VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: A red spot on your eye might look scary, but it's usually no big deal. There are lots of tiny blood vessels between the white of your eye and the sclera (the film that covers it). Sometimes they break. You might not even be aware that you have a red spot -- its official name is subconjunctival hemorrhage -- until you look in a mirror. You won't notice any symptoms like vision changes, discharge, or pain. The only discomfort you may have is a scratchy feeling on the surface of your eye. Most happen when your blood pressure spikes due to: Strong sneezing Straining Powerful coughing Vomiting Some red spots result from an injury or illness, like: Roughly rubbing your eye Trauma, like a foreign object stuck in your eye Contact lenses Viral infection Surgery Less common causes include: Diabetes High blood pressure Medicines that make you bleed easily (such as aspirin or blood thinners like coumadin) Blood clotting disorders Your doctor can tell you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage just from looking at your eye. Most red spots heal on their own without treatment. Depending on how big it is, it may take a few days or a few weeks to go away. If it begins to feel irritating, it's OK to use artificial tears. If you need to rub your eye, do it gently. If a red spot keeps coming back, your doctor may: Ask you questions about your general health and symptoms Do an eye exam Take your blood pressure Do a routine blood test to make sure you don't have a serious bleeding disorder In most cases, there are no complications. It's rare, but a total subconjunctival hemorrhage may be a sign of a serious vascular disorder in older people. Get treated if your red spot is caused by an eye injury.
context: Strength training is one of the best things you can do for your body. It's a key part of any fitness plan. Don't belong to a gym with weight machines? No problem! You can use hand-held weights, resistance bands, or even your own body weight to build muscle. It's never too late to start. As you age, strength training (also called resistance training), can help you keep doing everyday activities such as walking, lifting things, and climbing stairs. Plus, it's good for your bones. For people with diabetes, strength training helps the body : Respond better to insulin Improve the way it uses blood sugar Lose weight Lower your risk for heart disease Studies show that it's as good as aerobic exercise at boosting how well your body uses insulin. ( Also doing aerobic exercise may be even better.) The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with type 2 diabetes start a strength training program to help with blood sugar control. If you're not active now, check in with your doctor first. Ask if there are any moves you should avoid. It's a good idea to work with a certified fitness instructor or trainer, so you learn the right way to do each exercise. Your strength training program should work your whole body two to three times a week. Set up your schedule so that you work different muscle groups on different days, or do a longer workout less often. Don't work the same muscle groups 2 days in a row. Give your muscles a chance to recover and get stronger! When you get started, set yourself up for success with a moderate schedule. Do each move 10-15 times (one set) up to three times a week. Once you get used to that, you can gradually do more, until you're doing three sets of 10-15 repetitions up to three times a week. Always warm up before you exercise. Brisk walking is a good way to do that. When you're done strength training, do a series of stretches, holding each stretch for 30 to 60 seconds, to end your workout.
context: Spitting up, also known as reflux or gastroesophageal reflux ( GER), is messy. But unlike vomiting, it usually isn't painful, and babies often don't even notice they're spitting up. It is more concerning to the parents than the baby. If your baby's spit up goes beyond a simple throwup, she could be showing signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD). Most babies outgrow reflux by 11-12 months of age. Spits up brown, red, or green fluid Vomits or spits up forcefully every time Vomits and then has trouble breathing or is choking Won't eat or isn't gaining weight Cries frequently Wets fewer diapers than usual Is very drowsy or tired Has trouble breathing Feed your baby in an upright position, not while he or she is lying down. Burp your child every three to five minutes, especially if bottle feeding, make sure you burp baby before switching to other breast if breast feeding. If the doctor has seen your child, he or she may recommend thickening each ounce of formula with one tablespoon of rice cereal. You may need to enlarge the bottle's nipple. If formula-feeding, discuss changing the formula with your pediatrician if spitting up is a big concern. Avoid feeding your child after your child has spit up. Wait until the next scheduled feeding time. Ask your pediatrician whether your child is nursing for the right length of time or if the bottles are the correct size and make sure you are not over feeding. Keep your child upright for 30 minutes after feedings, and try to keep him as relatively still as you can.
context: Want to cook a tasty and healthy meal? Your rheumatoid arthritis doesn't have to get in the way. Use some kitchen tricks from Melinda Winner, who has RA and wrote A Complete Illustrated Guide to Cooking with Arthritis. Slice with a push. Apple corers have lots of uses. Try one to slice or chop potatoes, squash, cucumbers, or pears. Cut off the end of the fruit or vegetable to make it level and to steady it on the cutting board. Then, line up the corer so that one handle faces your body and the other points away. Finally, put your forearms on the handles, and use the weight of your body to push the corer through whatever you need to slice up. Put a ring on it. Wear a plain, inexpensive ring on your thumb and use it like a bottle opener for containers of yogurt, sour cream, or other things. Position it under the lid's edge, and lift up with your hand to pop off the top. Roll large loads. Do you need to move a heavy pot of water from the sink to the stove? Try a plant stand with wheels. First, use a measuring cup to fill the pot, then push the plant stand to the stove, and slide the pot onto the burner. Push a button to dice. You could buy pre-cut veggies and fruits, but Winner suggests a food processor instead. It can slice, shred, chop, and even make a pie crust from start to finish. Repurpose simple kitchen tools. Get creative. For instance, when you make egg salad or deviled eggs, a handheld square butter-cutter can easily trim a peeled hard-boiled egg to the perfect size for salad. An egg slicer can perfectly cut mushrooms. Plan. Do some prep work when you feel good. For example, measure out fresh herbs in tablespoons or teaspoons, then place them in ice cube trays. Fill the trays with water, milk, or cream. When frozen, place your "herbsicles" in clearly marked bags. Later, you won't need to clean and cut herbs. Just grab what you need for your recipe. Go electric. If it's tough to stir, reach for a tool that will do it for you. Use a small, handheld electric blender instead of a spoon. Look for one that also has a whisk, too.
context: Any of these symptoms or a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), even if there are no symptoms: Trouble breathing or wheezing Tightness in the throat or a feeling that the airways are closing Hives Swelling away from the area of the sting, especially swelling of the face, tongue, or hands Hoarseness or trouble speaking Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramps, or vomiting Fast heartbeat or pulse Skin that severely itches, tingles, swells, or turns red Anxiety, feelings of faintness, or dizziness Loss of consciousness Do not hesitate to inject the epinephrine if you are unsure the symptoms are allergy related. It will not hurt the person and could save his or her life. If the person has an anaphylaxis action plan from a doctor for injecting epinephrine and other emergency measures, follow it. Otherwise, if the person carries an epinephrine shot (it's a good idea to always carry two) do the following: Inject epinephrine if the person is unable to. If the person has a history of anaphylaxis, don't wait for signs of a severe reaction to inject epinephrine. Read and follow patient instructions carefully. Inject epinephrine into outer muscle of the thigh. Avoid injecting into a vein or buttock muscles. Do not inject medicine into hands or feet, which can cause tissue damage. If this happens, notify emergency room staff. The person may need more than one injection if there's no improvement after the first. If needed, inject again after 5 to 15 minutes. Any more than 2 doses of epinephrine should not be adminsistered unless it's done under direct medical supervision. A person should always go to the ER after an epinephrine injection, even if the symptoms go away. Do CPR if the person stops breathing. For a child, start CPR for children. For an adult, start adult CPR. Follow Up Make sure that someone stays with the person for 24 hours after anaphylaxis in case of another attack. Report the reaction to the person's doctor. Scrape the area with the edge of a credit card or straight edge object to remove it. Don't pinch the stinger or use tweezers -- that can inject more venom. Ice the area. If you were stung on your arm or leg, elevate it. Remove any tight-fitting jewelry from the area of the sting. As it swells, rings or bracelets might be difficult to remove. For pain, take an over-the-counter painkiller like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 19. For itchiness, take an antihistamine. You can also apply a mixture of baking soda and water or calamine lotion. It might take 2-5 days for the area to heal. Keep it clean to prevent infection.
context: A sleep study or polysomnogram ( PSG) is a test that electronically transmits and records specific physical activities while you sleep. The recordings become data that a qualified sleep specialist analyzes to figure out if you have a sleep disorder. There are four kinds of sleep studies. Diagnostic overnight PSG is general monitoring of sleep and a variety of body functions during sleep, including breathing patterns, oxygen levels in the blood, heart rhythms, and limb movements Diagnostic daytime multiple sleep latency test ( MSLT) is used to diagnose narcolepsy and to measure the degree of daytime sleepiness. It measures how quickly you fall asleep in quiet situations during the day. It also monitors how quickly and how often you enter REM sleep. To ensure accurate results, it's performed on the morning following a diagnostic overnight PSG. Two-night evaluation PSG and CPAP titration. On the first night, you'll have general monitoring and diagnostic evaluation. If sleep apnea is discovered, you'll come back for a second night to determine the right air pressure for CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) treatment. It delivers air into your airways through a specially designed nasal mask. Split-night PSG with CPAP titration is done when moderate or severe sleep apnea has been discovered or strongly suspected during the first part of the night's study. The second half of the night is used to determine the CPAP pressure needed to offset apnea. On the night of your sleep study, you'll be assigned to a private bedroom in a sleep center or hospital. Near the bedroom will be a central monitoring area, where technicians watch and check on you while you sleep. You'll be hooked up to equipment that may look uncomfortable. However, most people fall asleep with little difficulty. Sticky surface electrodes will be put on your face, scalp, chest and limbs. They'll send electrical signals, which are generated by your brain and muscle activity, to the measuring equipment. While you sleep these signals are recorded digitally. These sensors record your brain activity, heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure. EEG (electroencephalogram) to measure and record brain wave activity EMG (electromyogram) to record muscle activity such as face twitches, teeth grinding, and leg movements; it also helps in determining the presence of REM stage sleep. EOG (electro-oculogram) to record eye movements; these movements are important in determining the different sleep stages, particularly REM stage sleep. EKG (electrocardiogram) to record heart rate and rhythm Nasal airflow sensor to record airflow Snore microphone to record snoring activity
context: Use this list to check food labels for cow's milk or milk products. Also, ask your doctor if sheep and goat's milk are safe. For most people with a milk allergy, the answer is no -- the proteins in sheep and goat's milk are similar to those in cow's milk and also cause a reaction. Don't get lactose intolerance confused with a milk allergy. They're not the same thing. Lactose intolerance is when you can't digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. You'll often get symptoms like stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea. With a milk allergy, the symptoms affect more than just your digestive tract. A milk allergy is when your immune system thinks dairy is a foreign invader and attacks it by releasing chemicals called histamines. Symptoms can range from wheezing problems to vomiting and diarrhea. Butter and butter fat Cheese, including cottage cheese and cheese sauces Cream, including sour cream Custard Milk, including buttermilk, powdered milk, and evaporated milk Yogurt Ice cream Pudding These foods often contain cow's milk protein. Check their labels before buying. If you're eating out, ask if milk was used to make them. Au gratin dishes and white sauces Baked goods -- bread, cookies, crackers, cakes Cake mix Cereals Chewing gum Chocolate and cream candy Coffee creamers Creamed or scalloped foods Donuts Malted milk Margarine Mashed potatoes Meats -- canned and processed, including cold cuts and deli meats Nougat, found in some candy Salad dressings Sherbet If you see these listed on a label, the food has milk proteins in it: Artificial butter or cheese flavor Casein or caseinates Curd Ghee Hydrolysates Lactalbumin, lactalbumin phosphate Lactose, lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, lactulose Rennet Whey or whey products These lists may not be complete. Look up any ingredient that you are not familiar with. Find other ways to get vitamins and minerals. Dairy products are an important source of calcium, protein, and vitamins D and B12. If you or your child has a milk allergy, foods such as broccoli, spinach, and soy products can help fill the void. A registered dietitian can help you develop a well-balanced eating plan. Try dairy substitutes. Drink soy, rice, and almond milk that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Look for non-dairy ice cream, chocolate, cheese, and yogurt. Be careful with kosher products. Some may contain milk protein, even those labeled "pareve," which are considered milk-free under kosher guidelines. Ask your pediatrician about safe formula. If you have a baby with a milk allergy, the doctor may suggest an extensively hydrolyzed, casein-based formula. Avoid milk outside the kitchen. Check labels on cosmetics, creams, and ointments to see if they contain cow's milk in any form. Some medicines also contain whey, which is made from milk.
context: If you have just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you might feel frightened. The future may seem terribly uncertain. What will this mean for your life, your family, and your job? But getting an accurate diagnosis is actually good news. It means you can finally get the treatment you need. People with bipolar disorder usually go about 10 years before being accurately diagnosed. Treatment can make a huge difference. With a combination of things -- good medical care, medication, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and the support of friends and family -- you can feel better. Bipolar disorder -- or manic depression, as it is also still sometimes called -- has no known cure. It is a chronic health condition that requires lifetime management. Plenty of people with this condition do well; they have families and jobs and live normal lives. There are two main recognized types of bipolar disorder: Type I causes periods of mania that often alternate with periods of depression. These periods might last for weeks or months and are usually separated by periods of wellness. Type II causes periods of depression that alternate with a less severe form of mania called hypomania. There are also other types of bipolar disorder. Cyclothymia is characterized by frequent but milder changes in your mood. " Unspecified" or " Other Specified" bipolar disorder (formerly called "bipolar disorder not otherwise specified") is current terminology used to describe conditions in which a person has only a few of the mood and energy symptoms that define a manic or hypomanic episode, or the symptoms may not last long enough to be considered as clear-cut "episodes." Rapid cycling is not a type of bipolar disorder but a term used to describe the course of illness in people with bipolar I or II disorder. It applies when mood episodes occur four or more times over a 1-year period. Women are more likely to have this type of illness course than men and it can come and go at any time in the course of bipolar disorder. Rapid cycling is driven largely by depression and carries an increased risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Whatever type of bipolar disorder you have, there is a still lot of variation from person to person. While some people are beset with frequent mood swings, others go years or even decades before having another. Everyone's experience is different. Bipolar disorder can make you feel utterly alone. But that really isn't the case. More than 2 million adults in the U. S. are coping with bipolar disorder right now. It's important not to blame yourself for your condition. Bipolar disorder is a physical illness, not a sign of personal weakness. It's like diabetes, heart disease, or any other health condition. Nobody knows what causes bipolar disorder, but for many people it is a very manageable condition. The important thing is to focus on the future. Living with bipolar disorder can be tough. But don't let it hijack your life. Instead, take action and regain control of your health. With dedication and the help of your health care providers, you can feel better again.
context: The person is seriously injured You suspect an injury to the person's head, neck, or back Bone is sticking out of the skin Bleeding doesn't stop after several minutes of firm pressure Blood spurts from the wound Apply firm pressure to the wound area with a clean cloth until bleeding stops. If bone is pushing through skin, do not touch it or try to put it back in place. Apply ice. Elevate the arm above the heart, if possible. For less serious injuries: Cut away the sleeve if it cannot be removed without moving the injured arm. If you can without moving the arm, carefully tape it to rolled-up newspaper or a ruler with first aid tape. The health care provider will likely take X-rays and may apply a cast or splint. Surgery may be needed to reset the bone or realign broken pieces. A bone that has broken through the skin will require cleaning and possibly surgery.
context: The symptoms of cystic fibrosis vary. Some children will have symptoms at birth, while others may not have symptoms for weeks, months, or even years. The severity of symptoms also varies, with some children showing only mild digestive and lung problems and others having severe food-absorption problems and life-threatening breathing complications. The most common symptoms of cystic fibrosis are: Salty-tasting skin, which parents notice when they kiss their child Frequent coughing, wheezing, or bouts of pneumonia or sinusitis Difficulty breathing that keeps getting worse Big appetite but poor weight gain Bulky, smelly, greasy bowel movements Over time, the symptoms of cystic fibrosis can worsen and may include: Chronic productive cough, recurrent lung infections Obstructive lung disease (emphysema) Chronic nasal congestion and sinus infections Pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas Liver disease Diabetes Gallstones You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and either you or the other parent has a family history of cystic fibrosis Your child tastes very salty when you kiss him or her Your child has had frequent lung or sinus infections and has problems gaining or maintaining weight
context: Scabies -- or human itch mites -- are eight-legged critters that burrow into the upper layer of your skin. There, they lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the mites climb to the surface of your skin, where they spread to other parts of your body. They can also spread to other people. A severe form of scabies called âcrusted scabiesâ (or Norwegian crusted scabies) sometimes happens in people who have weakened immune systems. It gets its name from the thick crusts of skin that form from large numbers of scabies mites and eggs. Scabies can live on the human body for 1 to 2 months. They can live in bedding or furniture for 2-3 days. Scabies is very contagious. It is spread from one infected person to another through direct, prolonged, close physical contact. Nursing homes, extended care facilities, prisons, and childcare centers are frequent sites for scabies outbreaks. Healthy adults most often get these mites through sexual contact with an infected person. You can't get scabies from pets. Your first signs that something is wrong will be intense itching (especially at night), and a pimple-like rash. You might notice these symptoms all over your body. Or they may be limited to certain areas, like your wrist, elbows, genitals, butt, or the webbing between your fingers. Children might experience itching or rash on their head, face, neck, palms, and on the soles of their feet. You might also notice burrows on your skin. These are tiny, raised, grayish-white or flesh-colored lines on your body. They're caused by the mites digging their way into your skin. If you have crusted scabies, you might not have the itching or rash that scabies is known for. If you've had scabies before, you might develop symptoms after just a few days of being exposed to the mites. But if you've never had it, you may not have any symptoms for up to 6 weeks. Still, you can spread the mites to others -- even if you don't show signs of infection yourself. Your doctor may be able to tell you have the mites by checking the rash or burrows on your body. He might also try to remove one of the mites from its burrow. He'll do this either by scraping your skin or pulling the parasite from its burrow with a thin needle.
context: Hormone treatment (also called androgen deprivation therapy or androgen suppression therapy) removes, blocks, or adds hormones to treat prostate cancer. Hormones are chemical substances produced by glands in the body that enter the bloodstream and affect other tissues. Prostate cancer grows when exposed to the male hormone testosterone and its related hormones, called androgens. Hormone treatment for prostate cancer is used to lower or stop the production of testosterone and all androgens either temporarily or permanently. Hormone treatments can be given in many ways, such as by injection or as pills. Drugs can stop the testicles from producing testosterone and protect cells from any other androgens that remain in the body. Hormone treatment may include: The use of various drugs such as anti-androgens that block the activity of male hormones in the body The use of drugs that lower testosterone levels, including luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone ( LHRH) analogs or agonists; newer agents may also block the production of androgens by the adrenal glands. The use of combined hormone therapy that decreases testosterone production from the testicles, as well as from glands located on the kidneys, called adrenal glands Hormone treatment may also include surgical removal of the testicles (called orchiectomy), where testosterone is produced. This prevents male hormones from further stimulating the growth of the prostate cancer. Hormone treatment is often used if prostate cancer has spread outside the prostate. It is also used if cancer remains or recurs after treatment with surgery or radiation therapy. It does not cure cancer. The purpose of hormone therapy is to delay the progression of the cancer and increase survival while maximizing quality of life. If a patient doesn't respond to initial hormone treatment, a doctor may try other hormonal methods before recommending chemotherapy. Hormone treatment can be used in men with various degrees of prostate cancer. For example, it is often used in men after surgery for better results, as well as in men who don't want to have any other type of treatment or who have an advanced case of prostate cancer. Factors to consider are quality of life, cost of the treatment, and how effective and safe hormone treatment may be in a particular case.
context: In some cases, personal habits can make a sleeping disorder like restless legs syndrome ( RLS) worse. Sometimes they play a big role in the problem. Here are 10 steps you can take to lessen the symptoms of RLS and get you sleeping better: Avoid or limit alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine for at least several hours before bedtime. Review all the medications you take (prescription and nonprescription) with your doctor. Exercise every day. Stretch your legs at the beginning and end of each day. Massage your legs regularly. Avoid eating a heavy meal close to bedtime. Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Avoid daytime naps. Use your bed only for sleeping or sex. Try not to use bedtime as worry time. Have your blood tested for iron levels and kidney function. Soak your legs in warm water.
context: Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch that develops on the tongue, the inside of the cheek, or on the floor of the mouth. It is the mouth's reaction to chronic irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Leukoplakia patches can also develop on the female genital area; however, the cause of this is unknown. Leukoplakia patches can occur at any time in your life, but it is most common in senior adults. " Hairy" leukoplakia of the mouth is an unusual form of leukoplakia (caused by the Epstein- Barr virus) that is seen only in people who are infected with HIV, have AIDS, or AIDS-related complex. It consists of fuzzy, white patches on the tongue (hence, its name) and less frequently, elsewhere in the mouth. It may resemble thrush, an infection caused by the fungus Candida which, in adults, usually occurs if your immune system is not working properly. Thrush may be one of the first signs of infection with the HIV virus. Causes of leukoplakia can include: Irritation from rough teeth, fillings, or crowns, or ill-fitting dentures that rub against your cheek or gum Chronic smoking, pipe smoking, or other tobacco use Sun exposure to the lips Oral cancer (although rare) HIV or AIDS The presence of white or gray colored patches on your tongue, gums, roof of your mouth, or the inside of the cheeks of your mouth may be a sign of leukoplakia. The patch may have developed slowly over weeks to months and be thick, slightly raised, and may eventually take on a hardened and rough texture. It usually is painless, but may be sensitive to touch, heat, spicy foods, or other irritation. Your dentist may suspect leukoplakia upon examination; however, a biopsy will likely be taken to rule out other causes, such as oral cancer. During the biopsy, a small piece of tissue from the lesion will be removed to be examined in a lab. A numbing agent will be used so that you will not feel any pain. Treatment for leukoplakia, if needed, involves removing the source of irritation. For example, if leukoplakia is caused by a rough tooth or an irregular surface on a denture or a filling, the tooth will be smoothed and dental appliances repaired. If leukoplakia is caused by smoking, you will be asked to minimize or stop smoking or using other tobacco products. Leukoplakia is usually harmless, and lesions usually clear in a few weeks or months after the source of irritation is removed. If eliminating the source of irritation is ineffective in reducing leukoplakia, the lesion may need to be surgically removed. The lesion can be removed either by your general dentist or by an oral surgeon. Hairy leukoplakia requires treatment with an antiviral medication.
context: The signs and symptoms of psoriasis can vary depending on the type of psoriasis you have. The 5 most common symptoms of psoriasis include: Rashes or patches of red, inflamed skin, often covered with loose, silver-colored scales. In severe cases, the plaques will grow and merge into one another, covering large areas. Itchy, painful skin that can crack or bleed. Small areas of bleeding where the involved skin is scratched. Problems with your fingernails and toenails, including discoloration and pitting. The nails may also begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed. Scaly plaques on the scalp. Psoriasis can also be associated with psoriatic arthritis, which causes achy, swollen joints. Between 10% and 30% of people with psoriasis also have this painful joint condition. Every person with this condition has their own triggers. Things that cause your psoriasis to become active may not affect another person. If you find out what causes your skin to flare up, you will be better able to control your symptoms. Psoriasis is an immune system problem. Certain triggers may make your symptoms worse, including: Cold, dry weather. Any climate that relieves dry skin will help. Try to spend some time in warm sunny weather and high humidity. Stress. Keep calm and try to stay relaxed. Outbreaks are more likely to pop up when you are anxious. Some medicines. These include some âbeta-blockerâ drugs used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease; lithium, a treatment for bipolar disorder; and pills taken to treat malaria. Tell your doctor if you have psoriasis and are being treated for any of these conditions. Infections. There is a short list of infections including strep throat and tonsillitis that can trigger a special kind of psoriasis outbreak. It looks like small drops that show up mainly on your torso and limbs. HIV infection can also make it worse. Skin Injury. In some people, the tiniest cuts, bruises, and burns can cause an outbreak. Even tattoos and bug bites might trigger a new lesion. You can wear gloves or put on an extra layer of clothes to avoid a break in your skin. Alcohol. Drinking, especially heavy drinking in young men, may trigger or worsen symptoms and interfere with treatments. Combining certain psoriasis medications with alcohol can have dangerous side effects, especially for women in their child-bearing years. Smoking. Using tobacco or being around second hand smoke raises your risk of getting psoriasis and makes existing conditions worse.
context: It's a form of birth control that some women use. This small, doughnut-shaped device is coated with spermicide. You don't need a prescription for the sponge, which is made of polyurethane foam. Out of 100 women who use the sponge, 9-11 will get pregnant in a typical year. First, the woman moistens the sponge with water. Then she places it into her vagina. It must stay there for at least 6 hours, and come out after no more than 30 hours. There's a loop on the sponge to make it easier to take out. The device protects against pregnancy in three ways: It releases a spermicide to kill sperm cells for 24 hours. You can have sex during that time without needing more spermicide. It's designed to trap and absorb semen before the sperm have a chance to enter the cervix, which connects the vagina to the uterus. It acts as a barrier between the sperm and the cervix. It's available at most pharmacies and clinics. No. To protect against STDs such as HIV, the male condom provides the best protection.
context: If your teeth have stains that are getting in the way of a great smile, fight back. You've got lots of ways to brighten them up and keep the shine from going away. Things you eat or drink that can leave a mark on your hands or clothes can also stain your choppers. That's why it's a good idea to brush or rinse your mouth after you've enjoyed them. Stain-makers to watch out for include: Coffee or tea Soda Red and white wine Grape or cranberry juice Blueberries Beets Soy sauce Tomato sauce Drink with a straw. This can help keep stains away when you drink soda, juice, or iced coffee or tea. The liquid won't get near the visible front surfaces of your teeth. Brush, floss, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. All three can help youfight plaque, a white, hard material that forms on your teeth. It makes them sticky and gives stains something to hold on to. Get your teeth professionally cleaned. Make an appointment at least twice a year with the dental hygienist at your dentist's office. It will keep your mouth healthy and give you a brighter smile. Don't use tobacco. It stains your teeth whether you chew it or smoke it. And of course, the habit can lead to cancer. Ask your doctor for advice on how to quit. Still seeing stains? There are other options. Bleaching can be a good way to brighten your smile. Teeth-whitening works well if yours have started to turn yellow. If they're brown it may take longer. Or if they're gray you may not be able to fix it with bleach. You can re-whiten if stains return, but overdoing it can cause sensitivity and pain. Read the label and use the products correctly. Talk with your dentist to find out if teeth-whitening is a good idea for you. If so, you can consider one of these options: At- Home Whitening Kits: You can buy them at your local drugstore. They might make your teeth become sensitive, but this side effect usually goes away after the bleaching period is over. If your gums get irritated, talk to your dentist. Whitening Toothpaste or Mouth Rinse: They can help keep your teeth white and prevent new stains. Follow the instructions on the label. Some people get sensitive teeth if they use whitening toothpastes. Professional Tooth Whitening: If you get your teeth bleached at your dentist's office, it may take one or more visits. He will put a protective gel or rubber shield on your gums and then apply a bleaching agent to your teeth. He can also make a custom-fitted tray that you can use at home with whitening gel. Remember, taking care of your mouth keeps your smile bright. So eat, drink, be merry -- and brush and floss your teeth regularly.
context: Some burns are minor injuries you can treat at home. Others cause lasting damage to your skin, muscles, and bones and require long-term medical care. The type of burn you have depends on what caused it, as well as how severely your skin has been hurt. Open flames are one of the most common reasons that people get burned, but there are many other causes. They include: Friction burns. When a hard object rubs off some of your skin, you have what's called a friction burn. It's both an abrasion (scrape) and a heat burn. These are common in motorcycle and bike accidents. Carpet burn is another type of friction burn. Cold burns. Also called âfrostbite,â cold burns cause damage to your skin by freezing it. You can get frostbite by being outside in freezing temperatures. It can also happen when your skin comes into direct contact with something very cold for a prolonged period of time. Thermal burns. Touching a very hot object raises the temperature of your skin to the point that your skin cells start dying. Very hot metals, scalding liquids, and flames all cause thermal burns. Steam can, too. Radiation burns. Sunburn is a type of radiation burn. Other sources of radiation, like X-rays or radiation therapy to treat cancer, can also cause these. Chemical burns. Strong acids, solvents or detergents that touch your skin can cause it to burn. Electrical burns. If you come into contact with an electrical current, you can get this type of burn. Doctors group burns into different categories based on how deeply your skin has been harmed. These are called âdegrees.â You can have a first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree burn. The higher the degree, the more severe the burn is. First-degree. These burns only affect the outer layer of your skin. A mild sunburn's one example. Your skin may be red and painful, but you won't have any blisters. Long-term damage is rare. Second-degree. If you have this type of burn, the outer layer of your skin as well the dermis â the layer underneath â has been damaged. Your skin will be bright red, swollen, and may look shiny and wet. You'll see blisters, and the burn will hurt to the touch. If you have a superficial second-degree burn, only part of your dermis is damaged. You probably won't have scarring. A deep partial thickness burn is more severe. It may leave a scar or cause a permanent change in the color of your skin. Third-degree. Sometimes called a âfull thickness burn,â this type of injury destroys two full layers of your skin. Instead of turning red, it may appear black, brown, white or yellow. It won't hurt because this type of burn damages nerve endings. Fourth-degree. This is the deepest and most severe of burns. They're potentially life-threatening. These burns destroy all layers of your skin, as well as your bones, muscles, and tendons. Sometimes, the degree of burn you have will change. This can happen if your damaged skin keeps spreading and the injury becomes deeper. Burns can lead to many complications, including infection and bone and joint problems. Because of this, it's a good idea to always follow up with your doctor.
context: Obesity is a term that means you have a body mass index ( BMI) of 30 or higher. It makes you more likely to have conditions including: Heart disease and stroke High blood pressure Diabetes Some cancers Gallbladder disease and gallstones Osteoarthritis Gout Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing for short episodes during sleep) and asthma Not everyone who is obese has these problems. The risk rises if you have a family history of one of those conditions. Also, where your weight is may matter. If it's mostly around your stomach (the "apple" shape), that may be riskier than if you have a "pear" shape, meaning that your extra weight is mostly around your hips and buttocks. Here's a closer look at seven conditions that are linked to being obese or overweight. Extra weight makes you more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Both of those conditions make heart disease or stroke more likely. The good news is that losing a small amount of weight can reduce your chances of developing heart disease or a stroke. Losing even more weight has been shown to lower the risk even more. Most people who have type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. You can cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by losing weight, eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising more. If you have type 2 diabetes, losing weight and becoming more physically active can help control your blood sugar levels. Becoming more active may also reduce your need for diabetes medication. Cancers of the colon, breast (after menopause), endometrium (the lining of the uterus), kidney, and esophagus are linked to obesity. Some studies have also reported links between obesity and cancers of the gallbladder, ovaries, and pancreas. Gallbladder disease and gallstones are more common if you are overweight. Ironically, weight loss itself, particularly rapid weight loss or loss of a large amount of weight, can make you more likely to get gallstones. Losing weight at a rate of about 1 pound a week is less likely to cause gallstones. Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that most often affects the knee, hip, or back. Carrying extra pounds places extra pressure on these joints and wears away the cartilage (tissue cushioning the joints) that normally protects them. Weight loss can ease stress on the knees, hips, and lower back and may improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Gout is a disease that affects the joints. It happens when you have too much uric acid in your blood. The extra uric acid can form crystals that deposit in the joints. Gout is more common in overweight people. The more you weigh, the more likely you are to get gout. Over the short term, sudden weight changes may lead to a flare-up of gout. If you have a history of gout, check with your doctor for the best way to lose weight. Sleep apnea is a breathing condition that's linked to being overweight. Sleep apnea can cause a person to snore heavily and to briefly stop breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea may cause daytime sleepiness and make heart disease and stroke more likely. Weight loss often improves sleep apnea.
context: If you have been diagnosed with migraine and get migraine headaches often, you may wonder if there's anything you can do to prevent them. Onabotulinumtoxin A, or Botox, was approved in 2010 for adults who get chronic migraines. That means you have both: A history of migraine headaches Headaches (including tension-type) on most days (15 or more) of the month of which 8 are migraine It won't work for you if you: Get headaches 14 or fewer days each month Have other types of headaches, like cluster Botox is a neurotoxin, a poison made by bacteria called Clostridium botulinums. It can cause a deadly reaction called botulism if you eat it in spoiled food because it blocks signals from your nerves and paralyzes your muscles. But it's safe because the toxin isn't digested in your stomach and the dose is much smaller amount than you'd get in spoiled food. Doctors found that shots of Botox can help smooth wrinkles because it relaxes muscles in the face. It also helps people who have tics and spasms because of a nerve disease like cerebral palsy. When people who had migraine headaches used Botox to treat their wrinkles, they told their doctors that their headaches were better. So doctors began to study it as a migraine pain treatment. In a study of adults who get chronic migraine headaches, shots of Botox cut down the total number of days they had them or even other types of headaches. They also had more "crystal-clear" -- pain-free -- days each month, and they reported fewer days off work. In another study, nearly half the people who took two rounds of Botox shots reported that the number of days they had a headache each month was cut in half. After five rounds of treatment, that increased to about 70% of the people. Doctors think Botox works for migraine headaches because it blocks chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from your brain. Botox is like a roadblock in that pathway. It stops the chemicals before they get to the nerve endings around your head and neck. You'll get several shots of Botox around your head and neck once every 12 weeks to dull or prevent migraine headaches. You may need 30 to 40 shots in all, and you'll get an equal number on each side of your head. If you have migraine pain in one particular spot, you may need more shots there. You could see results 2 to 3 weeks after your first treatment. You should only get this type of Botox treatment from a doctor who's trained to give these shots for chronic migraine headaches rather than for wrinkles or other cosmetic uses. Neck pain and headache are the most common side effects for people who get chronic migraine headaches and use Botox. It's rare, but you can have an allergic reaction to Botox. Signs of this can be hives, shortness of breath, or swelling in your lower legs. Although there's no confirmed case where Botox spread to other parts of the body, it is possible and could be deadly. The medication label includes this warning.
context: Stress and anxiety don't cause irritable bowel syndrome, but they can make it worse. When you find a way to keep these emotions under control, you might be able to ease your symptoms or prevent a flare-up. That's why some people with IBS turn to behavioral therapy, a treatment that teaches you how to better handle pain and how to relieve stressful situations. Types of this therapy that have worked for people with IBS include: Relaxation practice. The goal is to get your mind and body in a calm, peaceful state. Techniques include meditation, progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and loosening individual muscles), guided imagery, and deep breathing. Biofeedback. To start, you use an electrical device to help you recognize your body's response to stress. It helps you learn to slow down your heart rate to a more relaxed state. After a few sessions, you should be able to calm yourself down on your own. Hypnotherapy. You enter an altered state of mind, either with a trained professional's help or, after some training, on your own. Under hypnosis, visual suggestions can help you imagine pain or tension slipping away. Cognitive behavioral therapy. This form of talk therapy teaches you to analyze negative, distorted thoughts, and replace them with more positive and realistic ones. Traditional talk therapy. A trained mental health professional helps you work out conflicts and understand your feelings. Behavioral therapy isn't a cure for IBS, and some studies have found that it doesn't work very well for some symptoms. But doctors say many people with the condition can get relief from belly pain, diarrhea, constipation, and other problems when they learn and use it. Plus, when IBS symptoms get better, people tend to have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. For most people, this approach can't replace standard medical care for irritable bowel syndrome. You may still need to take medicine for your symptoms, change your diet, or think about alternative treatments like acupuncture. Before you start any form of therapy, talk with your doctor about how it fits into your overall treatment plan.
context: Uveitis can lead to serious eye problems if you don't treat it right away. If you've had it for a long time, or if you have it and are over 60, your chance of having those problems goes up. The disease causes inflammation in your eye. If you don't treat the inflammation, it can scar or break down tissues. That can harm your vision. Untreated, uveitis can cause other problems, such as: These cloud the lens of your eye, which makes it harder for you to see. Inflammation can cause them. You may also be at risk for them if you take steroids for your uveitis. You may hardly notice your cataract at first. Slowly, your sight may seem blurry or hazy. You might feel like you're looking at things through a cloud. It can be hard to see when you drive at night. Lights may glare, too. Surgery can remove your cataract. But most eye doctors will want your inflammation under control for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This can be tricky if you take steroids for your uveitis. Talk with your doctor about it. This can happen when the fluid inside of your eye can't drain out. All the fluid buildup causes pressure. That damages the optic nerve at the back of your eye. As it gets worse, so does your vision. Glaucoma also can make your vision hazy or cloudy. You may see halos or rings around lights. Other signs are patchy blind spots as you look forward or to the side. Later, you may have tunnel vision. You could also get headaches, eye pain, or nausea. Damage can come slowly, so you may not notice it at first. But your eye doctor can test you for glaucoma and treat it if you have it. Fast action can help you save your eyesight. Steroids could also make you more likely to get glaucoma. Inflammation inside your eye can also cause your retina to swell. Your retina is a thin layer of tissue around the back of your eye. It's full of light-sensitive cells and nerve cells. They take in sights around you and send that information to your optic nerve and your brain. If your retina swells from uveitis, you can lose some of your vision in the center. You may see a black spot in the middle of your view. It doesn't hurt, though. If this swelling lasts for a long time without treatment, your vision loss may be for good. A swollen retina is also called cystoid macular edema. That's because the center of your retina is called the macula. It's not as common, but uveitis can make your retina detach, or pull away, from blood vessels in your eye. You may see floaters, or small black spots in your vision. You may also see lights flash. If any of these things are happening to you, call your doctor and get treatment quickly. Moving fast can save your eyesight.