Question: Can food allergies cause certain disorders?

Answer: Although some people think certain illnesses can be caused by food allergies, evidence doesn't back up such claims. Histamines in cheese or red wine, for example, can trigger migraines. But we can't say that food allergies actually cause migraines. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis aren't made worse by foods. Food allergies don't cause "allergic tension fatigue syndrome," where people get tired, nervous, and may have problems concentrating or headaches.


Question: What are food allergens?

Answer: And since some food allergens aren't broken down by the heat of cooking or by stomach acids or enzymes that digest food, they can cross into your bloodstream. From there, they can travel and cause allergic reactions throughout your body.


Question: How much fiber should you have to prevent diverticulosis?

Answer: The American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day. Every person, regardless of the presence of diverticula, should try to consume this much fiber every day. Fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods. High-fiber foods include whole grain breads, cereals, and crackers; berries; fruit; vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach, carrots, asparagus, squash, and beans; brown rice; bran products; and cooked dried peas and beans, among other foods.


Question: What can you do to prevent diverticulosis?

Answer: To prevent diverticular disease or reduce the complications from it, maintain good bowel habits.


Question: What does diverticular disease consist of?

Answer: Diverticular Bleeding Diverticular bleeding occurs with chronic injury to the small blood vessels that are next to the diverticula.


Question: How does diverticular bleeding occur?

Answer: Diverticular Bleeding Diverticular bleeding occurs with chronic injury to the small blood vessels that are next to the diverticula.


Question: How is diverticulosis diagnosed?

Answer: Symptoms of diverticulitis may include: Diarrhea and/or constipation Painful cramps or tenderness in the lower abdomen Chills or fever Because people with diverticulosis do not have any symptoms, it is usually found through tests ordered for an unrelated reason. They usually include barium enema, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.


Question: How do complications occur in diverticulosis?

Answer: Complications can occur in about 20% of people with diverticulosis. One of these complications is rectal bleeding, called diverticular bleeding, and another is diverticular infection, called diverticulitis.


Question: How does diverticulitis occur?

Answer: Diverticulitis Diverticulitis occurs when there is inflammation and infection in one or more diverticula. This usually happens when outpouchings become blocked with waste, allowing bacteria to build up, causing infection.


Question: What are symptoms of diverticulosis?

Answer: Diverticulosis does not cause any troublesome symptoms.


Question: How does repetitive physical stress lead to neuropathy, and how can I manage it?

Answer: Repetitive Physical Stress This includes activities such as typing, playing tennis, or any activity that repeatedly uses a certain part of the body (like your wrist or elbow). This can cause your ligaments, tendons, and muscles to become inflamed and swollen. That puts pressure on your nerves, which can lead to neuropathy.


Question: Can vitamin imbalances cause neuropathy?

Answer: Vitamin Imbalances or Deficiencies If you don't get enough of certain vitamins, your nerves can become damaged and stop working properly. Vitamin B12 is especially important for your nerves to work properly. Vitamins E, B1, B6, B9, folate, and niacin also play a role. A restricted or poor diet or health problems such as Crohn's disease are some reasons you may not get enough vitamins. What helps: If you're on a diet, or if you have a condition that makes it hard for you to get the nutrients you need, ask your doctor for advice. She may refer you to a dietitian.


Question: Can diabetes cause nerve damage (neuropathy)?

Answer: Diabetes It doesn't happen overnight, but diabetes can cause nerve damage, especially if your blood sugar is out of control. You may have pain, tingling, or no feeling in your feet, legs, and hands. Or you might not have any symptoms. What helps: It's important to get your blood sugar under control. If you have pain, tell your doctor. And be sure to clean your feet daily and check them for any problems, in case you don't have feeling in them.


Question: How do injuries lead to neuropathy, and how can I manage it?

Answer: Injury Car accidents, sports injuries, broken bones, or even surgery can cause nerve damage. That can lead to neuropathy. What helps: Talk with your doctor about ways to control any pain and whether physical therapy, acupuncture, or aids such as a brace, cane, or orthopedic shoes would be useful.


Question: How do poison or toxins lead to neuropathy, and how can I manage it?

Answer: Poison or Toxins If you're exposed to heavy metals like lead, arsenic, or mercury, or certain insecticides or industrial-strength chemicals, you could develop neuropathy. What helps: If you know you've been exposed, call your doctor or poison control center.


Question: Is there a cure or treatment for bone metastasis?

Answer: But treatment can often help relieve symptoms. The kind of treatment your doctor recommends depends, in part, on what kind of primary cancer you have.


Question: How is radiation therapy used to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: High-energy X-rays can kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Alone or combined with other treatments, this can relieve symptoms of bone mets.


Question: Are bones usually formed or destroyed in bone metastasis?

Answer: This includes bones in the: Spine Pelvis Ribs Upper arms Thighs In some cases, areas of bone are destroyed (osteolytic). In other cases, new bone may form in response to bone metastasis (osteoblastic). In many cases of cancer such as breast cancer, either - or both -- bone destruction and new bone formation may occur.


Question: How is denosumab used in bone metastasis?

Answer: Denosumab ( Xgeva). Similar to bisphosphonates, this drug is injected to help keep bone from breaking down.


Question: What is the process by which cancers metastasize to the bones?

Answer: The spread of cancer to bone is a complex process that doctors are just beginning to understand. Metastasis typically involves the following process: Cancer cells invade normal tissue nearby, then move through the walls of nearby lymph or blood vessels and begin circulating through the lymphatic system and bloodstream to reach other parts of the body. After stopping in small blood vessels at a further location, they invade the blood vessel walls and migrate into surrounding tissue where they multiply and form smaller tumors. Those new tumors need a blood supply for continued growth, so they stimulate the growth of new blood vessels.


Question: What are some treatments that can help relieve bone metastasis pain and other symptoms?

Answer: These treatments for the bone can help relieve bone metastasis pain and other symptoms: Radiation therapy. High-energy X-rays can kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Alone or combined with other treatments, this can relieve symptoms of bone mets. Radiopharmaceuticals. Used only for cancer that spreads to bone, these are drugs with radioactive elements. When they are injected, they go to the bone with cancer, killing cancer cells and helping to relieve pain. Low blood counts can be a side effect of this type of therapy. Ablation. In this method, a needle is put directly into a tumor to destroy it with heat, cold, electric current, or alcohol. MRI- Guided Focused Ultrasound. This is a noninvasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy guided by MRI scanning to destroy nerve endings in the area of the tumor. The procedure is used to relieve pain in people who have not had success with radiation or who are unable to be treated with radiation. Bisphosphonates ( Aredia and Zometa). Given intravenously ( IV) for bone mets, these drugs can reduce damage to the bone, lower the risk of breaks, reduce high blood calcium levels, and lessen pain. Denosumab ( Xgeva). Similar to bisphosphonates, this drug is injected to help keep bone from breaking down. Surgery. If bone damage is severe, inserting a supportive rod may be a good option. Other types of surgery may relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Injections of bone cement. These can also strengthen bones to prevent breaks. Your options for treatment of bone mets may vary depending on your type of cancer, your condition, and tolerance of possible side effects.


Question: What is the most common area of metastasis for breast, prostate, lung, or kidney cancer?

Answer: Bone metastasis is more likely with cancers such as: Breast Prostate Lung Kidney Thyroid About three out of four cases of bone metastasis result from tumors in the breast, prostate, lung, or kidney. Almost 70% of people with advanced breast or prostate cancer have bone metastasis; bone is commonly the first area of metastasis for these cancers.


Question: How is ablation used to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: In this method, a needle is put directly into a tumor to destroy it with heat, cold, electric current, or alcohol.


Question: How do doctors treat bone metastasis?

Answer: Other factors include: Which bones the cancer has invaded Damage to the bones Which treatments you have already had Your state of health In most cases, doctors treat bone metastasis by treating the primary cancer. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are examples of treatments commonly used to treat the primary cancer. These are systemic treatments, so they can travel through the bloodstream to reach different parts of the body.


Question: How is surgery used to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: If bone damage is severe, inserting a supportive rod may be a good option. Other types of surgery may relieve pressure on the spinal cord.


Question: Where are the most common places for cancer to spread?

Answer: Here are the types of cancer that are most likely to metastasize to the bone and what treatments can provide relief.


Question: What are some factors that doctors consider when treating bone metastasis?

Answer: But treatment can often help relieve symptoms. The kind of treatment your doctor recommends depends, in part, on what kind of primary cancer you have. Other factors include: Which bones the cancer has invaded Damage to the bones Which treatments you have already had Your state of health In most cases, doctors treat bone metastasis by treating the primary cancer.


Question: How are injections of bone cement used to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: These can also strengthen bones to prevent breaks.


Question: Why and where do tumors form in the bones?

Answer: The type of cancer may have something to do with why tumors form in bones. Certain cancers may release proteins that affect how a tumor forms.


Question: Why do tumors most often form in the bones?

Answer: The type of cancer may have something to do with why tumors form in bones. Certain cancers may release proteins that affect how a tumor forms. Bones provide fertile ground for the growth of tumor cells, because they are areas of constant cell turnover and growth. And bone cells release substances that may prompt faster cancer growth.


Question: How is MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound used to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: This is a noninvasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy guided by MRI scanning to destroy nerve endings in the area of the tumor. The procedure is used to relieve pain in people who have not had success with radiation or who are unable to be treated with radiation.


Question: What are the symptoms of bone metastasis?

Answer: Compression of the spinal cord if cancer in a bone of the spine grows and puts pressure on the spinal cord; this can cause nerve symptoms of numbness, weakness, urinary problems, and paralysis.


Question: How are radiopharmaceuticals used to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: Used only for cancer that spreads to bone, these are drugs with radioactive elements. When they are injected, they go to the bone with cancer, killing cancer cells and helping to relieve pain. Low blood counts can be a side effect of this type of therapy.


Question: How is bone metastasis usually treated?

Answer: Other factors include: Which bones the cancer has invaded Damage to the bones Which treatments you have already had Your state of health In most cases, doctors treat bone metastasis by treating the primary cancer. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are examples of treatments commonly used to treat the primary cancer. These are systemic treatments, so they can travel through the bloodstream to reach different parts of the body.


Question: What factors are involved in the treatment of bone metastasis other than type of primary cancer?

Answer: Other factors include: Which bones the cancer has invaded Damage to the bones Which treatments you have already had Your state of health In most cases, doctors treat bone metastasis by treating the primary cancer.


Question: What are usual symptoms of food allergies that will lead to asthma?

Answer: Additives, such as sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite, are commonly used in food processing or preparation and can be found in foods such as: Dried fruits or vegetables Potatoes (packaged and some prepared) Wine and beer Bottled lime or lemon juice Shrimp (fresh, frozen, or prepared) Pickled foods For most people, the usual symptoms of food allergies are hives, rash, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you have food allergies that trigger symptoms of an asthma attack, you will likely have these allergy symptoms, followed by coughing and wheezing. And if not caught quickly, anaphylaxis -- swelling of the throat, cutting off your airway -- may result.


Question: How can keeping epinephrine help me deal with asthma?

Answer: If your allergies are severe, you should keep two epinephrine shot kits with you that are always easy to get to. If you have any sign of anaphylaxis, don't hesitate to use the epinephrine auto-injector, even if you aren't sure your symptoms are allergy-related. Using the auto-injector as a precaution won't hurt you and might save you. Dial 911 after you give yourself the shot.


Question: How can allergy shots help me deal with asthma?

Answer: They can train your immune system to not overreact. The doctors will give you allergy shots (immunotherapy) -- a small amount of the substance that causes your allergy. After repeated shots over a period of time, your immune system eventually stops causing the allergic reaction. Ask your doctor if you're a candidate for allergy shots. Sublingual immunotherapy ( SLIT) is an alternative to allergy shots.


Question: How can sleep help with fibro fog and fatigue?

Answer: There's a strong connection between sleep quality and your level of fatigue. While some fibromyalgia medications may help, they may not be enough. In addition to regular exercise and pacing yourself, practice good sleep habits. These include a regular bedtime and wake-up time and a dark, cool, quiet room Some people with fibromyalgia have a second condition that causes fatigue, like an inflammatory disease, anemia, or low thyroid. Get tested and, if needed, treated.


Question: What can you do at work to help with fibro fog and fatigue?

Answer: Take a fibromyalgia education program to learn healthy behaviors and how to tweak everyday activities for less stress. If you work outside the home, talk to your employer about things that might help you do your job: Take breaks more often Change your work schedule Switch to a different position that better matches your abilities A psychologist or neurologist may be able to suggest more adaptations, or use biofeedback or cognitive behavior therapy to boost your focus. An occupational therapist can show you how to make physical changes, from a better workstation to stretches you can do at your desk.


Question: How should you get organized if you have fibro fog and fatigue?

Answer: Use an online calendar or app that lets you color-code activities by importance. Plan work projects and home responsibilities at least a week in advance. Then take a big-picture look. Are there too many high-priority items and not enough down time? Make adjustments, even if it means sometimes saying "no."


Question: What is fibro fog?

Answer: It can also affect your thinking ability, a symptom called fibro fog, and your energy level, leaving you with extreme fatigue. Even though you feel these symptoms, they aren't visible, and there aren't any tests that can measure them. You'll need to work closely with your medical team to address your specific challenges with fatigue and fibro fog, because they're a little different for everyone. Do your part by taking steps to conserve energy and overcome concentration and memory issues to power through your day. Severe fatigue -- more than just being tired -- affects up to 4 out of 5 of people with fibromyalgia. It often goes hand-in-hand with sleepless nights.


Question: Should you exercise if you have fibro fog and fatigue?

Answer: Given how you feel, you may want to shy away from exercise. But it's one of the most effective ways to handle fibromyalgia. When you're too tired to exercise, that lack of activity leads to greater muscle weakness and more fatigue. Over time, regular exercise lessens fatigue. Consistency can have a greater impact than intensity. It's possible that exercise also creates a positive chain reaction that boosts brain function. Studies show a link between physical ability and thinking ability. People who can do more physically often do better in areas like attention and decision-making. Start out at an easy pace. Work with a physical therapist to find the right beginner program for you and adapt it as you get stronger. This is especially helpful if you're nervous about exercising. Strength training helps you regain muscle, and that helps with pain and fatigue for some people. Use resistance bands or a light weight to start. Very gentle movement therapies like yoga, tai chi, and qi gong all get you moving, but yoga often has best effect on fatigue.


Question: How can eating healthier foods help prevent weight gain during menopause?

Answer: In astudy, women lost weightat menopause by eating a diet with more nutrients and fewer calories. They ditched sugary drinks, fried foods, meats, cheese, and desserts for fish, fruits, and vegetables.


Question: Why do you need to manage your menopause symptoms to prevent weight gain?

Answer: Hot flashes and poor sleep can raise your stress levels. Stress packs on pounds. Exercise can help. Ask your doctor what else might work for you.


Question: Why do you need to avoid weight gain during menopause?

Answer: Belly fat is linked to heart problems, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and breast and colon cancer. Even when body mass index ( BMI -- a measure of body fat based on height and weight) is normal, a large waist (35 inches or more for women) along with other risks is linked to more chances of getting diabetes in women.


Question: How does a doctor diagnose abnormal vaginal discharge?

Answer: Types of Abnormal Discharge and Their Possible Causes Type of Discharge What It Might Mean Other Symptoms Bloody or brown Irregular menstrual cycles, or less often, cervical or endometrial cancer Abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain Cloudy or yellow Gonorrhea Bleeding between periods, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain Frothy, yellow or greenish with a bad smell Trichomoniasis Pain and itching while urinating Pink Shedding of the uterine lining after childbirth (lochia) Thick, white, cheesy Yeast infection Swelling and pain around the vulva, itching, painful sexual intercourse White, gray, or yellow with fishy odor Bacterial vaginosis Itching or burning, redness and swelling of the vagina or vulva The doctor will start by taking a health history and asking about your symptoms. Questions may include: When did the abnormal discharge begin? What color is the discharge? Is there any smell? Do you have any itching, pain, or burning in or around the vagina? Do you have more than one sexual partner? Do you douche?


Question: What is a normal vaginal discharge?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Vaginal discharge serves an important housekeeping function in the female reproductive system. Fluid made by glands inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and bacteria. This keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection. Most of the time, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal. The amount can vary, as can odor and color (which can range from clear to a milky white-ish), depending on the time in your menstrual cycle. For example, there will be more discharge when you're ovulating, breastfeeding, or sexually aroused. It may smell different when you're pregnant or you've been letting your personal hygiene slide. None of those changes is cause for alarm. However, if the color, smell, or consistency seems quite different than usual, especially if you also have vaginal itching or burning, you could be dealing with an infection or other condition.


Question: What brain diseases are caused by injuries?

Answer: Trauma includes these conditions: Concussion: A brain injury that causes a temporary disturbance in brain function, sometimes with unconsciousness and confusion; traumatic head injuries cause concussions and may result in headache, along with concentration and memory problems. Traumatic brain injury: Acquired, often permanent brain damage from a traumatic head injury; obvious mental impairment or more subtle personality and mood changes can occur. Intracerebral hemorrhage: Any bleeding inside the brain, which may occur after a traumatic injury or stroke as a result of high blood pressure This category of brain disease includes: Brain tumor: Any abnormal tissue growth inside the brain; whether malignant (cancerous) or benign, brain tumors usually cause problems by the pressure they exert on the normal brain.


Question: What can cause seizures?

Answer: Included in the seizure category of brain diseases is epilepsy, a condition characterized by recurring seizures caused by abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain.


Question: What are common brain tumors?

Answer: Intracerebral hemorrhage: Any bleeding inside the brain, which may occur after a traumatic injury or stroke as a result of high blood pressure This category of brain disease includes: Brain tumor: Any abnormal tissue growth inside the brain; whether malignant (cancerous) or benign, brain tumors usually cause problems by the pressure they exert on the normal brain. Glioblastoma: An aggressive, cancerous brain tumor; glioblastomas progress rapidly and are usually difficult to cure. Hydrocephalus: An abnormally increased amount of cerebrospinal (brain) fluid inside the skull; usually, this is because the fluid is not circulating properly.


Question: What brain diseases are linked autoimmune diseases?

Answer: Multiple sclerosis ( MS): The immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the body's own nerves.


Question: What cold and flu medicines can help me with a headache or body aches?

Answer: Headache or body aches: Choose a pain reliever that contains acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. If you take one of these, look at any other medicines you're taking to make sure they don't contain the same drug. Many cold and flu treatments have the same ingredients.


Question: What cold and flu medicines can help me with sore throat?

Answer: Sore throat: Use throat lozenges or cough drops to soothe your sore throat. Or try a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.


Question: What cold and flu medicines can help me with cough?

Answer: Cough: There are two types of over-the-counter cough medicines: expectorants and cough suppressants. Expectorants, like guaifenesin, help thin mucus so you can cough it up more easily. Cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan, help control cough. You can buy these medicines separately or combined. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which is best for your cough. Cough drops and throat lozenges can also reduce your urge to cough.


Question: What cold and flu medicines can help me with fever?

Answer: Fever: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can ease your fever, which may help you feel better.


Question: What cold and flu medicines can help me with stuffy nose?

Answer: Stuffy nose: Look for decongestant pills that contain phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. Decongestants help a stuffy nose by shrinking swollen nasal passages that cause congestion. You can also try decongestant nose drops or sprays, but you should not use these products for more than 3 days. Saline (saltwater) nose sprays or rinses can also help relieve congestion and break up mucus. These sprays are safe to use as often as you want.


Question: Why are my glands swollen?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Swollen glands are a sign that your body is fighting off an infection or an illness. Most of the time, they return to normal size when their job is done. These glands are your lymph nodes. You have them throughout your body. But there are clusters of them in places like your neck, under your arm and in the crease between your thigh and your torso (where your leg begins). You can sometimes feel these clusters as little bumps, especially if they're swollen. They're part of your lymphatic system. Along with your spleen, tonsils, and adenoids, they help protect you from harmful germs.


Question: How can you keep the cat litter box clean?

Answer: 1 rule, and the only thing that will keep litter box odor at bay, is constant cleaning. That means scooping the box out at least twice a day, removing the solids and liquid clumps if you use clumping litter. For those who don’t use clumping litter, use a large, solid metal spoon (such as a large kitchen spoon) to lift out the most urine-soaked areas each time you clean. Add litter as needed to replace what is removed. Also wash the box weekly, or every other week if you are using clumping litter. Use a mild, unscented dish detergent or a mild bleach spray (20 parts water to one part bleach) and rinse well. Clean your scooper also. When dry, add 2 to 3 inches of litter. Cats don’t like a deep tray of litter and this allows you to add litter as you scoop.


Question: What types of cat litter box should you avoid?

Answer: And avoid covered boxes. Most cats don’t like them, and they can trap odors inside, making it unpleasant for your pet to enter. Many cats also don’t like plastic liners, which can snare cat’s claws when they dig. This also allows urine to seep under the liner, where it won’t be absorbed by the litter and can cause odors. As for self-cleaning litter boxes, it depends. Some cats, especially skittish and large cats, may dislike them. But if your cat doesn’t mind, it’s an option for people who are gone for long periods.


Question: What are corticosteroids for the treatment of uveitis?

Answer: You may know these as steroids. They're probably the first treatment you'll try. They block a chemical that causes inflammation. They can be given in a few different forms.


Question: What are some immunosuppressants that treat uveitis?

Answer: They include: Azathioprine Cyclosporine Methotrexate Mycophenolate You may need to have blood tests regularly while you take these. This would be to watch for serious side effects, like liver damage.


Question: What are the long term problems of oral steroids that treat uveitis?

Answer: They can include: Weight gain Acne Anxiety Mood changes Sleeplessness In the long term, they can cause more serious problems like: Osteoporosis Cataracts Glaucoma Diabetes Because of all this, you'll take the lowest dose you need, and only for as long as you have to.


Question: What are the side effects of oral steroids that treat uveitis?

Answer: If you take steroid pills for a short time, you may have side effects. They can include: Weight gain Acne Anxiety Mood changes Sleeplessness In the long term, they can cause more serious problems like: Osteoporosis Cataracts Glaucoma Diabetes Because of all this, you'll take the lowest dose you need, and only for as long as you have to.


Question: What biologics can treat uveitis?

Answer: Biologics your doctor may prescribe include: Abatacept ( Orencia) Adalimumab ( Humira) Daclizumab ( Zinbryta) Infliximab ( Remicade) Rituximab ( Rituxan) These drugs can make it harder for you to fight off infections. They also may raise your chance of having certain types of cancer.


Question: How do shots treat uveitis?

Answer: You may need these if your uveitis is in the middle or back of your eye, or if your eye drops don't work. The good news is that you may only need one shot. The bad news is that you'll get it in your eye, usually on the side. Your eye doctor can give you drops to numb the area so you don't feel the shot.


Question: How do pills treat uveitis?

Answer: If your uveitis doesn't respond to drops or shots, oral steroids are an option. They can also work if you have disease in the back of your eye. They're much stronger than other forms of steroids. Take your steroid pills for as long as your doctor says. Your dose will get smaller toward the end of your treatment. If the pills don't work, you'll probably try something else.


Question: What can treatment for uveitis do?

Answer: Your treatment plan should include things to control your inflammation. Treatment can also: Ease eye pain Prevent the damage to your eyes from getting worse Help get back eyesight you've lost What your doctor will prescribe depends on what kind of uveitis you have, where it is in your eye, and if you have it in both eyes. If your first course doesn't work well, your doctor can switch you to something else.


Question: What can treat the symptoms of uveitis?

Answer: They won't treat the cause of your uveitis: Drugs for mild pain, like ibuprofen A warm towel over your eye to ease aches Sunglasses in bright or harsh light to cut glare


Question: How does a vitrectomy treat uveitis?

Answer: Your eye surgeon can take out part of the gel inside your eye, known as your vitreous humor. Air, gas, or liquid is pumped in to replace what your surgeon takes out, but your eye will eventually fill up the space with its own fluid. You can have this under either local or general anesthesia.


Question: How does weight affect someone with diabetes getting pregnant?

Answer: At this appointment, you and the doctor will discuss: Your weight: Try to reach your ideal body weight before you get pregnant. If you have a few extra pounds, losing them will help prevent complications from diabetes. If you're underweight, adding pounds can make you less likely to deliver a low-birth-weight baby.


Question: Is blood sugar important during pregnancy?

Answer: Your blood sugar: The doctor will check to see if your blood sugar is in control. This is key, because you may not know you're pregnant until the baby has been growing for 2-4 weeks. High blood sugar during the first 13 weeks can cause birth defects, lead to miscarriage, and put you at risk for diabetes complications.


Question: What are some lifestyle changes that need to happen before someone with diabetes gets pregnant?

Answer: Your lifestyle: If you smoke or drink alcohol, you'll need to stop. Smoking during pregnancy affects both you and the baby before, during, and after birth. When you smoke, the nicotine (the addictive substance in cigarettes), carbon monoxide, and other toxins travel through your bloodstream and go directly to your baby. These substances can: Deprive you and the baby of oxygen Raise the baby's heart rate Boost the chances of miscarriage and stillbirth Increase the odds of a premature, low-birth-weight baby Make the baby prone to future problems with the lungs or breathing Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a pattern of birth defects that includes intellectual disability and certain physical problems. No amount of alcohol is known to be safe while pregnant, and there's no safe time during pregnancy to drink.


Question: Why is drinking alcohol while pregnant bad?

Answer: These substances can: Deprive you and the baby of oxygen Raise the baby's heart rate Boost the chances of miscarriage and stillbirth Increase the odds of a premature, low-birth-weight baby Make the baby prone to future problems with the lungs or breathing Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a pattern of birth defects that includes intellectual disability and certain physical problems. No amount of alcohol is known to be safe while pregnant, and there's no safe time during pregnancy to drink.


Question: How will diabetes medications change during pregnancy?

Answer: Your medications: You'll need more insulin during pregnancy, especially the last 3 months. The doctor will tell you how to adjust your dose. If you take diabetes pills, the doctor may switch you to insulin, because some of these drugs can harm the baby. So can some high blood pressure treatments used with diabetes. Bottom line: Discuss all medications you take with your doctor.


Question: What is preconception counseling?

Answer: At that visit, your doctor will: Order an A1 C test to find out if your diabetes is controlled well enough for you to stop using birth control Test your blood and urine for diabetes-related kidney complications Look for other problems linked with diabetes, like organ, nerve, or heart damage Take your blood pressure Rule out thyroid disease (if you have type 1 diabetes) Check your cholesterol and levels of a type of blood fat called triglycerides Suggest an eye exam to screen for glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy Recommend pre-conception counseling This is another important step for women with diabetes. This educational session will help you get physically and emotionally prepared -- and healthy -- for pregnancy.


Question: Are disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs safe or are there side effects?

Answer: The FDA has approved all DMARDs. Many people take them without ever having problems. But because they work throughout the body to fight RA, their powerful action typically does cause some side effects, commonly: Stomach upset.


Question: What are the side effects of using hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Answer: Hydroxychloroquine ( Plaquenil) and sulfasalazine ( Azulfidine) are used for mild rheumatoid arthritis. They are not as powerful as other DMARDs, but they usually cause fewer side effects. In rare cases, Plaquenil can adversely affect the eyes, and patients taking this medicine should be seen by an ophthalmologist at least once a year.


Question: How are the side effects of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) minimized?

Answer: To minimize side effects, DMARDs are sometimes started one at a time and increased gradually. The goal is to minimize both rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and medication side effects. It often takes more than one DMARD to get control of active rheumatoid arthritis.


Question: What are the effects of using disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Answer: DMARDs slow down rheumatoid arthritis and improve quality of life for most people. Some will even achieve a remission while taking them. More commonly, the disease activity continues, but at a slower, less intense pace. While taking one or more DMARDs, you may have longer symptom-free periods, or flare ups that are less painful or stressful. Your joints may take less time to loosen up in the morning. At a check-up, your rheumatologist may end up telling you that your most recent X-rays are free of any new damage. Taking a DMARD regularly makes you less likely to have long-term damage to your joints, too.


Question: What is cyclosporine and how does it treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Cyclosporine ( Neoral ) is a powerful drug that often works well in slowing down joint damage. But because it can hurt the kidneys and has other potential side effects, it is usually used for severe RA after other drugs fail and is not in widespread use at this time.


Question: What are the side effects of azathioprine (Imuran) to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Answer: Azathioprine ( Imuran) is used for many different inflammatory conditions, including RA. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, sometimes with stomach pain and diarrhea. Long-term use of azathioprine is associated with an increased risk of cancer.


Question: Do liver problems occur as a result of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: These are less common than stomach upset. Your doctor will check blood tests on a regular basis to make sure your liver is not being harmed.


Question: What biologic drugs are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Biologic drugs: abatacept ( Orencia), adalimumab ( Humira), anakinra ( Kineret), certolizumab ( Cimzia), etanercept ( Enbrel), etanercept-szzs ( Ereizi), golimumab ( Simponi, Simponi Aria), and infliximab ( Remicade). These are the newest drugs for RA and are either injected under the skin or given directly into a vein. They work by neutralizing one of the immune system's signals ( TNF) that lead to inflammation and joint damage. Rituximab ( Rituxan) and tocilizumab ( Actemra) are biologics, but do not block TNF. Rituxan target B cells and actemra affects IL-6.


Question: What is azathioprine and how does it treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Azathioprine ( Imuran) is used for many different inflammatory conditions, including RA. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, sometimes with stomach pain and diarrhea. Long-term use of azathioprine is associated with an increased risk of cancer.


Question: What is minocycline and how does it treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Minocycline ( Minocin) is an antibiotic that is not often prescribed. But it may help RA by stopping inflammation. It can take several months to start working and up to a year before the full effects are known. When taken for long periods, minocycline can cause discoloration of the skin.


Question: What can you do to prevent viral pneumonia?

Answer: If your lungs are invaded with bacteria, you might also get some of the same symptoms as bacterial pneumonia, like: A wet, gunky cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus Chills that make you shake Fatigue (feeling very tired) Low appetite Sharp or stabby chest pain, especially when you cough or take a deep breath Sweating a lot Fast breathing and heartbeat Blue lips and fingernails Confusion, especially if you're older You can do these things to help lower your odds of getting viral pneumonia: Get a flu shot every year. Wash your hands regularly, especially after you go to the bathroom and before you eat. Eat right, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Exercise. Get enough sleep. Don't smoke. Stay away from people who are sick. Your doctor might be able to tell if you have viral pneumonia just by examining you and asking questions about your symptoms and general health.


Question: How is viral pneumonia diagnosed?

Answer: Your doctor might be able to tell if you have viral pneumonia just by examining you and asking questions about your symptoms and general health. Chances are your doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. That's because certain sounds can mean fluid is in your lungs. But if your doctor isn't sure, you might have to get a chest X-ray.


Question: What is osteoarthritis?

Answer: Some of the more common types include: Osteoarthritis : This is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage covering the end of the bones gradually wears away. Without the protection of the cartilage, the bones begin to rub against each other and the resulting friction leads to pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but most often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip, and facet joints (in the spine). Osteoarthritis often occurs as the cartilage breaks down, or degenerates, with age.


Question: How does arthritis develop?

Answer: With arthritis, an area in or around a joint becomes inflamed, causing pain, stiffness and, sometimes, difficulty moving. Some types of arthritis also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin and internal organs.


Question: Are you more likely to get arthritis as you get older?

Answer: Risk factors for arthritis include: Age.


Question: Can your job raise your odds of getting arthritis?

Answer: Some jobs that require repetitive movements or heavy lifting can stress the joints and/or cause an injury, which can lead to arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.


Question: What is the outlook for people with arthritis?

Answer: In addition, early diagnosis and treatment may be able to prevent tissue damage caused by arthritis. Early, aggressive treatment is particularly important for rheumatoid arthritis in order to help prevent further damage and disability down the road. Although it may not be possible to prevent arthritis, there are steps to take to reduce your risk of developing the disease and to slow or prevent permanent joint damage.


Question: Can your genes make you more likely to get arthritis?

Answer: Certain types of arthritis run in families and are at least partially inherited.


Question: What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis: RA is a long-lasting disease that can affect joints in any part of the body, but most commonly involves the hands, wrists, and knees. With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system -- the body's defense system against disease -- mistakenly attacks the body's jointsand causes the joint lining to swell. The inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissues, and can eventually damage cartilage and bone. In more severe cases, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other areas of the body, such as the skin, eyes, and nerves.


Question: Can being overweight make you more likely to get arthritis?

Answer: Being overweight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing wear and tear, and increasing the risk of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis.


Question: Should I check with my doctor before I start a fitness program if I have multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Check with your doctor before you start any fitness program. He may suggest: Types of exercise that are best for you and those you should avoid. The right moves depend on your symptoms, fitness level, and overall health. How long and intense your workouts should be Any physical limitations for your routines Other professionals, like a physical therapist, who can help you build a personal exercise program that meets your needs Aerobics.


Question: What should you do if you get overheated from exercising and you have multiple sclerosis?

Answer: If you're sensitive to heat, your symptoms may show up or get worse when your body temperature rises. This will happen when you exercise. To avoid overheating: Don't exercise during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Try to work out in the morning or evening if you're exercising outside. Drink plenty of cool water. Be aware of your body. If you notice any symptoms you didn't have before you started exercising, slow down or stop until you cool down. Swimming and water aerobics are good ways to stay cool while you work out. Just make sure there are non-slip floors in the locker room and around the pool.


Question: How should I exercise to help ease the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Exercise can help ease multiple sclerosis symptoms, but you have to be careful if you want your workouts to work for you. The most important thing: Don't overdo it. No doubt you've heard the sayings "no pain, no gain" or "feel the burn," but that isn't good advice when you have MS. Do too much and you can strain your muscles, increase pain, and put too much stress on your body and your mind. Never exercise to the point of fatigue.


Question: How can exercise help with multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Exercise can help ease multiple sclerosis symptoms, but you have to be careful if you want your workouts to work for you. The most important thing: Don't overdo it. No doubt you've heard the sayings "no pain, no gain" or "feel the burn," but that isn't good advice when you have MS. Do too much and you can strain your muscles, increase pain, and put too much stress on your body and your mind. Never exercise to the point of fatigue.


Question: When is a broken collarbone a medical emergency?

Answer: There is numbness or weakness in the hand or arm.


Question: Why do I need to take medicine after a heart attack?

Answer: Limit plaques by lowering cholesterol. Other drugs may be prescribed if needed. These include medications to treat irregular heartbeats, lower blood pressure, control chest pain, and treat heart failure.


Question: What are the symptoms of a heart attack, and how long will they last?

Answer: Symptoms of a heart attack include: Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest, arm or below the breastbone Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat or arm Fullness, indigestion or choking feeling (may feel like heartburn) Sweating, nausea, vomiting or dizziness Extreme weakness, anxiety or shortness of breath Rapid or irregular heartbeats Fatigue During a heart attack, symptoms may last 30 minutes or longer and are not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Some people have a heart attack without having any symptoms (a "silent" myocardial infarction). A silent MI can occur in anyone, though it is more common among diabetics.


Question: After a heart attack, when should I see my doctor after I leave the hospital?

Answer: Make a doctor's appointment for two to six weeks after leaving the hospital. Your doctor will want to check the progress of your recovery. She may ask you to undergo diagnostic tests (such as an exercise stress test or echocardiogram at regular intervals). These tests can help your doctor diagnose the presence or progression of blockages in your coronary arteries and plan treatment. Call your doctor sooner if you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath -- especially at rest, dizziness, or irregular heartbeats.


Question: Iâve had a heart attack. How can I prevent another one?

Answer: The goal after a heart attack is to keep the heart healthy and reduce the risks of having another heart attack. Your best opportunities to ward off future attacks is to take your medications, change your lifestyle, and see your doctor for regular heart checkups.


Question: Whatâs the purpose of drugs that treat a heart attack, and when should they be given?

Answer: The goals of drug therapy are to break up or prevent blood clots, prevent platelets from gathering and sticking to the plaque, stabilize the plaque, and prevent further damage. These medications must be given as soon as possible to decrease the amount of heart damage. The longer the delay in starting these drugs, the more damage can occur and the less benefit they can provide.


Question: What is Friedreich's ataxia?

Answer: Friedreich ataxia: Problems related to a protein called frataxin cause nerve damage and often heart problems.


Question: What are metal metabolism disorders?

Answer: Metal metabolism disorders: Levels of trace metals in the blood are controlled by special proteins. Inherited metabolic disorders can result in protein malfunction and toxic accumulation of metal in the body: Wilson disease (toxic copper levels accumulate in the liver, brain, and other organs) Hemochromatosis (the intestines absorb excessive iron, which builds up in the liver, pancreas, joints, and heart, causing damage) Organic acidemias: methylmalonic acidemia and propionic acidemia.


Question: What is the cause of most inherited metabolic disorders?

Answer: The original cause of most genetic metabolic disorders is a gene mutation that occurred many, many generations ago. The gene mutation is passed along through the generations, ensuring its preservation.


Question: What are the symptoms of an inherited metabolic disorder?

Answer: Urea cycle disorders: ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency and citrullinemia The symptoms of genetic metabolic disorders vary widely depending on the metabolism problem present. Some symptoms of inherited metabolic disorders include: Lethargy Poor appetite Abdominal pain Vomiting Weight loss Jaundice Failure to gain weight or grow Developmental delay Seizures Coma Abnormal odor of urine, breath, sweat, or saliva The symptoms may come on suddenly or progress slowly.


Question: How many people have inherited metabolic disorders?

Answer: Considered all together, inherited metabolic disorders may affect about 1 in 1,000 to 2,500 newborns.


Question: What are lysosomes?

Answer: Some of the more common and important genetic metabolic disorders include: Lysosomal storage disorders : Lysosomes are spaces inside cells that break down waste products of metabolism. Various enzyme deficiencies inside lysosomes can result in buildup of toxic substances, causing metabolic disorders including: Hurler syndrome (abnormal bone structure and developmental delay) Niemann- Pick disease (babies develop liver enlargement, difficulty feeding, and nerve damage) Tay- Sachs disease (progressive weakness in a months-old child, progressing to severe nerve damage; the child usually lives only until age 4 or 5) Gaucher disease (bone pain, enlarged liver, and low platelet counts, often mild, in children or adults) Fabry disease (pain in the extremities in childhood, with kidney and heart disease and strokes in adulthood; only males are affected) Krabbe disease (progressive nerve damage, developmental delay in young children; occasionally adults are affected) Galactosemia: Impaired breakdown of the sugar galactose leads to jaundice, vomiting, and liver enlargement after breast or formula feeding by a newborn.


Question: What is maple syrup urine disease?

Answer: Maple syrup urine disease: Deficiency of an enzyme called BCKD causes buildup of amino acids in the body. Nerve damage results, and the urine smells like syrup.


Question: What happens if the sugar galactose isn't broken down right in a newborn?

Answer: Various enzyme deficiencies inside lysosomes can result in buildup of toxic substances, causing metabolic disorders including: Hurler syndrome (abnormal bone structure and developmental delay) Niemann- Pick disease (babies develop liver enlargement, difficulty feeding, and nerve damage) Tay- Sachs disease (progressive weakness in a months-old child, progressing to severe nerve damage; the child usually lives only until age 4 or 5) Gaucher disease (bone pain, enlarged liver, and low platelet counts, often mild, in children or adults) Fabry disease (pain in the extremities in childhood, with kidney and heart disease and strokes in adulthood; only males are affected) Krabbe disease (progressive nerve damage, developmental delay in young children; occasionally adults are affected) Galactosemia: Impaired breakdown of the sugar galactose leads to jaundice, vomiting, and liver enlargement after breast or formula feeding by a newborn.


Question: What is the meaning of metabolism?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions taking place in the body to convert or use energy. A few major examples of metabolism include: Breaking down the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in food to release energy. Transforming excess nitrogen into waste products excreted in urine. Breaking down or converting chemicals into other substances and transporting them inside cells.


Question: What are treatments for inherited metabolic disorders?

Answer: Treatment may include such measures as: Special diets that eliminate certain nutrients Taking enzyme replacements, or other supplements that support metabolism Treating the blood with chemicals to detoxify dangerous metabolic by-products Whenever possible, a person with an inherited metabolic disorder should receive care at a medical center with experience with these rare conditions.


Question: What are inherited metabolic disorders?

Answer: Metabolism is an organized but chaotic chemical assembly line. Raw materials, half-finished products, and waste materials are constantly being used, produced, transported, and excreted. The "workers" on the assembly line are enzymes and other proteins that make chemical reactions happen. In most inherited metabolic disorders, a single enzyme is either not produced by the body at all or is produced in a form that doesn't work. The missing enzyme is like an absentee worker on the assembly line. Depending on that enzyme's job, its absence means toxic chemicals may build up, or an essential product may not be produced.


Question: What are peroxisomal disorders?

Answer: Peroxisomal disorders: Similar to lysosomes, peroxisomes are tiny spaces filled with enzymes inside cells. Poor enzyme function inside peroxisomes can lead to buildup of toxic products of metabolism. Peroxisomal disorders include: Zellweger syndrome (abnormal facial features, enlarged liver, and nerve damage in infants) Adrenoleukodystrophy (symptoms of nerve damage can develop in childhood or early adulthood depending on the form.)


Question: How should I adjust my devices to prevent eyestrain?

Answer: You can also make sure your devices are set for eye health. Raise the contrast on your screen. Make text larger. Change the brightness of the screen. It shouldn't be lighter or darker than your surroundings. Lower the color temperature of your screen. That means it will give off less blue light, which is linked to more eyestrain. Raise the device's refresh rate. That will cause less flickering of the screen.


Question: How can I prevent digital eyestrain?

Answer: But a few changes to how your use your devices can be easier on your eyes. Make sure your computer screen is about 25 inches, or an arm's length, away from your face. The center of the screen should be about 10-15 degrees below eye level. Cut glare by using a matte screen filter. You can find them for all types of computers, phones, and tablets. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Take a longer break of about 15 minutes after every 2 hours you spend on your devices. Use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry. Try putting a humidifier in the room where you most often use a computer or other device. Make sure the lighting in the room you're in is bright enough. You don't want your device to be brighter than the surroundings. If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break by wearing your glasses. Get regular eye exams. You might need to use a different pair of glasses when you're working on a computer.


Question: How can rheumatoid arthritis affect your voice box?

Answer: It doesn't happen often, but RA can also affect a joint in your voice box.


Question: What joints does rheumatoid arthritis affect?

Answer: RA usually starts in the hands, but it can affect any joint, including your: Elbows Feet Hips Jaw Knees Neck Shoulders Wrists If you have RA, you'll notice a symmetrical pattern. It shows up in the same joints on both sides of your body, like both wrists or both hips.


Question: How do you know if rheumatoid arthritis is in your joints?

Answer: RA almost always affects your joints. It may take a few weeks or months for the first signs to show. The inflammation it causes results in classic symptoms like: Stiffness. The joint is harder to use and doesn't move as well as it should. It's especially common in the morning. While many people with other forms of arthritis have stiff joints in the morning, it takes people with rheumatoid arthritis more than an hour (sometimes several hours) before their joints feel loose. Swelling. Fluid in the joint makes it puffy and tender. Pain. Inflammation inside a joint makes it hurt whether you're moving it or not. Over time, it causes damage and pain. Redness and warmth. The joints may be warmer and show color changes related to the inflammation.


Question: How can rheumatoid arthritis  affect your heart?

Answer: Likewise, RA can inflame the lining around your heart (called pericarditis) or your heart muscle (called myocarditis). You probably wouldn't notice symptoms from that. There's a chance you could feel shortness of breath or chest pain.


Question: Does rheumatoid arthritis cause pain?

Answer: Fluid in the joint makes it puffy and tender. Pain.


Question: Can rheumatoid arthritis affect your lungs?

Answer: This may not cause symptoms. But you might notice shortness of breath. Your doctor can treat it with drugs that ease the inflammation in the lungs.


Question: Does rheumatoid arthritis affect your eyes?

Answer: While many people with other forms of arthritis have stiff joints in the morning, it takes people with rheumatoid arthritis more than an hour (sometimes several hours) before their joints feel loose.


Question: How do you know if rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire body?

Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can go beyond your joints. You could also feel: Fatigue Muscle aches Poor appetite Bad all over (your doctor may call this malaise) Depression Extreme fatigue could be a sign of anemia, or a lack of healthy red blood cells.


Question: Can rheumatoid arthritis inflame areas around your heart?

Answer: Likewise, RA can inflame the lining around your heart (called pericarditis) or your heart muscle (called myocarditis). You probably wouldn't notice symptoms from that. There's a chance you could feel shortness of breath or chest pain.


Question: Can rheumatoid arthritis affect your voice box?

Answer: It doesn't happen often, but RA can also affect a joint in your voice box.


Question: What are symptoms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

Answer: Some people get flu-like symptoms within a month after they've been infected, but these symptoms often go away within a month. You could have HIV for many years before feeling ill at all. Before you're diagnosed with HIV, you may get shingles. If you have had HIV for many years, you may get other infections related to advance HIV pr AIDS (see below). Both women and men may get thrush, a kind of yeast infection in your mouth or on your tongue. Women could get severe vaginal yeast infections.


Question: What is a carbuncle?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } A carbuncle is a red, swollen, and painful cluster of boils that are connected to each other under the skin. A boil (or furuncle) is an infection of a hair follicle that has a small collection of pus (called an abscess) under the skin. Usually single, a carbuncle is most likely to occur on a hairy area of the body such as the back or nape of the neck. But a carbuncle also can develop in other areas of the body such as the buttocks, thighs, groin, and armpits.


Question: What are complications of carbuncles?

Answer: Sometimes, carbuncles are caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA) bacteria, and require treatment with potent prescription antibiotics if the lesions are not drained properly. In rare cases, bacteria from a carbuncle can escape into the bloodstream and cause serious complications, including sepsis and infections in other parts of the body such as the lung, bones, joints, heart, blood, and central nervous system. Sepsis is an overwhelming infection of the body that is a medical emergency and can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include chills, a spiking fever, rapid heart rate, and a feeling of being extremely ill.


Question: What is the home treatment for carbuncles?

Answer: The cardinal rule is to avoid squeezing or irritating a carbuncle, which increases the risk of complications and severe scarring. Warm compresses may promote the drainage and healing of carbuncles. Gently soak the carbuncle in warm water, or apply a clean, warm, moist washcloth for 20 minutes several times per day. Similar strategies include covering the carbuncle with a clean, dry cloth and gently applying a heating pad or hot water bottle for 20 minutes several times per day. After each use, washcloths or cloths should be washed in hot water and dried at a high temperature. Washing the carbuncle and covering the area with a sterile bandage also may promote drainage and healing and help prevent the infection from spreading. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve the pain of an inflamed carbuncle. It's important to thoroughly wash your hands after touching a carbuncle. Launder any clothing, bedding, and towels that have touched a carbuncle and avoid sharing bedding, clothing, or other personal items.


Question: What should I know about carbuncles?

Answer: Carbuncles are more likely than boils to leave scars. An active boil or carbuncle is contagious: the infection can spread to other parts of the person's body or to other people through skin-to-skin contact or the sharing of personal items. So it's important to practice appropriate self-care measures, like keeping the area clean and covered, until the carbuncle drains and heals. Carbuncles require medical treatment to prevent or manage complications, promote healing, and minimize scarring. Contact your doctor if you have a boil or boils that have persisted for more than a few days.


Question: How long do carbuncles take to heal?

Answer: But treatment with antibiotics may be necessary in cases such as: When MRSA is involved and drainage is incomplete There is surrounding soft-tissue infection (cellulitis) A person has a weakened immune system An infection has spread to other parts of the body Depending on severity, most carbuncles heal within two to three weeks after medical treatment.


Question: What causes carbuncles?

Answer: Most carbuncles are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which inhabit the skin surface, throat, and nasal passages. These bacteria can cause infection by entering the skin through a hair follicle, small scrape, or puncture, although sometimes there is no obvious point of entry.


Question: What are tests to diagnose atherosclerosis?

Answer: Diseases caused by atherosclerosis are the most common cause of death in the U. S. The one test that can directly show blocked arteries is called angiography. It's an invasive test: A thin tube is put inside an artery in the leg or arm. It's then threaded through the body's maze of branching arteries. Injected dye shows arteries -- and any blockages -- on a monitor.


Question: How does an electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) help in diagnosing =?

Answer: Electron beam computed tomography ( EBCT): A special CT scanner ( CAT scan) snaps pictures of the heart. A computer figures out the amount of calcium in your heart's arteries. More calcium can mean more atherosclerosis.


Question: How does angiography help in diagnosing atherosclerosis?

Answer: Angiography: This test can show a picture of blockages caused by atherosclerosis. It can be done on arteries in your heart, brain, or legs. Because it has some risk, angiography is usually done only on people with symptoms from their atherosclerosis. Typically, this means people with symptoms of blockages, such as chest pain.


Question: How does a stress test help in diagnosing atherosclerosis?

Answer: Once your doctor has identified your risk group, more tests may be needed, such as: Stress test: With medicines or walking on an exercise treadmill, your heart is made to pump almost as hard as it can. That allows your doctor to see what symptoms you may have. If needed, images of the heart or EKGs can show any blockages.


Question: What happens when you get a cortisone injection?

Answer: The doctor, nurse, or other health professional will use an alcohol or iodine-based cleaning solution to clean the area of your skin where you'll get the shot. After that, they will put a numbing lotion or spray on that spot. Then you'll get the shot. Afterward, you'll wear a bandage over the injection site. If the shot is going into a joint that has too much fluid, your doctor will first use a separate syringe and needle to draw out the extra fluid.


Question: What are the long-term side effects of cortisone shots?

Answer: Long-term side effects depend on the dose and how often you get this treatment. With higher doses and frequent shots, potential side effects include: Thinning of the skin Easy bruising Weight gain Puffiness of the face Higher blood pressure Cataract formation Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) Rare but serious damage to the bones of the large joints (called âavascular necrosisâ).


Question: When should someone with schizophrenia call 911?

Answer: If you're afraid help from your doctor isn't going to be fast enough, you may need call to 911. To decide when you should call for help, ask yourself these questions: Is your loved one threatening to harm himself or someone else, including you? Has he ever attempted suicide before? Is he unable to feed or dress himself? Is he living on the streets? If you answered âyesâ to any of these, call 911 or a local emergency number. Don't try to solve the situation on your own or put yourself at risk. If you think there's any chance that he will try to commit suicide, ask someone to stay with him while you call for emergency help.


Question: When should someone with schizophrenia call their doctor?

Answer: You'll probably notice signs leading up to a psychotic episode. Symptoms vary, but there are some common ones, including: Mistrustful or suspicious beliefs or ideas Unexpected outbursts Isolation from friends and family Noticeable mood changes Trouble sleeping Bizarre behavior Call your doctor for advice if your loved one's mood changes or his thinking seems unusual. If he's stopped taking his medication, but doesn't seem like he's going to hurt you or anyone else, encourage him to visit the doctor with you.


Question: How do I know if my home blood pressure monitor is accurate?

Answer: That's why it's important to bring your blood pressure monitor to the doctor before you start to use it. She can test it against the ones used in her office.


Question: What are types of blood pressure monitors that use an arm cuff?

Answer: There are two basic types of monitors that use an arm cuff: Aneroid monitors: You squeeze a bulb to inflate the cuff around your upper arm. Then you read a gauge to find your blood pressure. These are the least expensive options, but they're also easy to damage. Digital monitors: On some models you inflate the cuff. On others the machine does it for you. Your reading appears on a small screen. Some even offer a paper printout. They're easy to use and read.


Question: What can you expect during a lip augmentation procedure?

Answer: Injectable lip augmentation techniques can be performed quickly in your doctor's office with little to no downtime. Fat injection is the exception, since the procedure requires a small area of liposuction to remove the fat from another part of your body before the injection can take place. Before the injections, a topical or local numbing agent may be applied to ease discomfort. Sometimes, nerve block injections can be given before the treatment to completely numb the lips. This is similar to the anesthetic injections that you get at the dentist to numb your mouth. After carefully marking the areas to be injected, very fine needles are used to inject the substance into your lips.


Question: How common are allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid fillers?

Answer: Allergic reaction unlikely. Because hyaluronic acid fillers are made from substances similar to those found in the body, they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. But if you are allergic to lidocaine, tell your doctor before being treated.


Question: How can hyaluronic acid fillers improve the appearance of your lips?

Answer: Hyaluronic acid fillers can improve the appearance of your lips by adding: Shape Structure Volume The effects typically last around six months. After that more injections are needed to keep the volume of your lips.


Question: What can help someone who "freezes" in place because of Parkinson's disease?

Answer: If you have trouble with "freezing" in place: Rock from foot to foot to get moving again. Have someone place their foot in front of you, or visualize something you need to step over, to get moving again.


Question: What can help with the stress of having Parkinson's disease?

Answer: The most important step you can take is to seek help as soon as you feel less able to cope with Parkinson's disease. Taking action early will enable you to understand and deal with the many effects of your condition. A mental health care provider can design a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Strategies can be designed to help you regain a sense of control over your life and improve your quality of life.


Question: What is the process for creating an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

Answer: The next step after evaluation is the IEP meeting, which is required by law. The Individualized Education Program is supposed to address all aspects of your child's education. So, a number of different people will need to attend the meeting. At the very least, the meeting should include you, your child's teacher, and a special education teacher. Others who are familiar with different aspects of your child's needs and abilities -- social workers, school psychologists, therapists, or doctors -- also should attend. When appropriate, your child may also participate and offer input at the meeting.


Question: Who determines eligibility for an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

Answer: Professionals within your child's district are usually the ones who do the evaluation, but it can also be done by a developmental pediatrician or psychologist. The evaluation is what determines that your child is eligible for special education. It also helps identify the special services your child might need. If you think your child's evaluation isn't accurate, you can ask for an independent evaluation. That will be done by a professional from outside the school district. Your child's district may pay for that evaluation.


Question: How should I prepare for a meeting about my child's Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

Answer: That team will discuss how to best meet your child's educational needs. To prepare for the meeting -- and if your child is able to articulate answers -- you may find it helpful to ask your child questions about school such as: " What is your favorite subject?" " What is the hardest thing for you at school?" " What is the easiest thing for you at school?"


Question: How does an Individualized Education Program (IEP) help a child with autism?

Answer: Many children with ASD find it difficult to develop the skills they need. Engaging a child or teen in the IEP process provides an opportunity to teach a child with autism to advocate for himself or herself. For some children, involvement may be limited to attending the IEP meeting. Over time, and depending upon the degree of the disability, some children may be able to take more ownership. When they do, they will more actively participate in designing their IEP for autism. They may be able to identify their own problem areas and help create reasonable goals for themselves.


Question: How can lupus affect your heart and lungs?

Answer: Heart and lung involvement often is caused by inflammation of the covering of the heart (pericardium) and lungs (pleura). When these structures become inflamed, patients may develop chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleuritis or pleurisy) and heart (pericarditis). The heart valves and the lung itself can also be affected by lupus, resulting in shortness of breath.


Question: How is imuran (azathioprine) used to treat lupus?

Answer: A medication originally used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. It is commonly used to treat the more serious features of lupus.


Question: How is CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) used to treat lupus?

Answer: A drug that suppresses the immune system and is also used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. It is being used increasingly to treat serious features of lupus, especially those previously treated by Cytoxan.


Question: What can be done to improve quality of life with lupus?

Answer: There is no cure for lupus, but there are steps you can take to improve your sense of well-being and your quality of life, including: Exercise .


Question: How is rituxan (rituximab) used to treat lupus?

Answer: A biologic agent used to treat lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. It is used to treat the most serious features of lupus when other therapies are not effective.


Question: How is plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) used to treat lupus?

Answer: Commonly used to help keep mild lupus-related problems, such as skin and joint disease, under control. This drug is also effective at preventing lupus flares.


Question: How is cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) used to treat lupus?

Answer: A chemotherapy drug that has very powerful effects on reducing the activity of the immune system. It is used to treat severe forms of lupus, such as those affecting the kidneys or brain.


Question: How is lupus treated?

Answer: The type of lupus treatment prescribed will depend on several factors, including the person's age, type of drugs he or she is taking, overall health, medical history, and location and severity of disease. Because lupus is a condition that can change over time and is not always predictable, a critical part of good care includes periodic visits with a knowledgeable, accessible doctor, such as a rheumatologist. Some people with mild features of the disease do not require treatment, while people with serious involvement (such as kidney complications) may require powerful medications. Drugs used to treat lupus include: Steroids .


Question: How can alcohol affect lupus?

Answer: Alcohol can interact with your medications to cause significant stomach or intestinal problems, including ulcers.


Question: How can smoking affect lupus?

Answer: Smoking can impair circulation and worsen symptoms in people with lupus. Tobacco smoke also has negative effects on your heart, lungs, and stomach.


Question: How can lupus affect your skin?

Answer: Skin problems are a common feature of lupus. Some people with lupus have a red rash over their cheeks and the bridge of their nose -- called a "butterfly" or malar rash. Hair loss and mouth sores are also common. One particular type of lupus that generally affects only the skin is called "discoid lupus." With this type of lupus, the skin problems consist of large red, circular rashes that may scar. Skin rashes are usually aggravated by sunlight. A common lupus rash called subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is often worse after exposure to the sun. This type of rash can affect the arms, legs, and torso. An uncommon but serious form of lupus rash results in the development of large blisters and is called a "bullous" lupus rash.


Question: What is an antinuclear antibody test for lupus?

Answer: An antinuclear antibody ( ANA) test is a sensitive screening tool used to detect autoimmune diseases, including lupus. Antinuclear antibodies ( ANAs) are antibodies that are directed against certain structures within a cell's nucleus (thus, antinuclear antibody). ANAs are found in particular patterns in people with autoimmune diseases (those in which a person's immune system works against his or her own body). An ANA test is done on a sample of a person's blood. The test determines the strength of the antibodies by measuring how many times the person's blood must be diluted to get a sample that is free of antibodies.


Question: How can you live with someone who has lupus?

Answer: If someone close to you has lupus, your life will likely be affected, as well. It is important to understand your loved one's illness and what he or she may be expecting from you. The following are some tips for living with someone who has lupus: Learn about lupus and its treatment. Understanding the illness can help you know what to expect, and provide better support and understanding. Don't push. Give your loved one enough space to deal with the illness and regain some control over his or her life. When possible, go with the person to the doctor. This is a good way to offer support and to listen to what the doctor says. Sometimes, a person feels overwhelmed and cannot take in everything the doctor says. Encourage the person to take care of himself or herself and to follow the doctor's treatment plan, but do it gently. Be patient and don't nag. Be open with the person. Talk about your own fears and concerns, and ask the person about his or her fears and needs.


Question: How can lupus affect your blood?

Answer: Blood involvement can occur with or without other symptoms. People with lupus may have dangerous reductions in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets (particles that help clot the blood).


Question: How can lupus affect your kidneys?

Answer: Kidney involvement in people with lupus can be life threatening and may occur in up to half of those with lupus. Kidney problems are more common when someone also has other lupus symptoms, such as fatigue, arthritis, rash, fever, and weight loss. Less often, kidney disease may occur when there are no other symptoms of lupus.


Question: What factors may contribute to the development of lupus?

Answer: This drug weakens the immune system by targeting a protein that may reduce the abnormal B cells thought to contribute to lupus.


Question: Does a positive antinuclear antibody test mean that I have lupus?

Answer: Not necessarily. The antinuclear antibody ( ANA) test is positive in most people who have lupus, but it also may be positive in many people who are healthy or have another autoimmune disease. Therefore, a positive ANA test alone is not adequate for the diagnosis of lupus. There must be at least three additional clinical features from the list of 11 features for the diagnosis to be made.


Question: How is rheumatrex (methotrexate) used to treat lupus?

Answer: Another chemotherapy drug used to suppress the immune system. Its use is becoming increasingly popular for skin disease, arthritis, and other non-life-threatening forms of disease that have not responded to medications such as hydroxychloroquine or low doses of prednisone.


Question: How is benlysta (belimumab) used to treat lupus?

Answer: This drug weakens the immune system by targeting a protein that may reduce the abnormal B cells thought to contribute to lupus. People with active, autoantibody-positive lupus may benefit from Benlysta when given in addition to standard drug therapy.


Question: What is the outlook for people with lupus?

Answer: The outlook for lupus varies, depending on the organs involved and the severity of symptoms. The disease often includes periods of symptoms followed by periods of remission or lack of symptoms. Most people with lupus can expect to have a normal lifespan, especially if they follow their doctor's instructions and their treatment plans.


Question: What are the symptoms of lupus?

Answer: The symptoms of lupus differ from one person to another. Some people have just a few symptoms, while others have many. In addition, there are many different symptoms of lupus because the disease can affect any part of the body. Some of the more common symptoms include: Achy joints (arthralgia) Unexplained fever (more than 100 F) Swollen joints (arthritis) Prolonged or extreme fatigue Skin rash Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation Pain in the chest when breathing deeply (pleurisy) A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose Hair loss Sensitivity to the sun and/or other light Seizures Mouth or nose sores Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress ( Raynaud's phenomenon) Many people with active lupus feel ill in general and complain of fever, weight loss, and fatigue.


Question: What causes lupus?

Answer: However, there appears to be something that triggers the immune system to attack various areas of the body. That's why suppressing the immune system is one of the main forms of treatment. Finding the cause is the object of major research efforts.


Question: How can lupus affect your joints?

Answer: Arthritis is very common in people with lupus. There may be pain, with or without swelling. Stiffness and pain may be particularly evident in the morning. Arthritis may be a problem for only a few days or weeks, or may be a permanent feature of the disease. Fortunately, the arthritis usually is not crippling.


Question: Who gets lupus?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } According to the Lupus Foundation of America, approximately 1.5 million people in the U. S. have lupus. People of African, Asian, and Native American descent are more likely to develop lupus than are Caucasians. Although it can occur in both men and women, 90% of people diagnosed with the disease are women. Women of childbearing age (14 to 45 years old) are most often affected and as many as 1 in 250 people may develop lupus.


Question: What problems can people with lupus have?

Answer: Some of the more common symptoms include: Achy joints (arthralgia) Unexplained fever (more than 100 F) Swollen joints (arthritis) Prolonged or extreme fatigue Skin rash Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation Pain in the chest when breathing deeply (pleurisy) A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose Hair loss Sensitivity to the sun and/or other light Seizures Mouth or nose sores Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress ( Raynaud's phenomenon) Many people with active lupus feel ill in general and complain of fever, weight loss, and fatigue. People with lupus also develop specific problems when the immune system attacks a particular organ or area in the body. The following areas of the body can be affected by lupus: Skin .


Question: How do you use Clomid or Serophene as fertility drugs?

Answer: How you use it: The typical starting dosage of clomiphene is 50 milligrams a day for 5 days. You usually take the first pill on the third, fourth, or fifth day after you start your period. You can expect to start ovulating about 7 days after you've taken the last dose. If it doesn't happen right away, your doctor may ask you to increase your dose by 50 milligrams a day each month, up to 150 milligrams.


Question: What does a kidney stone feel like?

Answer: When you have a kidney stone, you may not have any symptoms -- that is, until the stone starts to stir. It can move around within your kidney or into your ureter, the tube that connects your kidney to your bladder. Symptoms can vary and can be mild or severe. The most common one is pain. You may feel it: In your side or back, below the ribs -- and the pain can be very intense In your groin and lower abdomen Come and go and get better or worse As you pee -- and you might have to go more often than usual The pain can shift around in your body, from your belly or back down to your groin. This means the stone is making its way from your kidney through the ureter and closer to your bladder. When this happens, you are more likely to feel a burning when you pee or have more urges to go.


Question: How can stress trigger psoriasis?

Answer: Scientists think your immune system may respond to emotional and mental pressures the same way it does to physical problems like injuries and infections.


Question: How can smoking affect your risk for psoriasis?

Answer: Lighting up can double your risk of getting psoriasis. If you also have relatives with the disease, you're nine times more likely to get it. And smoking makes it harder to get rid of symptoms. It's closely linked with a hard-to-treat type called pustular psoriasis, which affects the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.


Question: What skin injuries can trigger psoriasis?

Answer: A cut, scrape, bug bite, infection, or too much scratching can trigger the condition.


Question: How can alcohol affect your psoriasis?

Answer: Heavy drinkers have a higher risk, especially younger men. Alcohol can make treatments less effective, too.


Question: Can certain genes trigger a psoriasis flare?

Answer: When you have psoriasis, the genes that control your immune system signals get mixed up.


Question: How are genes and DNA related to psoriasis?

Answer: When you have psoriasis, the genes that control your immune system signals get mixed up. Instead of protecting your body from invaders as it's designed to do, it promotes inflammation and turns skin cells on overdrive. Scientists have found about 25 genes that are different in people with psoriasis.


Question: How can HIV trigger psoriasis?

Answer: These include: Lithium, which treats bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses High blood pressure and heart medicines, including propranolol ( Inderal) and other beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and quinidine Antimalarial medicines, including chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine ( Plaquenil), and quinacrine Indomethacin ( Indocin), which treats inflammation Psoriasis usually is worse in the beginning stages of HIV infection, but then it gets better after you start certain treatments.


Question: What medications can make psoriasis worse?

Answer: Some treatments can make psoriasis worse. These include: Lithium, which treats bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses High blood pressure and heart medicines, including propranolol ( Inderal) and other beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and quinidine Antimalarial medicines, including chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine ( Plaquenil), and quinacrine Indomethacin ( Indocin), which treats inflammation Psoriasis usually is worse in the beginning stages of HIV infection, but then it gets better after you start certain treatments.


Question: How can psoriasis be triggered?

Answer: When you have psoriasis, the genes that control your immune system signals get mixed up.


Question: How can hormone changes trigger psoriasis?

Answer: The disease often shows up or flares during puberty. Menopause can also trigger it. During pregnancy, your symptoms may get better or even go away.


Question: How many people are affected by psoriasis?

Answer: About 10 in every 100 people have genes that make them more likely to get psoriasis, but only two or three of them actually do.


Question: Are there any adults who shouldn't get the meningococcal vaccine?

Answer: Early symptoms of both meningitis and blood infection can be confused with the flu or a cold, but symptoms can rapidly become more severe and may include: Sudden high fever Headache Stiff neck Aches Fatigue Purplish rash on arms and legs Other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in mental state The CDC recommends you get the vaccine if you are an adult and: Are living in a dorm as a first-year college student Work with meningococcal bacteria in a lab Are in the military Are traveling to or living in a country where meningococcal disease is common, such as in certain parts of Africa Have a damaged spleen, or it's been removed Have an immune system disorder called terminal complement deficiency Are taking eculizumab ( Soliris) May have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak Have HIV You shouldn't get either type of meningococcal vaccine if you: Are moderately or seriously ill; wait until you recover. Have had a serious allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) to a previous dose Had a severe reaction to any part of the vaccine If you are pregnant or have other concerns, ask your doctor which meningitis vaccine is right for you.


Question: What is the meningococcal vaccine?

Answer: The vaccine can't cause meningococcal disease.


Question: How and when should you get the meningococcal vaccine?

Answer: In most cases, adults only need one dose. But if you remain at risk, you may need a booster. Some adults may need another type of meningitis vaccine, the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, if they are exposed to this virus through work or travel or if they have a damaged or missing spleen, or certain immune system disorders.


Question: Who should get the meningococcal vaccine?

Answer: Early symptoms of both meningitis and blood infection can be confused with the flu or a cold, but symptoms can rapidly become more severe and may include: Sudden high fever Headache Stiff neck Aches Fatigue Purplish rash on arms and legs Other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in mental state The CDC recommends you get the vaccine if you are an adult and: Are living in a dorm as a first-year college student Work with meningococcal bacteria in a lab Are in the military Are traveling to or living in a country where meningococcal disease is common, such as in certain parts of Africa Have a damaged spleen, or it's been removed Have an immune system disorder called terminal complement deficiency Are taking eculizumab ( Soliris) May have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak Have HIV You shouldn't get either type of meningococcal vaccine if you: Are moderately or seriously ill; wait until you recover.


Question: Are there any dangers or side effects associated with the meningococcal vaccine?

Answer: Signs of this include: Hoarseness, wheezing, trouble breathing, or swallowing Hives, itching, skin warmth, or redness Paleness Stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting Anxiety or headache Weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness If you have any signs of a severe reaction: Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.


Question: What are symptoms of meningococcal disease?

Answer: Early symptoms of both meningitis and blood infection can be confused with the flu or a cold, but symptoms can rapidly become more severe and may include: Sudden high fever Headache Stiff neck Aches Fatigue Purplish rash on arms and legs Other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in mental state The CDC recommends you get the vaccine if you are an adult and: Are living in a dorm as a first-year college student Work with meningococcal bacteria in a lab Are in the military Are traveling to or living in a country where meningococcal disease is common, such as in certain parts of Africa Have a damaged spleen, or it's been removed Have an immune system disorder called terminal complement deficiency Are taking eculizumab ( Soliris) May have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak Have HIV You shouldn't get either type of meningococcal vaccine if you: Are moderately or seriously ill; wait until you recover.


Question: What is polyarthritis?

Answer: Polyarthritis, also called polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (p JIA), involves five or more joints in the first six months of the disease -- often the same joints on each side of the body. This type of arthritis can affect the joints in the jaw and neck as well as those in the hands and feet. This type also is also more common in girls than in boys and more closely resembles the adult form.


Question: Are there different types of juvenile arthritis?

Answer: There are five types of juvenile arthritis: Systemic arthritis, also called Still's disease, can affect the entire body or involve many systems of the body.


Question: How is juvenile arthritis diagnosed?

Answer: Persistent fever Rash Weight loss Fatigue Irritability Eye redness or eye pain Blurred vision Because a child may have no symptoms of juvenile arthritis, and because some of the symptoms can be associated with other diseases, a diagnosis may be difficult. Because there is no actual test for juvenile arthritis, the diagnosis is made by excluding other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as bone disorders or breaks, fibromyalgia, infection, Lyme disease, lupus, or cancer.


Question: What is psoriatic juvenile arthritis?

Answer: Psoriatic arthritis affects children who have both arthritis and the skin disorder psoriasis. The child might get either the psoriasis or the arthritis years before developing the other part of the disease. Children with this type of arthritis often have pitted fingernails.


Question: What are the goals of treatment for juvenile arthritis?

Answer: In general, though, treatment for juvenile arthritis has several main goals: To relieve pain To reduce swelling To increase joint mobility and strength To prevent joint damage and complications The following types of drugs may be used to treat juvenile arthritis: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) are used to treat pain and swelling.


Question: What tests are used to diagnose juvenile arthritis?

Answer: Some of the other tests that might be ordered include: Complete blood count (white cells, red cells, and platelets) Lab tests on blood or urine X-rays (to rule out breaks or damage to bones) Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) scans Blood culture to check for bacteria, which could indicate an infection in the bloodstream Tests for viruses Tests for Lyme disease Bone marrow exam, which is used to check for leukemia Erythrocyte sedimentation rate to see how quickly the red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube ( The rate is faster in most people who have a disease that causes inflammation.)


Question: How are corticosteroids used to treat juvenile arthritis?

Answer: Corticosteroids are also used to treat pain and swelling. Sometimes, before any other treatment is tried, steroids are given as an injection into the affected joint. In certain cases, the doctor might prescribe oral steroids (taken by mouth), but these are generally avoided in children because of adverse side effects, which may include poor growth and weight gain.


Question: What is systemic juvenile arthritis?

Answer: There are five types of juvenile arthritis: Systemic arthritis, also called Still's disease, can affect the entire body or involve many systems of the body. Systemic juvenile arthritis usually causes high fever and a rash. The rash is usually on the trunk, arms, and legs. Systemic juvenile arthritis can also affect internal organs, such as the heart, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, but usually not the eyes. Boys and girls are equally affected.


Question: How are antimetabolites used to treat juvenile arthritis?

Answer: Antimetabolites are a type of drug that is an aggressive therapy aimed at helping reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function. The new drug Xatmep is an oral form of methotrexate that can be used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in pediatric patients, usually when NSAIDs have been proven to be ineffective.


Question: When should you call a doctor about shingles?

Answer: Call your doctor if you have pain or a rash on one side of your head or body. You should see an eye doctor if: The rash is around your nose or eye Your eyes are red or painful You have any vision problems


Question: What are signs that you have shingles in your eye?

Answer: Signs that you have it in your eye can include: Pain Redness Swelling Sensitivity to light One way to help tell shingles from an allergy or other type of rash is by its other symptoms.


Question: What causes shingles (herpes zoster)?

Answer: Shingles arises from varicella-zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Following a bout of chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the spinal nerve cells. But it can be reactivated years later when the immune system is suppressed by: Physical or emotional trauma A serious illness Certain medications, like steroids Medical science doesn't understand why the virus becomes reactivated in some people and not in others.


Question: How does human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affect my heart?

Answer: Because HIV affects your immune system, your body will be inflamed as it tries to fight the infection, like a constant low simmer. This kind of inflammation has been linked to heart disease. Some drugs you take for HIV can also make heart disease more likely. They can cause insulin resistance, which raises your odds of diabetes, and problems breaking down fats. And these lead to heart disease.


Question: What are the symptoms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in my eyes?

Answer: You may not have any symptoms until the problems are far along, so if you have advanced HIV, it's important to get regular eye exams. And call your doctor if your vision changes, including: You get blurry or double vision, or colors don't look right. You see spots. You have watery or red eyes. You're sensitive to light. Your eyes hurt.


Question: How can I help preserve my bones if I have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

Answer: Don't smoke and limit your alcohol intake. Ask your doctor to check your vitamin D level. Ask your doctor if you should take supplements or other medications to help your bones. If you have advanced HIV, you're more likely to get infections that can cause inflammation in your brain and spinal cord.


Question: How does human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affect my kidneys?

Answer: Some HIV medications can cause kidney damage. If you already have kidney problems, your doctor may want to avoid those drugs or keep a close eye on their effects. Your doctor will need to check your kidneys regularly because signs of kidney disease may not be obvious.


Question: How does human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affect my eyes?

Answer: Some eye problems are mild, while others can be severe enough to cause blindness. Among the most common are infections, which can lead to bleeding in the retina (the tissue at the back of your eye) and retinal detachment. About 7 out of 10 people with advanced AIDS will have trouble with their eyes.