Question: What are the symptoms of osteosarcoma?

Answer: Warning signs include: Swelling or lumps around bones or the ends of bones. He might get a limp if osteosarcoma affects his legs.


Question: How do hydrofluoroalkane inhalers (HFA) work to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: There are three basic types: Hydrofluoroalkane inhalers or HFA (formerly metered dose inhaler or MDI) Dry powder inhalers ( DPI) Soft mist inhalers ( SMI) HFAs contain a liquid medication that you get through an aerosol spray. The medicine is in a pressurized canister that has a metering valve. You can close your lips around the mouthpiece or place the mouthpiece 1 to 2 inches from your mouth and breathe in slowly as you press down on the inhaler. Another method that many people like is to use a spacer. It's a hollow plastic tube that is attached between the mouthpiece and the canister of medicine. A spacer makes it easier to get the full dose of medication all the way to your lungs.


Question: How do soft mist inhalers (SMI) work to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: An SMI is a newer type of inhaler that provides a pre-measured amount of medicine in a slow-moving mist that helps you inhale the medicine. You put your lips on the mouthpiece while you hold the device horizontally. Be careful not to cover the air vents. This type of device actively delivers medicine in a way that doesn't depend on how fast you breathe in the air from the inhaler.


Question: Do all inhalers work the same way?

Answer: While inhalers use the same general principle, they don't all work the same way. For instance, you should shake an HFA before using it, but you never shake a DPI. Each device is cleaned differently and has a different way of tracking when it's empty. Always follow the instructions for your specific device.


Question: What two ways can inhaled medicine be used to help with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: There are two main ways inhaled medicine is used: with an inhaler, and with a nebulizer. Inhalers and nebulizers have the same purpose: to get the medicine into your lungs. Both deliver the same type of medicine, and they work equally well when you use them properly. Inhalers and nebulizers are only available by prescription. While you might see some bronchodilator inhalers sold over the counter, don't use them unless your doctor recommends it. They could be dangerous for people with certain health conditions, such as heart problems.


Question: How do nebulizers work to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: These machines change a liquid medicine into a mist that you inhale into your lungs. Nebulizers aren't particularly portable, so you keep a nebulizer at home. To use it, you measure out the medicine into a cup and attach the cup with tubing to the machine. Then you turn it on, relax, and breathe the mist in deeply through a mouthpiece or mask. Depending on the medication, it usually takes 20 minutes or less to inhale the medicine. Afterward, you need to clean the nebulizer and mouthpiece or mask with water (and soap every now and then) before you use it again.


Question: How do dry powder inhalers (DPI) work to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: A DPI is similar to an HFA, but it releases a puff of dry powder instead of a liquid mist. You shouldn't use a DPI with a spacer. Instead, close your mouth tightly around the mouthpiece of the DPI inhaler and inhale rapidly and steadily. It's important to remove the device from your mouth before you exhale, so that humid air doesn't get into the device and make the powder clump.


Question: What are 5 tips for using inhaled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) medicine?

Answer: Most people with COPD use an inhaler. They also can help temporarily if you have a COPD flare-up. Know how to use it. When you first get the prescription, go over the instructions with your doctor or pharmacist -- or if you have a nebulizer, with a representative from the medical supply company. Or do you need it every day? Know how much you need. Always follow the prescription exactly. Never take more or less than your doctor recommends. If you have a COPD flare-up and your normal dosage doesn't help, don't keep taking more. Instead, get medical help right away. Know what the drug does. You might need more than one kind of inhaled medication. The most common treatment for COPD is a bronchodilator, which relaxes the muscles around the airways, allowing them to open up. Since it's so important to control your COPD, make sure you always know how much medicine you have left. Get refills on time.


Question: What are the three basic types of inhalers?

Answer: There are three basic types: Hydrofluoroalkane inhalers or HFA (formerly metered dose inhaler or MDI) Dry powder inhalers ( DPI) Soft mist inhalers ( SMI) HFAs contain a liquid medication that you get through an aerosol spray. These machines change a liquid medicine into a mist that you inhale into your lungs.


Question: What are the risks of arginine supplementation?

Answer: In clinical trials, arginine has been used safely with minor side effects for up to three months. Possible side effects include abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea, and gout. It may also cause a worsening of breathing in people with asthma. Arginine may interact with certain medications that lower blood pressure. It may also interact with certain heart medications and drugs such as Viagra that treat erectile dysfunction.


Question: What are heart benefits of arginine?

Answer: In the body, the amino acid arginine changes into nitric oxide ( NO). Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and also improves circulation. Some evidence shows that arginine may help improve blood flow in the arteries of the heart. That may improve symptoms of clogged arteries, chest pain or angina, and coronary artery disease. However, there currently is no data on how the long-term use of arginine affects cholesterol or heart health.


Question: What are considerations regarding the arginine supplementation?

Answer: Not all studies on arginine have been positive. A 2006 study showed that arginine was not helpful -- and may have been harmful -- for treating heart attacks in combination with standard treatment.


Question: How much arginine is needed daily?

Answer: There is no recommended daily amount established for arginine, because the human body normally makes enough. If taken as a supplement, higher doses of arginine are often needed, and up to 1200 mg per day have been shown to be helpful. Before taking it, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.


Question: What are other potential health benefits of arginine?

Answer: Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is involved in a number of different functions in the body. Some evidence shows that arginine may help improve blood flow in the arteries of the heart. Not all studies on arginine have been positive.


Question: Why do we need arginine?

Answer: It's abundant in many different types of foods, and your body can also make it. They include: Wound healing Helping the kidneys remove waste products from the body Maintaining immune and hormone function Dilates and relaxes the arteries As a natural dietary supplement, arginine has garnered particular attention for its possible heart benefits.


Question: What is the best way to take care of the skin on the hands when treating eczema?

Answer: If you have eczema on your hands, put on a layer of cream every time you wash them. Also put cream on your hands just before you go to bed. Then cover your hands with a pair of cotton gloves to help the cream absorb into your skin while you sleep.


Question: What are some gentle bathing tips for eczema skin?

Answer: The best ways to relieve eczema damage and heal faster are to moisturize and take extra care to protect your skin. Eczema prevents your skin from holding in water. Skip the soap and instead use gentle scent- and dye-free cleansing products. Emollient soap substitutes and bath oils clean as well as soap and are less irritating. Wash your skin gently. Don't scrub. Pat off water gently after your shower and seal in moisture right away with a thick cream or ointment.


Question: When is the best time to apply product to the affected skin?

Answer: Also, moisturize during the day whenever your skin feels dry. Pat off water gently after your shower and seal in moisture right away with a thick cream or ointment.


Question: What is the best way to relieve eczema damage?

Answer: That means your skin dries out more quickly and breaks open more easily than usual. It reduces the itch and helps your skin heal faster. These medicines stop the itch that makes you want to scratch.


Question: Who is at risk for histoplasmosis?

Answer: Disseminated disease is more frequently seen in people with cancer or AIDS or those on drugs that suppress the immune system, such as TNF blockers like infliximab ( Remicade) or steroids. Severe cases of acute histoplasmosis and all cases of chronic and disseminated disease are treated with antifungal medications, sometimes for life in those with compromised immune systems.


Question: What are the side effects of ACE inhibitors?

Answer: Red, itchy skin rash: Call your doctor. Don't treat the rash yourself. Dizziness , lightheadedness, or faintness upon rising: These may be strongest after the first dose, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Get up more slowly. Call your doctor if these symptoms persist or are severe. Salty or metallic taste and a decreased ability to taste: This effect usually goes away as you continue taking the medication. Cough: If this symptom persists or is severe, call your doctor. Otherwise, ask him what type of cough medicine you may use.


Question: How do I take ACE inhibitors?

Answer: Examples of them include: Benazepril ( Lotensin) Captopril ( Capoten) Enalapril ( Vasotec) Fosinopril ( Monopril) Lisinopril ( Prinivil, Zestril) Moexipril ( Univasc) Perindopril ( Aceon) Quinapril ( Accupril) Ramipril ( Altace) Trandolapril ( Mavik) They're usually taken on an empty stomach an hour before meals. Follow the label on how often to take them. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses, and how long you'll take your ACE inhibitor will depend on what you were prescribed as well as your condition.


Question: What are some examples of ACE inhibitors to treat heart failure?

Answer: Examples of them include: Benazepril ( Lotensin) Captopril ( Capoten) Enalapril ( Vasotec) Fosinopril ( Monopril) Lisinopril ( Prinivil, Zestril) Moexipril ( Univasc) Perindopril ( Aceon) Quinapril ( Accupril) Ramipril ( Altace) Trandolapril ( Mavik) They're usually taken on an empty stomach an hour before meals.


Question: When should you call the doctor right away about side effects of ACE inhibitors?

Answer: If you have any of the following side effects, call your doctor right away: Sore throat Fever Mouth sores Unusual bruising Fast or irregular heartbeat Chest pain Swelling of feet, ankles, or lower legs Confusion Nervousness Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips Shortness of breath or trouble breathing Weakness or heaviness in legs If you have swelling of your neck, face, or tongue , get emergency medical help immediately. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.


Question: How do I take ACE inhibitors for heart failure?

Answer: Examples of them include: Benazepril ( Lotensin) Captopril ( Capoten) Enalapril ( Vasotec) Fosinopril ( Monopril) Lisinopril ( Prinivil, Zestril) Moexipril ( Univasc) Perindopril ( Aceon) Quinapril ( Accupril) Ramipril ( Altace) Trandolapril ( Mavik) They're usually taken on an empty stomach an hour before meals. Follow the label on how often to take them. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses, and how long you'll take your ACE inhibitor will depend on what you were prescribed as well as your condition.


Question: Should I avoid certain foods or medicine while taking ACE inhibitors?

Answer: These include: Salt substitutes: They have potassium, and ACE inhibitors make your body retain potassium. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (like aspirin, ibuprofen , and naproxen ): These may cause your body to retain sodium and water and decrease the effect of an ACE inhibitor. Check with your doctor before taking any anti-inflammatory drugs. It is important that your doctor know about all the medicines you're taking, as some may interact with ACE inhibitors. Talk to your doctor before taking any new medication, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and supplements.


Question: What foods and medicines should you avoid while taking ACE inhibitors?

Answer: These include: Salt substitutes: They have potassium, and ACE inhibitors make your body retain potassium. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (like aspirin, ibuprofen , and naproxen ): These may cause your body to retain sodium and water and decrease the effect of an ACE inhibitor. Check with your doctor before taking any anti-inflammatory drugs.


Question: When should you call your doctor about the side effects of ACE inhibitors?

Answer: If you have any of the following side effects, call your doctor right away: Sore throat Fever Mouth sores Unusual bruising Fast or irregular heartbeat Chest pain Swelling of feet, ankles, or lower legs Confusion Nervousness Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips Shortness of breath or trouble breathing Weakness or heaviness in legs If you have swelling of your neck, face, or tongue , get emergency medical help immediately. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you become sick with severe vomiting or diarrhea, you may become dehydrated, which can lead to low blood pressure. Call your doctor. Also contact your doctor if you have any other symptoms that cause concern.


Question: How do ACE inhibitors work to treat heart failure?

Answer: They also help block a substance in the blood called angiotensin that is made as a result of heart failure. Angiotensin is one of the most powerful blood vessel narrowers in the body. ACE inhibitors are critical in the treatment of heart failure. They are also used to control high blood pressure, prevent kidney damage from diabetes, and prevent more heart damage after a heart attack. Your heart failure symptoms may not improve right away when taking ACE inhibitors. But long-term use of ACE inhibitors helps manage chronic heart failure and reduces the risk that it will get worse.


Question: What are some of the common side effects of ACE inhibitors?

Answer: Don't treat the rash yourself. Dizziness , lightheadedness, or faintness upon rising: These may be strongest after the first dose, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Call your doctor if these symptoms persist or are severe. Call your doctor.


Question: Should you tell your doctor about all medications you are taking while taking ACE inhibitors?

Answer: Check with your doctor before taking any anti-inflammatory drugs. Never stop taking your medication, even if you feel that it is not working.


Question: What are some other guidelines for taking ACE inhibitors?

Answer: Call your doctor. Never stop taking your medication, even if you feel that it is not working. Your heart failure symptoms may not improve right away when taking ACE inhibitors.


Question: Where on food labels should I check for trans fats?

Answer: Check the Nutrition Facts label and the ingredient list. If the Nutrition Facts label says the product has "0 g trans fat," that doesn't necessarily mean it has no trans fats. It could have up to half a gram of trans fats per serving. So check the ingredient label to see if "partially hydrogenated oils" is on the list. Those are trans fats.


Question: Why do I need to check food labels for trans fats?

Answer: You might have seen those trans fats listed as "partially hydrogenated oils." While food companies slowly remove trans fats from their products, you still need to check labels.


Question: How can I keep from spreading the flu when I am sick?

Answer: Stay away from family members, colleagues, and friends. You're contagious 1 day before symptoms start and for 5-7 days after symptoms start.


Question: How much sleep do I need if I have the flu?

Answer: Your body needs extra downtime to fight the viral infection. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of shuteye a night.


Question: Should I treat congestion when I have the flu?

Answer: That stuffy nose is best treated mildly or not at all. A decongestant slows the flow to the blood vessels in your nose and throat. But often you want an increased blood flow because it warms the infected area and helps all that gunk clear the germs from your body.


Question: Can dietary supplements ease flu symptoms?

Answer: Many dietary supplements get credit for easing flu symptoms, but there's no proof they work. Talk to your doctor before you try any. Some natural herbal products can cause allergic reactions. Others may not work well with prescription medications you're taking. A few can even cause liver damage, so be careful.


Question: Why do you get a cough when you have the flu?

Answer: It helps clear the thick mucus in your airways that carry germs to your lungs and the rest of your body.


Question: Does gargling help with a sore throat?

Answer: It can moisten a flaming throat and bring short-term relief. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle with this mix four times a day. You can also try a thick mix made with honey, a popular folk treatment. Steep 1 tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in 2 cups of hot water; mix with 1 teaspoon of honey. Let the liquid cool to room temperature before you gargle.


Question: How can I treat congestion naturally?

Answer: One natural remedy is to drink more water. It makes mucus thinner and easier to get rid of when you cough or blow. Your sinuses drain better when you're not all dried out, and if the stuff in them is moving, it's less likely to get infected.


Question: How can I soothe a dry cough naturally?

Answer: So if you run a slight fever for a day or two, you could get well faster. Hot drinks also open your chest and head. Plus they count toward all that liquid you're supposed to be drinking every day. Make a cup of hot herbal tea and add a teaspoon of honey if you like it sweet. Keep the flu to yourself.


Question: Does everyone who gets sudden drops in blood pressure have heart failure?

Answer: This doesn't mean that everyone who gets sudden drops in blood pressure has -- or will have -- heart failure. Scientists need to do more research before they understand the connection and if it can predict the problem later on.


Question: Why might your blood pressure drop when you stand up?

Answer: Some people who have it won't notice it, but most commonly, you'll have symptoms for a few seconds after you stand, including: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy Blurry vision Weakness Fainting Confusion Nausea Your legs buckle Headaches Chest, head, or neck pain A fast, irregular heartbeat There are many reasons this shift can happen. You might be dehydrated, have low blood sugar, or be taking medication that changes your blood pressure. But some research suggests it could be an early sign that your heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should.


Question: What type of diet can help control symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Answer: What you put on your plate may help you manage the way RA makes you feel. Food won't cure your disease, but a meal plan like the Mediterranean diet can lower inflammation and control some of your symptoms.


Question: Does diet affect rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: What you put on your plate may help you manage the way RA makes you feel. Food won't cure your disease, but a meal plan like the Mediterranean diet can lower inflammation and control some of your symptoms.


Question: Does going gluten-free help ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: If you decide to give up gluten, RA shouldn't be the reason. There's no evidence that it can improve the condition or ease your symptoms.


Question: Why does the Mediterranean diet help treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: It's loaded with fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, beans, and fish. These foods have natural chemicals that help keep your inflammation in check. A Mediterranean diet also relies on olive oil, another healthy fat, to take the place of full-fat dairy products like butter. That's good if you have RA because olive oil can also lower levels of the chemicals that cause inflammation. The fruits and vegetables in the Mediterranean diet are full of antioxidants that also help curb inflammation.


Question: How does going gluten free help rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: If you decide to give up gluten, RA shouldn't be the reason. There's no evidence that it can improve the condition or ease your symptoms. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, and in many packaged and restaurant foods. If you have celiac disease and eat gluten, your small intestine gets inflamed, so you can't absorb some nutrients. RA is separate from that, and it has different causes. If you want to ditch gluten, talk to your doctor or a dietitian for tips so you get all the nutrients you need.


Question: What are some additional benefits of the Mediterranean diet for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: That's good if you have RA because olive oil can also lower levels of the chemicals that cause inflammation. The fruits and vegetables in the Mediterranean diet are full of antioxidants that also help curb inflammation. To change things up, add spices like turmeric and ginger. These spices aren't part of the Mediterranean diet, but studies show they naturally lower inflammation. If you take blood thinners, talk to you doctor first, since turmeric can prevent blood from clotting. Red wine is a classic part of this eating plan, but check with your doctor to see if it's OK for you. If you take methotrexate, you should avoid alcohol because it increases the chance of liver damage.


Question: Can primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) cause weak bones?

Answer: Weak bones: Your bones could become thin, weak, and easier to break. You could get osteoporosis. Your doctor will prescribe calcium and vitamin D to help keep your bones strong and prevent problems.


Question: Can primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) cause enlarged veins?

Answer: Enlarged veins: When blood can't flow freely through your portal vein, it can back up elsewhere, especially your stomach and esophagus. That leads to more pressure in your veins, which can trigger bleeding and enlarged blood vessels, called varices. This is serious, and you'd need to see a doctor right away.


Question: How can primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) cause gallstone and bile duct stones?

Answer: Gallstone and bile duct stones: When bile backs up and can't flow through the ducts, it can harden and turn into stones. You could also get stones if bile can't flow easily to and from your gallbladder. They're often painful and can lead to infections.


Question: Can primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) cause portal hypertension?

Answer: Some of those issues include: Portal hypertension: Your portal vein carries blood from your stomach, intestines, spleen, gallbladder, and pancreas to your liver. Scar tissue from cholangitis blocks normal circulation and can boost pressure in your portal vein. If there's too much, you could get a serious infection called bacterial peritonitis.


Question: What is involved in stage III prostate cancer?

Answer: Stage IIIB The cancer has spread outside the prostate but hasn't made it to the lymph nodes or to distant sites in the body. The Gleason score is 8 or less and the PSA is any level.


Question: How will my doctor know what medication will help treat my prostate cancer?

Answer: Generally speaking, the higher your Gleason score, the more aggressive the cancer. That means it's more likely to grow and spread to other parts of your body. Doctors use this information, along with the stage of the cancer, to choose the best treatment for you.


Question: How does the staging system work to diagnose my prostate cancer?

Answer: TNM System T ( Tumor): The extent of the primary tumor is determined by describing its size and location. If the tumor can't be assessed, the stage is TX. If no tumor is found, the stage is T0. As the size and spread increase, so does the stage -- T1, T2, T3, or T4. In addition to the basic categories, doctors may use subcategories like T1a or T1b to add more description. N ( Nodes): This determines if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes near your bladder. If the nodes can't be assessed, the stage is NX. If no nodes are affected, the stage is N0. If there is cancer in the nodes, a number is placed after the N (such as N1, N2, or N3) indicating the number, size and location of nearby lymph nodes involved. M ( Metastasis): The cancer has either spread to the bones or other organs ( M1) or hasn't ( M0). Doctors may also use subsets like M1a for distant lymph nodes or M1b for bones, or M1c for other sites.


Question: How can I find out how aggressive my prostate cancer is?

Answer: Doctors add your primary and secondary numbers together to form your total Gleason score. That tells you how aggressive the cancer is. The lowest score for a cancer is 6, which is a low-grade cancer. A Gleason score of 7 is a medium-grade cancer, and a score of 8, 9, or 10 is a high-grade cancer.


Question: What happens during a biopsy for prostate cancer?

Answer: He'll insert a thin, a hollow needle through the wall of your rectum and remove about a dozen tiny pieces of prostate tissue. The procedure, which only takes about 10 minutes, may cause some discomfort, but not serious pain.


Question: What is involved in stage I prostate cancer?

Answer: Stage I The cancer is growing in your prostate, but hasn't yet spread beyond it. In most cases, the tumor can't be felt during a digital rectal exam ( DRE) or seen in imaging tests. The Gleason score is 6 or less and the PSA level is less than 10. The tumor is in one-half or less of only one side of the prostate.


Question: What does cancer look like in a biopsy for prostate cancer?

Answer: Cancer cells don't look the same as healthy cells. The more different they appear, the more aggressive the cancer tends to be.


Question: How can my doctor tell how advanced my prostate cancer is?

Answer: Doctors combine the T, N, and M results with the Gleason score (grade) and PSA level in a process called stage grouping. The overall stage is expressed in Roman numerals from I (the least advanced) to IV (the furthest along). Doctors use the stage to help determine the best course of treatment for you.


Question: What test will tell me if I have prostate cancer?

Answer: If the results of your prostate-specific antigen ( PSA) test or digital rectal exam ( DRE) suggest that you may have prostate cancer, your doctor will perform a biopsy to find out for sure.


Question: What happens after my biopsy test for prostate cancer?

Answer: If the results of your prostate-specific antigen ( PSA) test or digital rectal exam ( DRE) suggest that you may have prostate cancer, your doctor will perform a biopsy to find out for sure. If she finds cancer, she'll grade it using a method called the Gleason Scoring System.


Question: What is involved in stage IV prostate cancer?

Answer: The Gleason score is 8 or less and the PSA is any level. Stage IV A The cancer has or has not spread to tissues outside the prostate.


Question: How does my doctor know if my prostate cancer has spread?

Answer: The Gleason system uses the numbers 1 to 5 to grade the most common (primary) and second most common (secondary) patterns of cells found in a tissue sample. That tells you how aggressive the cancer is. It uses a number system to show how big the tumor is and how far the cancer has spread.


Question: How can my biopsy indicate that I have prostate cancer?

Answer: The Gleason system uses the numbers 1 to 5 to grade the most common (primary) and second most common (secondary) patterns of cells found in a tissue sample. Grade 5: Most cells look very different from normal.


Question: What is a COPD flare-up?

Answer: When you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, your usual symptoms might become worse rather quickly -- or you may even get new ones. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } You may hear your doctor or nurse call this an âexacerbation.â Think of it as a flare-up. During one of these bouts, you may suddenly have more trouble breathing or make more noise when you do.


Question: What causes a COPD flare-up?

Answer: Smoggy or dirty air can also make your symptoms get worse in a hurry. It's important to know the warning signs that a flare-up is coming on so that you can avoid it if possible. These exacerbations can cause your COPD to get worse or put you in the hospital. These symptoms are linked to problems with your heart or lungs.


Question: What are some early signs of a COPD flare-up?

Answer: When you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, your usual symptoms might become worse rather quickly -- or you may even get new ones. One obvious sign of an oncoming flare-up is shortness of breath. Swollen ankles or legs or belly pain. You should call your doctor at once if you or a loved one with COPD are showing symptoms of a flare-up.


Question: How long will it take for botox to work?

Answer: You should also stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before treatment to reduce bruising.


Question: How long does botox work on wrinkles?

Answer: The effects from Botox will last three to six months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and need to be treated again. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are shrinking.


Question: What are side effects of botox?

Answer: Temporary bruising is the most common side effect of Botox. Headaches, which end in 24 to 48 hours, can happen, but this is rare. A small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping. This usually ends within three weeks. Drooping usually happens when the Botox moves around, so don't rub the treated area for 12 hours after injection or lie down for three to four hours.


Question: How do I get botox?

Answer: Botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort.


Question: How does botox get rid of wrinkles?

Answer: Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle can't contract. That makes the wrinkles relax and soften. Botox is most often used on forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eye), and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox.


Question: How will my health insurance pay for botox?

Answer: Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox. Check with your health insurance company for coverage details.


Question: What should you avoid in a psoriasis diet?

Answer: He'll probably tell you any diet that cuts down on the amount of junk food and alcohol you eat and drink is OK. Stay away from extreme diets that claim to cure psoriasis. They won't work. Avoid those that require you to fast, get enemas, or take other extreme steps. These diets can be time-consuming, expensive, hard to stick with, and in some cases, even dangerous. Don't assume that supplements you buy in the supermarket are helpful or even safe. Taking supplements in extremely high doses, which some shady psoriasis "diet experts" suggest, can be toxic. Always talk to your doctor before going on any diets or using any supplements or alternative medicines. You may feel so frustrated with your psoriasis that you're ready to try anything. Be careful. Never let desperation make you gullible.


Question: What is the best dietary advice for psoriasis treatment?

Answer: According to most experts, the best dietary advice for people with psoriasis is the same as for anyone else: Eat a diet low in fats and sweets and high in fruits and vegetables, lean meats or other proteins like beans and legumes. While you're at it, get regular exercise -- being overweight can make psoriasis worse and keep your medication from working like it should. Watch how much you drink -- alcohol can aggravate psoriasis, too. Still, you shouldn't ignore your own experience with psoriasis. If your skin gets worse after you eat certain foods, then stop eating them and see what happens. That food could be a trigger for you.


Question: What should you know about diets for psoriasis?

Answer: Even though there's no proof, you'll find dozens of psoriasis diets described in books and on websites. At some point almost every food has been blamed for an outbreak -- sugar, junk food, wheat products, tomatoes, coffee, and eggs are often called out. There are just as many theories about what foods might be good, among them herbal teas, some fruit juices, and fish oil supplements. It's no surprise that psoriasis diets disagree about what's good and what's bad.


Question: Can supplements or dietary changes help treat ADHD?

Answer: Some kids with ADHD may benefit from changes in what they eat, such as going gluten-free or avoiding certain food dyes and additives, although research is limited on how well this works. Omega-3 supplements may also help some children, and one is available by prescription. Talk to your doctor to find out if a supplement, or a change in diet, may be a good option for your child. Both can be used along with other treatments, but only under the guidance of a doctor.


Question: Can a child take medication for both ADHD and depression?

Answer: For some kids, taking these two different types of drugs together can best manage behavior problems.


Question: How do stimulants and nonstimulant drugs differ and are they effectively used together to treat ADHD?

Answer: Despite the name, stimulants don't make a child excitable. They help them focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. They boost and balance certain brain chemicals. They stimulate the part of the brain that controls impulses. Nonstimulants can improve concentration and impulse control. They tend to have a longer-lasting, smoother effect than stimulants. For some kids, taking these two different types of drugs together can best manage behavior problems.


Question: Should stimulants and anti-depressants be used together for ADHD if my child doesn't have depression?

Answer: Even if your child doesn't have a mood disorder like depression, your doctor may still suggest a combination of these two types of drugs to help with your child's symptoms.


Question: Can stimulants and non-stimulants be used together for treatment of ADHD?

Answer: It may sound strange to take these medications at the same time, but this form of adjunctive therapy has worked for many kids.


Question: What types of drugs do doctors prescribe for ADHD?

Answer: Other kids may start out with a medication to help control symptoms. There are different types of drugs used for ADHD: stimulants, nonstimulants, and antidepressants.


Question: How much does timing of ADHD medication matter?

Answer: You need to make sure she takes her meds exactly as the doctor prescribes. Your child won't get the most benefit if you break from it. Be aware of how long each medication should stay in her system. Some are short-acting, but some work for as long as 24 hours. Make note of any changes in behavior or symptoms. Let the doctor know if you see anything that concerns you.


Question: How is ADHD adjunctive therapy used?

Answer: This is adjunctive therapy. You may also hear it called combination therapy or complementary therapy. For some children with ADHD, the first treatment may be behavioral therapy, which gives the child, parents, and teachers training and tools to deal with symptoms. Even if your child doesn't have a mood disorder like depression, your doctor may still suggest a combination of these two types of drugs to help with your child's symptoms. You need to make sure she takes her meds exactly as the doctor prescribes.


Question: Is hearing loss a common part of aging?

Answer: Think of how a person's first silver strands may only show in a certain light. The start of an age-related hearing problem can be just as subtle. But it's important to pay attention to those first signs. People with untreated hearing loss are more likely to be depressed, feel isolated, and have memory problems later on. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, talk to your doctor or an audiologist about getting a hearing test.


Question: How does hearing loss make kids' voices sound muffled or unclear?

Answer: When aging takes a toll on your cochlea, the inner ear organ that helps you hear, the cells that detect high-pitched sounds are usually the first to fail. This can make it harder to understand anyone with a high-pitched voice, like children and women. It's also the reason you may not hear your microwave beep or the crickets chirping at sunset.


Question: Does hearing loss make you feel tired when you socialize?

Answer: You're exhausted after social events. When you can't hear all the sounds of speech, your brain has to fill in the gaps to make sense of what others are saying. That takes a great deal of focus, especially when there's more than one person speaking at a time. All this effort may leave you tired after social events. If this sounds like you, talk to your doctor or an audiologist. Professionally fit hearing aids could ease the strain.


Question: How can hearing loss make you feel that you're ears are clogged?

Answer: Age-related changes in how the brain processes sound can also make it harder to ignore background noise. Your ears feel clogged. If others in your house complain that the TV is too loud, it's time to get your hearing checked.


Question: How can hearing loss make it harder to follow a conversation in noisy places?

Answer: This can make it harder to understand anyone with a high-pitched voice, like children and women. If you have trouble hearing the high tones, you will hear the noise better than the speech of people around you. Age-related changes in how the brain processes sound can also make it harder to ignore background noise.


Question: Are are some signs of hearing loss?

Answer: The start of an age-related hearing problem can be just as subtle. Children's voices sound muffled or unclear. When aging takes a toll on your cochlea, the inner ear organ that helps you hear, the cells that detect high-pitched sounds are usually the first to fail. You can't follow the conversation in noisy places. You're exhausted after social events. You're watching people's lips instead of making eye contact. Your ears feel clogged. The volume on your TV keeps creeping up.


Question: What are symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Answer: Many people with this have none or just minor ones, and they live a normal life. Other people have ones that get more severe as the heart gets worse. Symptoms can happen at any age and may include: Shortness of breath (at first with exercise, but eventually at rest, too) Fatigue Inability to exercise Swelling of the legs and feet Weight gain Nausea, bloating, and poor appetite Palpitations (fluttering in the chest due to abnormal heart rhythms) Fainting Chest pain or pressure Its cause is often unknown but may include: Buildup of scar tissue Buildup of proteins in the heart muscle (your doctor may call this amyloidosis) Chemotherapy or chest exposure to radiation Too much iron in the heart (also called hemochromatosis) Other diseases In some cases, restrictive cardiomyopathy may be confused with something called constrictive pericarditis.


Question: Should people with restrictive cardiomyopathy exercise?

Answer: Exercise: Your doctor will let you know if it's a good idea for you to exercise. While being active is generally good for the heart, people with this may get very tired and short of breath, even after just a little bit of activity. Therefore, experts suggest you: Take frequent breaks. Exercise at a time of day when you have the most energy. Start slow, gradually building up strength and endurance.


Question: What medications can help with treating restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Answer: Medications: Some people may get better by taking types of drugs called beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors. If symptoms are still around, your doctor may add other medicines like digoxin, diuretics, and aldosterone inhibitors.


Question: How can the right diet help with treating restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Answer: Lifestyle changes might include: Diet: Once you have symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue, how much sodium you get from food becomes important. You'll be told how strict you need to be. It's a good idea to follow those instructions even when your symptoms get better.


Question: How is restrictive cardiomyopathy diagnosed?

Answer: Your doctor will figure out if you have restrictive cardiomyopathy based on: Your symptoms Your family's history of heart disease A physical exam Blood tests An electrocardiogram A chest X-ray An echocardiogram An exercise stress test Cardiac catheterization A CT scan An MRI A biopsy of the heart muscle (your doctor may call this a myocardial biopsy) is sometimes done to figure out the cause. A tissue sample is taken from your heart and looked at under a microscope.


Question: What medications can help with treating arrhythmia related to restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Answer: If you have an arrhythmia, your doctor may prescribe something to control your heart rate or make the arrhythmia happen less often. Therapy may also be given to treat things like sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, and hemochromatosis. Your doctor will let you know which medications are best for you.


Question: What condition is confused with restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Answer: Symptoms can happen at any age and may include: Shortness of breath (at first with exercise, but eventually at rest, too) Fatigue Inability to exercise Swelling of the legs and feet Weight gain Nausea, bloating, and poor appetite Palpitations (fluttering in the chest due to abnormal heart rhythms) Fainting Chest pain or pressure Its cause is often unknown but may include: Buildup of scar tissue Buildup of proteins in the heart muscle (your doctor may call this amyloidosis) Chemotherapy or chest exposure to radiation Too much iron in the heart (also called hemochromatosis) Other diseases In some cases, restrictive cardiomyopathy may be confused with something called constrictive pericarditis. That's where the layers of the sac that surrounds the heart (called the pericardium) become thickened, calcified, and stiff.


Question: Can surgery help with treating restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Answer: In some cases, if the condition is severe, your doctor may talk to you about a heart transplant.


Question: What is restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Answer: Restrictive cardiomyopathy is when the walls of the lower chambers of your heart (called the ventricles) are too rigid to expand as they fill with blood. The pumping ability of the ventricles may be normal, but it's harder for the ventricles to get enough blood. This leads to heart failure. Exercise at a time of day when you have the most energy.


Question: When should you call your doctor about low blood pressure?

Answer: You have been diagnosed with low blood pressure and are experiencing an increase in the frequency of symptoms, such as falling down or passing out.


Question: What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?

Answer: Dizziness Lightheadedness Unsteadiness Dimming or blurring of vision Weakness Fatigue Nausea Cold, clammy skin Fainting Pale skin You experience any of the symptoms listed above.


Question: What can happen if you have low blood pressure?

Answer: If your blood pressure gets severely low, there's a significant danger that your body will not receive enough oxygen to carry out its normal functions. Decreased oxygen can result in impaired functioning of the heart and brain and cause difficulty with breathing. Someone with low blood pressure can lose consciousness or go into shock (when the organs shut down).


Question: How common is lung cancer and what causes it?

Answer: More than four out of every five cases of lung cancer are associated with cigarette smoking.


Question: How is Munchausen syndrome treated?

Answer: Although a person with Munchausen syndrome actively seeks treatment for the various disorders he or she invents, the person often is unwilling to admit to and seek treatment for the syndrome itself. This makes treating people with Munchausen syndrome very challenging, and the outlook for recovery poor. When treatment is sought, the first goal is to modify the person's behavior and reduce his or her misuse or overuse of medical resources. Once this goal is met, treatment aims to work out any underlying psychological issues that may be causing the person's behavior. Another key goal is to help patients avoid dangerous and unnecessary medical diagnostic or treatment procedures (such as surgeries), often sought from different doctors who may be unaware that physical symptoms are either being faked or self-inflicted.


Question: What is Munchausen syndrome?

Answer: Munchausen syndrome is a factitious disorder, a mental disorder in which a person repeatedly and deliberately acts as if he or she has a physical or mental illness when he or she is not really sick. Munchausen syndrome is considered a mental illness because it is associated with severe emotional difficulties. Most of the symptoms in people with Munchausen syndrome are related to physical illness -- symptoms such as chest pain, stomach problems, or fever -- rather than those of a mental disorder.


Question: What happens when coronary arteries narrow?

Answer: When the coronary arteries narrow to the point that blood flow to the heart muscle is limited (coronary artery disease), a network of tiny blood vessels in the heart that aren't usually open (called collateral vessels) may enlarge and become active. This allows blood to flow around the blocked artery to the heart muscle, protecting the heart tissue from injury.


Question: How does blood flow through your lungs?

Answer: This is called the pulmonary circulation. From your pulmonic valve, blood travels to the pulmonary arteries and eventually to tiny capillary vessels in the lungs. Here, oxygen travels from the tiny air sacs in the lungs, through the walls of the capillaries, into the blood. At the same time, carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, passes from the blood into the air sacs. Carbon dioxide leaves the body when you exhale. Once the blood is oxygenated, it travels back to the left atrium through the pulmonary veins.


Question: What do valves do in the heart?

Answer: The heart valves work the same way as one-way valves in the plumbing of your home. They prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction. Each valve has a set of flaps, called leaflets or cusps. The mitral valve has two leaflets; the others have three. The leaflets are attached to and supported by a ring of tough, fibrous tissue called the annulus. The annulus helps to maintain the proper shape of the valve. The leaflets of the mitral and tricuspid valves are also supported by tough, fibrous strings called chordae tendineae. These are similar to the strings supporting a parachute. They extend from the valve leaflets to small muscles, called papillary muscles, which are part of the inside walls of the ventricles.


Question: How does blood flow through the right side of the heart?

Answer: Right side of the heart Blood enters the heart through two large veins, the inferior and superior vena cava, emptying oxygen-poor blood from the body into the right atrium. As the atrium contracts, blood flows from your right atrium into your right ventricle through the open tricuspid valve. When the ventricle is full, the tricuspid valve shuts. This prevents blood from flowing backward into the right atrium while the ventricle contracts. As the ventricle contracts, blood leaves the heart through the pulmonic valve, into the pulmonary artery and to the lungs, where it is oxygenated. The oxygenated blood then returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins.


Question: How does the heart beat?

Answer: The atria and ventricles work together, alternately contracting and relaxing to pump blood through your heart. This is your heartbeat. The electrical system of your heart is the power source that makes this possible.


Question: What does the heart look like on the inside?

Answer: On the inside, the heart is a four-chambered, hollow organ. It is divided into the left and right side by a muscular wall called the septum. The right and left sides of the heart are further divided into two top chambers called the atria, which receive blood from the veins, and two bottom chambers called ventricles, which pump blood into the arteries.


Question: What is a normal heart rate?

Answer: This fist-sized powerhouse beats (expands and contracts) 100,000 times per day, pumping five or six quarts of blood each minute, or about 2,000 gallons per day.


Question: How does blood travel through the heart?

Answer: As the heart beats, it pumps blood through a system of blood vessels, called the circulatory system. The vessels are elastic, muscular tubes that carry blood to every part of the body. Blood is essential. In addition to carrying fresh oxygen from the lungs and nutrients to your body's tissues, it also takes the body's waste products, including carbon dioxide, away from the tissues. This is necessary to sustain life and promote the health of all the body's tissues.


Question: What are the two major coronary arteries?

Answer: Two major coronary arteries branch off from the aorta near the point where the aorta and the left ventricle meet: Right coronary artery supplies the right atrium and right ventricle with blood. It branches into the posterior descending artery, which supplies the bottom portion of the left ventricle and back of the septum with blood. Left main coronary artery branches into the circumflex artery and the left anterior descending artery. The circumflex artery supplies blood to the left atrium, as well as the side and back of the left ventricle. The left anterior descending artery supplies the front and bottom of the left ventricle and the front of the septum with blood.


Question: How does blood flow through the left side of the heart?

Answer: Left side of the heart The pulmonary veins empty oxygen-rich blood from the lungs into the left atrium. As the atrium contracts, blood flows from your left atrium into your left ventricle through the open mitral valve. When the ventricle is full, the mitral valve shuts. This prevents blood from flowing backward into the atrium while the ventricle contracts. As the ventricle contracts, blood leaves the heart through the aortic valve, into the aorta and to the body.


Question: What are the coronary arteries in your heart?

Answer: Like all organs, your heart is made of tissue that requires a supply of oxygen and nutrients. Although its chambers are full of blood, the heart receives no nourishment from this blood. The heart receives its own supply of blood from a network of arteries, called the coronary arteries.


Question: Where is your heart and what does it look like?

Answer: The heart is located under the rib cage, under and to the left of your breastbone (sternum), and between your lungs. Looking at the outside of the heart, you can see that the heart is made of muscle. The strong muscular walls contract (squeeze), pumping blood to the arteries. The major blood vessels that are connected to the heart include the aorta, the superior vena cava, the inferior vena cava, the pulmonary artery (which takes oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs, where it is oxygenated), the pulmonary veins (which bring oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart) and the coronary arteries (which supply blood to the heart muscle).


Question: What valves are involved in the heart?

Answer: As blood leaves each chamber of the heart, it passes through a valve. There are four heart valves within the heart: Mitral valve Tricuspid valve Aortic valve Pulmonic valve (also called pulmonary valve) The tricuspid and mitral valves lie between the atria and ventricles. The aortic and pulmonic valves lie between the ventricles and the major blood vessels leaving the heart. The atria and ventricles work together, alternately contracting and relaxing to pump blood through your heart.


Question: What triggers a heart beat?

Answer: This is your heartbeat. The impulse starts in a small bundle of specialized cells called the SA node (sinoatrial node), located in the right atrium. This node is known as the heart's natural pacemaker. The electrical activity spreads through the walls of the atria and causes them to contract. A cluster of cells in the center of the heart between the atria and ventricles, the AV node (atrioventricular node) is like a gate that slows the electrical signal before it enters the ventricles. This delay gives the atria time to contract before the ventricles do. The His- Purkinje network is a pathway of fibers that sends the electrical impulse from the AV node to the muscular walls of the ventricles, causing them to contract.


Question: What are the three main types of blood vessels?

Answer: In addition to carrying fresh oxygen from the lungs and nutrients to your body's tissues, it also takes the body's waste products, including carbon dioxide, away from the tissues. These are small, thin blood vessels that connect the arteries and the veins. Their thin walls allow oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and other waste products to pass to and from cells. Veins. These are blood vessels that take blood back to the heart; this blood contains less oxygen and is rich in waste products that are to be excreted or removed from the body. Veins become larger as they get closer to the heart. The superior vena cava is the large vein that brings blood from the head and arms to the heart, and the inferior vena cava brings blood from the abdomen and legs into the heart. This vast system of blood vessels -- arteries, veins, and capillaries -- is over 60,000 miles long. That's long enough to go around the world more than twice! Blood flows continuously through your body's blood vessels. Your heart is the pump that makes it all possible. Here, oxygen travels from the tiny air sacs in the lungs, through the walls of the capillaries, into the blood. The heart receives its own supply of blood from a network of arteries, called the coronary arteries.


Question: How much blood does your heart pump?

Answer: This fist-sized powerhouse beats (expands and contracts) 100,000 times per day, pumping five or six quarts of blood each minute, or about 2,000 gallons per day. Blood flows continuously through your body's blood vessels. On the inside, the heart is a four-chambered, hollow organ.


Question: Who shouldn't get the chickenpox vaccine?

Answer: You should not be vaccinated against chickenpox if you: Are moderately to severely ill at the time of vaccination Are pregnant (women should not become pregnant for one month after receiving the chickenpox vaccine) Have ever had an allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or a previous dose of chickenpox vaccine These people should check with their doctor about getting the chickenpox vaccine: Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation for cancer People taking steroid drugs People with HIV or another disease that compromises the immune system Patients who recently had a blood transfusion or received other blood products The chickenpox vaccine is made from a live, weakened form of the varicella virus.


Question: Are there any risks associated with the chickenpox vaccine?

Answer: The most common side effect from the chickenpox vaccine is swelling, soreness, or redness at the site of the injection. A small number of people may also develop a mild rash or a low-grade fever after vaccination. Serious reactions to the chickenpox vaccine are extremely rare, but they may include: Seizures Brain infection Pneumonia Loss of balance Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) If you think you may be having a serious reaction to the chickenpox vaccine, call your health care provider right away.


Question: What should you do if you may be having a serious reaction to the chickenpox vaccine?

Answer: Serious reactions to the chickenpox vaccine are extremely rare, but they may include: Seizures Brain infection Pneumonia Loss of balance Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) If you think you may be having a serious reaction to the chickenpox vaccine, call your health care provider right away. Make a note of the symptoms you're experiencing, and report them to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System ( VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. Women who receive the chickenpox vaccine during pregnancy should contact their health care provider right away. Chickenpox during pregnancy can cause birth defects, so there may be a risk that the chickenpox vaccine could cause the same birth defects. As with other vaccines, the risks associated with the chickenpox vaccine are much lower than the risks associated with the disease itself.


Question: What is the best way to prevent chickenpox?

Answer: Some complications that can arise from chickenpox include: Skin infections Pneumonia Encephalitis (swelling in the brain) Shingles (later in life) Joint inflammation Vaccination is the best way to prevent chickenpox. A chickenpox vaccine has been available in the U. S. since 1995 and is easy to get from a doctor or a public health clinic. The chickenpox vaccine is very effective at preventing the disease -- between 70% and 90% of people who get vaccinated will be completely immune to chickenpox. If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, the symptoms will be very mild and only last for a few days.


Question: What's in the chickenpox vaccine?

Answer: You should not be vaccinated against chickenpox if you: Are moderately to severely ill at the time of vaccination Are pregnant (women should not become pregnant for one month after receiving the chickenpox vaccine) Have ever had an allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or a previous dose of chickenpox vaccine These people should check with their doctor about getting the chickenpox vaccine: Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation for cancer People taking steroid drugs People with HIV or another disease that compromises the immune system Patients who recently had a blood transfusion or received other blood products The chickenpox vaccine is made from a live, weakened form of the varicella virus. That means the virus is able to produce immunity in the body without causing illness.


Question: What complications can arise from chickenpox?

Answer: Some complications that can arise from chickenpox include: Skin infections Pneumonia Encephalitis (swelling in the brain) Shingles (later in life) Joint inflammation Vaccination is the best way to prevent chickenpox.


Question: When should adults be vaccinated against chickenpox?

Answer: Two doses of the vaccine should be given at least four weeks apart. If you've never had chickenpox or been vaccinated and you are exposed to chickenpox, being vaccinated right away will greatly reduce your risk of getting sick. Studies have shown that vaccination within three days of exposure is 90% effective at preventing illness; vaccination within five days of exposure is 70% effective. If you do get sick, the symptoms will be milder and shorter in duration. You should not be vaccinated against chickenpox if you: Are moderately to severely ill at the time of vaccination Are pregnant (women should not become pregnant for one month after receiving the chickenpox vaccine) Have ever had an allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or a previous dose of chickenpox vaccine These people should check with their doctor about getting the chickenpox vaccine: Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation for cancer People taking steroid drugs People with HIV or another disease that compromises the immune system Patients who recently had a blood transfusion or received other blood products The chickenpox vaccine is made from a live, weakened form of the varicella virus.


Question: What is chickenpox?

Answer: Symptoms of chickenpox include fever and itchy spots or blisters all over the body. Chickenpox is usually mild and runs its course in five to 10 days, but it can cause more serious problems when teens and adults get it. People with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to developing serious complications from chickenpox. That means the virus is able to produce immunity in the body without causing illness.


Question: How can a disorder of the hypothalamus lead to hypothyroidism?

Answer: An extremely rare form of hypothyroidism can occur if the hypothalamus in the brain does not produce enough of a hormone called TRH. TRH affects the release of TSH from the pituitary gland.


Question: What is the role of the thyroid in people with hypothyroidism?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } The thyroid gland is located in the front lower part of your neck. Hormones released by the gland travel through your bloodstream and affect nearly every part of your body, from your heart and brain, to your muscles and skin. The thyroid controls how your body's cells use energy from food, a process called metabolism. Among other things, your metabolism affects your body's temperature, your heartbeat, and how well you burn calories. If you don't have enough thyroid hormone, your body processes slow down. That means your body makes less energy, and your metabolism becomes sluggish.


Question: What causes hypothyroidism?

Answer: Thyroiditis" is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder. With Hashimoto's, your body produces antibodies that attack and destroy the thyroid gland. Thyroiditis may also be caused by a viral infection.


Question: How is hypothyroidism treated?

Answer: If you have hypothyroidism, your doctor will prescribe a synthetic (man-made) thyroid hormone T4. You take this pill every day. Certain other medications can interfere with how your body absorbs synthetic thyroid hormone. Make sure you doctor knows about all the medicines, herbs, and supplements you take, including over-the-counter products. You will need regular blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels. Your doctor may need to adjust your medication dose from time to time.


Question: What causes primary hypothyroidism?

Answer: Rarely, a problem with the pituitary gland can interfere with the production of thyroid hormone.


Question: How can radiation therapy to the neck area cause hypothyroidism?

Answer: Treating certain cancers, such as lymphoma, requires radiation to the neck. Radiation damages the cells in the thyroid. This makes it more difficult for the gland to produce hormone.


Question: How can use of certain medications lead to hypothyroidism?

Answer: Certain medicines to treat heart problems, psychiatric conditions, and cancer can sometimes affect the production of thyroid hormone. These include amiodarone ( Cordarone, Pacerone), , interferon alpha, and interleukin-2.


Question: How can problems with the thyroid at birth lead to hypothyroidism?

Answer: Some babies may be born with a thyroid gland that did not develop correctly or does not work properly. This type of hypothyroidism is called congenital hypothyroidism. Most hospitals in the U. S. screen babies at birth for this disease.


Question: Who is at risk for hypothyroidism?

Answer: Women, particularly older women, are more likely to develop hypothyroidism than men. You are also more likely to develop hypothyroidism if you have a close family member with an autoimmune disease. Other risk factors include: Race (being white or Asian) Age (growing older) Prematurely graying hair Autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, or vitiligo Bipolar disorder Down syndrome Turner syndrome If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, your doctor will order blood tests to check hormone levels.


Question: What causes tertiary hypothyroidism?

Answer: Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid disease, is a common disorder.


Question: What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Answer: Symptoms of hypothyroidism may be vague and can often mimic other conditions. They may include: Changes in the menstrual cycle Constipation Depression Dry hair and hair loss Dry skin Fatigue Greater sensitivity to cold Slow heart rate Swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter) Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight Carpal tunnel syndrome Babies with hypothyroidism may have no symptoms.


Question: How can thyroid surgery lead to hypothyroidism?

Answer: Surgery to remove the thyroid will lead to hypothyroidism. If only part of the thyroid is removed, the remaining gland may still be able to produce enough hormone for the body's needs.


Question: What are the complications of hypothyroidism?

Answer: Untreated, hypothyroidism may cause: Heart problems Infertility Joint pain Obesity Thyroid problems in a pregnant woman can affect the developing baby. During the first three months of pregnancy, the baby receives all thyroid hormone from its mother. If the mother has hypothyroidism, the baby does not get enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to problems with mental development. Extremely low levels of thyroid hormone can cause a life-threatening condition called myxedema. Myxedema is the most severe form of hypothyroidism. A person with myxedema can lose consciousness or go into a coma. The condition can also cause the body temperature to drop very low, which can cause death.


Question: What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in babies?

Answer: They may include: Changes in the menstrual cycle Constipation Depression Dry hair and hair loss Dry skin Fatigue Greater sensitivity to cold Slow heart rate Swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter) Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight Carpal tunnel syndrome Babies with hypothyroidism may have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can include: Cold hands and feet Constipation Extreme sleepiness Hoarse cry Little or no growth Low muscle tone (floppy infant) Persistent jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) Poor feeding habits Puffy face Stomach bloating Swollen tongue Make an appointment with your health care provider if you or your baby has any of these symptoms. It is important to note that these symptoms can be due to other medical conditions.


Question: How can pituitary gland damage or disorder lead to hypothyroidism?

Answer: Rarely, a problem with the pituitary gland can interfere with the production of thyroid hormone. The pituitary gland makes a hormone, called thyroid-stimulating hormone ( TSH), which tells your thyroid how much hormone it should make and release.


Question: How can radioactive iodine treatment cause hypothyroidism?

Answer: This treatment is commonly prescribed to people who have an overactive thyroid gland, a condition known as hyperthyroidism. However, radiation destroys the cells in the thyroid gland. This usually leads to hypothyroidism.


Question: How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?

Answer: These may include: Thyroid-stimulating hormone ( TSH) T4 (thyroxine) Lower-than-normal T4 levels usually mean you have hypothyroidism. However, some people may have increased TSH levels while having normal T4 levels. This is called subclinical (mild) hypothyroidism. It is believed to be an early stage of hypothyroidism. If your test results or physical exam of the thyroid are abnormal, your doctor may order a thyroid ultrasound, or thyroid scan, to check for nodules or inflammation. You will need regular blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels.


Question: How can pregnancy lead to hypothyroidism?

Answer: Thyroiditis" is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. Women with this condition usually have a severe increase in thyroid hormone levels followed by a sharp drop in thyroid hormone production. Most women with postpartum thyroiditis will regain their normal thyroid function. This is called subclinical (mild) hypothyroidism.


Question: How can too little iodine in the diet lead to hypothyroidism?

Answer: If only part of the thyroid is removed, the remaining gland may still be able to produce enough hormone for the body's needs. Your body doesn't make iodine, so you need to get it through your diet. Iodized table salt is rich in iodine. Other food sources of iodine include shellfish, saltwater fish, eggs, dairy products, and seaweed. Iodine deficiency is rare in the U. S. Pregnancy .


Question: What causes secondary hypothyroidism?

Answer: The thyroid needs iodine to produce thyroid hormone. For example, the pituitary gland or hypothalamus produce hormones that trigger the release of thyroid hormone. A problem with one of these glands can make your thyroid underactive.


Question: What is hypothyroidism?

Answer: With hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. "


Question: How are urinary tract infections (UTIs) in kids diagnosed?

Answer: Other symptoms of a UTI include: Burning or pain when your child pees Foul-smelling or cloudy pee An urgent need to go, and then only peeing a few drops Fever Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea If your child has symptoms of a UTI, see your pediatrician. The doctor will take a urine sample and test it for bacteria. He can collect urine in a number of ways: Older children can pee into a cup (doctors call this a âclean catchâ). Younger children who aren't toilet trained will have a plastic bag placed over their genitals to collect the urine. Children who wear diapers can have a tube (catheter) inserted into their urethra and bladder to collect the sample. In infants, the doctor can place a needle straight into the bladder through the stomach to get the sample.


Question: How are urinary tract infections (UTIs) in kids treated?

Answer: These medications kill bacteria. Kids usually take them for anywhere from 3 to 10 days (most commonly 7-10 days). Your doctor might do another urine test after your child finishes the medicine to see if the infection has cleared up. Make sure your child finishes all of her meds, even if she starts to feel better. Stopping too soon can make germs resistant to antibiotics and cause another infection. Most UTIs clear up in about a week. Some kids will have symptoms for a few weeks. Call your doctor if your child's symptoms don't start to improve after 3 days from when she started on antibiotics, or if they get worse.


Question: Why are girls more likely to get urinary tract infections (UTIs) than boys?

Answer: Bacteria from the anus can more easily get into the vagina and urethra. Some kids have a problem with their bladder or kidneys that makes them more likely to get UTIs. Narrowing in the urinary tract can block urine flow and allow germs to multiply. A condition called vesicoureteral reflux ( VUR) can cause urine to back up from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys.


Question: What imaging tests are used to diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) in kids?

Answer: If your child has had a few UTIs, your doctor might refer you to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and do one or more of these imaging tests to look for problems in the urinary tract: Ultrasound uses sound waves to show any blockages or other problems in the kidneys Voiding cystourethrogram ( VCUG) places fluid into the bladder through a tube to show any problems in the urethra or bladder when your child pees Nuclear scan uses liquids that contain a small amount of radioactive material to see how well the kidneys work CT, or computed tomography, is a powerful X-ray that makes detailed pictures of the bladder and kidneys MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make pictures of the bladder and kidneys Antibiotics, mainly.


Question: How can you prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in your kids?

Answer: Instruct girls to wipe from front to back. This helps to prevent bacteria in poop from getting into the vagina and urinary tract. Encourage your kids to go to the bathroom as soon as they feel the urge -- not to hold it in. Girls should avoid bubble baths and should not use perfumed soaps. And, they should wear cotton underwear -- not nylon -- to improve airflow and prevent bacteria from growing. Have your kids drink lots of water, which helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Extra water also prevents constipation, which can create blockages in the urinary tract that allow bacteria to grow.


Question: What are the main symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in kids?

Answer: The main symptoms are pain in the lower belly, back, or side and an urgent need to pee or pee more often. Some kids who already have been toilet trained lose control over their bladder, and may wet the bed. Infants can have more general symptoms, like fussiness, little interest in food, or a fever. Other symptoms of a UTI include: Burning or pain when your child pees Foul-smelling or cloudy pee An urgent need to go, and then only peeing a few drops Fever Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea If your child has symptoms of a UTI, see your pediatrician.


Question: How common are urinary tract infections (UTIs) in kids?

Answer: Colds and other respiratory infections are common. But kids can get urinary tract infections ( UTIs), too. Up to 8% of girls and 2% of boys will get a UTI by age 5. Sometimes the symptoms of this infection can be hard to spot in kids. It's important to get your child treated, because a UTI can turn into a more serious kidney infection. With the right treatment, your child should start to feel better in just a few days. Have your kids drink lots of water, which helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.


Question: What are examples of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)?

Answer: Examples of ARBs include: Atacand (candesartan) Avapro (irbesartan) Benicar (olmesartan) Cozaar (losartan) Diovan (valsartan) Micardis (telmisartan) Teveten (eprosartan) Some of the side effects of taking ARBs include: Dizziness , lightheadedness, or faintness upon rising, This side effect may be strongest after the first dose, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill).


Question: What are side effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)?

Answer: Examples of ARBs include: Atacand (candesartan) Avapro (irbesartan) Benicar (olmesartan) Cozaar (losartan) Diovan (valsartan) Micardis (telmisartan) Teveten (eprosartan) Some of the side effects of taking ARBs include: Dizziness , lightheadedness, or faintness upon rising, This side effect may be strongest after the first dose, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Physical problems. Diarrhea, muscle cramps or weakness, back or leg pain, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), irregular heartbeat, or fast or slow heartbeat, sinusitis or upper respiratory infection. Contact your doctor right away. Severe vomiting or diarrhea.


Question: How can I avoid pet allergens to prevent migraines?

Answer: Avoid pet allergens: Wash your hands after you touch any animal. If it lives in your home, keep it off your bed and out of your bedroom. Keep as few carpets and rugs in your home as you can. Wood floors, tile, and linoleum collect far less dander, the flakes of dead skin that cause most pet allergies. Vacuum any carpet you do have often.


Question: How can I control indoor allergens to prevent migraines?

Answer: Control indoor allergens: Keep your home free of dust. Clean with a wet mop instead of a broom. Use special covers on your box springs, mattress, and pillows to keep out dust mites. Wash your bedding each week in hot water, then dry on high heat.


Question: What else can I do to prevent migraines related to allergies?

Answer: No matter what kind of allergies you have, you can also: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mucus thin. Water should be your first choice. Sip a cup of green tea each morning. It contains natural antihistamines, so it may give you some relief. Rinse out your nasal passages. Some people find relief by using a saline spray in their nose a few times a day, but a sinus rinse or neti pot may help more. They can remove allergens from your nose while cleaning your nasal lining. Try this once a day, or twice if your allergy symptoms are severe.


Question: How do allergies cause migraine headaches?

Answer: The link is complex. Doctors are still trying to figure it out. So far, they know that your nervous system, endocrine (hormonal) system, and immune system all play a role. If you get migraines, you have a sensitive nervous system. Your body tends to react very quickly, or overreact, to changes in your environment that it views as threats. On top of that, exposure to allergens (things you're allergic to) triggers your immune system to release certain chemicals. They can fuel inflammation throughout your body, all of which can set you up for a migraine. If you're prone to migraine headaches, your symptoms may be more severe during allergy season. Some people can also have ânonallergicâ triggers like perfume, the smell of gasoline, cigarette smoke, and weather changes.


Question: How do decongestants treat allergies?

Answer: These can help open stuffy nasal passages and ease sinus pressure.


Question: What is the difference between a migraine and a sinus headache?

Answer: But if you have migraine headaches, you have an actual condition called migraine which results in migraine headaches. True sinus headaches are quite rare. In fact, most people who think they're having one are really having a migraine.


Question: Which allergy treatment should I avoid to prevent migraines?

Answer: They may be a good choice if you can't avoid what you're allergic to or medicines haven't helped. One allergy treatment you may need to avoid is steroid nasal sprays. They might bring on a migraine or make it worse.


Question: How does immunotherapy treat allergies?

Answer: Allergy shots can help cut back on migraine headaches. Plus, once you start taking them, any headaches you do have may be less severe. They expose your body to tiny amounts of the things you're allergic to. They may be a good choice if you can't avoid what you're allergic to or medicines haven't helped.


Question: When might your doctor want you to have an (AFP) tumor marker test?

Answer: Your doctor may want you to have an AFP tumor marker blood test to: Narrow down the cause of a lump in your liver, testicles, or ovaries Help decide the best treatment for cancer See how well a cancer treatment is working Make sure cancer hasn't come back after treatment AFP tests can also check for birth defects in an unborn baby. Doctors may test spinal fluid for AFP, too, depending on what they're looking for.


Question: When should you call your doctor about irregular periods?

Answer: You get your period more often than every 21 days.


Question: What can cause irregular periods?

Answer: You may have irregular periods if: The time between each period starts to change You lose more or less blood during a period than usual The number of days that your period lasts varies a lot Many things can cause irregular periods. Changes in your body's level of the hormones estrogen and progesterone can disrupt the normal pattern of your period. That's why young girls going through puberty and women approaching menopause commonly have irregular periods. Other common causes of irregular periods include: Having an intrauterine device ( IUD) Changing birth control pills or using certain medications Too much exercise Polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS) Pregnancy or breastfeeding Stress Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) Thickening of or polyps on the uterine lining Uterine fibroids A less common cause is severe scarring (adhesions) of the lining of the uterus, a condition that doctors call Asherman syndrome.


Question: When might you have irregular periods?

Answer: You may have irregular periods if: The time between each period starts to change You lose more or less blood during a period than usual The number of days that your period lasts varies a lot Many things can cause irregular periods.


Question: How can hormone therapy help with irregular periods?

Answer: An irregular menstrual cycle is often due to a lack of or imbalance in certain hormones in the body. Doctors often prescribe birth control pills (oral contraceptives) containing the hormones estrogen and progesterone to help control irregular periods. A hormone medication called progestin can also help trigger periods in women who don't get them. If you have irregular periods and are trying to get pregnant, your doctor may prescribe other hormone treatments.


Question: How are irregular periods treated?

Answer: Is your period irregular -- and if so, does it need treatment? Polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS) and hypothyroidism are two common causes of irregular periods in women. In general, the goal of treatment is to restore the balance of hormones in the body. If you have PCOS, your doctor may recommend birth control pills or other hormones to trigger a period. If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), you may need to take thyroid hormones.


Question: How does gastric banding work for weight loss?

Answer: Gastric banding involves placing a band around the top end of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. The band limits the amount of food you can eat by making you feel full after eating small amounts of food. There are two approved gastric banding devices and procedures approved in the U. S. -- LAP- BAND and the Realize band.


Question: What are the two restrictive weight loss surgery types?

Answer: Restrictive types of weight loss surgery are gastric banding, intragastric balloon, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. These procedures make less room in the stomach for food right after it's swallowed.


Question: What happens when you eat after gastric bypass surgery?

Answer: The band limits the amount of food you can eat by making you feel full after eating small amounts of food.


Question: How do you decide on what type of weight loss surgery to get?

Answer: After this surgery, when you eat, food bypasses most of your stomach and the first part of your small intestines. All types of weight loss surgery have pros and cons. Those that involve more cutting, sewing, and rearranging things inside of you may yield slightly better results, but they also may come with more side effects.


Question: How does a vertical sleeve gastrectomy work for weight loss?

Answer: Restrictive types of weight loss surgery are gastric banding, intragastric balloon, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. What remains of the stomach is a narrow tube or sleeve, which connects to the intestines.


Question: What does incentive spirometer look like?

Answer: It's made of plastic and is about the size of a small notebook. It has a mouthpiece that looks like a vacuum tube. When you inhale with it, the suction will move a disc or a piston up inside a clear cylinder. The deeper you breathe, the higher the piston rises. Most spirometers have numbers on the cylinder to show how much air you take in. They also may have a gauge to tell if you're inhaling at the right pace.


Question: Can you get ADHD as an adult?

Answer: Many people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) don't know they have it until they're adults. It was there all along, but they never got tested for it. Others have known they had it since childhood. But the symptoms -- and the stress it adds to life -- can change with age. For example, you might be less hyperactive as an adult. But there's a good chance you still have symptoms that affect your quality of life. Adults can have problems with paying attention, controlling impulses, and staying organized. And that can affect your work, relationships, and self-esteem.


Question: Who shouldn't take stimulants to treat ADHD?

Answer: Common side effects include: Anorexia or loss of appetite Anxiety or panic Dry mouth Headache Jitteriness Moodiness Slight increase in blood pressure and pulse Trouble sleeping Stimulants are effective, but they're not for everyone. For some, the side effects can be too much. And you want to avoid stimulants if you have certain conditions, such as: Bipolar disorder Anxiety Heartbeat that's faster than normal or whose rhythm is off High blood pressure Psychosis Severe anorexia Substance abuse problems Tourette's syndrome Non-stimulants.


Question: Does talk therapy help treat adult ADHD?

Answer: The right medicine, along with a good therapist, is a powerful combo. Talk therapy can help you and your family members learn more about how ADHD works and how to better deal with the problems it can create.


Question: How can an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) coach help treat adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Answer: You can learn practical skills, including how to make plans, set goals, manage time, and stay organized. A coach can share suggestions and tips and keep you focused and motivated to make the changes you want. Studies show that coaching can help you reach goals, manage stress, and achieve more in your life.


Question: How can an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) coach help in treating adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Answer: As an adult, you also might need different skills to stay organized and manage your time. A coach can share suggestions and tips and keep you focused and motivated to make the changes you want. Studies show that coaching can help you reach goals, manage stress, and achieve more in your life.


Question: How long do I need to take ADHD meds as an adult?

Answer: And you'll be better able to tell if it's working. Your doctor may suggest: Going off the meds once a year to see if you still need them. Taking a drug holiday so your body doesn't get too used to it. Otherwise, you might need a higher dose.


Question: What medical conditions should avoid stimulants in the treatment of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Answer: Stimulants. These are often the first choice for ADHD, and they tend to work the best. For some, the side effects can be too much. And you want to avoid stimulants if you have certain conditions, such as: Bipolar disorder Anxiety Heartbeat that's faster than normal or whose rhythm is off High blood pressure Psychosis Severe anorexia Substance abuse problems Tourette's syndrome Non-stimulants.


Question: What medications work for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Answer: Many people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) don't know they have it until they're adults. Others have known they had it since childhood. Drugs are the main treatment for ADHD. But finding the one that works best for you may take some trial and error, and what works at first may not do so well. Also, while many drugs work for both children and adults with ADHD, clonidine ( Catapres, Jenloga, Kapvay), guanfacine ( Intuniv, Tenex), and modafinil ( Provigil) haven't been well-researched for adults and aren't prescribed much. And it's used to address issues like substance abuse and depression. These types of conditions, and the medicines you take to treat them, can affect ADHD, and vice versa.


Question: How can adults get the most out of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatments?

Answer: Many people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) don't know they have it until they're adults. Others have known they had it since childhood. The same treatments used for kids with ADHD also treat adults. For most people, it's a combination of medicine and talk therapy. Sometimes the meds you took as a child may work differently because your brain, body, and symptoms may have changed. As an adult, you also might need different skills to stay organized and manage your time. And you may need treatment for other issues like depression or anxiety. To get the most from any treatment, it's good to know specifically how ADHD affects you. Does it make it hard to meet deadlines at work? Are you struggling in relationships with your spouse or child? If you know, you can better seek care that's tailored for you. And you'll be better able to tell if it's working.


Question: How can talk therapy help treat adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Answer: For most people, it's a combination of medicine and talk therapy. Talk therapy can help you and your family members learn more about how ADHD works and how to better deal with the problems it can create. There are many types of talk therapy. Two common ones for ADHD are: Cognitive behavioral therapy. You learn to change your thoughts and actions in a way that gives you more control over your life. It can help with challenges in school, work, and relationships. And it's used to address issues like substance abuse and depression. Marriage counseling and family therapy. You and your family members learn how to communicate better and spot patterns that may cause issues. The counseling can help loved ones understand that the problems aren't simply about your being messy or forgetful.


Question: How do antidepressants help in treating adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Answer: These are often the first choice for ADHD, and they tend to work the best. Antidepressants. Your doctor might recommend it if you have a substance abuse problem or mood disorder, as well as ADHD.


Question: What are common side effects of stimulants for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Answer: These are often the first choice for ADHD, and they tend to work the best. Usually, you start at a low dose. You may be able to manage your side effects by changing the dose or time of day you take it. Common side effects include: Anorexia or loss of appetite Anxiety or panic Dry mouth Headache Jitteriness Moodiness Slight increase in blood pressure and pulse Trouble sleeping Stimulants are effective, but they're not for everyone.


Question: What are healthy sleep habits?

Answer: Go to sleep and wake up at about the same times every day. Try to get 7-8 hours of shut-eye per night. Don't eat a big meal close to your bedtime. Take your computer and TV out of your bedroom. Put your smartphone in a drawer, so the screen light doesn't keep you up. Exercise most days this week. Start a sleep diary. Write down how well and how long you rest. Don't drink alcohol at night.


Question: How can I prevent allergy when I am traveling?

Answer: Pack your allergy meds in your carry-on bag. Saline nasal spray can be especially helpful on planes and in hotel rooms where the air is dry. Bring an extra supply of medication in case you need them. Ask for a non- smoking room. Ask for non-allergenic pillows. Or bring your own hypoallergenic pillow cover from home. If possible, keep the vent on the room air conditioner shut. Eat in smoke-free restaurants.


Question: How can I prevent allergies when I'm outside?

Answer: Stay indoors as much as possible on hot, dry, windy days, when pollen counts tend to be highest. Wear a mask (like a low-cost painter's mask) when mowing the lawn if you're allergic to grass pollen or mold. Wear a mask when gardening if pollen bothers you. Avoid raking leaves or working with hay or mulch if you're allergic to mold. After being outdoors, take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes to remove pollen. To protect yourself from insect stings , wear shoes, long pants, and sleeves. Don't wear scented deodorants, perfumes, shampoos, or hair products. Don't hang clothes or linens outdoors to dry.


Question: How is multiple sclerosis (MS) disability rated?

Answer: It also involves observation of functions like these: Weakness or trouble moving limbs Tremor or loss of coordination Problems with speech, swallowing, or involuntary eye movements Numbness or loss of sensation Bowel and bladder function Visual function Mental functions With the help of the FSS, the examiner rates your disability on the EDSS scale. It ranges from 0 to 10, with half points for greater specificity. Lower numbers indicate less severe disability. Higher numbers reflect a greater degree of disability, mostly in relation to mobility: 0 = Normal 1-1.5 = No disability, but some abnormal neurological signs 2-2.5 = Minimal disability 3-4.5 = Moderate disability, affecting daily activities, but you can still walk 5-8 = More severe disability, impairing your daily activities and requiring assistance with walking 8.5-9.5 = Very severe disability, restricting you to bed 10 = Death It's important to recognize that a one-point change at the lower end of the scale reflects more subtle changes than at the upper end of the scale. For example, a one-point change between 2 and 3 is not as great a progression of disability as between 8 and 9.


Question: How is the multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC) used to measure disability?

Answer: The MSFC is a newer measurement system. It is sensitive to changes other than mobility. Although office staff can administer it, the MSFC takes more time to do, so it is currently used less in clinical practice and more for clinical trials. Computer-based tests are being developed, however, which may make it easier to use in the future. Here's what the MSFC measures: Walking speed, using a timed 25-foot walk Arm and hand dexterity, using a nine-hole peg test Cognitive function, such as how well you can do math calculations, using the Paced Auditory Serial Additions Test ( PASAT) A wide range of other measures is used to assess multiple sclerosis disability.


Question: How does multiple sclerosis (MS) progression vary?

Answer: Multiple sclerosis progression varies from person to person. And, the various MS types of disease progress in different ways, too. Scans and other multiple sclerosis tests don't always tell the whole story about MS disability; signs and symptoms and how well you are functioning each day -- from seeing to moving to thinking -- are also important measures of how well your central nervous system is working.


Question: What specific aspects of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) do other scales measure?

Answer: For example, the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life questionnaire asks you questions about your: Physical, cognitive, social, and sexual function Limitations due to physical or emotional problems Perceptions about your health Pain Energy Overall quality of life Emotional health Other scales measure specific aspects of disability such as: Bladder or bowel control Visual impairment Fatigue Mental health Pain Additional tests may help with measuring MS progression in the future. Work closely with your neurologist to determine which tests are recommended.


Question: How are disease steps (DS) used to measure multiple sclerosis (MS) disability?

Answer: This is a simple way to measure MS disability, mainly based on your ability to walk. Doctors use it as a way to know when to begin therapy and to tell how you are responding to therapy. Scores range from 0, which is normal, to 6, which means you are unable to walk at all. To establish the rating, you walk 25 feet. In addition, the doctor takes a medical history and performs both physical and neurological exams. Altogether, the time needed to create the rating is no more than about 30 minutes.


Question: What are other measures of multiple sclerosis (MS) disability?

Answer: Here's what the MSFC measures: Walking speed, using a timed 25-foot walk Arm and hand dexterity, using a nine-hole peg test Cognitive function, such as how well you can do math calculations, using the Paced Auditory Serial Additions Test ( PASAT) A wide range of other measures is used to assess multiple sclerosis disability. In many cases, these are simple questionnaires. For example, the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life questionnaire asks you questions about your: Physical, cognitive, social, and sexual function Limitations due to physical or emotional problems Perceptions about your health Pain Energy Overall quality of life Emotional health Other scales measure specific aspects of disability such as: Bladder or bowel control Visual impairment Fatigue Mental health Pain Additional tests may help with measuring MS progression in the future.


Question: What is the functional system score for multiple sclerosis?

Answer: On a scale of 0 to 6, FSS measures how well your major central nervous systems are working and assigns a score to your disability. This incorporates information about your gait and use of assistive devices. It also involves observation of functions like these: Weakness or trouble moving limbs Tremor or loss of coordination Problems with speech, swallowing, or involuntary eye movements Numbness or loss of sensation Bowel and bladder function Visual function Mental functions With the help of the FSS, the examiner rates your disability on the EDSS scale.


Question: How is the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) used to measure multiple sclerosis (MS) disability?

Answer: The EDSS focuses mainly on your ability to walk. It is a less sensitive measure of other types of multiple sclerosis disability. It takes about 30 minutes to create a score. Then a few minutes are needed to establish the ratings in the EDSS scale.