Question: When should I call my doctor about bursitis?

Answer: Common symptoms of bursitis include: Pain and (rarely) swelling in the shoulders, elbows, hips, or knees, particularly stretching or extending the joint while exercising, lifting, or otherwise pushing the joint to its limits Restricted or lost range of motion in a joint, especially affecting the shoulder, with or without immediate pain Muscle weakness due to pain Pain in or near a joint persists more than two weeks. You are unable to move the affected area. You have unusual swelling near a joint, such as the elbow. You have a fever with your bursitis symptoms.


Question: What are the side effects of taking alpha-lipoic acid?

Answer: Side effects. Generally, side effects are uncommon. These supplements could cause nausea, dizziness, or a rash. Topical alpha-lipoic acid can irritate the skin.


Question: How safe is alpha-lipoic acid?

Answer: So far, the evidence is not clear.


Question: What is alpha-lipoic acid?

Answer: Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that's in many foods, and it's made naturally in our bodies. For many years, high doses of alpha-lipoic acid supplements have been used in parts of Europe for certain types of nerve damage. Studies suggest that they might also help with type 2 diabetes.


Question: What interactions can happen from taking alpha-lipoic acid?

Answer: If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, see your doctor before you start using alpha-lipoic acid. People with diabetes need to be especially careful. Using it along with diabetes drugs could make blood sugar levels drop too low. Alpha-lipoic acid might also decrease the effect of some chemotherapy drugs. It could also interact with certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, tranquilizers, vasodilators (used for heart disease or high blood pressure), and drugs for osteoarthritis.


Question: How much alpha-lipoic acid should you take?

Answer: Because alpha-lipoic acid is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. However, studies have used between 600-1,800 milligrams daily for diabetes and neuropathy; one review concluded that the evidence is convincing for the use of 600 milligrams daily for three weeks on symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Some studies have used intravenous alpha-lipoic acid instead of oral supplements.


Question: What are the risks associated with taking alpha-lipoic acid?

Answer: Your doctor might want to test your glucose levels regularly while you use alpha-lipoic acid supplements. If you have thyroid problems, a thiamine deficiency (sometimes found in alcoholics or those with anorexia, for example), or any other medical issue, talk to your doctor before you start taking alpha-lipoic acid supplements. Interactions. If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, see your doctor before you start using alpha-lipoic acid.


Question: What are the effects of long-term use of alpha-lipoic acid?

Answer: Studies suggest that they might also help with type 2 diabetes. However, more research needs to be done. Alpha-lipoic acid might also decrease the effect of some chemotherapy drugs.


Question: Can you get alpha-lipoic acid naturally from foods?

Answer: Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that's in many foods, and it's made naturally in our bodies. They include spinach, broccoli, yams, potatoes, yeast, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, and rice bran. Red meat -- and particularly organ meat -- is also a source of alpha-lipoic acid.


Question: Can infections trigger eczema?

Answer: Psoriasis often shows up on places like your: Elbows Knees Scalp and face Lower back Palms of your hands Soles of your feet You may also have patches on other areas, such as: Fingernails and toenails Mouth and lips Eyelids Ears Skin folds Eczema usually results from things that irritate your skin, like: Soaps Detergents Disinfectants Juices from produce or meats Things that cause allergies can also set off eczema, like: Dust Pets Pollen Mold Dandruff Some foods Infections can start up eczema, and so can stress, sweating, heat, humidity, and changes in your hormones.


Question: How does eczema feel like?

Answer: Eczema causes an intense itch. It can get so bad that you scratch enough to make your skin bleed.


Question: What conditions are linked to psoriasis?

Answer: If your disease is limited, or mild, you may be able to control it with topical corticosteroids and emollients.


Question: Where does eczema appear on the body?

Answer: You can have it on your neck, wrists, and ankles. Babies sometimes get it on their chin, cheeks, scalp, chest, back, arms, and legs. Psoriasis often shows up on places like your: Elbows Knees Scalp and face Lower back Palms of your hands Soles of your feet You may also have patches on other areas, such as: Fingernails and toenails Mouth and lips Eyelids Ears Skin folds Eczema usually results from things that irritate your skin, like: Soaps Detergents Disinfectants Juices from produce or meats Things that cause allergies can also set off eczema, like: Dust Pets Pollen Mold Dandruff Some foods Infections can start up eczema, and so can stress, sweating, heat, humidity, and changes in your hormones.


Question: What triggers psoriasis?

Answer: Psoriasis shares some of these triggers, like stress and infection. But you can also get flare-ups when your skin is injured, for example by: Vaccination Sunburn Scratches Some medications can also bring on a psoriasis flare, like , which treats bipolar disorder, or drugs for malaria.


Question: What triggers eczema?

Answer: Psoriasis often shows up on places like your: Elbows Knees Scalp and face Lower back Palms of your hands Soles of your feet You may also have patches on other areas, such as: Fingernails and toenails Mouth and lips Eyelids Ears Skin folds Eczema usually results from things that irritate your skin, like: Soaps Detergents Disinfectants Juices from produce or meats Things that cause allergies can also set off eczema, like: Dust Pets Pollen Mold Dandruff Some foods Infections can start up eczema, and so can stress, sweating, heat, humidity, and changes in your hormones.


Question: What age does eczema start?

Answer: Eczema usually starts in babies or young children. Often, symptoms improve when a kid becomes a grown-up. It's less common, but possible, to get it as an adult. When that happens, it's usually because you have another condition like thyroid disease, hormone changes, or stress.


Question: At what age do people get psoriasis?

Answer: Psoriasis, on the other hand, usually shows up between ages 15 and 35. But you can get it at other ages too. It's rare for a baby to have it.


Question: Where does psoriasis show up?

Answer: Psoriasis often shows up on places like your: Elbows Knees Scalp and face Lower back Palms of your hands Soles of your feet You may also have patches on other areas, such as: Fingernails and toenails Mouth and lips Eyelids Ears Skin folds Eczema usually results from things that irritate your skin, like: Soaps Detergents Disinfectants Juices from produce or meats Things that cause allergies can also set off eczema, like: Dust Pets Pollen Mold Dandruff Some foods Infections can start up eczema, and so can stress, sweating, heat, humidity, and changes in your hormones.


Question: Is eczema linked to any other conditions?

Answer: If you have it, you may also have diabetes, heart disease, or depression.


Question: What conditions are linked to eczema?

Answer: If you have it, you may also have diabetes, heart disease, or depression.


Question: Where does eczema show up?

Answer: You can have it on your neck, wrists, and ankles. Babies sometimes get it on their chin, cheeks, scalp, chest, back, arms, and legs. Psoriasis often shows up on places like your: Elbows Knees Scalp and face Lower back Palms of your hands Soles of your feet You may also have patches on other areas, such as: Fingernails and toenails Mouth and lips Eyelids Ears Skin folds Eczema usually results from things that irritate your skin, like: Soaps Detergents Disinfectants Juices from produce or meats Things that cause allergies can also set off eczema, like: Dust Pets Pollen Mold Dandruff Some foods Infections can start up eczema, and so can stress, sweating, heat, humidity, and changes in your hormones.


Question: Can things that cause allergies set off eczema?

Answer: Psoriasis often shows up on places like your: Elbows Knees Scalp and face Lower back Palms of your hands Soles of your feet You may also have patches on other areas, such as: Fingernails and toenails Mouth and lips Eyelids Ears Skin folds Eczema usually results from things that irritate your skin, like: Soaps Detergents Disinfectants Juices from produce or meats Things that cause allergies can also set off eczema, like: Dust Pets Pollen Mold Dandruff Some foods Infections can start up eczema, and so can stress, sweating, heat, humidity, and changes in your hormones.


Question: What does eczema look like?

Answer: Both are skin conditions with similar symptoms, but there are ways to tell them apart. It can also cause swelling. They may be silvery and scaly -- and raised up high. But if you look closely, the skin is thicker and more inflamed than with eczema.


Question: When should you call your doctor or dermatologist about poison ivy, oak, or sumac?

Answer: Call your doctor or a dermatologist for: Severe blistering, swelling, and itching Symptoms in sensitive areas such as the eyes, lips, throat, or genitals Fever A rash over large areas of your body A rash lasting longer than a week to 10 days Blisters that become infected with pus Get immediate medical help for any difficulty breathing or severe coughing after exposure to burning plants.


Question: How are rashes from poison ivy, oak, and sumac treated?

Answer: Self-care for a mild rash includes: Wash the area well with mild soap and lukewarm water as soon as possible after contact. Wash all clothes, shoes, socks, tools, pets, and toys that may have become contaminated. Cool compresses may help during the blistering phase. Use a topical corticosteroid cream on the rash as directed by your doctor. Try calamine lotion for the itching, but avoid skin products that contain anesthetics or antihistamines, which can cause their own allergic reaction. To help relieve the itch, try cool showers or a mixture of baking soda and water applied to the area. If sleep is a problem because of the itching, try an over-the-counter oral antihistamine at night.


Question: What is poison ivy, oak and sumac?

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(); }); } Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are all plants that can cause a temporary, irritating rash when they come in contact with your skin. This rash is a form of allergic contact dermatitis. Dermatitis simply means an irritation of the skin. It's called "allergic contact dermatitis" because the rash is caused by contact with a substance to which you're allergic.


Question: What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to poison ivy, oak, and sumac?

Answer: Three types of transmission can occur: Direct contact with the plant Indirect contact when you touch pets, gardening tools, sports equipment, or other objects that had direct contact with the plant Airborne contact from burning these plants, which releases particles of urushiol into the air that can penetrate the skin, eyes, nose, throat, or respiratory system Symptoms, which generally last from one to two weeks, include: Red streaks or patches Itching Rash Swelling Blisters that may "weep" (leak fluid) and later crust over Inflammation and a burning sensation Does it matter which plant you're exposed to?


Question: How are poison ivy, oak, and sumac rashes diagnosed?

Answer: Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are generally diagnosed by their common symptoms of a rash, blisters, and itching following activity outside in a forest or field, but if you have any doubt, ask your doctor.


Question: How can I prevent rashes from poison ivy, oak, and sumac?

Answer: Remember the old adage: " Leaflets three, let them be." Poison ivy and poison oak have a triple-leaf structure you can learn to recognize -- and then avoid. Avoid any contact with these plants when possible. Cover your skin completely when hiking, camping, or working in forests and around shrubs; wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves, socks, and boots. Remember that you can also get a rash from indirect contact from clothes, pets, or tools that have urushiol on them. Ask your doctor about over-the-counter skin products that contain a barrier such as bentoquatam to help protect the skin from urushiol if you work outside in forestry or other jobs at risk of frequent exposure.


Question: What causes the rashes of poison ivy, oak, and sumac?

Answer: Urushiol quickly penetrates the skin, often leaving red lines that show where you brushed against the plant. Symptoms appear 24 to 72 hours after exposure. Scratching the itchy rash doesn't cause it to spread but can prolong skin healing and cause a secondary infection. The rash isn't contagious, so you won't spread it to others by going to school or work. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are generally diagnosed by their common symptoms of a rash, blisters, and itching following activity outside in a forest or field, but if you have any doubt, ask your doctor.


Question: How are shin splints treated?

Answer: Rest your body. It needs time to heal. Ice your shin to ease pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain is gone. Use insoles or orthotics for your shoes. Shoe inserts -- which can be custom-made or bought off the shelf -- may help if your arches collapse or flatten when you stand up. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers, if you need them. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, will help with pain and swelling.


Question: What causes shin splints?

Answer: This common problem can result from: Flat feet -- when the impact of a step makes your foot's arch collapse (your doctor will call this overpronation) Shoes that don't fit well or provide good support Working out without warmup or cooldown stretches Weak ankles, hips, or core muscles If you're active, you could get them if you make sudden changes like more intense, more frequent, or longer workouts.


Question: How do I know if my shin splints are healed?

Answer: Your injured leg feels as strong as your other leg. You can push hard on spots that used to be painful. You can jog, sprint, and jump without pain. There's no way to say exactly when your shin splints will go away. It depends on what caused them. People also heal at different rates; 3 to 6 months isn't unusual.


Question: What happens when a person is quarantined?

Answer: During quarantine people are able to do most things they can do indoors within the constraints of the location they are at. For example, if people are asked to stay at home then they would usually be asked to take their own temperature and report daily to health authorities on how they are feeling. They are given instructions on what they can do and not do around family members and are informed of other disease precautions.


Question: What is quarantine?

Answer: That is, they may be asked to remain at home or another location to prevent further spread of illness to others and to carefully monitor for the disease. These measures are implemented to contain and prevent the transmission of an infectious disease.


Question: How is sleep paralysis diagnosed?

Answer: Other factors that may be linked to sleep paralysis include: Lack of sleep Sleep schedule that changes Mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder Sleeping on the back Other sleep problems such as narcolepsy or nighttime leg cramps Use of certain medications, such as those for ADHD Substance abuse If you find yourself unable to move or speak for a few seconds or minutes when falling asleep or waking up, then it is likely you have isolated recurrent sleep paralysis. Often there is no need to treat this condition. Check with your doctor if you have any of these concerns: You feel anxious about your symptoms Your symptoms leave you very tired during the day Your symptoms keep you up during the night Your doctor may want to gather more information about your sleep health by doing any of the following: Ask you to describe your symptoms and keep a sleep diary for a few weeks Discuss your health history, including any known sleep disorders or any family history of sleep disorders Refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation Conduct overnight sleep studies or daytime nap studies to make sure you do not have another sleep disorder Most people need no treatment for sleep paralysis.


Question: What happens with hypnopompic sleep paralysis?

Answer: NREM sleep occurs first and takes up to 75% of your overall sleep time. During NREM sleep, your body relaxes and restores itself. At the end of NREM, your sleep shifts to REM. Your eyes move quickly and dreams occur, but the rest of your body remains very relaxed. Your muscles are "turned off" during REM sleep. If you become aware before the REM cycle has finished, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.


Question: How is sleep paralysis treated?

Answer: Often there is no need to treat this condition. Check with your doctor if you have any of these concerns: You feel anxious about your symptoms Your symptoms leave you very tired during the day Your symptoms keep you up during the night Your doctor may want to gather more information about your sleep health by doing any of the following: Ask you to describe your symptoms and keep a sleep diary for a few weeks Discuss your health history, including any known sleep disorders or any family history of sleep disorders Refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation Conduct overnight sleep studies or daytime nap studies to make sure you do not have another sleep disorder Most people need no treatment for sleep paralysis. Treating any underlying conditions such as narcolepsy may help if you are anxious or unable to sleep well. These treatments may include the following: Improving sleep habits -- such as making sure you get six to eight hours of sleep each night Using antidepressant medication if it is prescribed to help regulate sleep cycles Treating any mental health problems that may contribute to sleep paralysis Treating any other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or leg cramps There's no need to fear nighttime demons or alien abductors.


Question: What happens when hypnagogic sleep paralysis develops?

Answer: As you fall asleep, your body slowly relaxes. Usually you become less aware, so you do not notice the change. However, if you remain or become aware while falling asleep, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.


Question: Is sleep paralysis a symptom of a serious problem?

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(); }); } Over the centuries, symptoms of sleep paralysis have been described in many ways and often attributed to an "evil" presence: unseen night demons in ancient times, the old hag in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and alien abductors. Almost every culture throughout history has had stories of shadowy evil creatures that terrify helpless humans at night. People have long sought explanations for this mysterious sleep-time paralysis and the accompanying feelings of terror. Other factors that may be linked to sleep paralysis include: Lack of sleep Sleep schedule that changes Mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder Sleeping on the back Other sleep problems such as narcolepsy or nighttime leg cramps Use of certain medications, such as those for ADHD Substance abuse If you find yourself unable to move or speak for a few seconds or minutes when falling asleep or waking up, then it is likely you have isolated recurrent sleep paralysis. Check with your doctor if you have any of these concerns: You feel anxious about your symptoms Your symptoms leave you very tired during the day Your symptoms keep you up during the night Your doctor may want to gather more information about your sleep health by doing any of the following: Ask you to describe your symptoms and keep a sleep diary for a few weeks Discuss your health history, including any known sleep disorders or any family history of sleep disorders Refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation Conduct overnight sleep studies or daytime nap studies to make sure you do not have another sleep disorder Most people need no treatment for sleep paralysis.


Question: Who develops sleep paralysis?

Answer: Sleep paralysis may accompany other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. This common condition is often first noticed in the teen years. Sleep paralysis may run in families. Other factors that may be linked to sleep paralysis include: Lack of sleep Sleep schedule that changes Mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder Sleeping on the back Other sleep problems such as narcolepsy or nighttime leg cramps Use of certain medications, such as those for ADHD Substance abuse If you find yourself unable to move or speak for a few seconds or minutes when falling asleep or waking up, then it is likely you have isolated recurrent sleep paralysis.


Question: When does sleep paralysis usually occur?

Answer: If it occurs while you are falling asleep, it's called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. If it happens as you are waking up, it's called hypnopompic or postdormital sleep paralysis. One cycle of REM and NREM sleep lasts about 90 minutes.


Question: What is sleep paralysis?

Answer: During these transitions, you may be unable to move or speak for a few seconds up to a few minutes. If it occurs while you are falling asleep, it's called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. Other factors that may be linked to sleep paralysis include: Lack of sleep Sleep schedule that changes Mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder Sleeping on the back Other sleep problems such as narcolepsy or nighttime leg cramps Use of certain medications, such as those for ADHD Substance abuse If you find yourself unable to move or speak for a few seconds or minutes when falling asleep or waking up, then it is likely you have isolated recurrent sleep paralysis. These treatments may include the following: Improving sleep habits -- such as making sure you get six to eight hours of sleep each night Using antidepressant medication if it is prescribed to help regulate sleep cycles Treating any mental health problems that may contribute to sleep paralysis Treating any other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or leg cramps There's no need to fear nighttime demons or alien abductors.


Question: How is chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) diagnosed?

Answer: They include: Alcoholic drinks Tight clothing Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDS) like aspirin and ibuprofen Exercise Cold Heat If you've had hives for several weeks and don't know why, see your doctor. She'll want to know: When and where they pop up How long they last Possible triggers If you have swelling What other symptoms you have If you're taking new meds She'll also ask about the foods you eat and if you have pets, to see if an allergy is to blame. She may check for other illnesses or conditions that could be causing the hives, like an overactive or underactive thyroid.


Question: What are some common triggers of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives)?

Answer: Even though doctors can't say for sure what causes CIU, they do know things that can lead to flare-ups. They include: Alcoholic drinks Tight clothing Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDS) like aspirin and ibuprofen Exercise Cold Heat If you've had hives for several weeks and don't know why, see your doctor.


Question: What is chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives)?

Answer: They're often caused by an allergic reaction to a food or drug. Usually, they go away quickly. For a small number of people, though, hives come back again and again, with no known cause. When new outbreaks happen almost every day for 6 weeks or more, it's called chronic idiopathic urticaria ( CIU). Some people get chronic hives at the same time that they get other problems like thyroid disease, hormonal problems, or cancer.


Question: What causes night blindness?

Answer: The problem comes from a disorder of the cells in your retina that allow you to see dim light. It has many causes: Nearsightedness Glaucoma Glaucoma medications that close the pupil Cataracts Diabetes Retinitis pigmentosa Vitamin A deficiency Keratoconus To pinpoint the cause, your eye doctor will carry out a full exam.


Question: How can reducing cholesterol help improve your erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: You can lower your cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication.


Question: Why would you get allergy tests for asthma?

Answer: They help your doctor find out if allergies trigger your asthma. These tests won't identify asthma triggers such as exercise, stress, or illnesses like a cold. Allergy tests alone are not enough to make an asthma diagnosis.


Question: What is a skin prick allergy test?

Answer: Skin prick test: The skin prick test is the most common allergy skin test. First, you get a series of tiny drops of allergens on your skin, usually on your back. Then you get a quick needle prick in the skin underneath each drop. If you're allergic, you'll get a dime-sized hive that's red and itchy at the needle prick site. You may need a follow-up test to check the results.


Question: What is a patch test for allergies?

Answer: Patch test: Your doctor applies the allergen to a patch. You'll leave the patch on your skin for 48 hours. If your skin turns red, gets irritated, and itches, the chances are great that you have an allergy.


Question: Why would you get allergy skin tests if you have asthma?

Answer: Allergy tests are a way to get to the bottom of what's causing your asthma symptoms. Several types of allergy tests help with asthma, including skin tests and blood tests. If you have poorly controlled asthma, trouble breathing, or a high risk of anaphylactic reactions, your doctor may wait to do skin tests. Ask your doctor if you need to do anything before the test. For example, you should stop taking antihistamines before you get an allergy test. Your doctor may have other specific instructions, too. Intradermal test: If your skin prick test was negative, your doctor may try an intradermal test.


Question: What is an intradermal allergy test?

Answer: Intradermal test: If your skin prick test was negative, your doctor may try an intradermal test. Intradermal allergy tests are often used for environmental allergies and drug allergies. That means they show that you have an allergy when you actually don't. Intradermal tests are also more likely to cause an allergic reaction that affects your whole body.


Question: How can you breathe better if you have heart failure?

Answer: To breathe better: Listen to your body and slow down when you're short of breath. Take breaks throughout the day: read, pay bills, write letters, use the computer for fun. Use music, meditation, or yoga to ease stress. If you feel breathless, short of breath, or you have trouble breathing, talk to your doctor. He may ask you to eat less salt or drink less liquid for a couple of days. If neither of these helps, call your doctor. He may need to tweak your medicine.


Question: What is intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET)?

Answer: Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. Sometimes the discs can become damaged and cause pain. IDET uses heat to modify the nerve fibers of a spinal disc and to destroy pain receptors in the area. In this procedure, a wire called an electrothermal catheter is placed through an incision in the disc. An electrical current passes through the wire, heating a small outer portion of the disc to a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. IDET is performed as an outpatient procedure while the patient is awake and under a local anesthesia.


Question: What is radiofrequency discal nucleoplasty?

Answer: Radiofrequency discal nucleoplasty is a newer procedure which utilizes a radio frequency probe instead of heating wire to disintegrate a small portion of the central disc material. The result of this intervention is partial decompression of the disc, which may help relieve pain caused by bulging discs pressing on nearby spinal nerve roots.


Question: What is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy?

Answer: One of the most common forms of electrical stimulation used for pain management is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation ( TENS) therapy, which provides short-term pain relief. In TENS therapy for pain management, a small, battery-operated device delivers low-voltage electrical current through the skin via electrodes placed near the source of pain. The electricity from the electrodes stimulates nerves in the affected area and sends signals to the brain that "scramble" normal pain perception.


Question: Why is rhinoplasty done?

Answer: Types of rhinoplasty include: Removing a hump on the nose Straightening the bridge Reshaping the nose's tip Increasing or decreasing the size of the nostrils Correcting the nose after an injury Opening breathing passages Making the nose bigger or smaller Nose jobs can be done to change how you look or for medical reasons. For example, some people may need surgery to repair a problem with the cartilage that divides one nostril from the other. Others may just want to make their nose smaller.


Question: What is rhinoplasty?

Answer: Getting a "nose job," which doctors call rhinoplasty, can be very simple or very complex. When done correctly by an experienced surgeon, it can make a big difference in how a person looks.


Question: Where should I get rhinoplasty?

Answer: It's best to have the procedure done in an accredited facility. If you have a complication, an experienced surgeon working with a well-trained team will be able to assess and correct the situation. You should talk to your surgeon in advance to describe your goals and learn about the risks and benefits.


Question: What are risks of rhinoplasty?

Answer: Any type of surgery has risks. These include bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia. Risks of rhinoplasty include: Numbness Nosebleeds Scarring at the base of the nose Bursting of small blood vessels on the skin's surface Swelling Permanent nerve damage Need for a second or third operation Before getting a nose job, teens and their parents or guardians should talk extensively with the surgeon and weigh all of the risks and benefits.


Question: Should a teen get a nose job?

Answer: Teens should not have a nose job until the nose has reached its adult size. This normally happens at about age 15 or 16 for girls. It usually happens a year or so later for boys.


Question: What are the types of rhinoplasty?

Answer: Types of rhinoplasty include: Removing a hump on the nose Straightening the bridge Reshaping the nose's tip Increasing or decreasing the size of the nostrils Correcting the nose after an injury Opening breathing passages Making the nose bigger or smaller Nose jobs can be done to change how you look or for medical reasons.


Question: What is recovery from rhinoplasty like?

Answer: After a nose job, recovery takes patience and support from family and friends. You will need to keep your head elevated for at least 24 hours after the operation. And there will be some pain and swelling (which can be managed with medication and cold compresses). Some people become discouraged with the swelling and how they look immediately after the operation. But when the swelling goes down, the redness disappears and the nose fully heals. This can take weeks, but most people like the results.


Question: How to choose a surgeon for rhinoplasty?

Answer: Any type of surgery has risks. The American Board of Plastic Surgery ( ABPS) is the most common body that certifies rhinoplasty surgeons.


Question: How can AFib lead to heart failure?

Answer: When you have both, which is common, symptoms tend to be worse than when you have just one or the other. When you have AFib, your heart typically beats faster than normal, even when you're just resting. And since the heart's doing more of quiver than a strong push, it ends up sending out only a fraction of the blood it normally would. It's like the difference between a bunch of short, frantic bursts on a bike pump versus long, steady strokes.


Question: Can AFib lead to heart failure?

Answer: AFib can lead to heart failure, and heart failure puts you at greater risk for AFib. When you have both, which is common, symptoms tend to be worse than when you have just one or the other.


Question: What other heart conditions increase your risk of heart failure and AFib?

Answer: Your odds for heart failure and AFib go up if you have other heart conditions, such as: Coronary artery disease, where plaque builds up in your heart's arteries and leads to less blood flow Cardiomyopathy, which is damage to your heart muscle Heart valve problems, such as a leaky valve or a valve that doesn't fully open Myocarditis, where the muscles of your heart get swollen and irritated Other health conditions.


Question: How can heart failure lead to AFib?

Answer: It works in the other direction, too. Your heart's rhythm is controlled by electrical signals. For those signals to work well, they need healthy heart tissue. But heart failure can actually stretch your atria and cause tissue in your heart to thicken and scar. Those changes throw off the electrical signals, and that messes up the heart's rhythm and can cause AFib.


Question: What are risks you can't control that raise your risks of heart failure and AFib?

Answer: With heart failure, the muscles of your heart are too weak to pump enough blood, so you don't get the oxygen you need. But many people have both, and doctors aren't totally clear why. One reason may be that many of the same things raise your chances of having both conditions. Men are more likely to have these conditions than women.


Question: What are other health conditions that increase your odds of heart failure and AFib?

Answer: The two conditions are closely tied to each other. Other health issues can also raise your risk, such as: Diabetes, since it increases your odds for coronary artery disease and high blood pressure High blood pressure, which over time can weaken, stiffen, and thicken your heart tissue Obesity, as it often leads to higher blood pressure and raises your chances of having diabetes Overactive thyroid, because too much thyroid hormone can make your heart beat faster than normal Sleep apnea, which can lead to lower oxygen levels while you sleep and affect your heart's rhythm Smoking and drinking alcohol.


Question: What is the best flu medication to take if you have heart disease?

Answer: You have: Fever (usually high) Severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes Generalized weakness Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes Headache Dry cough Sore throat and watery discharge from the nose When you're shopping for an over-the-counter ( OTC) medication, check the label. Look for a product that's decongestant-free or made just for people with high blood pressure. Decongestants can raise your blood pressure and interfere with other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you try any OTC treatment. Make sure you tell each of your doctors about all of the medicines you're taking -- prescription and over the counter.


Question: Should I call my doctor if I have heart disease and flu symptoms?

Answer: Let her know if you think you might have the flu. She may want you to come to the office for an exam and tests. If you do have it, she'll recommend an antiviral drug. It will ease symptoms and shorten your illness if you take it early on. Call your doctor immediately if you have the following problems: Symptoms that don't improve or get worse after 3 to 4 days of illness You feel a little better, then you start to feel much worse -- sick-to-your-stomach, vomiting, high fever, shaking chills, chest pain, or coughing with thick yellow-green mucus.


Question: How does getting the flu affect people with heart disease?

Answer: You'll have a harder time fighting off viruses that cause the illness. In fact, people with heart trouble are more likely to get the flu than people with any other long-term (chronic) illness. Viral infections like the flu also put added stress on your body, which can affect your blood pressure, heart rate, and overall heart function. Don't wait to call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have heart disease and the flu.


Question: What is the link between prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: However, treatments for the disease can cause it. The current methods of treating prostate cancer, including surgery with radical prostatectomy (removal of the entire prostate gland), radiation therapy -- whether by external beam or brachytherapy (seed implant) -- and hormone therapy, can all cause ED.


Question: How can radical prostatectomy cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: Erectile dysfunction can begin immediately following the removal of the entire prostate and surrounding tissues, whether the nerve-sparing or non-nerve-sparing technique is used. If the nerve-sparing technique is used, recovery from ED may occur within the first year following the procedure. Recovery of erectile function after a non-nerve-sparing technique is unlikely but possible.


Question: How is erectile dysfunction (ED) treated following prostate cancer treatment?

Answer: The current treatment options for erectile dysfunction for people who have received treatment for prostate cancer include: Pills, including Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, Staxyn, and Viagra Intracavernous injection therapy Vacuum constriction device Intraurethral therapy Penile prosthesis


Question: What sleeping tips can help snoring if you have allergies or breathing problems?

Answer: If you suffer from allergies, try to eliminate allergens in the bedroom -- such as removing pets, regularly washing your sheets in hot water to remove dust mites, and removing any mold. Sleep on your side. Use a humidifier if the air in your home is too dry.


Question: What can be done if you have a jaw or mouth abnormality that causes snoring?

Answer: Your doctor will also examine your throat and nasal passages for any signs of nasal, mouth, dental, jaw, or throat deformities that may contribute to snoring.


Question: What is the Inspire device, and how can it help with sleep apnea?

Answer: An implanted device called Inspire. The device, called an upper airway stimulator, consists of a small pulse generator placed under the skin in the upper chest. A wire leading to the lung detects the person's natural breathing pattern. Another wire, leading up to the neck, delivers mild stimulation to nerves that control airway muscles, keeping them open.


Question: Why can over-the-counter products be dangerous if used for snoring problems?

Answer: You can also take a sleep-monitoring study, which will analyze if, when, and how often you stop breathing during sleep.


Question: What products can help you sleep if you snore?

Answer: A variety of products designed to help you sleep on your side -- a position that can decrease snoring -- may help some people. A variety of products designed to dilate the nasal passages, such as nasal strips or nasal support devices, may work in some people with congestion or nasal abnormalities.


Question: How is snoring 'diagnosed'?

Answer: Your doctor will also examine your throat and nasal passages for any signs of nasal, mouth, dental, jaw, or throat deformities that may contribute to snoring. If your doctor suspects that you have obstructive sleep apnea, your partner may be asked to keep a diary noting your sleeping and snoring patterns. You can also take a sleep-monitoring study, which will analyze if, when, and how often you stop breathing during sleep.


Question: What are CPAP device and BPAP devices, and how do they help with sleep apnea?

Answer: If your doctor suspects that you have sleep apnea, treatment may include: Weight loss, if you are overweight A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device or BPAP (bilevel postitive airway pressure) device; this is a mask-like device that you wear at night to maintain air pressure in your nose and keep airways open.


Question: What should you avoid at bedtime to help treat snoring?

Answer: Avoid sedatives and antihistamines, especially at bedtime. A variety of products designed to help you sleep on your side -- a position that can decrease snoring -- may help some people. Surgery; there are a variety of surgeries now available to treat some causes of snoring, including somnoplasty, which uses radiofrequency ablation to shrink the tissues of the soft palate.


Question: What should I do about swollen testicles?

Answer: See a doctor or go to a hospital emergency room. Sudden, severe pain can be a sign of testicular torsion, a medical emergency.


Question: How do you treat swollen testicles?

Answer: Sudden, severe pain can be a sign of testicular torsion, a medical emergency. The doctor will do a physical exam and may do tests such as a urinalysis and ultrasound. If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. To relieve pain and swelling, apply hot or cold packs or take acetaminophen ( Tylenol), ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin), or naproxen ( Aleve, Naprosyn). Avoid ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs if the person has heart failure or kidney failure Elevating the scrotum in snug briefs or an athletic supporter may ease discomfort.


Question: What kind of diet should I follow after herat surgery?

Answer: Healthy food choices help the healing process. Your doctor will let you know if you should have or avoid specific things. You may not feel like eating for a while after your surgery. Try smaller meals, more often. If your appetite doesn't return within a few weeks, bring this up with your doctor.


Question: How much exercise can I do right after heart surgery?

Answer: Walk every day. Follow the guidelines the doctor or cardiac rehabilitation specialist gives you. Unless you've been told not to, you can climb stairs.


Question: What are the symptoms of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)?

Answer: The first signs of PML can be different from person to person, depending on the nerves that are damaged first. But they often include: Clumsiness or loss of coordination Difficulty walking Facial drooping Loss of vision Personality changes Trouble speaking Weak muscles Sometimes, PML can also cause seizures.


Question: How do doctors diagnose progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)?

Answer: If your doctor thinks you might have PML, he'll scan your brain with a magnetic resonance imaging machine ( MRI). This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make a detailed picture. He'll look for lesions -- spots of damaged tissue -- that show the disease is there. If an MRI doesn't give a clear picture, he might do a brain biopsy. He'll take a small sample of tissue from your brain to look at under a microscope for signs of the disease. Your doctor might also take a sample of the fluid around your brain and spinal cord by using a spinal tap -- a needle put into your lower back.


Question: When should you call a doctor about a broken toe?

Answer: Call your doctor if you have one these more serious breaks, which do require treatment: Big toe injury Broken bone sticking out of your skin or causing an open wound (can lead to an infection in your bone) Toe is bent or crooked For a less serious break, even if you put it off at first, call your doctor if you have: An illness that impacts the nerves or blood flow in your feet, like diabetes Fever or chills Intense pain under your toenail (possibly a blood buildup under the nail) Numbness, tingling, or coldness in your toe Pain that gets worse or doesn't get better with over-the-counter pain medicine Blue or gray skin on your toe Swelling, bruising, or redness that doesn't improve after a few days First, your doctor will ask you what happened and what symptoms you're having.


Question: What are some self-care tips for a broken toe?

Answer: For the first few days or weeks after you break your toe, you can: Keep your foot raised while sitting or lying down (above your heart is best) to keep the swelling and pain down. Put ice on your toe for 20 minutes every hour while you're awake. That's for the first 24 hours. After that, you can ice it 2 or 3 times a day. Don't put ice right on your skin. Wrap it in a towel instead. Rest. Ease up on activity that causes pain. Take pain medicine with ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen, if you need it. Wear shoes with stiff soles. As you heal, it's best to avoid high heels or any shoes that squeeze your toes. When you can wear shoes and walk without pain, you can ease back into your normal activities. You can expect some stiffness or soreness when you first get going again, but that will fade as you get back to normal.


Question: How is a broken toe diagnosed?

Answer: Call your doctor if you have one these more serious breaks, which do require treatment: Big toe injury Broken bone sticking out of your skin or causing an open wound (can lead to an infection in your bone) Toe is bent or crooked For a less serious break, even if you put it off at first, call your doctor if you have: An illness that impacts the nerves or blood flow in your feet, like diabetes Fever or chills Intense pain under your toenail (possibly a blood buildup under the nail) Numbness, tingling, or coldness in your toe Pain that gets worse or doesn't get better with over-the-counter pain medicine Blue or gray skin on your toe Swelling, bruising, or redness that doesn't improve after a few days First, your doctor will ask you what happened and what symptoms you're having. He'll check for tenderness and broken skin around your toe. He'll also test your nerves and blood flow. Then, if your doctor thinks it's a break, you'll likely get an X-ray.


Question: What is recovery like from a broken toe?

Answer: When you break a toe, you'll likely have: Pain and tenderness in your toe Pain when you walk or put weight on your foot Redness or bruising Stiffness Swelling Most of the time, your toe will heal in about 4 to 6 weeks. But, it could take as long as 8 weeks for more serious breaks.


Question: What are the symptoms of a broken toe?

Answer: When you break a toe, you'll likely have: Pain and tenderness in your toe Pain when you walk or put weight on your foot Redness or bruising Stiffness Swelling Most of the time, your toe will heal in about 4 to 6 weeks.


Question: How is salmonella infection treated in healthy adults?

Answer: For healthy adults: If you have diarrhea with your salmonella infection, you should drink a lot of water and other fluids. Your doctor might suggest you drink a rehydration liquid, like Pedialyte, if your diarrhea is severe. If your doctor confirms that you have a salmonella infection, he might prescribe antibiotics. You need to be sure you finish the prescription and take it exactly as directed.


Question: How can salmonella affect your body's tissues?

Answer: Signs of dehydration include: Peeing only in small amounts Dry tongue and mouth Sunken and dry eyes If the salmonella infection gets into your blood, it can infect your body's tissues, such as: The tissues around your brain and spinal cord The lining of your heart or heart valves Your bones or bone marrow The lining of blood vessels These infections can lead to serious diseases.


Question: How is salmonella infection treated in children?

Answer: For children: If your child has a healthy immune system, the doctor may not prescribe any treatment, but rather let the infection run its course. But if your kid has a bad fever, you may want to give her acetaminophen ( Tylenol).


Question: How can I get salmonella from water?

Answer: Produce can be contaminated another way, too. While animal poop is still the culprit, it's not because of manure being put directly on the fields, but contaminated water used to help the produce grow.


Question: How can I get salmonella from fertilizer?

Answer: But you can also get it by eating fruits or vegetables that have been in contact with manure from animals that have it. Animal poop is often used in fertilizer for fruits and vegetables, which is how produce such as lettuce, spinach, or strawberries can also be a source of salmonella in people.


Question: How common is salmonella?

Answer: Salmonella infections (also often referred to, generally, as food poisoning) are quite common. Throughout the world, tens of millions of cases are reported every year. Most people get over it without treatment, but some cases are so severe people need to go to the hospital. In rare cases it's life-threatening. Infections are more common in the summer than the winter â after all, people host more picnics when it's hot than cold. Children are more likely than adults to get an infection. In addition to young children, older adults and people with weak immune systems are most likely to be infected.


Question: How is salmonella diagnosed?

Answer: Diagnosis and Tests Your doctor may want you to have blood tests, or he might want a stool sample. Sometimes, the doctor may want to do further testing to help figure the exact kind of bacteria you have. This can help health officials trace the source if there is an outbreak in your area.


Question: How can I prevent salmonella infection?

Answer: Even though salmonella can hide in a variety of foods, you can do a lot of things yourself to help ensure the sneaky bacteria doesn't invade your gut: Avoid eating raw or barely cooked eggs. Don't eat raw or undercooked beef, pork, or poultry. Refrigerate food properly, both before cooking it and after serving it. Wash your hands well with soap and warm water before, and after, handling food. Keep kitchen surfaces clean before preparing food on them. Do not mix cooked food with raw food or use the same utensils to prepare them â for example, don't use the same knife to slice mushrooms that you used to cut raw chicken, and use different plates or cutting boards to slice them on. Cook each kind of meat to its correct minimum temperature. Wash your hands with soap and water after touching animals, their toys, and their bedding. Wash raw fruits and vegetables well, and peel them if possible.


Question: When should I call a doctor about a salmonella infection?

Answer: But if you still are having symptoms more than a week after first getting the infection, you might want to see a doctor. If a young child, older adult, or person with a weakened immune system has an infection, they should see a doctor if they have any of these symptoms for more than a couple of days: Bloody stools Dehydration Ongoing high fever.


Question: What are the symptoms of salmonella infection?

Answer: Most of the symptoms you'll have from a salmonella infection will be stomach-related: Cramps in your stomach Bloody stools Diarrhea Cold and chills Fever Headache Sick to your stomach Throwing up Even though most symptoms usually don't last more than a week, in some cases it can take several months for your bowel movements to get back to normal.


Question: How is salmonella infection treated in special cases?

Answer: In special cases: Infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems may need antibiotics. Doctors decide this on a case-by-case basis. There are several types of the bacteria that have become resistant, meaning they can't be stopped by antibiotics.


Question: How can I get salmonella from pets?

Answer: Some that may carry the bacteria include: Dogs Cats Birds Reptiles (such as lizards, snakes, and turtles) You or your child could pet a dog or cat and, without knowing it, touch poop hidden in fur. If you then put your fingers in your mouth, you could get an infection.


Question: What are the symptoms of dehydration from salmonella infection?

Answer: Produce can be contaminated another way, too. Signs of dehydration include: Peeing only in small amounts Dry tongue and mouth Sunken and dry eyes If the salmonella infection gets into your blood, it can infect your body's tissues, such as: The tissues around your brain and spinal cord The lining of your heart or heart valves Your bones or bone marrow The lining of blood vessels These infections can lead to serious diseases.


Question: How can I get salmonella from handwashing?

Answer: If you change your baby's stinky diaper and forget to wash your hands after, you might contract a salmonella infection, too. If you then put your fingers in your mouth, you could get an infection.


Question: What are meat-based sources of salmonella?

Answer: You might have a salmonella infection. Some of them are: Meat. Some of our favorite proteins to cook and eat have the bacteria. They include: Poultry (chicken, turkey, or duck) Beef and veal Pork Fertilizer.


Question: How can I get salmonella from cooking?

Answer: If you let juices from contaminated chicken or steak come into contact with your lettuce or spinach salad, you could get sick. If you then put your fingers in your mouth, you could get an infection.


Question: What are possible complications from salmonella infection?

Answer: You might have a salmonella infection. Most people who get salmonella get better on their own, at home, within 4 to 7 days. Most of the symptoms you'll have from a salmonella infection will be stomach-related: Cramps in your stomach Bloody stools Diarrhea Cold and chills Fever Headache Sick to your stomach Throwing up Even though most symptoms usually don't last more than a week, in some cases it can take several months for your bowel movements to get back to normal. A small number of people who get a salmonella infection get pain in their joints.


Question: How should you be careful when exercising if you have diabetes?

Answer: Walk and exercise in comfortable shoes. Do not exercise when you have open sores on your feet.


Question: How can people with diabetes check that they have the correct footwear?

Answer: Use this simple test to see if your shoes fit correctly: Stand on a piece of paper. ( Make sure you are standing and not sitting, because your foot changes shape when you stand.) Trace the outline of your foot. Trace the outline of your shoe. Compare the tracings: Is the shoe too narrow? Is your foot crammed into the shoe? The shoe should be at least 1/2 inch longer than your longest toe and as wide as your foot.


Question: What foot problems indicate a doctor's visit for people with diabetes?

Answer: See your health care provider if you have diabetes and any of the following problems with your feet: Athlete's foot (cracking between the toes) Sores or wounds on your feet Ingrown toenails Increasing numbness or pain Calluses Redness Blackening of skin Bunions Infection Hammer or mallet toes (when the middle joints of toes are permanently bent downward)


Question: How can you do a footwear test if you have diabetes?

Answer: Use this simple test to see if your shoes fit correctly: Stand on a piece of paper. ( Make sure you are standing and not sitting, because your foot changes shape when you stand.) Trace the outline of your foot. Trace the outline of your shoe. Compare the tracings: Is the shoe too narrow? Is your foot crammed into the shoe? The shoe should be at least 1/2 inch longer than your longest toe and as wide as your foot.


Question: What is the best footwear for people with diabetes?

Answer: When choosing the proper footwear if you have diabetes: Buy shoes with closed toes and heels. Buy shoes with leather uppers but without a seam inside. Make sure there is at least 1/2 inch extra space at the end of your longest toe. The inside of the shoe should be soft with no rough areas. The outer sole should be made of stiff material. Your shoe should be at least as wide as your foot.


Question: How should you wash and dry your feet daily if you have diabetes?

Answer: Here are some diabetes foot care tips to follow. Use mild soaps. Use warm water. Pat your skin dry; do not rub. Thoroughly dry your feet, especially between the toes. After washing, use lotion on your feet to prevent cracking. Do not put lotion between your toes.


Question: When do you call your health care provider about your feet if you have diabetes?

Answer: Thoroughly dry your feet, especially between the toes.


Question: How should you examine your feet each day if you have diabetes?

Answer: Check the tops and bottoms of your feet. Have someone else look at your feet if you cannot see them. Check for dry, cracked skin. Look for blisters, cuts, scratches, or other sores. Check for redness, increased warmth, or tenderness when touching any area of your feet. Check for ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses. If you get a blister or sore from your shoes, do not "pop" it. Apply a bandage and wear a different pair of shoes.


Question: How should people with diabetes manage their toenails?

Answer: Cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft. Cut toenails straight across and smooth with an emery board. Avoid cutting into the corners of toes. You may want a podiatrist (foot doctor) to cut your toenails.


Question: What is the best way for people with diabetes to wash their feet?

Answer: Here are some diabetes foot care tips to follow. Use mild soaps. Use warm water. Pat your skin dry; do not rub. Thoroughly dry your feet, especially between the toes. After washing, use lotion on your feet to prevent cracking. Do not put lotion between your toes.


Question: What should people with diabetes know about their feet before exercising?

Answer: Walk and exercise in comfortable shoes. Do not exercise when you have open sores on your feet.


Question: How can you keep your feet safe from complications if you have diabetes?

Answer: To keep you feet safe if you have diabetes: Don't wait to treat a minor foot problem. Follow your health care provider's guidelines and first aid guidelines. Report foot injuries and infections to your health care provider immediately. Check water temperature with your elbow, not your foot. Do not use a heating pad on your feet. Do not cross your legs. Do not self-treat your corns, calluses, or other foot problems. Go to your health care provider or podiatrist to treat these conditions.


Question: What are some tips for foot safety if you have diabetes?

Answer: Follow your health care provider's guidelines and first aid guidelines. Report foot injuries and infections to your health care provider immediately. Check water temperature with your elbow, not your foot. Do not use a heating pad on your feet. Do not cross your legs. Do not self-treat your corns, calluses, or other foot problems. Go to your health care provider or podiatrist to treat these conditions.


Question: How important is it to care for your feet if you have diabetes?

Answer: As a person with diabetes, you are more vulnerable to foot problems, because the disease can damage your nerves and reduce blood flow to your feet. The American Diabetes Association has estimated that one in five people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so for foot problems. By taking proper care of your feet, most serious problems can be prevented. It's important that your doctor check your feet at least once a year for any problems. Do not exercise when you have open sores on your feet. Go to your health care provider or podiatrist to treat these conditions.


Question: How will your dentist find out if you have an abscessed tooth?

Answer: If you have an abscess, it'll hurt when he touches the affected tooth. Take an X-ray. This can tell your dentist if you have an abscess and if it has spread to other parts of your mouth.


Question: Do I need to get treatment for an abcessed tooth?

Answer: It's important to treat it because there's a chance it could spread to your jaw or other parts of your head or neck. This is especially true if your immune system is weak because of a health condition, like HIV or AIDS. Certain medications, including some cancer treatments, can also make it harder for your body to fight off infections. To find out if you have an abscessed tooth, your dentist probably will: Tap on your teeth. This can tell your dentist if you have an abscess and if it has spread to other parts of your mouth.


Question: What are symptoms of an abscessed tooth?

Answer: If it does, it's usually a sharp, throbbing pain, especially when you put pressure on your tooth. It might also spread to your jaw or other parts of your face on the side that's affected. Bacteria can get in through the cavity or a chip or crack in a tooth and spread to the root.


Question: What  does dimethylaminoethanol do in skin care products?

Answer: The brain makes DMAE. DMAE in skin care products shows minimal effects at best when applied on skin for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.


Question: What is kojic acid?

Answer: Kojic acid is a more recent remedy for treating pigment problems and age spots. First developed in 1989, kojic acid has a similar effect as hydroquinone. Kojic acid is made from a fungus, and studies have shown that it is effective at lightening skin.


Question: What is retinol?

Answer: Kojic acid is made from a fungus, and studies have shown that it is effective at lightening skin. Retinol is made from vitamin A, and it's in many non-prescription skin care products. Retinol's stronger counterpart is tretinoin, which is the active ingredient in Retin- A and Renova, available by prescription only.


Question: What are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)?

Answer: Creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation, and age spots. Side effects of alpha-hydroxy acids include mild irritation and sun sensitivity. For that reason, sunscreen should be used every morning.


Question: What does alpha-lipoic acid do in skin care products?

Answer: Alpha-lipoic acid diminishes fine lines, gives skin a healthy glow, and boosts levels of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C. Alpha-lipoic acid can enter all parts of a skin cell. Due to this quality, it is believed that alpha-lipoic acid can provide more protection than other antioxidants against so-called free radicals that can damage skin.


Question: How can you get anal fissures from constipation?

Answer: Passing hard stools or straining to pass stools can tear the tissue around your anus. These tears are anal fissures. They cause itching, pain, and bleeding. Because the symptoms of anal fissures make going to the bathroom more difficult, they can make constipation worse. This happens often in children who hold in their stool out of fear of the pain. The tears are usually very small. But sometimes they can grow larger and affect the ring of muscle at the opening of your anus that keeps it closed. This kind of anal fissure is harder to heal. You may need medication or surgery to fix the problem. Once you've had an anal fissure, you're more likely to get another one.


Question: What can happen if you have chronic constipation?

Answer: Having it every once in a while is common, but if you're dealing with symptoms for more than 3 months, your constipation is chronic. And that raises your chance of having complications. The problems most often happen in the places where stool leaves your body. When you're constipated, you're more likely to push hard to try to go.


Question: How can you get hemorrhoids from constipation?

Answer: When you're constipated, you're more likely to push hard to try to go. That can make the veins around your rectum and anus swell. These swollen veins are called hemorrhoids, or piles. They're like varicose veins around your anus. They can be external, which means they're under the skin around the anus, or internal, which means they're in the lining of your anus or rectum.


Question: How can you get impaction from constipation?

Answer: When you can't get stool out of your body, it can start to stick together in your intestines. The hardened mass gets stuck and causes a blockage. The squeezing your colon normally uses to push stool out of your body can't move it because it's too large and hard. It can cause pain and vomiting. You may even have to go to the emergency room for treatment. Children and older adults are more likely to have fecal impaction.


Question: What can hemorrhoids from constipation cause?

Answer: Hemorrhoids can itch and be painful. They can cause bleeding when you have a bowel movement. You may see streaks of blood on your toilet paper when you wipe. Sometimes blood can pool inside a hemorrhoid, which can cause a painful, hard lump. You may also get skin tags, blood clots, or infections from your hemorrhoids.


Question: How can you get rectal prolapse from constipation?

Answer: That can make the veins around your rectum and anus swell. When you're constantly straining to pass stools, it can stretch and slip outside your body. Sometimes just part of the rectum comes out, but sometimes the whole thing does. It can be painful and may cause bleeding. It can sometimes be hard to tell if you have rectal prolapse or hemorrhoids, since both cause bulging out of the anus, but they're two different conditions that need to be treated differently.


Question: What are facts about chronic fatigue syndrome and who does it affect most?

Answer: The CDC estimates up to 2.5 million Americans have ME/ CFS. Anyone can get it, including children and teens. It is most common in women in their 40s and 50s. Women are more likely to develop it than men. Most cases are mild or moderate. About 1 in 4 people with the condition have severe symptoms.


Question: How can you find out if you have chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer: The National Academy of Medicine has issued guidelines describing the combination of symptoms necessary for doctors to diagnose the condition. Unfortunately, there is not yet a diagnostic test that is sufficiently accurate to be useful. Because extreme fatigue is a symptom of so many conditions, your doctor will want to rule out other conditions first, before considering a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. You'll need to get a complete checkup and talk with your doctor about all your symptoms.


Question: Can serotonin and cortisol levels contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer: Serotonin and cortisol: Several studies indicate that serotonin, a major brain chemical, is important in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. People with the illness have low levels of cortisol, a hormone that the body releases in response to stress.


Question: What else is chronic fatigue syndrome known as and is it curable?

Answer: Chronic fatigue syndrome is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis ( ME/ CFS). It tends to cycle through flareups and remissions, good days and bad days, although on the good days you are not back to normal. There isn't any known cure, but different treatments can help the symptoms.


Question: Could infections or other illnesses contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer: Infections or other illness: Chronic fatigue syndrome often, but not always, begins with a sudden infectious-like illness (fever, sore throat, aching muscles, upset stomach). Research has found that several different types of infectious agents can trigger the beginning of the illness, including Epstein- Barr virus (a common cause of mononucleosis), Lyme disease bacteria and Q fever bacteria.


Question: Can immune system and blood pressure issues contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer: Immune system problems: Several different parts of the immune system are different in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, and some research indicates that these abnormalities may cause the symptoms of the illness. However, fortunately, people with chronic fatigue syndrome do not have a defective immune system, in the way that people with HIV/ AIDS do. Blood pressure and pulse issues: On standing, people can have a drop in blood pressure and an increase in how fast the heart beats. Sometimes people feel like fainting or actually faint, if the blood pressure drops too low.


Question: Do genes contribute to fatigue syndrome?

Answer: Doctors don't know the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, but they have identified different underlying abnormalities in people with the condition. Genes: Some studies have found abnormalities in the structure of certain genes. Other studies have found abnormalities in how some genes are turned on and off, inside cells. Studies of identical and non-identical twins indicate that some people inherit a genetic susceptibility to getting the illness.


Question: What causes bradycardia?

Answer: The abnormal rhythm can show up after a heart attack or as a side effect of heart surgery. Other things that can lead to it: Certain medications, such as those to treat high blood pressure and other arrhythmias, or abnormal heartbeats A congenital defect, or problem you're born with Thyroid disease, an imbalance of hormones in the body Obstructive sleep apnea , when your breathing pauses many times throughout the night Bradycardia can be a little hard for doctors to figure out, because it's not always present all the time.


Question: What tests are done to diagnose bradycardia?

Answer: Other things that can lead to it: Certain medications, such as those to treat high blood pressure and other arrhythmias, or abnormal heartbeats A congenital defect, or problem you're born with Thyroid disease, an imbalance of hormones in the body Obstructive sleep apnea , when your breathing pauses many times throughout the night Bradycardia can be a little hard for doctors to figure out, because it's not always present all the time. Your heart can go in and out of slow rhythms. Your doctor will be able to make the diagnosis if you're having a bout of bradycardia during a test called an electrocardiogram. Often called an EKG, it's a way to measure your heart's electrical system. If your heart rate appears normal, but you have had symptoms of bradycardia, your doctor may have you wear a 24-hour monitor. Your doctor will ask about your personal and family health histories, as well as any symptoms you've had.


Question: What are the symptoms of bradycardia?

Answer: The biggest concern is your heart isn't doing well enough at pumping blood to all the organs and tissues that need it. When this happens, the following may develop: Lightheadedness or dizziness Confusion or a hard time concentrating Fainting Shortness of breath (with or without chest pain) You may also find that you tire out easily with even just a little activity.


Question: What are the treatments for bradycardia?

Answer: If your doctor decides that you have bradycardia, the treatment plan will be based on the likely cause of the problem. For instance, if the cause is hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, treating that may take care of the heart rate issue. If there is no clear physical cause, your doctor may change medications that might be slowing your heart. Beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to relax your heart muscle. But if they cause you to have a really slow heart rate, your doctor might lower the dosage or give you a different drug. If these approaches don't work and your condition is serious enough to put your brain and other organs at risk, you may need a pacemaker.


Question: When should you see a doctor for bradycardia?

Answer: If you or a loved one faints, has chest pains or trouble breathing, call 911. Tiredness, trouble concentrating, or breathing harder may just seem like part of growing older. But sometimes it's more than that. Be sure to tell your doctor about all your symptoms. If you wear out more easily now than you did a month or year ago, let her know.


Question: What is bradycardia?

Answer: But with bradycardia, it goes down to less than 60 beats a minute. This might not cause a problem for some people. But it could be a clue that you have an issue with the electrical system in your heart. You need to see a doctor who can figure out why it's beating slowly and if you should get treatment. You may exercise a lot, and a slow heart rate could be a sign of how fit you are.


Question: How can you prevent someone with Alzheimer's disease from falling?

Answer: Other things that also help include: Regular exercise Spending more time around other people Staying busy with hobbies and activities he enjoys The disease causes coordination problems that make people more likely to lose their balance and fall. To help prevent that: Encourage regular exercise, especially early in the disease, to help your loved one keep up their balance and strength. Remove objects that are easy to trip on, such as loose rugs or extension cords. Make sure stairways have at least one handrail. Place non-skid strips in the bathtub and on smooth floors. Install night-lights. Place easy-to-see stickers on large windows and sliding-glass doors to make it obvious that something solid is there.


Question: How can you prevent someone with Alzheimer's disease from wandering?

Answer: In the later stages of the disease, memory problems and confusion may give your loved one sudden urges to wander away from home. If he leaves home alone, he could be in danger. To prevent wandering: Make doors hard to open. You may need to place locks higher on doors. Put alarms on doors so they sound an alert when they're opened. Keep car keys hidden. Have him wear an ID bracelet, just in case he does wander and needs help finding his way home.


Question: What can help someone with Alzheimer's disease deal with depression?

Answer: Other things that also help include: Regular exercise Spending more time around other people Staying busy with hobbies and activities he enjoys The disease causes coordination problems that make people more likely to lose their balance and fall. If he leaves home alone, he could be in danger.


Question: Does lowering background noise help keep someone with Alzheimer's disease calm?

Answer: When they feel this way, they may fidget, shout, throw things, or even try to hit other people. To help them: Keep his surroundings quiet. Background noise, like sounds from the TV, can upset or confuse him. If he gets upset or angry, don't argue with him or criticize.


Question: How can you lower the chances of someone with Alzheimer's disease getting sick?

Answer: Changes in his environment or his daily routine, such as travel or visits from guests, can make him agitated. Take these steps to help your loved one get some rest: Stick to a schedule. Ask his doctor or pharmacist if any of his prescriptions could affect sleep. In the later stages of the disease, memory problems and confusion may give your loved one sudden urges to wander away from home.


Question: How is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDs) diagnosed?

Answer: No one test can identify a case of ARDS. It's more of a puzzle that a doctor has to piece together. Other conditions can have similar symptoms. To make a diagnosis, you doctor will probably begin by asking about your medical history. She'll then likely do a physical exam and listen to your breathing and your heartbeat. She may also look for: Signs of extra fluid in your body Bluish color on your lips or skin There are various tests your doctor might order to help her reach a diagnosis.


Question: How can you treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDs)?

Answer: Treatment aims to get oxygen levels in your blood back up to where they should be, so your organs get what they need. Doctors might start with an air mask and later go to a breathing tube and ventilator (a machine that helps you breathe), depending on exactly what you need. Other treatments might include: Nutrition and medicine through IV fluids Medicine to prevent bleeding and blood clots Medicine to keep you calm and comfortable People with ARDS are treated in the intensive care unit at a hospital.


Question: What happens when you have acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDs)?

Answer: Fluid leaks from small blood vessels and builds up in the tiny air sacs in your lungs. Your lungs are then unable to fill up with enough air. Because of this, the blood traveling to your lungs can't pick up the amount of oxygen it needs to carry to the rest of your body. That can lead to organs such as your kidneys or brain not working as they should or shutting down. Doctors aren't sure why some people get ARDS and others don't.


Question: What tests are used to diagnose acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDs)?

Answer: She may also look for: Signs of extra fluid in your body Bluish color on your lips or skin There are various tests your doctor might order to help her reach a diagnosis. Some of them include: Scans: A chest X-ray is crucial and probably the first test your doctor will order. You might also get a computerized tomography ( CT) scan. These can give your doctor an idea of how much fluid is in your lungs and where it is located. Blood tests: These can be used to check your oxygen level. They can also look for signs of infection or anemia. Heart tests: These might be ordered to rule out things such as heart failure (when your heart doesn't pump blood to your body properly).


Question: What are the symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDs)?

Answer: Some of the other possible causes of ARDS include: Pneumonia Bleeding that requires a blood transfusion Inflammation of the pancreas Overdosing on cocaine and other drugs Near drowning Burns ARDS makes it hard to breathe and puts great strain on the lungs. So symptoms include shortness of breath, often severe. Other signs of ARDS include: Low blood pressure Unusually fast breathing Confusion and exhaustion Blue-tinted lips or nails from lack of oxygen in the blood Dizziness Lots of sweating While many people are already in a hospital when they get ARDS, you should get medical treatment at once if you have these symptoms or see them in a loved one.


Question: What causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDs)?

Answer: Doctors are still trying to learn more about this condition and why it happens. It's not always clear what triggers a case. Most people who get ARDS are already in the hospital for something else. That's because it's usually caused by an injury or another illness. Some of the causes of ARDS may include: Sepsis: This is when you get an infection in your bloodstream, and your immune system goes into overdrive, causing inflammation, small blood clots, and bleeding. Accidents: Injuries from a car wreck or a fall can damage your lungs or that part of your brain that handles breathing. Breathing in harmful substances: Dense smoke or chemical fumes can trigger ARDS.


Question: What is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDs)?

Answer: It is serious, sometimes life-threatening, and can get worse quickly. But it's generally treatable and most people can recover from it. Fast diagnosis and treatment are important -- your organs need enough oxygen to work right and keep you going. Accidents: Injuries from a car wreck or a fall can damage your lungs or that part of your brain that handles breathing.


Question: What are the symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium (MG) in men?

Answer: MG doesn't always cause symptoms, so it's possible to have it and not know it. In men, the symptoms are: Watery discharge from your penis Burning, stinging, or pain when you pee The symptoms for women are: Discharge from your vagina Pain during sex Bleeding after sex Bleeding between periods Pain in your pelvic area below your belly button Unlike other STDs, there is no test for MG that the FDA has approved.


Question: What are the symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium (MG) in women?

Answer: In men, the symptoms are: Watery discharge from your penis Burning, stinging, or pain when you pee The symptoms for women are: Discharge from your vagina Pain during sex Bleeding after sex Bleeding between periods Pain in your pelvic area below your belly button Unlike other STDs, there is no test for MG that the FDA has approved.


Question: Do condoms help reduce the chances of getting mycoplasma genitalium (MG)?

Answer: Condoms can reduce your chance of getting MG, but they can't guarantee you won't get it. If you have the disease, avoid having sex for 7 days after you start treatment so you don't infect others.


Question: What are complications from mycoplasma genitalium (MG)?

Answer: MG can cause a number of complications: A problem that makes your urethra irritated, swollen, and itchy, called urethritis. It can happen to men and women. An infection of a woman's reproductive organs, called pelvic inflammatory disease ( PID), which can make it hard to get pregnant. An inflamed cervix, called cervicitis Scientists aren't sure if an MG infection can make it hard for men to get a woman pregnant.


Question: What kinds of food should I eat for a low-fat diet?

Answer: Eat plenty of plant foods (such as whole-grains, fruits, and vegetables) and a moderate amount of lean and low-fat, animal-based food (meat and dairy products) to help control your fat, cholesterol, carbs, and calories. When you're shopping, choose lean meats, fish, and poultry. Limit these to 5-7 ounces per day. Other good low-fat sources of protein include dried beans and peas, tofu, low-fat yogurt, low-fat or skim milk, low-fat cheese, and tuna packed in water. Choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts for heart health. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish such as salmon twice weekly for the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.


Question: What are tips for low-fat cooking?

Answer: Trim all visible fat and remove the skin from poultry. Refrigerate soups, gravies, and stews, and remove the hardened fat on top before eating. Bake, broil, or grill meats on a rack that allows fat to drip from the meat. Don't fry foods. Sprinkle lemon juice, herbs, and spices on cooked vegetables instead of using cheese, butter, or cream-based sauces. Try plain, nonfat or low-fat yogurt and chives on baked potatoes rather than sour cream. Reduced-fat sour cream still has fat, so limit the amount you use.


Question: How does an enzyme inhibitor help treat psoriasis?

Answer: The medication apremilast ( Otezla) is a new kind of drug for long-term inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It's a pill that works by blocking a specific enzyme, which helps to slow other reactions that lead to inflammation.


Question: How do you know if you have psoriasis?

Answer: Your doctor will select a treatment plan that is right for you based on the size of your rash, where it is on your body, your age, your overall health, and other things.


Question: How is psoriasis treated?

Answer: Some things that can trigger outbreaks are: Cuts, scrapes, or surgery Emotional stress Strep infections Luckily, there are many treatments. Some slow the growth of new skin cells, and others relieve itching and dry skin. Your doctor will select a treatment plan that is right for you based on the size of your rash, where it is on your body, your age, your overall health, and other things. Common treatments include: Steroid creams Moisturizers for dry skin Coal tar (a common treatment for scalp psoriasis; available in lotions, creams, foams, shampoos, and bath solutions) Vitamin D cream (a strong kind ordered by your doctor; vitamin D in foods and pills has no effect) Retinoid creams Treatments for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis include: Light therapy.


Question: How do retinoids help treat psoriasis?

Answer: These pills, creams, foams, and gels are a class of drugs related to Vitamin A. Retinoids can cause serious side effects, including birth defects, so they're not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to have children.


Question: How do biologic treatments help treat psoriasis?

Answer: These work by blocking the body's immune system (which is over-active in psoriasis) to better control the systemic inflammation associated with psoriasis. Biologic medications include adalimumab ( Humira), brodalumab ( Siliq), etanercept ( Enbrel), guselkumab ( Tremfya), infliximab ( Remicade), ixekizumab ( Taltz), risankizumab-rzaa ( SKYRIZI), secukinumab ( Cosentyx), and ustekinumab ( Stelara).


Question: How do I know if I have psoriasis?

Answer: If you have a rash that isn't healing, see your doctor.


Question: How does psoriasis occur?

Answer: It usually appears in early adulthood. For most people, it affects just a few areas. In severe cases, it can cover large parts of the body. The rashes can heal and then come back throughout a person's life.


Question: What things trigger an outbreak of psoriasis?

Answer: Some things that can trigger outbreaks are: Cuts, scrapes, or surgery Emotional stress Strep infections Luckily, there are many treatments.


Question: When is methotrexate used to treat psoriasis?

Answer: This drug can cause liver disease and lung problems, so it's only for serious cases. Doctors closely watch patients. You may have to get lab work, a chest X-ray and possibly a liver biopsy.


Question: How are biologic treatments used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis?

Answer: These work by blocking the body's immune system (which is over-active in psoriasis) to better control the systemic inflammation associated with psoriasis. Biologic medications include adalimumab ( Humira), brodalumab ( Siliq), etanercept ( Enbrel), guselkumab ( Tremfya), infliximab ( Remicade), ixekizumab ( Taltz), risankizumab-rzaa ( SKYRIZI), secukinumab ( Cosentyx), and ustekinumab ( Stelara).


Question: How are enzyme inhibitors used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis?

Answer: The medication apremilast ( Otezla) is a new kind of drug for long-term inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It's a pill that works by blocking a specific enzyme, which helps to slow other reactions that lead to inflammation.


Question: How does cyclosporine help treat psoriasis?

Answer: This drug, made to suppress the immune system, may be taken for serious cases that do not respond to other treatments. It can damage the kidneys and raise blood pressure though, so your doctor will closely watch your heath while you take it.


Question: How does methotrexate help treat psoriasis?

Answer: This drug can cause liver disease and lung problems, so it's only for serious cases. Doctors closely watch patients. You may have to get lab work, a chest X-ray and possibly a liver biopsy.


Question: How does light therapy help treat psoriasis?

Answer: A doctor uses ultraviolet light to slow the growth of skin cells. PUVA is a treatment that combines a medicine called psoralen with a special form of ultraviolet light.


Question: What can trigger outbreaks of psoriasis?

Answer: Some things that can trigger outbreaks are: Cuts, scrapes, or surgery Emotional stress Strep infections Luckily, there are many treatments.


Question: What is the treatment for psoriasis?

Answer: Some slow the growth of new skin cells, and others relieve itching and dry skin. Your doctor will select a treatment plan that is right for you based on the size of your rash, where it is on your body, your age, your overall health, and other things. Common treatments include: Steroid creams Moisturizers for dry skin Coal tar (a common treatment for scalp psoriasis; available in lotions, creams, foams, shampoos, and bath solutions) Vitamin D cream (a strong kind ordered by your doctor; vitamin D in foods and pills has no effect) Retinoid creams Treatments for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis include: Light therapy. Biologic treatments.


Question: What are the causes of psoriasis?

Answer: Normally, skin cells are replaced every 10 to 30 days. With psoriasis, new cells grow every 3 to 4 days. The buildup of old cells being replaced by new ones creates those silver scales. These work by blocking the body's immune system (which is over-active in psoriasis) to better control the systemic inflammation associated with psoriasis.


Question: What causes meningitis?

Answer: Meningitis symptoms can develop within hours or days and may include: Confusion Fever Headache Numbness in your face Sensitivity to light Stiff neck so that you can't lower your chin to your chest Upset stomach or vomiting Meningitis is almost always caused by a bacterial or viral infection that begins somewhere else in your body, like your ears, sinuses, or throat. Less common causes of meningitis include: Autoimmune disorders Cancer medications Syphilis Tuberculosis It's an extremely serious illness.


Question: What is fungal meningitis?

Answer: Fungal meningitis is much less common than the bacterial or viral forms. Healthy people rarely get it. Someone with a problem with their immune system -- because they have AIDS, for example -- is more likely to become infected with this form of meningitis.


Question: Who's more likely to get meningitis?

Answer: Anyone can get meningitis, but research shows that it's more common in these age groups: Children under 5 Teenagers and young adults ages 16-25 Adults over 55 Meningitis is more of a danger for people with certain medical conditions, such as a damaged or missing spleen, long-term disease, or immune system disorders. Because certain germs that cause meningitis can spread easily, outbreaks are most likely to happen in places where people live close to each other. College students in dorms or military recruits in barracks can be more likely to catch the disease.


Question: What are the different types of meningitis?

Answer: There are several causes of this disease, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening and spreads between people in close contact with each other. Viral meningitis tends to be less severe, and most people recover completely without treatment. Fungal meningitis is a rare form of the disease. It usually happens only in people whose immune system -- the body's defense against germs -- has been weakened.


Question: How does bacterial meningitis spread?

Answer: The bacteria that cause meningitis can spread when people who are infected cough or sneeze. If you or your child has been around someone who has bacterial meningitis, ask your doctor what steps you should take to avoid catching it.


Question: How does bacterial meningitis start?

Answer: In many cases, bacterial meningitis starts when bacteria get into your bloodstream from your sinuses, ears, or throat. The bacteria travel through your bloodstream to your brain.


Question: What is meningitis?

Answer: You or your children can catch it. Fungal meningitis is a rare form of the disease.


Question: What causes bacterial meningitis?

Answer: There are several causes of this disease, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The most common ones in the U. S. are: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) Listeria monocytogenes (in older people, pregnant women, or those with immune system problems) A bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type b ( Hib) was a common cause of meningitis in babies and young children until the Hib vaccine became available for infants. There are also vaccines for Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Experts recommend that all children get them, as well as all adults who are at a higher risk for the disease.


Question: Should I use a cane when I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Use a cane in the hand opposite a painful hip or knee. It curbs wear-and-tear on your joints.


Question: What are the signs of joint damage as a result of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: If you have swelling and stiffness every day, you're more likely to have damage than someone who has these symptoms less often. You can get damage even if you don't feel pain, but swelling in your joint is a reliable sign. So is a feeling of tenderness when you press on it.


Question: What steps can I take to avoid long-term trouble from my rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Take these steps to improve your odds of avoiding long-term trouble. Get treated early. Much of the damage that eventually becomes serious starts soon after you learn you have RA. The earlier you start treatment, the less your chances of problems. See your doctor often. You'll have less damage if you see your rheumatologist several times a year. Exercise. It makes your joints stronger. Your doctor or physical therapist will help you make a plan that's safe and fits your fitness level. Rest when you need to. You need to find a balance between downtime and exercise. Make sure you don't overdo it when you work out. Use a cane in the hand opposite a painful hip or knee. It curbs wear-and-tear on your joints. If you smoke, quit. Talk to you doctor to get advice on how to end your tobacco habit.


Question: Why should I pay attention to the stiffness of my joints?

Answer: Also, pay attention to how long your joints feel stiff in the morning. Ask yourself when you get up, " How long does it take until I'm feeling as loose as I'll feel for the day?" The longer you feel stiff, the more likely it is that your RA is active.


Question: What is a "boggy" joint in relation to rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Another sign you can look for is something called a "boggy" joint. When your joint lining starts to have problems, it may give your joint a mushy texture. This may continue even when you don't have a flare. See your rheumatologist if you notice this happening.


Question: Is it important to see my doctor for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: See your doctor often. You'll have less damage if you see your rheumatologist several times a year.


Question: What are habits that help treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Because treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has improved over the years, many experts believe that most people who now have it will get less joint damage than ever before. Take these steps to improve your odds of avoiding long-term trouble.


Question: Should I smoke if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: If you smoke, quit. Talk to you doctor to get advice on how to end your tobacco habit.


Question: Is treatment for rheumatoid arthritis improving?

Answer: Because treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has improved over the years, many experts believe that most people who now have it will get less joint damage than ever before.


Question: Is it important to get treated early for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Much of the damage that eventually becomes serious starts soon after you learn you have RA. The earlier you start treatment, the less your chances of problems.


Question: What are signs of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: If you have swelling and stiffness every day, you're more likely to have damage than someone who has these symptoms less often. You can get damage even if you don't feel pain, but swelling in your joint is a reliable sign. So is a feeling of tenderness when you press on it.


Question: Is exercise used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: It makes your joints stronger. Your doctor or physical therapist will help you make a plan that's safe and fits your fitness level.


Question: What should I do if my rheumatoid arthritis flares up?

Answer: Watch for signs of trouble and learn the steps to stay healthy. It makes your joints stronger.


Question: What is the proper way to insert eye drops?

Answer: It may help to ask someone to check that the drops get in your eye. Look up to the ceiling with both eyes. Tilt your head back and pull your lower lid down with one hand. Hold the bottle or tube in your other hand. If you need to, rest part of your hand on your forehead to keep it steady. Place one drop or a little ointment inside your lower lid. Don't let the tip of the bottle or tube touch your eye. Blink and dab away any extra fluid with a tissue. If you have both drops and ointment, use the drops first. If you don't, the ointment may keep the eye drops from being absorbed. If you have more than one type of drop, wait about 5 minutes after the first medicine before you use the second. Keep your eyes closed for a few minutes. That lets the medicine get inside your eye. Wash your hands as soon as you're done to remove any medication still there. If you have any questions, talk to your eye doctor.


Question: What are symptoms of diastolic heart failure?

Answer: Common signs of heart failure can include: Shortness of breath Tiredness, weakness Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen Lasting cough or wheezing Fast or irregular heartbeat Dizziness, confusion Having to pee more often at night Nausea, lack of appetite To figure out if you have heart failure, your doctor will examine you, ask about your medical history, and run some tests.


Question: How can you treat diastolic heart failure with medication?

Answer: Your plan can include: Lifestyle changes: Your doctor will probably suggest: A heart-healthy diet Regular exercise Work to get to a healthy weight You quit smoking Medication: You may need to take one or more drugs as part of your treatment. Common heart failure medications for diastolic heart failure include: Diuretics, which help ease swelling Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, a type of diuretic to get rid of extra salt and fluid but help the body keep potassium High blood pressure medication


Question: How do you diagnose diastolic heart failure?

Answer: Common signs of heart failure can include: Shortness of breath Tiredness, weakness Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen Lasting cough or wheezing Fast or irregular heartbeat Dizziness, confusion Having to pee more often at night Nausea, lack of appetite To figure out if you have heart failure, your doctor will examine you, ask about your medical history, and run some tests. Those tests might include: An echocardiogram to check for diastolic dysfunction Blood tests Electrocardiogram ( EKG) Chest X-ray Exercise test (stress test) Heart catheterization Although diastolic heart failure can't be cured, treatment can help ease symptoms and improve the way your heart pumps.


Question: What are the possible causes of diastolic heart failure?

Answer: So diastolic heart failure is more common as people get older. Other than normal aging, the most common causes are: High blood pressure : If you have it, your heart has to work harder to pump more blood through your body. That makes it stiffen. Coronary artery disease : The amount of blood flowing to your heart muscle is blocked or less than normal.