Question: How does deep brain stimulation help multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Deep brain stimulation (or DBS) is a variation of an old surgery that may be used to treat tremors in people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis ( MS), Parkinson's disease, and essential tremor. In the case of multiple sclerosis, other problems such as loss of vision, sensation, or strength are not helped by deep brain stimulation.


Question: What is deep brain stimulation?

Answer: In the 1960s, surgery was used to destroy a small area deep in the brain called the thalamus (thalamotomy) or another part of the brain called the globus pallidus (pallidotomy). These surgeries are still done today, although less frequently because of the availability of deep brain stimulation. These surgeries carry significant risks: both thalamotomy and pallidotomy require purposeful destruction of areas of the brain. If the surgeon is off by even a fraction of an inch, the surgery may not be effective and severe complications such as paralysis, loss of vision, or loss of speech can result. The FDA has approved DBS to treat Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.


Question: Is deep brain stimulation considered experimental?

Answer: The electrode for deep brain stimulation is left in the brain. Dystonia is a type of movement disorder characterized by abnormal postures and twisting motions. The FDA has not specifically approved deep brain stimulation of the thalamus to treat multiple sclerosis.


Question: Has the FDA approved deep brain stimulation of the thalamus to treat multiple sclerosis?

Answer: The FDA has approved DBS to treat Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. However, this does not mean that the treatment is experimental or that it would not be covered by insurance. There are many examples of treatments that are used every day but have not been approved by the FDA for a specific medical condition.


Question: Can you prevent diabetic retinopathy and macular edema?

Answer: Many studies have shown that you can cut your odds of losing your vision from retinopathy and macular edema with strict control of your blood sugars, blood pressure, and cholesterol.


Question: Does diabetic retinopathy cause macular edema?

Answer: Diabetic retinopathy may also cause macular edema. This happens when fluid leaks into the part of the retina that helps give you the sharp, central vision. You need that for reading, driving, and seeing fine details. Instead, things look blurry.


Question: What is proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)?

Answer: If you continue to have high blood sugar over several years, though, you could go on to have a more severe disease known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It's called "proliferative" because new blood vessels start to grow on the surface of the retina. These blood vessels are fragile and can leak blood or fluid. This causes scarring of the retina and long-term vision loss.


Question: Can you slow or reverse vision loss due to diabetes?

Answer: If you find and treat diabetic retinopathy early, you can slow or even reverse some forms of vision loss. If you have diabetes, you should see an eye doctor at least once a year. If your annual exams are normal, you may be able to have follow-up exams every 2-3 years.


Question: When is a vitrectomy indicated for people with diabetes?

Answer: These fragile blood vessels could tear, causing bleeding in your eye. This laser procedure may keep your vision better longer. It works best if used before the fragile new vessels have started to bleed. How Diabetes Affect Your Eyes and Eye Care Tips Diabetes and Eye Problems continued... A procedure called a vitrectomy may be used to remove the clear gel of the eye, called the vitreous, if it becomes clouded by blood. You may also need treatment to repair a detached retina or damaged macula caused by this new blood vessel growth. If you have macular edema, laser surgery or drugs placed inside your eye can slow leaking around the macula.


Question: Do I need to do a lot of extra work to care for my eyes if I have diabetes?

Answer: Take heart: Diabetes care and eye care work together. It doesn't take a lot of extra work to take care of your eyes with diabetes. The steps you take to manage diabetes also help keep your eyes healthy. Follow your diabetes meal plan, get enough exercise, and take any diabetes drugs as prescribed. This helps keep your blood sugar levels healthy -- and gives you the best possible chance of keeping your eyesight strong.


Question: How common is diabetic retinopathy?

Answer: Diabetes and Eye Problems Diabetic retinopathy: At some point, nearly 1 out of 3 people with diabetes has retinopathy -- damage to the blood vessels in the retina. That's the lining at the back of your eye. Non-proliferative retinopathy, which doesn't usually threaten your eyesight, is most common.


Question: Does diabetes cause glaucoma?

Answer: Diabetes and glaucoma: Having diabetes doubles your odds of glaucoma, a condition that puts added pressure in your eye. This extra pressure can damage the retina and the optic nerve, the main eye nerve for sight. You likely won't have symptoms early on. Some people slowly lose vision or see bright halos or colored rings around lights. Glaucoma is treated with prescription eyedrops to lower eye pressure. In some cases, you may need laser treatment or surgery.


Question: Why is it important to get your eyes checked if you have diabetes?

Answer: How Diabetes Affect Your Eyes and Eye Care Tips When you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you're more likely to have eye problems than someone without it. High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes over time. That can lead to an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar can also lead to cataracts and glaucoma. So take care of your diabetes -- and keep up with annual eye exams -- to take care of your eyes.


Question: How can managing blood pressure help with diabetes-related eyesight complications?

Answer: Control your blood pressure to help slow or prevent eye disease caused by diabetes. Have your blood pressure checked by your doctor at every visit. If a low-salt diet, staying at a healthy weight, and exercise aren't enough to keep it under control, you may need drugs to bring it down to a healthier level. The goal for most people with diabetes is blood pressure of less than 130/80.


Question: Does diabetes cause cataracts?

Answer: Diabetes and cataracts: You're more likely to have cataracts -- and at a younger age -- if you have diabetes. Cataracts cloud your eye's lens and cause blurred vision. If you have mild cataracts, sunglasses and glare-control glasses can help. If it's severe, cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a man-made lens to improve your vision.


Question: What are some warning signs of diabetes-related eyesight complications?

Answer: The sooner you notice an eye problem, the more likely treatment will help. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms: Blurry, cloudy, or double vision Flashing lights or rings around lights Blank, dark, or floating spots in your vision Pain, pressure, or constant redness in your eyes Trouble seeing signs or straight lines Trouble seeing out of the corner of your eye Any sudden change in your vision 5.


Question: How often should I have dilated eye exams to check for diabetes-related eyesight complications?

Answer: An eye doctor needs to widen your pupils with special eyedrops to look for early signs of damage to tiny eye blood vessels. Get a full eye exam every year, so your eye doctor can find and treat problems early. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, get an eye exam early in your pregnancy and stay in touch with your eye doctor throughout your pregnancy.


Question: Is proliferative diabetic retinopathy treatable?

Answer: If you find and treat diabetic retinopathy early, you can slow or even reverse some forms of vision loss. Your doctor may target the retina with a special laser to shrink the new blood vessels. This laser procedure may keep your vision better longer. It works best if used before the fragile new vessels have started to bleed.


Question: How can managing blood sugar help with diabetes-related eyesight complications?

Answer: Steady blood sugar control can slow the damage to the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. This helps prevent or delay the start of eye problems linked to diabetes. Two to four times a year, have an A1c blood test, which measures your glucose levels for the past 2 to 3 months. This helps your doctor to better plan your treatment. Aim for a test result of around 7% or less. This helps keep your blood sugar levels healthy -- and gives you the best possible chance of keeping your eyesight strong.


Question: How can quitting smoking prevent diabetes-related eyesight complications?

Answer: Many studies have shown that you can cut your odds of losing your vision from retinopathy and macular edema with strict control of your blood sugars, blood pressure, and cholesterol. If you smoke, get help from your doctor, a support group, or a smoking cessation program so you have strength to quit -- and stay smoke-free. The American Cancer Society and other groups sponsor 800- QUIT- NOW, a web site and phone service that gives free advice and support for quitting.


Question: Can rapid or irregular heartbeats be a heart failure system?

Answer: The heart beats faster to pump enough blood to the body. This causes a fast or irregular heartbeat.


Question: Can dizziness, fatigue, and weakness be a heart failure symptom?

Answer: Less blood to your major organs and muscles makes you feel tired and weak. Less blood to the brain can cause dizziness or confusion.


Question: Can fluid and water retention be a heart failure symptom?

Answer: Less blood to your kidneys causes fluid and water retention, resulting in swollen ankles, legs, and abdomen (called edema) and weight gain. Symptoms may cause an increased need to urinate during the night. Bloating in your stomach may cause a loss of appetite or nausea.


Question: Can congested lungs be a heart failure symptom?

Answer: Lung congestion also causes a dry, hacking cough or wheezing. Bloating in your stomach may cause a loss of appetite or nausea.


Question: How can a journal help in managing ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Answer: Keep a journal of all your health-related information so you can bring it to your next visit with your doctor. She'll want to know what foods you've been eating and any flare triggers you've noticed. Not only can it help you create an "eat this, not that" list, it can also help your doctor tell if you're getting the nutrition you need.


Question: How can keeping a journal help you manage your ulcerative colitis?

Answer: Not only can it help you create an "eat this, not that" list, it can also help your doctor tell if you're getting the nutrition you need. It also helps to track how often you go to the bathroom, how much comes out, and the amount of blood you might be losing. Or do you not pee as much as you normally would? Make sure to keep track of your health on good days and bad.


Question: What drugs can interact with thiazolidinediones (TZDs)?

Answer: Some drugs block the enzyme that processes TZDs. Your doctor may want to prescribe another medicine if you take one of these medications: Fluvoxamine Gemfibrozil Ketoconazole Rifampicin Trimethoprin Other medicines, when combined with a TZD, may raise your chance of having heart problems: NSAIDs Sulfonylureas Nitrates Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors: Acarbose ( Precose,) miglitol ( Glyset).


Question: What are the side effects of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) for diabetes?

Answer: These drugs boost the way insulin works in the body. What are the side effects? It may cause you to hang on to fluids in your body, which can lead to swelling. TZDs can also make you gain weight and raise your levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol. They are also linked with serious side effects, such as bone fractures and heart failure.


Question: What are the side effects of SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes?

Answer: SGLT2 inhibitors: Canagliflozin ( Invokana), dapagliflozin ( Farxiga), empagliflozin ( Jardiance). They work in the kidneys and remove extra sugar from your blood through urine. What are the side effects? These drugs raise your chances of having urinary tract and yeast infections. They may also cause low blood sugar.


Question: What drugs can interact with SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes?

Answer: Rifampin may make the drug less effective. SGLT2 inhibitors may also raise the amount of digoxin in the body.


Question: What should you know about your medicine for diabetes?

Answer: Different types of diabetes drugs have their own side effects and ways they interact with other medicines.


Question: What are the side effects of taking biguanides to treat diabetes?

Answer: Biguanides: Metformin ( Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet). Metformin is usually the first drug that doctors suggest you try to treat type 2 diabetes. It cuts blood sugar by improving the way your body uses insulin. It also lowers the amount of sugar that the liver makes. These problems usually go away in a few weeks, as your body gets used to the medicine. It may also help to take the drug with food. What are the side effects? Because these medicines affect your digestion, you may have gas, diarrhea, and stomach pain.


Question: What drugs can interfere with biguanides for diabetes?

Answer: Your doctor may need to monitor your blood sugar or adjust your metformin dose if you take any of these: Amiloride Cephalexin Cimetidine Digoxin Procainamide Pyrimethamine Quinidine Quinine Ranitidine Trimethoprim Vancomycin Anticholinergic drugs, such as dicyclomine and oxybutynin, may raise the amount of metformin your body absorbs. This may lead to low blood sugar. Some drugs affect the way that insulin works in the body.


Question: What can interact with alpha-glucosidase inhibitors for diabetes?

Answer: You take alpha-glucosidase inhibitors with the first bite of each meal. They may also change the way warfarin works. Talk to your doctor if you take either of these drugs. SGLT2 inhibitors may also raise the amount of digoxin in the body.


Question: What can happen when taking drugs for diabetes?

Answer: Talk to your doctor about what you need to watch out for. Side effects can range from an upset stomach to a serious condition. And other medicines you take can make your diabetes drug stop working -- or even make it work too well. Your doctor may need to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels, adjust your dose, or change your medicine.


Question: What can interact with DPP-4 inhibitors for diabetes?

Answer: Some drugs can affect how your body processes meglitinides. Your doctor will want to track your blood sugar levels carefully and watch for potential side effects if you take these medicines: Atazanavir and ritonavir Clarithromycin and rifampin Diltiazem Ketoconazole ACE inhibitors combined with DPP-4 may raise your chance of swelling.


Question: What are the cause of mood episodes in bipolar disorder?

Answer: Aside from a shift in your mood, look for changes in your: Sleep patterns Energy level Alcohol or drug use Sex drive Self-esteem Concentration Mood episodes in bipolar disorder often happen suddenly, for no particular reason. Sometimes, you may notice that there are specific things that can trigger mania or depression, such as getting too little sleep, changes to your daily routine, or jet lag when you travel. Many people find they're more likely to become depressed or manic during stressful times at work or during holidays. Some people see seasonal patterns to their mood changes.


Question: When should I get help with a mood swing in bipolar disorder?

Answer: If you see the signs of potential trouble, get help. Don't wait for the mood episode to pass on its own. You might be able to stop a minor change from becoming a serious problem.


Question: What is a way to spot triggers of mood swings in bipolar disorder?

Answer: One good way to spot your triggers is to keep a journal. Make note of big events, stresses, your medication dose, and the amount of sleep you're getting. Over time, you might see some patterns. Of course, there may be triggers that you just can't avoid, like a serious illness or the death of a loved one. But if you can recognize the things that are likely to bring on mania or depression, you can prepare for times when you might be most vulnerable. Work with a mental health professional to plan what to do when you think a mood swing might happen. Ask for more help from family and friends. Have them check in more often so you get extra support.


Question: What is the problem with mania in bipolar disorder?

Answer: Nobody likes feeling that way. But it's different for people who are manic. Often, they don't think anything is wrong. Or if they notice a difference in their mood and personality, they think it's an improvement. Mania can be seductive. You might feel more energized, creative, and interesting. You might be able to get tons of work done. So what's the problem? Manic phases often turn destructive. You might wipe out your savings account on a shopping spree. You might have affairs that ruin your marriage. Most dangerous of all, mania can make you do things that risk your life or the lives of others. And it's often followed by depression. Although mania can feel good at the moment, in the long run, you'll be happier, healthier, more productive, and more successful if you can keep a stable mood.


Question: What are changes to look for that can indicate mood swings if you have bipolar disorder?

Answer: Even people who always take their medication and take care of their health can still have mood swings from time to time. But over time, you might start to see patterns or signs that you're entering a period of mania or depression. Aside from a shift in your mood, look for changes in your: Sleep patterns Energy level Alcohol or drug use Sex drive Self-esteem Concentration Mood episodes in bipolar disorder often happen suddenly, for no particular reason.


Question: What is the best way to manage mood swings with bipolar disorder?

Answer: During manic periods, you may be reckless and volatile. The best way to avoid mood swings is to get treatment. You may not be able to totally prevent bouts of mania or depression. Even people who always take their medication and take care of their health can still have mood swings from time to time. That's why it's important to catch changes in your mood, energy levels, and sleeping patterns before they turn into something serious. Most dangerous of all, mania can make you do things that risk your life or the lives of others.


Question: Are vaccines available for prostate cancer?

Answer: Now in clinical trials are several types of vaccines for boosting the body's immune system against prostate cancer cells. Provenge is the only vaccine available on the market.


Question: What treatments can help relieve symptoms of bone pain in prostate cancer?

Answer: When PSA test results suggest that the cancer has come back or continued to spread, X-rays or other imaging tests (such as a bone scan) may be done, depending on your situation and symptoms.


Question: What type of follow-up treatments are available for recurrent prostate cancer?

Answer: If prostate cancer recurs, follow-up treatment depends on what treatment you have already had, the extent of your cancer, the site of recurrence, other illnesses, your age, and other aspects of your medical situation. One possible treatment might include hormone therapy. Researchers are working on new drugs to block the effects of male hormones, which can cause prostate cancer to grow, and drugs to prevent prostate cancer growth. Radiation therapy, ultrasound, extreme cold, electrical current, or medicines may be used to relieve symptoms of bone pain. Chemotherapy or other treatments being medically researched are also options. Now in clinical trials are several types of vaccines for boosting the body's immune system against prostate cancer cells.


Question: What tests may be done if prostate cancer comes back?

Answer: When PSA test results suggest that the cancer has come back or continued to spread, X-rays or other imaging tests (such as a bone scan) may be done, depending on your situation and symptoms. Your doctor may use a radioactive tracer called Axumin with a PET scan to help detect and localize any recurrent cancer so that it could be biopsied or treated.


Question: What factors raise your chances for recurrent prostate cancer?

Answer: Several signs can point to a prostate cancer that has come back or spread, including: Lymph node involvement. Men who have cancer cells in the lymph nodes in the pelvic region may be more likely to have a recurrence. Tumor size. In general, the larger the tumor, the greater the chance of recurrence. Gleason score. The higher the grade, the greater the chance of recurrence. Your doctor can tell you your score when the biopsy results come back from the laboratory. Stage. The stage of a cancer is one of the most important factors for selecting treatment options, as well as for predicting future outlook of the cancer.


Question: How is recurrence of prostate cancer found?

Answer: More than 90% of the time prostate cancer is discovered while it is either confined to the prostate gland or has spread beyond the prostate only to a small degree, referred to as regional spread. Among the less than 10% of men whose prostate cancers have already spread to distant part of the body at the time of diagnosis, about 30% are expected to survive at least five years. After prostate cancer treatment, you will go for medical check-ups every few months as determined by your doctor. At each follow-up appointment, your doctor will order a blood test to measure PSA levels. This test helps your doctor detect a cancer recurrence. You will also be examined. New symptoms should be reported to the doctor, as these may prompt other testing.


Question: Where can prostate cancer recur?

Answer: The cancer may also affect the surrounding lymph nodes in the pelvis or lymph nodes outside this area. Prostate cancer can also spread to tissues next to the prostate, such as the muscles that help control urination, the rectum, or the wall of the pelvis. It also can travel through the bloodstream and recur distantly in bones or other organs. This spread is called metastasis. Metastases through the lymph channels are called lymphatic metastases, while those through the bloodstream are hematogenous, or blood-borne metastases.


Question: What is the prognosis of prostate cancer?

Answer: According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 100% of men with low- to intermediate-grade prostate cancer ( the most common types) can expect to live at least five years after the initial diagnosis. Since many men who get prostate cancer are already elderly, they are more likely to die from causes other than the cancer. More than 90% of the time prostate cancer is discovered while it is either confined to the prostate gland or has spread beyond the prostate only to a small degree, referred to as regional spread. Among the less than 10% of men whose prostate cancers have already spread to distant part of the body at the time of diagnosis, about 30% are expected to survive at least five years.


Question: What will happen if my results show that my prostate cancer has recurred?

Answer: When PSA test results suggest that the cancer has come back or continued to spread, X-rays or other imaging tests (such as a bone scan) may be done, depending on your situation and symptoms. Your doctor may use a radioactive tracer called Axumin with a PET scan to help detect and localize any recurrent cancer so that it could be biopsied or treated.


Question: What are signs that my prostate cancer has came back or spread?

Answer: Several signs can point to a prostate cancer that has come back or spread, including: Lymph node involvement. Men who have cancer cells in the lymph nodes in the pelvic region may be more likely to have a recurrence. Tumor size. In general, the larger the tumor, the greater the chance of recurrence. Gleason score. The higher the grade, the greater the chance of recurrence. Your doctor can tell you your score when the biopsy results come back from the laboratory. Stage. The stage of a cancer is one of the most important factors for selecting treatment options, as well as for predicting future outlook of the cancer.


Question: What are the survival rates with prostate cancer?

Answer: According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 100% of men with low- to intermediate-grade prostate cancer ( the most common types) can expect to live at least five years after the initial diagnosis. Since many men who get prostate cancer are already elderly, they are more likely to die from causes other than the cancer.


Question: How is the recurrence of prostate cancer detected?

Answer: At each follow-up appointment, your doctor will order a blood test to measure PSA levels. This test helps your doctor detect a cancer recurrence. You will also be examined. New symptoms should be reported to the doctor, as these may prompt other testing. If prostate cancer recurs, follow-up treatment depends on what treatment you have already had, the extent of your cancer, the site of recurrence, other illnesses, your age, and other aspects of your medical situation.


Question: What does a recurrence of prostate cancer mean?

Answer: Usually after surgery to remove the prostate, PSA levels in the blood decrease and eventually become almost undetectable. After radiation therapy, PSA levels usually drop to a stable and low level. If PSA levels begin to rise at any time after treatment, a local or distant recurrence may be occurring, requiring additional testing. Men who have cancer cells in the lymph nodes in the pelvic region may be more likely to have a recurrence. The higher the grade, the greater the chance of recurrence.


Question: Where does prostate cancer spread?

Answer: Prostate cancer can recur locally in the tissue next to the prostate or in the seminal vesicles (two small sacs next to the prostate that store semen). It also can travel through the bloodstream and recur distantly in bones or other organs. This spread is called metastasis. Metastases through the lymph channels are called lymphatic metastases, while those through the bloodstream are hematogenous, or blood-borne metastases.


Question: Where is prostate cancer found?

Answer: This spread is called metastasis. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 100% of men with low- to intermediate-grade prostate cancer ( the most common types) can expect to live at least five years after the initial diagnosis. More than 90% of the time prostate cancer is discovered while it is either confined to the prostate gland or has spread beyond the prostate only to a small degree, referred to as regional spread. Among the less than 10% of men whose prostate cancers have already spread to distant part of the body at the time of diagnosis, about 30% are expected to survive at least five years.


Question: What type of follow-up treatments are recommended for my recurring prostate cancer?

Answer: The stage of a cancer is one of the most important factors for selecting treatment options, as well as for predicting future outlook of the cancer. Researchers are working on new drugs to block the effects of male hormones, which can cause prostate cancer to grow, and drugs to prevent prostate cancer growth.


Question: Could polyps be causing you to lose your voice?

Answer: These typically appear on one side of the vocal cord. They have a variety of sizes and shapes.


Question: Can Parkinson's disease make me lose my voice?

Answer: A condition that affects your nerves, like Parkinson's disease, can affect the muscles in your face and throat. Nearly 90% of people with Parkinson's get some form of a speech or voice disorder. Parkinson's causes the parts of the brain that control movement and coordination to decline. This may mean that you're no longer able to control the muscles needed for speech.


Question: How can cysts cause you to lose your voice?

Answer: They're firm masses of tissue that grow near or beneath the surface of your vocal cord. If they make serious changes to your voice, your doctor will likely recommend surgery to remove them.


Question: How can a cold cause me to lose my voice?

Answer: When you speak, air passes through the voice box in your throat and hits the two bands called vocal cords. Your voice make sounds when they vibrate. A cold can throw a wrench into this smooth-running machine. Your throat gets inflamed and sore. Then your vocal cords swell, which affects the way they vibrate. The end result: You're hoarse. Rest your voice and drink plenty of fluids. Your volume will return when you recover.


Question: How can allergies cause me to lose my voice?

Answer: When you think about allergies, you probably think of a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. But they can also take a toll on your voice in several ways: An allergic reaction can cause your vocal cords to swell. Postnasal drip -- when mucus moves from your nose into your throat -- can irritate your vocal cords. Coughing and clearing your throat can strain your vocal cords. Antihistamine drugs for allergies can dry out mucus in your throat. This may harm your vocal cords, which need moisture to work.


Question: Could a cold be causing you to lose your voice?

Answer: When you speak, air passes through the voice box in your throat and hits the two bands called vocal cords. Your voice make sounds when they vibrate. A cold can throw a wrench into this smooth-running machine. Your throat gets inflamed and sore. Then your vocal cords swell, which affects the way they vibrate. The end result: You're hoarse. Rest your voice and drink plenty of fluids. Your volume will return when you recover.


Question: Are you using your voice too much and causing you to lose your voice?

Answer: Each time you talk or sing, you use different muscles, including some in your mouth and throat. Just like other muscles in your body, overuse of the ones that help you speak can lead to fatigue, strain, and injury. The wrong technique can also bring on hoarseness. Here are some common things that you may be doing wrong: Speak, sing, yell, or cough too much Use a pitch that's higher or lower than normal when you talk Cradle your phone between your head and shoulder Cigarette smoke irritates your vocal cords, which can lead to long-term voice problems.


Question: Could non-cancerous growths on your vocal cords be causing you to lose your voice?

Answer: Although experts aren't sure why, non-cancerous growths can appear on your vocal cords. They believe that heavy overuse of the voice, such as too much yelling or speaking, can be a cause.


Question: How can polyps cause you to lose your voice?

Answer: These typically appear on one side of the vocal cord. They have a variety of sizes and shapes.


Question: How can rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cause me to lose my voice?

Answer: About 1 in 3 people with RA get vocal problems, including a sore throat and loss of voice. That's because the condition can affect tiny joints in your face and throat, which leads to problems with your breathing and the way your vocal cords work.


Question: How does GERD cause me to lose my voice?

Answer: It's a condition that makes stomach acid wash back up into the esophagus, a tube that leads into your throat. The main symptom is heartburn, but GERD can also weaken your voice. Stomach acid can irritate your vocal cords, throat, and esophagus. This leads to a hoarse voice, wheezing, and too much mucus in your throat.


Question: Could allergies be causing you to lose your voice?

Answer: But they can also take a toll on your voice in several ways: An allergic reaction can cause your vocal cords to swell. Postnasal drip -- when mucus moves from your nose into your throat -- can irritate your vocal cords. Coughing and clearing your throat can strain your vocal cords. Antihistamine drugs for allergies can dry out mucus in your throat. This may harm your vocal cords, which need moisture to work.


Question: Could laryngitis be causing you to lose your voice?

Answer: It's a not a disease, but a catch-all word that means you've lost your voice. If it happens suddenly, it's called "acute" laryngitis. You can get it from a cold or overusing your voice. You can get long-term laryngitis if you breathe in something irritating, like smoke or chemical fumes. It also develops if you get yeast infections of the vocal cords, which can happen if you use asthma inhalers or have problems with your immune system, the body's defense against germs.


Question: When should you see a doctor about your voice problems?

Answer: Other symptoms for the disease are: Pain when swallowing Pain in the ear Trouble breathing Lump in the neck If your voice problems last for more than 2 weeks, see a doctor.


Question: Can using my voice too much make me lose it?

Answer: Each time you talk or sing, you use different muscles, including some in your mouth and throat. Just like other muscles in your body, overuse of the ones that help you speak can lead to fatigue, strain, and injury. The wrong technique can also bring on hoarseness. Here are some common things that you may be doing wrong: Speak, sing, yell, or cough too much Use a pitch that's higher or lower than normal when you talk Cradle your phone between your head and shoulder Cigarette smoke irritates your vocal cords, which can lead to long-term voice problems.


Question: How can trouble with my thyroid cause me to lose my voice?

Answer: This butterfly-shaped gland in your lower neck pumps out a hormone that controls a number of functions in your body. When your thyroid doesn't make enough of it, one symptom you might have is a hoarse voice. If you have a goiter -- when your thyroid gets larger -- you may cough a lot and have problems with your speech. A growth on the thyroid, or a nodule, can also affect the way you speak.


Question: How can laryngitis cause me to lose my voice?

Answer: It's a not a disease, but a catch-all word that means you've lost your voice. If it happens suddenly, it's called "acute" laryngitis. You can get it from a cold or overusing your voice. You can get long-term laryngitis if you breathe in something irritating, like smoke or chemical fumes. It also develops if you get yeast infections of the vocal cords, which can happen if you use asthma inhalers or have problems with your immune system, the body's defense against germs.


Question: Could laryngeal cancer be causing you to lose your voice?

Answer: Here are some common things that you may be doing wrong: Speak, sing, yell, or cough too much Use a pitch that's higher or lower than normal when you talk Cradle your phone between your head and shoulder Cigarette smoke irritates your vocal cords, which can lead to long-term voice problems. Other symptoms for the disease are: Pain when swallowing Pain in the ear Trouble breathing Lump in the neck If your voice problems last for more than 2 weeks, see a doctor.


Question: Can losing my voice be a sign of throat cancer?

Answer: Here are some common things that you may be doing wrong: Speak, sing, yell, or cough too much Use a pitch that's higher or lower than normal when you talk Cradle your phone between your head and shoulder Cigarette smoke irritates your vocal cords, which can lead to long-term voice problems. Other symptoms for the disease are: Pain when swallowing Pain in the ear Trouble breathing Lump in the neck If your voice problems last for more than 2 weeks, see a doctor.


Question: What breakfast foods can boost my energy?

Answer: People who eat breakfast every morning report less fatigue and stress than people who skip it. High-fiber foods, like hot oatmeal, stick with you longer than a sweet roll or pastry. As the day wears on, they'll prevent you from getting hungry (hunger can lead to low energy).


Question: What snacks can boost my energy?

Answer: Your brain needs fuel to function at its best. When your blood sugar level drops, your mind will start running on fumes and will feel fuzzy as a result. So if your head is starting to droop, eat a snack that will give you enough energy to take you through the rest of the afternoon. Snacks that combine protein with slow-burning carbs -- like banana slices with peanut butter, or granola with fresh berries -- are best for maintaining your blood sugar levels over the long term.


Question: How does exercise help me boost my energy?

Answer: Exercise is a natural energy booster, because whenever you do it, oxygen-rich blood surges through your body to your heart, muscles, and brain. Regularly squeezing a workout into your day -- even if you can spare only 10 minutes at a time -- will help keep your energy levels at their peak. Move around every chance you get, even if it's just to pace in circles while you're on the phone.


Question: What types of nuts can I eat to help me boost my energy?

Answer: Eat a handful of almonds or peanuts, which are high in magnesium and folate (folic acid). These nutrients are essential for energy and cell production. A lack of these nutrients in your system can leave you feeling weary.


Question: What can I do socially to help me boost my energy?

Answer: Hang out with upbeat friends. Emotions are surprisingly contagious. People who are constantly negative and down can sap your energy, while those who are always up and excited can give you a real lift.


Question: How can drinking water often help boost my energy?

Answer: Dehydration can leave you feeling drained and fatigued. You don't necessarily have to follow the "eight glasses a day" rule, but you do want to drink enough water to keep your body well hydrated. You can tell you're well hydrated when you don't feel thirsty and your urine is light-colored. Try to get to the fridge or water cooler for a refill every few hours. The walk there will also help you wake up.


Question: How can a cinnamon stick help boost my energy?

Answer: Some people say that just a whiff of this scented spice can reduce fatigue and make them feel more alert. No cinnamon handy? Grab a mint from your bag. Peppermint's sweet aroma is another fatigue fighter for some people. More research is needed to see if and how these aromas actually affect a person's energy level.


Question: How can singing help me boost my energy?

Answer: Singing gives you a kind of emotional high while it reduces levels of stress hormones in your body. So grab a hairbrush, put on your favorite song, and sing away. If you're at work and don't want to face your co-workers' puzzled stares, you might want to save your vocal stylings for the car.


Question: How can yoga boost my energy?

Answer: Do a downward dog. Some studies have found that yoga, which uses various postures and deep breathing for exercise and meditation, can be an excellent fatigue fighter.


Question: How can sunshine help  boost my energy?

Answer: Going outside can even improve your self-esteem. If you absolutely can't get out, at least open the shades.


Question: How do I stop the bleeding from a broken foot?

Answer: If the bone is pushing through the skin, do not touch it or try to put it back in place. Apply ice.


Question: What are signs of a broken foot that needs immediate medical attention?

Answer: Bleeding doesn't stop after several minutes of firm pressure. Blood spurts from the wound. If the bone is pushing through the skin, do not touch it or try to put it back in place. Elevate the foot and have the person stay off it as much as possible.


Question: What are common sources of sadness around the holidays?

Answer: What makes one person feel sad may not affect another person. Typical sources of holiday sadness include: Stress Fatigue Unrealistic expectations Over-commercialization Financial stress The inability to be with one's family and friends Balancing the demands of shopping, parties, family obligations, and house guests may contribute to feelings of being overwhelmed and increased tension.


Question: What can help me deal with holiday stress?

Answer: Make realistic expectations for the holiday season. Set realistic goals for yourself. Do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle. Make a list and prioritize the important activities. Do not put all your energy into just one day (i.e., Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Eve).


Question: What organizations are available to help treat multiple sclerosis?

Answer: 116 Hackensack, NJ 07601 (201) 487-1050www.mscare.org Multiple Sclerosis Foundation 6520 North Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2132 (954) 776-6805 https://msfocus.org National Multiple Sclerosis Society 733 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017 (800) FIGHT MS (1-800-344-4867)www.nationalmssociety.org Multiple Sclerosis Association of America 375 Kings Highway North Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 (800) LEARN- MS (1-800-532-7667)www.msaa.com Multiple Sclerosis International Federation 3rd Floor Skyline House 200 Union Street London SE1 0 LX +44 (0)20 7620 1911 E-mail: [email protected]www.msif.org Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada 250 Bloor St. East, Suite 820 Toronto, Ontario M4 W 3 P9, Canada (800) 268-7582 E-mail: [email protected]http://www.mssociety.ca/ American Academy of Neurology 201 Chicago Ave. South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415 (800) 879-1960 E-mail: [email protected]www.aan.com National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NIH Neurological Institute Attn: NINDS P. O.


Question: What are resources for people with disabilities and special needs?

Answer: Avonex.com Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Copaxone MS Watch: www.mswatch.com Shared Solutions (800) 887-8100www.copaxone.com Serono - Rebif (877) 447-3243http://www.rebif.com/ American Association of People with Disabilities 2013 H Street, NW, 5th floor Washington, DC 20006 (800) 840-8844 TTY: (202) 457-0046 www.aapd.com/ American Disability Association Member Services 815 First Avenue Suite 280 Seattle, WA 98104 www.adanet.org E-mail: [email protected] dis ABILITY Information and Resources www.makoa.org/ Disabled Peoples' International www.dpi.org/ National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM Clearinghouse P. O.


Question: What complementary medicine centers are available to treat multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Box 7923 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20898 1-888-644-6226 or (301) 519-3153 Fax: 1-866-464-3616 ( Toll- Free) E-mail: [email protected]http://nccam.nih.gov/


Question: What pharmaceutical companies can help treat multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Box 5801 Bethesda, MD 20824 (800) 352-9424http://www.ninds.nih.gov Berlex - Betaseron MS Pathways (800) 788-1467www.betaseron.com/ Biogen - Avonex MS Active Source (800) 456-2255www.abovems.comwww. Avonex.com Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Copaxone MS Watch: www.mswatch.com Shared Solutions (800) 887-8100www.copaxone.com Serono - Rebif (877) 447-3243http://www.rebif.com/ American Association of People with Disabilities 2013 H Street, NW, 5th floor Washington, DC 20006 (800) 840-8844 TTY: (202) 457-0046 www.aapd.com/ American Disability Association Member Services 815 First Avenue Suite 280 Seattle, WA 98104 www.adanet.org E-mail: [email protected] dis ABILITY Information and Resources www.makoa.org/ Disabled Peoples' International www.dpi.org/ National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM Clearinghouse P. O.


Question: What medical centers are available to treat multiple sclerosis?

Answer: The Multiple Sclerosis Learning Center at the Mellen Center The Cleveland Clinic Foundation 9500 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44199www.clevelandclinic.org (866) 588-2264 or (800) CCF- CARE (1-800-223-2273) Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers 3 University Plaza Drive, Ste. 116 Hackensack, NJ 07601 (201) 487-1050www.mscare.org Multiple Sclerosis Foundation 6520 North Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2132 (954) 776-6805 https://msfocus.org National Multiple Sclerosis Society 733 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017 (800) FIGHT MS (1-800-344-4867)www.nationalmssociety.org Multiple Sclerosis Association of America 375 Kings Highway North Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 (800) LEARN- MS (1-800-532-7667)www.msaa.com Multiple Sclerosis International Federation 3rd Floor Skyline House 200 Union Street London SE1 0 LX +44 (0)20 7620 1911 E-mail: [email protected]www.msif.org Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada 250 Bloor St. East, Suite 820 Toronto, Ontario M4 W 3 P9, Canada (800) 268-7582 E-mail: [email protected]http://www.mssociety.ca/ American Academy of Neurology 201 Chicago Ave. South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415 (800) 879-1960 E-mail: [email protected]www.aan.com National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NIH Neurological Institute Attn: NINDS P. O.


Question: How can a therapist help my bipolar disorder?

Answer: A therapist can help you: Work on your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers Find good ways to manage stress Solve problems at school or work Stick to your bipolar treatment and live a healthy life Get a new perspective on your situation Learn ways to talk to other people about your bipolar disorder Avoid situations that may trigger a manic or depressive episode, such as too little sleep or drug and alcohol use Make a plan for what to do if you become depressed or manic In addition to one-on-one therapy for bipolar disorder, you might want to try couples counseling or family therapy, depending on your situation.


Question: Can alternative therapies help bipolar disorder?

Answer: Bipolar disorder is not a condition that you can tackle on your own. If you're interested in trying one, talk to your doctor. There's no harm in trying things like massage or meditation, which don't have any risks. But be careful with other remedies, such as herbs or supplements. Some can keep the medications you take from working well. Never start taking anything without asking your doctor about it first.


Question: How can support groups help my bipolar disorder?

Answer: A therapist can help you: Work on your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers Find good ways to manage stress Solve problems at school or work Stick to your bipolar treatment and live a healthy life Get a new perspective on your situation Learn ways to talk to other people about your bipolar disorder Avoid situations that may trigger a manic or depressive episode, such as too little sleep or drug and alcohol use Make a plan for what to do if you become depressed or manic In addition to one-on-one therapy for bipolar disorder, you might want to try couples counseling or family therapy, depending on your situation. Although friends and family members care about you, they may not understand what you're going through. Some of them may be more critical than supportive. That's one reason to think about joining a support group for people who have the disorder. If you're interested in joining a support group, ask your doctor about organizations in your area, or contact the NAMI or the DBSA.


Question: How can you avoid bug bites in the summer?

Answer: If you can't stay away from it, wear long pants and sleeves, and tuck your pant legs into your socks. Don't wear bright colors, perfume, or other strong scents when you go outside. Use insect repellent when you're in wooded or brushy areas. Products with DEET or picaridin as active ingredients tend to protect you longer. But don't use them on children younger than 3 years old. Oil of lemon eucalyptus gives you protection similar to products with low concentrations of DEET, studies show.


Question: When should you call a doctor about rashes from poisonous plants?

Answer: Call your doctor if: You have a fever. The rash is severe or looks infected. The rash is on your lips, eyes, face, or genitals. Call 911 if you think you're having a severe reaction.


Question: How can you prevent a rash from poisonous plants?

Answer: The reaction happens when oil from these plants gets onto your skin. The best way to prevent a rash is to learn what these plants look like and avoid them. If you do come in contact with one, wash your skin in warm water right away. Scrub under your fingernails so you won't spread the oil to other parts of your body. Wash your clothes in hot water to remove the oil.


Question: When should you see a doctor about cuts and scrapes?

Answer: See your doctor if you notice symptoms of an infection, such as: Fever Inflammation Tenderness Pus coming from the wound Get medical care right away for wounds on the face, or for major skin gashes that are deep, bleed heavily, or have objects embedded in them.


Question: How do integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) help treat HIV and AIDS?

Answer: Atazanavir or ATV ( Reyataz) Darunavir or DRV ( Prezista) Fosamprenavir or FPV ( Lexiva) Indinavir or IDV ( Crixivan) Lopinavir + ritonavir, or LPV/r ( Kaletra) Nelfinavir or NFV ( Viracept) Ritonavir or RTV ( Norvir) Saquinavir or SQV ( Invirase, Fortovase) Tipranavir or TPV ( Aptivus) These stop HIV from making copies of itself by blocking a key protein that allows the virus to put its DNA into the healthy cell's DNA.


Question: How do protease inhibitors (PIs) help treat HIV and AIDS?

Answer: Delavirdine or DLV ( Rescripor) Doravirine, or DOR ( Pifeltro) Efavirenz or EFV ( Sustiva) Etravirine or ETR ( Intelence) Nevirapine or NVP ( Viramune) Rilpivirine or RPV ( Edurant) These drugs block a protein that infected cells need to put together new HIV virus particles.


Question: How does maraviroc (MVC) help treat HIV and AIDS?

Answer: Enfuvirtide, or ENF or T-20 ( Fuzeon) Maraviroc, or MVC ( Selzentry), also stops HIV before it gets inside a healthy cell, but in a different way than fusion inhibitors. It blocks a specific kind of "hook" on the outside of certain cells so the virus can't plug in.


Question: How do non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) help treat HIV and AIDS?

Answer: NNRTIs bind to a specific protein so the HIV virus can't make copies of itself, similar to jamming a zipper. They're also called integrase strand transfer inhibitors ( INSTIs).


Question: How can acne medicines cause dry eye?

Answer: If you have severe acne that causes deep, painful cysts, you might take a drug called isotretinoin. It helps get rid of your acne by lowering the amount of oils made by certain glands. But some of those glands are in your eyelids, which leads to less oil in your tears.


Question: Do beta-blockers cause dry eye?

Answer: One of the side effects is that your body makes less of one of the proteins that goes into your tears. That leads to fewer tears and dryer eyes. Beta-blockers can also lower the normal pressure in your eyes, which affects the amount of water in your tears, also a problem for dryness.


Question: How can antihistamines cause dry eye?

Answer: If you've got allergies to things like pollen, pet dander, or mold, antihistamines can feel like a lifesaver. They block your body's response to allergy triggers and prevent common symptoms like itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. But they might also cause your eyes to make fewer tears. That can lead to dry, irritated eyes.


Question: How can medications cause dry eye?

Answer: Medications lead to dry eye in many ways. They can cut the number of tears you make or change the mix of ingredients in them.


Question: How can nasal decongestants cause dry eye?

Answer: When a cold, flu, or allergies lead to a stuffy nose, you might find yourself reaching for a decongestant. They get the job done by reducing swelling in the blood vessels of your nose. As the swelling goes down, you have more room for air to flow so you can breathe freely again. But, like antihistamines, they may also cause your eyes to make fewer tears.


Question: Is medication causing dry eye?

Answer: Medications lead to dry eye in many ways. They can cut the number of tears you make or change the mix of ingredients in them.


Question: What should you do if certain medicines cause dry eyes?

Answer: Don't stop taking them right away. That could have harmful effects. Instead, talk to your doctor about it. The best solution depends on your health and which medicines you take. You may be able to: Change the dose of your medication. Some drugs are less likely to cause dry eye if taken in lower amounts. Switch to a different medicine that doesn't cause dry eye. Try different contacts. If dry eye from medicine makes it harder to wear contacts, a different kind of lens might provide relief. Use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.


Question: How can nasal decongestants cause dry eyes?

Answer: When a cold, flu, or allergies lead to a stuffy nose, you might find yourself reaching for a decongestant. They get the job done by reducing swelling in the blood vessels of your nose. As the swelling goes down, you have more room for air to flow so you can breathe freely again. But, like antihistamines, they may also cause your eyes to make fewer tears.


Question: How can acne medicine cause dry eyes?

Answer: If you have severe acne that causes deep, painful cysts, you might take a drug called isotretinoin. It helps get rid of your acne by lowering the amount of oils made by certain glands. But some of those glands are in your eyelids, which leads to less oil in your tears.


Question: How can antihistamines cause dry eyes?

Answer: If you've got allergies to things like pollen, pet dander, or mold, antihistamines can feel like a lifesaver. They block your body's response to allergy triggers and prevent common symptoms like itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. But they might also cause your eyes to make fewer tears. That can lead to dry, irritated eyes.


Question: How can birth control pills and other hormones cause dry eyes?

Answer: Hormones, like the ones used in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy for menopause, can also cause dry eyes. Women who take only estrogen are much more likely to get dry eye than women who take both estrogen and progesterone. Doctors aren't sure exactly why hormones lead to dry eye, but it may be that they affect how much water goes into your tears.


Question: How can antidepressants, Parkinson's medications, and sleeping pills cause dry eyes?

Answer: This may seem like a random collection of drugs, but they all have one thing in common: They block some signals between nerve cells. That's helpful when you want to treat depression or Parkinson's disease, but it can also stop the signals that would normally tell your eye to make more tears.


Question: How can pain relievers cause dry eye?

Answer: Many common drugs have dry eye as a side effect. Instead, talk to your doctor about it.


Question: What should I do if my medications cause dry eye?

Answer: Instead, talk to your doctor about it. You may be able to: Change the dose of your medication. Switch to a different medicine that doesn't cause dry eye. Try different contacts. Use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.


Question: How can blood pressure medicines cause dry eyes?

Answer: They block your body's response to allergy triggers and prevent common symptoms like itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. That helps your blood pressure because it slows your heartbeat, which then lowers the force your blood puts on your arteries. One of the side effects is that your body makes less of one of the proteins that goes into your tears. That leads to fewer tears and dryer eyes. Beta-blockers can also lower the normal pressure in your eyes, which affects the amount of water in your tears, also a problem for dryness. Diuretics, also called water pills, are another medicine that's used for blood pressure. They help your body get rid of salt and water, which can also change the makeup of your tears.


Question: How can pain relievers cause dry eyes?

Answer: Many common drugs have dry eye as a side effect. Instead, talk to your doctor about it.


Question: Should you drink coffee for liver health?

Answer: And coffee may not be for everyone. Even though it might help your liver, it may raise your chances of other conditions.


Question: Who is more likely to be affected by some chemicals in coffee that may raise cholesterol level or blood pressure?

Answer: For example, some chemicals in it may raise your cholesterol level or blood pressure. That could be a caution sign for: People with high blood pressure Children and teens Older adults No matter how good coffee might be for you, the key to taking care of your liver is still your lifestyle.


Question: What information about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will your doctor assign grades to?

Answer: The original GOLD system used the term stages to refer to the different levels of COPD. Now they're called grades.


Question: What are the different chronic obstructive pulmonary disease groups?

Answer: Based on all of these things -- your symptoms, spirometry results, and exacerbation risk -- your doctor will put your COPD into one of these groups: Group A: Low risk, less symptoms Group B: Low risk, more symptoms Group C: High risk, less symptoms Group D: High risk, more symptoms If you have questions about any terms that your doctor uses -- whether âgradesâ or âgroups,â ask.


Question: What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Answer: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) may sound like a single condition, but it includes several kinds of lung diseases. All of them can make you feel breathless.


Question: What is exacerbation risk in relation to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Answer: These results have four grades, too: GOLD 1: Mild GOLD 2: Moderate GOLD 3: Severe GOLD 4: Very severe Another thing that's part of your overall COPD assessment is your exacerbation risk. An exacerbation is a time when your COPD symptoms get so much worse that you need to make a change in your medication. Your doctor might also call it a flare. These flare-ups are more likely if your spirometry result is GOLD 3 or GOLD 4.


Question: What are your spirometry results based on?

Answer: Spirometry results are based on two measurements: Forced vital capacity ( FVC). This is the largest amount of air you can breathe out after breathing in as deeply as you can. Forced expiratory volume ( FEV-1). FEV-1 shows how much air you can exhale from your lungs in 1 second.


Question: What do your symptom grades for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mean?

Answer: Your doctor will assign grades to these four things: How severe your current symptoms are Your spirometry results The chances that your COPD will get worse The presence of other health problems You'll answer some questions, either on the COPD Assessment Test ( CAT) or the Modified Medical Research Council (m MRC). CAT scores range from 0-40 and m MRC scores have five grades. For example, if you report that you only get winded when you do hard exercise, you might have m MRC grade 0. If you report being so breathless you can't even leave the house or get dressed, you could have m MRC grade 4.


Question: What is the GOLD system for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Answer: The GOLD system bases the stage of your COPD on several things: Your symptoms How many times your COPD has gotten worse Any times you've had to stay in the hospital because your COPD has gotten worse Results from spirometry, a test that checks the amount of air and speed that you can exhale GOLD stands for the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.


Question: What do your spirometry grades for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mean?

Answer: Your doctor will assign grades to these four things: How severe your current symptoms are Your spirometry results The chances that your COPD will get worse The presence of other health problems You'll answer some questions, either on the COPD Assessment Test ( CAT) or the Modified Medical Research Council (m MRC). These results have four grades, too: GOLD 1: Mild GOLD 2: Moderate GOLD 3: Severe GOLD 4: Very severe Another thing that's part of your overall COPD assessment is your exacerbation risk.


Question: Where is the pituitary gland?

Answer: Some conditions may make you more likely to get pituitary tumors, such as: Carney complex (rare genetic disorder that causes many noncancerous tumors) Familial isolated pituitary adenoma, or FIPA (rare condition that makes your body grow larger than normal) Isolated familial acromegaly (similar to FIPA) Mc Cune- Albright syndrome (rare condition of that shows up as abnormalities in your bones and skin) Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type I and type IV ( MEN1, MEN4) ( Disorders that can cause tumors in your glands) The pituitary gland is tucked in a small area just below your brain. It's very close to the optic nerves, which carry messages between the brain and eyes.


Question: What causes pituitary gland tumors?

Answer: Doctors aren't sure what causes pituitary tumors. The genes of some pituitary cells change at the start, but the change seems to happen at random.


Question: What's the treatment for pituitary gland tumors?

Answer: You may also get: Eye exams to see if the tumor affects your vision Neurological exam to test how your brain, spinal cord, and nerves are working Blood and urine tests to check your hormone levels Imaging to look inside your body for a tumor (usually CT scan, but sometimes MRI) Many tumors don't need treatment. If yours does, how it's treated depends on the kind of tumor, its size, and your overall health. For cancerous tumors, doctors generally use both surgery and radiation.


Question: What genetic conditions can lead to pituitary gland tumors?

Answer: Some conditions may make you more likely to get pituitary tumors, such as: Carney complex (rare genetic disorder that causes many noncancerous tumors) Familial isolated pituitary adenoma, or FIPA (rare condition that makes your body grow larger than normal) Isolated familial acromegaly (similar to FIPA) Mc Cune- Albright syndrome (rare condition of that shows up as abnormalities in your bones and skin) Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type I and type IV ( MEN1, MEN4) ( Disorders that can cause tumors in your glands) The pituitary gland is tucked in a small area just below your brain.


Question: What are symptoms of too much growth hormone caused by pituitary gland tumors?

Answer: Too much cortisol can lead to Cushing's syndrome, with symptoms like: Easy bruising High blood pressure High blood sugar Purple or pink stretch marks Very round face Weak muscles Weight gain in the face, neck, and torso, but thin arms and legs Growth hormone manages how you grow and use sugar and fat. Too much may cause: Children to grow much taller than normal, called gigantism Face, hand, and foot bones to grow in adults, called acromegaly Heart problems High blood sugar Joint pain Sweating much more than normal Prolactin causes breast milk to flow in women.


Question: What are conditions caused by large pituitary gland tumors?

Answer: Large tumors put pressure on the area around the pituitary gland and cause: Headaches Problems with eyesight, especially loss of peripheral vision (what you can see off to the side even as you look straight ahead) and double vision They can also press on the pituitary gland, causing it to make fewer hormones.


Question: What are pituitary gland tumors?

Answer: A pituitary gland tumor is a group of abnormal cells that grows out of control in your pituitary gland. Most of these tumors are not cancerous. Pituitary cancer is very rare.


Question: How can radiation therapy help in treating pituitary gland tumors?

Answer: They're typically treated with surgery, medicine, or radiation. If your tumor makes prolactin, medicine can lower the amount it produces and cause it to shrink.


Question: How can medicine help in treating pituitary gland tumors?

Answer: When you have a genetic condition, you have a defect in one or more genes. If your tumor makes prolactin, medicine can lower the amount it produces and cause it to shrink. Drugs can also be helpful on tumors that make growth hormone, and in managing Cushing's syndrome and acromegaly.


Question: What are side effects of epilepsy medicines for children?

Answer: The side effects for these epilepsy medicines vary, but generally they include: Grogginess Double vision Dizziness Nausea Unsteadiness on the feet Rash Less common side effects of epilepsy drugs include depression, irritability, and hyperactivity. Many epilepsy drugs cause specific side effects, and you should ask your child's doctor about them. Any side effects should be checked out with a doctor. This is especially true of rashes, which could indicate a possibly dangerous allergic reaction to the drug.


Question: What are the causes of depression?

Answer: Experts believe depression is due to a combination of things: Brain structure. The way certain nerve pathways or circuits in your brain send information may not work properly. Scientists are studying certain genes that may make you more likely to get it. But even if you have them, you may not get depressed. Life events. People who have disturbing experiences in childhood are more likely to have depression. It may be from brain changes caused by trauma at a young age. Other conditions. Drug or alcohol abuse, illness, long-term pain, anxiety, sleep problems, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may also be linked to depression.


Question: Is yoga useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: It eases stiffness and tension, and some poses also help your bones. Talk to your physical therapist or find an instructor who has taught people with arthritis. Once you know the postures, you can practice at home.


Question: Are stationary bikes and elliptical machines useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Does RA affect your back and hips? You may want to try a recumbent bike, in which you sit down with your legs stretched in front of you. It may feel better than an upright bike. Elliptical trainers give you a good workout and are easy on your knees.


Question: Is it good to exercise if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: If you take corticosteroids for your RA, it's a good idea to step up your exercise to help keep your bones strong. You will also strengthen the muscles that support your joints, so you'll move better. You will also improve your heart health, energy level, mood, balance, and coordination.


Question: How can pregnancy cause blurred vision?

Answer: Many pregnant women retain fluids. This common side effect can change the thickness and shape of your cornea. That can lead to distorted vision. These changes usually go away after delivery or after you stop breastfeeding.


Question: What should you expect if you go to the emergency room for panic attack?

Answer: If you go the emergency room, you may have an EKG, blood tests, and a chest X-ray to make sure you're not having a heart attack or other serious problem. The doctor may also give you medicine to help you relax. Talk to your doctor or a therapist if you have panic attacks often. That could be a sign that you have panic disorder. If you do, your doctor can help you find the right treatment.


Question: How long can most panic attacks last?

Answer: Most panic attacks pass within 30 minutes, but you can take a few steps to calm them on your own. If you're short of breath, you can try breathing exercises. Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable. Take slow, deep breaths gently, in through your nose and out through your mouth.


Question: How can support groups and peer counselors help with cancer support?

Answer: Reach out to one or more of the following: Support groups and peer counselors. Peer counselors are people who've had your type of cancer and can talk to you about the experience. Most cancer centers around the country have support groups and other free programs that can help you work through your emotions, even after your treatment ends.


Question: Is mental and emotional help still necessary in cancer remission?

Answer: Experts say it's crucial to have someone to talk to about your fears and frustrations. It'll remind you that you're loved and help you feel less alone. If you're having problems, don't try to act like you're OK. Instead, tell well-meaning loved ones you have to adjust to this new phase of life and you're doing the best you can. Although you're no longer in treatment, it's OK to talk about cancer and how you feel.


Question: How can my doctor help support me during cancer?

Answer: She may have resources, like a therapist you can see. She can help, too, if you need antidepressants or other medication for ongoing mood problems.


Question: Is it normal to not feel back to normal after finishing cancer treatment?

Answer: They probably don't realize the cancer experience can still affect you. Instead of feeling excited or happy, you might feel blue, anxious, let down, or even scared. Those feelings are normal. Just because the doctor says you're cured or in remission doesn't mean the stress of having cancer suddenly goes away. Dealing with a life-threatening illness can change the way you feel and how you approach life, even after you're in remission. But there's a lot you can do to make the transition from a person with cancer to survivor -- and feel good again. During chemotherapy and radiation, you had help from friends, family, and your medical team.


Question: Who is at risk for addiction to pain medication?

Answer: They include: Codeine Fentanyl (including brand name Duragesic) Oxycodone (including brand name Oxy Contin, Percocet, Percodan, Tylox, and Roxicet)) Morphine (including brand name MS Contin) Meperidine (including brand name Demerol) Hydrocodone (including brand name Vicodin and Lortab) Hydromorphone (including brand name Dilaudid) Most people who take their pain medicine as directed by their doctor do not become addicted, even if they take the medicine for a long time. However, some people may be at a higher risk of becoming addicted than others. People who have been addicted to substances in the past or those with a family member who is or has been addicted to drugs or alcohol may be at increased risk of becoming addicted to narcotics.


Question: Can avoiding caffeine help a child who has a problem with bedwetting?

Answer: It's wise to avoid drinks with caffeine, including cola and iced tea. Caffeine makes the body speed up the pee-making process. Fizzy drinks can also cause problems, so be doubly sure to have your child avoid soda.


Question: What is a bedwetting alarm?

Answer: Some kids wet the bed because their bodies don't yet alert them to wake up when their bladders are full. Bedwetting alarms wake children at the first sign that they're letting go of urine. The child wears special underwear with sensors that beep loudly when a small amount of urine leaks out. The beeping wakes the child, who can go to the bathroom. Over time, the alarm trains the body to notice what it feels like when the bladder is full, and nighttime wake-ups happen on their own.


Question: What is positive imagery and can it work for bedwetting?

Answer: More mature kids may also be ready to try positive imagery, a process in which kids focus on something good that they want to happen. Just before bedtime, they think about waking up dry. If they think it often enough, it just might help them succeed.


Question: How can I talk to my child about bedwetting?

Answer: If you feel angry or frustrated because you have a wet bed to clean up yet again, don't direct your feelings toward your child. Bedwetting isn't something your child can control. You can help him see that it's a problem that he will outgrow. If you have other children, let them know that there will be no teasing about bedwetting. Be ready to enforce this rule.


Question: Are there habits I can encourage to help my child limit his bedwetting?

Answer: When your child wets the bed, you want to help him outgrow the problem the right way. Be ready to enforce this rule. It won't stop bedwetting, but it can reduce the amount of pee that might end up in bed. Just before bedtime, they think about waking up dry.


Question: Can changing my child's drinking habits help with his bedwetting?

Answer: Meanwhile, there are things that you and your and child can do to help the process along and to make it easier to handle. Some kids who worry that they'll wet the bed don't quench their thirst all day. By evening, they're so thirsty, they drink a lot. Encourage your child to drink more during the day, and allow one drink with dinner (no refills). Make that the final drink of the evening, and there won't be too much liquid in his system as bedtime approaches.


Question: What can I do to protect the mattress if my child has a problem with bedwetting?

Answer: Meanwhile, there are things that you and your and child can do to help the process along and to make it easier to handle. Probably not. Caffeine makes the body speed up the pee-making process.


Question: Should my child who has a problen with bedwetting skip sleepovers?

Answer: If you have other children, let them know that there will be no teasing about bedwetting. Some kids who worry that they'll wet the bed don't quench their thirst all day. Tuck items like disposable underwear or a waterproof sleeping-bag liner into your child's bag so he won't worry that a wet spot will set him apart. You can also send extra clothing in a plastic bag, in case what he's wearing gets wet. He can put any wet garments in the bag.


Question: What are the symptoms of migraines?

Answer: It affects one side of your head or one eye.


Question: Can diet and exercise prevent colorectal cancer?

Answer: It is also believed that eating a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, not smoking, and getting exercise may help prevent colorectal cancer. The National Cancer Institute recommends a low-fat, high-fiber diet that includes at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. To reduce fat in your diet, you can change your eating and cooking habits. To increase the amount of fiber in your diet, eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain breads and cereals.


Question: How do you know if your toddler's constipation is caused by diet?

Answer: You should also look for other symptoms that can occur along with constipation, such as: Stomachache Bloating Nausea Loss of appetite General crankiness Crying or screaming during bowel movements Avoiding the toilet (signs that your child is doing this include clenching the buttocks, crossing the legs, turning red, sweating, or crying) Smears or bits of liquid stool in the diaper or underwear (soiling) A variety of things can cause constipation in toddlers, from diet to medication. Here are a few of the most common causes: Diet. The culprit in many cases of toddler constipation is a diet that's too heavy in processed foods, dairy, and sweets, and too light in fiber (like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables). Not getting enough fluid can also lead to constipation, because it makes the stools harder. Any change in diet -- such as when your toddler transitions from breast milk or formula to cow's milk or starts eating new foods -- can also affect the stools.


Question: How do you know if your toddler's constipation is caused by physical conditions?

Answer: In rare cases, an anatomical problem with the intestines, anus, or rectum can cause chronic constipation. Cerebral palsy and other nervous system disorders can also affect a child's ability to go to the bathroom.


Question: How do you know if your toddler's constipation is caused by medication?

Answer: Medication. Some medications or supplements can lead to a constipated toddler, including high-dose iron supplements or narcotic pain medication.


Question: What should you know about toddler constipation?

Answer: Toddlers are, by nature, a finicky bunch. Their moods and whims can change on a dime. Even something as basic as going to the bathroom can get tricky. While some toddlers go to the bathroom every day like clockwork, other kids can go two, three, or even more days without having any bowel movements. Seeing an empty toilet day after day might fill parents with panic, but constipation in toddlers isn't usually a sign of any serious disease. Most often it's caused by a problem that's easy to solve, like diet or ignoring the urge to go.


Question: How do you know if your toddler's constipation is caused by a change in routine?

Answer: Going on vacation and being away from their normal toilet can make some toddlers unwilling to go to the bathroom.


Question: How can you treat your toddler's constipation caused by a lack of exercise?

Answer: Make sure your toddler gets out to play for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day. Moving the body keeps the bowels moving, too.


Question: How can you improve your toddler's bowel habits?

Answer: Some children are embarrassed or afraid to use the toilet, especially when it's a public restroom. Make sure your toddler gets out to play for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day. Put a small stool under your child's feet -- the leverage will help him push. Reward your toddler for using the toilet with a special story or a sticker so it becomes a positive experience.


Question: Is it normal for your toddler to have constipation?

Answer: So how do you know if infrequent bathroom visits are normal for your child, or if you really have a constipated toddler? But if your toddler's constipation lasts for two weeks or more it's called chronic constipation, and you should see your pediatrician.


Question: How can you treat your toddler's constipation caused by diet?

Answer: The culprit in many cases of toddler constipation is a diet that's too heavy in processed foods, dairy, and sweets, and too light in fiber (like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables). Any change in diet -- such as when your toddler transitions from breast milk or formula to cow's milk or starts eating new foods -- can also affect the stools. Make sure your toddler gets out to play for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day.


Question: How do you know if your toddler's constipation is caused by a fear of discomfort?

Answer: Also, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, any child with stools that are large, hard, dry, and accompanied by painful bowel movements, soiling between bowel movements, or blood on the outside of the stool may have constipation. Not using the bathroom can turn into an uncomfortable cycle. Stool begins to build up in the lower part of the bowel, getting bigger and harder until it's even more difficult and painful to pass.


Question: What should you keep track of if your child has constipation?

Answer: Also, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, any child with stools that are large, hard, dry, and accompanied by painful bowel movements, soiling between bowel movements, or blood on the outside of the stool may have constipation. You should also look for other symptoms that can occur along with constipation, such as: Stomachache Bloating Nausea Loss of appetite General crankiness Crying or screaming during bowel movements Avoiding the toilet (signs that your child is doing this include clenching the buttocks, crossing the legs, turning red, sweating, or crying) Smears or bits of liquid stool in the diaper or underwear (soiling) A variety of things can cause constipation in toddlers, from diet to medication.


Question: Will I get any other tests in addition to a prothrombin time test?

Answer: This could be from taking supplements or eating foods high in vitamin K. It depends on what your doctor is looking for. For example, if your doctor thinks you might have a liver problem, you'll likely get more tests to check how your liver's working. If your doctor thinks you have a bleeding disorder, you may get tests to check for those, such as: PTT test Platelet count Thrombin time test von Willebrand factor test (looks for a genetic disorder that causes nosebleeds and other bleeding problems)


Question: What other disorders does a prothrombin time test check for?

Answer: Your doctor might also suggest you get this test to check for: Bone marrow problems Certain cancers, such as leukemia Immune system problems Lack of vitamin K, which is part of many clotting factors Liver problems (your liver makes the clotting factors) Normal blood clotting before you have surgery This test is a basic blood draw and takes just a few minutes.


Question: What happens during a prothrombin time test?

Answer: Your doctor might also suggest you get this test to check for: Bone marrow problems Certain cancers, such as leukemia Immune system problems Lack of vitamin K, which is part of many clotting factors Liver problems (your liver makes the clotting factors) Normal blood clotting before you have surgery This test is a basic blood draw and takes just a few minutes. A lab tech will: Clean the skin where the needle goes in Wrap a rubber strap around your upper arm -- this creates pressure to make your veins swell with blood Insert a thin needle into a vein, usually on the inside of your arm at your elbow or in the back of your hand Draw the blood Remove the rubber strap and put a bandage on your arm or hand In some cases, your doctor may use a finger stick instead, which will give you results more quickly.


Question: What are the symptoms of blocked hair follicles?

Answer: Other things can trigger breakouts: Smoking Being overweight For women, getting your period Hormone changes Heat Sweating At first, blocked hair follicles usually look like breakouts of pimples or boils. They usually form in places where your skin rubs together, like your armpits or groin. If you're a woman, you're more likely to have them on your genitals, upper thighs, or under your breasts. For a man, they happen more on your genitals and around your anus. The bumps may come and go or just stay the same. You might get them in the same spot every time, or they might move around your body. If your condition gets worse, you may have: Deep breakouts that hurt Bumps that burst, and maybe leak fluid that smells bad Scars after your breakouts heal. They may get thicker over time. Skin that looks spongy because of deep lines called tracts Infections In rare cases, skin cancer Your symptoms might change quickly, so blocked hair follicles can look different at different times. One week you might have bumps leaking fluid, and the next, the area may be cleared up.


Question: What can trigger blocked hair follicles?

Answer: Other things can trigger breakouts: Smoking Being overweight For women, getting your period Hormone changes Heat Sweating At first, blocked hair follicles usually look like breakouts of pimples or boils.


Question: What are some myths about blocked hair follicles?

Answer: Doctors know what doesn't cause the condition: It doesn't happen because you don't wash yourself well enough. You can't catch the disease from someone else.


Question: When should you see a doctor about blocked hair follicles?

Answer: Once you start to notice these breakouts, see your doctor as soon as you can to start tackling the problem. You can get treatments that can help clear your skin and maybe prevent more breakouts and complications.


Question: What leads to blocked hair follicles?

Answer: Doctors don't know for sure. Many think hormones might play a role, since the condition usually hits after puberty and breakouts can flare for women around the time they have their periods. The problem is three times more common for women than for men. It may also happen because of your immune system. Most people get clogged hair follicles from time to time, but if you have HS, your body may be overreacting to those blockages. Your genes may make a difference, too. One-third of people who have the condition are related to someone else who has it.


Question: What are blocked hair follicles?

Answer: If your hair follicles get blocked in areas where you also have many oil and sweat glands, you may first notice them as pimple-like bumps on your skin. The condition is also called hidradenitis suppurativa ( HS) or acne inversa. It happens when the shafts where hair grows out of your skin, called follicles, get blocked. There's no cure for the condition, but treatments can make flares happen less often. They may get thicker over time.


Question: When should I call my doctor about my warts?

Answer: Over-the-counter remedies don't work You are a woman and develop genital warts, which in rare cases can be associated with cervical cancer You are older than age 60 and discover what looks like a wart. It may instead be a symptom of a more serious skin condition, such as skin cancer Warts multiply and spread, causing embarrassment or discomfort You notice a change in a wart's color or size; this could indicate that the lesion is not a wart but a skin cancer.


Question: What are filiform warts?

Answer: Filiform warts are thin and thread-like. They commonly appear on the face and neck.


Question: What are flat warts?

Answer: Flat warts appear in groups of up to several hundred, usually on the face, neck, chest, knees, hands, wrists, or forearms. They are slightly raised and have smooth, flat, or rounded tops.


Question: What are common warts?

Answer: Here are some ways to recognize common warts: Common warts are small, hard, rough lumps that are round and elevated. They usually appear on hands and fingers and may be flesh-colored, white, or pink.


Question: What are periungual warts?

Answer: Here are some ways to recognize common warts: Common warts are small, hard, rough lumps that are round and elevated. They appear at the edges of fingernails and toenails and may extend under the nails, causing pain and irregular nail growth.


Question: How does laser treatment help in treating toenail fungus?

Answer: You might have success getting your toenails zapped with targeted lasers. Several types of lasers are used. There isn't a lot of research on them, but so far it seems promising. Laser treatment isn't covered by insurance, though, and it can cost a lot.


Question: How can you prevent toenail fungus?

Answer: And if you don't treat this infection, there's a chance it could get worse. Wear shower shoes in public pools, bathrooms, and locker rooms -- and even in your own bathroom. Change your shoes and socks every day. Wear ones that breathe and don't fit too tight. Trim your nails short and straight across. See your doctor if you think your fungus has come back.


Question: What are non-prescription options for toenail fungus?

Answer: But nail fungus doesn't go away by itself. And if you don't treat this infection, there's a chance it could get worse. Here's a look at what you can try. Prescription polish and creams.


Question: How do prescription polish and creams treat toenail fungus?

Answer: You can buy antifungal creams, gels, and nail polish at the store and online without a prescription. Your foot doctor will likely trim your nail and file away its dead layers. He may also take a piece of your nail and send it to the lab to make sure it's really a fungus, and to find out what type it is. The doctor might suggest an antifungal drug that you paint on your nails. This may work on its own, or he may suggest you take it with antifungal pills.


Question: What conditions have been linked to male pattern baldness?

Answer: Male pattern baldness generally isn't a sign of a serious medical problem, but it has been linked with some other conditions including coronary heart disease, an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. If you notice your hair starting to fall out, keep track of the pattern and how much you're losing. You can talk to your doctor to rule out a more serious problem.


Question: What causes sudden hair loss?

Answer: Other types of hair loss tend to happen faster than male pattern baldness. Other causes include: Diseases like anemia or a thyroid problem Radiation or chemotherapy treatments Medications, such as blood thinners, high doses of vitamin A, and steroids that some men take to help build muscle, called anabolic steroids Scalp infections Problems with your diet, like getting too little iron or too much vitamin A Stress Keeping hairstyles like tight ponytails, cornrows, or braids for many years For most of these issues, your hair will grow back once you take care of what's causing it. Male pattern baldness generally isn't a sign of a serious medical problem, but it has been linked with some other conditions including coronary heart disease, an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.


Question: Can lube help prevent a genital herpes outbreak?

Answer: Another consideration may be that the friction of sex could irritate the skin and trigger outbreaks. If that's a problem for you, try using a water-based sexual lubricant. K- Y jelly and Astro Glide are two brands available at many drugstores. Don't use an oil-based lubricant, however, because the oil can break down latex. Also, do not use a lubricant containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Nonoxynol-9 may cause tiny rips in mucous membranes (such as those on the genitals) that can let viruses like herpes and HIV enter the body more easily.


Question: Can you have sex between genital herpes outbreaks?

Answer: Avoid these sexual activities when you have sores on your genitals, or when you feel a herpes outbreak coming on: Vaginal sex Anal sex Receiving oral sex (fellatio, cunnilingus, and analingus) Between outbreaks, it's OK to have sex, as long as your partner understands and accepts the risk. For example, as long as you don't have herpes sores on your mouth, you can perform oral sex on your partner, including when you have an outbreak of genital symptoms. But your partner can be infected with herpes even when you don't have symptoms or sores. To help prevent that, always use a latex condom for vaginal sex, anal sex, and receiving fellatio. Condoms are not guaranteed to prevent infection, but research has shown that they provide some protection. Use a dental dam for cunnilingus and analingus.


Question: How do medications control genital herpes?

Answer: You might also consider taking antiviral drug therapy for genital herpes to reduce the amount of virus you shed. A recent study shows that daily suppressive therapy (taking a drug daily to sharply reduce the frequency of outbreaks) may help keep your partner from being infected. ( You should still use a condom, however, because suppressive therapy is just 50% effective in preventing transmission.) Daily therapy isn't the only option, or necessarily the best one for you. If your outbreaks are few and far between, you might set your mind at ease by keeping a supply of antiviral pills that you could take in case of a flare-up. Ask your doctor if you could benefit from taking medication for genital herpes.


Question: Can I have sex during a genital herpes outbreak?

Answer: Avoid these sexual activities when you have sores on your genitals, or when you feel a herpes outbreak coming on: Vaginal sex Anal sex Receiving oral sex (fellatio, cunnilingus, and analingus) Between outbreaks, it's OK to have sex, as long as your partner understands and accepts the risk. To help prevent that, always use a latex condom for vaginal sex, anal sex, and receiving fellatio. Just make sure you don't have any broken skin on your hands, and wash hands with soap and warm water afterward. Also, never touch a herpes sore and then touch your partner, and make sure no bodily fluids could be exchanged by accident. If you and your partner like vibrators or dildos, you could try using them on each other. Make sure you wash the toy before and after, and don't share it.


Question: How do Nucala. Xolair, and Cinqair work to improve asthma control?

Answer: Mepolizumab ( Nucala) is a biologic therapy that has been found to control the blood cells that often trigger asthma. Nucala targets Interluken-5 ( IL-5) which regulates the levels of blood eosinophils (the type of white blood cells that helps trigger asthma). Genetically engineered, Nucala keeps IL-5 from binding to eosinophils and, thereby, lowers the risk of a severe asthma attack. Nucala is administered by injection once every 4 weeks and is meant to be used in conjunction with other asthma treatments as a maintenance medication. By using Nucala, patients have been found to not only experience fewer asthma incidents, but they are able to reduce the amount of their other asthma medications. Side effects include headache and a hypersensitivity reaction that can cause swelling of the face and tongue, dizziness, hives, and breathing problems. Omalizumab( Xolair), an immunomodulator, works differently from other anti-inflammatory medications for asthma . Xolair blocks the activity of Ig E (a protein that is overproduced in people with allergies) before it can lead to asthma attacks. Immunomodulator treatment has been shown to help reduce the number of asthma attacks in people with moderate to severe allergic asthma whose symptoms are not controlled with inhaled steroids. Xolair, a prescription maintenance medication, is given by injection every 2 to 4 weeks. It's recommended for people with moderate to severe allergic asthma. Side effects may include redness, pain, swelling, bruising or itching at the injection site, joint pain, and tiredness. There is a slight increase in risk for problems with the heart and circulation to the brain in people using Xolair. It also carries a boxed warning about a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Reslizumab ( Cinqair) is also maintenance medication. It is used along with regular asthma medicines when those medicines cannot fully control your asthma. This medicine is given every 4 weeks as an intravenous injection over a period of about an hour. This drug works by reducing the number of a specific type of white blood cells called eosinophils that play a role in causing asthma symptoms. It can reduce severe asthma attacks. Side effects include anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), muscle pain, and cancer.


Question: How do the leukotriene modifiers improve asthma control?

Answer: Montelukast ( Singulair), zafirlukast ( Accolate), and zileuton ( Zyflo) are called leukotriene modifiers. Leukotrienes are inflammatory chemicals that occur naturally in our bodies and cause tightening of airway muscles and production of mucus. Leukotriene modifier drugs help control asthma by blocking the actions of leukotrienes in the body. Studies show that these medications are helpful in improving airflow and reducing asthma symptoms. The leukotriene modifiers are taken as pills and have been shown to decrease the need for other asthma medications. These medications have also been shown to be effective in people with allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) and may be effective in people with both allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.


Question: What forms do inhaled steroids for asthma come in?

Answer: Inhaled steroid medications for better asthma control include: Beclomethasone dipropionate( Qvar) Budesonide ( Pulmicort) Budesonide/ Formoterol ( Symbicort) - a combination drug that includes a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator drug Fluticasone ( Flovent) Fluticasone inh powder ( Arnuity Ellipta) Fluticasone/ Salmeterol ( Advair) - a combination drug that includes a steroid and a long-actingbronchodilator drug Mometasone ( Asmanex) Mometasone/formoterol ( Dulera) - a combination drug that also includes a long-acting bronchodilator drug Inhaled steroids come in three forms: the hydrofluoroalkane inhaler or HFA (formerly called a metered dose inhaler or MDI), dry powder inhaler ( DPI), and nebulizer solutions.


Question: How do prednisone and systemic steroids work to increase asthma control?

Answer: The benefits of inhaled steroids for better asthma control far exceed their risks, and include: Reduced frequency of asthma attacks Decreased use of beta-agonist bronchodilators (quick relief or rescue inhalers) Improved lung function Reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations for life-threatening asthma Using systemic steroids (steroids taken by mouth or by injection that can affect the entire body) such as prednisone , prednisolone, and methylprednisolone helps to treat severe asthma episodes, allowing people to gain better asthma control. Prednisone and other steroid drugs may be used to help control sudden and severe asthma attacks or in rare cases to treat long-term, hard-to-control asthma. Most often, prednisone or another steroid is taken in high doses for a few days (called a steroid burst) for more a severe asthma attack. Side effects of systemic steroids can include weakness, acne , weight gain, mood or behavior changes, upset stomach, bone loss, eye changes, and slowing of growth. These side effects rarely occur with short-term use, such as for an acute asthma attack.


Question: How does the use of inhaled steroids treat asthma?

Answer: Inhaled steroids are the mainstay treatment for controlling asthma. The use of inhaled steroids leads to: Better asthma control Fewer symptoms and flare-ups Reduced need for hospitalization Steroids may help asthma symptoms during an attack but are slow acting and can take several hours to take effect.


Question: What are the side effects of inhaled steroids for asthma?

Answer: Inhaled steroids have fewside effects, especially at lower doses. Thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth) and hoarseness may occur, although this is rare. Rinsing the mouth, gargling after using the asthma inhaler, and using a spacer device with metered dose inhalers can help prevent these side effects. Thrush is easily treated with a prescription antifungal lozenge or rinse. Inhaled steroids (asthma inhalers) are safe for adults and children. Side effects with these anti-inflammatory asthma inhalers are minimal. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose that effectively controls your child's or your asthma. On a side note, many parents are concerned about giving their children "steroids." Inhaled steroids are not the same as anabolic steroids that some athletes take to build muscle. These steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs, the cornerstone of asthma therapy. There are many benefits of using anti-inflammatory asthma inhalers to manage asthma.


Question: What do inhaled steroid medications for improved asthma control include?

Answer: Inhaled steroid medications for better asthma control include: Beclomethasone dipropionate( Qvar) Budesonide ( Pulmicort) Budesonide/ Formoterol ( Symbicort) - a combination drug that includes a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator drug Fluticasone ( Flovent) Fluticasone inh powder ( Arnuity Ellipta) Fluticasone/ Salmeterol ( Advair) - a combination drug that includes a steroid and a long-actingbronchodilator drug Mometasone ( Asmanex) Mometasone/formoterol ( Dulera) - a combination drug that also includes a long-acting bronchodilator drug Inhaled steroids come in three forms: the hydrofluoroalkane inhaler or HFA (formerly called a metered dose inhaler or MDI), dry powder inhaler ( DPI), and nebulizer solutions.