deep-div/medical_qa_mediqa huggingface dataset:
Question: Anal Fissure I may have a couple anal fissures and looking to speak with someone to get some information and support.

Reference:
Anal fissure (Diagnosis): If possible, your doctor will perform a digital rectal exam, which involves inserting a gloved finger into your anal canal, or use a short, lighted tube (anoscope) to inspect your anal canal. However, if this is too painful for you, your doctor may be able to diagnose an anal fissure only by observation. An acute anal fissure looks like a fresh tear, somewhat like a paper cut. A chronic anal fissure likely has the tear, as well as two separate lumps or tags of skin, one internal (sentinel pile) and one external (hypertrophied papilla). The fissure's location offers clues about its cause. A fissure that occurs on the side of the anal opening, rather than the back or front, is more likely to be a sign of another disorder, such as Crohn's disease. Your doctor may recommend further testing if he or she thinks you have an underlying condition: - Flexible sigmoidoscopy. Your doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube with a tiny video into the bottom portion of your colon. This test may be done if you're younger than 50 and have no risk factors for intestinal diseases or colon cancer. - Colonoscopy. Your doctor will insert a flexible tube into your rectum to inspect the entire colon. This test may be done if you are older than age 50 or you have risk factors for colon cancer, signs of other conditions, or other symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea.

Answer: Doctors may be able to diagnose an anal fissure by observation, performing a digital rectal exam or using an anoscope. Further testing may  be needed if your doctor thinks you have an underlying condition.
Question: Anal Fissure I may have a couple anal fissures and looking to speak with someone to get some information and support.

Reference:
Anal fissure (Causes): Common causes of anal fissure include: - Passing large or hard stools   - Constipation and straining during bowel movements   - Chronic diarrhea   - Inflammation of the anorectal area, caused by Crohn's disease or another inflammatory bowel disease   - Childbirth Less common causes of anal fissures include: - Anal cancer   - HIV   - Tuberculosis   - Syphilis   - Herpes

Answer: Common causes of anal fissure include: hard stools, constipation, chronic diarrhea, and inflammation of the anorectal area. Less common causes of anal fissures include: anal cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, syphilis, and herpes
Question: Angelman syndrome. Can a person with Angelman Syndrome have children? If so, can the disorder be passed on to offspring?

Reference:
Is Angelman syndrome inherited?: Most cases of Angelman syndrome are not inherited, particularly those caused by a deletion in the maternal chromosome 15 or by paternal uniparental disomy. These genetic changes occur as random events during the formation of reproductive cells (eggs and sperm) or in early embryonic development. Affected people typically have no history of the disorder in their family.  Rarely, a genetic change responsible for Angelman syndrome can be inherited. For example, it is possible for a mutation in the UBE3A gene or in the nearby region of DNA that controls gene activation to be passed from one generation to the next.

Answer: Angelman syndrome is rarely inherited from a parent. Mostly, random genetic changes in the parents' reproductive cells cause this disorder.
Question: Angelman syndrome. Can a person with Angelman Syndrome have children? If so, can the disorder be passed on to offspring?

Reference:
Angelman syndrome (Risk factors): Angelman syndrome is rare. Researchers usually don't know what causes the genetic changes that result in Angelman syndrome. Most people with Angelman syndrome don't have a family history of the disease. Occasionally, Angelman syndrome may be inherited from a parent. A family history of the disease may increase a baby's risk of developing Angelman syndrome.

Answer: Angelman syndrome is rarely inherited from a parent. Mostly, random genetic changes in the parents' reproductive cells cause this disorder.
Question: asthma Question. What is the consensus of medical doctors as to whether asthma can be cured? And do you have an article discussing whether asthma can be cured?

Reference:
Asthma (How is asthma treated?): Asthma is a chronic disease. This means that it can be treated but not cured. However, some people are able to manage asthma so that symptoms do not happen again or happen rarely.  You can take steps to control asthma and prevent problems by:

Answer: Asthma symptoms can be managed but not cured.
Question: asthma Question. What is the consensus of medical doctors as to whether asthma can be cured? And do you have an article discussing whether asthma can be cured?

Reference:
Asthma (Outlook (Prognosis)): There is no cure for asthma, although symptoms sometimes improve over time. With proper self-management and medical treatment, most people with asthma can lead a normal life.

Answer: Asthma symptoms can be managed but not cured.
Question: asthma Question. What is the consensus of medical doctors as to whether asthma can be cured? And do you have an article discussing whether asthma can be cured?

Reference:
Asthma (Overview): Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. Asthma can't be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Because asthma often changes over time, it's important that you work with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.

Answer: Asthma symptoms can be managed but not cured.
Question: Bad Breath I have very bad breath and at times it can make myself and others sick.  I need some advice as to what I need to do.

Reference:
Breath odor (Causes): Bad breath may be caused by:     - Abscessed tooth   - Alcoholism   - Cavities   - Dentures   - Eating certain foods, such as cabbage, garlic, or raw onions   - Coffee and poorly pH-balanced diet   - Object stuck in the nose (usually happens in kids); often a white, yellow, or bloody discharge from one nostril   - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)   - Gum disease (gingivitis, gingivostomatitis)   - Impacted tooth   - Lung infection   - Poor dental hygiene   - Sinus infection   - Throat infection   - Tobacco smoking   - Vitamin supplements (especially in large doses)   - Some medicines, including insulin shots, triamterene, and paraldehyde      Some diseases that may be cause breath odor are:      - Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis   - Acute necrotizing ulcerative mucositis   - Acute renal failure   - Bowel obstruction   - Bronchiectasis   - Chronic kidney failure   - Esophageal cancer   - Gastric carcinoma   - Gastrojejunocolic fistula   - Hepatic encephalopathy   - Diabetic ketoacidosis   - Lung abscess   - Ozena, or atrophic rhinitis   - Periodontal disease   - Pharyngitis   - Zenker diverticulum

Answer: Bad breath could be caused by poor oral hygiene, dental and  gastroesophageal diseases, infections, smoking, alcoholism, and certain foods.
Question: Bad Breath I have very bad breath and at times it can make myself and others sick.  I need some advice as to what I need to do.

Reference:
Breath odor (Home Care): Use proper dental hygiene, especially flossing. Remember that mouthwashes are not effective in treating the underlying problem.    Fresh parsley or a strong mint is often an effective way to fight temporary bad breath. Avoid smoking.    Otherwise, follow your health care provider's instructions to treat any underlying cause of bad breath.

Answer: Use proper dental hygiene and follow your doctor's instructions to treat the underlying cause of bad breath. Some home remedies, such as fresh parsley or mint can temporarily fight bad breath.
Question: Bad Breath I have very bad breath and at times it can make myself and others sick.  I need some advice as to what I need to do.

Reference:
What is Bad Breath?: There are many reasons why you might have bad breath. You can get it if you don't brush and floss regularly. Bacteria that build up in your mouth and between your teeth produce the bad odor. Other problems in your mouth, such as gum disease, dry mouth or cavities, may also cause it. Sinusitis or problems with your nose may be to blame. You can also have bad breath if you eat some foods, like raw onions, garlic or cabbage. And of course smoking causes its own bad aroma. Some diseases and medicines are associated with a specific breath odor.      Having good dental habits, like brushing and flossing regularly, help fight bad breath. Mouthwashes, mints or chewing gum may make your breath fresher. If you have an underlying disorder, treating it may help eliminate the breath odor.

Answer: Bad breath could be caused by poor oral hygiene, dental and  gastroesophageal diseases, infections, smoking, alcoholism, and certain foods.  Use proper dental hygiene and follow your doctor's instructions to treat the underlying cause of bad breath. Mouthwashes, mints or chewing gum may temporarily make your breath fresher.
Question: Bad Breath I have very bad breath and at times it can make myself and others sick.  I need some advice as to what I need to do.

Reference:
Bad breath (Treatment): To reduce bad breath, help avoid cavities and lower your risk of gum disease, consistently practice good oral hygiene. Further treatment for bad breath can vary, depending on the cause. If your bad breath is thought to be caused by an underlying health condition, your dentist will likely refer you to your primary care provider. For causes related to oral health, your dentist will work with you to help you better control that condition. Dental measures may include: - Mouth rinses and toothpastes. If your bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth, your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that kills the bacteria. Your dentist may also recommend a toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup. - Treatment of dental disease. If you have gum disease, you may be referred to a gum specialist (periodontist). Gum disease can cause gums to pull away from your teeth, leaving deep pockets that fill with odor-causing bacteria. Sometimes only professional cleaning removes these bacteria. Your dentist might also recommend replacing faulty tooth restorations, a breeding ground for bacteria.

Answer: Practice good oral hygiene to reduce bad breath. To find out if your bad breath is caused by an underlying health condition visit your primary care provider. Treatment of dental disease and mouth rinses and toothpaste that kill bacteria could make your breath fresher.
Question: Bipolar and Generalized Anxiety Disorder I read about TMS Therapy.  Do you know anything about it?  Has it had success?  Also wondering about ECT?  Finally, I've been told acupuncture can help for mood disorders.  Is that true for mixed bipolar and generalized anxiety disorder along with meds?  Have you ever heard of this?

Reference:
Generalized anxiety disorder (Treatment): Treatment decisions are based on how significantly generalized anxiety disorder is affecting your ability to function in your daily life. The two main treatments for generalized anxiety disorder are psychotherapy and medications. You may benefit most from a combination of the two. It may take some trial and error to discover which treatments work best for you. Psychotherapy Also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Generally a short-term treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching you specific skills to directly manage your worries and help you gradually return to the activities you've avoided because of anxiety. Through this process, your symptoms improve as you build on your initial success. Medications Several types of medications are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including those below. Talk with your doctor about benefits, risks and possible side effects. - Antidepressants. Antidepressants, including medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes, are the first line medication treatments. Examples of antidepressants used to treat generalized anxiety disorder include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva). Your doctor also may recommend other antidepressants. - Buspirone. An anti-anxiety medication called buspirone may be used on an ongoing basis. As with most antidepressants, it typically takes up to several weeks to become fully effective. - Benzodiazepines. In limited circumstances, your doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine for relief of anxiety symptoms. These sedatives are generally used only for relieving acute anxiety on a short-term basis. Because they can be habit-forming, these medications aren't a good choice if you have or had problems with alcohol or drug abuse.

Answer: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may be helped by psychotherapy and medications, or a combination of the two. Cognitive behavioral therapy, the most effective form of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder,  focuses on teaching  to directly manage worries. The first line of medications to treat GAD are antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Question: Bipolar and Generalized Anxiety Disorder I read about TMS Therapy.  Do you know anything about it?  Has it had success?  Also wondering about ECT?  Finally, I've been told acupuncture can help for mood disorders.  Is that true for mixed bipolar and generalized anxiety disorder along with meds?  Have you ever heard of this?

Reference:
What are the treatments for Generalized anxiety disorder - self-care?: Taking medicine and going to talk therapy can get you started on the road to feeling better. It can also help you take care of your body and relationships. To help improve your condition:  - Get enough sleep.  - Eat healthy foods.  - Keep a regular daily schedule.  - Get out of the house every day.  - Exercise every day. Even a little bit of exercise, such as a 15-minute walk, can help.  - Stay away from alcohol and street drugs.  - Talk with family or friends when you feel nervous or frightened.  - Find out about different types of group activities you can join.

Answer: Generalized anxiety disorder may be helped by talk therapy, medications, and better care for your body and relationships.  It is important to get enough sleep, eat right, keep regular daily schedule, exercise and get out of the house every day, and stay away from alcohol and street drugs. Talking with family or friends and joining group activities when you get nervous could be helpful.
Question: Breast cancer at 84.    My mother was just diagnost with breast cancer. She is 84 years old, her tumor started in the milk duct and is small in size, their is a mass as well in the same breast. He is scheduled for a lumpectomy to remove both. Because of age we would like suggestions on treatment options after surgery.

Reference:
Breast cancer (Treatment): Treatment is based on many factors, including:     - Type of breast cancer   - Stage of the cancer (staging is a tool your providers use to find out how advanced the cancer is)   - Whether the cancer is sensitive to certain hormones   - Whether the cancer overproduces (overexpresses) the HER2/neu protein     Cancer treatments may include:     - Hormone therapy.   - Chemotherapy, which uses medicines to kill cancer cells.   - Radiation therapy, which is used to destroy cancerous tissue.   - Surgery to remove cancerous tissue: A lumpectomy removes the breast lump. Mastectomy removes all or part of the breast and possibly nearby structures. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed during surgery.   - Targeted therapy uses medicine to attack the gene changes in cancer cells. Hormone therapy is an example of targeted therapy. It blocks certain hormones that fuel cancer growth.        Cancer treatment can be local or systemic:     - Local treatments involve only the area of disease. Radiation and surgery are forms of local treatment. They are most effective when the cancer has not spread outside the breast.   - Systemic treatments affect the entire body. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are types of systemic treatment.     Most women receive a combination of treatments. For women with stage I, II, or III breast cancer, the main goal is to treat the cancer and prevent it from returning (recurring). For women with stage IV cancer, the goal is to improve symptoms and help them live longer. In most cases, stage IV breast cancer cannot be cured.     - Stage 0 and ductal carcinoma: Lumpectomy plus radiation or mastectomy is the standard treatment.   - Stage I and II: Lumpectomy plus radiation or mastectomy with lymph node removal is the standard treatment. Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and other targeted therapy may also be used after surgery.   - Stage III: Treatment involves surgery, possibly followed by chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other targeted therapy.   - Stage IV: Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, other targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments.      After treatment, some women continue to take medicines for a time. All women continue to have blood tests, mammograms, and other tests after treatment to monitor for the return of cancer or development of another breast cancer.   Women who have had a mastectomy may have reconstructive breast surgery. This will be done either at the time of mastectomy or later.

Answer: After lumpectomy your mother's doctor might prescribe  medicines for a time. She will need to have blood tests, mammograms, and other tests after treatment to monitor for the return of cancer or development of another breast cancer.
Question: Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy What information does the National Library of Medicine have that states causes of peripheral neuropathy?

Reference:
Peripheral neuropathy (Overview): Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to your peripheral nerves, often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body. Your peripheral nervous system sends information from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes mellitus. People with peripheral neuropathy generally describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. In many cases, symptoms improve, especially if caused by a treatable condition. Medications can reduce the pain of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy care at Mayo Clinic

Answer: Causes of peripheral neuropathy include: trauma, infections, metabolic problems, and exposure to toxins.  One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes mellitus. It can also be inherited.
Question: Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy What information does the National Library of Medicine have that states causes of peripheral neuropathy?

Reference:
Peripheral Neuropathy (Definition): Peripheral neuropathy describes damage to the peripheral nervous system, which transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part of the body. More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified, each with its own characteristic set of symptoms, pattern of development, and prognosis. Impaired function and symptoms depend on the type of nerves -- motor, sensory, or autonomic -- that are damaged.  Some people may experience temporary numbness, tingling, and pricking sensations, sensitivity to touch, or muscle weakness. Others may suffer more extreme symptoms, including burning pain (especially at night), muscle wasting, paralysis, or organ or gland dysfunction. Peripheral neuropathy may be either inherited or acquired. Causes of acquired peripheral neuropathy include physical injury (trauma) to a nerve, tumors, toxins, autoimmune responses, nutritional deficiencies, alcoholism, medical procedures, and vascular and metabolic disorders. Acquired peripheral neuropathies are caused by systemic disease, trauma from external agents, or infections or autoimmune disorders affecting nerve tissue. Inherited forms of peripheral neuropathy are caused by inborn mistakes in the genetic code or by new genetic mutations.

Answer: Peripheral neuropathy pertains to more than 100 types of damage to the nerves that transmit information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part of the body.  Peripheral neuropathy may be inherited or caused by physical injury (trauma) to a nerve, systemic disease, tumors, toxins, infections, autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, alcoholism, medical procedures, and vascular and metabolic disorders.
Question: Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy What information does the National Library of Medicine have that states causes of peripheral neuropathy?

Reference:
Peripheral neuropathy (Causes): Not a single disease, peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage caused by a number of conditions. Causes of neuropathies include: - Alcoholism. Poor dietary choices made by people with alcoholism can lead to vitamin deficiencies.   - Autoimmune diseases. These include Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and necrotizing vasculitis.   - Diabetes. More than half the people with diabetes develop some type of neuropathy.   - Exposure to poisons. Toxic substances include heavy metals or chemicals.   - Medications. Certain medications, especially those used to treat cancer (chemotherapy), can cause peripheral neuropathy.    - Infections. These include certain viral or bacterial infections, including Lyme disease, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C, leprosy, diphtheria and HIV.   - Inherited disorders. Disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are hereditary types of neuropathy.   - Trauma or pressure on the nerve. Traumas, such as from motor vehicle accidents, falls or sports injuries, can sever or damage peripheral nerves. Nerve pressure can result from having a cast or using crutches or repeating a motion such as typing many times.   - Tumors. Growths, cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign), can develop on the nerves or press nerves. Also, polyneuropathy can arise as a result of some cancers related to the body's immune response. These are a form of paraneoplastic syndrome.   - Vitamin deficiencies. B vitamins - including B-1, B-6 and B-12 - vitamin E and niacin are crucial to nerve health.   - Bone marrow disorders. These include abnormal protein in the blood (monoclonal gammopathies), a form of bone cancer (osteosclerotic myeloma), lymphoma and amyloidosis.   - Other diseases. These include kidney disease, liver disease, connective tissue disorders and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). In a number of cases, no cause can be identified (idiopathic).

Answer: Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage caused by a number of conditions that include: alcoholism; autoimmune diseases; diabetes; exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals and chemicals; medications, especially those used to treat cancer; certain viral or bacterial infections; tumors; vitamin deficiencies and occasionally, kidney disease, liver disease, connective tissue disorders and an underactive thyroid.