VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: The first step to preventing migraines is to avoid triggers. These often include: Stress Smoking High blood pressure Hormonal birth control pills Exercise Bending over High altitude Dehydration Low blood sugar Excessive heat Although dietary triggers - such as caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners -- can cause other types of migraines; they seem less likely to trigger ocular migraines. Medications can also prevent ocular migraines. Calcium-channel blockers, such as Cardene and Calan, are the most commonly used drugs. They work by opening up the blood vessels. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) such as aspirin are also sometimes used. Less often, your doctor may prescribe drugs used to prevent blood clotting, depression and epilepsy. If you don't respond to other treatments and you have 4 or more migraine days a month, your doctor may suggest preventive medicines. You can take these regularly to reduce the severity or frequency of the headaches. These include seizure medicines, blood pressure medicines (like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers), and some antidepressants. CGRP inhibitors are a new class of preventive medicine that your doctor may recommend if other medicines don't help. A device is also an option. Cefaly is a portable headband-like device used for preventing migraines. It gives electrical impulses on the skin at the forehead and stimulates a nerve associated with migraine headaches. Cefaly is used once a day for 20 minutes, and when it's on you'll likely feel a tingling or massaging sensation. Spring TM may be another option. You hold this device at the back of your head at the first sign of a headache, and it gives off a magnetic pulse that stimulates part of the brain. In addition, there is a noninvasive vagus nerve stimulator called gamma Core. When placed over the vagus nerve in the neck, it releases a mild electrical stimulation to the nerve's fibers to relieve pain.
context: When you're a caregiver for a person with Alzheimer's disease, one of your main goals is to help your loved one do as much he can on his own. This helps him keep his sense of independence. Break down tasks into small steps, or even write out easy-to-follow directions. Use this checklist to help you help him with daily care: Show him how to brush his teeth step by step, or brush yours at the same time. Try an angled, long-handled, or electric toothbrush if you're brushing for him. If a woman wants to wear makeup, encourage it. Help her with lipstick and powder, if she wants. Skip eye makeup if it seems too hard for her to tackle. To keep shaving safe, use an electric razor instead of one with a blade. Use a hand-held showerhead, rubber bath mat, grab bars, and a shower stool to prevent falls. If he has trouble getting in and out of the tub, try sponge baths. To help relax him during bathing, play calming music and tell him what you are doing each step of the way. Give him as much privacy as you can. Put a towel over his shoulders and lap. Clean under the towel with a washcloth or sponge. If she tends to get anxious and hitting is a problem, give her a washcloth to hold. She'll be less likely to strike and may calm down. Make it easier for him to dress on his own. Lay out his clothes in the order he puts them on, or hand him one piece of clothing at a time. If he wants to wear the same clothes every day, don't fight it. Buy 3 or 4 sets of them. Make sure he has loose clothes that are easy to put on. Shorts and pants with elastic waistbands and slip-on shoes are good. Skip shoelaces, buttons, and buckles. Keep mealtime simple and calm. Turn off the TV and radio. Move unneeded items off the table. If having many foods at once confuses him, serve one thing at a time. Use solid-colored plates on a contrasting place mat so it's easier to tell her food from her plate and her plate from the table. Remind him to chew and swallow, if you need to. Don't hurry. Be patient, and give him plenty of time to eat. As it becomes harder for him to eat on his own, try finger foods like tuna sandwiches, steamed broccoli pieces, or orange segments. If swallowing is hard for him, serve softer foods like applesauce, cottage cheese, and scrambled eggs. Helping with chores can boost self-esteem. Ask him to dust, sweep, fix things, sort socks, fold laundry, read a recipe for you, or measure when you cook. Stay active. Take a walk together every day to keep muscles strong, boost mood, and help with sleep. If he can't get around well, he may be able to use a stationary bike or resistance bands. Playing word games, doing puzzles, talking about current events, or gardening can fuel thinking and memory. Listening to music (and playing "name that tune") can also bring back fond thoughts. Be sensitive -- if you sense he feels frustrated or upset by an activity, try something else. If an activity isn't working, it might just be the wrong time. Try it again later. The outcome of chores or games doesn't matter. The time you spend together and the activities that give joy or meaning to your loved one's day do.
context: Your chest feels tight, you're out of breath much of the time, and you have a cough that won't go away. Do you have emphysema? You can't go on symptoms alone. See your doctor. He'll do the following tests to find out for sure: Your doctor will talk to you about your health and any recent changes you might have noticed. If you have emphysema, you'll probably have had shortness of breath, often over a period of months or years. You may also experience wheezing. You might have a cough that won't go away, too. Your doctor will check your weight and blood pressure. He'll listen to your heartbeat and keep an eye out for anything that seems strange or unusual. If you have advanced emphysema, your doctor may notice that you have any of the following: You have a "barrel chest" caused by larger-than-normal lungs. You're wheezing, having a hard time getting air out of your lungs. Your fingertips are rounded. Doctors call this âclubbing.â You purse your lips when you breathe, like you're blowing a kiss. The oxygen levels in your blood are low (hypoxemia). The carbon dioxide levels in your blood are high (hypercarbia), because emphysema makes it hard to exhale properly. Your lips have a blue tinge (cyanosis), another sign of low oxygen in your blood. Malnutrition causes muscles to slowly waste away in advanced emphysema. For this exam, you may sit inside an enclosed booth and breathe into a tube. This will allow your doctor to measure: How much air your lungs can hold How fast you can blow air out of your lungs How much air stays trapped in your lungs after you exhale Whether you're able to breathe better after using medicines you inhale, such as albuterol If you have normal lungs, you'll likely be able to empty most of the air from them in 1 second. If you have emphysema, it'll probably take longer. If you have advanced emphysema, your lungs will appear to be much larger than they should be. In early stages of the disease, your chest X-ray may look normal. Your doctor can't diagnose emphysema with an X-ray alone. A CT scan of your chest will show if the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs have been destroyed. These make it hard for you to breathe out like normal. This simple blood test usually shows normal amounts of white and red blood cells. In advanced emphysema, your body produces more red blood cells to make up for decreased oxygen. These cells carry oxygen. If your white blood cell count is higher than normal, that's a possible sign of infection.
context: Dandruff -- those dry, white flakes of skin you brush off your collar or shoulders -- is harmless. But it can be embarrassing and itchy. Dandruff really isn't about your hair, or how often you wash it. Instead, it's about the skin on your scalp. Skin cells that grow and die off too fast are the problem. Exactly why that happens isn't clear. A very common fungus called malassezia may contribute to dandruff. This fungus lives on the scalp of most healthy adults without causing any problems. One theory is that the immune system of someone with dandruff may overreact to that fungus. Dandruff may get worse when you're stressed or sick. Cold, dry winters can trigger dandruff or make it worse, too. One common cause is seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrhea. Some people with dandruff may also have seborrheic dermatitis in other areas of the body, such as their ears, the center of the face, and the center of the chest.
context: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency ( EPI) is a condition that happens when there's a problem with your pancreas, mainly with how well it helps you digest food. Your pancreas makes enzymes that break down the fats, proteins, and starches you eat so your body can use them. If the organ can't do its job, you can have digestive and other problems, such as: Loss of appetite Diarrhea Weight loss Loose, pale, oily, foul-smelling stools Stomach pain Gas and bloating Bone pain Muscle cramps Without treatment, EPI can make you malnourished -- you won't get enough important vitamins and nutrients from your diet -- and it can lead to other serious conditions, such as thinning bones (osteoporosis) or the blood condition anemia. EPI starts in people who have a damaged pancreas or a health condition that keeps the organ from working as it should. You might be at risk if you have: Surgery on your stomach, pancreas, or gallbladder A disorder that affects your pancreas, like cystic fibrosis, Shwachman- Diamond syndrome, or pancreatic cancer Stomach ulcers Celiac disease If you're on a low-fat diet for a pancreas-related condition, you might have EPI but no symptoms. This is the most common cause of EPI in adults. It happens when the pancreas has been inflamed for a long time. This can damage the organ and its enzymes. Heavy alcohol use and smoking cause chronic pancreatitis, but some types of it also run in families. In this genetic disorder, your body makes a thick, sticky mucus that can block the pancreas and keep it from releasing enzymes. If you have cystic fibrosis, your doctor might want to test you for EPI. It's especially important to get pancreas problems diagnosed in children because they need the right amount of nutrients and vitamins to grow. If you think you might have EPI, talk to your doctor. She may send you to a doctor who treats stomach diseases, called a gastroenterologist. This specialist will test you and recommend treatments that can help.
context: Having genital herpes can increase the risk of being infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and it can cause serious problems for people living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). People who have genital herpes sores are more likely to be infected with HIV during intercourse. When you develop a sore, the immune system tries to heal it, so there are many immune cells concentrated in that spot. Those are the cells that HIV infects. If HIV in semen, vaginal fluid, or blood comes in contact with a herpes sore, the risk for infection is high. HIV and the genital herpes virus are a troublesome duo. One can worsen the effects of the other. Research shows that when the herpes virus is active, it may cause HIV to make more copies of itself (the process called replication) than it would otherwise. The more HIV replicates, the more of the body's infection-fighting cells it destroys, eventually leading to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). People infected with both HIV and the herpes virus may have longer-lasting, more frequent, and more severe outbreaks of herpes symptoms, because a weakened immune system can't keep the herpes virus under control as well as a healthy immune system can. It's more difficult to treat genital herpes if you also have HIV. Higher doses of antiviral drugs are often needed to treat herpes in people with HIV. Also, many people with HIV have strains of the herpes virus that are resistant to treatment with the standard antiviral drugs. If you take antiviral drugs for genital herpes and the treatment isn't working, your doctor can test the virus you have for resistance. If the virus is resistant, there are other possible treatment alternatives, including the drugs Foscarnet and cidofovir. If you have HIV, ask your doctor if you should be tested for genital herpes. If you already know that you have herpes and HIV, discuss treatment options with your doctor.
context: Native Americans have long used the leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant as a folk remedy. As it turns out, witch hazel contains tannins, oils, and other substances that appear to: Lessen inflammation Draw tissue together Slow bleeding Today, you can find witch hazel in your local drugstore. People often use it as an astringent, which draws tissue together and constricts blood vessels. People apply witch hazel to the skin for a variety of problems, such as: Itching Inflammation Injury Insect bites Bruises and minor burns Varicose veins Hemorrhoids Applying witch hazel to the skin is the most common way it is used -- and the safest. People sometimes take witch hazel by mouth. When taken that way it is used to try to treat conditions as varied as: Diarrhea Vomiting or coughing up blood Colitis Colds and fevers Tuberculosis Tumors Cancer There is no proof that taking witch hazel by mouth helps with these or any other conditions. Witch hazel may bring some relief from hemorrhoids or skin irritations and lessen minor bleeding. Witch hazel extracts contain antioxidant compounds that may protect against sunburn and aging from the sun. But the evidence is thin on its use for other conditions. Researchers have more work to do to demonstrate its effectiveness. These are typical dosages of witch hazel: By mouth: 2 grams of dried leaves three times daily or as a tea On the skin: 5 to 10 grams of leaf and bark simmered in 250 milliliters of water or undiluted As an alcohol extract (commonly available in pharmacies): Saturate a piece of cloth and apply to the affected area. Rectal area. By suppository,use 0.1 to 1 gram leaf and bark applied one to three times daily. When applied to anal area, witch hazel water may be applied up to six times a day or after bowel movements. Witch hazel is not found naturally in foods. Witch hazel is relatively safe. Side effects. Stomach upset may result from taking witch hazel by mouth. When you apply it to skin, it may, rarely, cause inflammation (contact dermatitis). But even children tend to tolerate it well on the skin. Risks. If you use witch hazel in appropriate amounts, your risks are relatively minor. But if you take high doses by mouth, it may cause kidney or liver damage. Although witch hazel contains a known cancer-causing ingredient, there's likely no need for concern. The amounts are very small. Because studies are limited, avoid using witch hazel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Interactions. There aren't any known interactions with drugs, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and drugs are. The FDA does not review these supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market. Be sure to 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, foods, or other herbs and supplements. He or she can let you know if the supplement might raise your risks.
context: From chicken soup to neti pots to over-the-counter ( OTC) medications, there are all sorts of ways to help clear a stuffy nose. Call your doctor if you've been congested for more than 2 weeks. If not, use these tips to breathe easier. Rinse the inside of your nose with a nasal irrigation kit or neti pot to soften, loosen, and wash out mucus and instantly relieve your stuffy head. A neti pot looks like a mini teapot. You can buy it at your local drugstore. While you're there, pick up some saline solution. Or make it yourself at home. Mix 1 cup of warm bottled, distilled water, a pinch of baking soda, and half a teaspoon of salt. Use the nasal wash 1 to 2 times a day for best results. Whether it's from a hot shower or piping hot cup of tea, steam can thin mucus and help it drain from your nose. For faster relief, pour boiling water into a large bowl. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and breathe in the steam. You can do this three to four times a day. Everything you heard about chicken soup is true: It really does help you feel better when you're sick. Sip a hot bowl to move mucus through your nose faster than plain hot water. It'll help you feel less stuffy, and it tastes good. Why do you feel stuffy when you're sick? Because the blood vessels inside your nose swell and block your airways. Over-the-counter decongestants can shrink these vessels and help you breathe easier. Check the label for the ingredients phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. Decongestant nasal sprays work the same way. But be careful! Your nose can get even stuffier if you use them for more than 4 or 5 days in a row. Sometimes these products can make you nervous or irritable. Peppermint and its main active ingredient, menthol, are natural decongestants and may even thin out the gunk in your chest. You'll find them in many chest rubs and cough drops. You can also drink peppermint tea. Buy it from the store, or make your own: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink a cup up to five times a day.
context: To diagnose pancreatic cancer, a doctor will order certain imaging tests, such as a pancreatic ultrasound or a CT scan of the abdomen. Endoscopic ultrasonography ( EUS) uses an ultrasound device connected to the end of a small flexible tube that is inserted into the mouth and is about 85% to 90% accurate in diagnosing pancreatic cancer. If necessary, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ( ERCP) is used. With ERCP, detailed images are obtained by inserting an endoscope into the mouth to the pancreas, injecting a dye, and then taking X-rays. A tissue sample for biopsy can also be extracted through the scope. If a biopsy confirms cancer, further tests are done to determine how far the disease has advanced. Laparoscopy, may be used. In this technique, a small tube with a small video camera and light source is introduced into the abdominal cavity. The tumor can then be seen. Occasionally, exploratory surgery is needed. The surgeon can then study the tumor directly, determine if nearby lymph nodes are cancerous, and take tissue samples for microscopic exam. Pancreatic cancer is very hard to control. But if it is caught early and the cancer hasn't spread beyond the pancreas, it can be treated with surgery. This offers the best outcome for pancreatic cancer. The surgery is called a " Whipple procedure," or pancreaticoduodenectomy, and is named after Dr. George Hoyt Whipple, the surgeon who pioneered it. If possible, the surgeon removes the malignant tumor, leaving as much of the normal pancreas as possible to allow continued pancreatic function. Less often, the entire pancreas must be removed. If a patient undergoes a total pancreatectomy, a lifelong regimen of replacement enzymes and hormones, including insulin, must be administered. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancers have subtle, and vague symptoms. Thus the disease is often diagnosed after it has advanced and spread. However, even at later stages, treatment can improve quality of life by controlling uncomfortable symptoms and complications of the disease. Depending on the type and stage of pancreatic cancer, patients may be given chemotherapy treatments alone or in combination with radiation. Whether or not the tumor is removed surgically, or has spread to lymph nodes, these therapies may be given after surgery in an effort to extend survival time. These treatments may also be given before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it possible for surgery to be performed or used as a means of relieving symptoms, such as pain. Prescription medications, usually narcotics, are given to help manage pain associated with advanced pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is not easily prevented, but you can take measures to reduce your risk. If you work around certain chemicals, dyes, or pesticides that are known to increase the risk for pancreatic cancer, take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to both materials and fumes. Cigarette smoking doubles the risk of pancreatic cancer when compared to non-smokers. So if you smoke, quit now.
context: Plantar warts are warts that develop on plantar surfaces -- that is, the soles (or bottom) of the feet. Normal standing and walking tends to force them into the skin, and the pressure causes pain to the affected area. Calluses formed by the body's attempt to prevent spread of warts can also cause pain when walking. Plantar warts are harmless and may go away even without treatment, but in many cases they are too painful to ignore. Plantar warts that grow together in a cluster are known as mosaic warts. Plantar warts, like all warts, are caused by a virus that invades the skin through tiny cuts or scrapes. The warts may not appear for weeks or months after the initial exposure. Like other viral infections, plantar warts are contagious, commonly spread in public swimming pools, communal showers, or even your shower at home. Epidemics of plantar warts sometimes break out among people who share gym or athletic facilities or who engage in group activities where bare feet are the rule, such as yoga and martial arts. Because most people build immunity to the virus with age, plantar warts are more common in children than in adults. They also are common in people who have weak immune systems, such as those with HIV/ AIDS and taking corticosteroid or immunosupressive medication.
context: Not everyone develops all of the following symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis of the spine. What you experience depends on the severity of the condition: Stiffness and pain in the lower back, buttocks, and hips upon waking in the morning or after a period of inactivity Back pain relieved by movement and exercise Difficulty bending the spine Pain in the hips and difficulty walking Pain in the heels and soles of the feet Pain in the jaw, the temporomandibular joint ( TMJ) Bent-over posture Straightening of the normal curvature of the spine Loss of appetite, weight loss Fatigue, decreased energy Eye swelling, redness, and pain Sensitivity to light Difficulty taking a deep breath (because expanding the chest is difficult and painful) Heart failure Heart block (problems with the flow of the electrical impulses that control your heart muscle) Bowel inflammation like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis You develop symptoms such as persistent lower-back pain, especially if it is stiff in the morning but improves with movement and exercise You have redness or swelling in the eye, or are abnormally sensitive to light; you could have iritis, a condition commonly associated with ankylosing spondylitis.
context: Calcium channel blockers are drugs used to lower blood pressure. They work by slowing the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, which makes it easier for the heart to pump and widens blood vessels. As a result, the heart doesn't have to work as hard, and blood pressure lowers. Examples of calcium channel blockers include: Norvasc (amlodipine) Plendil (felodipine) Dyna Circ (isradipine) Cardene (nicardipine) Procardia XL, Adalat (nifedipine) Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, Diltia XL (diltiazem) Sular ( Nisoldipine) Isoptin, Calan, Verelan, Covera- HS (verapamil) Potential side effects from taking a calcium channel blocker include: Dizziness or lightheadedness Low blood pressure Heart rhythm problems Dry mouth Edema (swelling of ankles, feet, or lower legs) Headache Nausea Fatigue Skin rash Constipation or diarrhea Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD) Before taking a calcium channel blocker, tell your doctor: About any medical conditions you have, including any heart or blood vessel disorders, kidney or liver disease About every medication you are taking, including any over-the-counter or herbal medications; certain drugs may interact with calcium channel blockers. Most calcium channel blockers can be taken with food or milk; however, ask your doctor. Follow the label directions on how often to take it. The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and how long you need to take the medicine will depend on the type of medication prescribed and on your condition. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking these medications, because grapefruit prevents the breakdown of the drug in the body. Be sure to see your doctor on a regular basis to make sure the medicine is working as it should and isn't causing any intolerable side effects. Your doctor may want to change the dosage if the drug isn't having the intended effect. Grapefruits and grapefruit juice can affect the action of many of the calcium channel blockers. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your calcium channel blocker is affected by grapefruit juice. Do not drink alcohol while taking a calcium channel blocker. Alcohol interferes with the effects of the drug and increases the side effects. Taking other blood pressure medications in combination with a calcium channel blocker may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor the best way to take the medication if you are taking other drugs.
context: The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A, which can be a serious (although rarely fatal) liver disease that may require hospitalization. The hepatitis A virus, present in the stool of infected people, spreads through: Close personal contact, such as household or sexual contact, with an infected person Contaminated water or ice Contaminated raw shellfish, fruits, vegetables, or other uncooked foods If you get hepatitis A as an adult, you are more likely to have signs and symptoms than young children who are infected. Symptoms may last less than two months and include: Flu-like illness, including fever and fatigue Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice) Dark urine Severe stomachache, diarrhea, or nausea The CDC recommends that adults have the hepatitis A vaccine ( HAV) if you: Are traveling to or working in countries where hepatitis A is common (such as countries in Central or South America, Mexico, many Asian countries, Africa, and Eastern Europe); this disease is much more common than cholera or typhoid among international travelers. Will have close contact with an international adoptee from a country where hepatitis A is common Are a man who has sex with men Use street drugs Have chronic liver disease Work with primates infected with hepatitis A or with the virus in a research lab Also, if you work with food, you should consider getting the hepatitis A vaccine. Do not get the hepatitis vaccine if you: Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a hepatitis A vaccine or to any vaccine component; hepatitis A vaccines contain alum and some contain 2-phenoxyethanol. Are ill, unless it is a mild illness Are pregnant You receive the injection of the hepatitis A vaccine in the muscle of your upper arm. Start the vaccine series when you are at risk of infection and at least one month before traveling. You need two doses at least six months apart. There are also combination vaccines for adults that protect against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. However, these have a different dosing schedule. Ask your doctor for details. You might prefer this option if, for example, you are traveling to countries with high rates of both diseases. It's good to know you cannot become infected by getting the hepatitis A vaccine. But in very rare cases, people can have a severe allergic reaction to the hepatitis A vaccine. This occurs within a few minutes to hours of getting the shot. In extremely rare cases, this reaction can be fatal. It's important to remember that the risks from the disease are much greater than the risk from the vaccine itself. Signs of a severe reaction to the hepatitis A vaccination include: High fever Behavior changes Trouble breathing Hoarseness or wheezing Hives Paleness Weakness Fast heartbeat Dizziness Other minor reactions to the hepatitis A vaccine that may last one to two days may include: Soreness at the site of injection Headache Fatigue If you have any signs of a severe reaction: Call the doctor or get to a doctor right away Describe when you had the vaccine and what occurred Have a health care professional report the reaction
context: It can be hard to figure out when you have the flu and not just a cold. Look for these symptoms: Fever -- usually between 101 F and 102 F (but sometimes as high as 106 F) Chills Sore throat Dry, hacking cough Aching muscles General fatigue and weakness Stopped up head Sneezing Headache You have these symptoms, and you also have a weakened immune system because of cancer, diabetes, AIDS, or other conditions. You have symptoms and a serious illness like heart, lung, or kidney disease, brittle asthma, or chronic anemia. You're more likely to have problems with the flu, and your doctor should watch you closely. You have trouble breathing. You have a headache associated with a stiff neck. Your fever lasts more than 3 or 4 days, you get short of breath while resting, and you have chest pain. You may have pneumonia. Your nasal drainage is yellow or green and has lasted for more than 10 days. You could have a sinus infection.
context: Multiple sclerosis ( MS) can sometimes sap your energy, but it doesn't have to stop you from doing what you love. The right steps can give you the boost you need to spend time on the things that matter. Have a plan. Schedule your days according to what you know about your energy levels. If you always get tired in the afternoon, try to get as much done as you can in the morning. See if you can change your work schedule to get to the office early so you can leave before you're too tired. Do important jobs first. Break up big tasks into smaller ones that are more manageable. Get rest. Schedule regular breaks to restore your energy. You can take either a few 10- to 15-minute power naps or one longer 1- to 2-hour nap. Just don't nap too much. It could throw off your sleep schedule and keep you up at night. Stay active. You might feel like crawling between the covers, but try to keep moving. Take a short walk, or do 15 minutes of yoga. Exercise is one of the best ways to beat fatigue. It gives you more energy during the day and helps you sleep better at night. Regular physical activity also improves your balance. Never exercise so much that you feel exhausted, since it will take your body longer to recover. The ideal fitness program for MS is a mix of heart-pumping aerobics and strength training. Before you get started, talk to your doctor to make sure the routine you've chosen is safe for you. Keep cool. Heat and humidity can bring on fatigue. If you start to lag when the temperature rises, stay inside where it's air-conditioned. Or try wearing a cooling vest. The most common type has insulated pockets that hold small ice packs. You wear it over your clothing, and it keeps you cool for several hours. You can also wear headbands or neckbands that use the same method. Eat for energy. Three big meals a day can drag you down, especially if they're heavy on fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. Instead, eat several smaller meals throughout the day that have lots of nutrients.
context: You've got a cold and feel lousy. Maybe you already tried some over-the-counter meds. Time for something stronger, you think. Can antibiotics do the trick? Here's the plain truth: Colds are caused by viruses, and no antibiotic in the world can fight one. They only treat an infection that's brought on by another small living thing -- bacteria. It might not seem like you're doing any harm if you take a medicine even though it doesn't treat your cold, but it can. When people take antibiotics when they don't have to, over time, the medicine becomes less effective. Someday you'll really need one because you've got an illness caused by a bacteria, but it won't work. The reason has to do with the bacteria themselves. They can be sneaky. When they come into contact over and over with antibiotics, they may change in order to survive. These new strains are "resistant" to some types of antibiotics. If you get an infection with one of these bacteria, your doctor may need to try several types of drugs until he finds one that works. You could get a lot sicker while you wait for the one that can treat you. Anbitiotics also have side effects, some very serious. Minor problems include dizziness, vomiting, yeast infections and diarrhea, More serious problems include allergic reactions, difficulty breathing and damage to the colon as the result of infection growing in the body. When they're used the right way, antibiotics can save lives. For example, they can treat bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, ear infection, and pinkeye -- as long as they're caused by bacteria. Sometimes, you get infected with a bacteria after you've got a cold. Some signs of this are pain around your face and eyes that may get worse when you bend over. You might also cough up thick, yellow or green mucus. These symptoms may also occur with a cold. But if they last for more than a week or are severe, you may have a bacterial infection and need antibiotics. Only your doctor can prescribe antibiotics. Talk to him if you think you might need them. Here are three things to remember when you're thinking about taking antibiotics: Listen to your doctor. He'll let you know if you're sick because of a virus or a bacteria and will prescribe antibiotics if you need them. Follow instructions carefully. Finish all the medicine your doctor asks you to take and stick to the schedule. If there are pills left when your treatment ends, don't save them "just in case" you might get sick later on. Don't share medicine. Never give antibiotics to anyone else, and don't take someone else's drugs. They're not the same. When you need one, it's important that you take the right medicine for your condition.
context: Saffron comes from a type of crocus flower. It's a common spice in Mediterranean cooking. Because it's hard to harvest -- it takes 75,000 flowers to get a pound of saffron -- it's one of the world's most expensive spices. It's been used as a traditional treatment for thousands of years. Oral saffron supplements may help with Alzheimer's disease, some studies show. One small study found it worked as well as standard drugs in slowing down the symptoms. More research is needed. Saffron may also help with depression. Several small studies showed that it seemed to work as well as a common antidepressant in helping symptoms. Larger studies need to be done to see if this would be a safe and effective treatment. Saffron is an antioxidant. Early lab and animal studies are being done to see if it can help fight or prevent certain types of cancer. Saffron may help with premenstrual syndrome ( PMS) and painful periods. It may also help with other conditions, such as high cholesterol, but we don't have any clear evidence yet. Ideal doses for saffron have not been set for any condition, although studies have been done using 30 mg of the extract a day, or 15-200 milligrams of dried saffron daily. Ingredients in supplements may vary widely. This makes it very hard to set a standard dose. Saffron is a common spice. You can buy it in large grocery stores or specialty markets. 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. Using saffron supplements in the short-term seems safe for most people. They may cause side effects like anxiety, appetite changes, upset stomach, sleepiness, and headache. Using saffron in high doses or for long periods of time may be risky. Some people are also allergic to saffron. Risks. Saffron may trigger mood swings in people with bipolar disorder. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use saffron. Interactions. When used as a supplement, saffron may cause problems for people on blood pressure medicine or blood thinners. Check with your doctor before using it if you are taking medication. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and drugs are. The FDA does not review these supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market.
context: With osteoporosis, you're at extra risk for breaking a bone, or "fracturing" it. With a fall or even a simple misstep, you could break your ankle. Doctors say they're seeing more broken ankles, and they're more severe as adults stay active later in life. If you injure your ankle, it may swell up, hurt, and bruise. You'll find it hard to walk. But you probably won't be off your feet for too long. There are treatments, including surgery, that will get you moving again. Here's what to expect. What your doctor recommends depends on the type of break you have and how severe it is. He'll look at X-rays or other scans to figure out the best approach. Your doctor has two options to fix your broken ankle. If it's stable and the bones are still in place, he may put you in a cast, splint, boot, or brace. It stops you from moving the joint while it heals, which can take about 6 weeks. But you may need surgery if your ankle is out of place or isn't stable enough to hold your body weight. A medical assessment may be needed to see if there is any underlying fragility or osteoporosis that may have led to a fracture. Putting your broken bones back together requires some hardware. Your doctor will use metal screws or plates. They'll keep your ankle stable and allow it heal. He might add a new piece of bone in a procedure called a graft. After surgery, you'll have to keep your ankle still, probably for a few weeks. Once you're back home, your doctor might recommend that you raise it and apply ice to keep swelling down. You'll wear a splint, boot, or cast to hold the joint in place while it heals. You won't be able to put any weight on it. After 6 to 8 weeks, you'll switch to a special boot and begin to walk on your ankle. You may work with a physical therapist, who'll teach you exercises to help you move your joint again. Other moves that can strengthen your ankle will follow. It may take several months for the muscles around your ankle to get strong enough for you to walk without a limp. It will take a bit longer to return to your regular activities and from 6 months to a year to fully heal.
context: When seeking an evaluation or treatment for ADHD, it is important to see a qualified health care provider who has dealt with this disorder. There are several types of professionals who typically diagnose ADHD. These include doctors (especially psychiatrists, pediatricians, internists, and family physicians), psychologists (including school psychologists), social workers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other licensed therapists (for example, professional counselors and marriage and family therapists). One major question for newly diagnosed people is: Who can prescribe ADHD medications? While all of the professionals listed above can treat ADHD, only certain ones can prescribe medication and do thorough physical evaluations to rule out other possible causes of symptoms. These professionals are doctors (either a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy), nurse practitioners, and physician assistants supervised by a doctor. Because medication is a key part of ADHD treatment, it is important that all members of your treatment team communicate with each other on a regular basis. If your child has ADHD symptoms, contact their doctor or psychologist as a first step in diagnosing the condition. Other members of your child's care team may be nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, and other therapists (such as counselors and family therapists). If your child needs medication, the doctor or nurse practitioner will decide on the medication and monitor symptoms and side effects until the right dose is found. The diagnostic process also should rule out any other disorders that may look like ADHD. ADHD in adults is often diagnosed by the primary care doctor, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist. To diagnose ADHD in adults, the doctor will need a history of the adult's behavior as a child. The doctor may also interview the patient's spouse, partner, parents, and friends, as well as look at the person's records, including report cards and transcripts, to determine if a patient's difficulties have lasted a while. The doctor may also use psychological testing.
context: RICE stands for: Rest the sprained or strained area. If necessary, use a sling for an arm injury or crutches for a leg or foot injury. Splint an injured finger or toe by taping it to an adjacent finger or toe. Ice for 20 minutes every hour. Never put ice directly against the skin or it may damage the skin. Use a thin towel for protection. Compress by wrapping an elastic ( Ace) bandage or sleeve lightly (not tightly) around the joint or limb. Specialized braces, such as for the ankle, can work better than an elastic bandage for removing the swelling. Elevate the area above heart level if possible. Give an over-the-counter NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen ( Tylenol), or aspirin. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 19. All but the most minor strains and sprains should be evaluated by a doctor. Consult a doctor as soon as possible if there are symptoms of a possible broken bone: There is a "popping" sound with the injury. The person can't move the injured joint or limb or bear weight on it. The limb buckles when the injured joint is used. There is numbness. There is significant swelling, pain, fever, or open cuts. Continue RICE for 24 to 48 hours, or until the person sees a doctor. The doctor may want to do X-rays or an MRI to diagnose a severe sprain or strain or rule out a broken bone. The doctor may need to immobilize the limb or joint with a splint, cast, or other device until healing is complete. Physical therapy can often be helpful to bring an injured joint back to normal. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
context: Sinus infections (sinusitis) can make it hard to breathe, and the pressure in your face can hurt. It can also make you cough and produce a lot of discharge. That may make you wonder if you could pass it on to someone else. 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(); }); } The answer is sort of. But it really depends on what caused it. And often you just don't know. Most sinus infections are brought on by a virus. If that's what happened to you, then yes, you can spread the virus that caused it but not the infection itself. Another person might get sick but may or may not get a sinus infection. Most of the time, these kinds of viruses cause colds, which may or may not lead to sinus infections. Sometimes when the sinuses are blocked and filled with mucus, bacteria can grow and cause an infection. If your sinus infection lasts more than 10-14 days, you're more likely to have bacterial sinusitis. If your infection is caused by bacteria, you can't spread it. Some people have chronic sinusitis, which lasts for at least 12 weeks. It's often caused by allergies, polyps (tissue growths in your nose), or a crooked wall between your nostrils called a deviated septum. Sometimes, tobacco smoke, dry air, or polluted air can also trigger sinusitis. You may not know what is causing your sinusitis, so it's best to avoid close contact with other people and to make an appointment with your doctor. If a virus is to blame, you may have been contagious days before you got the sinus infection. Most viruses can be spread for just a few days, but sometimes you could pass it on for a week or more. You can get it the same way you get cold and flu -- by breathing it in or passing it from your hands to your mouth after touching something. Viruses get in the air after someone who is sick sneezes or coughs. They also can be passed on when someone shakes hands with someone who is sick or touches a doorknob or anything else the sick person has touched. To keep from getting a virus, wash your hands often with soap and water. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. Try to avoid people you have cold- and flu-like symptoms. If you have sinusitis, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands to avoid making anyone sick.
context: Having type 1 diabetes means your body doesn't make insulin. This hormone moves sugar (glucose) from your bloodstream into your cells, where it's used for energy. Without insulin, too much sugar builds up in your blood. That can damage your nerves and blood vessels, leading to serious health problems. When you don't manage your diabetes and control your blood sugar, your whole body can pay the price. Some of the most common complications are: Kidney disease (nephropathy) Heart disease Stroke High blood pressure Nerve disease (neuropathy) Foot problems, including ulcers Eye disease (retinopathy) Skin infections Gum disease (inflammation and infection) You can't completely erase your chances of developing these conditions, but you can lower the odds. High blood sugar levels can cause real damage to your body. That's why it's important to keep your numbers in check every day. Ask your doctor about getting an A1c test. This tracks your average blood sugar over a period of a few months. It gives you a better, bigger picture of how well you're managing your diabetes. You're much more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people without diabetes are, but you can lower your risk. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in the healthy range. High numbers for both are common with diabetes, so remember to get them checked. Make smart food choices to help manage your blood sugar levels and keep your heart and kidneys healthy. Fill up on produce, fiber, and good fats. Avoid foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Exercise can lower your blood sugar level and your risk for all sorts of problems, like heart disease and stroke. It's also good for your blood pressure and cholesterol. Talk with your doctor before you get started, though. They might warn you against some workouts with high-impact moves and heavy lifting. These can raise blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes can take a toll on your feet. Nerve damage can make them numb or tingly, and it can weaken or destroy the tissue in them. Infections and ulcers are more likely. Every day, give your feet a thorough once-over, looking for cuts, blisters, sores, red spots, nail infections, and numb areas. Keep your feet clean and moisturized, and your nails trimmed. Wear socks and shoes that fit well. Going barefoot or wearing ill-fitting shoes that pinch could cause trouble. High blood sugar can make it easier for bacteria to grow inside your mouth. This can lead to plaque build-up and, eventually, gum disease. Brush and floss every day, as well as a daily rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. Check your gums for redness, tenderness, or bleeding, which can point to gingivitis, an inflammation of your gums that's the start of gum disease. Book regular checkups. Get an eye exam at least once a year, and see your dentist every 6 months. You'll also need to have your feet examined. Get screened for kidney disease every year, too. If you smoke, quit. Seriously, smoking is one of the worst things you can do when you have diabetes. It raises your chances of getting almost every complication of the disease. Having trouble quitting? Ask your doctor for help.