, are found along your air passages and move in a sweeping motion to keep the air passages clean. But if harmful substances, such as cigarette smoke, are inhaled, the cilia stop functioning properly, causing health problems like bronchitis. Mucus produced by cells in the trachea and bronchial tubes keeps air passages moist and aids in stopping dust, bacteria and viruses, allergy-causing substances, and other substances from entering the lungs. Impurities that do reach the deeper parts of the lungs can often be moved up via mucous and coughed out or swallowed.
context: Too much stress can cause problems with your mouth, teeth, and gums. You can take some steps to keep yourself healthy, though. While you work on lowering your stress levels, try these tips to improve trouble spots like mouth sores and teeth grinding. Canker sores. These are small spots with a white or grayish base that have red borders. They show up inside your mouth, sometimes in pairs or in greater numbers. Experts aren't sure what causes them. It could be a problem with your immune system, your body's defense against germs. Or they might be due to bacteria or viruses. Stress likely raises your chances of getting them. What to do. To ease irritation, don't eat spicy, hot foods or anything with a high acid content, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits. Most canker sores disappear in a week to 10 days. For relief, try over-the-counter "numbing" medicine that you put directly on the sore. If you get canker sores often, your dentist may prescribe a steroid ointment. Cold sores . These are also called fever blisters and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. They're filled with fluid and often show up on or around your lips. They also can appear under your nose or around your chin. When you're feeling upset, it can trigger an outbreak. What to do. Like canker sores, they often heal on their own in a week or so. But since you can spread the virus that causes them to other people, start treatment as soon as you notice one forming. Medications you can try include over-the-counter remedies and prescription antiviral drugs. Ask your doctor or dentist if either type of treatment could help you. What is it. Stress may make you clench and grind your teeth. This can happen during the day or at night, and often without your realizing it. If you already clench and grind your teeth, stress could make the habit worse. It can lead to problems with a joint known as TMJ that's located in front of your ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. What to do. Your dentist may recommend a night guard, worn as you sleep, or another appliance to help you stop or curb your grinding. During the day, try to keep your teeth slightly apart when you're not eating. What happens. Being under extreme stress may affect your mood and cause you to skip brushing, flossing, and rinsing. If you don't take good care of your mouth and teeth, you raise your chances of getting cavities or gum disease. When you're stressed, you may also pick up some unhealthy eating habits, such as snacking on sugary foods or drinks, which raises your odds of tooth decay. In the long run it can boost your chances of gum disease. What to do: Remind yourself that cleaning your teeth and eating healthy can stop you from needing to go to the dentist to fill cavities. It may help motivate you to make changes. Brush at least twice a day, and floss every day. Use an antibacterial mouth rinse twice a day. Get into a regular exercise routine. It can relieve stress, rev up your energy levels, and encourage you to eat healthier.
context: The child is not moving or is too weak to stand. 1. Have Your Child Rest Avoid activity, especially after eating. 2. Treat Symptoms Provide clear fluids to sip, such as water, broth, or fruit juice diluted with water. Serve bland foods, such as saltine crackers, plain bread, dry toast, rice, gelatin, or applesauce. Avoid spicy or greasy foods and caffeinated or carbonated drinks until 48 hours after all symptoms have gone away. Encourage the child to have a bowel movement. Ask your child's doctor before giving any medicine for abdominal pain. Drugs can mask or worsen the pain. 3. When to Call a Doctor Call your child's doctor immediately if your child has any of the following: Persistent pain on the right side of the abdomen, which could be an appendicitis Pain confined to one part of the abdomen Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain or pain that doesn't go away within 24 hours Pain or tenderness when you press on the belly A swollen abdomen or an abdomen that is rigid to the touch Pain in the groin, or pain or swelling in a testicle Unexplained fever Lots of vomiting or diarrhea Bleeding from the rectum Blood in the stool or vomit A recent abdominal injury
context: Xanthan gum is a substance used in making some foods and medications. It has different effects in these products: It can add thickness, keep textures from changing, and hold ingredients in place. Xanthan gum is found in many types of medicines. These include: Tablets that slowly break down in the body Liquid drops for the eyes Xanthan gum is produced by fermenting a carbohydrate (a substance that contains sugar) with Xanthomonas campestris bacteria, then processing it. Research on the health effects of xanthan gum is limited. It is commonly used as a food additive with few side effects although bloating and gas has been noted. People use xanthan gum for different purposes, including to try to treat or manage constipationanddiabetes but more studies are needed to confirm the efficacy. People withceliac diseasemust avoid a protein called gluten. This protein is found in many grains, including wheat, barley, and rye, making it a common ingredient in baked goods and pasta. Gluten makes dough stretchy and it helps create the airy texture of baked goods. When baking, some people who avoid gluten mix xanthan gum with gluten-free flour to achieve the same effects. Some people who have trouble swallowing add a product called Simply Thick -- which contains xanthan gum -- to foods and drinks to make them easier to swallow. No. Xanthan gum is a food additive. It is a common ingredient in processed foods. Some supermarkets also carry xanthan gum alongside other ingredients for baking or in the natural foods area. Side effects. Xanthan gum seems to cause few side effects. A 1987 study, in which five healthy men ate roughly 10 to 13 grams daily, found no adverse effects. It may cause gas. Risks. The FDA has warned against giving Simply Thick to premature infants. The product has been linked to a serious digestive problem called necrotizing enterocolitis in infants born prematurely. Interactions. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications.
context: Are you giving your pet too many treats? Many pet owners give these little extras as rewards -- or to show their love for their dogs or cats -- without thinking about the number of calories that are in each handout. Snacks like these may be one reason why more than half of pets in the U. S. weigh too much. If you want to be smart about giving your dog or cat treats, follow some guidelines to avoid adding too many calories to his diet. Just like cookies don’t have enough nutrients to be the bulk of your diet, pet treats aren’t healthy enough for dogs or cats to be a large part of what they eat. That’s because these products aren’t made with the same balanced nutrition that goes into the type of pet food that you serve them at mealtime. Pets shouldn’t get more than 10% of their daily calories from treats. This includes table scraps or food you might use to give your pet medicine, since these things aren’t designed for a healthy dog or cat’s diet. Your vet can tell you the total number of calories your pet needs each day, and you can figure out what 10% of that amount is. To see how many calories are in treats, look on the package. ( If there are no calories listed, don’t buy that treat.) Some people give treats to train a pet or reward good behavior. Others use them to show their love or to strengthen their bond with the animal. There’s no rule about how often you can dole them out, as long as you limit treats to 10% of their daily calories. Some owners choose to give one large biscuit each day. Others give a handful of kibble (perhaps 20 or 30 pieces) over the course of the day, one or two pieces at a time. Giving no treats is fine, too. Remember that cats and dogs do well with other rewards and signs of affection, like extra playtime with you or words of praise. You may like to treat your pets to a few bites from the dinner table. If you forget to count those calories in your pet’s diet, he can gain too much weight. Keep bites from the table as small as your pinky fingernail so the food doesn’t have too many calories per mouthful. Sometimes, feeding your pet table scraps can lead to begging, because they know that food can be a reward. If a pet begs and you give him food, he’ll think that it’s a reward for what he did, so he’ll beg again. If you have trouble saying no to those big eyes or whines and meows, put your pet in a different room when you eat. Or try serving him his meal at the same time that you eat yours, so he doesn’t feel left out. As long as you keep the portions in check, it’s fine to offer some human food to your pet. But dogs and cats should never eat: Chocolate Onions Garlic Raisins Grapes
context: Symptoms of an allergic reaction vary. It depends on which parts of your body get affected and how severe your reaction is. Two people could have very different symptoms from the same allergen. You could haveskin issues, including: Redness Itching Swelling Blistering Weeping Crusting Rash Eruptions Itchy bumps or welts called hives You could have other problems, too: Wheezing Tightness Cough Shortness of breath Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat Headache Stuffy nose Runny nose with clear, thin discharge Sneezing Bloodshot, itchy, swollen, or watery eyes Stomach pain Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea That's the name for an allergic reaction that's sudden and life-threatening. One symptom of anaphylaxis is shock. When you're in shock, the organs of your body don't get enough blood, because your blood pressure is dangerously low. If the drop in BP is sudden and drastic, it can lead to unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, or death. A person in shock may be pale or red, sweaty or dry, confused, anxious, or unconscious. Their breathing may be labored or noisy, or they may be unable to breathe. If you have severe allergies, you should keep two epinephrine injection kits with you and within easy reach at all times. If you feel like anaphylaxis may be happening, call 911 and use your epinephrine auto-injector right away, even if you're not sure the symptoms are allergy-related.
context: Navigating the changes of midlife causes stress, there's no doubt about it, and we'd all like to reduce stress in our lives. But stress can be positive, keeping us on our toes. Stress becomes negative when we continually face challenges without relief. Tension builds in the body, causing an assortment of physical problems -- such as headaches, upset stomach, high blood pressure, chest pain, and sleep problems. For women over 50, the effects of chronic stress are compounded. Your body isn't as resilient as it once was, so it needs better maintenance -- a healthier lifestyle -- to repair itself. Face it: It's time to reduce stress. The keys to less stress and greater happiness? They aren't more money or material objects, says Charles Raison, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. They're positive action, good health, good relationships, and a sense of optimism. Exercise regularly. Exercise reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts overall health. It also helps you sleep better. Build a support system. For some people, becoming part of a religious community helps reduce stress. For others it may be diving into a swim club, or a sewing circle. But wherever your find them, solid friendships help you feel warmth, security, connection. Keep a positive attitude. Look for silver linings and good news. Make a gratitude list. Let go of negatives. Accept that there are things you cannot control. Be assertive instead of aggressive. Instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive, assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs. Find ways to relax. Learn to meditate. Try relaxation tapes and CDs. Listen to the great music of classical composers. Develop new interests. Having a sense of adventure can help you reduce stress. Tune in to your dreams. Find things to be passionate about. Find a hobby. Be creative! Get enough rest and sleep. When you're under stress, your body needs time to recover. Give it the rest it needs. Eat healthy, balanced meals. Your body needs good nutrition to fight the effects of stress. Also, don't rely on alcohol to quiet your anxiety. Volunteer. When you commit yourself to helping others, you find purpose. You take the focus off yourself, but you achieve a feeling of accomplishment. Don't let a harried and hectic world get the better of you. Make a little time, try a few of these tips -- and reduce stress.
context: Thyroid nodules, or lumps, are very common. Most aren't cancer. Your thyroid is the small, butterfly-shaped gland usually located at the bottom front of your neck. If you have a lump on it, chances are you found it yourself, though your doctor may have detected it during a physical exam. If you have discovered a lump on your own, you should get your doctor to check it. Your doctor will examine for any lumps, or nodules, you have on your neck. He might ask you some questions to find out if you're at risk. The questions might be about whether you've been exposed to too much radiation, or if you have a family history of thyroid cancer or thyroid disease. There is no blood test that can detect thyroid cancer. Still, your doctor may want you to get one to help figure out whether your thyroid gland is working right. Based on your family history, your doctor might order genetic testing to find out if you have any genes that make you more likely to get cancer. It can also show genetic changes that could be a sign of certain types of thyroid cancer. If you have a thyroid lump, you may need to have it tested. A biopsy will tell if it's cancer or not. To do a biopsy, your doctor uses a small, thin needle to take a little sample from the lump, and maybe other places around it. You'll probably get this âfine-needle biopsyâ in your doctor's office. You won't need any recovery time afterward. After he gets the sample, the doctor will send the sample to a lab for testing. An ultrasound helps your doctor learn more about the thyroid nodule(s). It uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of your thyroid. Your doctor will place a small device that looks like a wand in front of your thyroid gland. The image of your thyroid and any nodules, even those you can't feel, will show up on a computer screen. An ultrasound may show your doctor if a lump is filled with fluid or if it's solid. A solid one is more likely to have cancerous cells, but you'll still need more tests to find out. The ultrasound will also show the size and number of nodules on your thyroid. This test uses radioactive iodine which will be taken up by thyroid cells. A scan measures radiation in the thyroid or other parts of the body. Computed tomography, commonly called a CT scan or CAT scan, uses special X-rays to give your doctor a look inside of your body. It can show the size and location of thyroid cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of your body. Your doctor might recommend a positron emission tomography, or PET scan. This test uses small amounts of radioactive material, called radiotracers, a special camera, and a computer to look at your organs and tissue. A PET scan looks at changes on the cellular level. It may be able to detect the cancer in a very early state and check for cancer spread. Your doctor will give you the results of your tests. Remember that the odds are the lump on your neck probably isn't thyroid cancer, but you're doing the right thing to get it checked out. And if it is, the sooner you find out and start treatment, the better.
context: CLA is an essential fatty acid that's important for good health. We get small amounts of it from the food we eat. It's also an antioxidant that may have other health benefits. Studies show that CLA supplements may help people who are obese. But it's complicated. CLA may decrease body fat. It may help people feel fuller after eating. However, it doesn't seem to lower a person's weight or BMI. For now, if you're looking to lose weight, there's not enough evidence to show that taking CLA will help. As an antioxidant, CLA may have cancer-fighting properties. Studies have shown that women who get a lot of CLA from their diets have a lower risk of colorectal cancer; they may also have a lower risk of breast cancer. However, we don't know if taking CLA supplements would have these benefits, too. More research is needed. CLA does seem to lower bad LDL cholesterol. But since it also lowers good HDL cholesterol, it's not a standard treatment. People take CLA supplements for other reasons, ranging from dry skin to multiple sclerosis ( MS). We don't know if CLA will help with these conditions. There's no standard dose for CLA. For obesity, dosages may range from 1 gram to 6.8 grams daily, much higher than the amount of CLA in a typical diet. Ask your doctor for advice. CLA is in many animal products, like milk, beef, and other meat. Grass-fed beef may have higher levels of CLA than grain-fed beef. It's also in sunflower and safflower oil. Cooking food may increase levels of CLA. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications. Side effects. CLA supplements may cause upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Risks. CLA supplements may worsen insulin resistance, or how your body absorbs sugar, in people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, doctors don't recommend CLA for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may cause dangerous effects on the liver. It may lower HDL, or good cholesterol. Some research has also documented an increase in inflammation with the use of CLA supplements. Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using CLA supplements. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) does regulate dietary supplements; however, it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don't have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.
context: The prostate is a muscular, walnut-sized gland that makes chemicals that affect or control what other cells or organs do. It's part of the male reproductive system. Its main job is to make seminal fluid, the milky substance that transports sperm. The prostate wraps around part of your urethra, the tube that moves urine and semen out of your body. During an orgasm, muscles in your prostate contract to push semen through your urethra and out your penis. The urethra also carries urine, a waste product made by the kidneys and stored in the bladder. When the penis is erect during sexual intercourse, the flow of urine is blocked from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated at orgasm. It sits directly beneath your bladder and in front of your rectum. Because the first portion of the urethra passes through the prostate, the passage of urine or semen through the urethra can be blocked if the gland is enlarged. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, excluding skin cancers, in American men. It is a malignant tumor of the prostate. In most men, the cancer grows very slowly. Many men with the disease will never know they have it. Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself. Most men with this type of cancer can live for years with no problems. Doctors talk about prostate cancer in terms of a "grade" and a "stage." The grade is given to indicate how the cancer cells look under the microscope when a biopsy is analyzed. The grade often predicts how quickly a cancer is growing and will spread -- the higher the grade, the more likely it is that the cancer will grow and spread rapidly. The size and extent of the tumor when first detected determine its stage. As with many cancers, it isn't known. But doctors do know you're more likely to get it if you're African- American or have a family history of the disease. The male sex hormone testosterone also contributes to its growth. In 2018, the American Cancer Society estimated that nearly 165,000 U. S. men would be diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 29,000 would die from it. About 80% of men who live to age 80 have prostate cancer. While the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer remains high, so does the number of men who get it and live. Survival rates after diagnosis of common types of prostate cancer are: 5 years: nearly 99% 10 years: 98% 15+ years: 96% Prostate cancer is often a slow-growing disease. You're far more likely to die from other causes before you die from prostate cancer. You're also more likely to catch it earlier if you get annual screening tests.
context: Mittelschmerz is the pelvic and lower abdominal pain that some women experience during ovulation. Ovulation generally occurs about midway between menstrual cycles; hence the term mittelschmerz, which comes from the German words for "middle" and "pain." The pain of ovulation can range from a mild twinge to severe discomfort and usually lasts from minutes to hours. It is generally felt on one side of the abdomen or pelvis and may vary each month, depending on which ovary is releasing the egg during that cycle. In some cases, a small amount of vaginal bleeding or discharge may occur. Some women experience nausea, especially if the pain is severe. Many women never experience painful ovulation. Some women, however, have mid-cycle pain every month and can determine by the pain that they are ovulating. As an egg develops in the ovary, it is surrounded by follicular fluid. During ovulation, the egg and the fluid, as well as some blood, are released from the ovary. While the exact cause of mittelschmerz is unknown, it is believed that the fluid or blood may irritate the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing pain. The pain goes away soon after the egg is released or once the body absorbs the fluid or blood. Ovulation usually occurs about two weeks before your next cycle, so the timing of the pain makes mittelschmerz easy to recognize. To help determine if your pain is related to ovulation, your doctor may ask you to chart your menstrual cycles, noting any episodes of pain, as well as the location of the pain (the pain of ovulation usually occurs on one side of your lower abdomen). Your doctor also may perform an abdominal and pelvic exam to help rule out other possible causes of pain, such as endometriosis or a cyst on your ovary. If your pain is severe or if the doctor notices any irregularities on the exam, he or she may order blood tests or ultrasound or X-rays to help determine the cause of your pain. The pain of ovulation usually goes away within about 24 hours, so specific treatment is not required. Over-the-counter pain medicines -- such as Aleve (naproxen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) -- generally are effective in relieving mittelschmerz. Applying a heating pad to the lower abdomen or taking a warm bath may also help ease discomfort. Women with particularly painful ovulation may find relief by taking birth control pills with combined estrogen and progesterone, which prevent ovulation. Preventing ovulation, which can be done with estrogen-progesterone birth control pills, is the only way to effectively prevent mittelschmerz. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms during ovulation: Fever Pain with urination Redness or burning of the skin at the site of the pain Vomiting Mid-cycle pain lasting longer than a day You should also call your doctor if you missed your last menstrual period.
context: Antipsychotic medications are used as a short-term treatment for bipolar disorder to control psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or mania symptoms. These symptoms may occur during acute mania or severe depression. Some also treat bipolar depression, and several have demonstrated long-term value in preventing future episodes of mania or depression. In people with bipolar disorder, antipsychotics are also used "off label" as sedatives, for insomnia, for anxiety, and/or for agitation. Often, they are taken with a mood-stabilizing drug and can decrease symptoms of mania until mood stabilizers take full effect. Some antipsychotics seem to help stabilize moods on their own. As a result, they may be used alone as long-term treatment for people who don't tolerate or respond to lithium and anticonvulsants. Antipsychotic drugs help regulate the functioning of brain circuits that control thinking, mood, and perception. It is not clear exactly how these drugs work, but they usually improve manic episodes quickly. The newer antipsychotics usually act quickly and can help you avoid the reckless and impulsive behaviors associated with mania. More normal thinking often is restored within a few weeks. Antipsychotics used to treat bipolar disorder include: aripiprazole ( Abilify) asenapine ( Saphris) cariprazine ( Vraylar) clozapine ( Clozaril) lurasidone ( Latuda) olanzapine ( Zyprexa) quetiapine ( Seroquel) risperidone ( Risperdal) ziprasidone ( Geodon) Certain antipsychotic drugs cause significant weight gain and high cholesterol levels, and they may increase the risk of diabetes. People considering an antipsychotic for bipolar disorder should be screened for their risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, according to a study published in Diabetes Care. Common side effects of antipsychotic medications include: Blurred vision Dry mouth Drowsiness Muscle spasms or tremors Weight gain Note: Clozaril is not used often, despite its effectiveness for bipolar disorder. The drug can cause a rare, potentially fatal side effect affecting the blood that requires weekly or biweekly blood test monitoring. Also, Geodon is linked to a rare but potentially fatal skin reaction. Older antipsychotic drugs are also generally not used as a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder, and they are less established for treating depressive symptoms or preventing episodes during long-term use. However, they may be helpful if a person has troublesome side effects or doesn't respond to the newer drugs. Older antipsychotics include chlorpromazine ( Thorazine), haloperidol ( Haldol), and perphenazine ( Trilafon). These drugs may cause a serious long-term side effect called tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movement like lip smacking, protruding the tongue, or grimacing. Newer atypical antipsychotics also have the potential to cause this side effect, but are thought to have a relatively lower risk than the older conventional antipsychotics. The medications deutetrabenazine ( Austedo) and valbenazine ( Ingrezza) have proven effective in treating adults with tardive dyskinesia.
context: If you're bothered by dry eye, it's possible your hormones are to blame. These chemical messengers travel all over the body, so it's no surprise they can also affect your eyes. The chief ones are thyroid hormone, insulin, and sex hormones like estrogen. When you get treatment for your hormone problem, you'll get some relief from dry eye, too. If you're a woman, you're more likely to get dry eye, especially as you get older. That's because your levels of estrogen and other sex hormones change so much over your lifetime. For instance, you have a greater chance of getting dry eye when you go through menopause. It's a time of life when hormone levels, especially estrogen, go up and down. If you're pregnant, you're also more likely to get dry eye because of hormone changes. The same goes for women who take birth control pills and also wear contact lenses. For some women, eyes may get dryer at certain times during their monthly period, mainly when estrogen levels go up. Experts aren't sure exactly how changing hormones affect dry eye. Some studies show that hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) for menopause symptoms makes dry eye worse, while other studies show it makes it better. It does seem that women who take only estrogen are more likely to get dry eye, while those who take a combo of estrogen and progesterone (another female sex hormone) are less likely to get it. Dry eye may also be made better or worse by androgens, "male" hormones like testosterone, which both men and women make. For instance, women with polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS) often have dry eye. The disorder causes cysts and problems with ovulation because of too much androgens. Whether you're a man or woman, lower androgen levels may affect how well certain glands make tears or the oily film that keeps the surface of your eye moist. Changes in your levels of thyroid hormone, which is made by the thyroid gland in your neck, can also cause dry eye. The changes can be due to a thyroid-related autoimmune disease. If you have one, the immune system -- your body's defense against germs -- mistakenly thinks your thyroid gland is an enemy and attacks it. For instance, Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that's linked in its early stages with high thyroid levels, but over time or after treatment may have low thyroid levels. People who have it may have trouble closing their eyelids, don't blink often enough, and also can't keep their tear levels up. The eyes may actually bulge forward. All of these problems can lead to dry eye. Hashimoto's disease is another autoimmune disorder that causes low thyroid levels and dry eye. If you have diabetes, either type 1 or type 2, there's a good chance you'll also get dry eye. The reason may have to do with the amount of insulin you have. Low insulin levels make it harder for your lacrimal gland to make tears. Taking insulin may reverse some of these problems.