VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
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(); }); } Not everyone with GERD has heartburn, but the primary symptoms of GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, and an acid taste in the mouth. Heartburn usually is described as a burning pain in the middle of the chest. It may start high in the abdomen or may extend up the neck or back. Sometimes the pain may be sharp or pressure-like, rather than burning. Such pain can mimic heart pain (angina). Typically, heartburn related to GERD is seen more commonly after a meal. Other symptoms of GERD include: Hoarseness; if acid reflux gets past the upper esophageal sphincter, it can enter the throat (pharynx) and even the voice box (larynx), causing hoarseness or sore throat. Laryngitis Chronic dry cough, especially at night; GERD is a common cause of unexplained coughing. It is not clear how cough is caused or aggravated by GERD. Feeling as if there is a lump in your throat Sudden increase of saliva Bad breath In infants and children, GERD can produce these symptoms: Recurrent vomiting Coughing Breathing problems A failure to thrive You regularly need to take over-the-counter medicine for heartburn or your heartburn symptoms persist after taking the drug Your symptoms also include weight loss, difficulty or pain when swallowing, dark-colored stools, or vomiting Seek immediate emergency medical help ( Call 911) for any chest pain or breathing problems.
context: A lot goes into achieving an erection. When you're turned on, nerves fire in your brain. Blood then flows into your penis. If all goes well, you're ready for sex. Sometimes, all does not go well. Occasional problems aren't anything that need treatment. If issues happen more often, you may have erectile dysfunction or ED. There are many things that can lead to ED. Stress, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use can often trigger it. In other cases, physical factors are the culprit. Sometimes, another disease will lead to ED, including the following: Diabetes: Nerves and blood vessels that aid in getting you ready for sex are damaged by this. Your chances of ED can double if your diabetes is not well-controlled. Kidney disease : Along with the other issues associated with kidney disease, your hormones, blood flow to your penis, and your nervous system -- all vital for getting an erection -- are affected. It can also sap your energy and sex drive. Nerve and brain disorders: You can't get an erection without help from your nervous system. Things like stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease disrupt vital signals. Blood vessel diseases: These can slow the flow of blood, making your body's preparation for sex difficult. Narrowed or blocked arteries, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are among the most common causes of ED. Other reasons for ED can include: Surgery: Nerves and tissue needed for an erection can be affected during procedures to treat prostate and bladder cancer. The problem often clears up, but it may take months. In some cases, the damage is permanent. If it is, there are treatments available to help you be ready for sex. Injury: If you hurt your pelvis, bladder, spinal cord, or penis -- and you require surgery -- you may get ED. Hormone problems: Hormones fuel sex drive. An imbalance can make you uninterested in sex. If you've had pituitary gland tumors, kidney or liver disease, depression, or hormone treatment for prostate cancer, talk with your doctor. Venous leak: To keep an erection, the blood that flows into your penis has to stay a while. If it flows out too quickly, you'll lose your erection. Injury or disease can cause this. Tobacco , alcohol, or drug use: All three can damage your blood vessels. If you have artery problems, smoking will make ED much more likely. Prescription drugs : There are more than 200 prescription drugs that can cause erectile dysfunction. Speak with your doctor if you think one of your medications may be causing this in you. Prostate enlargement : It's a normal part of aging for many men. It may also play a role. Lots of men have dealt with or are dealing with erectile dysfunction. If you think you may have it, talk with your doctor and figure out the plan that's best for you.
context: Several conditions of the colon can lead to colorectal cancer. What are they and how are they treated? Adenomatous polyps. These types of polyps are more likely than others to become cancerous. During a screening with sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, polyps can be seen and removed. The type of polyp can be determined in a lab. Here is how adenomatous colon polyps are treated: A single polyp found during a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam will usually lead to follow-up colonoscopy to look for other polyps. Then, once the colon is "clean" of polyps, experts recommend repeat colonoscopy every 1 to 3 years. If follow-up exams continue to be normal, further screening recommendations will be determined by your doctor. Familial adenomatous polyposis ( FAP). There is continued controversy over how to manage patients with FAP. Almost all untreated patients have colorectal cancer by age 40, therefore some surgical treatment is needed. Here's how FAP is usually managed: Total colectomy with anastomosis of the ileum with the rectum, unless the rectum has polyps. Then follow-up proctoscopy (a scoping test of the rectum) after surgery every 6 months to look for polyps. If a person is unwilling to take the risk of developing cancer in the rectum or already has polyps in the rectum, the rectum can be removed (the risk of developing polyps in an uninvolved rectum ranges from 7.5% to 59%). In these cases, an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis surgery is preferred to maintain quality of life. Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Many people with chronic inflammatory disease of the bowel, such as ulcerative colitis, can be followed with regular colonoscopy to look for signs of colon cancer. If cancer is found, it can be treated appropriately. Some patients elect to undergo prophylactic colectomy possibly with the creation of an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis to preserve some bowel function.
context: Colds and flu are no fun, and they can be even worse if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Infections, dehydration, and sugar in some medicines can make it harder to manage your blood sugar. You can take steps to help prevent those problems and stay well. Your best move is to get a flu shot every year. The CDC recommends that for everyone age 6 months and older, so if you have a child with diabetes, make sure that they get vaccinated, too. A flu vaccine can prevent many types of flu or keep flu viruses from making you so ill. September may be the best month to get this vaccine because it protects you for about 6 months. But you can get a flu shot at any time during flu season. Also, ask your doctor if you need the pneumonia shot. This vaccine can also help protect you from blood infections and meningitis. The main problem for people with diabetes is that some cold and flu drugs, such as cough syrups, have sugar in them. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend over-the-counter drugs that are safe for you. Keep those product names handy for future reference. Don't give cold and flu medicines to a child younger than 2, whether they have diabetes or not, because of the risk of serious side effects. Everyone gets a cold or flu sometime. Your doctor, nurse, or diabetes educator can help you prepare. They'll probably recommend that you do the following in addition to regular things like staying home from work, school, or day care if you're too sick to go. Check your blood sugar levels every 4 hours, or as often as recommended by your doctor. Test for ketones if your blood sugar level is over 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/d L). Call your doctor if it shows any ketones. Take your temperature regularly. Drink one cup of liquid every hour you're awake. Water and broth are good choices. Try to eat 35-50 grams of carbohydrates every 3 to 4 hours. If you can't eat solid food, try clear soup, regular soft drinks, Popsicles, unsweetened applesauce, apple juice, or sports drinks. Keep taking insulin or other diabetes medications unless your doctor tells you not to. If you or your child has diabetes as well as what you think might be the flu, call your doctor right away so you can start treatment to help prevent serious complications. For adults, call your doctor if your symptoms are really bad, have lasted for a few days, or if you've had a fever that won't let up. You should also call if: It's hard to breathe. Your blood sugar level remains higher than 180 milligrams per deciliter (mg/d L). Your blood sugar level remains lower than 70 mg/d L. You cannot keep down solids or liquids. Your temperature is over 101 F. You have vomiting or diarrhea. For children, call the doctor if they have: Trouble breathing Blue lips Won't eat or drink Ear pain A fever of 102 F or higher (or any temperature if it's a baby age 2 months or younger) A lot more crankiness or sleepiness than usual Worsening symptoms
context: If you have angina -- chest pain that happens when the arteries to your heart are blocked or narrowed -- your doctor may prescribe medicines called nitrates. They relax your arteries so blood can flow more easily to your ticker. Your doctor may also suggest you use nitrates along with another blood pressure drug (hydralazine) to treat congestive heart failure. Some nitrates include: Dilatrate- SR, Iso- Bid, Isonate, Isorbid, Isordil, Isotrate, Sorbitrate (isosorbide dinitrate) Imdur (isosorbide mononitrate) Bi Dil (hydralazine with isosorbide dinitrate) Follow the label directions on when and how to take them. It's OK to take these drugs with or without meals. Sometimes, "medication tolerance" can set in, which means they don't work as well anymore. Keep up with your appointments so your doctor can monitor how well you respond to the drug. Talk to your doctor to make sure you understand how to take these medications during the day. The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and how long you need to take them depend on your condition. While you're using nitrates, get your blood pressure checked regularly. Nitrates may make you feel dizzy. You may also get a rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat when you take the drugs regularly. It usually gets better after the first few weeks. If it keeps up, talk to your doctor. Some other side effects are: Headache Flushing of your face or neck. Call your doctor if it persists or is severe. Low blood pressure. You shouldn't take nitrates if you: Had severe allergic reactions to medicines with nitroglycerin or isosorbide Take some erectile dysfunction drugs such as Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), or Viagra (sildenafil). Have narrow-angle glaucoma
context: Chlorella is a type of freshwater seaweed (green algae). It contains protein, iron, vitamins B and C, and other antioxidants. It may contain substances that fight bacteria, fungi, tumors, and viruses. Chlorella may help your immune system work better. Some evidence suggests chlorella may: Help people with certain tumors better tolerate chemotherapy and radiation. Raise white blood cell count in people with HIV or cancer, which helps your body fight infections. Protect against cell damage from radiation and toxic metals, such as lead. Chlorella may also increase the amount of healthy bacteria in your intestines. Healthy bacteria help prevent stomach upset, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Chlorella has been used to try to treat gastrointestinal disorders, including: Constipation Diverticulitis Inflammatory bowel disease ( Crohn's and ulcerative colitis) Stomach ulcers Chlorella has also been used to try to treat or prevent: Asthma attacks Bad breath Fibromyalgia High cholesterol High blood pressure Low B-12 levels Premenstrual syndrome ( PMS) Trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection) White patches on genitals called vulvar leukoplakia Some people also take chlorella to try to: Boost energy levels Detox the body Improve mental function More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of chlorella to treat these conditions. Chlorella is used as a food additive in Japan. Studies suggest that chlorella may be safe when taken by mouth for a short amount of time, up to two months. Side effects of chlorella include: Bloating Diarrhea Fatigue Gas Green-colored stools Nausea Stomach cramps Allergic reactions have been reported in some people taking chlorella. These reactions have included severe breathing problems and a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. There isn't enough research to know if chlorella is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Chlorella may make it harder for warfarin and other blood-thinning drugs to work. Some chlorella supplements may contain iodine, so people with thyroid conditions may want to avoid taking chlorella. Always tell your doctor about any supplements you are taking, including natural ones and those bought without a prescription. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and drugs are. The FDA does not review these supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market.
context: In its early stage, colorectal cancer usually doesn't have symptoms. That's why it's so important to keep up with the tests your doctor recommends to see if you have it, when it's easiest to treat. If you do have symptoms, the most likely ones include: Changes in bowel movements, including constipation or diarrhea that don't seem to go away Feeling like you can't empty your bowels completely or urgently need to have a bowel movement Bleeding or cramping in your rectum Dark patches of blood in or on your stool; or long, thin, "pencil stools" Discomfort or bloating in your belly Unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss Pelvic pain, which can happen in the later stages of the disease Lots of things can cause the symptoms listed above. So you'll need to check with your doctor to find out what's going on. Don't just assume it's hemorrhoids. Make an appointment if you have any of the symptoms, or if a doctor tells you that you have anemia. ( When doctors look for the cause of anemia, they should check for bleeding from the digestive tract because of colorectal cancer.) Your doctor will most likely do a rectal exam. You may also get a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy -- exams that involve a long flexible tube put into your rectum so that your doctor can look for any cancers or growths that could become cancer.
context: Is unconscious or not breathing Is gasping for breath Has trouble breathing or is breathing very fast when not coughing Has severe coughing attacks or continuous coughing Can't cry or talk because of breathing trouble Grunts when breathing Has blue lips May have a small object caught in her throat Is breathing very fast (this is also a symptom of fever) Looks very sick 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(); }); } Coughs in young children can be due to a number of illnesses. Most often, a cough gets better on its own and doesn't need to be a cause for concern. Is younger than 1 year old and still has trouble breathing after you cleaned out her nose May have a lung infection or a reactive airways disease episode Is wheezing or making a high-pitched whistle sound when breathing out or in Can't take a deep breath because of chest pain or coughed-up blood Has a fever that lasts longer than 72 hours Give babies plenty of breast milk or formula. Give older children water or juice mixed with water. Thin mucus in a stuffy nose with saline nose drops. Remove mucus from a baby's nose with a suction bulb. Use a humidifier in your child's room or take your child into the bathroom with a steamy shower running. Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air. Sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running and have your child breathe in the steam. Let the child rest. Avoid irritants, such as cigarette smoke. Don't give cough medicine to a child under age 4 unless your pediatrician suggests it.
context: After you were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise, your doctor probably started you on medication. If you're on just one medicine, it's probably metformin, a pill or liquid that cuts down how much glucose your liver makes. Even if you change your lifestyle and take your medicine as directed, your blood sugar may still get worse over time. That doesn't mean you've done something wrong. Diabetes is progressive, and many people eventually need more than one drug. When you take more than one drug to control your type 2 diabetes, that's called combination therapy. Diabetes medicines are divided into two types: insulin, and non-insulin. Most people with type 2 start with non-insulin ones. Non-insulin meds are split into six categories, based on how they work. They are: Metformin, which works in your liver Thiazolidinediones (or glitazones), which improve sugar removal from your blood Secretagogues, which help your pancreas make more insulin Starch blockers, which slow down how your body absorbs sugar from food Incretin-based therapies, which help your liver make less sugar and also slow how you absorb food. They can be pills or shots. Amylin analogs, injectable drugs that work much like incretin-based therapies. Some pills include two types of medication. These are called combination oral medicines. If one medicine isn't enough to control your type 2 diabetes, you and your doctor should work together to find the best mix for you. Usually, you'll keep taking metformin and add something else. What that is may depend on your situation. Some drugs control blood sugar spikes (your doctor may call this hyperglycemia) that come right after meals, for instance. Others are more effective at stopping drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) between meals. Some may help with weight loss or cholesterol, as well as your diabetes. The decision may also rest on whether you take medicine for something else. You and your doctor may also want to consider possible side effects. Cost may be an issue as well. You'll need to see your doctor more often when you start taking a new combination of drugs. You might find that adding a second drug doesn't bring your blood sugar under control. Or the combination of two drugs might work only for a short time. If that happens, your doctor might consider a third non-insulin drug, or you may start insulin therapy. You can't take insulin by mouth, because your stomach juices keep it from working properly. You might inject it using a syringe or a pen. Some people use an insulin pump. Insulin can be long-lasting or fast-release. Your doctor will decide what kind works best for you.
context: Beginning at age 45, you should have routine screenings for colorectal cancer. There are several options for screening. Stool based tests include: Fecal immunochemical test ( FIT) yearly Guaiac fecal occult blood test yearly Stool DNA test every 3 years Structural examinations include: Colonoscopy every 10 years Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years. If you have a positive result on a screening test that is not a colonoscopy, further evaluation should be performed on a timely basis with a colonoscopy test to take a look at your entire colon. You may take medication to make you sleepy and relaxed before the procedure. If a doctor sees anything inside your colon or rectum that looks questionable, he'll take a biopsy to find out if it's cancerous. A biopsy is a routine type of test used to diagnose cancer and also to see whether an existing cancer has spread to the surrounding tissue. The doctor uses a special instrument to take out a small sample of tissue. The sample is sent to a lab to determine if there's any cancer. The screening and biopsy together take less than an hour. Sometimes doctors use a tiny needle to take a biopsy, and they may use a CT scan or ultrasound to guide them. A CT scan is a powerful X-ray that takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. An ultrasound makes images using soundwaves. You'll go home the same day as your procedure. You can expect to feel some discomfort and have some light bleeding for a day or two. Serious complications are rare, but it is possible to get an infection or injury to your colon or rectum. Contact your doctor right away if you have: Fever or chills Heavy bleeding (greater than a teaspoon at a time) Severe pain Vomiting It may take a few days to get the results of your biopsy. If you do have cancer, the doctor will determine how aggressive it is and whether it started in your colon or spread there from somewhere else. You may need additional testing before you and your doctor can determine the best treatment plan.
context: Is it hard to see distant objects, like highway signs, until you're a few feet away, but easy to read a book up close? Chances are you're myopic, also known as nearsighted. It's a pretty common condition that your eye doctor usually can fix with eyeglasses, contacts, or eye surgery. The structure of your eye is to blame. When your eyeball is too long or the cornea -- the protective outer layer of your eye -- is too curved, the light that enters your eye won't focus correctly. Images focus in front of the retina, the light-sensitive part of your eye, instead of directly on the retina. This causes blurred vision. Doctors call this a refractive error. High myopia: It's a more serious form of the condition, where the eyeball grows more than it is supposed to and becomes very long front to back. Besides making it hard to see things at a distance, it can also raise your chance of having other conditions like a detached retina, cataracts, and glaucoma. Degenerative myopia: Also called pathological or malignant myopia, it is a rare type you usually inherit from your parents. Your eyeball gets longer very quickly and causes severe myopia, usually by the teenage or early adult years. This type of myopia can get worse far into adulthood. Besides making it hard to see things at a distance, you may have a higher chance of having a detached retina, abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye (choroid neovascularization), and glaucoma. Chances are the only symptom is that more distant objects are blurred. You may also notice: Headaches Squinting Eye strain Eye fatigue when you try to see objects more than a few feet away Children with myopia often have trouble reading the blackboard at school. An eye exam can show you if you're myopic. Glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery can usually correct the problem. When you have myopia, your prescription for glasses or contact lenses will be a negative number. The more negative the number, the stronger your lenses will be. For example, -3.00 is stronger than -2.50. Your prescription helps the eye focus light on your retina. That clears up your vision. Eye surgery can improve your vision so much you may no longer need to wear glasses or contacts. The most common procedures for myopia are: Photorefractive keratectomy: Also called PRK, this surgery uses a laser to sculpt the middle layer of your cornea. That flattens the cornea's curve and lets light rays focus closer to or on your retina. LASIK : This the most common surgery for myopia. The surgeon uses a laser or another tool to create a thin flap on the top layer of your cornea. He sculpts the cornea with another laser and moves the flap back into place. Myopia runs in families and will probably start in childhood. It stops changing after your teenage years, but not always. If you notice changes in your vision, get your eyes checked. See your eye doctor every year.
context: Two initial tests are commonly used to look for prostate cancer in the absence of any symptoms. One is the digital rectal exam, in which a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to find hard or lumpy areas known as nodules. The other is a blood test used to detect a substance made by the prostate called "prostate-specific antigen" ( PSA). When used together, these tests can detect abnormalities that might suggest prostate cancer. Neither of these initial tests for prostate cancer is perfect. Many men with a mildly elevated PSA do not have prostate cancer, and men with prostate cancer may have normal levels of PSA. Also, the digital rectal exam does not detect all prostate cancers, as it can only assess the back portion of the prostate gland. The diagnosis can only be confirmed by examining prostate cells under a microscope. This is done by performing a biopsy in a urologist's office. A small sample of tissue is taken from the prostate for testing and evaluation under a microscope. Your doctor is likely to discuss your medical history with you. Answering questions about any history of genital or urinary disease in your family can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask about any changes in your pattern of urinating.
context: After the hot, humid days of summer, the colder temperatures in the fall and winter can come as a shock to our bodies. If you have a condition like multiple sclerosis ( MS), cold temps can make your symptoms worse and make you flat-out uncomfortable. You might find that it's harder to move your limbs, you get more muscle spasms than normal, or your muscles feel tighter. Doctors aren't sure why cold temperatures make MS symptoms worse. But they think that the condition can alter the way you feel temperature changes. If your symptoms get worse in cold weather, it's usually for short time. A few simple tips can help you stay comfortable and warm in the fall and winter. Try to get moving. When you have MS, there may be times when you find you can't move around as easily as you'd like. When you can, try to get some moderate physical activity like walking or stretching. It'll help you burn energy and warm up. Dress in layers. This will help keep you warm. And if you get too hot, you can easily remove layers and stay comfortable. When it's very cold, it's a good idea to wear hats, thick socks, or lined boots. This will keep heat from escaping through your head or feet. Keep your hands and feet warm. Doctors believe that MS can cause blood vessels in your hands and feet to overreact to cold temperatures. If you have MS, you may also be at risk for Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition in which your fingers and toes lose heat. They turn from white to blue to red as the blood begins flowing again. You may feel numbness, pain, or like someone is sticking you with pins and needles. To protect your hands and feet from the effects of the cold, try wearing hand warmers or using a heating pad. But don't place the heating pad directly on your skin. It could cause burns or blisters. Warm your insides. The easiest way to do this is to eat hot meals like soup. You can also sip hot drinks like tea or coffee. Pour them into an insulated mug to keep them warm longer and help limit your trips to the kitchen. Get some sunshine. Even on crisp fall and cold winter days, who doesn't love the feeling of sunshine on their shoulders? Step outside and soak up some rays. You'll warm up, and you'll help your body make some much-needed vitamin D. An added benefit? A little sunshine might help boost your mood.
context: Seek emergency care if: There is pain, change in vision, or increased sensitivity to light after a scratch or trauma to the eyeball. There is a foreign object lodged in the eye or eyelid or under the eyelid. There is loss of vision. Something hit the eye at high speed or with high force. Inspect the eye for small particles that may be stuck under the eyelid and causing symptoms. Flush the eye with clean water or saline solution once or twice to remove any particles or to soothe the eye surface. Do not rinse the eye more than a few times. Doing so can make the situation worse. Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye. Get medical help if: The person has blurred vision or eye pain, tearing, redness, light sensitivity, irritation, or difficulty opening the eye, even if there does not appear to be something in the eye. There may be a scratch on the surface of the eye called a corneal abrasion. If you see a health care provider: The health care provider will examine the eye for damage, remove any particles, and check the vision. Antibiotic ointment or pain relievers may be prescribed. Small, surface corneal abrasions heal in a couple of days. Pain medications such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) can be taken for pain. Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs if the person has heart failure or kidney failure. For larger abrasions, care from an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) may be needed and a bandage contact lens may be placed to aid with comfort and healing.
context: When you have gout, your blood has too much uric acid, a substance your body makes when it breaks down food. Over time, the uric acid forms into crystals, which collect around joints. You may not have symptoms at first. But if the area gets inflamed, a gout attack happens, with swelling, redness, and intense pain. When uric acid levels in your blood stay too high, more and more crystals form around your joints. It can turn into a long-term condition, leading to painful and damaged joints. Gout will happen differently for everyone. But signs that it may be getting worse include: Flares happen more often and last longer. Over time, the inflammation causes lasting damage to bone and cartilage. Flare-ups in other parts of your body. About half of people with gout have their first attack in the joint at the base of the big toe. When gout gets worse, it can affect other joints, including the ankle and knee. Bumps form under the skin . Uric acid crystals may start to collect in soft tissue, forming lumps called tophi. They often appear on the hands, fingers, elbows, and ears, but they can show up almost anywhere on the body. Kidney problems. Your kidneys normally get rid of uric acid in your body. But too much of it can also damage the organs. Kidney problems linked with gout -- and signs that gout is getting worse -- include gouty kidney, kidney stones, and kidney failure. If you think your condition is getting worse, talk to your doctor. He will give you medicine to keep your uric acid levels low and to try to prevent future attacks and complications. Allopurinol ( Aloprim, Lopurin, Zyloprim) treats chronic gout by lowering the uric acid produced in your body. Febuxostat ( Uloric) also lowers uric acid production but would be used with caution if you are at risk for heart or blood vessel disease. Once you start taking these medicines, you'll need to take them for life so that your uric acid stays at the right levels. Probenecid and lesinurad ( Zurampic) help the body get rid of more uric acid in your urine. Pegloticase ( Krystexxa) and rasburicase ( Elitek) can break down uric acid into a substance that your body can get rid of. They are only for very severe gout that doesn't get better with usual treatments. Scientists are also testing new treatments for chronic gout. At the same time, researchers are getting a better understanding of how the body makes and breaks down uric acid. Insights from this research could lead to new treatments in the future.
context: If you have heart disease, take extra care to avoid catching a cold. It can sometimes lead to complications that can cause some serious problems. If your cold turns into pneumonia, for instance, that makes it tougher for you to take in oxygen. As a result, your heart will need to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Learn what you can do to protect your health and feel your best. Avoid any medicine that has a decongestant in it, because it can raise your blood pressure. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before you try any over-the counter cold medicine to make sure it doesn't interfere with your other medications. Your best defense is to make sure you and your family wash your hands regularly. Also try to avoid crowds during cold and flu season. Keep your immune system working at its best -- get plenty of sleep, eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and manage your stress. Watch what you breathe in, too: Avoid cigarette smoke and air pollution. While there's no vaccine against the cold, there are immunizations that can help prevent other risky infections, like pneumonia and the flu. The CDC says people with heart disease should get the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year. That way your body has time to build up enough antibody defenses before the flu season kicks into high gear. It can begin as early as October and last as late as May. It's best to get vaccinated before October, but you can still do it until the end of flu season. The shot usually starts to protect you about 2 weeks after you get it. There are two pneumonia vaccines to help protect adults against pneumococcal pneumonia. You will begin to get them once you turn age 65, or earlier if you have certain medical conditions. Talk to your doctor to see if you need a pneumonia vaccine.
context: Sometimes, there are no symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease. If symptoms are present, they may include one or more of the following: Bumps, sores, or warts near the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina Swelling or redness near the penis or vagina Skin rash Painful urination Weight loss, loose stools, or night sweats Aches, pains, fever, and chills Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) Discharge from the penis or vagina (vaginal discharge may have an odor.) Bleeding from the vagina other than during a monthly period Painful sex Severe itching near the penis or vagina Pelvic pain
context: There are lots of ways to treat allergy trouble, so there's no need to shrug off symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes. Take action and get relief if you have any signs of these problems. It's one of the most common hay fever symptoms. First, you need to know what your triggers are, so you can avoid them. A board-certified allergist -- a doctor who specializes in treating allergies -- can perform allerge testing. Although it can be hard to completely avoid some triggers, you may be able to cut down on how often you're around them. For example, stay inside when pollen counts are high if that's a source of your allergies. If dogs or cats make you sniffle and you can't just stay away, wash your hands and change your clothes after you play with them. You may want to rinse out the passages of your nose with a Neti pot, too. You can also control your hay fever symptoms with over-the-counter treatments like nasal steroids, antihistamines, decongestants, and cromolyn sodium nasal sprays. Make sure you read and follow the directions on the labels. And don't use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days at a time, because it can make your symptoms worse. Your doctor may prescribe other remedies if these don't help. See him if your symptoms don't get better with over-the counter treatments or you develop other symptoms like fever. Your sinuses are small spaces behind your forehead, cheeks, and eyes. If mucus builds up in these areas because of allergies, you may feel pressure or pain. You can try a few things to help clear up your stuffed-up sinuses. Put a moist, warm cloth on your face, or breathe in steam a few times each day. You can also try oral or nasal decongestants and over the counter pain medicines. Call your doctor if you feel sinus pain and pressure for more than a week. If you can't avoid the allergy trigger that makes you sneeze, or if that doesn't help, try an over-the-counter antihistamine. Read and follow the directions on the label. If you still need more relief, your doctor may prescribe a nasal steroid spray. The best way to stop it is to avoid your allergy trigger. For example, if you're allergic to pollen, keep the windows shut when you're inside, and wear sunglasses outside to help protect your peepers. Try not to rub your eyes, since this can irritate them, and don't wear contact lenses. To soothe the itch, put a cold washcloth over your eyes or use artificial tears. Over-the-counter or prescription allergy meds or eye drops that contain an antihistamine can also help relieve symptoms. If the mucus in your nose gets thick, or if you have more of it than normal, you may get what's called "postnasal drip." That's when you can feel mucus dripping from the back of your nose into your throat. It can also feel like a lump in your throat and can lead to pain or irritation there. You can get some relief if you drink extra fluids, use antihistamines, decongestants or use saline nasal spray to thin the mucus.
context: Ask just about any woman: Breasts can go through changes during a menstrual cycle. They get tender, and even seem to shift a bit in size and shape. Chalk it up to the ebb and flow of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone over the course of your cycle. Breast symptoms are the strongest just before your period starts, and improve either during or right after it. Every woman is different. But it's common to have one or more of the following: Swelling Tenderness Aches Soreness Changes in texture There are a few steps you can take to curb changes in your breasts during your monthly cycle: Eat a diet lower in fat, avoiding high-fat foods. Skip caffeine, which means no coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. Avoid salt 1 to 2 week before your period starts. Wear a bra that fits you properly and provides good breast support. Aim for a daily cardio workout. While most changes in your breasts shouldn't cause alarm, you should make the call if you notice: Unusual, new, or changing lumps in your breast or under your arm Nipple discharge (aside from breast milk), particularly if it's bloody or brown Severe symptoms that make it hard to sleep, even after you make changes to your diet and exercise routine You should also reach out if you have changes in: The size or shape of your breast that doesn't go away after you get your period Your nipple, such as if it becomes more pointed or turns inward Your breast's skin, including itching, redness, scaling, dimples, or puckering She'll give you a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms and your family's medical history. Most likely, your doctor will ask you questions about your premenstrual breast tenderness, such as whether it happens every time you get your period, whether you've noticed any lumps or discharge, and other symptoms you've noticed. You'll get a breast exam to check for lumps, and you may also need a mammogram or breast ultrasound. Remember, most breast lumps aren't cancer. But you have to see your doctor to be sure. If needed, you may get a biopsy, in which the doctor takes a tiny bit of the lump to test. Your doctor may also suggest a few options to ease symptoms. For instance, taking diuretics, or "water pills," before your period starts may reduce breast swelling and soreness. Hormonal birth control methods can also help. In severe cases, your doctor may refer you to a breast specialist for another exam.
context: Some standard and simple things give your doctor his first clues on how well your heart works. During your visit, your doctor will: Listen to your heart Take your heart rate Check your blood pressure He'll look at your appearance while you sit, perform mild activity, and lie flat. People with mild or moderate heart failure may appear comfortable at rest, but when active, they often become short of breath. Folks with heart failure may become uncomfortable if they lie flat for a few minutes. Your doctor feels your pulse to check your heart's rate, rhythm, and regularity. Each pulse matches with a heartbeat that pumps blood into your arteries. The force of the pulse also helps to tell him the amount of blood flow to different areas of your body. You can find out how fast your heart is beating by feeling your pulse. Your heart rate is the amount of times your heart beats in one minute. To measure your pulse, all you need is a watch with a second hand. Place your index and middle finger of your hand on the inner wrist of the other arm, just below the base of the thumb. You should feel a tapping or pulsing against your fingers. Count the number of taps you feel in 10 seconds, then multiply that number by six to find out your heart rate for 1 minute (pulse in 10 seconds x 6 = number of beats per minute). When feeling your pulse, you can also tell if your heart rhythm is regular or not. Your doctor listens to your heart with a stethoscope. The opening and closing of your valves make a "lub dub" sound known as heart sounds. The doctor can evaluate your heart and its valves and hear your heart's rate and rhythm by listening to your heart sounds. Blood pressure is the force or pressure against the arteries by the blood as it's pumped around the body. It is recorded as two measurements: Systolic is the pressure in the arteries when the heart squeezes (the higher number). Diastolic is the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between heartbeats (the lower number). Normal blood pressure for an adult, relaxed at rest, is 100-120 over 80. The 100-120 is the systolic pressure; the diastolic pressure is 80. Blood pressure readings are written like fractions. For example, 120/80. Blood pressure may go up or down depending on your: Age Heart condition Emotions Activity Medications One high reading doesn't mean you have high blood pressure. You have to measure your blood pressure at different times while resting to find out your typical value. Your doctor can also tell about your heart's health by examining other parts of your body like your arms, legs, and skin. Your doctor may look for fluid in the lungs with a stethoscope. People with heart failure may also have enlarged neck veins, swelling of the legs or abdomen, or an enlarged liver. Your doctor may recommend blood tests to check your cholesterol and other things that may signal heart disease.
context: Dazzling smiles seem to be within everyone's reach, thanks to the booming teeth-whitening business. From over-the-counter strips to treatments in a dentist's office, you have a lot of options for brightening up stained or darkened teeth. Side effects aren't common when you use at-home products as directed, but they can happen. Before you start a do-it-yourself whitening routine, though, learn how to keep your smile safe. Get a professional cleaning and mouth exam, even if you decide to whiten your teeth at home. You might only need a thorough cleaning to restore your smile's sparkle. Your dentist will also look for cavities and check the health of your gums during the exam. Treating any problems before you whiten is safer for your mouth. Ask your dentist about which over-the-counter system to use and how much lightening you can expect. Teeth do darken with age, and the amount of color change varies from person to person. At-home whiteners have peroxides, typically carbamide peroxide, in amounts ranging from 10% to 20%. Choose a product with a peroxide level somewhere in the middle of that range. If the product doesn't bother your mouth but doesn't provide the lightening effect you want, you can choose a higher level. If you have any questions, your dentist can help you find the whitener that best fits your needs. Don't leave the strips or gels on longer than advised -- you might wind up with sore gums and set yourself up for other problems. After you whiten, avoid soda, sports drinks, or other acidic beverages for a couple of hours to protect your teeth. To be on the safe side, pregnant women or nursing mothers should postpone teeth whitening. Porcelain or composite dental crowns and bondings won't lighten up. So if you change the color of the teeth around them, you might wind up with an uneven smile or need to replace old fillings and crowns. Your teeth may become mildly sensitive after you whiten, but it's usually short term. It might be less of an issue if your teeth and gums are in good shape. If it bothers you, stop the treatment and talk to your dentist. Gel-filled trays, which you wear over your teeth like a mouth guard, can also bother your gums if they don't fit well. It's a good idea to stop using the product if you start having this problem. How much whitening is too much? If you follow a product's directions and get a good result, a once-a-month touch-up session is usually enough. When your teeth reach a shade you like, you'll need to repeat the multiple bleaching sessions twice a year or less.
context: If you get an aneurysm, it means you have a bulge in the wall of an artery. It happens when the pressure of blood passing through has forced a weakened part of the artery to balloon outward. Aneurysms can happen in any blood vessel, but they usually form in the belly or chest portions of your aorta -- the main blood vessel that carries blood from your heart -- or in arteries that nourish your brain. Aneurysms there are serious, while those in other areas, such as your leg, are often less hazardous. The most serious threat of an aneurysm is that it will burst and cause a stroke or massive bleeding, which can be life-threatening. A large aneurysm can affect your circulation and lead to blood clots. It's important to get it diagnosed and treated early. Aneurysms often have mild symptoms or none at all, so routine exams can help your doctor check for warning signs. Aortic aneurysm . As the name suggests, this type happens in your aorta. It can be linked with hardening of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. It may be an inherited condition or a complication of high blood pressure or smoking. Cerebral aneurysm. Also known as a berry aneurysm, you get this kind in the wall of a blood vessel in your brain. Smoking raises your risk of getting one. Ventricular aneurysm. This is a bulge in the wall of your heart. A previous heart attack is the most common cause. In rare cases, a severe chest injury can also lead to it. Any condition that causes your artery walls to weaken can bring one on. The most common culprits are atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Deep wounds and infections can also lead to an aneurysm. Or you may be born with weakness in one of your artery walls.
context: Before you use eye drops, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Dry them with a clean towel. To put them in your own eyes, lie down or use a mirror. It may help to ask someone to check that the drops get in your eye. Look up to the ceiling with both eyes. Tilt your head back and pull your lower lid down with one hand. Hold the bottle or tube in your other hand. If you need to, rest part of your hand on your forehead to keep it steady. Place one drop or a little ointment inside your lower lid. Don't let the tip of the bottle or tube touch your eye. Blink and dab away any extra fluid with a tissue. If you have both drops and ointment, use the drops first. If you don't, the ointment may keep the eye drops from being absorbed. If you have more than one type of drop, wait about 5 minutes after the first medicine before you use the second. Keep your eyes closed for a few minutes. That lets the medicine get inside your eye. Wash your hands as soon as you're done to remove any medication still there. If you have any questions, talk to your eye doctor.