anand-s/m_qalm huggingface dataset:
Question: What should I do if I want to stop dialysis?
Answer: But you can choose not to have it or stop at any time. If you do, make sure to talk to your doctor about other treatments that can help you. Changes to your diet or lifestyle may improve your quality of life. If you want to stop dialysis because you feel depressed or ashamed, your doctor may urge you to speak to a counselor first. Sharing your feelings, taking antidepressants, or doing both of these things may help you make a more informed decision.
Question: What are the different kinds of peritoneal dialysis (PD)?
Answer: This process is called an âexchange.â There are two kinds of PD: Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis ( CCPD): This uses a machine to do your exchanges. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis ( CAPD): You'll do your exchanges by hand. You'll likely do four to six exchanges each day. Your doctor can help you decide which type fits your lifestyle. Some people do both.
Question: What are some tips to stay healthy during dialysis?
Answer: Hemodialysis patients are also at an increased risk for infections. Try these tips to stay healthy: Check your access site daily for redness, pus, and swelling. If you see any, call your doctor. Keep the bandage that covers your catheter clean and dry.
Question: How can I prevent blood clots if I have polycythemia vera?
Answer: Its symptoms may include: Pain in the upper right part of your belly Yellow color in your skin and the whites of your eyes Swelling in the belly or arms Bleeding in your digestive tract, from the esophagus or gut To prevent clots, your doctor will remove a small amount of blood with a treatment called phlebotomy. This is similar to giving blood during a blood drive. You may also get medicines like low-dose aspirin, hydroxyurea, or interferon alfa to thin your blood and stop your body from making too many blood cells.
Question: Can you live with polycythemia vera?
Answer: Many people with polycythemia vera ( PV) live a normal life with this rare blood cancer under control. The goal is to avoid complications like blood clots, which may happen because PV thickens your blood. To prevent those problems, your doctor will recommend treatments to improve your blood flow and help you feel better.
Question: How do I know if I have a blood clot if I have polycythemia vera?
Answer: Watch for signs of a clot, such as: Chest pain Shortness of breath Dizziness Pain and swelling in your leg Call your doctor or go to an emergency room right away if you have these signs.
Question: If I have polycythemia vera will I get blood clots?
Answer: These problems don't happen to everyone who has polycythemia vera. They're more likely if you're older than 60 or have already had a blood clot or complication. You'll want to work with your doctor to get a sense of your risk and how to lower it.
Question: What is gout and how does polycythemia vera cause it?
Answer: Gout is a type of arthritis. It's caused by the buildup of uric acid in your joints. Uric acid forms into hard crystals that leave the joints sore and swollen. You get gout when cells turn over too quickly in your body -- like in PV.
Question: How can I prevent itchiness with polycythemia vera?
Answer: To prevent itchiness: Keep the water cool when you shower or take a bath. Gently pat your skin dry when you get out of the water. Don't rub it dry. Use moisturizer every day. Your doctor may recommend an antihistamine or low-dose aspirin.
Question: What are the symptoms of an enlarged spleen because of polycythemia vera?
Answer: Doctors call this âsplenomegaly.â If your spleen is enlarged, you may have symptoms like: A feeling of fullness Swelling in your belly Weight loss Stomach pain If your enlarged spleen causes problems, you may need to take medicine for it, or you may need surgery to remove it.
Question: How does polycythemia vera cause myelofibrosis and leukemia?
Answer: After years of pumping out extra red blood cells, your bone marrow can become so filled with scar tissue that it can't make enough blood cells to meet your body's needs. Doctors call this condition myelofibrosis. It's rare, but abnormal bone marrow cells grow out of control. This can lead to acute myelogenous leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Again, these problems aren't likely. Your doctor will closely follow your health to make sure you're doing well and staying free of complications.
Question: Why are blood clots bad?
Answer: Sometimes a clot gets loose and travels through a blood vessel. From there, it can move into your lung and get stuck. This is a pulmonary embolism, and it's an emergency. A clot can also lodge in the brain and cause a stroke. Or it can block a blood vessel in the heart and cause a heart attack. A blood clot can also form in the main blood vessel that leads to the liver. You get gout when cells turn over too quickly in your body -- like in PV.
Question: Are sterols and stanols good for heart health?
Answer: Find these in foods like nuts and grains, or you can buy them as supplements. They reduce the amount of cholesterol that your body absorbs from food. They're also added to many foods, such as some margarines, orange juice, and yogurts. Experts recommend 2 grams a day to help lower LDL cholesterol for people who have high cholesterol.
Question: What is a coronary calcium scan?
Answer: This CT scan of your chest can help doctors spot calcium buildup in the arteries around your heart, a sign that they have too much plaque.
Question: What is a carotid ultrasound?
Answer: Two of the major blood vessels in your neck are your carotid arteries. When they have thick, fatty deposits of cholesterol inside, it's a sign you're at higher risk for a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor might do an ultrasound scan of your neck called a carotid intima-media thickness test to check them out.
Question: Why would my doctor check my thyroid gland while I am taking statins?
Answer: If it's not making enough hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism, it may cause muscle pain when you take statins.
Question: What is an ankle brachial index test?
Answer: Two of the major blood vessels in your neck are your carotid arteries. High blood pressure is a major sign of heart disease risk. This test measures the blood pressure in your legs. It helps your doctor compare your blood pressure in both your legs and your arms. Your total score is the division of your ankle blood pressure reading by your arm blood pressure reading.
Question: Do statins always work to lower cholesterol?
Answer: They also can help protect you from heart attacks and strokes. But for some people who take them, they don't work well enough. If your statin doesn't help, don't worry. Your doctor can help you find other treatments. If you have it, statins may not be able to lower your levels enough.
Question: What are the possible risks of taking part in a clinical trial for arthritis treatment?
Answer: Potential side effects from participating in a clinical trial will depend on the type of treatment and the patient's condition. All of the risks and side effects of the treatment being researched are not known at the beginning of the clinical trial. Since this is the case, there may be unknown side effects, as well as hoped-for benefits.
Question: What are different phases of clinical trials for arthritis?
Answer: In a phase I clinical trial, the new arthritis treatment being investigated is given to a small number of participants. The researchers determine the best way to give the new treatment and how much of it can be given safely. Phase II clinical trials determine the effect of the research treatment on patients and usually the best dosage. In Phase III clinical trials, the drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used Phase IV clinical trials apply the new treatment to patient care. Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug's effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.
Question: What questions are researchers trying to answer during a clinical trial for a new arthritis treatment?
Answer: When a new arthritis treatment is studied for the first time in humans, it is not known exactly how it will work. With any new treatment, there are possible risks as well as benefits. Clinical trials help doctors discover the answers to the following questions: Is the treatment safe and effective? Is the treatment potentially better than the treatments currently available? What are the side effects of the treatment? Does the treatment have any possible risks? How well does the treatment work?
Question: What is informed consent in relation to clinical trials for arthritis?
Answer: Informed consent means that as a patient, you are given all available information so you can understand what is involved in a specific clinical trial. Ask the doctor or nurse to explain parts of the form or the trial that are not clear. You are free to decide whether or not you want to take part in the trial. If you choose not to participate in the trial, your care will not be affected in any way. Even if you sign the form, you are free to leave the trial at any time to receive other available treatments. After you agree to participate in a clinical trial, you will continue to receive any new information about your treatment that may affect your willingness to stay in the trial.
Question: What happens during a clinical trial for arthritis treatment?
Answer: A clinical trial is a research study conducted with patients to evaluate a new arthritis treatment, drug, or device. The new treatments are considered to be at least as effective or possibly more effective than the standard. Only the treatments most likely to work are further evaluated in a small group of humans prior to applying them in a larger clinical trial.
Question: What questions should you ask when you take a part in a clinical trial for arthritis?
Answer: How well does the treatment work? Here are some important questions to ask: What is the purpose of the clinical trial? What kinds of tests and treatments does the clinical trial involve? How are these tests given? What is likely to happen in my case with, or without, this new research treatment? Are there standard treatment options for my arthritis, and how does the study treatment compare with them? How could the clinical trial affect my daily life? What side effects can I expect from the clinical trial? ( Note: There can also be side effects from standard arthritis treatments and from the disease itself.) How long will the clinical trial last? Will the clinical trial require extra time on my part? Will I have to be hospitalized? If so, how often and for how long? If I agree to withdraw from the clinical trial, will my care be affected? Will I need to change doctors?
Question: Why should I choose a reliable brand of probiotic?
Answer: Some companies have been around for years, and you may know their names. Those that have made probiotics for a while may be more likely to have tested and studied them over and over. It's smarter to choose a product from a reputable maker. Check a third-party certifier (like Consumer Lab or the USP) to see if they have tested the product and found that it's safe and reliable. If you're in doubt, ask your doctor.
Question: How do I know what probiotic is right for me?
Answer: Each has its own benefits, so talk to your doctor about which one might help you the most. For example, different strains of lactobacillus bacteria, found in some yogurts, can help with some types of diarrhea.
Question: What are ways I could add probiotics to my diet?
Answer: You can buy them as tablets, capsules, powders, or liquids. Look for them in health food stores, grocery stores, drugstores, and online. You can also find probiotics in many foods. Yogurt is the most well-known source, but they're also in: Dairy foods like buttermilk, some soft cheeses, fermented milk, and kefir Soy drinks and products like miso and tempeh Kimchi, sauerkraut, and many pickles Many types of bacteria are probiotics. If you go with a supplement, know that the FDA regulates these products but treats them like foods and not medications. If you're in doubt, ask your doctor.
Question: How do I take a probiotic?
Answer: Here are some things you should be able to find on the label: The genus, species, and strain of the probiotic ( Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, for example) The number of organisms that will be alive by the use-by date The dose The company name and contact information If you can't find this on the label, you may be able to find it on the company's website. If you're in doubt, ask your doctor. Probiotic-rich foods, like yogurt, can become a part of a healthy diet, too.
Question: Why is it important to read the label of probiotics?
Answer: If you choose yogurt or another dairy food, look on the label for the phrase "contains live active cultures" or "contains probiotics." Not all yogurts have them. If you go with a supplement, know that the FDA regulates these products but treats them like foods and not medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, supplement makers don't have to show their products are safe or effective to sell them. That's why it's key to get as much info as you can before you buy. Here are some things you should be able to find on the label: The genus, species, and strain of the probiotic ( Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, for example) The number of organisms that will be alive by the use-by date The dose The company name and contact information If you can't find this on the label, you may be able to find it on the company's website.
Question: How is anti-thyroid medication used for hyperthyroidism?
Answer: After you start using anti-thyroid medications, your symptoms should begin to disappear in about 6-8 weeks. But you'll typically need to keep taking the medication for about a year. At that time, your doctor will check to see if you can stop. You'll need regular checkups once you're off the medicine to make sure your hormone levels stay balanced.
Question: When do you need surgery to treat hyperthyroidism?
Answer: Doctors don't usually do surgery unless you're pregnant (and can't take anti-thyroid medicine) or have a large goiter or cancerous nodule.
Question: How is radioactive iodide treatment used for hyperthyroidism?
Answer: Thyroid hormone production can be slowed or stopped completely with: Radioactive iodide treatment Anti-thyroid medication Surgery If your doctor decides that radioactive treatment is best, you'll swallow a tablet or liquid with enough radioactive iodide to damage the cells of your thyroid gland so they can't make hormones. Sometimes you'll need more than one treatment to cut back hormone production to a normal level.
Question: Which products should you avoid if you have thyroid problems?
Answer: Avoid these products: Pseudoephedrine (found in over-the-counter cold remedies) can cause nervousness, insomnia, headache, and high blood pressure. Alkaloids, including caffeine, morphine, and quinine, can raise your blood pressure and heart rate.
Question: What are alternative medicines for thyroid problems?
Answer: Some people try other therapies to cleanse the body, restore immune function, and balance the production and release of hormones. While they may help with the stress associated with thyroid disease, there are no good studies showing that these therapies are effective for treating thyroid disorders.
Question: How can you tweak your settings to treat computer vision syndrome (CVS)?
Answer: You don't have to live with the factory-installed presets if you're uncomfortable. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and font size until you find what's best for you. Visit your eye doctor regularly for exams and to keep your prescriptions up to date. Let him know about any problems you have. You may need glasses or contact lenses. He'll decide if you can wear your regular glasses for computer work or if you need a special pair. He might prescribe a single or bifocal lens, or tinted lens material to boost contrast and filter out glare. Get your kids' eyes checked, too. Make sure any computers they use are set up at the right height and in the best light.
Question: How can you cut the glare to treat computer vision syndrome (CVS)?
Answer: You can also add a glare filter to your monitor. Rearrange your desk. The best position for your monitor is slightly below eye level, about 20 to 28 inches away from your face. You shouldn't have to stretch your neck or strain your eyes to see what's on the screen.
Question: What are the symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS)?
Answer: There's no proof that computer use causes any long-term damage to the eyes. But regular use can lead to eye strain and discomfort. You may notice: Blurred vision Double vision Dry, red eyes Eye irritation Headaches Neck or back pain If you don't do anything about them, it could affect more than your eyes. You could also have issues with your work performance.
Question: Who can be affected by computer vision syndrome (CVS)?
Answer: Working adults aren't the only ones affected. Kids who stare at tablets or use computers during the day at school can have issues, too, especially if the lighting and their posture are less than ideal.
Question: How do you know if you have computer vision syndrome?
Answer: You may notice: Blurred vision Double vision Dry, red eyes Eye irritation Headaches Neck or back pain If you don't do anything about them, it could affect more than your eyes. You could also have issues with your work performance.
Question: How can you give your eyes a break to treat computer vision syndrome (CVS)?
Answer: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Look away from the screen every 20 minutes or so and look at something around 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Blink often to keep your eyes moist. If they feel dry, try some eye drops.
Question: How does using a computer affect vision?
Answer: When you work at a computer, your eyes have to focus and refocus all the time. They move back and forth as you read. You may have to look down at papers and then back up to type. Your eyes react to images constantly moving and changing, shifting focus, sending rapidly varying images to the brain. All these jobs require a lot of effort from your eye muscles.
Question: How often should I visit my eye doctor for computer vision syndrome?
Answer: Visit your eye doctor regularly for exams and to keep your prescriptions up to date. Let him know about any problems you have. You may need glasses or contact lenses. He'll decide if you can wear your regular glasses for computer work or if you need a special pair. He might prescribe a single or bifocal lens, or tinted lens material to boost contrast and filter out glare. Get your kids' eyes checked, too. Make sure any computers they use are set up at the right height and in the best light.
Question: Who Is more likely to have problems of computer vision syndrome?
Answer: You're more likely to have problems if you already have eye trouble, if you need glasses but don't have them, or if you wear the wrong prescription for computer use. Computer work gets harder as you age and the natural lenses in your eyes becomes less flexible. Somewhere around age 40, your ability to focus on near and far objects will start to go away. Your eye doctor will call this condition presbyopia.
Question: Who is affected by computer vision syndrome?
Answer: Working adults aren't the only ones affected. Kids who stare at tablets or use computers during the day at school can have issues, too, especially if the lighting and their posture are less than ideal.
Question: What is computer vision syndrome (CVS)?
Answer: That can put a real strain on your eyes. Eye problems caused by computer use fall under the heading computer vision syndrome ( CVS). It isn't one specific problem. Instead, it includes a whole range of eye strain and discomfort. Research shows that between 50% and 90% of people who work at a computer screen have at least some symptoms. All these jobs require a lot of effort from your eye muscles.
Question: How can you rearrange your desk to treat computer vision syndrome (CVS)?
Answer: You shouldn't have to stretch your neck or strain your eyes to see what's on the screen. Put a stand next to your monitor and place any printed materials you're working from on it. That way, you won't have to look up at the screen and back down at the desk while you type. Look away from the screen every 20 minutes or so and look at something around 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.
Question: What is computer vision syndrome?
Answer: That can put a real strain on your eyes. Eye problems caused by computer use fall under the heading computer vision syndrome ( CVS). It isn't one specific problem. Instead, it includes a whole range of eye strain and discomfort. Research shows that between 50% and 90% of people who work at a computer screen have at least some symptoms. All these jobs require a lot of effort from your eye muscles.
Question: How do nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause high blood pressure problems?
Answer: NSAIDs -- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- include both prescription and over-the-counter varieties. They are often used to relieve pain or reduce inflammation from conditions such as arthritis. However, NSAIDs can make the body retain fluid and decrease kidney function. This may cause blood pressure to rise even higher, putting greater stress on your heart and kidneys.
Question: How do migraine headache drugs worsen high blood pressure?
Answer: Some migraine headache drugs work by tightening blood vessels in your head. This relieves migraine pain. However, the medication also constricts blood vessels throughout your body. This can make blood pressure rise, perhaps to dangerous levels. If you have high blood pressure or any other type of heart disease, talk with your doctor before taking medication for migraines or severe headaches.
Question: How do cough and cold medications worsen high blood pressure?
Answer: Many cough and cold medications contain NSAIDs to relieve pain. Decongestants can make blood pressure worse in two ways: Decongestants may make your blood pressure and heart rate rise. Avoid using cough and cold medicine that contains NSAIDs or decongestants. Ask your doctor for suggestions about other ways to ease symptoms of cold, flu, or sinus problems.
Question: What are tips to avoid blood pressure problems from medication?
Answer: If you have high blood pressure to begin with, it can rise to dangerous levels. NSAIDs -- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- include both prescription and over-the-counter varieties. Read medication labels before buying over-the-counter preparations. Make sure the medicine doesn't contain ingredients that could make your high blood pressure worse, such as NSAIDs or decongestants. Talk to your doctor before using any over-the-counter medication, herbal preparation, vitamins, or other nutritional supplements. Ask for alternatives to potentially harmful medicines.
Question: How do weight loss drugs worsen high blood pressure?
Answer: Some drugs can make blood pressure rise. Decongestants can make blood pressure worse in two ways: Decongestants may make your blood pressure and heart rate rise. When the blood pressure rises, it can put more stress on your heart. Before using any weight loss drug, whether prescription or over-the-counter, be sure to check with your doctor. These medications may do you more harm than good.
Question: When should someone seek medical attention for peritonitis?
Answer: If you have any symptoms of peritonitis, call your doctor right away. Seeking prompt medical attention is especially important for peritoneal dialysis patients who have a combination of abdominal pain and a clouding of the peritoneal fluid, which is caused by a buildup of infection-fighting white blood cells. Because peritonitis can rapidly lead to potentially fatal complications such as sepsis and septic shock, which causes a massive drop in blood pressure, organ failure, and death, it's essential to receive a quick diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment.