VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: In Peyronie's disease, scar tissue makes the penis bend or curve during an erection. When a guy gets an erection, chambers on the side of the penis fill with blood. There's a stretchy sheath that covers the chambers so it can grow. But with Peyronie's, scar tissue (also called plaque) on the sheath keeps your penis from standing straight. The scar tissue can stop a chamber from fully filling up, which forces the penis to bend. If the scar forms on the top of the penis -- which is what usually happens -- the penis curves up. If it forms on the bottom of the penis, it curves down. Scar tissue can also form on both the top and bottom, making the penis shorter and dented. No one knows for sure what causes Peyronie's disease. Many doctors think the scarring might be caused by a minor injury to the penis during sex -- from accidental bending, for example. But lots of men with the condition don't remember that type of injury. Older men, whose erections tend to bend more easily, are more likely to get Peyronie's than younger men. Genetics may also play a part. Men who have Peyronie's disease are more likely to also have Dupuytren's contracture. That's where tissue in the hand becomes scarred and thickened. It can force fingers to curl in toward your palm. You may notice a hard lump just below the skin of your penis right around where the curve starts. Sometimes, though, the scar tissue is too deep to feel. Scar tissue can vary in size from small to large and aren't always in just one spot. Sometimes the scar tissue goes around the penis, causing it to shorten. That can cause problems with erections, but no curving. In addition to a curve, other symptoms may include a lack of firmness, which may make it hard to keep an erection. Your doctor may suggest treatment for a curve of 30 degrees or more, especially if you have problems having sex. Even before you notice a curve, you may have painful erections. The pain comes from inflammation caused by the injury and can lasts for many months. The pain usually eases once the injury heals and the scar tissue hardens. Doctors typically diagnose Peyronie's disease by asking about symptoms and any injuries, and by examining the penis. Some doctors inject drugs into the penis to cause an erection so they can see the angle. If you bring in a photo of your erection, you can probably skip this. Your doctor may also order an ultrasound test of the area. There are ways to treat Peyronie's. If you see a family doctor or internist for the problem, he or she may refer you to a urologist for treatment.
context: Just about everyone has some acne as teenagers. Sometimes it lasts much longer than that. Even grown men can have it. But there are treatments, even for severe acne decades after you finished high school. For most people, changes in hormone levels trigger acne. These hormones create oils that can lead to clogged pores, which sometimes let bacteria grow. Both of these problems cause breakouts. Men whose fathers had severe acne are more likely to have it, too. Some medications such as lithium, which treats bipolar disorder, and corticosteroids like prednisone can also bring on acne. Men often get acne on the face and back. Sweating can make it worse. Breakouts on the back often happen in hot weather or after exercising. They're harder to control than the kind on your face. But fewer people see your back. Some men get shaving bumps that look like acne, but ingrown hairs or shaving mistakes are the real cause. Keep your skin clean. Many cleansers are available. In general, avoid products with beads in them, because they can irritate your skin. Wash twice a day. Use a fresh washcloth that's gentle on your skin. When you shave, use a clean razor every time. You might want to use an over-the-counter product with benzoyl peroxide, retinol, or salicylic acid. Your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic foam that you can mix with your shaving cream to help prevent breakouts. If shaving bumps are a problem for you, try an electric razor, and don't shave too closely. When you shower, use a cleansing brush with an extension to wash hard-to-reach areas on your back. A sonic cleansing system with a changeable brush head is another option. Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid products can help control acne on your back. You don't need a prescription for them. But go easy, because these can be drying. A white, cotton tee-shirt is the best thing to have closest to your skin. If you've tried at-home treatments for 4-8 weeks and your acne won't go away, it may be time to see a dermatologist. At your appointment, your dermatologist will check your skin and recommend a treatment plan. You might need a prescription for antibiotics, prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, or a type of drug called retinoids. If your acne is severe, your dermatologist may consider a drug called isotretinoin. Women who plan to get pregnant must avoid this drug, because it can cause birth defects. But men don't need to take extra precautions to avoid getting their partner pregnant. There are also high-tech options. One of them is a laser skin treatment, and another is light therapy combined with vacuum therapy. These can be expensive, and your insurance may not cover them, so check first.
context: Probiotics are a type of "good" bacteria found in some foods and supplements. We usually think of bacteria as something that can cause diseases or other problems. But probiotics can help keep your gut healthy. Your body doesn't need probiotics. You already have healthy bacteria in your gut. But it usually doesn't hurt to take them, and adding them to your diet might help. They might lower the number of "bad" bacteria in your gut that can cause illness or inflammation. They can also replace those problem germs with good or helpful bacteria. Researchers are studying when and how probiotics might best help. There's more research for some illnesses than others. They might help people with: Diarrhea , especially when it's linked to specific antibiotics. Probiotics also might help with infectious diarrhea, especially in children. Inflammatory bowel diseases ( IBD) including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Some probiotics might keep ulcerative colitis in remission (a state of little to no disease activity) and prevent Crohn's disease from relapsing and getting worse. Irritable bowel syndrome . Probiotics can sometimes help ease symptoms, including stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Probiotics also are being studied for many other conditions. There isn't as much research yet, but some people say that probiotics have helped them with: Preventing and treating yeast infections Preventing and treating urinary tract infections Lactose intolerance Skin conditions such as eczema Treating certain stomach and respiratory infections, especially in children Treating allergies and asthma Decreasing inflammation, such as from rheumatoid arthritis Because these good bacteria already exist in the body, they're considered safe for most people. But there are some things to consider. They can trigger an allergic reaction. They might cause mild stomach problems, especially the first few days you start taking them. You might have stomach upset, gas, diarrhea, or bloating. Those symptoms usually go away after your body gets used to them. If you have an immune system problem or another serious health condition, you may have a greater chance of issues. Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people who've had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Don't take probiotics if you have any of those issues. Always talk to your pediatrician before giving probiotic supplements to your child. If you're pregnant or nursing, you should also talk to your doctor before you try one. Most probiotics in the U. S. are sold as dietary supplements. That means the companies that make them don't have to test their products and show that they work or that they are safe. More research is needed to confirm that probiotics are safe and effective. Ask your doctor which probiotics are the right ones for you. Be sure to stop taking them if you have any problems.
context: An abscessed tooth happens when a tooth's root gets infected with bacteria and pus builds up around it. It's also called a periapical abscess. In some cases, the area around the tooth hurts, but not always. If it does, it's usually a sharp, throbbing pain, especially when you put pressure on your tooth. It might also spread to your jaw or other parts of your face on the side that's affected. You also might: Be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures Have puffy gums Notice a bad-smelling odor when you chew with that tooth If you have swelling in your face and a fever, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room. The infection may have spread to other parts of your body. This kind of infection usually happens if a cavity doesn't get filled or a tooth is injured. Bacteria can get in through the cavity or a chip or crack in a tooth and spread to the root. You're more likely to have these kinds of issues if you don't brush your teeth at least twice a day or there's a lot of sugar in your diet. Sugary foods and drinks help bacteria grow, and that can lead to cavities and other problems. An abscessed tooth won't go away on its own. See your dentist right away if you have signs of one. It's important to treat it because there's a chance it could spread to your jaw or other parts of your head or neck. This is especially true if your immune system is weak because of a health condition, like HIV or AIDS. Certain medications, including some cancer treatments, can also make it harder for your body to fight off infections. To find out if you have an abscessed tooth, your dentist probably will: Tap on your teeth. If you have an abscess, it'll hurt when he touches the affected tooth. Take an X-ray. This can tell your dentist if you have an abscess and if it has spread to other parts of your mouth.
context: ADHD doesn't only affect children. Adults can have this condition, too. ADHD can make it hard for adults to pay attention, control their emotions, and finish tasks. Just like kids, adults with ADHD are often given stimulants or other medications to control symptoms. They may also have therapy sessions to help get organized and stay focused. One ADHD treatment that doesn't require a prescription or a visit to a therapist's office is exercise. Research is finding that getting regular fitness can improve thinking ability, and it may improve the symptoms of adult ADHD. Exercise isn't just good for shedding fat and toning muscles. It can help keep the brain in better shape, too. When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals called neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which help with attention and clear thinking. People with ADHD often have less dopamine than usual in their brain. The stimulant medicines that are often used to treat adult ADHD work by increasing the availability of dopamine in the brain. So it makes sense that a workout can have many of the same effects as stimulant drugs. Fitness can have the following benefits for adults with ADHD: Ease stress and anxiety. Improve impulse control and reduce compulsive behavior. Enhance working memory. Improve executive function. That's the set of skills needed to plan, organize, and remember details. Increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. That's a protein involved in learning and memory. It's in short supply in people with ADHD. Beyond helping with ADHD symptoms, exercise has several other benefits. Getting regular workouts can help you: Stay at a healthy weight. That's important because evidence suggests that people with ADHD are more likely to become obese. Reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a normal range. Strengthen your bones. Improve your mood and self-esteem. Health experts recommend that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week. That works out to about 30 minutes of fitness a day, five days a week. If you're doing more intense aerobic workouts -- such as running or taking indoor cycling classes -- you can get away with about 75 minutes of exercise a week. It doesn't matter what type of exercise you do. For example, you can try running, biking, taking an aerobics class, or weight training. Do whatever kind of workout you love. Try to vary your exercise routine. That way you won't lose interest or focus halfway through your workouts. You can even change exercises mid-routine, for example by doing interval training. Run or cycle for 30 seconds, alternated with 30 seconds to a minute of weight lifting. As long as you're sweating and your heart is pumping, you're likely to see real, positive effects from exercise on your ADHD symptoms. If you're having trouble staying motivated, get a workout buddy. A friend can help keep you on track, making sure that you exercise on most days of the week. Your exercise buddy will hold you accountable, so you can't bail out on your workouts.
context: Allergy tests are a way to get to the bottom of what's causing your asthma symptoms. They help your doctor find out if allergies trigger your asthma. These tests won't identify asthma triggers such as exercise, stress, or illnesses like a cold. Allergy tests alone are not enough to make an asthma diagnosis. Your doctor will look at your history of allergic reactions, too. Several types of allergy tests help with asthma, including skin tests and blood tests. The results may show what's triggering your asthma and allergy symptoms, and that can help with your treatment. Your doctor may recommend skin tests if they think a specific allergen is causing your asthma symptoms. Allergy skin tests are quick, fairly reliable, and cost-effective. Your doctor will have test results usually within an hour of the skin test. If you have poorly controlled asthma, trouble breathing, or a high risk of anaphylactic reactions, your doctor may wait to do skin tests. Ask your doctor if you need to do anything before the test. For example, you should stop taking antihistamines before you get an allergy test. Your doctor may have other specific instructions, too. In a skin test, you get a dose of a possible allergen. The test tracks your body response -- specifically, if your body makes a molecule called immunoglobulin E ( Ig E). A high level of Ig E can mean you have an allergy. Skin prick test: The skin prick test is the most common allergy skin test. First, you get a series of tiny drops of allergens on your skin, usually on your back. Then you get a quick needle prick in the skin underneath each drop. If you're allergic, you'll get a dime-sized hive that's red and itchy at the needle prick site. You may need a follow-up test to check the results. Intradermal test: If your skin prick test was negative, your doctor may try an intradermal test. In this test, your doctor injects the allergen into your skin. Intradermal allergy tests are often used for environmental allergies and drug allergies. Doctors usually don't use this type of allergy test with food or latex allergies. Intradermal tests can be more accurate, but sometimes they may be falsely positive. That means they show that you have an allergy when you actually don't. Intradermal tests are also more likely to cause an allergic reaction that affects your whole body. Patch test: Your doctor applies the allergen to a patch. You'll leave the patch on your skin for 48 hours. If your skin turns red, gets irritated, and itches, the chances are great that you have an allergy. Your doctor may also recommend getting an allergy blood test or an immunoassay test. They include: ELISA or EIA. The ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in your blood. RAST. The RAST (radioallergosorbent test) also looks for specific allergen-related antibodies in order to identify your allergy triggers. Since the introduction of the ELISA test, RAST testing has not typically been used.
context: Red raspberries are very common, whether on your cereal or in a jam jar. The leaves of red raspberry also have been a folk treatment in Europe for hundreds of years. Some pregnant women take red raspberry leaves to try to trigger labor or to ease pain during childbirth. Although many midwives suggest red raspberry leaf during the later stages of pregnancy, there isn't any good evidence that it helps. One study of red raspberry found that it didn't shorten labor or prevent labor pain. Scientists don't know if red raspberry helps in other ways during pregnancy -- like preventing morning sickness or regulating contractions. There's some evidence that red raspberry fruit could affect how the body processes fat. Theoretically, it may help people lose weight, but that's not certain. According to traditional medicine, red raspberry has other uses. People take it to try to: Regulate periods Soothe upset stomach Treat mouth sores No one has studied these uses, so they are unproven. There's no standard dose for red raspberry. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. Red raspberries are a food. The leaves are sometimes used as a natural flavoring. Many people drink red raspberry leaf tea. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications. Side effects. As a food, red raspberries are safe. As a treatment, red raspberry leaf seems to be safe for most people. Risks. Red raspberry could start premature labor in pregnant women. If you're pregnant, ask your doctor if it's safe. Red raspberry leaf might have estrogen-like effects. It may not be safe if you have conditions sensitive to estrogen. These include: Endometriosis Uterine fibroids Breast cancer Uterine cancer Red raspberry supplements may not be safe for children or for women who are breastfeeding. Interactions. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using red raspberry supplements. There's always a risk they could interact with other supplements or drugs.
context: Stress can hamper your diabetes care. For instance, if you have so much on your mind that you skip meals or forget to take your medicines, that will affect your blood sugar level. Life will always have challenges and setbacks, but you have the power to choose how you respond to it. Use these six tips as a start. 1. Keep a positive attitude. When things seem to be going wrong, it's easier to see the bad instead of the good. Find something to appreciate in each important area of your life, such as your family, friends, work, and health. That perspective can help you get through tough times. 2. Be kind to yourself. Do you expect too much from yourself? It's OK to say "no" to things that you don't really want or need to do. 3. Accept what you can't change. Ask yourself these three questions: " Will this be important 2 years from now?" " Do I have control over these circumstances?" " Can I change my situation?" If you can make things better, go for it. If not, is there a different way to handle it that would be better for you? 4. Talk to someone. You could confide in a trusted family member or close friend. There are also professionals who can listen and help you find solutions. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you'd like to see a psychologist or counselor. 5. Tap the power of exercise. You can blow off steam with hard exercise, recharge on a hike, or do a relaxing mind-body activity like yoga or tai chi. You'll feel better. 6. Take time to unwind. Practice muscle relaxation, deep breathing, meditation, or visualization. Your doctor may know of classes or programs that teach these skills. You can also check for apps that do that.
context: If you have restless legs syndrome, or RLS, you know that tugging or pulling feeling in your legs. You might feel an overpowering urge to move them, especially at night. This can make it really hard to sleep. There is no cure for RLS, but there are some non-drug steps you can try to get relief from your symptoms. Here are a few. Good sleep routine. Throwing off your sleep pattern can make your RLS symptoms worse. Try going to bed at the same time every night and getting up at the same time every morning. To get deep sleep, it may help to go to bed a little later and get up later. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and comfortable. Keep the TV and computer out of the bedroom. Take iron. Because low levels of iron might be linked to RLS, your doctor will likely suggest taking iron supplements. Other supplements. There's not a lot of research to back it up, but some people get relief from RLS symptoms by taking folic acid, magnesium, or vitamin B12. Change your temperature. Try a cool shower or a soak in a warm bath before bedtime. Experiment with either a heating pad or an ice pack on your legs. Sometimes just a change in temperature helps. Massage . Rubbing your muscles, especially your calves, may help ease your pain and symptoms. Try massage right before bed to see if it helps you get a more restful night's sleep. Exercise . Regular, mild exercise during the day may help. Take a short walk or try some simple stretching exercises before bed. Be careful you don't exercise too hard, even if it's early in the day. Too much or too vigorous exercise can make your RLS symptoms worse. Stress relief . Stress can cause your RLS to flare and make symptoms worse. Find ways that help you relax and calm your anxiety. You might want to try deep breathing, yoga, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or tai chi. Electrical stimulation. Sometimes stimulating your feet and toes with vibrations or electrical impulses can give relief from RLS symptoms. Some people have success when they do this for a few minutes before they go to sleep. Ask your doctor for more information. Acupuncture. There's no hard proof that acupuncture helps with symptoms, yet many people with RLS give it a try to relieve symptoms.
context: Eczema can affect many areas of your life, including your job. That's especially true if yours is severe or appears on your hands. The itching, burning, and open, oozing wounds that eczema causes can make it hard to use your hands. During a flare-up, you might not be as productive as you'd like. You may not be able to do all the tasks that you'd normally do. You may also need to take time off while you heal or go to doctor's appointments. If your co-workers aren't familiar with eczema, you may worry about what they think about your skin issues. Your co-workers may not know that eczema is a chronic skin condition that isn't contagious. They might not realize it can cause problems (like pain and bleeding, cracking skin) -- or even that it can show up on areas of your body like your hands. If you're embarrassed or ashamed about your skin or the problems your eczema causes, it can help to have a short conversation with your co-workers. You don't have to tell them everything, but you could say something like, â I have a condition called eczema that can make my skin irritated. You can't catch it.â Don't be afraid to ask others for help when you need it. Flare-ups come and go, and you can do your best to return the favor when you feel better. If you're not familiar with what brings on your eczema, talk to your doctor. She may even test you to find out if you have allergies that cause your eczema. Common eczema triggers include: Regular exposure to water (like washing dishes or frequent hand-washing) Antibacterial products, cleansers, or other products that contain alcohol or solvents. ( There are now some hand sanitizers that are moisturizing.) If you can, avoid triggers while you work. Keep them off your skin. Also try to make sure irritating substances stay off your clothes, other work gear, or your work surface. ( If your work area gets cleaned with these things, you may ask to wash your work area yourself, or wipe it down with plain water afterward.) If you have to come in contact with irritating substances, wear heavy vinyl gloves or neoprene gloves with cotton glove liners underneath. A daily routine is one of the best ways to keep eczema at bay. That can also make getting your job done easier. When you wash your hands, use lukewarm water instead of hot, and only use fragrance-free cleansers. After hand washing, blot your hands dry (instead of scrubbing with a towel or using a heated dryer), and put moisturizer on right after. Bring your moisturizer and your eczema medication with you to work. If your eczema is interfering with your work -- or any other part of your life -- see a dermatologist, a doctor who focuses on skin. She can help you find ways to prevent flare-ups and get the treatment you need.
context: Exercise is good for you, and you can exercise safely, even with allergic asthma. A little planning is all it takes to help you breathe easier and stay in shape. When your asthma is controlled, you should be much more able to exercise without problems. Medications can help lessen asthma symptoms and prevent flares. Talk to your doctor about what types of exercise, and how often, are right for you. People with allergic asthma have the classic symptoms of wheezing and trouble breathing when they're around their triggers. Everyone is different, but the most common triggers are: Cats Mold Pollen Dust mites Cockroaches Your doctor can help you figure out what your triggers are. Then try to avoid them when you work out. If pollen makes your allergic asthma worse, keep close tabs on the pollen count in your area. Try exercising outdoors in the early evening, when pollen counts are lower, instead of early morning when pollen counts are higher. Check online for your local pollen count before you head out. When the pollen count is extra high, pass on your run or soccer game and exercise indoors that day instead. You should always carry a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol, with you. They work quickly to open up your airways. Use your rescue inhaler 10-15 minutes before exercising, even if you don't have symptoms. Although it won't help your asthma, taking an antihistamine 60-90 minutes before going outside can help ease itchy eyes and a runny nose from pollen. No matter what sort of exercise you prefer, warm up beforehand and ease into the activity. A few simple stretches and maybe a short walk before you run or pick up your tennis racket can set you up to make it through your exercise without breathing problems. Warm air doesn't constrict your airways the way cold and dry air can. For that reason, swimming is often a good activity for people with allergic asthma. At the pool, you're breathing in warm, humid air that won't shut down your lungs. Bringing in air through your nose will warm it up before it gets to your lungs. If you need to breathe through your mouth, purse your lips close together so they form an " O." That will help warm the air, too. Short bursts of exercise will make an asthma attack less likely. Try walking a quarter of a mile and then resting. Or pick a sport that alternates levels of intensity. For example, in baseball, you run hard for a few seconds, then stand, then run again. Conditioning your body for exercise is key. Start slowly, and build up your endurance and stamina over time. When you're done, cool down before you stop exercising completely. Slow your pace. Do some more stretches to help switch from exercise to rest.
context: Some types of dermatitis are easier to prevent than others. Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis can be prevented by avoiding skin contact with the agents that cause the dermatitis. However, if you come into contact with an irritant, such as poison ivy, wash the exposed skin with soap and water as soon as possible (and all exposed clothing such as gloves and boots so that you don't get re-exposed to the poison ivy resin). Most other types of dermatitis develop in people with sensitive skin and can be prevented only by avoiding the irritant. If you feel you are at risk for dermatitis, consider these preventive steps: Use a humidifier at home and at work to keep the air from getting too dry. Wear loose-fitting, natural-fiber clothing; untreated cotton is ideal. Avoid plated jewelry, especially in your ears, to prevent nickel-related rashes. Surgical steel or 14-karat gold earring posts are safer choices. Don't wear a watchband that presses against your skin for long periods; the friction and sweat buildup can cause rashes. Take warm, not hot, baths or showers and use mild soaps. Lubricate your skin after a bath and several times during the day when possible using an unscented lotion or cream.
context: Salicylates are chemicals found in plants and are a major ingredient in aspirin and other pain-relieving medications. They're also naturally in many fruits and vegetables, as well as in many common health and beauty products. These vary but may include: Asthma-like symptoms, such as trouble breathing and wheezing Headaches Nasal congestion Changes in skin color Itching, skin rash, or hives Swelling of the hands, feet, and face Stomach pain In severe cases, a salicylate allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that is an emergency. The content of salicylates can vary from one item to another and even among batches of the same item from the same source. Some people are more sensitive to these chemicals than others. People with a low tolerance may have an allergic reaction if they get more than a small amount of salicylate. If you're allergic to salicylates, you'll need to avoid items that have them. They're in a variety of foods, medications, and cosmetics, including: Foods That Contain Salicylates Products That May Contain Salicylates Salicylate- Containing Ingredients Fruits such as apples, avocados, blueberries, dates, kiwi fruit, peaches, raspberries, figs, grapes, plums, strawberries, cherries, grapefruit, and prunes Vegetables such as alfalfa, cauliflower, cucumbers, mushrooms, radishes, broad beans, eggplant, spinach, zucchini, broccoli, and hot peppers Some cheeses Herbs, spices, and condiments such as dry spices and powders, tomato pastes and sauces, vinegar, and soy sauce, jams, and jellies Drinks such as coffee, wine, beer, orange juice, apple cider, regular and herbal tea, rum, and sherry Nuts such as pine nuts, peanuts, pistachios, and almonds Some candies, such as peppermints, licorice, and mint-flavored gum and breath mints Ice cream, gelatin Fragrances and perfumes Shampoos and conditioners Herbal remedies Cosmetics such as lipsticks, lotions, and skin cleansers Mouthwash and mint-flavored toothpaste Shaving cream Sunscreens or tanning lotions Muscle pain creams Alka- Seltzer Pepto- Bismol Aspirin Acetylsalicylic acid Artificial food coloring and flavoring Benzoates Hydrobenzoic acid Magnesium salicylate Menthol Mint Salicylic acid Peppermint Phenylethyl salicylate Sodium salicylate Spearmint
context: If you were recently diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, consider asking your doctor these questions at your next visit. What are my treatment options for anxiety? Are there any underlying medical problems that could be causing my anxiety symptoms? Will I need to take an anxiety drug? Will I take it every day or as needed? How long will I need to take it? What side effects can I expect from medications? Is there a way to minimize or prevent side effects? What should I do if I miss a dose of medication? Should I begin therapy sessions? Which type and for how long? How long before I can expect to feel better? Once treated, how likely is it that my anxiety symptoms will return? What lifestyle changes can I make to help me feel better? How will alcohol or other drugs interact with my medication or affect my anxiety?
context: The root and berry of the ashwagandha plant are a traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India. Ashwagandha is used as a tonic (it is sometimes referred to as the â Indian ginsengâ) to improve physical and mental health and to treat a number of specific conditions. There's some early evidence that ashwagandha affects the immune system and helps reduce swelling, from both arthritis and fluid retention. However, the practical benefits and risks for people aren't clear yet. One study found that a compound containing ashwagandha helped relive osteoarthritis symptoms. It's not clear which of the ingredients had the benefit since ashwaganda is traditionally used in combination with other herbs. Ashwagandha might help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and lower high cholesterol. Since ashwagandha has sedative effects, it could help ease anxiety and stress -- in fact, human studies have indicated as much. There is some preliminary research that it may help with epilepsy and memory loss, but these results are too early to say for sure if it could benefit humans. Some lab tests of cancer cells have found that ashwagandha might slow down their growth. Animal studies have found that ashwagandha could boost the effects of radiation therapy. However, these are early results. It isn't known if ashwagandha will help people with cancer. People use ashwagandha for other health conditions, including anemia. It is high in iron and has been shown to help increase hemoglobin levels. For many of the other purported uses, there isn't evidence to support ashwaganda's benefits. There is no standard dose of ashwagandha. Some people use between 1 to 6 grams of the whole herb daily. Others mix 3 grams of ashwagandha powder in warm milk. There are also standardized extracts available. Ask your doctor for advice about forms of ashwagandha and doses. In some parts of the world, people eat ashwagandha shoots, seeds, and fruit. Side effects. Since ashwagandha has not been well-studied, we don't know all of its side effects. Large doses can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. Risks. Talk to a doctor before using ashwagandha if you have any health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, thyroid problems, bleeding disorders, ulcers, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Ashwagandha might interfere with thyroid tests. Stop taking ashwagandha two weeks before surgery. Interactions. If you take any drugs or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using ashwagandha supplements. They could interact with sedatives, blood thinners, thyroid supplements, drugs that suppress the immune system, and drugs for anxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Ashwagandha might also interact with supplements that cause sleepiness, like St. John's wort, kava, valerian, and others. Given the serious risks, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use ashwagandha.
context: Symptoms of osteoarthritis may include: Joint pain Stiffness when you wake up or after you've been sitting for a while Tenderness -- the area is sore when you touch it Lack of movement -- the joint won't complete its full range of motion Grating -- you might feel things rubbing together inside the joint Bone spurs -- lumps of bone form around the joint Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: Joint pain, swelling and tenderness for 6 weeks or longer Morning stiffness for at least 30 minutes More than one joint affected, especially small joints in your hands, wrists, and feet The same joints on both sides of the body are affected Symptoms of infectious arthritis may include: Fever Chills Joint inflammation Tenderness Sharp pain that is related to an injury or infection elsewhere in your body. Symptoms of juvenile arthritis may include: Fever that comes and goes Loss of appetite Weight loss Anemia Blotchy rash on the arms and legs Joint stiffness Limp Joint swelling The pain and stiffness come on quickly for no apparent reason. The pain comes with a fever. The pain develops quickly and is related to redness and extreme tenderness of the joint. You notice pain and stiffness in your arms, legs, or back after sitting for short periods or after a night's sleep. You have swollen or painful joints for more than 2 weeks. You have limited motion in joints for more than 2 weeks.
context: D-mannose is a simple sugar found in many fruits. It is related to glucose. It also occurs naturally in some cells in the human body. Other names for D-mannose are: Carubinose D-manosa Mannose Seminose D-mannose is used to treat a rare disease called carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome type 1b. This disease is passed down through families. It makes you lose protein through the intestines. Some reports say D-mannose slows down this protein loss and makes your liver work better. It may also reduce bleeding disorders and low blood sugar in people with this disease. Preliminary clinical trails in Europe show that D-mannose may also treat or prevent urinary tract infections ( UTIs). Research suggests the supplementstops certain bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. Scientists think that the bacteria stick to the sugar instead. This helps the bacteria leave the body through your urine. Fewer bacteria in the bladder lowers your risk of a urinary tract infection. Some studies suggest D-mannose may play a useful role as a "prebiotic." Prebiotics are substances that may help your body by stimulating the growth of "good" bacteria in your digestive system. In some lab studies and studies in mice, D-mannose components were shown to increase the growth of "good" bacteria. This suggests D-mannose may have some use for people with dysbiosis, an imbalance in good and bad bacteria. D-mannose supplements are taken by mouth. D-mannose is found naturally in high amounts in many fruits. Such fruits include: Apples Oranges Peaches Some berries such as blueberries and cranberries D-mannose appears to be generally well tolerated in people. You should be cautious about using D-mannose if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because there has not been enough study on its safety in these circumstances. Side effects of D-mannose may include: Bloating Loose stools D-mannose supplements should be used with caution if you have diabetes. It may make it harder to control your blood sugar. High doses of D-mannose may cause kidney damage. 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.
context: Primary biliary cholangiitis is a disease damages the bile ducts in your liver. Your doctor may also call it PBC. It used to be called primary biliary cirrhosis. These ducts have an important job. They carry a fluid called bile, which plays a key role in digestion, away from your liver. Bile is what helps your body absorb fats, cholesterol, and even some vitamins. It also helps get rid of worn-out red blood cells and other things your body doesn't need. When bile ducts don't work the way they should, those substances stay in your liver. The bile backs up, and your liver gets inflamed and maybe even scarred. Over time, the scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, and the organ doesn't work the way it should. This is usually a slow and gradual process. Your liver does OK for a while. And you'll take medications to help it work better and manage your symptoms. But the disease can worsen over a few months or many years. One day, you may need a liver transplant. Doctors aren't totally sure. It isn't passed down from parents to children, but there does seem to be a family link. It's more common if you have a parent, brother, or sister who has it. Most people who get it are women, and most are in their 40s and 50s. The disease may be linked to immune system problems like thyroid trouble, pernicious anemia, or scleroderma. Things from outside your body -- smoking, chemicals, or infections -- can also trigger the disease. Early on, you might not notice any at all. You can live for many years without problems. Later, you might feel tired or have itchy skin or dry eyes and mouth. As the disease gets worse, you might notice: Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) Swollen feet and ankles Pain and swelling in your abdomen Bone, muscle, or joint pain Darkened skin If you have any of these symptoms, your doctor might suggest blood tests. They'll tell her how well your liver works and if you have any immune system issues. She may also want you to have imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or endoscopy ( ERCP). These provide a more detailed look at your liver and the area around it. She may also suggest a liver biopsy. She'll remove a small piece of liver tissue and examine it in the lab to look for damage or disease. There's no cure, but medications can slow down the disease. The most common drug is ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid), which helps move bile through your liver. There are also newer drugs to treat symptoms like itching and fatigue. Your doctor may suggest you make some changes in your daily life. If you drink alcohol, stop. It puts a strain on your liver. Choose low-sodium foods and exercise regularly to ease your symptoms. When medications no longer help, a liver transplant may be an option.
context: Sickle cell disease changes the shape of the oxygen-carrying molecules (called hemoglobin) found inside red blood cells. Red blood cells are usually round and flexible. This allows them to glide smoothly through your bloodstream. But when you have sickle cell disease, the abnormal hemoglobin creates stiff, sickle-shaped red blood cells. If you have this disease, these abnormally shaped red blood cells can cause a number of health problems. For example: The cells build up and block blood flow to organs and tissues. The cells die sooner. Sickle cells live about 10 to 20 days. Healthy red blood cells live from 90 to 120 days. Red blood cells may burst open (hemolyze). Even though your body constantly makes new red blood cells to replace the old ones, sickle cell disease may prevent your body from keeping up with the demand. These events trigger the symptoms of sickle cell disease. Usually, they first appear when a child is about five to six months old. Early signs in babies are: Extreme fussiness Painful swelling of the hands and feet due to blockage of blood flow. Your doctor may call this "dactylitis." Yellow skin and whites of the eyes (also called jaundice or icterus) With sickle cell disease, you don't have enough healthy red blood cells. This is a condition called anemia. Symptoms can include: Trouble breathing Dizziness and lightheadedness Fast heart rate Fatigue Irritability Pale skin color Delayed growth in infants Delayed puberty in teens Sickle cells can travel to any part of your body, causing damage. If they affect your spleen, you may have frequent infections. If they block the blood vessels in your eyes, you can develop vision problems. Pain is an unpredictable symptom of sickle cell disease. The deformed blood cells can get stuck in and block your blood vessels. When this happens, oxygen-rich blood cannot reach key organs and tissues. The result is a sudden pain attack, called a pain crisis. The pain may feel sharp, stabbing, intense, or throbbing. Some people with sickle cell disease say it's worse than childbirth or the pain after surgery. You may have pain anywhere in your body and in more than one place. The most common areas are: Arms Belly Chest Legs Lower back A pain crisis can last anywhere from hours to weeks. If it's severe, you'll need to seek emergency care at a hospital. The number of pain attacks varies from person to person. Some people have them often. Others have only a few every now and then. Most kids are pain-free between attacks. But many teens and adults have long-term pain. Everyone is different. Some types of the disorder, like sickle cell anemia (also called hemoglobin SS), cause more severe symptoms than other types. Some people have only mild symptoms. Others have repeated flares that and often need to go stay in a hospital. And your experience may change. You'll want to work with your (or your child's) doctor to best understand the disease, what to watch out for, and how best to take care of the condition.
context: Many types of leukemia produce no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Eventually, symptoms may include any of the following: Anemia and related symptoms, such as fatigue, pallor, and a general feeling of illness. A tendency to bruise or bleed easily, including bleeding from the gums or nose, or blood in the stool or urine. Susceptibility to infections such as sore throat or bronchial pneumonia, which may be accompanied by headache, low-grade fever, mouth sores, or skin rash. Swollen lymph nodes, typically in the throat, armpits, or groin. Loss of appetite and weight. Discomfort under the left lower ribs (caused by a swollen spleen). Very high white blood cell counts may result in visual problems due to retinal hemorrhage, ringing of the ears (tinnitus), mental status changes, prolonged erection (priapism), and stroke. You experience any of the symptoms listed in the description section and cannot readily explain their occurrence. Your blood cell count should be tested. You experience unexplained bleeding, high fever, or a seizure. You may need emergency treatment for acute leukemia. You are in remission from leukemia and notice signs of recurrence, such as infection or easy bleeding. You should have a follow-up exam.
context: One of the most common forms of electrical stimulation used for pain management is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation ( TENS) therapy, which provides short-term pain relief. Electrical nerve stimulation and electrothermal therapy are used to relieve pain associated with various conditions, including back pain. Intradiscal electrothermal therapy ( IDET) is a treatment option for people with low back pain resulting from intervertebral disc problems. In TENS therapy for pain management, a small, battery-operated device delivers low-voltage electrical current through the skin via electrodes placed near the source of pain. The electricity from the electrodes stimulates nerves in the affected area and sends signals to the brain that "scramble" normal pain perception. TENS is not painful and may be effective therapy to mask pain such as diabetic neuropathy. However, TENS for chronic low back pain is not effective and cannot be recommended, the American Academy of Neurology ( AAN) now says. Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. Sometimes the discs can become damaged and cause pain. IDET uses heat to modify the nerve fibers of a spinal disc and to destroy pain receptors in the area. In this procedure, a wire called an electrothermal catheter is placed through an incision in the disc. An electrical current passes through the wire, heating a small outer portion of the disc to a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. IDET is performed as an outpatient procedure while the patient is awake and under a local anesthesia. Early studies indicated that some patients may have continued pain relief for up to six months or longer. The long-term effects of this procedure on the disc, however, have not been determined. More studies are needed to compare this treatment to standard therapies and surgery as well as placebo. Radiofrequency discal nucleoplasty is a newer procedure which utilizes a radio frequency probe instead of heating wire to disintegrate a small portion of the central disc material. The result of this intervention is partial decompression of the disc, which may help relieve pain caused by bulging discs pressing on nearby spinal nerve roots.