VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: When you're taking opioid medications to relieve pain, you might feel one of these drugs' most common side effects: constipation. It can be a serious problem -- but you don't have to just grin and bear it. Treatments can give you relief and make it easier to keep taking your pain medicine. Changes to your diet and other habits may help, but some people on opioids will also need to take medications to keep their bowel movements regular. These are the first things most doctors recommend, and they're the same meds that anyone with constipation might use. Your doctor may suggest you take one before you even have the problem to prevent it. Stool softeners make hard, dry waste easier to pass out of your body. Laxatives help your bowels move the stools out. You can buy many of these treatments over the counter. Ask your doctor or a pharmacist which ones may be best for you, and how long you'll need to take them. They'll start working after a few hours or a couple of days, depending on which laxative or stool softener you use. When laxatives and stool softeners aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe a medication that's made for people who have constipation because of opioids. These meds work by blocking the effects that the drugs have on your gut: Lubiprostone ( Amitzia), a pill Methylnaltrexone ( Relistor), a shot Naldemedine ( Symproic), a pill Naloxegol ( Movantik), a pill All opioids can cause constipation, but some may have less of an effect than others. Some studies have found that fentanyl may cause less constipation than morphine. Tapentadol may also be easier on your intestines than oxycodone. Methadone may also be less constipating. Talk to your doctor about which drugs will give you the right balance of pain relief and fewer side effects. You can try options other than medicines to relieve constipation, too. Rectal suppositories are laxatives that you put inside your bottom, where they dissolve and your body absorbs their medicine. An enema is a liquid that you flush into your bottom to clean out your colon. These treatments can help, but doctors don't often recommend them since they're uncomfortable. As a last resort, your doctor or nurse may use a gloved finger to get stool out. The most important thing you can do is to talk with your doctor about your constipation and how you can feel better.
context: That itchy red rash between your toes might be athlete's foot. It can spread to your toenails, your soles, and up the sides of your feet. And if you handle your feet, it can also infect your hands. Athlete's foot can happen on one or both feet, and there are different types. But with any kind you have, you'll probably see: Itchy, scaly red rash between your toes Small, red blisters (usually on your soles or between your toes) Ongoing dryness and scaling on the soles and up the sides of your foot Ulcers or sores that leak fluid, smell bad, and look red The fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch is usually the one to blame for athlete's foot. It loves damp shoes, socks, and all warm, moist areas where it can grow like crazy. It's very contagious. If you spend much time at a gym or public swimming pool, you're more likely to get it. It spreads easily from person to person through contact with contaminated surfaces like floors, shoes, and towels. You should treat athlete's foot as soon as you notice even minor symptoms. It's fine to try over-the-counter products, or you may have a home remedy you like to use. But sometimes they don't work, and that's when you need to make an appointment with your doctor. You may need prescription-strength medicine to kill the athlete's foot fungus if: You have diabetes and the rash looks infected The scaly rash has turned into sores or ulcers that leak fluid It's spread to your hands or groin You think your toenails are infected The rash just won't disappear
context: A doctor who specializes in skin care, called a dermatologist, can be a big help with your psoriasis. He'll be up to date on all the triggers you should avoid, symptoms, and treatments. When you look for a dermatologist, start by asking your primary care doctor for a recommendation. You can also check with the American Academy of Dermatology, which has lists of specially trained doctors. A nearby medical school is another resource. Ask these questions to help you choose the right doctor for you: Does your office accept my insurance? How quickly can I schedule a visit? Do you have patient references? Are you available after hours? Do you have evening or weekend hours? Do you have a special area of interest in skin care? How many patients with psoriasis have you treated? Do you offer biologic therapies for psoriasis?
context: This condition, which your doctor will call nyctalopia, makes it hard to see well at night or in poor light. It isn't a disease, but rather a symptom of another problem like untreated nearsightedness. The problem comes from a disorder of the cells in your retina that allow you to see dim light. It has many causes: Nearsightedness Glaucoma Glaucoma medications that close the pupil Cataracts Diabetes Retinitis pigmentosa Vitamin A deficiency Keratoconus To pinpoint the cause, your eye doctor will carry out a full exam. He may order specialized tests. That depends on its cause. It may be as simple as a new prescription for glasses or a new medication. It could require surgery if cataracts are to blame.
context: Your diabetes can affect your teeth. Having uncontrolled diabetes can mean you're more likely to get gum disease or the other problems below. The good news: Good habits will help keep your mouth healthy. Diabetes can make you more likely to have cavities and fungal infections. Other potential problems include: Difficulty fighting off infections, including those that might lead to gum disease Slower healing time after dental surgery Dry mouth, called xerostomia, is common among people with diabetes. Saliva is important to oral health -- it helps wash away food particles and keep the mouth moist. When you don't produce enough moisture, bacteria thrive, tissues can get irritated and inflamed, and your teeth can be more prone to decay. Even so, you can protect your teeth and oral health. Here's how. Make sure you brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. Use an antibacterial mouth rinse twice a day to help curb bacteria that can cause plaque buildup on teeth and gums. Check your mouth for inflammation or signs of bleeding gums. If you notice either, let your dentist know as soon as possible. Have your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months, or even every 3 or 4 months. Your dentist may suggest stepping up the cleaning schedule if you tend to build up plaque or tartar quickly. Make sure your dentist knows that you have diabetes. Give her the names of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take. Make sure your diabetes is well controlled. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist -- a dentist who specializes in gum disease -- if your gum problems persist or seem to get worse.
context: Allergies aren't always to blame for eczema, but the two often go together. Studies show that 1 in 3 infants will have eczema. Here's what you need to know about these conditions in kids, plus advice on how to treat them. Symptoms include a dry, itchy, scaly, red rash. It may ooze and crust over, especially if your child scratches it. Eczema is common on the arms, elbows, legs, knees, hands, and face. The rash can be quite irritating. It can make it hard for kids to sleep. Soaps and cosmetics, cleaners, wool, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and dry weather can cause flare-ups. Eczema won't spread from one part of the body to another, or from one person to another. Eczema in kids often fades. Most babies outgrow it by the time they're teens or even earlier. Kids with allergies -- especially to foods like milk and peanuts -- are more likely to have eczema. Having parents with allergies or asthma increases a child's risk of eczema. Kids with eczema are more likely to get allergies and asthma later in life. Keeping your kid away from allergy triggers can ease eczema symptoms. If your child has symptoms, see a doctor. There are lots of ways to control eczema and allergies. Tests. Your doctor may want to test your child for allergies to foods -- like milk, egg, peanut, soy, and wheat -- and other substances. Positive results from allergy testing need to be confirmed. Food elimination diets. If your doctor suggests it, you can cut out common trigger foods, one at a time. That will help you figure out if a food is to blame. Ointments and moisturizers. These products can ease mild eczema symptoms. Choose one that's thick, and put it on right after your child gets out of a bath or shower. Medication . Steroid creams can relieve more severe symptoms. Follow these steps to stop the problem before it starts. Allergy-proof your home, so your child won't be exposed to high levels of things like dust mites and dander. Keep her skin moist. Dry skin can trigger eczema. Keep fingernails short. That way, your child is less likely to irritate her skin by scratching. Put socks on your baby's hands to stop scratching when she's asleep. Keep your child cool in summer. Hot weather and sweat can make symptoms worse. Use non-scented soaps. Avoid harsh cleaners. Chemicals can irritate the skin. Dress your child in soft, loose-fitting, cotton clothing. Avoid wool and nylon. Protect your child from dry, cold weather. Dress her warmly when it's cold (but don't overheat). Use a humidifier in the winter when the air is dry.
context: Great strides have been made in the understanding of pain and its treatment in the last decade. Pain that was once considered hopeless is now manageable. Medical evidence proves that many of the beliefs about pain and pain relief are false. Here's what experts say you should know about five of the most common pain relief myths. This myth persists among bodybuilders and weekend athletes. Yet there is no evidence to support the notion that you can build strength by exerting muscles to the point of pain. A related belief, " Work through the pain," is also mistaken. Resting to repair muscles and bring pain relief might not be macho, but it's a smart thing to do. You may also need to modify your exercise routine with cross training; lighter, more frequent workouts; and proper shoes. Pain is a complex problem, involving both the mind and the body. For instance, back pain has no known cause in most cases, and stressful life events can make it worse. But that doesn't mean it isn't real. Pain is an invisible problem that others can't see, but that doesn't mean it's all in your head. There are countless options for pain relief. They include relaxation techniques, exercise, physical therapy, over-the-counter and prescription medications, surgery, injections (into muscle, joints or your back), and complementary treatments such as acupuncture and massage. It may not always be possible to completely get rid of your pain, but you can use many techniques to help manage it much better. Older adults are more prone than their kids or grandkids to "grin and bear it." Enduring the occasional headache or minor sports injury is one thing. But putting up with chronic pain can impair functioning and quality of life. It can lead to depression, fatigue from loss of sleep, anxiety, inability to work, and impaired relationships. Most pain can be treated effectively and should be. If you are suffering from pain, you owe it to yourself to make an appointment with your doctor. Relief may be just around the corner. Health care providers begin with a conservative approach to pain relief and prescribe non-narcotic pain-relief medications, which are not addictive. Doctors may prescribe narcotics, such as codeine and morphine, if pain becomes severe, such as when treating cancer pain. Many people fear that they will become addicted to narcotics. Physical dependence is not the same thing as addiction. And, physical dependence isn't a problem as long as you do not stop taking the narcotics suddenly. Addiction to narcotics is not usually a problem, unless you have a history of recreational drug or alcohol addiction. If you do, discuss this with your health care provider before starting any pain medicine. Remember pain can be a chronic condition like any other and may be a life long problem that requires life long lifestyle changes.
context: Imagine you're on a highway. An accident causes traffic to pile up ahead. Emergency crews redirect cars around the congestion. Finally, you're able to get back on the road and the route is clear. If you need heart bypass surgery, the procedure is pretty similar. A surgeon takes blood vessels from another part of your body to go around, or bypass, a blocked artery. The result is that more blood and oxygen can flow to your heart again. It can help lower your risk for a heart attack and other problems. Once you recover, you'll feel better and be able to get back to your regular activities. Bypass surgery is also known as coronary artery bypass grafting ( CABG). It's the most common type of open-heart surgery in the U. S. Most people have great results and live symptom-free for a decade or more. Bypass surgery treats symptoms of coronary heart disease. That happens when a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the arteries in your heart and blocks blood and oxygen from reaching it. You may feel things like: Chest pain, which is known as angina Irregular heartbeat Shortness of breath Coronary heart disease can lead to a heart attack. It can cause a blood clot to form and cut off blood flow. Bypass surgery can give your ticker a big health boost. A surgeon removes a blood vessel, called a graft, from another part of your body, like your chest, leg, or arm. He attaches one end of it to your aorta, a large artery that comes out of your heart. Then, he attaches the other end to an artery below the blockage. The graft creates a new route for blood to travel to your ticker. If you have multiple blockages, your surgeon may do one or more bypass procedures during the same surgery. You'll be asleep the whole time, about 3 to 6 hours on average. You'll wake up in an intensive care unit ( ICU). You'll have a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. You won't be able to talk and will feel uncomfortable. Nurses will be there to help you. They'll remove the tube after a few hours, when you can breathe on your own. You'll also be hooked up to machines that monitor your vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure, around the clock. You'll stay in the ICU for a few days before being moved to a hospital room. You'll stay there for about 3 to 5 days before you go home. It's a gradual process. You may feel worse right after surgery than you did before. This is normal. Your body needs time to recover, but you'll feel better each day. You won't be fully healed for about 2 months. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. You may not be able to drive for 3 to 8 weeks. You'll visit your doctor several times during the first few months to track your progress. Call him if your symptoms don't improve or you're feeling worse. All surgeries come with the chance of problems. Some of the possible ones include: Fever Heart attack Infection and bleeding at the incision Memory loss Pain Reactions to anesthesia Stroke Once you've recovered, your symptoms of angina will be gone or much better. You'll be able to be more active, and you'll have a lower risk of getting a heart attack. Best of all, the surgery can add years to your life.
context: When you're constipated, your body isn't able to get rid of waste like it needs to. Having it every once in a while is common, but if you're dealing with symptoms for more than 3 months, your constipation is chronic. And that raises your chance of having complications. The problems most often happen in the places where stool leaves your body. When you're constipated, you're more likely to push hard to try to go. That can make the veins around your rectum and anus swell. These swollen veins are called hemorrhoids, or piles. They're like varicose veins around your anus. They can be external, which means they're under the skin around the anus, or internal, which means they're in the lining of your anus or rectum. Hemorrhoids can itch and be painful. They can cause bleeding when you have a bowel movement. You may see streaks of blood on your toilet paper when you wipe. Sometimes blood can pool inside a hemorrhoid, which can cause a painful, hard lump. You may also get skin tags, blood clots, or infections from your hemorrhoids. Passing hard stools or straining to pass stools can tear the tissue around your anus. These tears are anal fissures. They cause itching, pain, and bleeding. Because the symptoms of anal fissures make going to the bathroom more difficult, they can make constipation worse. This happens often in children who hold in their stool out of fear of the pain. The tears are usually very small. But sometimes they can grow larger and affect the ring of muscle at the opening of your anus that keeps it closed. This kind of anal fissure is harder to heal. You may need medication or surgery to fix the problem. Once you've had an anal fissure, you're more likely to get another one. When you can't get stool out of your body, it can start to stick together in your intestines. The hardened mass gets stuck and causes a blockage. The squeezing your colon normally uses to push stool out of your body can't move it because it's too large and hard. It can cause pain and vomiting. You may even have to go to the emergency room for treatment. Children and older adults are more likely to have fecal impaction. Your rectum, the final part of your large intestine, ends at your anus. When you're constantly straining to pass stools, it can stretch and slip outside your body. Sometimes just part of the rectum comes out, but sometimes the whole thing does. It can be painful and may cause bleeding. It can sometimes be hard to tell if you have rectal prolapse or hemorrhoids, since both cause bulging out of the anus, but they're two different conditions that need to be treated differently.
context: In many cases, you can safely treat a vaginal yeast infection with an over-the-counter medication. You can also try to treat a yeast infection at home with these tips to ease itching, burning, and other symptoms. Just know the three situations in which you should see a doctor, and then you can get started. It might be OK if your doctor told you in the past that you had a yeast infection and you now have the same symptoms. You need to be sure you have a yeast infection and not something else. There's one other question to ask yourself first. Have you had sex with a new partner? Many of the symptoms of a yeast infection -- itching, burning, and vaginal discharge -- can mimic the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections ( STIs). If any of these three situations sounds like yours, you need a doctor's attention: It's the first yeast infection you've ever had. See a doctor to be sure it's not a more serious problem that needs a different treatment, such as a urinary tract infection or STI. You're pregnant. Any medications, including over-the-counter vaginal creams, need to be approved by your doctor during pregnancy. You often get yeast infections. If you have four or more yeast infections in a year, doctors call it ârecurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.â If you have it, you'll need treatment for up to 6 months with an antifungal medication. Frequent yeast infections can also be a sign that you have diabetes or another medical condition. If you're concerned about your symptoms or they're different from past yeast infections you've had, you may want to see your doctor for your own peace of mind. Because symptoms are uncomfortable, some women will ask for a prescription-strength vaginal cream to ease the itching and burning more quickly than an over-the-counter product would. Some things you can do to prevent yeast infections may also treat a yeast infection once you have it. Acidophilus. Eating yogurt with live cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus -- a natural, "friendly" bacteria -- may head off a yeast infection. Taking supplements with lactobacillus acidophilus may also help prevent them. Watch what you wear. Avoid tight-fitting pants and wear cotton panties to allow your body to "breathe" and stay cool. Yeast thrives in a moist, warm environment, so keep things airy and dry to prevent a yeast infection from coming back. Nonprescription treatments. If you're sure you have a yeast infection based on a past episode, you could try an over-the-counter medication to treat your symptoms. These products are usually creams, dissolvable tablets, or suppositories (oval-shaped doses of the medication) that you put into your vagina. If your symptoms do not clear up, follow up with your doctor.
context: HIV gets passed from person to person in blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), fluids from the vagina and rectum, and breast milk. So you're at risk when body fluids from someone who's infected could get into and mix with yours. Some things you do now can raise your chances of getting HIV, but you can't change things you were born with or happened in the past. One of the most common ways you can get HIV is by having vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HIV. You could pass HIV during oral sex, too, but that's less common. It's also risky when you don't know whether or not your partner is HIV-positive, because they could be. The more sexual partners you have, the more your odds of catching HIV go up. Using condoms, barriers, and dental dams will help a lot to keep you safe, but they're not perfect. Your choice of partner also matters. Having sex with someone who has a higher chance of getting (and therefore having) HIV -- a sex worker or an IV drug user, for example -- raises your chances as well. The other big risk is reusing needles, syringes, or other equipment an HIV-positive person used to inject drugs, whether they were prescribed by a doctor or illegal. You shouldn't even reuse your own. You could also get HIV from a needle used for piercing or tattooing if it wasn't sterilized after piercing or tattooing someone with HIV. An accidental stick from a contaminated needle or medical device could cause HIV, but that's very rare. Because these can weaken your judgment, you may be more likely to do other risky things, such as having unprotected sex. An STD such as herpes, chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhea may cause changes in the tissue of the vagina or penis that make it easier for HIV to pass to you while you're having sex. A mother infected with HIV can give her baby the virus before or during birth, or by breastfeeding. This is one reason why pregnant women should get tested for HIV. It's possible if you had a blood transfusion or were given blood products before 1985. Since then, all blood in the United States and Western Europe gets tested for HIV. Some people have fewer copies of a gene that helps to fight HIV. We might someday have a test that can tell you if you're more likely to get HIV and develop AIDS, but there isn't one yet.
context: Hypertension symptoms? Often there aren't any. High blood pressure is often called the "silent" disease, because it may have no noticeable symptoms. If undetected and untreated, hypertension can cause heart disease (including congestive heart failure and heart attack), stroke, and kidney disease. That's why it is important to have regular physical examinations to make sure your blood pressure is within the normal range. This is especially important if your blood pressure has ever been high, if you have a family history of hypertension, or if you are gaining weight. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, your doctor can answer any questions or concerns you may have during your regular visits. However, there may be situations that warrant a call to your doctor. For example: If you aren't responding to the treatment your doctor prescribed and your blood pressure is still high If you have certain symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, headache, excessive sweating, palpitations or irregular heart beats, problems with your vision, or confusion; these may be serious and should warrant prompt medical attention. They could be from uncontrolled high blood pressure or from medication side effects. If you have any concerns about your condition, don't hesitate to call your doctor.
context: Stress fractures are some of the most common sports injuries. They are tiny breaks in the bone, usually caused by repetitive stress from activities like running. Although they can be quite painful, they usually heal themselves if rested for a few months. Many different sports raise the risk of stress fractures. Activities that require running and jumping may cause fractures in the legs or feet. More than half of all adult and adolescent stress fractures occur in the lower leg bones. Of these, fractures of the tibia -- the long bone of our lower leg -- are the most common at about 24% of all stress fractures. Other sports that require repetitive movements -- like pitching or rowing -- can result in stress fractures of the humerus (arm bone), but these are much more rare. Stress fractures are much more likely to develop in people who have just started a new exercise or abruptly stepped up the intensity of their work out. When the muscles aren't conditioned, they tire easily and can't support and cushion the bones as well. Increased pressure is exerted directly on the bones, which can lead to a fracture. Stress fractures seem to be more common in women. Other risk factors for stress fractures include: drinking more than10 alcoholic drinks a week, smoking, running more than 25 miles a week, osteoporosis, eating disorders and low levels of vitamin D. Any anatomical abnormalities -- like fallen arches -- can distribute stress unequally through the feet and legs. This raises the risk of stress fractures. So can poor-quality equipment, like worn-out running shoes. Unfortunately, stress fractures tend to recur. About 60% of people who have a stress fracture have had one previously.
context: It's easy to measure your waist. And it's not just about your clothing size. Your waist circumference is a clue to whether you're at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. And all you need is a tape measure. Start at the top of your hip bone, then bring the tape measure all the way around your body, level with your belly button. Make sure it's not too tight and that it's straight, even at the back. Don't hold your breath while measuring. Check the number on the tape measure right after you exhale. For your best health, your waist should be less than 40 inches around for men, and less than 35 inches for women. If it's larger than that, you may want to talk with your doctor about what your next steps are, including losing weight. You can't spot-reduce your waist, or any other part of your body. Crunches will strengthen your abs, but to lose inches around your waist, it will probably mean eating fewer calories and burning more off through exercise.
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(); }); } Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is an infection of the organs of a women's reproductive system. They include the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. It's usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection ( STI), like chlamydia or gonorrhea, and is treated with antibiotics. You might not notice any symptoms of PID early on. But as the infection gets worse, you can have: Pain in your lower belly and pelvis Heavy discharge from your vagina with an unpleasant odor Bleeding between periods Pain during sex Fever and chills Pain when you pee or a hard time going Call your doctor right away if you have any of these. PID can cause serious problems if it's not treated. For example, you might have trouble getting pregnant or have pain in your pelvic area that doesn't go away. In some cases, PID can bring on more intense symptoms, and you'll need to go to the emergency room. Get medical help right away if you have: Severe pain in your lower belly Signs of shock, like fainting Vomiting Fever higher than 101 F Some of these also can be signs of other serious medical conditions, like appendicitis or an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that happens in a fallopian tube outside the womb). You would need medical help right away for these as well. Treating an STI right away can help keep you from getting PID. Symptoms of STI are a lot like those of PID. They include heavy discharge from your vagina with an unpleasant odor, pain when you pee, and bleeding between periods. Call your doctor as soon as you notice any of these to lower your chances of PID.
context: Making friends isn't always easy for a kid with ADHD. What can a parent do to help? Quite a bit. Treat the ADHD. The same treatments that help your child succeed in school can also help with social issues. Medicine can also cut down on behaviors like impulsiveness that may keep other kids away. Make introductions. If your child is nervous about talking to classmates, set up play dates. Plan activities ahead of time, and be there to keep an eye on things. It may help to choose something fun that your child is comfortable doing. This will encourage confidence. Keep in mind that kids with ADHD tend to do better with one or two other children than in large groups. Talk first. Before your child goes to an event, talk about what she should expect there, and what others might expect from her. Get active. Look for hobbies that center around your child's interests. It can be things like art, video games, sports, or whatever. Instead of signing up for what you think is best, let your child help you decide. Look for programs that have kids with ADHD in mind. Focus. Don't try to do too much at once. Pick one or two habits to work on with her at a time, such as taking turns or sharing. Explore social skills groups. There are programs designed to help your child learn to make friends and do better in class. A school psychologist or speech therapist usually leads them. They're also small. Typically, there aren't more than eight kids in a group. The children in these sessions do special activities, like role-playing, to learn how to: Greet other kids Start and hold a conversation Take turns when playing Ask for help when they need it Many schools have these groups. There are also privately run programs. The key is to find one that fits your child's personality and age group. Have a backup plan. Ask your child's teachers how class is going for her. Work with them and the school's guidance counselor to clear up any conflicts that could get in the way of friendships. Kids with ADHD can be targets for bullying, too. Be prepared. Talk with your child about what to do if she gets teased or picked on. Make sure she knows it's OK to tell you if she's bullied. Know that a little may be enough. Remember, while you want to encourage friendships, don't go overboard. Your child doesn't need to be part of the most popular group at school or have lots of friends. One or two close friendships may be all she needs.
context: Has your doctor recommended that you take more than one drug for rheumatoid arthritis? That's combination therapy, and it can help you move better and with less pain. It could also slow or stop joint damage caused by RA. When you first find out you have the condition, you probably start taking one drug, usually methotrexate. If that doesn't give you enough relief, your doctor would add another drug. If your RA is more severe, your doctor may prescribe more than one medication right away. You'll probably take methotrexate as part of combination therapy, plus a similar drug (such as hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, or sulfasalazine), or with a medication called a biologic. Biologics are genetically engineered, and several types of them treat RA. They work on your immune system to curb joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. They can help you move better. It may take some trial and error to find the medicines that together work best for you. Combination therapy can mean less joint pain, morning stiffness, and inflammation. It can also help slow or stop your RA from getting worse. You might be able to have a more active life. Some people go into remission, which means they don't have any joint pain, swelling, or other RA symptoms. The goal of treatment is to relieve your symptoms as much as possible without side effects from your medicine. Taking more than one medication can't reverse joint damage that you already have, and it isn't a cure. But it can prevent further damage and help you avoid other health problems that can come with rheumatoid arthritis, like heart attack and stroke.
context: The relationship between sleep and heart failure is a two-way street. Having heart failure means you're likely to have other health issues, including sleep problems. Likewise, sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea ( OSA) and insomnia, can make your heart failure symptoms worse. A good night's sleep is important, whether your heart is healthy or not. Rest helps your heart as well as your energy levels, thinking skills, and overall health. If you can deal with your sleep problems, you may ease the burden on your heart. Complications of heart failure can affect your sleep. For example: Chest pain and discomfort make it hard to relax and fall or stay asleep. Lying in bed can make you feel short of breath. You may have to get up during the night to pee. During the day, you're standing and sitting, so extra fluid would normally settle in your legs and feet. But lie down, and it's going to move up into your chest and throat. This can close in your lungs and airway, making it harder to breathe. Your doctor might prescribe diuretics to help get rid of that extra fluid. But these medicines don't stop working when you sleep, which can mean interrupting your slumber for a trip or two to the bathroom. OSA is more common among people who are overweight, but anyone can get it. The tissue in the back of your throat relaxes and blocks your airway while you sleep. You stop breathing, so your brain signals your throat muscles to contract, which opens up your airway again. This can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night. Your brain also releases stress hormones during these episodes. They can raise your heart rate and your blood pressure -- which raises your chance of developing heart failure or making it worse. Researchers have also found a strong link between trouble falling or staying asleep and the likelihood of heart failure. One reason may be that insomnia triggers the body's stress response, which could weaken your heart over time. Set yourself up for restful sleep: Stick to a regular sleep/wake schedule. Turn off the TV, computer, and other devices before bedtime. Keep your bedroom cool and dark. Avoid alcohol before bedtime and caffeine in the afternoon or evening. Exercise every morning. If you have any type of sleep issue, let your cardiologist know. A sleep specialist can help you figure out what's going on medically, whether you're dealing with insomnia or OSA or something else, and how to treat it. One option might be continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP) -- a small machine that pumps air through a tube and mask that you wear over your mouth and nose to help keep your airway open at night. There may not always be an easy solution, but sleep is too important to your heart and to your health in general to go without your ZZZs.
context: There are no warning signs of early prostate cancer. You can't feel the growing tumor pushing against anything else, so there's no pain. You can have the disease and not know it for years. That's why regular prostate cancer screenings are so important. Once a tumor causes the prostate gland to swell, or once cancer spreads beyond the prostate, the following symptoms may happen: The need to pee often, especially at night Trouble starting or stopping a stream of urine A weak stream, or one that starts and stops Leaking when you laugh or cough Not being able to pee standing up Pain or burning when you pee Pain or burning when you ejaculate Less fluid when you ejaculate Blood in your pee or semen Pressure or pain in your rectum Pain or stiffness in your lower back, hips, pelvis, or thighs A decrease in the amount of fluid ejaculated New trouble getting an erection These aren't symptoms of the cancer itself. They result from the cancer growth blocking your prostate. Other causes include an enlarged, noncancerous prostate or a urinary tract infection. Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include: Dull, deep pain or stiffness in the pelvis, lower back, ribs, or upper thighs; pain in the bones of those areas Loss of weight and appetite Fatigue, nausea, or vomiting Swelling of the lower extremities Weakness or paralysis in the lower limbs, often with constipation Bowel problems You have trouble urinating or find that urination is painful or different from normal; your doctor should examine your prostate gland to determine whether it is enlarged, inflamed with an infection, or cancerous. You have chronic pain in your lower back, pelvis, upper thighbones, or other bones. Pain in these areas can be caused by different things, including the spread of prostate cancer. You have unexplained weight loss. You have swelling in your legs. You have weakness in your legs or a hard time walking, especially if you also have constipation.
context: Your thyroid is a small gland in front of your neck that makes hormones that help control just about every organ. When your thyroid doesn't make enough of these hormones, your body can't work right. That can affect your energy level, mood, and weight. If your thyroid becomes inflamed, you have thyroiditis. Sometimes it happens because your body makes antibodies that attack your thyroid by mistake. This condition is called autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or Hashimoto's disease. Doctors don't fully understand why your immune system misfires this way. It could be set off by a faulty gene, a virus, or something else. Or it could be a combination of causes. You may be more likely to get autoimmune thyroiditis if you: Are a woman Are middle-aged Have another autoimmune disorder like lupus, type 1 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis Are related to someone who has autoimmune thyroiditis Have been exposed to environmental radiation You may not have any in the beginning. As the disease goes on, your thyroid may become enlarged, a condition called a goiter. The front of your neck will look swollen, and it might make your throat feel full. It may not hurt. Left alone, the thyroid will eventually shrink on its own, but that doesn't mean you're cured. That just means your thyroid is damaged. A damaged thyroid can't do its job, which leads to hypothyroidism -- too little of the thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include: Tiredness Sensitivity to cold Puffy face Trouble pooping Enlarged tongue Pale, dry skin and brittle nails Hair loss Weight gain Muscle aches and joint pain Depression Memory lapse Heavy menstrual bleeding Your doctor will order blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels. The tests also look for something called thyroperoxidase antibodies. You also might have an ultrasound so your doctor can look at your thyroid, especially if your blood test results aren't clear. Your doctor might spot the problem through regular blood tests even if you don't have any symptoms, especially if they're aware that your family has a history of thyroid problems. The usual therapy is a prescription medicine called levothyroxine ( Levo- T, Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint, Unithroid). It's a man-made version of what a healthy thyroid makes. Your doctor will keep an eye on you and may have to adjust your dosage every once in a while. You'll need to take medicine for the rest of your life. Some foods, like a high-fiber diet or soy products, can mess with levothyroxine. You should also let your doctor know if you take: Iron supplements A cholesterol medicine called cholestyramine ( Locholest, Prevalite, Questran) Antacids that have aluminium hydroxide An ulcer medicine called sucralfate ( Carafate) Calcium supplements
context: If you are concerned about the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis, you may have heard about treatment with strontium. Some people say this supplement improves bone health, but it's important to think about its benefits and risks before you decide to take it. Strontium is a mineral found in seawater and soil. In your diet, you get it mainly from seafood, but you can also get small amounts of it in whole milk, wheat bran, meat, poultry, and root vegetables. Strontium is similar to calcium. It seems to play a role in how your body makes new bone while it slows the breakdown of old bone. That means it may affect how strong your bones are. Some research says that women with osteoporosis may not absorb strontium as they should. You can buy different forms of it, such as strontium citrate, in supplements at supermarkets and health food stores. Scientists haven't tested these supplements much, so there's not enough research to know if they fight osteoporosis. Also, the FDA doesn't regulate supplements in the same way as prescription drugs, so it's not possible to know if if they are safe or work well or even how much of the main ingredient they contain. If you want to take a strontium supplement, ask your doctor first. In Australia and some countries in Europe, a form of strontium called strontium ranelate ( Osseor, Protelos) is available as a prescription medication to treat and prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. But the FDA hasn't approved it for sale in the U. S., and it's different from the forms of strontium that come in supplements that are available in the U. S.. The drug makes your bones stronger and lowers your chances of getting fractures. Doctors aren't sure exactly how it works, but it seems to help the body make more bone and keep the bone you have from breaking down. Strontium ranelate has risks though. Doctors can prescribe it only for postmenopausal women and for men with severe osteoporosis who can't take other drugs. It's also not for people who: Have blood clots or have had them before Can't move very much, either for a short time, such as after surgery, or for the long term, such as because of a disability Have a history of heart problems, like a heart attack, angina, or peripheral artery disease, which means there's less blood flow to your arms and legs Have high blood pressure that isn't under control
context: If an insect bite or sting causes a severe reaction, get medical help right away. If you're pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor that, too. For a bite or sting that isn't serious, the main goal is simply to ease pain and discomfort. Try these tips to nurse basic stings and bites at home. General insect bites. Stinging? Burning? Tingling? Soothe them all with an ice cube, a cold washcloth, calamine lotion, a paste of baking soda, or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment. For mosquito or other minor bites, try calamine lotion. Ticks. If you find a tick embedded in your skin, carefully take it out without crushing it. Grip it near the head with tweezers or gloved fingers and pull gently and steadily. Call your doctor and find out if you need to take a medicine to prevent Lyme disease. Watch for a rash. This could indicate Lyme disease, tularemia, relapsing fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or another disease. If you develop one, call your doctor. Fire ants. Soak the affected area in ice water and use an anti-itch medicine to calm your skin. If you've been bitten or stung by any of the following (or think you have), call your doctor: Black widow. Your doctor may prescribe pain medicine and/or medications for nausea and muscle spasms. If your reaction is severe, he may also prescribe antivenom. This is a biological product that reverses the effects of the spider's poison. Brown recluse. A spreading wound from this spider should be cleaned and repaired by a doctor. Surgery isn't always needed. Until you can get to a doctor, apply cold packs -- not ice -- to the site. Scorpion. If your symptoms are severe, call 911. Otherwise, see your doctor as soon as you can. He may give you drugs to neutralize the venom or a medication to relieve muscle spasms. The FDA has approved Anascorp, a treatment specifically for scorpion stings.
context: Blood is spurting from the wound Bleeding cannot be stopped after 5-10 minutes of firm and steady pressure 1. Stop Bleeding Apply firm pressure until bleeding stops. If finger or part of finger is severed, put the severed part in a clean plastic bag, pack the bag in ice, and take it with you to the doctor. 2. Clean Wound Wash with fresh water. Apply antibacterial cream to reduce risk of infection. Apply a sterile bandage. 3. Control Swelling Apply ice to a bruised or swollen finger. 4. When to See a Doctor Inability to move the finger Numbness Bone is exposed The wound is deep or long. Pain and swelling are severe or persistent. You can't clean the wound or the wound is very dirty. ( You may need antibiotics) The injury is a puncture or open wound and you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years. The injury is from a human or animal bite. If the wound doesn't heal or shows signs of infection: redness, swelling, pain, or pus.