VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that needs emergency medical treatment. It can happen in seconds or even hours after contact with something you're allergic to, like certain foods, insect venom, latex, or medication. In rare cases, exercise and physical activity also can trigger it. Call 911 immediately if you think someone's having symptoms of anaphylaxis. These may include: Hoarseness Trouble speaking Tightness in the throat Wheezing, or trouble breathing or swallowing Hives Swollen eyes, lips or tongue Runny nose Dizziness Abdominal pain or diarrhea Nausea and vomiting Confusion Anxiety If the person has an epinephrine injector, don't wait to use it, even if you aren't sure the symptoms are allergy-related. It won't hurt him and may save his life. The drug will stop symptoms for a few minutes, but it isn't a cure. Call 911, even if he seems to be OK after getting the epinephrine. He may need more medical treatment. This strong, fast-acting medication is given with an easy-to-use auto-injector. It's available by prescription only. Inject the drug at the first sign of a reaction, and call 911 right away. Don't move the person unless he's in an unsafe place. Have him sit down, lie down, or stay in the most comfortable position for breathing. Stay calm. Be aware that epinephrine can make you feel jumpy, boost your heart rate and make you feel a little sick. It won't last long if it happens. If an insect stinger is involved, remove it with a gentle brushing motion. Don't pinch the stinger. That could release more venom. Listen and watch to make sure he's breathing. If you're trained in CPR, give it if needed. If he has asthma as well as allergies, you can give him his inhaler, but only after he's had the epinephrine. You can give a second shot of epinephrine if the symptoms don't go away. Keep the device in a dark place and at room temperature. Check the expiration date often. If it's expired, replace it. But remember, it's better to use expired epinephrine in an emergency than nothing at all. If the auto-injector has a window, check the liquid. If it isn't clear, replace the unit. Keep more than one auto-injector with you at all times. Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. Write an anaphylaxis emergency action plan for his teachers and other adults he spends time with. Go over it with them. Keep two auto-injectors at school in case he needs them. Be certain the school nurse stores and uses epinephrine properly. Get him a medical alert bracelet.
context: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) can trigger certain emotions. For example, you might feel guilty or ashamed because of the way you think other people see you. You may get stressed if your loved ones say you don't listen and you feel you've let them down in some way. You have the same emotions as everyone else. But because of ADHD, you may feel them more strongly or for a longer time. The right treatment and therapy can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and emotions. Coaching, therapy, and support groups can help you learn new ways to deal with them and feel better about life with ADHD. ADHD can create challenges at work. You may tend to put off tasks or have a hard time organizing them. You may get distracted easily, have trouble finishing projects, or interrupt others during meetings. These things can lead to work stress and burnout -- you may even want to quit your job at certain times. You may worry that others will think you're a failure. A career coach or career counselor can help you understand how your ADHD symptoms affect you on the job and learn to manage your emotions at work. Here are some tips to deal with common ADHD symptoms at work: Ask for a quiet spot to work in. Use earphones with music or white noise to block out chatter. Write down all your tasks so you don't forget anything. Do one thing at a time, and finish it before you move on. Take breaks to do quick things like filing. Take a walk on your lunch break. In long meetings, take notes to break up the time. Ask your therapist to teach you relaxation techniques you can do at your desk. Talk with co-workers about better ways to work with people you might not get along well with. Find out if you overlook their cues and set off conflicts. See if you can take on more solo projects if teamwork is too stressful. People who have ADHD often hear negative things about themselves from others. That can lead to issues with your self-image, and shame and guilt can affect your relationships. You may seem bored or interrupt your partner in conversations, show up late to things, or misread body language. If your partner complains, you may start to resent them. Here are some ways to deal with your emotions in relationships: Plan ahead: If family gatherings or other social events make you stressed, let your partner know. Agree to leave early or take a break halfway through to walk outside. Strike a balance: If you don't finish tasks, your partner may try to step in, and that can lead to resentment on both sides. Talk about what needs to be done and divide things up. Don't take on more than you can handle. Give yourself burnout breaks: It's OK to let your partner or friends know you need some quiet time. Admit when you've messed up: Don't blame all your mistakes on your ADHD or get defensive with your partner. Individual, couples, or group therapy can help you learn ways to manage ADHD symptoms and your emotions. You can work on certain skills and get tips to manage stressful situations. A therapist also can help you be more aware of your actions and feelings and have a more positive outlook.
context: Liver cancer usually has no initial symptoms or may have vague symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, and night sweats. Eventually, symptoms may include: Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the upper right section of the abdomen Weight loss Loss of appetite Jaundice -- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes Itching all over the body Swollen legs In the advanced stage, symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, general weakness, mental confusion, loss of sex drive, pain in the left side of the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen, and the development of skin lesions that resemble a spider. You develop symptoms that suggest liver cancer. Although the symptoms may be related to another liver disorder or some other ailment, it's best not to let them go undiagnosed. Early detection of cancer ensures better response to treatment.
context: A acetabular labrum tear can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Some people don't have any discomfort. Others have sharp pain around the groin, which may extend into the upper leg or buttocks. Pain can come on suddenly or develop gradually. Rotating your leg may be particularly painful. Acetabular labral tears often cause a feeling of the leg "catching" or "clicking" in the hip socket as you move it. It may also feel like the leg is locking up. Over time, the increased stress on the joint could lead to further deterioration and permanent damage. Acetabular labral tears can be hard to diagnose. Studies show that, on average, people with labral tears of the hip go more than two years before getting a correct diagnosis. Your doctor will give you a thorough evaluation, examining the hip, and getting you to flex and rotate your leg. You may need an MRI or other imaging tests to look for the tear. However, even with these tests, diagnosis is often difficult. A more invasive way of diagnosing an acetabular labral tear is an arthroscopy, in which small incisions are made and a tool with a tiny camera is slipped into the hip to look at the labrum. This procedure is sometimes part of surgery to repair the damage.
context: Heart attacks can be deadly, and the widow maker is one of the deadliest kind. It can happen suddenly when a key artery that moves blood to the heart gets almost or completely blocked. Without emergency treatment, you most likely won't survive. Despite its name, the widow maker strikes women, too. Your heart muscles need a constant supply of blood. When something cuts off the flow, you have a heart attack. Without oxygen, the cells in your heart muscles start to die in minutes. A widow maker is when you get a big blockage at the beginning of the left main artery or the left anterior descending artery ( LAD). They're a major pipeline for blood. If blood gets 100% blocked at that critical location, it's almost always fatal without emergency care. You will have the same warning signs as you would with other types of heart attacks. Chest pain or discomfort. This is the most common symptom for women and men. You may feel pain, pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of your chest for several minutes. The feeling might go away and then return Upper body pain or discomfort. You might feel it in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw, or stomach Shortness of breath. You feel like you can't catch your breath. This can happen with or without chest discomfort. Women report this more often than men do. Nausea Cold sweat Lightheadedness Pain in the back of the jaw Quick treatment can save your life. Call 911 right away. That's almost always better than having someone drive you to the ER. Paramedics can try to revive your heart immediately if it's stopped. Heart attacks, including widow makers, usually happen because of a combination of lifestyle and genetic reasons. Cholesterol and fatty plaque clog your arteries over time and choke off blood. You're more likely to have heart attacks if you: Smoke Are obese Eat a lot of unhealthy foods Are over 45 (men) or 55 (women) Don't exercise Have high blood pressure Have uncontrolled diabetes Have a family history of heart disease You may survive a widow maker if the emergency room doctors can treat you quickly. The ER team races against time to unblock your left main or LAD artery within 90 minutes of your heart attack. Restoring the blood flow can prevent scars on your heart that can do permanent damage. Usually, you won't need surgery. Instead, your doctors most likely will need to place one or more stents. First, your doctors will thread a thin tube called a catheter to reach the blocked artery. They'll make a small cut through your skin, maybe in your leg. A tiny balloon at the tip of the catheter will inflate and push through the blockage. This is called an angioplasty. Arteries opened with angioplasty can become blocked again. To prevent that, doctors can also put in a small stainless steel mesh tube called a stent to prop open the artery walls. This can be done during your angioplasty. If the ER team unblocks your left main or LAD artery quickly enough, you could have little or no damage to your heart. If your doctors find blockages in three or more coronary arteries, you may need heart surgery.
context: Pycnogenol is a compound of natural chemicals. It comes from the bark of a European pine tree. Pycnogenol is thought to be an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Pycnogenol is the registered trademark name for a French formula. The active ingredients in pycnogenol can also be extracted from other sources, including peanut skin, grape seed, and witch hazel bark. Pycnogenol seems to help with asthma and allergies. Early research shows that taking it at least 5 weeks before the start of allergy season seems to lessen symptoms. In a small/preliminary study of kids with asthma, pycnogenol helped improve symptoms. It also lessened the amount of asthma medication they needed. Pycnogenol may have benefits for heart and artery health. It seems to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the legs. Some small studies suggest it may also protect against coronary artery disease and blood clots. There's good evidence that pycnogenol helps with eye damage caused by diabetes. There is limited evidence that it could be used in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD). More research is needed to see how this supplement affects all of these conditions. Pycnogenol may help with other conditions as well. They include: Arthritis Diabetes Erectile dysfunction High cholesterol Memory problems Menopause symptoms Pain during pregnancy Swelling We need more research to know for sure if pycnogenol helps treat these conditions. Optimal doses of pycnogenol have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to set a standard dose. Ask your doctor for advice. Traditionally, people might drink a brew made from pine bark -- rich in pycnogenol -- as a treatment. 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. Pycnogenol seems well-tolerated for use in adults for up to 6 months. It may cause side effects such as: Dizziness Vertigo Upset stomach Risks. Pycnogenol may stimulate the immune system. So it may not be safe for people with immune disorders, such as: Lupus Multiple sclerosis ( MS) Rheumatoid arthritis It's not known if pycnogenol is safe for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Interactions. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using pycnogenol supplements. They could interact with medicines to suppress the immune system, chemotherapy drugs, and blood thinners. 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: 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(); }); } Most insect bites cause only minor irritation, with symptoms like swelling at the site of the bite or itching or burning. You might also feel numbness or tingling. If you've been bitten by a poisonous spider, you may notice any of the following: Intense pain at the site of the wound Stiffness or joint pain Muscle spasms Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting Fever or chills Difficulty breathing or swallowing A wound that spreads or turns into a sore (tissue around the wound might also die) Dizziness Difficulty speaking Convulsions Insect stings and bites can cause severe allergic reactions. Doctors call this âanaphylaxis.â Rarely, a spider bite can cause an allergic reaction doctors call âanaphylactic shock.â It can be fatal. Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms: Rapid swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or around the eyes Difficulty breathing Wheezing or hoarseness Severe itching, cramping, or numbness Dizziness A reddish rash or hives Stomach cramps Loss of consciousness If you experience any of these things and have epinephrine on hand, don't hesitate to use it --even if you're not sure your symptoms are caused by allergies. Using an auto-injector pen as a precaution won't harm you.
context: When you're managing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis ( MS), it's natural that you might find there are times you feel down. If you notice you're getting depressed, let your doctor know. He'll help you get the support and treatment you need to get back on track. Anyone dealing with too much stress or a tough situation might have depression. So it's easy to understand how the long-term physical symptoms of multiple sclerosis can bring on changes in your mood. But MS itself might also cause depression. The disease may destroy the protective coating around nerves that helps the brain send signals that affect mood. Depression is also a side effect of some the drugs that treat multiple sclerosis, such as steroids and interferon. When you have depression, you may get sad or irritable, lose energy, and stop enjoying things that you used to love. You might also feel hopeless or worthless. Some other symptoms you may have are: Trouble concentrating Uncontrollable crying Hard time making decisions Urge to sleep a lot Trouble falling or staying asleep at night Aches and pains you can't explain Upset stomach and digestive problems Low sex drive or other sexual problems Headache Change in appetite that causes weight loss or gain Some people who are depressed may have thoughts of death or suicide, or even attempt suicide. Ask your doctor for help if your sadness is making your life worse, like causing trouble with relationships, work issues, or family disputes -- and there isn't a clear solution to these problems. If you have thoughts about suicide, get medical help right away. Once you decide it's time to get treatment, start with your primary care doctor. He can talk with you about how you feel and make sure that medicines you take or another health problem aren't causing your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe treatment or refer you to a mental health care professional, who can look at your symptoms and recommend ways to treat them. The first step in getting the right treatment is to recognize that you're depressed. The next is to seek help. These things may be the hardest part of the entire process. But once you connect with a doctor, there are many ways to help you get better. Antidepressant drugs may be an option, but you'll need to use them only as your doctor prescribes. They usually work best when you take them along with psychotherapy, or talk therapy. In this kind of treatment, you talk to a mental health care professional, who can help you work through the things that may trigger your depression. If you or someone you know has any of these signs, contact a mental health professional or go to the emergency room right away: Talk about killing yourself Always talk or think about death Make comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless Say things like, " It would be better if I weren't here" or " I want out" Depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse Sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or acting happy Take risks that could be deadly, like driving through red lights Lose interest in things you used to care about Put affairs in order or change a will
context: You can't spoil an infant. Well-meaning people may tell you to let your baby "cry it out," but when your baby's crying, he's telling you something -- it can just be a bit tricky to figure out what it is! Coping with baby's cries: First, troubleshoot. Is baby hungry? Wet? Hot? In pain from a too-tight diaper, pinching snap, or a fine hair wrapped tightly around a finger or toe? If baby's full, clean, comfortable, and without a fever, try soothing him by swaddling, walking and rocking, and turning on a calming sound like the vacuum or a white noise machine. Offer a pacifier or a finger to suck. Although "crying it out" as a sleep training tactic is not recommended for newborns, if you're about to start crying hysterically, it's OK to put baby down in a safe space for a few minutes to give yourself a break. Your Baby's Development This Week Your baby's almost 3 months old! Every day, he gains more control over his rapidly-growing body. Here are some things your baby may be doing by now: Keeping his hands open more often (unlike that newborn clenched fist) and carefully opening and closing them Showing some head control when upright, trying to push up on his arms, lifting his head, neck, and chest when lying on his tummy Socializing more with his smiling, gurgling, cooing, and even showing an interest in other children You might wonder about: Disappearing reflexes. Many of the reflexes found in newborns, like the startle reflex -- have vanished by now. Eye crossing. Your baby will follow you and should no longer cross his eyes. Rolling over. Some babies roll from front to back very early. So keep a watchful eye when he's on the changing table or any raised surface. Do not leave baby alone on a bed that has pillows for protection. He can still roll off the bed. Playing with toys. By the end of the third month, most babies can grasp and hold objects, but it may be a bit longer before he reaches for that tantalizing toy. Promptly soothing your baby's cries and meeting his needs at this age may help him be more secure and less demanding when he's older. And even if he has to be patient, remember he can see you clearly now and you can try "talking" him through his needs. Get to know your baby's personality. Some are quiet and reserved. Others are ready for every party. If your baby is often fussy and sensitive, try to avoid overstimulation and too much change in routine. By now, your baby probably loves to "talk" with you by cooing, gurgling, and trying to mirror your expressions. Encourage this with fun "conversations." Babies love repetition -- it's how they learn! Help by singing the same favorite songs over and over and playing the same games, like "peek-a-boo." Your baby may be able to start putting toys (and other things!) into his mouth to chew on. So don't give him anything that's small enough to swallow and cause choking! Remember, your little one is not ready for solids yet, and adding cereal to a bottle does not guarantee sleeping through the night.
context: On a good day, your breasts can feel tender. They're always out on the front lines, taking the brunt of every afternoon jog and pouncing toddler. They don't get infected often, but when they do, it can hurt like no bad bra or PMS pain ever has. The catchall name for an infection of the breast tissue is mastitis. If you're breastfeeding, it's called lactation or puerperal mastitis. If you're not, it's called periductal mastitis. Mastitis can make you feel like you have the flu, but it can be cured a lot quicker. Mastitis is a common condition in women who breastfeed. As many as 1 in 10 breastfeeding women in the U. S. get it. It's caused by a backup of milk in the milk ducts. This happens when your baby isn't sucking or attaching properly, or favors one breast over the other. Mastitis can also happen if you don't feed or pump regularly. Breastfeeding women aren't the only ones who get mastitis. If you're not breastfeeding, a cracked nipple or nipple piercing can cause the breast infection. Both allow bacteria to get into the milk ducts. This is especially common in women who smoke. Just like any other infection, the tissue around the infected area becomes inflamed to keep it from spreading to other parts of the body. With mastitis, the infected milk duct causes the breast to swell. Your breast may look red and feel tender or warm. Many women with mastitis feel like they have the flu, including achiness, chills, and a fever of 101 F or higher. You may also have discharge from your nipple or feel a hard lump in your breast. The symptoms of mastitis can come on very suddenly. You may feel like you're getting the flu before you feel any discomfort in your breast. When you feel that pain or see the telltale redness, call your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can diagnose mastitis based on a physical exam. The fever and chills give it away, as does a red, wedge-shaped area on the breast that points toward the nipple. There are two things to rule out: a breast abscess, which happens when mastitis isn't treated quickly, and inflammatory breast cancer, which is rare and shares the symptoms of redness and swelling. If you're not breastfeeding, antibiotics should have you feeling better in a day or two. Take them as directed. If you are breastfeeding, taking care of yourself -- which can be tough to do when you have a baby -- will help you feel better fast. Drink lots of water, wear loose bras, and rest as much as possible. Your doctor may suggest ibuprofen, or something like it, to take care of the fever and pain. It's important to keep breastfeeding and move that milk in and out of the ducts. Even though it might be painful, it won't harm your baby. Tight bras and clothing put pressure on your breasts. Keep things light and loose. To keep milk from backing up, make sure your baby attaches correctly, and get all the milk out of each breast during every feeding. A lactation consultant can help if you need support.
context: The classic symptoms include a burning feeling or "scratchiness" in the back of your throat, pain (especially when you swallow), and perhaps tenderness along your neck. You may also have: Sneezing and coughing Hoarseness Runny nose Mild fever General fatigue Swollen glands in the neck Belly pain Rash You also have a fever higher than 101 degrees F without other cold symptoms. This could mean you have strep throat. It's a bacterial infection that needs to get treated. You also have flu-like symptoms that don't get better after a few days. This could be infectious mononucleosis or other viral infections. Your child or teen has flu-like symptoms. Influenza can also lead to problems if you're pregnant, extremely obese, or have an ongoing illness such as COPD, asthma, or diabetes. Extreme obesity with a BMI of 40 or greater is a risk factor for flu complications. You've got any pain or hoarseness that lasts longer than 2 weeks. There's a chance that this could be a warning sign of throat cancer or oral cancer if you have other risk factors for cancer such as smoking. Your sore throat lingers for more than a week and you also have postnasal drip, sneezing, and itchy eyes. You might have allergies. Your sore throat comes with drooling, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing. This might mean your epiglottis, the structure that overhangs the opening to your throat, is inflamed. You could also have an abscess in the back of your throat. You need to get treated ASAP for these two rare conditions. You have a sore throat and pain that moves to your ear. This may be a sign of an ear infection or a more serious problem.
context: Looking for some ways to rev up your immune system so you don't get the flu this year? That's a great idea. When it's working well, it can help you avoid illness. But if you let it get run down, you're more likely to get sick. Learn what your body's defenses do and how to strengthen them so you can boost your odds of staying well. Simply put, it's a balanced network of cells and organs that work together to defend you against disease. It stops threats like bacteria or viruses from getting into your body. Think of it as a powerful "search and destroy" task force that sends immune-cell forces out to hunt down the unwanted intruders and get rid of them. Your body makes proteins called antibodies that destroy abnormal or foreign cells. They help fend off common ailments like the flu or a cold, and protect you against major illnesses like cancer or heart disease. You also have a backup response known as the "cell-mediated immune system." This involves immune system cells rather than antibodies. They help your body create memories of past defenses against certain threats. When your body sees that invader again, it calls up that memory and sets out to destroy the threat before the disease develops. This is what makes vaccines or immunizations work for illnesses like the flu, measles, chicken pox, or hepatitis. The shot has a small but harmless amount of the disease in it so your immune cells can react, learn, and remember how to protect you from it next time. Yes. Bad health habits can slow your immune system. That's why doctors urge you to make certain lifestyle changes. To get started, lower your stress -- it's the most important change you can make. A steady flow of stress hormones makes it hard for your body to keep you well. Relaxation techniques, daily exercise, and stress-management techniques can all help. Next work on getting enough sleep. You need 7 to 8 hours of shut-eye each night to boost your defenses. Exercise also helps your immune system perform at a high level. These tactics also bump up your levels of Ig A, a protein in your immune system that fights infections. It helps keep threats out of your body -- and zaps any that do get in. Finally, make good hygiene a habit. Nothing beats the power of frequent hand washing to keep germs at bay. Wash them for as long as it takes you to sing â Happy Birthdayâ twice. Almost all adults and children should get a pneumonia vaccine and a flu shot, especially seniors and anyone whose immune system is weakened by a disease like HIV or cancer. Babies under 6 months don't get one. Update your tetanus vaccine once every 10 years. If you have a high-risk job (like hospital worker) get vaccines for hepatitis A and B. Children and teens need these: Hepatitis A and B Rotavirus Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis Measles, mumps, rubella Varicella Polio Pneumococcus Human papillomavirus ( HPV) Meningococcal Influenza Haemophilus influenza type B -- called Hi B The CDC says all children ages 11 to 12 need a vaccine for meningitis with a booster at ages 16 to 18. Also get one if you're traveling to countries with high rates of meningococcal disease.
context: var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } If you have emphysema, the muscles that help you breathe have to work harder. They also tire out sooner. The result? You feel short of breath after the slightest activity. As the disease gets worse, you may feel breathless even when you're sitting still. Symptoms tend to develop slowly. Smokers who have the disease typically first show signs between ages 45 and 60. As you get older, your lungs slowly lose function -- even if you don't smoke. If you have emphysema and continue to smoke, you'll lose lung function faster. If you quit, you may be able to slow the process. You can have emphysema for years and not know it. But there is one major symptom and it usually starts slowly: shortness of breath. In addition to shortness of breath, you may also have: Wheezing A cough that won't go away Chest tightness or pain Many times, smoking causes a persistent cough. But if you have emphysema, the cough might not go away even after you've quit smoking. Tightness or pain in your chest could be caused by emphysema or heart disease that develops as a result of emphysema. You may notice this more during exercise or when you feel short of breath. As your emphysema gets worse, you may notice: Loss of appetite Depression Problems having sex Sleep problems Blue lips or nail beds Fatigue Frequent lung infections Morning headaches Weight loss
context: Heat rash in young children can look uncomfortable, but it's usually not serious. The heat rash is still visible after 3 or 4 days. The rash gets worse. The rash causes serious itching. The rash oozes pus or swells. The rash is red or purple or looks like bruises. The rash is tender. The child has a fever. Give your child a cool bath. Put your child in an air conditioned room, or position a fan so that a gentle breeze blows over her. Avoid creams or ointments that may irritate the skin. Dress your child in soft, lightweight, cotton clothing to help absorb moisture. Make sure your child is getting enough fluids when the weather is hot. Your child should hydrate before and during prolonged outdoor activity.
context: A migraine can be complicated, with symptoms that change over hours or even days. They tend to move through several stages: Prodromal phase (before the migraine) Aura phase Attack phase Postdromal phase (after the migraine) Hours before the migraine begins -- and sometimes even the day before -- many people may feel: Either unusually energetic and excitable or depressed Irritable Thirsty Cravings for specific foods Sleepy, with a lot of yawning The need to pee more often In some cases, these symptoms before the headache can help doctors diagnose the problem as a migraine. About 1 in 3 to 1 in 4 people with migraines get an "aura" that begins before the headache or starts along with it. It may not happen with every headache, though. An aura can include: Changes in vision, such as: A flickering, jagged arc of light. It may have a complicated shape. It usually appears on the left or right side of your vision. Over a few minutes, it may get bigger. A blind spot in your field of vision. This problem -- combined with the flickering lights -- can make it hard to drive or focus your eyes on small objects. You might "see" images from the past or have hallucinations. These symptoms may continue to get worse over the next several minutes. Skin sensations. You might feel tingling or "pins and needles" in your body during an aura. It may also cause numbness. These feelings often affect the face and hands, but they can spread out across the body. They may continue to expand over the next several minutes. Language problems. You may have a hard time communicating with others. Symptoms may include: Trouble expressing thoughts when you speak or write Trouble understanding spoken or written words Confusion Trouble concentrating The attack portion of a migraine can last from a few hours to several days. During this phase, you'll probably want to rest quietly and find it hard to do your normal activities. The pain of a migraine: Usually begins above the eyes Typically affects one side of the head, but it may happen to the entire head or move from one side to the other. It may also affect the lower face and the neck. Tends to feel throbbing May throb worse during physical activity or when you lean forward May get worse if you move around Other symptoms that might happen during this phase: Unusual sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells Lightheadedness and fainting Nausea and vomiting Following the most severe phase of the migraine, you may not feel well for up to a day. Symptoms of this post-migraine phase may include: Extreme tiredness Sluggishness Confusion Head pain that flares up when you lean over, move quickly, or get a rush of blood to the head Your migraines may change over time, including how often they happen and how severe they are. Attacks may not always include all of these stages. Also, you may eventually get the migraine aura without having a headache. Since many of the symptoms found in these stages of migraines can also occur in very serious conditions such as stroke or seizures, seek immediate medical help for any new symptoms, or ones that have never been evaluated by your doctor.
context: Doctors are careful when diagnosing a drug allergy. Allergic reactions to drugs are different from more common drug side effects and can mimic some other conditions. What will happen when you go to your doctor's office? A physical exam : Your doctor will carefully check you -- especially your skin -- to see if you have a rash or hives. Some questions: Your doctor will want details about the medicines you've been using, your symptoms, and your health. Blood tests: If you've had a serious skin reaction, your doctor may ask for these to check how your organs are working and to see if there are any other signs of an allergic reaction. Other tests: Depending on your case, your doctor may need to see some other things, like a chest X-ray. Treatment: If your symptoms are severe, your doctor will give you medicine to help control the reaction. After the exam, your doctor may suggest: Switching drugs: If your doctor thinks you are allergic to a drug, he will have you stop using that drug and may switch you to a different one. Allergy testing : If there's any doubt if you are truly allergic, he may want you to have more tests. Keep in mind that the tests don't work for all drugs. Trying to reduce your reaction: If switching drugs isn't an option -- and you must keep taking a drug for your health -- your doctor may suggest something called desensitization. You would get a small dose of the drug and then it would be raised gradually. The slow increase may get your body more used to the drug and lower your risk of an allergic reaction. It's done in the hospital or doctor's office. Desensitization is not a cure. It's only temporary. It doesn't work for everyone and it has risks. But it's one way for you to keep getting a medicine you need. If you have an allergy, your doctor will advise you on how to protect yourself. Some good first steps include: Memorize the name of the drug that you're allergic to -- both brand names and generic. Make sure that all of your doctors, dentists, and pharmacists know about your drug allergy. Get a medical ID bracelet or necklace with your drug allergy on it. Always wear it. Know what to do if you have an allergic reaction . If your doctor prescribes medication for emergencies, like an Epi Pen, make sure you always carry two and you know how to use it. Do you think I have a true drug allergy? Do I need drug allergy testing? What can I do to protect myself? Am I more likely to be allergic to other drugs? Can you help me come up with a plan to help prevent problems in the future?
context: Go to a medical clinic or hospital emergency room for tetanus symptoms: rigid muscles and painful spasms, often starting in jaw and neck. The person will immediately receive an injection of immune globulin and a tetanus shot. Muscle relaxants and sedatives may be required. The person will require hospitalization, most likely in the intensive care unit.
context: Your heart is a muscle, and it gets stronger and healthier if you lead an active life. It's never too late to start exercising, and you don't have to be an athlete. Even taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day can make a big difference. Once you get going, you'll find it pays off. People who don't exercise are almost twice as likely to get heart disease as people who are active. Regular exercise can help you: Burn calories Lower your blood pressure Reduce LDL "bad" cholesterol Boost your HDL "good" cholesterol Ready to get started? First, think about what you'd like to do and how fit you are. What sounds like fun? Would you rather work out on your own, with a trainer, or in a class? Do you want to exercise at home or at a gym? If you want to do something that's harder than what you can do right now, no problem. You can set a goal and build up to it. For example, if you want to run, you might start by walking and then add bursts of jogging into your walks. Gradually start running for longer than you walk. Don't forget to check in with your doctor. He'll make sure you're ready for whatever activity you have in mind and let you know about any limits on what you can do. Your exercise plan should include: Aerobic exercise ("cardio"): Running, jogging, and biking are some examples. You're moving fast enough to raise your heart rate and breathe harder, but you should still be able to talk to someone while you're doing it. Otherwise, you are pushing too hard. If you have joint problems, choose a low-impact activity, like swimming or walking. Stretching: You'll become more flexible if you do this a couple of times a week. Stretch after you've warmed up or finished exercising. Stretch gently -- it shouldn't hurt. Strength training. You can use weights, resistance bands, or your own body weight (yoga, for instance) for this. Do it 2-3 times a week. Let your muscles recover for a day between sessions. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity (such as brisk waking). That amounts to about 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. If you're just getting started, you can slowly build up to that. In time, you can make your workouts longer or more challenging. Do that gradually, so your body can adjust. When you work out, keep your pace low for a few minutes at the start and end of your workout. That way, you warm up and cool down each time. You don't have to do the same exact thing every time. It's more fun if you change it up. You'll probably be able to exercise with no problem if your doctor says you can and if you pay attention to how you're feeling while you're working out. Stop and get immediate medical help if you have pain or pressure in your chest or the upper part of your body, break out in a cold sweat, have trouble breathing, have a very fast or uneven heart rate, or feel dizzy, lightheaded, or very tired. It's normal for your muscles to be mildly sore for a day or two after your workout when you're new to exercise. That fades as your body gets used to it. Soon, you might be surprised to find that you like how you feel when you're done.
context: Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition. The red, scaly patches on your skin can make you feel embarrassed, anxious, and depressed. And the same processes in your body that form plaques also can change the levels of brain chemicals that affect your mood. If you feel down day after day, talk to your doctor. There are ways to treat both depression and psoriasis that can help clear up your skin and boost your mood. People with psoriasis are twice as likely to be depressed as those who don't have it. Even if your psoriasis symptoms are mild, you still have a higher risk. In one study, nearly 20% of people with psoriasis had some form of depression. Being depressed can keep you from sticking with your treatment plan. That can make both your psoriasis and your depression worse. There are several reasons for the link between psoriasis and depression: Psoriasis can be embarrassing. The most obvious reason psoriasis makes you feel down is what it does to your skin. The red, scaly patches can be hard to hide, especially in the summer. People around you might treat you differently because they don't understand what psoriasis is or they think it's contagious. Surveys show that 1 in 5 people with psoriasis have faced rejection and felt unwelcome at times because of their condition. Psoriasis is uncomfortable. Psoriasis plaques itch, burn, crack, and bleed. Up to 42% of people with psoriasis also have the swollen, painful joints of psoriatic arthritis. Living with these uncomfortable symptoms can make you more likely to be depressed. Psoriasis affects your brain chemicals. With psoriasis, your immune cells release substances called cytokines. These make skin cells grow out of control and form scaly plaques. They also change levels of chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. A cytokine called TNF-alpha may affect brain chemicals like serotonin in a way that could lead to depression. Feeling blue once in a while doesn't mean you're depressed. But you might be depressed if you: Feel hopeless, worthless, empty, angry, or irritable Sleep more than usual or have trouble sleeping Have lost interest in activities you once loved, including sex, sports, and hobbies Have no appetite or feel hungrier than usual Have no energy Can't concentrate or pay attention Have trouble going to work or school If you've had thoughts of death or suicide, get medical help right away. Don't ignore any signs of depression. It can affect your quality of life. See your doctor about ways to help you feel better. For example, some drugs doctors use to treat psoriasis -- like adalimumab ( Humira), etanercept ( Enbrel), or ustekinumab ( Stelara) -- also can help with symptoms of depression. And there's evidence that some antidepressant drugs can help with psoriasis. In studies, paroxetine ( Paxil) and escitalopram ( Lexapro) eased both depression and psoriasis symptoms. A technique called cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT) is another way to manage the feelings psoriasis can bring on. CBT helps you change the negative thoughts that make you depressed. And mind-body techniques like meditation also can help you control your negative emotions.
context: If your allergies act up when you're at home, your bedroom is probably one of your problem areas. It's key to make the room less cozy to mold, dust mites, and other allergens that make you sneeze and sniffle. It's time to take action. These microscopic bugs can trigger allergies and asthma. They can often be found living in your bedding. You can take some steps to get rid of them: Put dust-mite-proof covers on pillows, comforters, mattresses, and box springs. Wash your blankets, sheets, and pillowcases every week in water that is at least 130 F. Dry everything in a hot dryer. Carpet is a popular place for dust mites. Consider replacing it in your bedroom with hardwood floors or linoleum and washable area rugs. If you must have carpet in your bedroom: Choose the low-nap or low-pile kind, which holds fewer allergens. Clean it using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a double bag every week. Wear a dust mask while you vacuum so you don't inhale dust that floats up into the air. Say goodbye to dust catchers like blinds and heavy, dry-clean-only drapes. Try washable curtains and roller shades, instead. Wipe window frames and glass regularly to prevent mold and mildew. Both can trigger upper respiratory symptoms if you have allergies or asthma. Keep things simple to breathe better. Cut back on knickknacks and fabric. The less upholstery in the room, the better. Move books, magazines, and decorative items to another room, so you can dust less often. Don't store things under your bed. Dust mites and mold like a warm, damp room, but you probably don't. When it's warm, use your air conditioner, even if you're tempted by the outdoor breeze. If you live in a sweaty-weather climate, use a dehumidifier to keep humidity at 30% to 50%. Turn down the heat or turn up the AC. Dust mites can't breed as well at temperatures below 77 F. You may want to try an air-filtration system that uses a small-particle or HEPA filter to keep the air in your bedroom cleaner. These filters work in central air conditioning and heating systems and in portable AC units. Your pets may love to snuggle with you. But dander, saliva, and pee from furry animals can carry allergens. Ideally, your dog or cat should sleep somewhere else. If not, do your best to reduce dander. For example, vacuum more often. These scurrying insects might make an appearance no matter where you live -- and they leave behind tiny droppings that can bring on symptoms for people with asthma, especially children. To keep roaches outside of your home: Seal cracks and crevices. Fix leaks in pipes and faucets. Try not to leave wet towels on the floor. Roaches thrive on water. Store food in tightly sealed containers. Keep your dishes clean. Hire an exterminator if you need to.
context: Health insurance usually doesn't cover the cost of refractive or laser eye surgery, but some companies will pay the bill if certain criteria are met. Some insurance companies offer a vision plan which may provide a discounted price or apparent partial coverage for laser eye surgery. Because laser eye surgery is an elective surgery, many health insurance companies consider it cosmetic and not medically necessary. Certain conditions under which medical insurance plans might in rare circumstances cover refractive or laser eye surgery include: Eye surgery for refractive errors that are a result of an injury Eye surgery for refractive errors that are a result of surgery Eye surgery for severe refractive errors; however, there is no standard level of impairment at which insurance will cover correction. Insurance coverage under these circumstances is generally very inconsistent and individuals should check with their provider. Eye surgery when a patient is not only unable to wear glasses due to physical limitation (such as an allergy or deformity), but cannot wear contacts due to physical limitation (lens intolerance) Check with your insurance company to determine if you are enrolled in a plan that provides benefits. You may have to cover the costs as an out-of-pocket expense or with your flexible spending account or health savings account.