Question: How can you help plan for the future for someone with Alzheimer's disease?

Answer: Here's a checklist of things to consider. Keep a record of facts and figures. Practical information is key, but so are sentimental things. All of their health conditions? The names of all their doctors (primary care and specialists)? If they have allergies? If not, it's time to build a big file. You'll need your loved one's permission to get their health records, which are protected by HIPAA privacy rules. And you'll want to sign a health care proxy to legally make medical decisions for them when they're no longer able. Track their finances. A list of numbers you'll need to hunt down include: Account numbers Bank balances Investment holdings Insurance policies and payouts Total assets Outstanding debts Ongoing expenses You'll need to plan for the cost of care, pay bills, arrange benefit claims, make investment decisions, and prepare tax returns. It's important to have clear instructions and decide who will put their affairs in order.


Question: What is progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Most people with multiple sclerosis -- around 85% -- have this type. ( In this way, it's like primary progressive MS.) The change typically happens between 10 and 20 years after you're diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. Symptoms get worse at a different rate for each person. In addition, MS treatments don't work as well with this type of MS. About 10% of people with MS have this type. It usually leads to disability earlier than the most common type, relapsing-remitting MS. You may have heard PPMS referred to as progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis ( PRMS), but this terminology is no longer used.


Question: Is multiple sclerosis different for everyone?

Answer: Although nerve damage is always a part of the disease, the pattern is unique for everyone. Symptoms get worse at a different rate for each person.


Question: Is secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis hard to treat?

Answer: Eventually, most people with relapsing-remitting MS will move on to a secondary progressive phase of MS. After living with relapsing-remitting MS for many years, most people will get secondary progressive MS. Symptoms get worse at a different rate for each person. Treatments work moderately well, but most people will have some trouble using their body like they used to.


Question: What is relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis?

Answer: They usually have their first signs of the disease in their early 20s. After that, they have attacks of symptoms (called relapses) from time to time, followed by weeks, months, or years of recovery (called remissions). The nerves that are affected, how severe attacks are, the degree of recovery, and the time between relapses all vary widely from person to person. Eventually, most people with relapsing-remitting MS will move on to a secondary progressive phase of MS. After living with relapsing-remitting MS for many years, most people will get secondary progressive MS. In addition, MS treatments don't work as well with this type of MS. About 10% of people with MS have this type.


Question: What are the warning signs of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer: They usually have their first signs of the disease in their early 20s. After that, they have attacks of symptoms (called relapses) from time to time, followed by weeks, months, or years of recovery (called remissions). The nerves that are affected, how severe attacks are, the degree of recovery, and the time between relapses all vary widely from person to person. In addition, MS treatments don't work as well with this type of MS. About 10% of people with MS have this type.


Question: What is the treatment for a multiple sclerosis (MS) hug?

Answer: If you think you're having an MS hug, talk to your neurologist or main doctor right away. The symptoms can seem like those of a heart attack, so it's important to make sure that's not the case and to rule out any other causes of the pressure. You can try these things at home: Apply a warm compress. ( Be careful: Heat might make your pain worse.) Drink plenty of water. Eat healthy food. Get a massage. Stay rested. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.


Question: What things can I try to treat an MS hug?

Answer: You can try these things at home: Apply a warm compress. ( Be careful: Heat might make your pain worse.) Drink plenty of water. Eat healthy food. Get a massage. Stay rested. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.


Question: What causes mononucleosis in teens?

Answer: Mono shows up most often between the ages of 10 and 19. The culprit is herpes simplex virus, which spreads through kissing or close contact.


Question: Are there serious side effects of Tysabri?

Answer: It keeps the white blood cells of the immune system from entering the brain and spinal cord, which doctors think plays an important role in the damaging effects of MS. You'll go to your doctor's office to get the drug through a vein. The most common ones are: Infections Headache Fatigue Depression Joint pain Menstrual problems It's possible for some people to have an allergic reaction to Tysabri. With these safety programs in place, the drug went back on the market. Your risk for PML goes up with the number of doses you take. It's also higher for people who've taken drugs that turn down their immune systems before they use Tysabri. Because of this risk, doctors usually recommend Tysabri only for people who've tried other MS treatments that haven't worked. Besides PML and allergic reactions, other serious side effects include liver damage and serious infections.


Question: What is Tysabri and how does it treat multiple sclerosis?

Answer: It makes flares happen less often and keeps physical disabilities from getting worse quickly. Because of this risk, doctors usually recommend Tysabri only for people who've tried other MS treatments that haven't worked.


Question: How are tremors in essential tremor classified?

Answer: A person is not moving (rest tremor). A person attempts to maintain posture against gravity (postural tremor), as in holding arms out in front of his/her body. Tremor lessens with rest.


Question: What are the symptoms that are more unique to essential tremor?

Answer: Tremors that worsen during periods of emotional stress. Tremors are the only symptom, although rarely a person with essential tremor may suffer from balance problems.


Question: What could it mean to have low magnesium levels?

Answer: This happens to people who have damaged kidneys, or take certain drugs. It can also be a sign of diabetes, thyroid trouble, a problem with your pregnancy, or other health issues.


Question: How do blood tests measure magnesium levels?

Answer: A nurse or other health worker will clean your skin, insert a needle into a vein in your arm or hand, and take a sample of blood. It should feel like a pinprick, but not much more. Afterward, the nurse will take the needle out and may cover the area with a bandage in case it bleeds a little. Within a few days, the doctor will look at the test results and should talk to you about what they mean. Low levels might mean you don't get enough magnesium in your diet and need to take extra. Some experts don't think a blood test is the best way to find out your magnesium level. This can make it seem like you have more magnesium in your body than you really have if you simply have a blood test.


Question: When do I need other magnesium tests?

Answer: A blood test is the most common way to find out your magnesium level. This can make it seem like you have more magnesium in your body than you really have if you simply have a blood test. Test the magnesium in your cells, not in your blood.


Question: What should I know about magnesium?

Answer: Some of these are peanut butter, nuts, spinach, beans, whole grains, bananas, milk, and salmon. It's added to some breakfast cereals, bottled water, and other foods that you can buy. If you're basically healthy, you probably wouldn't have symptoms from low magnesium unless it went on for a long time. That's because much of the magnesium in your body is stored in your bones and other places, not in the blood.


Question: How can low magnesium levels affect your body?

Answer: It can also lead to low levels of other important minerals like calcium and potassium. This can make it seem like you have more magnesium in your body than you really have if you simply have a blood test.


Question: Should you seek medication attention about a concussion?

Answer: And what should you do if you have a concussion? Most people with concussions fully recover with appropriate treatment. But because a concussion can be serious, safeguarding yourself is important. Here are a few steps to take: Seek medical attention. A health care professional can decide how serious the concussion is and whether you require treatment. If you have suffered a grade 1 or grade 2 concussion, wait until symptoms are gone before returning to normal activities. That could take several minutes, hours, days, or even a week.


Question: What is recovery like for a concussion?

Answer: A doctor will ask how the head injury happened and discuss the symptoms. Aspirin-free medications may be prescribed and you will be advised to take it easy. Experts recommend follow-up medical attention within 24 to 72 hours if symptoms worsen.


Question: How long should you take a break after getting a concussion?

Answer: Here are a few steps to take: Seek medical attention. If you have sustained a grade 3 concussion, see a doctor immediately for observation and treatment. Definitely do not resume play the same day. Athletes and children should be closely monitored by coaches upon resuming play. If you resume play too soon, you risk a greater chance of having a second concussion, which can compound the damage. The American Academy of Neurology has issued guidelines about resuming activities after a concussion. By its very nature, a concussion is unexpected, so it is tough to prevent.


Question: Where do I get a cervical cap?

Answer: But you should check that the cap is still in place. It's important to do that within 48 hours (2 days) after having sex. And you need to follow the instructions exactly for it to work right.


Question: What is a cervical cap?

Answer: It fits snugly over the cervix (where the uterus opens into the vagina). It's designed to block sperm from reaching the woman's egg. That's why it's called a âbarrierâ method of birth control. The woman uses her fingers to take the cap out.


Question: How can I tell what triggers my psoriasis?

Answer: Any time there is a change in your psoriasis -- for better or worse -- look for associations. Did the weather change? Was your skin recently injured? Did you run out of a psoriasis medicine? Did you start taking a new medicine? Are there associations between your other medications and your psoriasis outbreaks?


Question: What causes a kidney cyst?

Answer: One or more may form within the kidneys. The size of these cysts may also increase with age and may double over 10 years. Simple kidney cysts usually do not cause symptoms.


Question: How is a kidney cyst treated?

Answer: Simple kidney cysts usually do not cause symptoms. If your cyst does not cause symptoms or complications, you do not need treatment. However, in the rare case that you have symptoms, you may need treatment. Scarring down the space within the cyst is called sclerosis. Your doctor may recommend surgery that entails general anesthesia and a large incision. During the procedure, the surgeon would insert a thin, lighted viewing tube called a laparoscope and other instruments to drain the fluid from the cyst and remove or burn its outer wall to keep it from reforming.


Question: When is surgery recommended to treat a kidney cyst?

Answer: Your doctor may simply watch your cysts to make sure they don't cause any problems. During the procedure, the surgeon would insert a thin, lighted viewing tube called a laparoscope and other instruments to drain the fluid from the cyst and remove or burn its outer wall to keep it from reforming. You may need to stay in the hospital for one or two days following the surgery.


Question: What are the symptoms of a kidney cyst?

Answer: Simple kidney cysts most often do not cause harm. In most cases, a doctor finds them during an ultrasound or computerized tomography ( CT) scan done for another reason. However, simple kidney cysts may: Cause pain in your side, back, or upper abdomen if they enlarge and press on other organs Bleed Become infected, causing fever, chills, or other signs of infection Impair kidney function (rare) Simple kidney cysts have been associated with high blood pressure, but it is unclear what the relationship is between the two. If your cyst does not cause symptoms or complications, you do not need treatment.


Question: What is a kidney cyst?

Answer: Simple cysts are the most common type of kidney cyst. They are not the same thing as polycystic kidney disease, which is a progressive disease that can lead to kidney failure. Simple kidney cysts most often do not cause harm. Being male is a risk factor, however, as is age: Almost half of all people age 50 or older have one or more simple cysts in the kidneys. Simple kidney cysts usually do not cause symptoms.


Question: What are the symptoms of type 1 Chiari malformation?

Answer: This usually causes severe neurological defects. Most people with the condition don't even know that they have it unless it is incidentally discovered during a diagnostic imaging test. But if the malformation is severe, type I may cause symptoms such as: Pain in the lower back of the head into the neck; it usually develops quickly and intensifies with any activity that increases pressure in the brain, such as coughing and sneezing.


Question: What usually causes Chiari malformation?

Answer: Chiari malformations are usually caused by structural defects in the brain and spinal cord. Due to genetic mutations or a maternal diet that lacked certain nutrients, the indented bony space at the base of the skull is abnormally small. As a result, pressure is placed on the cerebellum. That's the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.


Question: What are the right and left coronary arteries?

Answer: On the surface of the heart, there are coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle itself. Two major coronary arteries branch off from the aorta near the point where the aorta and the left ventricle meet: Right coronary artery supplies the right atrium and right ventricle with blood. It branches into the posterior descending artery, which supplies the bottom portion of the left ventricle and back of the septum with blood. Left main coronary artery branches into the circumflex artery and the left anterior descending artery.


Question: What are tooth sealants?

Answer: The painted on liquid sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. Sometimes, an etching solution is put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the teeth.


Question: How can I treat my alcohol use and depression?

Answer: People who are depressed and drink too much have more frequent and severe episodes of depression, and are more likely to think about suicide. But if you turn to alcohol to get you through the day, or if it causes trouble in your relationships, at work, in your social life, or with how you think and feel, you have a more serious problem. Your doctor will probably treat both conditions together. You can also get help from Alcoholics Anonymous or an alcohol treatment center in your area.


Question: What causes an astigmatism?

Answer: It's a big word, but it simply means your eye isn't completely round. We don't know the exact cause. You can also get it after an eye injury, eye disease, or surgery. There's a myth that you can get it if you read in low light or sit too close to the TV, but that isn't true.


Question: How are most cases of astigmatism treated?

Answer: Almost all cases can be corrected with glasses or contacts. But if you only have a slight astigmatism -- your doctor may refer to it as a degree -- and you don't have another vision problem, you may not need them. There's more than one type, so your doctor will help you pick the one that's right for you.


Question: What if exercising makes me frustrated or self-critical?

Answer: At home, take on a small project or new hobby that keeps you away from the TV. A lifestyle change is hard, and you deserve to feel proud of your efforts. Over time, you'll see the benefits of these changes in the form of better overall health and well-being. Stick with your new healthy habits, and as time goes by, you're likely to meet, and perhaps pass, your first weight loss goal.


Question: How can I stay motivated to work out as a diabetic?

Answer: No matter how much you want to lose, it helps to plan ahead for weight loss before you start trying to drop those extra pounds. Think about why it's important to you. This will help you keep on track through the tough times of low drive or high temptation. What inspires you to lose weight? Do you want to be able to keep up with your children as they get older and more active? Is there a charity walk or run you've always wanted to join? Are you tired of feeling tired? Do you want to manage your diabetes more easily? Are you planning a big vacation and want to be fit enough to fully enjoy it? Do you want to lower your chances of heart disease and other health problems? Whatever your reasons, write them down, and post them on the refrigerator door or somewhere you can see them. The list will remind you every day why you're tackling the challenge of losing weight.


Question: How can I make long term weight loss goals?

Answer: Think about why it's important to you. Be specific about when, where, and how you can reach each goal. It's fine to start slow and build up to 30 minutes of exercise a day, at least 5 days a week.


Question: Can supplements and natural treatments help in controlling blood sugar?

Answer: Not getting enough rest is a struggle for anyone, but it might be an even bigger issue for someone with diabetes: Poor ZZZs may mean worse blood-sugar control, some research shows. And it's not just about the amount of sleep you get -- the quality of it can make a difference when it comes to improving blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Get regular exercise, but try to finish your workout at least 3 hours before you hit the sack.


Question: Can you care for type 2 diabetes at home?

Answer: They help you to manage your disease just like you manage other parts of your life, like work, household chores, and the family budget. And they can help you feel in control of your health. Most meters need you to prick your fingertip to test your blood. There are also many natural methods you can try to help control diabetes.


Question: How does sleep affect diabetes?

Answer: And it's not just about the amount of sleep you get -- the quality of it can make a difference when it comes to improving blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Some might help control your blood sugar, but others can be harmful for people with the condition.


Question: How are opioids taken?

Answer: If the person can no longer swallow, some medications can be given intravenously, and some by subcutaneous injection. With a compounding pharmacist's support, we can mix an opioid with a gel to deliver it topically, through the skin," says Muir. " There are also formulations of fentanyl, for example, that can be delivered by patch or through a cheek film that crosses the mucous membranes in the mouth." In addition to opioids, there are a number of other helper medications that palliative care specialists use to help control pain.


Question: Which treatments can help alopecia areata?

Answer: If you have it, there are several things to try: Corticosteroids. These are anti-inflammatory drugs that are prescribed for autoimmune diseases. Chemicals are applied to the scalp to produce an allergic reaction. If it works, this reaction is actually what makes the hair grow back. This treatment, which is put on the scalp, is already used for pattern baldness. Other treatments for alopecia areata include medications that are sometimes used for other autoimmune disorders. Wear wigs, hats, or scarves. Reduce stress.


Question: What does high-functioning autism look like?

Answer: Like all people on the autism spectrum, people who are high functioning have a hard time with social interaction and communication. They don't naturally read social cues and might find it difficult to make friends. They can get so stressed by a social situation that they shut down. People on the spectrum who are high-functioning can also be very devoted to routine and order. They might have repetitive and restrictive habits that seem odd to others. Some do very well in school, while others get overwhelmed and can't concentrate. Some can hold a job, and others find that really hard to do. It all depends on the person and the situation.


Question: How can isotretinoin help with treating acne?

Answer: It's used for severe or moderate acne that can't be controlled with other treatments. It reduces the amount of oil made by glands in the skin. It also curbs inflammation and reduces clogged hair follicles. Taking it for several months, once or twice a day, can clear most cases of acne. The fact is that depression is more common in people with acne, regardless of the treatment.


Question: How can topical treatments help with acne?

Answer: Topical treatments for teenage acne come in different forms, including creams, lotions, foams, gels and pads. Some types include: Topical antibiotics. For moderate to severe cases, a dermatologist might recommend prescription acne medications taken by mouth instead of -- or in addition to -- topical treatments. It's used for severe or moderate acne that can't be controlled with other treatments.


Question: How can topical retinoids help with treating acne?

Answer: Examples include adapalene ( Differin), tazarotene ( Tazorac), and tretinoin ( Avita, Retin- A), and Other topical medicines. Retinoid creams can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Work with a doctor.


Question: How does cirrhosis develop?

Answer: It usually happens over a long period of time because of infection or alcohol addiction. When too much scar tissue builds up, the organ can't work right. The goal is to protect the healthy tissue you have left. If your cirrhosis is severe, you may need a liver transplant.


Question: What problems can I get from cirrhosis?

Answer: When too much scar tissue builds up, the organ can't work right. But as time goes on, and the damage to your liver gets worse, you may notice things like: Fatigue and weakness Lack of appetite and weight loss Nausea You could also bleed or bruise easily and have swelling in your legs or belly. You may also notice changes in your skin, such as: Jaundice (when your skin and eyes turn yellow) Intense itching Spider web-like blood vessels in your skin Redness in the palms of your hands or whitening of your nails You could have some changes to the way you think, such as problems with concentration or memory. You get damage to your liver over a long period of time. If your doctor says you have decompensated cirrhosis, your liver is badly scarred and isn't working right. If you have a severe fluid buildup, you may need to get it drained. They can lessen bleeding inside your body that's caused by swollen and burst blood vessels. Your doctor may also suggest medications to lessen a buildup of toxins, if that's a problem for you.


Question: What are the stages of cirrhosis?

Answer: When too much scar tissue builds up, the organ can't work right. You may not have any symptoms at first. The most common things that raise your odds for cirrhosis are: Heavy drinking due to alcohol addiction Obesity, which raises your chances of conditions that lead to cirrhosis A long-term hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection Conditions that can lead to cirrhosis include: Cystic fibrosis Diseases that make it hard for your body to process sugars Too much iron buildup in your body Wilson's disease, where too much copper is stored in the liver Autoimmune diseases that cause your body to attack liver cells Blockage of the bile duct, which carries digestive enzymes from your liver into the intestines Certain genetic digestive disorders Some infections, including syphilis and brucellosis Bad reactions to certain medications Since you might not feel symptoms right away, you may not find out that you have cirrhosis until you get a routine checkup. Stages. If your cirrhosis is severe, you may need a liver transplant.


Question: How can nonalcoholic fatty liver disease cause cirrhosis?

Answer: Blood pressure medications. If you drink alcohol, it's important to be moderate.


Question: How does alcohol use cause cirrhosis?

Answer: The most common things that raise your odds for cirrhosis are: Heavy drinking due to alcohol addiction Obesity, which raises your chances of conditions that lead to cirrhosis A long-term hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection Conditions that can lead to cirrhosis include: Cystic fibrosis Diseases that make it hard for your body to process sugars Too much iron buildup in your body Wilson's disease, where too much copper is stored in the liver Autoimmune diseases that cause your body to attack liver cells Blockage of the bile duct, which carries digestive enzymes from your liver into the intestines Certain genetic digestive disorders Some infections, including syphilis and brucellosis Bad reactions to certain medications Since you might not feel symptoms right away, you may not find out that you have cirrhosis until you get a routine checkup. And if you have inflammation in your liver, steroids can help. If you're a man, don't have more than two drinks a day.


Question: What can you do about swollen legs?

Answer: On long car rides, switch positions and stop for breaks as often as you can. But since leg swelling can be a sign of something serious, don't ignore it. If you notice other symptoms, especially leg pain, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, call your doctor right away.


Question: How can you tell if pregnancy is causing your legs to swell?

Answer: Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency: You get these conditions when the valves inside your leg veins don't keep the blood flowing up toward your heart. Instead of filtering water and waste material from your blood, fluid gathers in your body, which causes swelling in your arms and legs. The result: mild swelling. If you notice these other symptoms as well, let your doctor know because it might mean you have a serious condition called preeclampsia: Severe swelling, especially around your eyes Bad headache Vision changes, like blurriness or sensitivity to light If, during the last trimester or soon after delivery, you have swollen legs and shortness of breath, talk to your doctor about a condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy, a type of heart failure related to pregnancy.


Question: What are side effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS, or rTMS) for depression?

Answer: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS, or r TMS) sends bursts of energy -- from electromagnets -- to specific areas of the brain. While more research needs to be done, TMS seems to have few risks and side effects, and it doesn't require hospitalization. Some people feel muscle contractions in the scalp. Rarely, TMS causes headaches or dizziness. But no evidence suggests that it affects the memory, like electroconvulsive therapy ( ECT) sometimes can. TMS could cause a seizure, but experts say that's very unlikely with a risk of about 1 in a thousand people.


Question: Will my doctor assign a stage to my lung cancer?

Answer: That will help your medical team figure out the best treatment for you. Your doctor may suggest a combination of treatments, depending on what kind of cancer you have and where it is.


Question: What questions should you ask your doctor about non-small-cell lung cancer?

Answer: You may want to start by asking your doctor: How serious is my lung cancer? Has it spread, where to, and what does that mean? What are my cancer treatment options? How well do they work? What are the side effects? What other treatments might I need to feel OK? Will I have to stop working while having treatment? What happens if the cancer continues to spread? Have you treated anyone else with this type of lung cancer? Can I take part in clinical trials? How can I find out about that? Is there a medical center that takes care of my kind of cancer regularly that I could go to? Finding out that you have cancer is very hard to deal with.


Question: How is non-small-cell lung cancer treated?

Answer: Their goal is to stay ahead of the symptoms and make you as comfortable as possible. Your doctor may suggest a combination of treatments, depending on what kind of cancer you have and where it is. Because of how they work, they usually harm normal cells less than radiation and chemo.


Question: Where can you get emotional support for non-small-cell lung cancer?

Answer: You may feel more comfortable getting a second opinion before deciding on your treatment plan. Look online or in your community, or ask your doctor for suggestions and about other professionals who can help support you -- perhaps social workers, nurses, clergy, or other doctors.


Question: Should other people come to my appointments with my lung cancer doctor?

Answer: You may feel more comfortable getting a second opinion before deciding on your treatment plan. Look online or in your community, or ask your doctor for suggestions and about other professionals who can help support you -- perhaps social workers, nurses, clergy, or other doctors.


Question: How is targeted therapy used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer?

Answer: Your doctor might put it in your spinal fluid, a specific organ, or a space inside your body to target cancer cells in that area. Because of how they work, they usually harm normal cells less than radiation and chemo.


Question: What are common symptoms of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)?

Answer: Or you might mistake them for another illness, such as pneumonia or a collapsed lung. Like other types of lung cancer, symptoms can include: Coughing that lasts or gets worse Chest pain that often hurts more when you cough, laugh, or take deep breaths Hoarseness or voice changes Harsh, raspy sounds when you breathe Wheezing Weight loss, little appetite Coughing up blood or mucus Shortness of breath Feeling weak or tired Lasting lung problems, like bronchitis or pneumonia If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, you may have: Bone pain Headache Dizziness or balance problems Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg Yellow skin or eyes First, your doctor will talk with you and ask questions like: When did you first notice problems? If it's caught early enough, your cancer may be curable.


Question: What questions should I ask my doctor about my lung cancer?

Answer: You may want to start by asking your doctor: How serious is my lung cancer? Has it spread, where to, and what does that mean? What are my cancer treatment options? How well do they work? What are the side effects? What other treatments might I need to feel OK? Will I have to stop working while having treatment? What happens if the cancer continues to spread? Have you treated anyone else with this type of lung cancer? Can I take part in clinical trials? How can I find out about that? Is there a medical center that takes care of my kind of cancer regularly that I could go to? Finding out that you have cancer is very hard to deal with.


Question: I have hemophilia A. What can I do to take care of myself?

Answer: What's your family's medical history? Keep up with your treatment, follow your doctor's advice, and do these four things: Handle injuries correctly. Clean small cuts, scrapes, and injuries. Tell all your health care professionals that you have (or your child has) hemophilia. Exercise makes them stronger, which makes injuries less likely.


Question: What are the symptoms of hemophilia A?

Answer: Hemophilia A can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how little you have of factor VIII. Mild hemophilia A. If you're in this group, you may only notice bleeding after a serious injury. In addition to bleeding after an injury, you may also have frequent episodes of bleeding, often into the joints and muscles, without being able to figure out a specific cause.


Question: Whereâs the best place to get hemophilia A treatment?

Answer: The best place to go for treatment is a federally funded hemophilia treatment center ( HTC). You'll work with a team of specialists, such as surgeons, dentists, physical therapists, and social workers who focus on the blood disorder. The goal of treatment is to give you the factor VIII your body doesn't make. That's called replacement therapy. It's not a cure, but it does help control your hemophilia. But there's a 20% to 30% chance your body will reject it. In that case, your doctors may try different sources for factor VIII, or try different amounts.


Question: Whoâs most likely to get hemophilia A?

Answer: Hemophilia A usually runs in families, but about one-third of people with the disease don't have a family history of it. Most women with the troublesome gene are carriers and have no symptoms, but they can pass it to their sons.


Question: How can I know if my child has hemophilia?

Answer: It's rare, but if you have a head bump -- even if it's minor -- and you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor: Prolonged headache Throwing up Sleepiness/tiredness Sudden weakness or problems walking Double vision If you have a family history of hemophilia and are pregnant, tests can tell if your baby has the disease. There are risks though, so you'll want to talk to your doctor about testing. In children, doctors usually diagnose severe cases in the first year of a baby's life. Does your child bruise easily or bleed for longer than normal from small injuries? Make an appointment with your child's doctor. They can tell if it's hemophilia. Once a baby starts moving, crawling, and bumping into things, you may notice raised bruises, especially on places like the stomach, chest, back, and bottom.


Question: Where can I get support for hemophilia?

Answer: And if you're a woman, you'll learn if you're a carrier. The best place to go for treatment is a federally funded hemophilia treatment center ( HTC). The federal government pays for a network of more than 140 hemophilia treatment centers where you can get treatment, education, and other resources you need.


Question: What are questions I can ask my doctor about hemophilia?

Answer: If you or your child is diagnosed with hemophilia, you'll probably have a lot of questions for your doctor, including: How often will you need to visit the doctor? How long is too long to bleed from a small cut? Are some symptoms more serious than others? What are they? Are there over-the-counter medicines you should or shouldn't use? How do you keep your child safe? What can you expect as your child gets older? How do you connect with other families that have kids with this condition? What are the chances your other children will have hemophilia?


Question: How is hepatitis C (HCV) commonly transmitted?

Answer: But the liver-destroying disease can also sometimes be spread through sexual contact. Hepatitis C ( HCV) is spread through contact with an infected person's blood -- which may be present because of genital sores or cuts or menstruation.


Question: What is metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD)?

Answer: People with these disorders are missing important enzymes (proteins that speed up reactions in the body). Symptoms start in the first few months of life and include: Muscle weakness Stiff limbs Trouble walking Vision and hearing loss Muscle spasms Seizures Metachromatic leukodystrophy ( MLD): You can get MLD if you don't have the enzyme arylsulfatase A. It normally breaks down a group of fats called sulfatides. Without the enzyme, these fats build up in white matter -- the part of the brain that contains nerve fibers. MLD comes in different forms. Symptoms can include: Loss of feeling in the hands and feet Seizures Trouble walking and talking Vision and hearing loss Mucopolysaccharidosis ( MPS): This a group of diseases that affects enzymes that break down certain carbohydrates.


Question: How are lysosomal storage disorders diagnosed?

Answer: People with these disorders are missing important enzymes (proteins that speed up reactions in the body). Other symptoms include: A red spot in the back of the eye Vision and hearing loss Seizures Most lysosomal storage disorders are passed down from parents to their children. Usually, a child has to inherit the faulty gene from both parents. Your doctor can test for these disorders in your baby during pregnancy. If you have a child with symptoms, blood tests can look for the enzyme that's missing.


Question: What is mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS)?

Answer: People with these disorders are missing important enzymes (proteins that speed up reactions in the body). Symptoms can include: Loss of feeling in the hands and feet Seizures Trouble walking and talking Vision and hearing loss Mucopolysaccharidosis ( MPS): This a group of diseases that affects enzymes that break down certain carbohydrates. The unbroken carbohydrates build up in many different organs. Symptoms of MPS affect many parts of the body and can include: Short height Stiff joints Trouble speaking and hearing Ongoing runny nose Learning problems Heart issues Joint problems Trouble breathing Depression Niemann- Pick disease: This is a group of disorders.


Question: How does Tay-Sachs disease affect the lysosome?

Answer: People with these disorders are missing important enzymes (proteins that speed up reactions in the body). Symptoms include: Severe muscle weakness Poor muscle tone Lack of growth and weight gain in infants An enlarged heart, liver, or tongue Tay- Sachs disease: This is caused by a lack of the enzyme hexosaminidases A ( Hex- A). This enzyme breaks down a fatty substance called GM2 ganglioside in brain cells. Without it, the fat builds up in nerve cells and damages them. Babies with Tay- Sachs grow normally for the first few months of life. Then their development slows. They lose control over their muscles. It becomes harder for them to sit, crawl, and walk. Other symptoms include: A red spot in the back of the eye Vision and hearing loss Seizures Most lysosomal storage disorders are passed down from parents to their children.


Question: How do lysosomal storage disorders happen?

Answer: People with these disorders are missing important enzymes (proteins that speed up reactions in the body). Other symptoms include: A red spot in the back of the eye Vision and hearing loss Seizures Most lysosomal storage disorders are passed down from parents to their children. Usually, a child has to inherit the faulty gene from both parents. If a child gets the gene from only one parent, he will be a carrier and won't show symptoms. Lysosomal storage diseases are rare, but some forms are more common in certain groups of people. For example, Gaucher and Tay- Sachs happen more often in people of European Jewish descent.


Question: How are lysosomal storage disorders treated?

Answer: People with these disorders are missing important enzymes (proteins that speed up reactions in the body). Though there isn't a cure for lysosomal storage disorders, a few treatments can help. Enzyme replacement therapy delivers the missing enzyme through a vein ( IV). Substrate reduction therapy reduces the substance that is building up in the cells. For example, the drug miglustat ( Zavesca) treats one form of Gaucher disease. Stem cell transplant uses donated cells to help the body make the enzyme it's missing. Treatments to manage symptoms of the disease include: Medicine Surgery Physical therapy Dialysis (a treatment that removes toxic substances from the body)


Question: What is Krabbe disease?

Answer: People with these disorders are missing important enzymes (proteins that speed up reactions in the body). In general, symptoms include: Anemia (low red blood cell count) Enlarged spleen and liver Easy bleeding and bruising Tiredness Bone pain and fractures Joint pain Eye problems Seizures Krabbe disease: This affects the nervous system. This enzyme helps make and maintain myelin, the protective coating around nerve cells that helps nerves talk to each other. Symptoms start in the first few months of life and include: Muscle weakness Stiff limbs Trouble walking Vision and hearing loss Muscle spasms Seizures Metachromatic leukodystrophy ( MLD): You can get MLD if you don't have the enzyme arylsulfatase A.


Question: What is Gaucher disease?

Answer: People with these disorders are missing important enzymes (proteins that speed up reactions in the body). This enzyme breaks down a fat called glucocerebroside. Without GBA, the fat builds up in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Gaucher disease comes in three types, each with different symptoms. In general, symptoms include: Anemia (low red blood cell count) Enlarged spleen and liver Easy bleeding and bruising Tiredness Bone pain and fractures Joint pain Eye problems Seizures Krabbe disease: This affects the nervous system.


Question: What is Pompe disease?

Answer: People with these disorders are missing important enzymes (proteins that speed up reactions in the body). Symptoms of Niemann- Pick include: An enlarged liver and spleen Trouble moving your eyes up and down Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) Slow development Breathing problems Heart disease Pompe disease: It affects the enzyme alpha-glucosidase ( GAA). This enzyme breaks down the sugar glycogen into glucose. Without GAA, glycogen builds up in muscle cells and other cells. Symptoms include: Severe muscle weakness Poor muscle tone Lack of growth and weight gain in infants An enlarged heart, liver, or tongue Tay- Sachs disease: This is caused by a lack of the enzyme hexosaminidases A ( Hex- A).


Question: What is a thyroid stimulating hormone test?

Answer: A TSH test is done to find out if your thyroid gland is working the way it should. It can tell you if it's overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). The test can also detect a thyroid disorder before you have any symptoms. If untreated, a thyroid disorder can cause health problems. This gland tells your thyroid to make and release the thyroid hormones into your blood.


Question: How effective is singulair in treating my child's allergies?

Answer: It can also make his eyes itchy and watery. They reduce mucus, itching, and congestion. It eases congestion in the nose and also cuts down on sneezing, itching, and eye allergies. Prescription eyedrops can relieve and prevent itchy eyes.


Question: Can antihistamines help my child's allergies?

Answer: That's what makes his nose stuffy or runny. It can also make his eyes itchy and watery. Like their name suggests, they block the effect of histamine. Things to Know: Some are short-acting and are taken every 4 to 6 hours. Longer-acting timed-release ones are taken every 12 to 24 hours. Some medicines combine an antihistamine and a decongestant. Ask your pediatrician whether you should give your child allergy medicine: Before bed. Your doctor may want him to keep taking antihistamines and other allergy drugs until the nose spray kicks in, usually in a week or two.


Question: When is the best time to give children allergy medicine?

Answer: Most experts say you should take these meds before symptoms start in order to keep them at bay. Ask your pediatrician whether you should give your child allergy medicine: Before bed. Allergy symptoms are often worse between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. If your child is allergic to pollen, you may want to start an antihistamine before pollen season, for 3 to 10 days. All the time.


Question: Can children use eyedrops for allergies?

Answer: Examples of prescription-strength ones include: Azelastine ( Astelin, Astepro) nasal sprays Desloratadine ( Clarinex) Hydroxyzine ( Atarax, Vistaril) Most eyedrops are recommended only for children over 3. Common prescription ones include: Azelastine ( Optivar) eyedrops Olopatadine HCL ( Pataday, Patanol) An over-the-counter eyedrop option is ketotifen fumarate ( Zaditor). Over-the-counter oral antihistamines include: Cetirizine ( Zyrtec) Diphenhydramine ( Benadryl) Fexofenadine ( Allegra) Loratadine ( Alavert, Claritin) Steroid nose sprays fight inflammation and help your child breathe better. Prescription eyedrops can relieve and prevent itchy eyes. Your child may need to use them every day.


Question: Can children use steroid nose sprays for allergies?

Answer: Over-the-counter oral antihistamines include: Cetirizine ( Zyrtec) Diphenhydramine ( Benadryl) Fexofenadine ( Allegra) Loratadine ( Alavert, Claritin) Steroid nose sprays fight inflammation and help your child breathe better. They can be liquids or aerosol puffs, and they're used once or more a day. For best results: Make sure your child sprays the medication away from the septum, the thin wall between the nostrils. If his nose has thick mucus, clear it first with a spray saline solution or have him blow his nose. Your doctor may want him to keep taking antihistamines and other allergy drugs until the nose spray kicks in, usually in a week or two.


Question: What are the top two causes of emphysema

Answer: Most of the time, tobacco is the main culprit. AAT deficiency: Alpha-1 antitrypsin ( AAT) is a natural protein that circulates in human blood. If you have AAT deficiency, your normal white blood cells will damage your lungs. The harm is even worse if you smoke. Over time, most people with severe AAT deficiency develop emphysema.


Question: Can my hearing loss be reversed?

Answer: You may first pick up on it if you have trouble hearing someone on the phone or if you have to ask people to repeat what they say. But there are ways to work around age-related hearing loss, like hearing aids.


Question: Is age-related hearing loss reversible?

Answer: Some forms of hearing loss aren't reversible, but many are. That'll make it hard for you to hear. If you have one, you may notice mild hearing loss, as if you were wearing earplugs. Viruses can also cause hearing loss.


Question: Is earwax buildup reversible?

Answer: If you use cotton swabs to clean them, you may be pushing the wax in deeper. This can make it gather and get stuck. That'll make it hard for you to hear. It's not hard to treat that buildup and get your hearing back. Home treatments work well in most cases. Put a few drops of mineral oil or baby oil in the ear to help wax work its way out. You can also buy drops at the drugstore that soften ear wax. See a doctor if home treatments don't work or if you have diabetes. He can remove the wax safely with medical tools. Some ear infections get better on their own.


Question: What are the types of psychotherapy used to treat bipolar disorder?

Answer: Psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy, is an important part of treatment for bipolar disorder. During therapy, you can discuss feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that cause you problems. Interpersonal therapy. This involves relationships and aims to reduce strains that the illness may place upon them. Social rhythm therapy. This helps you develop and maintain a normal sleep schedule and more predictable daily routines.


Question: What is psychotherapy for bipolar disorder?

Answer: During therapy, you can discuss feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that cause you problems. Talk therapy can help you understand and hopefully master any problems that hurt your ability to function well in your life and career. It also helps you stay on your medication. It can help you maintain a positive self-image. Education is another integral part of treatment for you and your family.


Question: How does electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) help with depression?

Answer: While your medications take time to work, a mental health professional can: Show you how your thoughts, emotions, and behavior affect your condition Help you manage stress Offer ways to improve your dealings with other people Help you spot early signs of a problem and get help Help you confront and overcome fears that aren't helping you This type of therapy can take months or more than a year, depending on how serious your depression is. This involves sending a small, painless electric current through your brain while you're asleep under general anesthesia, which causes a brief seizure that can relieve the symptoms of depression. ECT is also known as electroshock therapy. It has a controversial history but is now considered an effective treatment for depression.


Question: How can I control my foot odor?

Answer: Follow these tips: Wash your feet daily in warm water with mild soap. Dry them thoroughly. Dust your feet with baby powder or nonmedicated foot powder. You might also try applying an antibacterial ointment. Change your socks and shoes at least once a day. Wear shoes that let your feet breathe: leather, canvas, and mesh are good options, not nylon or plastic. Avoid wearing the same shoes 2 days in a row. Or use a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water. Move your ankles around and wiggle your toes for 5 minutes two to three times a day.


Question: How do I find the best insert for my feet?

Answer: Here's what you need to know. For low arches or flat feet: Arch support For extra cushioning: Insoles For extra cushioning in the heel: Heel liners or heel cups To prevent shoes rubbing against heels or toes: Foot cushions If the store allows, spend a few minutes walking around with the insert in your shoe before you buy it. If you feel any discomfort, consider another insert.


Question: What can I do to take better care of my feet?

Answer: Check them daily for cuts, sores, swelling, and infected toenails. Give them a good cleaning in warm water, but avoid soaking them because that may dry them out. Moisturize them every day with lotion, cream, or petroleum jelly. Don't put moisturizer between your toes. You want to keep the skin there dry to prevent infection. Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes. Skip the flip-flops and flats. Rotate your shoes so you're not wearing the same pair every day. Trim your toenails straight across with a nail clipper. Then use an emery board or nail file to smooth the corners, which will prevent the nail from growing into your skin.


Question: How do I treat warts?

Answer: Never use acid treatments on your feet if you have diabetes. Don't try to treat warts yourself. Your doctor may remove the wart with a laser or by minor surgery, or use liquid nitrogen or a prescription topical. Although there are many over-the-counter wart treatments, you should only use them if your doctor advises it. Your doctor may suggest an over-the-counter antifungal powder, cream, or spray or prescribe some medication you apply directly to your skin.


Question: What is laser skin resurfacing?

Answer: Laser skin resurfacing removes skin layer by layer with precision. The new skin cells that form during healing give the skin a tighter, younger looking surface. The procedure can be done alone or with other cosmetic surgeries on the face. The doctor may treat wrinkles around your eyes, mouth, or forehead individually or treat your entire face.


Question: How can blood pressure meds cause your psoriasis to be worse?

Answer: If that happens, your doctor may suggest other treatments that don't cause flare-ups to manage your health problems. If you have heart disease or a heart rhythm problem, you might take a medicine that's been linked to psoriasis flares.


Question: What drugs that treat heart conditions can make psoriasis worse?

Answer: If you have trouble with NSAIDs, ask your doctor if you can try a different kind of pain reliever, such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol). These drugs include: Amiodarone Digoxin ( Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin) Gemfibrozil ( Lopid) Quinidine Talk with your doctor if you take one of these meds. If your plans include travel to southern Africa or another part of the world where malaria is common, you might need medicine to protect yourself against the mosquito-borne disease.


Question: How can heart drugs cause your psoriasis to get worse?

Answer: If you have trouble with NSAIDs, ask your doctor if you can try a different kind of pain reliever, such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol). If you have heart disease or a heart rhythm problem, you might take a medicine that's been linked to psoriasis flares. These drugs include: Amiodarone Digoxin ( Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin) Gemfibrozil ( Lopid) Quinidine Talk with your doctor if you take one of these meds.


Question: Are there different types of weight loss surgery for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Some help you lose weight by shrinking the size of your stomach so you feel full after small meals. Others change the way your body absorbs calories, nutrients, and vitamins. Still others do both. Cons: Sometimes there are problems with the band.


Question: What are specific instructions after treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

Answer: You will need someone to drive you. These may include: Sleeping with your head at a 45-degree angle -- either in a recliner or propped up on a sofa -- for 2 nights. Keeping your head vertical for 2 days. You may have to avoid certain exercises and modify your movements during shaving and washing your hair. For a week, you will need to avoid head movements that might bring on BPPV. You may need to sleep with two pillows and avoid sleeping on the affected side.


Question: What does it mean if you have uveitis?

Answer: With the proper care, your eye doctor can help prevent the glaucoma, cataracts, or blindness uveitis can cause. Ask you to use your eyes to follow an object that moves up and down, left and right, without turning your head Have you read an eye chart Test your peripheral (side) vision Your doctor may use special tools to check that the pressure within your eye is healthy and that fluids are able to drain out of your eyes well.


Question: What are the symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation?

Answer: Some people with this condition may not feel any symptoms while others may have chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, or dizziness, among other things. Some cases are mild and just need to be watched. Others are more severe and may require medications or surgery. You need to make sure your doctor knows your symptoms so he can decide what to do.


Question: Can doctors diagnose ocular migraine?

Answer: He can rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Be ready to describe what you went through as completely as you can to help him figure out what's really going on. But if you have ocular migraine, even if they go away on their own, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your symptoms.


Question: How common are ocular migraines?

Answer: It's a rare problem. Some research suggests that in many cases, the symptoms are due to other problems. Some feel that the problem is linked to: Spasms in blood vessels in the retina, the lining in the back of the eye Changes that spread across the nerve cells in the retina It's rare, but people who have these types of migraine may have a higher risk of permanent vision loss in one eye.


Question: What is an ocular migraine?

Answer: If you have ocular migraine, you may get vision loss or blindness in one eye for a short time -- less than an hour. You can have it along with or after a migraine headache. You may hear your doctor call ocular migraine by some other names, such as visual, retinal, ophthalmic, or monocular migraines.


Question: What vision problems affecting one eye are warning signs of an ocular migraine?

Answer: Regular migraine attacks can also cause vision problems, called an aura, which can involve flashing lights and blind spots. Warning signs that it's coming on are: Vision problems that affect just one eye. It might happen for only a few minutes or up to 30 minutes. It can be hard to tell whether you're having symptoms in one eye only. If you're not sure, cover one eye and then the other.


Question: How do you know if your vision problem is a sign of ocular migraines?

Answer: Warning signs that it's coming on are: Vision problems that affect just one eye. It might happen for only a few minutes or up to 30 minutes. It can be hard to tell whether you're having symptoms in one eye only. If you're not sure, cover one eye and then the other.


Question: What are the symptoms of glioblastoma?

Answer: And it is usually very aggressive, which means it can grow fast and spread quickly. Depending on where the tumor is, it can cause: Constant headaches Seizures Vomiting Trouble thinking Changes in mood or personality Double or blurred vision Trouble speaking A neurologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating brain disorders) will give you a complete exam.


Question: Where does glioblastoma form in the brain?

Answer: Glioblastoma is a type of brain cancer. It's the most common type of malignant brain tumor among adults. And it is usually very aggressive, which means it can grow fast and spread quickly. In high-risk areas of the brain, it may not be possible to remove all of it.


Question: How are glioblastoma regrowths often treated?

Answer: You get it with chemotherapy after surgery and radiation. Doctors often can't predict what someone's life expectancy will be if they have a glioblastoma.


Question: What is brittle diabetes?

Answer: The words brittle and labile can both mean âunstableâ or âeasily changed.â When you have brittle diabetes, your blood glucose levels often swing from very low (hypoglycemic) to very high (hyperglycemic). It's almost always associated with type 1 diabetes. It isn't a separate kind of diabetes, but more like a complication, or subset of the disease. That can make each episode worse and lead to brittle diabetes. It can also be fatal.


Question: What do you need to do during your treatment for brittle diabetes?

Answer: To treat you, your doctor will work on any immediate blood sugar needs you have first. You may get: An insulin pump: A small machine that stays connected to you throughout the day to give you steady adjustments in insulin. Follow your nutrition guidelines. Stick to your medication schedule. Most of all, stay in touch with your diabetes team so you have both the medical and emotional support you need.


Question: Can low-dose aspirin help treat polycythemia vera (PV)?

Answer: Treatments lower the number of red blood cells and prevent blood clots. It also eases symptoms such as burning in your hands and feet, itching, and bone pain. Your doctor might recommend that you take a low dose of aspirin every day.


Question: Who should get corneal cross-linking?

Answer: The procedure doesn't reverse cornea changes that have already happened -- it just keeps them from getting worse. Your doctor can let you know if this treatment would help you. Once you've had corneal cross-linking, you might need new glasses or contacts.


Question: What happens during corneal cross-linking?

Answer: Corneal cross-linking is the only treatment that can stop progressive keratoconus from getting worse. First, you'll get drops that numb your eyes and a medicine to calm you. Then, she'll put in riboflavin (vitamin B2) eyedrops, which allow your cornea to better absorb light. Then, you'll lie back in a chair and look up at a light. You shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure because your eyes will be numb. The entire treatment takes about 60-90 minutes.


Question: What do doctors use in corneal cross-linking?

Answer: In corneal cross-linking, doctors use eyedrop medication and ultraviolet ( UV) light from a special machine to make the tissues in your cornea stronger. Corneal cross-linking is the only treatment that can stop progressive keratoconus from getting worse.


Question: How do you stay active with a feeding tube?

Answer: Key things to keep in mind for most kinds of feeding tubes include: Clean your hands. You can run or walk, but talk to your doctor about yoga or other exercises that work your abdomen muscles. Even swimming is fine if your incision site has healed and the water is clean. Nasal feeding tubes have no restrictions on swimming, other than making sure the tube is closed, clamped, and not hooked up to a feeding pump. Ocean water and well-maintained private pools are your best bets if you have a feeding tube in your abdomen.


Question: What are tips for eating out if you have a feeding tube?

Answer: If you're comfortable at social meals, others likely will be, too. Some people hook up their pump and eat along with everyone. Others even travel with a blender and ask the kitchen to blend the dishes. If you aren't comfortable using your feeding tube in public, ask the manager if there's a private place for you to go. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the restaurant legally must fill any reasonable requests. For instance, schedule a time together for when you're not taking in food.


Question: How do you clean your hands when you use feeding tube?

Answer: Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water before you work with the tube. Make sure your hands are dry. It's important to keep the spot on your skin where the tube goes into your stomach -- the stoma -- clean and dry.


Question: What is living with a feeding tube like?

Answer: If your doctor tells you that you need a feeding tube, it can be a lot to process. You can go out to restaurants with friends, have sex, and exercise. A feeding tube can remain in place as long as you need it. You might need to rethink how you do everyday things like dining in restaurants and traveling. This can be a tricky adjustment.


Question: What kind of formula will you use with a feeding tube?

Answer: You'll need to flush it even on days you don't use it. You can buy what's called an enteral formula in a can. Most are made to flow well through a tube. With your doctor's OK, you can make your own formula in the blender. You'll need to make sure it has the recommended calories, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and fluids.


Question: Can you have sex if you have a feeding tube?

Answer: If you're unable to eat and drink like you used to, a feeding tube can help you get the nutrition you need and lower your chances of choking. If you're on the road, carry a wallet-sized card to quickly describe why you're not eating or eating in a different way. If your doctor hasn't discussed sex with you, bring it up.


Question: Does hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) cause scars?

Answer: But if you get treatment for it early on, you may avoid the most serious complications. Severe, raised scars may be treated with steroid shots or removed by a surgeon. Scar tissue can interfere with the lymph drainage system. That may lead to swelling in the arms, legs, or genitals.


Question: What is a sinus blockage?

Answer: It narrows that transition space. Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus.


Question: What should you look for in cosmetics if you have eczema?

Answer: Shea butter, glycerin, and lanolin. These moisturizing ingredients repair your skin and help it look healthier. Look for skin care products that list one of these first, second, or third on the ingredients list. It helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. Smooth on cream with hyaluronic acid for an extra boost of moisture and to ease flaky, dry skin. Niacinamide. If red patches show through no matter how many layers of makeup you pile on, try a serum or cream that has this compound, also called vitamin B3. It can reduce redness from eczema by strengthening your skin's natural barrier. Apply niacinamide cream first, then put on cosmetics. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol.


Question: What is tribulus terrestris?

Answer: It is also called puncture vine. The spine-covered fruit should be eaten with caution.


Question: What is garcinia cambogia?

Answer: People say it blocks your body's ability to make fat and it puts the brakes on your appetite. Loss of excess weight could help could help keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check, too. You'll find it in bottles on the shelf at the store as well as mixed with other ingredients in diet products. The reviewers couldn't say for sure that the weight loss was because of the supplement.


Question: What can I ask my doctor about psoriais?

Answer: Treatment for psoriasis can be demanding and cause side effects. They might help you figure out the best way to treat your psoriasis. Although not all of these questions may apply to your situation, it's still a good idea to look them over. If my psoriasis doesn't bother me much, do I really need treatment? Will I need different kinds of treatments for different parts of my body, such as my elbows, groin, face, scalp, or fingernails? Is my psoriasis so severe that I need to use phototherapy or systemic therapy instead of topical treatments? What are the side effects of these treatments? Does your office have all treatments for psoriasis available -- such as light boxes for phototherapy -- and do you routinely prescribe systemic or biologic medications to treat the condition? If I'm too busy to make regular phototherapy appointments, can I use a light box at home? Should I be evaluated for psoriatic arthritis? If you think I have psoriatic arthritis, should I see a rheumatologist as well? What treatment will help both my psoriasis and arthritis symptoms? How much will psoriasis treatment cost? Does my insurance limit the number of therapeutic choices that are open to me? Will my therapy be long-term, or will it be sporadic? How often will I need to come in for check-ups in order to treat my psoriasis effectively? If nothing seems to help my psoriasis, what should I do? Are there any medical conditions that may prevent me from getting systemic treatments? What do you need to know about my past medical history?


Question: How is the flu different from the stomach flu?

Answer: Sometimes people mistake symptoms of stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, for the viral infection we commonly call "flu." More severe cases can lead to life-threatening illnesses like pneumonia. Antibiotics are sometimes used to treat bacterial gastroenteritis, but they don't work against flu viruses. The way someone who can't digest dairy (or is lactose intolerant) reacts to dairy products is a good example.


Question: Is influenza or the "flu" the same as the stomach flu?

Answer: But they're not the same. Stomach flu happens when your stomach and intestines (also called the gastrointestinal or GI tract) are inflamed and irritated. Causes range from bacteria, viruses, and parasites to food reactions and unclean water. If you have symptoms of stomach flu and are weak and dizzy, you may be dehydrated.


Question: How is internal bleeding treated?

Answer: The most serious sources of internal bleeding due to trauma are: Head trauma with internal bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) Bleeding around the lungs (hemothorax) Bleeding around the heart (hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade) Tears in the large blood vessels near the center of the body (aorta, superior and inferior vena cava, and their major branches) Damage caused by trauma to the abdomen such as liver or spleen lacerations or perforation of other organs In the large majority of cases of internal bleeding that results from trauma, the injury is obvious and serious. Imaging tests (usually an ultrasound, CT scan, or both) can identify whether internal bleeding is present. Doctors consider the amount of internal bleeding along with the injured person's blood pressure and severity of injuries to decide on the best initial treatment -- surgery or observation. When internal bleeding is slower or delayed, observation may be appropriate at first. Sometimes, internal bleeding from trauma stops on its own. Ongoing or severe internal bleeding due to trauma requires surgery to correct the problem. When internal bleeding is severe, emergency surgery may take place within minutes after arrival at the hospital. Fasciotomy: Internal bleeding into an area such as the thigh can create high pressure and prevent blood flow to the rest of the leg.


Question: What are the symptoms of internal bleeding because of trauma?

Answer: Internal bleeding may also occur after a less severe trauma or be delayed by hours or days. As the bleeding continues, symptoms appear and steadily get worse. Symptoms depend on the type of trauma and what body part was involved. For example: Abdominal pain and/or swelling can be caused by Internal bleeding from trauma in the liver or spleen. These symptoms get worse as the bleeding continues. Light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting can result from any source of internal bleeding once enough blood is lost. A large area of deeply purple skin (called ecchymosis) can result from bleeding into the skin and soft tissues. Swelling, tightness, and pain in the leg can result from internal bleeding in the thigh. Most often, this is caused by a fracture of the thighbone. Headache, seizures, and loss of consciousness could be the result of internal bleeding in the brain.


Question: When is immunotherapy used as a first treatment?

Answer: Immunotherapy as First Treatment Scientists know that lung tumors with high levels of the protein PD- L1 are more likely to respond to a pembrolizumab than to the other approved treatments. You won't have to try chemotherapy or other drugs first.


Question: Who shouldn't get immunotherapy?

Answer: But immunotherapy doesn't work for all types of metastatic NSCLC, and it's not for all people with the disease. Your doctor will also want to make sure any active or chronic infections are under control before starting this type of treatment.


Question: How long does a rehab program take after a knee or hip replacement surgery?

Answer: You'll also learn how to get in and out of a chair, and begin exercises that strengthen the muscles in your legs. If you've had a hip replacement, you'll work on your "abductors," the muscles that help you coordinate your movements for all kinds of things, such as walking, dancing, or getting in and out of a car.


Question: What should I do after a knee or hip replacement surgery?

Answer: Physical therapy will help ease pain and swelling and get you closer to recovery. Your health team won't wait long to get you on your feet. Your rehab starts while you're still in the hospital. You're ready now to head back to work and get back to the activities you enjoy, from playing sports to shopping 'til you drop.


Question: How can I improve how well my joint moves after a knee or hip replacement surgery?

Answer: As soon as a few hours after your surgery -- depending on your condition and your doctor's orders -- a physical therapist may get you up out of bed to practice using a walker or crutches. Your therapist will lead you through exercises to help you bend and straighten it. You may also need to use a type of equipment called an isokinetic machine that does the work for you. Riding a stationary bike can also help. Before your surgery, joint pain may have slowed you down and made you weaker.


Question: What is cholesterol and artery plaque buildup?

Answer: The sudden blood clot that forms over the rupture then causes a heart attack or stroke. Atherosclerosis develops over years. Plaques can grow in a slow, controlled way into the path of blood flow. Cholesterol plaques can suddenly rupture -- the worst case scenario. Cholesterol plaques from atherosclerosis cause the three main kinds of cardiovascular disease: Coronary artery disease -- Stable cholesterol plaques in the heart's arteries can cause no symptoms or can cause chest pain called angina.


Question: What is the best way to treat cholesterol plaques?

Answer: Long before they can be called plaques, hints of atherosclerosis can be found in the arteries. Aspirin helps prevent clots from forming.


Question: Can you shrink cholesterol plaques?

Answer: But they are temporary and there is no permanent brain damage. With effective treatment, though, plaque buildup may slow down or stop. Some evidence shows that, with aggressive treatment, cholesterol plaques can even shrink slightly. In one major study, cholesterol plaques shrank 10% in size after a 50% reduction in blood cholesterol levels.


Question: What is angiography, angioplasty, and stenting and how can it be used to unclog arteries?

Answer: Long before they can be called plaques, hints of atherosclerosis can be found in the arteries. This is a heart attack, also called myocardial infarction. These treatments won't unclog arteries. Using invasive procedures, doctors can see and unclog arteries, or provide a path for blood to go around blocked arteries. A tiny balloon on the catheter can be inflated to compress cholesterol plaque in the blocked arteries. The stent is usually made of metal and is permanent. It can also be made of a material that the body absorbs over time. Some stents have medicine that helps keep the artery from getting blocked again.


Question: How can you tell you have cholesterol plaque?

Answer: The growth of cholesterol plaques slowly blocks blood flow in the arteries. Long before they can be called plaques, hints of atherosclerosis can be found in the arteries. Even some adolescents have these "fatty streaks" of cholesterol in their artery walls. These streaks are early precursors of cholesterol plaques. They can't be easily detected by tests. But researchers have found them during autopsies of young victims of accidents and violence.


Question: What are risk factors that are to blame for most heart attacks?

Answer: Progressive and painless, atherosclerosis grows cholesterol plaques silently and slowly. They are also preventable. Nine risk factors are to blame for up to 90% of all heart attacks including: smoking high cholesterol high blood pressure diabetes abdominal obesity ("spare tire") stress not eating many fruits and vegetables excessive consumption of alcohol -- more than one drink per day for women, or more than one or two drinks per day for men not getting regular physical activity You may notice almost all of these have something in common: you can do something about them.


Question: Can you prevent risk factors of heart disease?

Answer: Blocked arteries caused by plaque buildup and blood clots are the leading cause of death in the U. S. Reducing cholesterol and other risk factors can help prevent cholesterol plaques from forming. Ask your doctor before starting aspirin, as it can have side effects. They are usually saved for people with significant symptoms or limitations caused by the cholesterol plaques of atherosclerosis.


Question: What do blocked arteries lead to?

Answer: Aspirin helps prevent clots from forming. Some evidence shows that, with aggressive treatment, cholesterol plaques can even shrink slightly.


Question: What do the cholesterol plaques of atherosclerosis cause?

Answer: Cholesterol plaques can be the cause of heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in America, causing more than 900,000 deaths each year. Cholesterol plaques from atherosclerosis cause the three main kinds of cardiovascular disease: Coronary artery disease -- Stable cholesterol plaques in the heart's arteries can cause no symptoms or can cause chest pain called angina.


Question: What makes my eyes red?

Answer: Many things can cause it, like a night of heavy drinking, or a physical injury to your eye. But if you haven't had too much alcohol, or scratched or poked your eyeball recently, there are other possibilities. Other symptoms include: More tears than usual Your eyes burn, itch, or feel gritty White, yellow, or green discharge from your eyes Your eyes are more sensitive to light You get a crust on your eyelid or eyelashes This happens when tiny blood vessels break beneath the surface of your eye.


Question: Does having testicular cancer always require surgery?

Answer: It's one of most successfully treated forms of cancer. About 95% of men will survive more than 5 years after it's found. For almost all stages and types of testicular cancer, the testicle is removed. You might hear a doctor call this a radical inguinal orchiectomy. The doctors will numb your groin area so you can have the surgery while you're awake, or you will be given something to make you sleep.


Question: Will testicular cancer surgery affect my sex life?

Answer: You'll probably will be able to go home the same day, but you should always be ready for an overnight stay at the hospital just in case. You should be able to get an erection and have sex if you lose just one testicle.


Question: Can benzodiazepines help you sleep?

Answer: They also increase drowsiness and help people sleep. They are usually not recommended for long-term treatment of sleeping problems. Mixing alcohol and sleeping pills can have additive sedating effects from both drugs, and the combination can cause someone to stop breathing, which could cause death.


Question: Do I need an oral glucose tolerance test?

Answer: A shorter version of an OGTT checks for diabetes during pregnancy. You might need an oral glucose tolerance test if you: Are overweight or obese Have a close family member with diabetes Have high blood pressure Have high triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood) Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (which causes menstrual problems) Delivered a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds Had gestational diabetes during a past pregnancy A shorter version of this test is done between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy to see whether you have gestational diabetes. Here's what happens: A nurse or doctor will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm to test your starting blood sugar level.


Question: Which antibiotics work best to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Answer: Then the lab will grow the germs in a dish for a couple of days to find out which type of bacteria you have. This is called a culture. It'll tell your doctor what type of germs caused your infection. He'll likely prescribe one of the following antibiotics to treat it before the culture comes back: Amoxicillin/augmentin Ceftriaxone ( Rocephin) Cephalexin ( Keflex) Ciprofloxacin ( Cipro) Fosfomycin ( Monurol) Levofloxacin ( Levaquin) Nitrofurantoin ( Macrodantin, Macrobid) Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole ( Bactrim, Septra) Which medication and dose you get depends on whether your infection is complicated or uncomplicated. Your doctor will let you know.


Question: What should I know about antibiotics that treat urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Answer: The best way to treat a UTI -- and to relieve symptoms like pain, burning, and an urgent need to pee -- is with antibiotics. These medications kill bacteria that cause the infection. It's important to take them just as your doctor prescribed. Which antibiotic you get and how long you take it depend on two things: what kind of bacteria caused your infection and how severe your UTI is. â Uncomplicatedâ means your urinary tract is normal.


Question: Why should I take the full dose for urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Answer: A urinary tract infection ( UTI) starts when bacteria get into your bladder, kidneys, or another part of your urinary tract. Some of these include: Rash Diarrhea Nausea, vomiting Headache Tendon or nerve damage Antibiotics work well against UTIs. You might start to feel better after being on the medicine for just a few days. These germs can become resistant to antibiotics. That means the meds will no longer kill these bugs in the future. So if you get another UTI, the medication you take might not treat it. Take the full course of your medicine to make sure all the bacteria are dead.


Question: When should you see your doctor about issues with your baby communicating?

Answer: Have back-and-forth conversations in baby talk to teach your baby the give-and-take of adult conversation. He should respond to "no," to his or her own name, and to simple requests like "come here." So while normal language development has wide variation, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child's growth. Have your baby's speech evaluated at each well-baby checkup, and talk with your baby's doctor if you're concerned about delayed speech or a hearing problem. And remember: Your baby loves to hear your voice, so don't be embarrassed by your own "silly" baby talk.


Question: Do children get high blood pressure?

Answer: But high blood pressure actually affects people of all ages -- including young children. As in adults, high blood pressure in children can result in serious, long-term health effects, including: Heart disease Kidney disease Stroke Risk factors for high blood pressure in children include obesity and a family history of high blood pressure.


Question: How is broken heart syndrome diagnosed?

Answer: People call it âbroken heart syndrome,â and it's real. Imaging tests -- a coronary angiogram, for example -- would show that your organ's lower left chamber is bigger than normal, and that your heart isn't pumping the way it should. Tell your doctor about your loss and your grief, too. This can help him figure out what's going on. You may need medicines to manage your blood pressure and lighten some of the strain on the heart.


Question: What is bipolar II disorder?

Answer: Bipolar II is similar to bipolar I disorder, with moods cycling between high and low over time. However, in bipolar II disorder, the "up" moods never reach full-blown mania. The less-intense elevated moods in bipolar II disorder are called hypomanic episodes, or hypomania. A person affected by bipolar II disorder has had at least one hypomanic episode in his or her life. Most people with bipolar II disorder suffer more often from episodes of depression. This is where the term "manic depression" comes from. In between episodes of hypomania and depression, many people with bipolar II disorder typically live normal lives. Therefore, bipolar II disorder is not simply a "milder" overall form of bipolar disorder.


Question: Can bipolar II disorder be prevented?

Answer: It's not known if bipolar II disorder can be prevented entirely. It is possible to reduce the risk for developing future episodes of hypomania or depression once bipolar disorder has developed. Regular therapy sessions with a psychologist or social worker, in combination with medication, can help efforts to stabilize mood, leading to fewer hospitalizations and feeling better overall. Psychotherapy can help people better recognize the warning signs of a developing relapse before it takes hold, and can also help to ensure that prescribed medicines are being taken properly. Therefore, bipolar II disorder is not simply a "milder" overall form of bipolar disorder.


Question: What resources can help you find medical care for pain from prostate cancer?

Answer: If you are in pain and your doctor suggests no other options, ask to see a pain specialist or have your doctor consult with a pain specialist. The National Cancer Institute's ( NCI) Cancer Information Service ( CIS) and other organizations can give you a list of pain management facilities. The American Cancer Society ( ACS) and other organizations may also be able to provide names of pain specialists, pain clinics, or programs in your area.


Question: How is prostate cancer pain managed?

Answer: For those with pain, there are many different kinds of medicines, different ways to receive the medicine, and non-drug methods that can relieve the pain you may have. You should expect your doctor to seek all the information and resources necessary to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are in pain and your doctor suggests no other options, ask to see a pain specialist or have your doctor consult with a pain specialist. Pain specialists may be oncologists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, other doctors, a palliative care team, nurses, or pharmacists. A pain control team may also include psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers.


Question: How do doctors treat side effects from pain medications if you have prostate cancer?

Answer: Most people do not get "high" or lose control when they take cancer pain medicines as prescribed by a doctor. Your doctor or nurse can help you manage these side effects. These problems may go away after a few days of taking the medicine. Many side effects can be managed by changing the medicine or the dose or times when the medicine is taken. In some cases, additional medication is needed to minimize the side effects.


Question: Why should prostate cancer pain be treated early?

Answer: Do not try to hold off as long as possible between doses of pain medicine. Pain may get worse if you wait, and it may take longer, or require larger doses of your medicine to give you relief. Pain should be treated early. Tolerance may be a problem with cancer pain treatment because of the length of time you are on the medicine.


Question: What should you do if you have pain from prostate cancer?

Answer: You have a right to pain relief, and you should insist on it. Not everyone feels pain in the same way. There is no need to be "stoic" or "brave" if you have more pain than others with the same kind of cancer. In fact, as soon as you have any pain, you should speak up. Remember, it is easier to control pain when it just starts rather than wait until it becomes severe.


Question: What steps can you take to help your stuttering child?

Answer: This form of stuttering is usually temporary. Other speech and language deficits. Parents can have an enormous effect on how the stuttering child views his disorder and how comfortable he feels in his ability to express himself and to be heard by those around him. Here are some steps you can take to help your stuttering child: Try to speak slowly and calmly to your stuttering child. Encourage the other adults in your child's life to do the same. Try to maintain a calm, quiet atmosphere at home. Pay attention to what your child is saying, not the way he is saying it. This will require you to slow down and pay attention. Don't show impatience or irritation when your child is talking to you. Try to make time each day for one-on-one time with your child.


Question: What do I need to know about stuttering?

Answer: While most stuttering is outgrown, rarely a stutter can persist into adulthood. Whether or not your child's stutter is temporary or permanent, you should learn all you can so you have the resources you need to help your stuttering child. They may include one or more of the following: Genetics. This form of stuttering is usually temporary. Other speech and language deficits.


Question: What are risk factors for stuttering?

Answer: Stuttering occurs when normal speech is interrupted by the repetition or extension of certain sounds or words. According to the Stuttering Foundation, the following factors put your child at greater risk: Family. Your child is at higher risk if he or she has one or more family members who stutter in adulthood. Children who begin stuttering before they reach age 3 ½ are more likely to outgrow it. Length of time stuttering persists. If your child's stuttering habit lasts longer than 6 months, it is less likely that he or she will outgrow it. Gender. Boys are three to four times as likely as girls to stutter. Other speech and language deficits. If your child has other problems speaking and being understood, it is less likely that he will outgrow his stutter.


Question: What is stuttering?

Answer: While most stuttering is outgrown, rarely a stutter can persist into adulthood. Stuttering occurs when normal speech is interrupted by the repetition or extension of certain sounds or words. Stuttering, also called stammering, can range in frequency and intensity from mild to severe. Stress can sometimes make it worse. Never call attention to your child's stutter or other speech disorder.


Question: What causes stuttering?

Answer: Stuttering occurs when normal speech is interrupted by the repetition or extension of certain sounds or words. Experts don't know for sure what causes stuttering in a child, but most believe that the speech disorder occurs as the result of a variety of factors. Sixty percent of all people who stutter have a close family member who also stutters. Developmental stuttering. Many young children go through a period of stuttering beginning at the age of 18 months to 2 years, as they hone their speech and language skills. Neurological factors. Research has found that people who stutter process language differently than those without the speech disorder. In some cases, there seems to be a problem in the way language is transmitted through the brain. Children who begin stuttering before they reach age 3 ½ are more likely to outgrow it. Never call attention to your child's stutter or other speech disorder.


Question: How can you maintain a healthy weight if you have Crohn's disease?

Answer: Because Crohn's disease affects people in different ways, you will need a plan that's just for you. A food diary will also help you and your dietitian check the quality of your diet. If you're falling short, you and your doctor will come up with a plan.


Question: Do allergies cause asthma?

Answer: Atopy causes a heightened sensitivity to common allergens, especially those that are in food and in the air. Allergies and asthma often coexist. Indoor allergies are a predictor of who might be at risk for an asthma diagnosis. Changes that have made houses more "energy-efficient" over the years are thought to increase exposure to these causes of asthma. Indoor air pollution such as cigarette smoke, mold, and noxious fumes from household cleaners and paints can cause allergic reactions and asthma.


Question: Is being overweight linked to asthma?

Answer: Some findings indicate that children with atopic dermatitis may have more severe and persistent asthma as adults. Overweight asthmatics seem to have more uncontrolled asthma and more days on medications for asthma.


Question: Is cigarette smoke linked to asthma?

Answer: There's also evidence that cigarette smoking among adolescents increases the risk of asthma. Even more findings link secondhand smoke exposure with the development of asthma in early life. Maternal smoking during pregnancy appears to result in lower lung function in infants compared to those whose mothers did not smoke.


Question: How do you insert a urethral suppository?

Answer: To put in a rectal suppository: Go to the bathroom first to try to empty your colon. Remove the cover from the applicator. Stretch your penis to its full length to open the urethra, and put the applicator into the hole at the tip. Gently push the button at the top of the applicator until it stops. Hold it there for 5 seconds. Sway the applicator from side to side to make sure the suppository has gone in. Pull out the applicator. Make sure there's no more medicine in it. While your penis is still pulled out, massage it firmly between your hands for at least 10 seconds to help the medicine absorb.


Question: How do you insert a rectal suppository?

Answer: Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Unwrap the suppository. Rub a water-based lubricant over the tip or dip it in water. It will help you slide it in smoothly. Get in a comfortable position. You can stand with one leg up on a chair or lie on your side with one leg straight and the other bent in toward your stomach. Gently spread your buttocks open. Carefully push the suppository, tapered end first, about 1 inch into your bottom. Close your legs and sit or lie still for about 15 minutes to let it dissolve. Wash your hands again with warm water and soap. To put in a urethral suppository: Go to the bathroom to empty your bladder.


Question: What should I know about bronchitis?

Answer: Bronchitis happens when your bronchial tubes, which carry oxygen from your windpipe to your lungs, become inflamed. The lining of the tubes makes mucus, which makes your cough worse. The condition can also cause wheezing and make it hard to catch your breath. To know for sure whether your recent illness is acute bronchitis and not an allergy or other problem, you should see your doctor. While many cases go away on their own, others require treatment. Did you have a cold before the cough?


Question: How can I take care of my bronchitis at home?

Answer: Serious symptoms may also mean another test. You may also feel tired for a while longer. Plan to get rest. Don't expect to have a lot of energy right away. If your cough doesn't improve and you continue to feel sick, see your doctor again. It could be a bacterial infection after all.


Question: What can you do to help with bronchitis?

Answer: Avoid things that can irritate your lungs, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, and dust. Wash your hands a lot to lower the odds of infection. But those steps are important if you think you have acute bronchitis, too. To learn other ways to treat your cough, see your doctor to find out what's causing it. When you see your doctor, be ready to talk about your symptoms in detail. This is a test of your lung function.


Question: What other medications can help with bronchitis?

Answer: However, there are other times when you might need one or more. The test can help your doctor find out whether you have asthma or another breathing problem, along with your bronchitis. You want to make sure you kill all the bacteria on the first try. Or you might have other breathing problems that are keeping you from getting over your acute bronchitis.


Question: How is an IUD removed?

Answer: Your doctor will insert the IUD during an office visit. It should only take a few minutes. You'll put your feet in stirrups and the doctor will use forceps to slowly pull the IUD out. You may have some cramping and bleeding, but this should go away in 1-2 days.


Question: Can my partner feel my IUD?

Answer: And they're also long-lasting. " Your partner shouldn't be able to feel anything, but if he does, it will only be minor contact with the strings of the IUD. This shouldn't cause any discomfort. The strings soften the longer you have the IUD and can be trimmed shorter.


Question: How does the doctor insert an IUD?

Answer: She may suggest you take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen a few hours before the procedure to offset cramping. The procedure starts out similar to getting a Pap smear. You'll put your feet in stirrups. The doctor will then place a speculum in the vagina to hold the vagina open. The doctor will put the IUD in a small tube that she'll insert into your vagina. She'll move the tube up through the cervix and into the uterus. Then she'll push the IUD out of the tube and pull the tube out. Strings attached to the IUD will hang 1-2 inches into the vagina. Your doctor will check your device during your regular office visits.


Question: Are there risks of taking methotrexate to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Some to watch out for are: Liver problems Low blood cell counts Lung problems Your child will have regular blood tests to check for problems. The risks and side effects are well known, as well as how to prevent and treat them.


Question: Is methotrexate used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: That means it not only helps arthritis symptoms, but it also helps prevent damage to joints. The risks and side effects are well known, as well as how to prevent and treat them.


Question: How should I use calcium channel blockers as treatment for anal fissures, and what are their adverse effects?

Answer: If your fissures are caused by constipation or diarrhea, you can change a few habits to help lessen the strain on the anal canal. To avoid constipation, your goal should be to get 20 to 35 grams of fiber every day. Some side effects may include headaches, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers: These are blood pressure-lowering medications. You can also take calcium channel blockers by mouth to treat anal fissures, although healing may be slower and the side effects more pronounced.


Question: How should I use botox injections as treatment for anal fissures, and what are its adverse effects?

Answer: If your fissures are caused by constipation or diarrhea, you can change a few habits to help lessen the strain on the anal canal. Botox injections: When topical treatments don't work, injecting botulinum toxin type A ( Botox) into the sphincter is sometimes the next step. Botox injections temporarily paralyze the sphincter muscle, relieving pain and encouraging healing in 60% to 80% of patients. You may not be able to control your bowel movements or passing gas, but it's temporary.


Question: What diet should I follow if I have anal fissures?

Answer: Trauma or injury can stretch the anal canal and create a tear in the lining of the anus. If your fissures are caused by constipation or diarrhea, you can change a few habits to help lessen the strain on the anal canal.


Question: What relaxing techniques can help with treating heart disease?

Answer: While success varies from person to person, stress-reduction techniques have been shown to reduce high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and emotional responses such as anxiety, anger, and hostility that have been linked to coronary heart disease, angina, and heart attack. Some that have proved beneficial are meditation, progressive relaxation, yoga, and biofeedback training. Increase your fiber intake slowly to help prevent gas and cramping.


Question: What is an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)?

Answer: Your doctor may recommend an IABP if your heart isn't getting enough blood or isn't sending enough out to the rest of your body. It can happen after a heart attack, when your heart is weak, or because of another heart problem like: Arrhythmia -- when your heart doesn't beat in a regular rhythm Myocarditis -- when an infection inflames your heart muscle An IABP also might be used to help you recover from surgery to reopen or bypass a blocked artery near your heart. It's only in place for a short time, typically a few days, while you're in the hospital. But more serious issues, like trouble with the blood flow in your arms or legs or gas leaking from the balloon, are rare.


Question: What happens after a vasectomy?

Answer: You should recover completely in less than a week. Many men have the procedure on a Friday and return to work on Monday. Give it a few days.


Question: Are there side effects from a vasectomy?

Answer: They might sear each end, but they will tie each one off with a stitch. In very rare cases, the tubes can rejoin. The procedure won't affect your testosterone level, erections, climaxes, sex drive, or any other part of your sex life.


Question: How is a vasectomy done?

Answer: The doctor feels for each vas deferens under your scrotum and uses a clamp to hold it in place. No.