VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: If you’re a cat owner, you adore your feline even when she makes a little accident. Knowing it’s inevitable and being prepared can make cleanup a breeze. Cat Mess No. 1 -- Urine Sprays and Stains Cats don't always aim straight for the litter box. When your cat leaves a "present" on the carpet, he could be spraying to mark his territory or objecting to the litter box’s location or cleanliness. Whatever your cat's reason for peeing on the carpet, it's going to stink if you don't clean it up quickly. Cats can sniff out areas they've marked and target them again. Blot up as much urine as you can with paper towels. Don't use any ammonia-based cleaning products. They smell like cat pee, which may entice kitty to re-mark the spot. Soak the area with carpet cleaner or a few drops of dish detergent mixed with water. Let it sit for 1 to 2 hours. Rinse with a wet sponge. The next day, spray the area with an enzymatic cleaner such as A. O. E. ( Animal Odor Eliminator), Elim- Odor Feline, or F. O. N. ( Feline Odor Neutralizer). Keep your cat away until the area dries. To stop your cat from spraying, try a pheromone product. It smells like your cat's natural scent. One whiff, and he'll have no reason to mark his territory again. Cat Mess No. 2 -- Poop Cat poop may be smellier than urine, but it's easier to get off your floor. Wear gloves. Cat feces may contain a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a disease that's especially dangerous to pregnant women. If you're pregnant, let your partner clean up the mess. Pick up the poop with paper towels. Throw it out in the same place you toss your litter box scoopings. Rinse the area with cool water and blot dry. Apply an enzyme-based pet stain-and-odor remover. Cat Mess No. 3 -- Vomit Like humans, cats vomit. Unlike humans, they don't do it in the toilet. Try to clean the mess before it sets to avoid odors and stubborn stains. If the vomit is solid, pick it up with a paper towel. Then scrub the area with a pet-safe deodorizing cleaner. If the vomit is loose, scrape it into one pile with a plastic spoon. Blot the area with paper towels. Then use a deodorizer or pet stain-and-odor remover. You may need to clean stubborn stains or odors more than once. Cat Mess No. 4 -- Fur Whether their hair is long or short, cats shed--especially in the spring and fall. Brush your long-hair cat several times a week to remove loose hairs so they don't end up on your couch. Your short-hair cat may need to be groomed less frequently. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and anywhere else hairballs fly. Use a sticky fabric cleaner for pet hair, or a strip of masking tape, to clean cat fur off furniture and other surfaces before it gets on your clothes. Most cat messes are sporadic and easy to clean. If your cat soils your carpets and never did this before, or she constantly soils the carpets, call your vet. It could be a sign of a health problem that needs attention.
context: The most important nutrients for people with osteoporosis are calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is a key building block for your bones. Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium. How much should you get? It depends, in part, on your age and gender. For calcium: Children ages 1-3 should get 700 milligrams of calcium a day. Children ages 4-8 should get 1,000 milligrams per day. Children over age 9 and teenagers should get 1,300 milligrams of calcium a day. Women over age 51 and men over age 71 should get 1,200 milligrams per day. All other adults should get 1,000 milligrams per day. For vitamin D: 600 international units ( IU) of vitamin D per day from age 1 through age 70 800 IU daily after age 70. Some osteoporosis experts recommend 800 to 1,200 IU of vitamin D per day. To find out how much vitamin D you personally need, consider a blood test for the vitamin (25-hydroxy vitamin D) from your doctor. It measures how much vitamin D is in your body. Experts think that vitamin D may do more to protect you from osteoporosis than only helping you absorb calcium. To strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis, you can get calcium and vitamin D from your diet, supplements, or both. It's best to get these nutrients from food, rather than supplements. Why? Because it's easier to remember. You may not take a pill every day, but you eat every day. Foods also are a more complete source of nutrition than supplements. Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products have high levels of calcium, and also other key nutrients for bone health, such as phosphorus and protein. When you read food labels, look for foods and drinks that give you 10% or more of the Daily Value for calcium. If you're lactose intolerant or avoid dairy for other reasons, there are lots of other options: Calcium-fortified orange juice, plant-based milks (like soy and almond milk), and cereals Green, leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and spinach Seafood such as canned salmon, oysters, ocean perch, clams, blue crab, and shrimp For vitamin D, look for items that are fortified, such as some orange juices, breakfast cereals, and plant-based milks. Certain fish, such as salmon, tuna fish, and sardines, may also be a good source. If you can't get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet, talk to your doctor about whether you need supplements. Calcium supplements come in several types, including: Calcium citrate Calcium carbonate As far as your bones are concerned, it doesn't matter which type you take. The difference is in how you take them. You should take calcium carbonate supplements with meals, to help your body absorb the most calcium. If you take calcium citrate instead, you don't need to take them when you eat. With either type, your body can only absorb up to 500 milligrams at one time. So you may need to take supplements more than once a day. Most of these supplements also come in formulas that include a dose of vitamin D. If you get the combination form, you'll get both nutrients in one pill.
context: A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth that may be caused by: Tooth decay Abscessed tooth Tooth fracture A damaged filling Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth Infected gums Symptoms of a toothache may include: Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth. Swelling around the tooth Fever or headache Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth See your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if: You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days Your toothache is severe You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide Proper identification and treatment of dental infections is important to prevent its spread to other parts of the face and skull and possibly even to the bloodstream. To treat your toothache, your dentist will first obtain your medical history and conduct a physical exam. He or she will ask you questions about the pain, such as when the pain started, how severe it is, where the pain is located, what makes the pain worse, and what makes it better. Your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, throat, sinuses, ears, nose, and neck. X-rays may be taken as well as other tests, depending on what your dentist suspects is causing your toothache. Treatment for a toothache depends on the cause. If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or possibly extract the tooth, if necessary. A root canal might be needed if the cause of the toothache is determined to be an infection of the tooth's nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner aspects of the tooth cause such an infection. An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw. Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Good oral hygiene practices consist of brushing regularly with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing once daily, rinsing once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning. In addition to these practices, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.
context: Three of the more common skin conditions that people experience are blisters, corns, and calluses. Blisters: A blister is a bubble on the skin surface that often contains a clear liquid, although it may also contain blood or pus. Blisters can form when the skin is repeatedly rubbed; for instance, when your shoes rub the same spot on your foot, when you wear shoes that don't fit properly, or when you wear shoes without socks. Corn: A corn is a build-up of hard skin near a bony area of a toe or between toes. Corns may be caused by pressure from shoes that rub against the toes or cause friction between the toes. Callus: A callus is a build-up of hard skin, usually on the underside of the foot. Calluses are caused by an uneven distribution of weight, generally on the bottom of the forefoot or heel. Calluses also can be caused by improperly fitting shoes or by a skin abnormality. It's normal to have some calluses on the soles of your feet. Blisters The skin covering the blister helps protect it from infection. Your health care provider may recommend you "pop" the blister with a sterile needle to allow the skin to re-attach. However, don't cut the skin away unless it is already torn and drying out. Keep the blister clean. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water or a cleansing towel and then apply antibacterial cream to the blister. Cover it with gauze and secure it with hypoallergenic tape to help protect the skin and prevent infection. Change the dressing at least once a day and wear different shoes until the blister heals. Keep the wound covered with antibacterial ointment and a bandage until it is healed. Corns Don't try to cut the corn or remove it with a sharp object. After you take a bath or shower, while your skin is still soft, use a pumice stone or an emery board to smooth and gently remove the build-up of tissue. Move the emery board or pumice stone in one direction only. You can also use cushioned or medicated pads. Calluses Don't try to cut the callus or remove it with a sharp object. After your bath or shower, use a pumice stone to gently remove the build-up of tissue. You can use cushioned pads, donut pads and insoles to keep the pressure off the callus area. Your health care provider may prescribe medications to soften the calluses. To prevent blisters, corns, or calluses on the skin: Wear shoes that fit properly and comfortably Wear socks with shoes Use foot powder to help keep your feet dry Wear gloves when you are doing manual labor or working with your hands
context: Your doctor has medicines to treat the red, painful bumps that come from blocked hair follicles causing hidradenitis suppurativa ( HS). A few home remedies can also help clear your skin and prevent new breakouts. Relief for the bumps could be as simple as making a few changes in your life or to your daily routine. Here are some things to try. Lose extra weight. Sometimes it works even better than medicine for clearing up blocked hair follicles. You don't have to lose a lot to see a difference. Trim just 10% of your body weight. Quit smoking. Another reason to kick the habit. Smoking doesn't cause blocked hair follicles, but it can irritate your skin. When you quit, you'll probably notice fewer flare-ups. Wear loose clothes. Bumps often form in areas where your skin rubs together, such as your armpits or between your buttocks. Tight clothes cause even more friction and irritation. Wear loose-fitting ones, including underwear, to ease pressure on the bumps. Natural fabrics such as cotton are better than man-made ones like polyester and nylon. Stay cool. Blocked hair follicles can flare up when you get overheated or you sweat. If the bumps are under your arms, use an antiperspirant to stay dry. Just be careful which kind you choose. Some have chemicals that irritate your skin even more. Ask your doctor to recommend a gentle, scent-free product. Don't shave. Shaving under your arms or anywhere else you have bumps can trigger breakouts. Your doctor can suggest a gentler way to remove hair. Take care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise, and avoid stress to help prevent flare-ups. Ask about supplements. Scientists have done a few studies on how supplements like zinc, vitamin B12, copper, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) affect HS. Zinc might help the condition, but researchers need more evidence to know for sure. Talk to your doctor before you take any vitamin or supplement to make sure it's safe. Keep the area clean. Blocked sweat glands can get infected if you have bacteria on your skin. Try these ways to avoid infections: Clean yourself with an antibacterial wash. Or try an acne treatment to cut the amount of bacteria on your skin. Take a bleach bath. Mix about 1/2 cup of bleach into the tub water. Soak your body (but not your head) for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry. If your bumps get irritated and sore, try these things to feel better: Wet a washcloth in hot water. Hold this warm compress to the area for 10 minutes to bring down swelling. Or, seep a tea bag in hot water and hold it on the area for 10 minutes. If the sores are on your buttocks, try a sitz bath. Run a few inches of warm water in the tub. Sit in the water for 10 to 15 minutes. Take an over-the-counter NSAID pain reliever, such as ibuprofen. They should be just one part of your treatment. Your doctor will also prescribe medicines to clear up breakouts and prevent new ones. Call your doctor if your treatment doesn't work and the bumps still bother you.
context: It can be a challenge for doctors to diagnose multiple sclerosis ( MS). There's no single test that can prove you have it. And many conditions have symptoms that seem like MS. A neurologist -- a doctor who specializes in treating the disease -- should be able to help. They'll ask how you're feeling and help you figure out if your symptoms mean you have MS or another problem. A certain set of signs points to MS. Your doctor will need to: Find damage to at least two areas of your central nervous system (your brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves) Prove the damage happened at different points in time Rule out any other diagnosis The doctor will start by asking you about your medical history and your symptoms. They'll also do a few tests to see if your brain and spinal cord are working as they should. These include: MRI: This imaging test lets the doctor take a closer look at your brain. They can see changes caused by multiple sclerosis like signs of inflammation in the deep parts of your brain or spinal cord. But older people or those with high blood pressure and diabetes also can have the same kinds of spots on a brain MRI. So the doctor will consider other info, including your symptoms, along with the scan results before they make a diagnosis. Also, an MRI result that says things are normal doesn't rule out MS. You could be one of a small number of people who have lesions in places the scan can't show. Spinal taps: This test, which you may also hear called lumbar puncture, checks the fluid that runs through your spinal column. Doctors use it to look for high levels of proteins and other substances that are signs of the disease. It can help diagnose MS, but it, too, isn't absolute proof. Evoked potentials: These electrical nerve tests can help doctors confirm if MS has affected the parts of your brain that help you see, hear, and feel. The doctor will place wires on your scalp to test your brain's response as you watch a pattern on a video screen, hear a series of clicks, or get electrical pulses on your arm or leg. Blood tests: They can't diagnose MS, but the doctor will use them to look for substances in your blood that point to it. Most importantly, they can help your doctor rule out conditions that look like MS. It may take a long time to figure out that you have MS. If you've been waiting years or months, the news might be a relief. Or it could be a huge shock. Either way, you'll have concerns about what the disease means for your life and your family. That's completely understandable. Talk with others -- your friends, your doctor, a support group, or a counselor -- about your feelings. Your health care team can help you decide the best ways to treat your disease and live with it day to day. MS affects everyone differently, so what works for one person with the condition may not be what's best for you.
context: A severe reaction A seizure A loss of consciousness For a severe reaction: While waiting for emergency help, inject glucagon if you are trained to do so. For moderate to mild symptoms: Give the person a high-sugar food such as: 3 to 4 glucose tablets 1/3 to 1/2 tube of glucose in gel form 1/2 cup orange juice 1/3 cup apple juice 1/4 to 1/3 cup raisins 2 large or 6 small sugar cubes in water 4 oz. to 6 oz. of regular soda, not diet 1 tablespoon of molasses, honey, or corn syrup 5 hard candies After 15 minutes, test blood sugar, if possible. If symptoms persist or blood sugar reading is below 70 mg/d L, give another high-sugar food. If the person's next meal is more than 30 minutes away, give the person a small snack, such as 1/2 sandwich, 1 oz. cheese with 4 to 6 crackers, or 1 tablespoon peanut butter with 4 to 6 crackers. If the person still doesn't feel better, go to a hospital emergency room or call 911. If you go to the hospital, doctors may give sugar intravenously.
context: Lots of people are allergic to the pollen that comes from grasses. It brings on symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and a cough. It's not just your lawn. There are hundreds of types of grasses. The kinds that often trigger allergies include: Bermuda Johnson Kentucky Orchard Redtop Rye Sweet vernal Timothy You may be allergic to only one type of grass or to many. Grasses tend to start growing in the early spring. In the late spring and early summer, they release pollen into the air. The wind can carry it for miles. Grass pollen is microscopic. You may not see it in the air. But if you're allergic, your body may react even to small amounts. Dry, windy days. Wind carries pollen in the air, especially when it's dry and sunny. When it's cold or damp, pollen counts are usually lower. Certain foods. If you're allergic to grasses, your symptoms are more likely to be triggered by particular fruits and vegetables that have proteins like those in pollen. Fresh celery, melons, peaches, oranges, and tomatoes may give you an itchy feeling in your mouth. Unmowed lawn. Most types of grass release pollen only when they grow tall. The pollen comes from a feathery flower that grows at the top. If you keep your lawn mowed, it's less likely to release pollen. But Bermuda grass and some other types can still release the sneezy stuff even if you keep it short. Get tested. It's the only way to know if you really are allergic to grasses, or if something else causes your symptoms. Avoid your triggers. Close windows on windy, summer days. Wear a mask when you garden. Rethink your lawn. It may seem drastic, but if you're sure that grasses in your yard are causing your symptoms, you could remove them. It might help to replace them with bunch grasses -- like perennial rye grass and tall fescue. These types don't flower and release pollen until they're 12 inches or taller. Other allergy-safe options for your yard include ivy (be careful, though, because it spreads) and Irish moss. Or you could landscape with other types of plants that will do well with the sun, soil, and water you usually get. You might even totally redo it, with a mix of flowers, trees, succulents (especially if you live in an area that often gets droughts), herbs, or vegetables. Treat it. Both over the counter and prescription medications can help ease or prevent allergy symptoms. Allergy shots or tablets or drops you take by mouth are another option that doctors call immunotherapy. It can ease, and sometimes end, your grass allergies.
context: It's a question that puzzles lots of folks when those familiar symptoms hit: Is all that coughing and sneezing from a cold or hay fever? 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(); }); } It's sometimes a tough call, but how long your problems last is one of the big clues. They have different causes. You get a cold when a tiny living thing called a virus gets into your body. There are hundreds of different types that can get you sick. Once a cold virus gets inside you, your immune system, the body's defense against germs, launches a counter-attack. It's this response that brings on the classic symptoms like a cough or stuffed up nose. The viruses that cause colds are contagious. You can pick them up when someone who's infected sneezes, coughs, or shakes hands with you. After a couple of weeks, at the most, your immune system fights off the illness and you should stop having symptoms. It's a different story with allergies. They're caused by an overactive immune system. For some reason, your body mistakes harmless things, such as dust or pollen, for germs and mounts an attack on them. When that happens, your body releases chemicals such as histamine, just as it does when fighting a cold. This can cause a swelling in the passageways of your nose, and you'll start sneezing and coughing. Unlike colds, allergies aren't contagious, though some people may inherit a tendency to get them. Take stock of your symptoms and how long they last to help you decide what's causing your trouble. Characteristic Cold Allergy How Long It Lasts 3-14 days Days to months -- as long as you're in contact with the allergy trigger and a short time after When It Happens Most often in the winter, but possible at any time Any time of the year -- although the appearance of some allergy triggers is seasonal When It Starts Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus Symptoms can begin immediately after contact with allergy triggers Symptom Cold Allergy Cough Often Sometimes Aches Sometimes Never Fatigue Sometimes Sometimes Fever Rarely Never Itchy, watery eyes Rarely Often Sore throat Often Sometimes Runny or stuffy nose Often Often The most important difference is that colds usually don't last longer than 14 days. So see your doctor if you still have symptoms after 2 weeks. These may be allergy symptoms or signs of another problem.
context: Are you considering gastric sleeve surgery because you've tried diets and exercise for years and still have a lot of weight to lose? You'll want to know the risks and benefits, what makes someone a good candidate for the operation, and what long-term commitments you need to make to keep the results. In this operation, surgeons remove part of your stomach and join the remaining portions together to make a new banana-sized stomach or "sleeve." With just a small sack (about 1/10th the size of your original stomach), you'll feel full a lot quicker than you did before. You won't be able to eat as much as you used to, which helps you lose weight. Plus, the surgery removes the part of your stomach that makes a hormone that boosts your appetite. In gastric bypass, the surgeon makes a small pouch that skips most of your stomach, going straight to the intestine. Gastric sleeve surgery is best for people who have a BMI (body mass index) of at least 40. That means you're 100 pounds or more over your ideal weight. Some people are too heavy for gastric bypass surgery, so it may be a good alternative. The surgery takes about an hour. Your surgeon will make a few small cuts in your belly and insert a laparoscope -- an instrument with a tiny camera that sends pictures to a monitor. The surgeon will then insert other medical instruments through the additional cuts and remove 3/4 of your stomach. Finally, he'll reattach the rest of your stomach to form the "sleeve" or tube. You might be in hospital about 2 or 3 days. The procedure is permanent. The first day after surgery, you'll drink clear liquids. By the time you leave the hospital, you can eat pureed foods and protein shakes and will continue to do so for about 4 weeks. Keep in mind that you have to change the way you eat forever. After that first month, you'll switch to eating soft solid foods very slowly. Other pointers to keep in mind: Everything must be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed. Don't drink while you eat, as this might cause your new stomach to overfill. Drink liquids a half-hour after finishing a meal. Avoid high-calorie sodas and snacking. Take vitamin and mineral supplements every day. After 2 or 3 months, you can move on to regular meals. But remember, you will not be able to eat as much as you used to. People generally lose 60% of their extra weight over 12 to 18 months. So if you are 100 pounds overweight, you'll lose about 60 pounds, though some lose more and others less. Of course, exercising and eating right add to your weight loss. Infection, bleeding, and in rare cases, a leak along the staple line are possible. Right after the surgery, you may have nausea, vomiting, or constipation. Certain foods may not agree with you now. You may also develop nutrition problems after surgery, which is why you have to take vitamins and supplements for life. Your doctor will advise you on exactly what you need.
context: When your rheumatoid arthritis flares up, it's important to prevent damage to your joints. Watch for signs of trouble and learn the steps to stay healthy. If you have swelling and stiffness every day, you're more likely to have damage than someone who has these symptoms less often. You can get damage even if you don't feel pain, but swelling in your joint is a reliable sign. So is a feeling of tenderness when you press on it. Also, pay attention to how long your joints feel stiff in the morning. Ask yourself when you get up, " How long does it take until I'm feeling as loose as I'll feel for the day?" The longer you feel stiff, the more likely it is that your RA is active. Another sign you can look for is something called a "boggy" joint. When your joint lining starts to have problems, it may give your joint a mushy texture. This may continue even when you don't have a flare. See your rheumatologist if you notice this happening. Because treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has improved over the years, many experts believe that most people who now have it will get less joint damage than ever before. Take these steps to improve your odds of avoiding long-term trouble. Get treated early. Much of the damage that eventually becomes serious starts soon after you learn you have RA. The earlier you start treatment, the less your chances of problems. See your doctor often. You'll have less damage if you see your rheumatologist several times a year. Exercise. It makes your joints stronger. Your doctor or physical therapist will help you make a plan that's safe and fits your fitness level. Rest when you need to. You need to find a balance between downtime and exercise. Make sure you don't overdo it when you work out. Use a cane in the hand opposite a painful hip or knee. It curbs wear-and-tear on your joints. If you smoke, quit. Talk to you doctor to get advice on how to end your tobacco habit.
context: An EEG, or electroencephalogram, is a test that records the electrical signals of the brain. Doctors use it to help diagnose epilepsy and sleep disorders. Let your doctor know about any medications -- both prescription and over-the-counter -- and supplements you're taking. Wash your hair the night before the test. Don't use any leave-in conditioning or styling products afterward. If you are wearing extensions that use glue, they should be removed. You lie down on the exam table or bed, and a technician puts about 20 small sensors on your scalp. These sensors, called electrodes, pick up electrical activity from cells inside your brain called neurons and send them to a machine, where they show up as a series of lines recorded on moving paper or displayed on a computer screen. You'll relax with your eyes open first, then with them closed. The technician may ask you to breathe deeply and rapidly or to stare at a flashing light, because both of these can change your brain wave patterns. The machine is only recording the activity of the brain and does not stimulate it. It's rare to have a seizure during the test. You can have an EEG at night while you're asleep. If other body functions, such as your breathing and pulse, are also being recorded, the test is called polysomnography ( PSG). In some cases, you may be sent home with an EEG device which will either send the data directly back to your doctor's office, or record it for later analysis. The technician will take the electrodes off and wash off the glue that held them in place. You can use a little fingernail polish remover at home to get rid of any leftover stickiness. Unless you're actively having seizures or your doctor says you shouldn't, you can drive home. But if the EEG was done overnight, it's better to have someone else drive you. You can usually start taking medications you'd stopped specifically for the test. A neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the brain, will look at the recording of your brain wave pattern.
context: A tiny parasite called Giardia intestinalis causes this diarrheal disease. This bug lives all around the world in places that don't have clean drinking water. It's a common cause of waterborne illness in the U. S. Usually from the stool of an infected person or animal. Before they're pooped out, the parasites grow a hard shell called a cyst. It helps them live for months outside the body, either in water or on a surface. The infection comes after you encounter the parasite or a cyst. You might: Touch contaminated surfaces like bathroom handles, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys, then eat without washing your hands Drink water or use ice made from an untreated water source -- like a lake, stream, or well -- that's home to giardia Swallow the parasite while you swim or play in water Eat uncooked food that contains giardia Come into close contact with someone who has giardiasis Travel to countries where it's common While anyone can catch giardiasis, some people are more likely than others to get the infection: Parents and child care workers who change diapers Children in child care centers People who live in the same household as someone with giardiasis Those who drink water or use ice made from untreated water Backpackers, hikers, and campers who drink unsafe water or who don't practice good hygiene (like proper handwashing) on the trail International travelers People who have anal sex There isn't a vaccine, but there are steps you can take: Wash your hands after you use the toilet, after you change diapers, and before you eat or prepare food. Filter or boil water if you're outdoors. Try not to swallow water when you swim in a pool, lake, or stream. Drink bottled water when you travel to places with unsafe water. Use a condom if you have anal sex. They usually start 1 to 3 weeks after you're exposed. They'll probably last for 2 to 6 weeks. The most common include: Diarrhea Gas or flatulence Greasy stool that floats Stomach or abdominal cramps Upset stomach or nausea Dehydration Weight loss Let your doctor know if: Your symptoms -- including loose stools and nausea -- last more than a week You show signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dizziness, or confusion Tell her about any recent travels, interactions with children in diapers, or swimming or drinking from a body of water. She'll collect a series of stool samples over several days to make a diagnosis. Many people get better without treatment. But if your symptoms last more than several weeks, or you're likely to spread the parasite, your doctor can give you medication. Metronidazole ( Flagyl), nitazoxanide ( Alinia), and tinidazole ( Tindamax) are among the drugs used to treat giardia infections.
context: What's causing my skin allergy? Am I allergic to something specific? Do I need allergy testing? Should I see a specialist? What will make my rash feel better? Will it go away? Can I use over-the-counter medications, or do I need prescription drugs? If I need medicine, what are the possible side effects? Are there things I should avoid? Can I take something to prevent an allergic reaction? Are there other treatments that could help? Should I be worried about an allergic emergency? What should I watch for? Do I need to be concerned about other allergies?
context: It's important to treat your RA early to prevent damage to your joints. It's best to see a doctor who knows rheumatoid arthritis inside and out, even if your condition is mild. Ideally, you should see a rheumatologist -- a specialist in arthritis. If you can't see a rheumatologist for all your RA care, look for one who will partner with your regular doctor. You'll still need to see the rheumatologist once in a while, but your primary care doctor may handle your day-to-day treatment. If it's not possible to see a rheumatologist at all, look for a primary care doctor who treats many people with RA and ask if they can work with a rheumatologist remotely. It's simple: You need to be able to tell your doctor what's going on, and she should be able to communicate clearly to support you. Your doctor should also help you better understand your RA, what to expect from treatment, and what complementary treatments might help or hurt your condition. To make the best match, think about: The office staff. Are they considerate and helpful? Do they return your calls promptly? Because your time with your doctor may be limited, find out if your doctor works with other people who can help answer some of your questions. Access. Can you get an appointment on short notice if you have an RA flare? How soon will the doctor return your calls or reply to your emails? If your doctor doesn't have all the traits you'd like, tell them how you feel and ask for what you need. If you're still unhappy, look for another doctor. Check with organizations like the Arthritis Foundation or American College of Rheumatology for names of rheumatologists in your area. Ask your primary care doctor or friends. Key things to know about your doctor include: Are they part of a group, or do they work on their own? Can I see the doctor of my choice in the practice, or must I see the first available doctor? How long is the average wait for an appointment? Does the office offer evening or weekend appointments? Once you narrow your list, make appointments to talk with each of your top choices. It will take some time and effort, but it's worth it to find a doctor who's a good fit for you.
context: Because formula-fed babies are more likely to get ear infections, it is better to breast feed your infant for the first six to 12 months of life, if possible, to prevent ear infections. Remove as many environmental pollutants from your home as you can, including: Dust Cleaning fluid and solvents Tobacco smoke Also, reduce yours or your child's exposure to people with colds, and control allergies. Taking steps to prevent colds and flu as well as other illnesses can prevent some, but not all, ear infections. Here are some important steps to take: Be sure everyone in your household, including your children receive the proper vaccines when they are supposed to be given. That includes both flu and pneumococcal vaccines. Make hand washing a habit that becomes part of the family's normal routine. If possible, avoid group care for children, especially during cold and flu season.
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(); }); } Those cheery, yellow mum plants you find in your supermarket each fall have a cousin over in the sweetener aisle. It's a sugar substitute called stevia. Stevia is about 100 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar, but has no carbohydrates, calories, or artificial ingredients. Not everyone likes the way it tastes. Some people find it bitter, but others think stevia tastes like menthol. Try it in your morning coffee or sprinkled over your oatmeal to see if you like the taste. Stevia is natural, unlike other sugar substitutes. It's made from a leaf related to popular garden flowers like asters and chrysanthemums. In South America and Asia, people have been using stevia leaves to sweeten drinks like tea for many years. Look for stevia in powder or liquid form in supermarkets and health-food stores. You're likely to find it on the baking goods aisle or in the health food aisle. You may even get your sweet caffeine fix without calories or artificial sweeteners. Major U. S. soda companies now sell diet cola soft drinks sweetened with stevia. Some flavored waters also have stevia. If you have diabetes, stevia could be a way to sweeten your yogurt or hot tea without adding carbohydrates. Yes, you can cook with it. Each brand has its own sugar-to-stevia ratio, so check the package before you measure out sweetener. The FDA approved only the purified form of stevia, called stevioside, as safe to use. Products considered safe contain words in their ingredient list such as stevia extract or stevia rebaudiana. If you see whole stevia leaves or crude stevia extracts at your local natural foods store, don't buy them.
context: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy ( PML) is a disease that attacks part of your brain. It happens if your body can't fight off disease the way it should. It damages your brain's white matter -- cells that make a substance called myelin. This protects your nerves, and losing it can make it harder for you to move, think, and feel sensations. PML is a very serious illness that can be fatal. It's caused by a virus called the JC virus. Most adults carry it, and it usually doesn't cause any health problems. But it can if you have a weak immune system -- if your body's natural defenses against illness aren't working right. The first signs of PML can be different from person to person, depending on the nerves that are damaged first. But they often include: Clumsiness or loss of coordination Difficulty walking Facial drooping Loss of vision Personality changes Trouble speaking Weak muscles Sometimes, PML can also cause seizures. About 1 person out of every 200,000 will get PML. That works out to a total of about 4,000 people a year in the United States and Europe combined. It happens most often to people who have AIDS, which attacks the immune system. But people who have some types of cancer or take drugs that keep their body from rejecting a transplanted organ also have a higher risk. People who have multiple sclerosis, which attacks the central nervous system, or other immune system problems, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may be at risk too. U. S. safety officials have said that PML may be a possible side effect of some drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis after a small number of people who used them got it. If your doctor thinks you might have PML, he'll scan your brain with a magnetic resonance imaging machine ( MRI). This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make a detailed picture. He'll look for lesions -- spots of damaged tissue -- that show the disease is there. If an MRI doesn't give a clear picture, he might do a brain biopsy. He'll take a small sample of tissue from your brain to look at under a microscope for signs of the disease. Your doctor might also take a sample of the fluid around your brain and spinal cord by using a spinal tap -- a needle put into your lower back. The best way to treat PML is to fight whatever has made your immune system weak. You might take drugs that attack the virus that causes AIDS ( HIV) or avoid drugs that affect your immune system. You also might need to avoid treatments like chemotherapy, which can put you at higher risk of infections. Researchers are trying to find other drugs to fight the JC virus, but none has been approved for widespread use. White matter killed by the virus doesn't grow back, so your symptoms may be permanent. Many people who have had PML live with the effects of nerve damage. These can be similar to the issues caused by a stroke and can include paralysis and memory loss.
context: Common symptoms of bursitis include: Pain and (rarely) swelling in the shoulders, elbows, hips, or knees, particularly stretching or extending the joint while exercising, lifting, or otherwise pushing the joint to its limits Restricted or lost range of motion in a joint, especially affecting the shoulder, with or without immediate pain Muscle weakness due to pain Pain in or near a joint persists more than two weeks. You are unable to move the affected area. You have unusual swelling near a joint, such as the elbow. You have a fever with your bursitis symptoms.
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(); }); } When you have heart failure, your heart makes two proteins. Your doctor will call them B-type natriuretic peptide ( BNP) and N-terminal-pro- BNP ( NT-pro- BNP). Levels of both in your blood go up when your heart failure gets worse and go down when it gets better. A test called a BNP blood test measures those two important levels. It's able to spot heart failure more than 80% of the time. BNP levels help your doctor figure out if you have heart failure or something else that has similar symptoms such as shortness of breath. The test also shows if your heart failure has worsened. It'll help your doctor decide what treatments you need and if you need to be hospitalized. It may also give him a look into what the future may hold. It is a sensitive test to allow the doctor to evaluate improvement or worsening of heart failure and to help monitor whether or not the medication is working well. Depending on your medical center, you may get tested for one or both proteins. A small amount of blood will be taken from you. Then it's placed in a machine that reads the level of BNP and NT-pro- BNP. The test takes about 15 minutes. In some places, the blood sample needs to be sent away to a lab to be tested. The level of BNP tends to increase as heart failure gets worse. But it can also increase with age. Testing BNP levels is one of the most sensitive ways to show how well you're doing on heart failure treatment. Ask your doctor to explain the results of your BNP tests.
context: Difficulty breathing or wheezing Tightness in the throat or a feeling that the airways are closing Hoarseness or trouble speaking Swollen lips, tongue, or throat Nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting Fast heartbeat or pulse Anxiety or dizziness Loss of consciousness Hives and trouble breathing Other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) Had severe reactions in the past See a doctor immediately for these symptoms: A fast-spreading painful red or blistered area on the skin Swollen face, tongue, or lips, even without breathing difficulty or increase in swelling Top layer of skin peels off in sheets without blistering Scalded-looking raw areas of flesh Discomfort Fever Condition spreading to eyes, mouth, and genitals Call the doctor as soon as possible if the person has: Skin rash, itching, a feeling of warmth, or hives See Severe Allergic Reaction Treatment. For a mild reaction: Give an adult an over-the-counter antihistamine. Check with a doctor before giving an antihistamine to a child. Use cool compresses on the area or have the person take cool showers. Avoid strong soaps, detergents, and other chemicals. Stay in a cool room. Have the person wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes. For a rash, apply calamine lotion. Call or see a doctor if home treatment doesn't help or symptoms get worse. Talk to the doctor about an alternative medicine and what drug(s) to avoid in the future. Serious symptoms may require a hospital stay.
context: If you want to improve your erectile dysfunction ( ED) or take steps to prevent it, make some changes to the way you live. A healthy diet and regular exercise are key parts of the plan. Research suggests there's a link between ED and obesity. Recent studies show that overweight men with extra fat in the stomach and waist have lower levels of male sex hormones. Men with extra body fat break also break down male hormones faster than leaner guys. This may be another reason why obese men have higher rates of ED than lean men. Follow some of these tips to get on the road to a healthy lifestyle. If you're obese, talk to your doctor about a more rigorous treatment plan. Eat healthy food. Go for a diet that limits saturated fat and has several portions of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Reduce cholesterol . High cholesterol levels can harden, narrow, and block the arteries leading to the penis. This is called atherosclerosis. You can lower your cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication. Maintain a healthy weight . If you're overweight, talk to your doctor or a dietitian to get a plan to help you drop some pounds. Exercise regularly. Choose activities that you enjoy. Besides lowering the chances that you'll get ED, physical activity can also help you manage stress. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
context: Because of the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, you can do a great deal to reduce your chance of developing the disease by slimming down if you are overweight. This is especially true if diabetes runs in your family. In fact, studies have shown that exercise and a healthy diet can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in people with pre-diabetes -- a condition that often develops prior to full-blown type 2 diabetes. The medications metformin ( Glucophage), pioglitazone ( Actos), exenatide ( Byetta, Bydureon), and acarbose ( Precose) have also been shown to be effective in delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes in those at risk. In someone who already has diabetes, exercise and a nutritionally balanced diet can greatly limit the effects of both types 1 and 2 diabetes on your body. In diabetics, stopping smoking is one of the best ways to help prevent the damaging effects of diabetes. If you smoke, quit; smoking dramatically increases the risk of heart disease, particularly for people with diabetes.