Question: Are biopsies used to diagnose Churg-Strauss syndrome?

Answer: Biopsy: The doctor will take a small tissue sample from an affected spot, like an area of your skin with a rash, to look for inflamed blood vessels.


Question: What kind of biopsies might doctors do to diagnose Churg-Strauss syndrome?

Answer: Biopsy: The doctor will take a small tissue sample from an affected spot, like an area of your skin with a rash, to look for inflamed blood vessels. Or they might do a kidney or lung biopsy.


Question: What causes Churg-Strauss syndrome?

Answer: Watch for signs like: Weakness, fatigue, or a general bad feeling Weight loss without trying Swollen lymph nodes Skin sores or rashes Achy, swollen joints Pain, numbness, or tingling in your feet and hands Belly pain Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting Blood in your pee or poop Doctors don't know exactly what causes it. Some experts think allergies play a role.


Question: What are the treatments for Churg-Strauss syndrome?

Answer: You'll need to take drugs that target your immune system. The goal is to limit or prevent damage to healthy tissues.


Question: Who gets Churg-Strauss syndrome?

Answer: But things that make it more likely include: Age: On average, people are between 30 and 50 when they get diagnosed.


Question: What is Churg-Strauss syndrome and how does it affect the body?

Answer: Churg- Strauss syndrome is an extremely rare disease that causes inflammation of your blood vessels. It can damage small and medium-sized blood vessels. Doctors also call it Churg- Strauss vasculitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis ( EGPA), and allergic angiitis. It most often affects your nose, sinuses, lungs, heart, intestines, and nerves. The inflammation can also affect the kidneys, muscles, or joints.


Question: What is the treatment for Churg-Strauss syndrome?

Answer: You'll need to take drugs that target your immune system. The goal is to limit or prevent damage to healthy tissues.


Question: What are the symptoms of Churg-Strauss syndrome?

Answer: The symptoms of Churg- Strauss depend on the stage of your disease. Eosinophilic: Your body makes this type of white blood cell in response to an allergy. In this phase, you have too many. Symptoms include: Weight loss No appetite Fever Night sweats Joint pain Asthma Fatigue Cough Belly pain Vasculitic: Inflammation narrows your blood vessels.


Question: How do doctors diagnose Churg-Strauss syndrome?

Answer: Your doctor will look at your medical history and give you a physical exam. They'll ask you about your symptoms, especially asthma. You may also get: Blood tests: The doctor will look for proteins in your blood that show inflammation. There's no cure for Churg- Strauss syndrome.


Question: Are chemotherapy medications used to treat Churg-Strauss syndrome?

Answer: Once the disease is under control, your doctor will slowly lower the dose. Immune system drugs: If steroids aren't enough, your doctor may also prescribe azathioprine ( Azasan, Imuran), cyclophosphamide ( Cytoxan), or methotrexate. The doctor will do blood tests often to check for side effects. Continue Reading Below You may be able to ease off this medication after your condition is under control. This could take 6 months or several years. If the disease has moved to your organs and systems, you'll have a tougher time than someone with a milder form.


Question: What if my diabetes screening test is positive?

Answer: If the screening test for diabetes is positive, you may need further testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may prescribe medication, along with a diet, regular exercise regimen, and lifestyle program, to help you manage your blood sugar and prevent serious problems.


Question: What test is used to screen for diabetes?

Answer: Common risk factors for diabetes include: Family history of diabetes (parents or siblings with diabetes) Overweight (a body mass index equal to or greater than 25) Habitual physical inactivity Race/ethnicity (including African- Americans, Hispanic- Americans, Native Americans, Asian- Americans, and Pacific Islanders) History of impaired fasting glucose ( IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance ( IGT) High blood pressure (equal to or greater than 140/90 in adults) Abnormal lipids: HDL cholesterol equal to or less than 35 mg/d L and/or a triglyceride level equal to or greater than 250 mg/d L History of gestational diabetes or delivery of a baby weighing more than nine pounds Polycystic ovary syndrome The fasting plasma glucose test ( FPG) or the hemoglobin A1 C test can be used for screening.


Question: Why is it important to be screened for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Because often there are no symptoms with type 2 diabetes, early screening may help people avoid the more serious complications of this disease, including chronic hyperglycemia that's associated with long-term damage of the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels.


Question: What are the risk factors for diabetes?

Answer: Common risk factors for diabetes include: Family history of diabetes (parents or siblings with diabetes) Overweight (a body mass index equal to or greater than 25) Habitual physical inactivity Race/ethnicity (including African- Americans, Hispanic- Americans, Native Americans, Asian- Americans, and Pacific Islanders) History of impaired fasting glucose ( IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance ( IGT) High blood pressure (equal to or greater than 140/90 in adults) Abnormal lipids: HDL cholesterol equal to or less than 35 mg/d L and/or a triglyceride level equal to or greater than 250 mg/d L History of gestational diabetes or delivery of a baby weighing more than nine pounds Polycystic ovary syndrome The fasting plasma glucose test ( FPG) or the hemoglobin A1 C test can be used for screening.


Question: Who should be screened for diabetes?

Answer: According to the American Diabetes Association, all patients should be screened for diabetes at three-year intervals beginning at age 45, especially people who are overweight or obese. If multiple risk factors are present, screening should be done at an earlier age and more frequently. The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults with high blood pressure or high cholesterol be screened for type 2 diabetes (insulin-resistant diabetes) in an effort to reduce cardiovascular disease.


Question: What if the diabetes screening test is positive?

Answer: If the screening test for diabetes is positive, you may need further testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may prescribe medication, along with a diet, regular exercise regimen, and lifestyle program, to help you manage your blood sugar and prevent serious problems.


Question: What conditions are diabetics at risk for?

Answer: Type 2 diabetes is a common and serious disease in the United States and worldwide. Individuals with diabetes also have a greater likelihood of abnormal cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity.


Question: What are the risks of taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) for low back pain?

Answer: Risks: It can damage the liver if it's taken in high doses. That's why doctors advise taking around 3,000 milligrams (mg) a day even though the maximum daily dose (according to the FDA) is 4,000 mg. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are alternatives to acetaminophen that you can buy without a prescription.


Question: What are the risks of using muscle relaxants for low back pain?

Answer: Risks: Muscle relaxants carry a big risk of side effects, like drowsiness and dizziness.


Question: What are the risks of using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs be used for low back pain?

Answer: Risks: NSAIDs can cause digestive problems like nausea and diarrhea, as well as heartburn and stomach pain. Rarely, they can have serious side effects like internal bleeding and ulcers. They may also cause heart problems and kidney damage.


Question: Can opioids be used for low back pain?

Answer: In some cases, your doctor might prescribe these for your low back pain. But recent research shows that they usually only provide short-term relief. And they carry a lot of risks, like hormonal changes and dependency. For this reason, doctors don't usually prescribe them for chronic, or long-term, pain. If yours does, he'll also likely recommend other therapies, like exercise or lifestyle changes.


Question: How can exercise help to manage borderline cholesterol levels?

Answer: Exercise helps you get your cholesterol down from the borderline range. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day. Taking a brisk walk, riding your bike, playing a team sport, or taking a group fitness class will increase your heart rate while raising HDL ("good") cholesterol.


Question: Is plucking a good option for hair removal?

Answer: Plucking or tweezing can be painful, but it may be a good option if you only have a few hairs you want to remove. Times when you might want to pluck include when you're reshaping your eyebrows or pulling out a few stray hairs that appear on your face. You should not, however, use this hair removal method for large areas. It can cause ingrown hairs or scarring.


Question: What is Vaniqa?

Answer: There is a prescription cream called Vaniqa that's approved by the FDA for slowing facial hair growth in women. This cream slows growth, but it will not remove the hair. You apply it to the area twice a day. Once you stop using the cream, the hair will regrow.


Question: What are the two main types of electrolysis?

Answer: Galvanic hair removal chemically destroys the hair follicle. Thermolytic removal uses heat to destroy the follicle. In either case, be sure to find a professional who is highly trained and knowledgeable.


Question: What is laser hair removal?

Answer: This is one of the longest-lasting methods, but it generally requires four or more treatments 4-6 weeks apart. It can only be effective on dark hair. The laser beam or a light pulse works to destroy the hair bulb. The treatment can be expensive and sometimes painful, but it can be used on many parts of the body where unwanted hair appears. Be sure you select a doctor or technician who is highly trained and knowledgeable. This cream slows growth, but it will not remove the hair.


Question: Ho do depilatory creams work for hair removal?

Answer: They're not all the same, so be sure to read the label. Using a cream improperly -- for instance, leaving it on too long -- can burn your skin. If you have a history of allergic reactions, you should first test a little bit of the cream on a small area on your arm to make sure you don't have a bad reaction to it. Be sure to follow the directions on the cream. Many women use this hair removal method in the bikini area and to remove hair on the upper lip.


Question: What is spironolactone?

Answer: Plucking or tweezing can be painful, but it may be a good option if you only have a few hairs you want to remove. Spironolactone is a pill that may slow or reduce hair growth in areas that you don't want hair. It will not get rid of the hair on your scalp and may actually stimulate growth there.


Question: Who is more likely to get malabsorption?

Answer: Children with a bad stomach flu may have a greater chance of a short-term bout of malabsorption syndrome. You may not need treatment for a short-term problem. Ongoing malabsorption syndrome is more likely if you have one of the following digestive diseases: Celiac disease Cystic fibrosis (your body produces thick mucus that interferes with lung and digestive health) Crohn's disease (the inflammation from this disorder makes it harder for your intestines to absorb nutrients) Other things that can increase your chances of having the syndrome: Using laxatives or taking antibiotics for a long time. Intestinal surgery Traveling to places known for intestinal parasites When your doctor suspects malabsorption syndrome, she will need to know your symptoms and the foods you eat.


Question: What causes pernicious anemia (PA)?

Answer: Your body needs plenty of healthy red blood cells. Because of this, your body will make less of them. And the cells that are made will die off sooner than they should. The reason this happens is often due to the lack of a stomach protein called âintrinsic factorâ ( IF). Your body can't absorb vitamin B-12 without it. This is often given in a shot.


Question: Can a workout cause bruises?

Answer: An extra-hard workout can sometimes cause bruises. That's because you're pushing your muscles with so much effort that it leads to tiny tears in your blood vessels.


Question: What should I do If a bruise doesn't go away?

Answer: If you're having nosebleeds for no reason, if your gums bleed a lot after you brush or floss, or if small cuts or scrapes seem to bleed heavily, call your doctor.


Question: Do you bruise more easily as you get older?

Answer: As you age, your skin gets thinner and loses the protective layer of fat that acts as a cushion when you bump into something. Also, your blood vessels get more fragile. Both of these things mean you get more bruises.


Question: Can a bruise be a sign of cancer?

Answer: It's not likely, but it's possible that your bruises are a sign of cancer, such as leukemia. If you also feel tired, achy, and weak all the time, or lose weight without trying to, give your doctor a call.


Question: What life-threatening complications can happen with gastric bypass surgery?

Answer: About 10% of people have complications, which are usually minor and include: Wound infections Digestive problems Ulcers Bleeding Nearly 1% to 5% of people have serious or life-threatening complications, such as: Blood clot (pulmonary embolism) Heart attack Leak in the surgical connections with the intestines Serious infection or bleeding The risk of complications is lower at centers that do more than 100 weight loss surgeries per year. Deaths in the month following gastric bypass surgery are very rare (about 0.2% to 0.5%, or less than one in 200 people) when the procedure is done by a highly experienced surgeon.


Question: What are complications that may result from gastric bypass surgery?

Answer: About 10% of people have complications, which are usually minor and include: Wound infections Digestive problems Ulcers Bleeding Nearly 1% to 5% of people have serious or life-threatening complications, such as: Blood clot (pulmonary embolism) Heart attack Leak in the surgical connections with the intestines Serious infection or bleeding The risk of complications is lower at centers that do more than 100 weight loss surgeries per year. This surgery is difficult to do and often leads to nutritional problems.


Question: What is laparoscopic gastric banding for weight-loss surgery?

Answer: Others include: Adjustable gastric banding(also called laparascopic gastric banding, or lap band surgery) is the least invasive and second most common weight loss surgery. In gastric banding, a surgeon places a silicone ring around the upper stomach. The surgeon can adjust the ring's tightness by injecting saline through the skin to fill up the band or extracting saline to loosen it. This fine-tunes the exact size of the stomach. For example, if a too-tight stomach is causing side effects, the bands can be loosened. Gastric banding is also less likely to cause nutritional problems.


Question: What happens during gastric bypass surgery?

Answer: The procedure has two parts: The surgeon divides the stomach into a large portion and a much smaller one. Then, in a process sometimes called "stomach stapling,â the small part of the stomach is sewn or stapled together to make a pouch, which can hold only a cup or so of food. The surgeon disconnects the new, small stomach pouch from the majority of the stomach and first part of the small intestine (the duodenum), and then connects it to a part of the small intestine slightly farther down (the jejunum). This surgical technique is called a " Roux-en- Y."


Question: What should you ask your doctor if you continue to have seizures while taking medication?

Answer: You should discuss these with your doctor: Your age, gender, and other health issues How the drugs work and possible side effects Other drugs you are taking What kind of side effects you can live with What you hope that the medication will do for you; for example, you might want a medication that makes you more alert and better able to concentrate at work. There are also specific questions that women with epilepsy should ask. Do I have the kind of epilepsy that might be treated by surgery? Would my seizures respond to VNS therapy?


Question: How can an orthopedic surgeon help treat  rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your Orthopedic Surgeon You may never need surgery for your RA. Today's medicines can stop or slow down the disease. If however there is a lot of joint damage that is affecting your ability to function your rheumatologist may refer you for surgery such as joint replacement.


Question: How does a regular doctor help treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your Regular Doctor You may also see a primary care doctor, who will work with you on your overall health. You'll see her for checkups. She can also give you referrals to other specialists.


Question: What is a rheumatologist?

Answer: Your Rheumatologist This is a medical doctor who specializes in arthritis and other joint and muscle diseases. She's the star of your RA treatment team. You'll see her regularly. She'll keep your treatment on track and work with you to manage your condition. You should tell your rheumatologist how you're doing, including any activities that give you trouble or questions you have about your medicine.


Question: How does an occupational therapist help treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your Occupational Therapist If rheumatoid arthritis starts to slow you down, or if daily tasks become hard, a visit with an occupational therapist will probably help. They have a playbook of "work-arounds" to let you continue to live your own way. They can also provide or recommend assistive devices that will smooth out the rough spots in your daily routine, like special gadgets to make cooking or computer work easier.


Question: Should I build a professional health care team if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: You can build a great team of professional health care providers who will help you. There are several key players you should turn to. Your Occupational Therapist If rheumatoid arthritis starts to slow you down, or if daily tasks become hard, a visit with an occupational therapist will probably help. Don't hesitate to see a professional if it starts to get to you.


Question: What are some tips to work with my team to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Bring your medical record with you to your appointment. Communicate. Make sure each team member knows about important changes, like recent surgeries, hospitalizations, or changes in what medications you take. Keep your appointments. Ask questions. You should be able to ask any of the people on your team about anything that's on your mind.


Question: How can a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker help treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be a challenge. Luckily, you don't have to do it alone. You can build a great team of professional health care providers who will help you. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, if needed.


Question: What can you do at home to recover after a total knee replacement?

Answer: If you go home instead of to a rehab clinic, keep these tips in mind: Help your wound heal. Don't soak it in water until it's sealed and healed. Ask your doctor for advice on when showering after surgery is safe. Eat right. Even if you don't have an appetite after the operation, make sure to eat nutritious foods. Your doctor may also suggest an iron supplement or fiber-rich foods to lower possible problems with medications. Move your new knee. Chances are you'll get a walking plan that starts inside and then takes you outside as you get stronger. On top of that, you'll do PT moves a few times a day at home.


Question: How can you stay fit after a total knee replacement?

Answer: You can: Walk Swim Golf Go on light hikes Bike Dance


Question: What activities should you avoid after total knee replacement?

Answer: But PT after knee surgery will make you stronger. It'll last longer if you avoid putting stress on it with activities like: Running Skiing Tennis Sports that involve jumping The good news is that it's easy to stay fit with your artificial knee.


Question: What is recovery after total knee replacement like?

Answer: You continue with as much PT as you can handle. But most people need 4-6 weeks before they can bend their knee to get in and out of the car. In 3-6 weeks, you could shop for groceries, get up from a chair, and do other things that were difficult before the surgery. Just remember that you might not be 100% pain-free. Let you doctor know about any pain that bothers you.


Question: Why do people take horny goat weed (epimedium)?

Answer: Some men take horny goat weed in the belief that it's a natural alternative to drugs for erectile dysfunction ( ED). Although still preliminary, there's new evidence to support the idea. A 2008 lab study found that a compound in the herb blocks the effects of an enzyme that restricts blood flow to the penis. Epimedium, the suspected active component of horny goat weed, appears to act as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, similar to some drugs used for ED. Horny goat weed has also been studied as a treatment for other conditions, like osteoporosis and hardening of the arteries. The results from studies conducted abroad show promise, however better clinical studies are still needed.


Question: What is horny goat weed (epimedium)?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Horny goat weed is an herb that has been a traditional remedy in China for centuries. It's used for low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, pain, and other conditions.


Question: What are the risks of taking horny goat weed (epimedium)?

Answer: But it may. It may cause upset stomach and dry mouth. In some, horny goat weed may result in irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, nosebleeds, and mood changes. High doses have been linked to spasms and respiratory failure. Risks. Always speak to your doctor before taking herbal supplements like horny goat weed. People with certain health conditions may be at higher risk for adverse side effects. Interactions. If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using horny goat weed. It could interact with drugs including some blood thinners, aspirin, birth control pills, antidepressants, treatments for immune disorders and thyroid problems, and medicines that lower blood pressure or cholesterol. Using horny goat weed with nitroglycerin can be extremely dangerous. Similar to its use with pharmaceutical erectile dysfunction medicines, mixing nitroglycerin with horny goat weed can even be fatal due to the potential for severe drops in blood pressure. Given the possible risks, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should not take horny goat weed.


Question: Can I get horny goat weed (epimedium) naturally from foods?

Answer: There are no natural food sources of horny goat weed.


Question: How much horny goat weed (epimedium) should I take?

Answer: Horny goat weed is an unproven treatment. There is no established dose.


Question: Can atopic eczema be prevented?

Answer: Currently, there is no effective strategy for preventing atopic eczema, but the symptoms of the condition can improve. To improve the signs of eczema: Reduce stress Avoid scratchy materials (for example, wool) and chemicals such as harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents Moisturize frequently Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity Avoid situations that cause sweating and overheating Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin condition that consists of a circular-shaped rash with reddish bumps (papules).


Question: How is atopic eczema diagnosed?

Answer: Signs and symptoms of atopic eczema include: Itchiness Skin redness Dry, scaly, or crusted skin that might become thick and leathery from long-term scratching Formation of small, fluid-filled blisters that might ooze when scratched Infection of the areas where the skin has been broken Atopic eczema usually is diagnosed with an analysis of a person's history of symptoms and with an exam of the skin. A doctor might test an area of scaly or crusted skin to rule out other skin diseases or infections.


Question: Can antibiotics be used to treat eczema?

Answer: These products may help control the itching, swelling, and redness associated with eczema.


Question: What causes granuloma annulare?

Answer: Treatment of granuloma annulare often is not necessary, except for cosmetic reasons.


Question: How is lichen planus treated?

Answer: Although lichen planus cannot be cured, its symptoms can be treated with anti-itch products such as antihistamines (for example, Benadryl, or diphenhydramine). If lichen planus affects only a small part of the body, medicated cream can be applied to the affected area. Drugs such as steroid injections, prednisone, other drugs to suppress the immune system, or retinoids may be prescribed in more severe cases. Another treatment for lichen planus is light therapy. Talk to your doctor about which treatment is right for you.


Question: How is lichen planus diagnosed?

Answer: A doctor can diagnose lichen planus by its distinctive appearance or with the use of a skin biopsy. In a skin biopsy, a small bit of skin is taken from the affected area and is sent to a lab for testing.


Question: What are symptoms of atopic eczema?

Answer: The appearance of eczema can vary from person to person. In adults, eczema occurs most frequently on the hands and elbows, and in "bending" areas such as the inside of the elbows and back of the knees. In young children, eczema is often seen on the inside of elbows, behind the knees, face, back of the neck, and scalp. Signs and symptoms of atopic eczema include: Itchiness Skin redness Dry, scaly, or crusted skin that might become thick and leathery from long-term scratching Formation of small, fluid-filled blisters that might ooze when scratched Infection of the areas where the skin has been broken Atopic eczema usually is diagnosed with an analysis of a person's history of symptoms and with an exam of the skin.


Question: How is pityriasis rosea diagnosed?

Answer: A doctor can usually diagnose pityriasis rosea by looking at it. He or she may order blood tests, scrape the skin, or do a skin biopsy to rule out other skin conditions.


Question: How is granuloma annulare diagnosed?

Answer: The condition is diagnosed by a doctor who may use a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.


Question: What are risks associated with phototherapy for eczema?

Answer: Signs and symptoms of atopic eczema include: Itchiness Skin redness Dry, scaly, or crusted skin that might become thick and leathery from long-term scratching Formation of small, fluid-filled blisters that might ooze when scratched Infection of the areas where the skin has been broken Atopic eczema usually is diagnosed with an analysis of a person's history of symptoms and with an exam of the skin. Your health care professionals will work with you to minimize any risks.


Question: What causes lichen planus?

Answer: Lichen planus is believed to be an autoimmune process where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. When lichen planus is thought to be caused by a triggering agent such as hepatitis B or C, it is known as a lichenoid reaction. Medications to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis can cause lichen planus-type rashes that are allergic reactions to those drugs. Lichen planus is not contagious. The cause of pityriasis rosea is not known.


Question: What is a skin rash and what causes it?

Answer: There are many types of rashes, including eczema, granuloma annulare, lichen planus, and pityriasis rosea. A doctor might test an area of scaly or crusted skin to rule out other skin diseases or infections. The cause of granuloma annulare is unknown.


Question: What are the symptoms of pityriasis rosea?

Answer: The patch usually is followed by additional pink patches of skin. There is itching and redness or inflammation of the skin. Pityriasis rosea affects the back, neck, chest, abdomen, upper arms, and legs, but the rash may differ from person to person.


Question: What causes pityriasis rosea?

Answer: In most cases, the cause of lichen planus is not known. However, there is evidence that suggests pityriasis rosea may be caused by a virus because the rash resembles certain viral illnesses. The rash does not seem to spread from person to person.


Question: What are conditions that usually qualify for a handicap parking permit?

Answer: Check with your own state to find out the specific criteria regarding who qualifies for disabled parking. Common conditions include: Lung disease Heart disease Substantially impaired mobility, for example, use of a wheelchair, brace, or cane A disease that significantly limits your ability walk or to use your legs Documented vision problems, including low-vision or partial sightedness Loss of one or both legs or loss of both hands, or limited use of these parts Be aware that other conditions also may apply, so ask your doctor about your eligibility.


Question: How can I get a handicap parking permit?

Answer: Check on your state's specific process. Common conditions include: Lung disease Heart disease Substantially impaired mobility, for example, use of a wheelchair, brace, or cane A disease that significantly limits your ability walk or to use your legs Documented vision problems, including low-vision or partial sightedness Loss of one or both legs or loss of both hands, or limited use of these parts Be aware that other conditions also may apply, so ask your doctor about your eligibility.


Question: Before I join a clinical trial that involves immunotherapy, what questions should I ask?

Answer: Only you and your doctor can decide if that's right for you. Before you enroll, you'll want to find out: The benefits of receiving an immunotherapy drug The risks of the medication(s) you're considering Who you'll be working with.


Question: What should I expect during immunotherapy treatment?

Answer: So to get these medications, you have to take part in a clinical trial. What happens if the clinical trial is stopped, or if you need to stop treatment early The cost of treatment, including whether your health insurance will cover it Immunotherapy is a lot like other forms of cancer treatment. You'll go a doctor's office or hospital. Depending on your medication, it may be: Intravenous ( IV): It will be put into a vein through an IV. Oral: It comes in a pill or capsule you swallow. Topical: It's a cream you rub onto your skin. Intravesical: It goes directly into your bladder. This gives your body a break as you get ready for the next cycle.


Question: What do you need to know about the smallpox vaccine?

Answer: The smallpox vaccine prevents smallpox. The disease was declared to be eradicated worldwide in the late 1970s. However, the smallpox virus can be used as a bio-weapon, and there is a vaccine available for people who may encounter the agent. These reactions to the smallpox vaccine usually go away without treatment: The arm may be sore and red where the vaccine was given. The glands in the armpits may become large and sore. The vaccinated person may run a low fever.


Question: What are some serious reactions to the smallpox vaccine?

Answer: The smallpox vaccine prevents smallpox. The disease was declared to be eradicated worldwide in the late 1970s. However, the smallpox virus can be used as a bio-weapon, and there is a vaccine available for people who may encounter the agent. These reactions may require medical attention: A vaccinia rash or outbreak of sores limited to one area. This is an accidental spreading of the vaccinia virus caused by touching the vaccination site and then touching another part of the body or another person. A toxic or allergic rash in response to the vaccine that can take various forms (erythema multiforme). These reactions require immediate medical attention: Eczema vaccinatum. Serious skin rashes caused by widespread infection of the skin in people with skin conditions such as eczema or atopic dermatitis. Progressive vaccinia (or vaccinia necrosum). Ongoing infection of skin with tissue destruction frequently leading to death. Postvaccinal encephalitis. Inflammation of the brain.


Question: What are the warning signs of a potential asthma attack?

Answer: Warning signs of a potential asthma attack include: Needing more rescue inhaler medication (such as albuterol). A cough that gets worse. Feeling like you can't breathe or like someone's sitting on your chest. Waking up at night feeling like you can't breathe. Not being able to be active or exercise without getting winded or wheezing.


Question: How is Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosed?

Answer: You should let your child's doctor know about the symptoms you've been noticing. He'll want to know your child's medical history, then ask questions about his symptoms, like: How old was your child when he started walking? How well does he do things like run, climb stairs, or get up from the floor? How long have you noticed these problems? Does anyone else in your family have muscular dystrophy? If so, what kind? Does he have any trouble breathing? How well does he pay attention or remember things? The doctor will give your child a physical exam, and he may do some tests to rule out other conditions that can cause muscle weakness.


Question: Why is it important for a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy to see a heart doctor?

Answer: Because DMD can cause heart problems, it's important for your child to see a heart doctor, called a cardiologist, for checkups once every 2 years until age 10, and once a year after that. Girls and women who carry the gene have a higher risk of heart problems, too. They should see a cardiologist in their late teens or early adult years to check for any problems. Some blood pressure medicines may help protect against muscle damage in the heart. Kids with DMD might need surgery to fix shortened muscles, straighten the spine, or treat a heart or lung problem.


Question: What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

Answer: Children with DMD have a hard time standing up, walking, and climbing stairs. Many eventually need wheelchairs to get around. They can also have heart and lung problems. Although there isn't a cure, the outlook for people with DMD is better than it has ever been. Years ago, children with the disease usually didn't live beyond their teens. There are therapies that can ease symptoms, and researchers are looking for new ones, as well. DMD is caused by a problem in one of your genes. A few other gene therapies may soon be ready for sale in the U. S. To learn more about Duchenne muscular dystrophy or find a support group in your area, visit: Cure Duchenne, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, or the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.


Question: What causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

Answer: DMD is caused by a problem in one of your genes. Genes contain the information your body needs to make proteins, which carry out many different body functions. If you have DMD, the gene that makes a protein called dystrophin is broken. This protein normally keeps muscles strong and protects them from injury. It's rare, but sometimes people who don't have a family history of DMD get the disease when their genes get defects on their own.


Question: What is genetic counseling for if you have a risk of having a baby with Down syndrome?

Answer: They're highly trained in genetic conditions, as well as helping people talk through challenging issues. They can speak to you about risks, walk through possible results, and help you figure out which tests might make the most sense for you. If you have a higher risk of having a baby with Down syndrome, you might want to talk to a genetic counselor before you get pregnant, but it can be very helpful after, too.


Question: When you're pregnant, how does the chorionic villus sampling (CVS) test for Down syndrome work?

Answer: Chorionic villus sampling ( CVS) tests cells from the placenta, which passes nutrients from mother to baby. Your doctor gets the cells either through your cervix or with a needle through your belly. It can be done at 10 to 12 weeks -- earlier than you can get an amnio -- but has a slightly higher chance of causing a miscarriage or other problems.


Question: What is cordocentesis as a diagnostic test for Down syndrome in a pregnancy?

Answer: Then, during weeks 15-22, you get another blood test called the âquad screen.â It looks for four different markers that could be signs of Down syndrome. Your doctor uses a needle to take blood from the umbilical cord. This procedure has about a 1.4% to 1.9% chance of miscarriage , more than the other tests, so it's only done if the others don't give clear results.


Question: What types of tests check your baby for Down syndrome during pregnancy?

Answer: There are two types of tests you can get: Screening tests tell you how likely it is that your baby has Down syndrome. Diagnostic tests tell if your baby actually has it -- it's a clear yes or no. Typically, you might start with a screening test. Then, if it looks like Down syndrome is a possibility, you might get a diagnostic test. Diagnostic tests have some risk of causing a miscarriage.


Question: What is an amniocentesis test during pregnancy?

Answer: Ultrasound looks at the fluid in an area of the baby's neck called the ânuchal fold.â If the fluid level is higher than normal, it could be a sign of Down syndrome. These types of tests look at the baby's chromosomes to check for Down syndrome. Amniocentesis (âamnioâ) tests a sample of amniotic fluid, which surrounds your baby in the womb. There is a slight risk of miscarriage -- about 0.6% -- with a second-trimester amnio, while research shows the risk being higher before 15 weeks of pregnancy.


Question: Which dairy products have healthy fat?

Answer: Choose low-fat dairy products such as low-fat cheese, skim milk, nonfat yogurt, nonfat frozen yogurt, evaporated skim milk, and buttermilk. Remember to include dairy products in your daily carbohydrate count.


Question: Which meats have healthy fat?

Answer: Favor poultry, fish, and lean red meats. When preparing these foods, don't fry them. Instead, you can bake, broil, grill, roast, or boil. Or, have plant-based sources of protein, like beans or lentils.


Question: What kind of cooking spray should people with diabetes use?

Answer: Use low-fat vegetable cooking spray when preparing foods.


Question: Why is it important to reduce unhealthy fats if you have diabetes?

Answer: Instead, you can bake, broil, grill, roast, or boil. Healthy fats, such as polyunsaturated and mono fats, may help protect your heart from disease. For example, choose almonds, pecans and cashews and peanut butter, cold-water fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as mackerel, salmon and tuna, and olive, safflower and canola oils.


Question: How can managing stress help with sun-damaged skin?

Answer: Inner turmoil takes a huge toll on skin. Part of the reason is that stress increases the hormone cortisol. It keeps skin from holding on to water and triggers a spike in blood sugar that damages collagen and elastin. Any type of exercise can tame tension, but yoga seems to be an especially good way to lower cortisol levels.


Question: How can being active help with sun-damaged skin?

Answer: When you boost your heart rate and blood flow, you help your body undo skin aging by delivering more nutrients to cells that repair damage. A sweat session also makes your skin more taut and toned. Want proof? In a recent study, researchers found that people over 40 who were active for at least 3 hours a week had skin that was similar to that of people in their 20s and 30s -- even in someone up to age 65. As a bonus, exercise also helps you keep a healthy weight, which is key since extra pounds weaken your skin's support structure and lead to sagging.


Question: How can reducing stress help sun-damaged skin?

Answer: Inner turmoil takes a huge toll on skin. Part of the reason is that stress increases the hormone cortisol. It keeps skin from holding on to water and triggers a spike in blood sugar that damages collagen and elastin. Any type of exercise can tame tension, but yoga seems to be an especially good way to lower cortisol levels.


Question: How can limiting alcohol help sun-damaged skin?

Answer: When you get too much, it triggers a process called glycation that destroys collagen and elastin. It also saps skin's hydration, which makes wrinkles more noticeable, and causes spidery capillaries to show up on your face.


Question: How can alcohol affect sun-damaged skin?

Answer: Sure, alcohol has antioxidants that help protect skin from damage. But it's high in sugar, too. When you get too much, it triggers a process called glycation that destroys collagen and elastin. It also saps skin's hydration, which makes wrinkles more noticeable, and causes spidery capillaries to show up on your face. For most people, a daily beer or glass of wine won't have a visible effect on skin.


Question: How can sleep help sun-damaged skin?

Answer: Nighttime is when skin does the bulk of its repair work, such as making new cells and mending or shedding old, damaged ones. This is also when it makes the most of any creams and lotions you apply. Skin gets warmer at night, so products seep in better and yield faster results.


Question: How can vitamin A help sun-damaged skin?

Answer: When it comes to reversing sun damage, no skin care ingredient is better than retinoids, a form of vitamin A. They do everything from smoothing fine lines and fading dark spots to making pores look smaller.


Question: How can eating better help with sun-damaged skin?

Answer: Nutrition is just as important for your skin as it is for the rest of your body. In one study, people with sun damage who ate more vegetables, olive oil, fish, and legumes -- and less butter, meat, dairy, and sugar -- had fewer wrinkles. The results were similar for women with diets high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, and leafy greens. Vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds have another nutrient, a fatty acid called linoleic acid, which moisturizes skin. And since antioxidants offer UV protection from the inside out, foods high in lycopene (tomatoes), polyphenols (green tea), and flavanols (cocoa) can be part of your skin-saving strategy.


Question: How can vitamin A help with sun-damaged skin?

Answer: When it comes to reversing sun damage, no skin care ingredient is better than retinoids, a form of vitamin A. They do everything from smoothing fine lines and fading dark spots to making pores look smaller. You can start with an over-the-counter form -- look for retinol on the ingredients list. Or ask your doctor for a stronger prescription. Use the product at night since sunlight makes retinoids inactive. They can irritate your skin, so it's best to ease them into your skin care routine. Apply every third night to start, and slowly work up to nightly use. During the day, use a cream with antioxidants like vitamin C, coffeeberry extract, or green tea. They defend against the sun's damage to collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and supple, and improve existing signs of aging.


Question: How can sunscreen help with sun-damaged skin?

Answer: Choose an SPF 30 sunscreen labeled âbroad-spectrumâ -- meaning it guards against the rays that cause wrinkles and brown spots -- and use it every day. They defend against the sun's damage to collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and supple, and improve existing signs of aging. Sure, alcohol has antioxidants that help protect skin from damage.


Question: How can exercise help sun-damaged skin?

Answer: When you boost your heart rate and blood flow, you help your body undo skin aging by delivering more nutrients to cells that repair damage. A sweat session also makes your skin more taut and toned. As a bonus, exercise also helps you keep a healthy weight, which is key since extra pounds weaken your skin's support structure and lead to sagging.


Question: How much can I eat if I have type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Confused about how much you can eat when you have diabetes? First you need to know how much food is in a serving. It may be different from what you expect. Let's say you eat a cup of rice at dinner. But a serving is actually considered 1/3 cup. So you got three times as many carbs as you thought. To outsmart those mistakes, get to know what a serving size really holds. And for expert help, talk to your dietitian or a certified diabetes educator.


Question: How many nuts, poultry, fish, eggs, dry beans, cheese, and meat are in a serving?

Answer: 1/2 banana 1 small apple, orange, or pear 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, or canned fruit 1 cup raw leafy vegetables 1/2 cup other vegetables cooked, raw (chopped), or canned 1/2 cup vegetable juice 1 slice of bread 1/2 English muffin, bun, small bagel, or pita bread 1 6-inch tortilla 4-6 crackers 2 rice cakes 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal 1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta, or bulgur 1/3 cup cooked rice 1 small potato or 1/2 large potato 1/2 cup sweet potatoes or yams 1/2 cup corn kernels or other starchy vegetables such as winter squash, peas, or lima beans 2-3 ounces cooked lean beef, veal, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, or fish 2-3 ounces low-fat natural cheese (such as Swiss, cheddar, Muenster, parmesan, mozzarella, and others) 1/2 cup cooked dry beans 1/4 cup tofu 1 egg (or an equal serving of egg substitute) 2 tablespoons peanut butter 2 ounces processed cheese ( American) 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese 1/2 cup canned tuna (packed in water) 1 cup low-fat milk 1 cup low-fat yogurt (unsweetened, or sweetened with aspartame or other artificial sweeteners)


Question: What is an example of one serving of bread, cereal, rice, starchy vegetables, and pasta?

Answer: 1/2 banana 1 small apple, orange, or pear 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, or canned fruit 1 cup raw leafy vegetables 1/2 cup other vegetables cooked, raw (chopped), or canned 1/2 cup vegetable juice 1 slice of bread 1/2 English muffin, bun, small bagel, or pita bread 1 6-inch tortilla 4-6 crackers 2 rice cakes 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal 1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta, or bulgur 1/3 cup cooked rice 1 small potato or 1/2 large potato 1/2 cup sweet potatoes or yams 1/2 cup corn kernels or other starchy vegetables such as winter squash, peas, or lima beans 2-3 ounces cooked lean beef, veal, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, or fish 2-3 ounces low-fat natural cheese (such as Swiss, cheddar, Muenster, parmesan, mozzarella, and others) 1/2 cup cooked dry beans 1/4 cup tofu 1 egg (or an equal serving of egg substitute) 2 tablespoons peanut butter 2 ounces processed cheese ( American) 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese 1/2 cup canned tuna (packed in water) 1 cup low-fat milk 1 cup low-fat yogurt (unsweetened, or sweetened with aspartame or other artificial sweeteners)


Question: What is an example of one serving of fruit?

Answer: 1/2 banana 1 small apple, orange, or pear 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, or canned fruit 1 cup raw leafy vegetables 1/2 cup other vegetables cooked, raw (chopped), or canned 1/2 cup vegetable juice 1 slice of bread 1/2 English muffin, bun, small bagel, or pita bread 1 6-inch tortilla 4-6 crackers 2 rice cakes 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal 1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta, or bulgur 1/3 cup cooked rice 1 small potato or 1/2 large potato 1/2 cup sweet potatoes or yams 1/2 cup corn kernels or other starchy vegetables such as winter squash, peas, or lima beans 2-3 ounces cooked lean beef, veal, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, or fish 2-3 ounces low-fat natural cheese (such as Swiss, cheddar, Muenster, parmesan, mozzarella, and others) 1/2 cup cooked dry beans 1/4 cup tofu 1 egg (or an equal serving of egg substitute) 2 tablespoons peanut butter 2 ounces processed cheese ( American) 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese 1/2 cup canned tuna (packed in water) 1 cup low-fat milk 1 cup low-fat yogurt (unsweetened, or sweetened with aspartame or other artificial sweeteners)


Question: How much bread, cereal, rice, starchy vegetables, and pasta are in a serving?

Answer: 1/2 banana 1 small apple, orange, or pear 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, or canned fruit 1 cup raw leafy vegetables 1/2 cup other vegetables cooked, raw (chopped), or canned 1/2 cup vegetable juice 1 slice of bread 1/2 English muffin, bun, small bagel, or pita bread 1 6-inch tortilla 4-6 crackers 2 rice cakes 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal 1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta, or bulgur 1/3 cup cooked rice 1 small potato or 1/2 large potato 1/2 cup sweet potatoes or yams 1/2 cup corn kernels or other starchy vegetables such as winter squash, peas, or lima beans 2-3 ounces cooked lean beef, veal, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, or fish 2-3 ounces low-fat natural cheese (such as Swiss, cheddar, Muenster, parmesan, mozzarella, and others) 1/2 cup cooked dry beans 1/4 cup tofu 1 egg (or an equal serving of egg substitute) 2 tablespoons peanut butter 2 ounces processed cheese ( American) 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese 1/2 cup canned tuna (packed in water) 1 cup low-fat milk 1 cup low-fat yogurt (unsweetened, or sweetened with aspartame or other artificial sweeteners)


Question: What is an example of one serving of milk and yogurt?

Answer: 1/2 banana 1 small apple, orange, or pear 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, or canned fruit 1 cup raw leafy vegetables 1/2 cup other vegetables cooked, raw (chopped), or canned 1/2 cup vegetable juice 1 slice of bread 1/2 English muffin, bun, small bagel, or pita bread 1 6-inch tortilla 4-6 crackers 2 rice cakes 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal 1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta, or bulgur 1/3 cup cooked rice 1 small potato or 1/2 large potato 1/2 cup sweet potatoes or yams 1/2 cup corn kernels or other starchy vegetables such as winter squash, peas, or lima beans 2-3 ounces cooked lean beef, veal, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, or fish 2-3 ounces low-fat natural cheese (such as Swiss, cheddar, Muenster, parmesan, mozzarella, and others) 1/2 cup cooked dry beans 1/4 cup tofu 1 egg (or an equal serving of egg substitute) 2 tablespoons peanut butter 2 ounces processed cheese ( American) 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese 1/2 cup canned tuna (packed in water) 1 cup low-fat milk 1 cup low-fat yogurt (unsweetened, or sweetened with aspartame or other artificial sweeteners)


Question: What is recovery like from breast reduction surgery?

Answer: You will need to take at least one week off from work or school for breast reduction surgery. Some people need two weeks, but each situation varies. Your surgeon will instruct you on follow-up appointments for removing bandages and stitches. While you recover, you'll need to stop physical activity for at least one month after surgery. After breast reduction surgery, you should expect to feel tired and to have breast pain. This is normal. Your surgeon will give you an oral painkiller to ease you through the first few days after surgery. You should also avoid heavy lifting. Some people have an emotional reaction, such as feeling depressed, after the surgery. That can be normal, but make sure you tell your doctor about all your concerns.


Question: How can medications affect your daily life after a heart transplant?

Answer: As mentioned, after a heart transplant, patients must take several drugs. The most important are those to keep the body from rejecting the transplant. These drugs, which must be taken for life, can cause significant side effects, including high blood pressure, fluid retention, excessive hair growth, osteoporosis, and possible kidney damage. To combat these problems, additional drugs are often prescribed.


Question: Can a person lead a normal life after a heart transplant?

Answer: With the exception of having to take lifelong medication to keep the body from rejecting the donated heart, many heart transplant recipients lead active and productive lives.


Question: Will I need to follow a special diet after a heart transplant?

Answer: After a heart transplant, the patient may need to follow a special diet, which may involve many of the same dietary changes made prior to surgery. A low-sodium diet will decrease the risk of high blood pressure and fluid retention. Your doctor will discuss your specific dietary needs, and a registered dietitian can help you understand specific dietary guidelines.


Question: What should you consider before deciding if a heart transplant may be right for you?

Answer: The following basic questions should be considered by you, your doctor, and your family to determine if heart transplantation is right for you: Have all other therapies been tried or excluded? Are you likely to die in the near future without the transplant? Are you in generally good health other than the heart or heart and lung disease? Can you adhere to the lifestyle changes, including complex drug treatments and frequent exams, required after a transplant? If you answered "no" to any of the above questions, heart transplantation may not be for you.


Question: How is organ rejection avoided?

Answer: Rejection occurs when the body's immune cells recognize the transplanted heart as different from the rest of the body and attempt to destroy it. If left alone, the immune system would damage the cells of a new heart and eventually destroy it.


Question: How can a heart transplant affect how you exercise?

Answer: Heart transplant recipients can exercise and are encouraged to exercise to improve the function of the heart and to avoid weight gain. However, due to changes in the heart related to the transplant, patients should speak to their doctor or cardiac rehabilitation specialist before beginning an exercise program. Because the nerves leading to the heart are cut during the operation, the transplanted heart beats faster (about 100 to 110 beats per minute) than the normal heart (about 70 beats per minute). The new heart also responds more slowly to exercise and doesn't increase its rate as quickly as before.


Question: What are the risks of a heart transplant?

Answer: The most common causes of death following a heart transplant are infection and rejection. Patients on drugs to prevent rejection of the new heart are at risk for developing kidney damage, high blood pressure, osteoporosis (a severe thinning of the bones, which can cause fractures), and lymphoma (a type of cancer that affects cells of the immune system). Atherosclerosis of the heart's arteries or coronary artery disease develops in almost half the patients who receive transplants. And many of them have no symptoms, such as angina (chest pain), because they have no sensations in their new hearts.


Question: How many people are in need of a heart transplant?

Answer: At any given time, almost 3,500 to 4,000 people are waiting for a heart or heart-lung transplant. A person may wait months for a transplant and more than 25% do not live long enough to receive a new heart. Many people who are waiting for transplantation have mixed feelings, because they are aware that someone must die before an organ becomes available. It may help to know that many donor families feel a sense of peace knowing that some good has come from their loved one's death.


Question: How are heart transplant recipients monitored?

Answer: Heart transplant recipients are carefully monitored for signs of rejection. Doctors frequently take samples of small pieces of the transplanted heart to inspect under a microscope. Called a biopsy, this procedure involves advancing a thin tube called a catheter through a vein to the heart. At the end of the catheter is a bioptome, a tiny instrument used to snip off a piece of tissue. If the biopsy shows damaged cells, the dose and kind of immunosuppressive drug may be changed. Biopsies of the heart muscle are usually performed weekly for the first three to six weeks after surgery, then every three months for the first year, and then yearly thereafter. It is vital for you to be aware of the possible signs of rejection and infection so you can report them to your doctors and be treated immediately.


Question: What is organ rejection in a heart transplant?

Answer: Normally, the body's immune system protects the body from infection. This occurs when cells of the immune system move around the body, checking for anything that looks foreign or different from the body's own cells. Rejection occurs when the body's immune cells recognize the transplanted heart as different from the rest of the body and attempt to destroy it. If left alone, the immune system would damage the cells of a new heart and eventually destroy it.


Question: What is the process for getting a heart transplant?

Answer: In order to get a heart transplant, you must first be placed on a transplant list. But, before you can be placed on the transplant list, you must go through a careful screening process. A team of heart doctors, nurses, social workers, and bioethicists review your medical history, diagnostic test results, social history, and psychological test results to see if you are able to survive the procedure and then comply with the continuous care needed to live a healthy life. Once you are approved, you must wait for a donor to become available. This process can be long and stressful. A supportive network of family and friends is needed to help you through this time. The health care team will monitor you closely to keep your heart failure in control until a donor heart is found. The hospital must know where to contact you at all times should a heart become available.


Question: What are the signs of organ rejection in a heart transplant?

Answer: Signs of organ rejection include: Fever over 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) " Flu-like" symptoms such as chills, aches, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and/or vomiting Shortness of breath New chest pain or tenderness Fatigue or generally feeling "lousy" Elevation in blood pressure With too much immunosuppression, the immune system can become sluggish, and a patient can easily develop severe infections.


Question: Who may not be considered for a heart transplant?

Answer: Also, if you have additional medical problems, such as other severe diseases, active infections, or severe obesity, you most likely will not be considered a candidate for transplant.


Question: What is a heart transplant?

Answer: It may help to know that many donor families feel a sense of peace knowing that some good has come from their loved one's death. Once a donor heart becomes available, a surgeon from the transplant center goes to harvest the donor heart.


Question: Is a heart transplant covered by insurance?

Answer: In most cases, the costs related to a heart transplant are covered by health insurance. It is important to do your own research and find out if your specific health insurance provider covers this treatment and if you will be responsible for any costs.


Question: What happens during a heart transplant?

Answer: During a heart transplant, the patient is placed on a heart-lung machine. This machine allows the body to receive vital oxygen and nutrients from the blood even though the heart is being operated on. Surgeons then remove the patient's heart except for the back walls of the atria, the heart's upper chambers. The backs of the atria on the new heart are opened and the heart is sewn into place. Surgeons then connect the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through the heart and lungs. As the heart warms up, it begins beating. Surgeons check all the connected blood vessels and heart chambers for leaks before removing the patient from the heart-lung machine. It is a complicated operation that lasts from four to 10 hours.


Question: What are the warning signs of infection in a heart transplant?

Answer: Signs of organ rejection include: Fever over 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) " Flu-like" symptoms such as chills, aches, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and/or vomiting Shortness of breath New chest pain or tenderness Fatigue or generally feeling "lousy" Elevation in blood pressure With too much immunosuppression, the immune system can become sluggish, and a patient can easily develop severe infections. For this reason, drugs are also prescribed to fight infections. It is vital for you to be aware of the possible signs of rejection and infection so you can report them to your doctors and be treated immediately. Warning signs of infection include: Fever over 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) Sweats or chills Skin rash Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling Wound or cut that won't heal Red, warm, or draining sore Sore throat, scratchy throat, or pain when swallowing Sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches, or tenderness along upper cheekbones Persistent dry or moist cough that lasts more than two days White patches in your mouth or on your tongue Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Flu-like symptoms (chills, aches, headache, or fatigue) or generally feeling "lousy" Trouble urinating: pain or burning, constant urge or frequent urination Bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine If you have any of these symptoms of organ rejection or infection, notify your doctor right away.


Question: How are organ donors for heart transplants found?

Answer: Donors for heart transplants are individuals who may have recently died or become brain dead, which means that although their body is being kept alive by machines, the brain has no sign of life. Many times, these donors died as a result of a car accident, severe head injury, or a gunshot wound. Donors generally give their permission for organ donation before their death. The donor's family must also give consent for organ donation at the time of the donor's death. Donor organs are located through the United Network for Organ Sharing's ( UNOS) computerized national waiting list. This waiting list assures equal access and fair distribution of organs when they become available. When a heart becomes available for transplantation, it is given to the best possible match, based on blood type, body size, UNOS status (based on the recipient's medical condition) and the length of time the recipient has been waiting. The race and gender of the donor have no bearing on the match.


Question: Who is considered a candidate for a heart transplant?

Answer: Approximately 2,300 heart transplants are performed each year in the U. S. People who have advanced (end stage) heart failure, but are otherwise healthy, may be considered for a heart transplant. The following basic questions should be considered by you, your doctor, and your family to determine if heart transplantation is right for you: Have all other therapies been tried or excluded? Are you likely to die in the near future without the transplant? Are you in generally good health other than the heart or heart and lung disease? Can you adhere to the lifestyle changes, including complex drug treatments and frequent exams, required after a transplant? If you answered "no" to any of the above questions, heart transplantation may not be for you. Also, if you have additional medical problems, such as other severe diseases, active infections, or severe obesity, you most likely will not be considered a candidate for transplant.


Question: What are warning signs of infection after a heart transplant?

Answer: Warning signs of infection include: Fever over 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) Sweats or chills Skin rash Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling Wound or cut that won't heal Red, warm, or draining sore Sore throat, scratchy throat, or pain when swallowing Sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches, or tenderness along upper cheekbones Persistent dry or moist cough that lasts more than two days White patches in your mouth or on your tongue Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Flu-like symptoms (chills, aches, headache, or fatigue) or generally feeling "lousy" Trouble urinating: pain or burning, constant urge or frequent urination Bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine If you have any of these symptoms of organ rejection or infection, notify your doctor right away.


Question: What are warning signs of rejection after a heart transplant?

Answer: It is vital for you to be aware of the possible signs of rejection and infection so you can report them to your doctors and be treated immediately. Signs of organ rejection include: Fever over 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) " Flu-like" symptoms such as chills, aches, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and/or vomiting Shortness of breath New chest pain or tenderness Fatigue or generally feeling "lousy" Elevation in blood pressure With too much immunosuppression, the immune system can become sluggish, and a patient can easily develop severe infections.


Question: Why does organ rejection happen?

Answer: Normally, the body's immune system protects the body from infection. This occurs when cells of the immune system move around the body, checking for anything that looks foreign or different from the body's own cells. Rejection occurs when the body's immune cells recognize the transplanted heart as different from the rest of the body and attempt to destroy it.


Question: Where do donor organs come from?

Answer: Donor organs are located through the United Network for Organ Sharing's ( UNOS) computerized national waiting list. This waiting list assures equal access and fair distribution of organs when they become available. When a heart becomes available for transplantation, it is given to the best possible match, based on blood type, body size, UNOS status (based on the recipient's medical condition) and the length of time the recipient has been waiting. The race and gender of the donor have no bearing on the match.


Question: Can you exercise after getting a heart transplant?

Answer: Heart transplant recipients can exercise and are encouraged to exercise to improve the function of the heart and to avoid weight gain. However, due to changes in the heart related to the transplant, patients should speak to their doctor or cardiac rehabilitation specialist before beginning an exercise program.


Question: Who is considered for a heart transplant?

Answer: Approximately 2,300 heart transplants are performed each year in the U. S. People who have advanced (end stage) heart failure, but are otherwise healthy, may be considered for a heart transplant.


Question: Can you live normally after a heart transplant?

Answer: With the exception of having to take lifelong medication to keep the body from rejecting the donated heart, many heart transplant recipients lead active and productive lives.


Question: How can a heart transplant affect your diet?

Answer: Diet. Your doctor will discuss your specific dietary needs, and a registered dietitian can help you understand specific dietary guidelines.


Question: How long can a person live after a heart transplant?

Answer: Can you adhere to the lifestyle changes, including complex drug treatments and frequent exams, required after a transplant? Recent figures show that 75% of heart transplant patients live at least five years after surgery. Nearly 85% return to work or other activities they previously enjoyed. Many patients enjoy swimming, cycling, running, or other sports.


Question: How long can you live after a heart transplant?

Answer: Can you adhere to the lifestyle changes, including complex drug treatments and frequent exams, required after a transplant? Recent figures show that 75% of heart transplant patients live at least five years after surgery. Nearly 85% return to work or other activities they previously enjoyed. Many patients enjoy swimming, cycling, running, or other sports.


Question: What can you do to prevent and avoid organ rejection in a heart transplant?

Answer: Donors generally give their permission for organ donation before their death. If left alone, the immune system would damage the cells of a new heart and eventually destroy it. As mentioned, after a heart transplant, patients must take several drugs.


Question: What happens if you are exposed to an allergen or asthma trigger?

Answer: Late Phase Response If you are exposed to an allergen or asthma trigger, the chances are great that airway obstruction or allergic asthma will occur shortly afterward. This acute asthma attack ends within one hour. About 50% of those who experience an immediate reaction also have a second phase of airway obstruction within three to eight hours of exposure to the allergen. This phase is called the late phase response, and it is characterized by an increase in airway responsiveness, development of bronchial inflammation, and a more prolonged period of airway obstruction. Many studies report that when allergen exposure occurs in the evening instead of in the morning, you are more susceptible to having a late phase response and are more likely to have one of greater severity.


Question: When are asthma symptoms at their worst?

Answer: Nocturnal wheezing, cough, and trouble breathing are common yet potentially dangerous. Many doctors often underestimate nocturnal asthma or nighttime asthma. Studies show that most deaths related to asthma symptoms such as wheezing happen at night. According to your type of asthma and asthma severity (mild, moderate, or severe), your doctor can prescribe treatment to help you resolve your nighttime asthma symptoms so you can sleep like a baby.


Question: How does acid reflux affect night-time asthma?

Answer: Nocturnal asthma, with symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing at night, can make sleep impossible and leave you feeling tired and irritable during the day. GERD If you are frequently bothered with heartburn, the reflux of stomach acid up through the esophagus to the larynx may stimulate a bronchial spasm. It's worse when lying down or if you take medications for asthma that relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus. Sometimes, acid from the stomach will irritate the lower esophagus and lead to constriction of your airways. If stomach acid backs up to your throat, it may drip down to the trachea, airways and lungs, leading to a severe reaction. Taking care of GERD and asthma with appropriate medications can often stop nighttime asthma.


Question: Why is asthma worse during sleep?

Answer: Many doctors often underestimate nocturnal asthma or nighttime asthma. Studies show that most deaths related to asthma symptoms such as wheezing happen at night. The exact reason that asthma is worse during sleep are not known, but there are explanations that include increased exposure to allergens; cooling of the airways; being in a reclining position; and hormone secretions that follow a circadian pattern. Sleep itself may even cause changes in bronchial function. According to your type of asthma and asthma severity (mild, moderate, or severe), your doctor can prescribe treatment to help you resolve your nighttime asthma symptoms so you can sleep like a baby.


Question: What role does epinephrine play in asthma?

Answer: Epinephrine is one such hormone, which exerts important influences on the bronchial tubes. This hormone helps keep the muscle in the walls of bronchi relaxed so the airway remains wide. Epinephrine also suppresses the release of other substances, such as histamines, which cause mucus secretion and bronchospasm. Your epinephrine levels and peak expiratory flow rates are lowest at about 4:00 a.m., while histamine levels tend to peak at this same time. Since nocturnal asthma or nighttime asthma may occur anytime during the sleep period, asthma treatment must be sufficient to cover these hours.


Question: Does cranberry have antioxidants?

Answer: Cranberry is an antioxidant, a substance that could protect cells from damage. Some lab studies show that cranberries might have an anticancer effects on cells. It isn't known if it might help people with cancer.


Question: Why do people take cranberry?

Answer: A number of studies, many sponsored by juice manufacturer Ocean Spray, show that cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections ( UTIs) in people who repeatedly have them. Some studies of cranberry supplements have had similar results. Cranberries might stop bacteria from sticking to the sides of the urinary tract. Studies have not shown that cranberries are effective treatments for UTIs once you have an infection.


Question: What are side effects of taking cranberry?

Answer: Pregnant women might suffer these side effects at lower doses. While cranberry juice is generally safe, children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take cranberry for medical purposes unless a doctor recommends it.


Question: Can cranberry help with a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Answer: Studies have not shown that cranberries are effective treatments for UTIs once you have an infection. There's no good evidence that it will help. Instead, see a doctor. If you have health conditions like aspirin allergy or kidney stones, check with a doctor before using cranberry for a health condition. Sweetened cranberry drinks can be high in calories and high-fructose corn syrup, and thus may be inadvisable for people with diabetes or weight problems.


Question: What are cranberries?

Answer: Traditionally, cranberries have been used for urinary conditions and other ailments. Cranberries, cranberry juice, and cranberry extracts are safe.


Question: What is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)?

Answer: Meibomian gland dysfunction ( MGD) is a common eye condition, yet many people don't realize they have it. You get it when there's a problem with a few dozen tiny glands in your eyelids that help make tears.


Question: How is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) diagnosed?

Answer: There's no single thing that can show that you have MGD. Your eye doctor will look closely at your eyelids to inspect the gland openings. She may press on your eyelids to squeeze oil out. The Schirmer's test checks if you make enough tears. Other tests can measure the quality of your meibum and how fast your tears evaporate. The combination of results can lead to a diagnosis of MGD.


Question: What are self-care treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)?

Answer: Put a warm, wet washcloth or heat pack over your eyelids for 5 minutes, twice a day, to help loosen the oil. Follow this with a light fingertip massage. For the upper lid, look down and very gently roll one side of your index finger from the top of your eyelid down to the lash line. For the lower lid, look up at the ceiling and roll your finger up to the lash line. To help unblock gland openings, clean with a non-soap cleanser once a day. Dab it on a warm, wet washcloth and gently go along your upper and lower lash lines.


Question: What are treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)?

Answer: For more advanced MGD and depending on what other health issues you have, your doctor may add medications to your care plan: Lubricants Antibiotics for infections Cyclosporine to suppress your immune system Steroids that help ease inflammation These could be eye drops or spray, creams, or pills. In the office, your doctor may use devices that send heat or pulsed light to open blocked meibomian glands and improve symptoms.


Question: What does an acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury feel like?

Answer: What you'll feel: Pain in your shoulder. You might also see a bump on top of the shoulder where it's separated.


Question: How can you get a rotator cuff injury?

Answer: How it can get hurt: Sports that involve lifting your hands over your head -- like pitching in baseball, swimming the freestyle or butterfly stroke, serving in tennis, and weightlifting -- can cause the top part of the shoulder blade to pinch the rotator cuff muscles. Doctors call this âshoulder impingement.â Repetitive motion in sports can also overload the tendons of the rotator cuff. Over time, they can swell and get inflamed. Doctors call this tendinitis. If you ignore the pain and keep swinging that golf club or tennis racket, the tendon that connects the rotator cuff muscles to the ball part of the joint can eventually tear.


Question: How do you treat a rotator cuff injury?

Answer: Treatment: Your doctor may suggest that you rest your shoulder for a few days, then start rotator cuff stretches and exercises so that this area gets stronger and moves well. Don't lift anything above shoulder level until the injury heals. An anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injection may help bring down swelling and ease pain. If the pain and weakness don't improve, you might need physical therapy or surgery.


Question: How is a dislocated shoulder treated?

Answer: Treatment: Don't let anyone work on your shoulder unless you're sure they are trained and have experience in doing this. Otherwise, it could make matters worse. Instead, see your doctor, who may give you a sedative or pain medicine before sliding your upper arm bone gently back into its socket. You'll have to keep the shoulder still for a few weeks afterward in a sling. If your shoulder is being stubborn and it won't go back in place, you may need surgery to move the joint. Surgery can also repair torn ligaments or tendons in your shoulder.


Question: How can you dislocate your shoulder?

Answer: When the shoulder slips only partway out of the socket, doctors call that âsubluxation.â How it can get injured : A strong hit to your shoulder on the football field or ice hockey rink can pop the ball out of its socket. You can also get a dislocated shoulder if you rotate your shoulder joint too far, like when you're serving in volleyball.


Question: How can you get an acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury?

Answer: How it can get hurt : You might get hit hard in the shoulder or fall on an outstretched hand.


Question: How can you prevent a rotator cuff injury?

Answer: Prevention: Exercise your rotator cuff muscles to keep them strong and improve your range of motion. Be careful when you play sports like golf and tennis that use the same repetitive motions. Switch up your game once in a while. And stop whenever you feel pain.


Question: How can you prevent an acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury?

Answer: Prevention: Do range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. Gradually increase the weight and number of reps to strengthen your shoulder.


Question: What is an acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury?

Answer: What it is : The AC (acromioclavicular) joint is where the uppermost part of your shoulder blade -- a structure called the acromion -- meets your collarbone. When ligaments connecting the acromion and collarbone get torn, you've got a separated shoulder.


Question: What does a rotator cuff injury feel like?

Answer: What you'll feel: Pain is the main symptom of a rotator cuff injury. The pain gets worse when you raise your arm, and you might hear a click or popping sound. Eventually, the shoulder will hurt even when you're not moving it. A rotator cuff injury can limit your shoulder movement and cut your strength.


Question: What is a dislocated shoulder?

Answer: What it is : A dislocated shoulder happens when the top of the upper arm bone (the âballâ) slips out of its socket. The ball can slip forward, backward, or downward. Before you fully dislocate it, the shoulder might feel like it's starting to go out of place. That's called instability. When the shoulder slips only partway out of the socket, doctors call that âsubluxation.â How it can get injured : A strong hit to your shoulder on the football field or ice hockey rink can pop the ball out of its socket.


Question: What does a dislocated shoulder feel like?

Answer: What you'll feel: You can feel when your shoulder pops out of place. The pop will be followed by intense pain. You might also have swelling, bruising, and weakness in the arm.


Question: How is an acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury treated?

Answer: Treatment: You'll need to see your doctor if you think you might have an AC joint injury. You will probably need to wear a sling to keep your shoulder still. Ice the area for about 20-30 minutes every couple of hours to cut swelling. Take acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen to help with the pain.


Question: Who is most likely to get ringworm on the scalp?

Answer: Ringworm is most common in children between the ages of 3 and 7, but it can affect adults, too.


Question: How are head lice treated?

Answer: To treat, parents can use an over-the-counter product with permethrin ( Nix), pyrethrin ( Rid), or spinosad ( Natroba). Lice kits usually contain a special shampoo that is left on the hair for 10 minutes and then washed out, and a fine-toothed comb to remove any remaining eggs. Another treatment is a lotion called Sklice, which doesn't use a comb. One treatment may be all that's needed. The key ingredient is ivermectin, a powerful parasite killer. You can use it on kids as young as 6 months.


Question: What is the treatment for lice?

Answer: To treat, parents can use an over-the-counter product with permethrin ( Nix), pyrethrin ( Rid), or spinosad ( Natroba). Lice kits usually contain a special shampoo that is left on the hair for 10 minutes and then washed out, and a fine-toothed comb to remove any remaining eggs. Another treatment is a lotion called Sklice, which doesn't use a comb. One treatment may be all that's needed. The key ingredient is ivermectin, a powerful parasite killer. You can use it on kids as young as 6 months.


Question: How is folliculitis treated?

Answer: Look for small, pus-filled pimples. Some mild cases will go away without treatment, but an antibiotic can help clear up the bacteria quickly. If shaving, waxing, or plucking is the cause, you may need to hold off on these for a few weeks to allow healthy hair to grow. Be sure to keep the affected area clean, cool, and dry.


Question: What is dandruff?

Answer: Dandruff is simply a buildup of shedding dead skin. We don't know the cause, but it may be due to a fungus on the skin.


Question: What is ringworm?

Answer: Despite the name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It's an infection that leaves round, scaly, red rashes and patches of hair loss on the scalp. Ringworm is most common in children between the ages of 3 and 7, but it can affect adults, too. It's spread through close contact or by sharing hats, clothing, towels, and combs. In rare cases, it's possible to catch ringworm from a dog or cat.


Question: What is lichen planus on the scalp?

Answer: No one knows what causes it, but there are a number of theories, ranging from stress to genetics. It may also be linked to the hepatitis B or C virus, dental materials, or thyroid disease. Doctors believe lichen planus is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system attacks your own body by mistake. Anti-malaria medications and those used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis can sometimes cause a lichen planus-like irritation. People who have lichen planus develop flat-topped, purple, or reddish bumps on their skin.


Question: Should I clean the house if I have lice?

Answer: Clearing up lice also requires that you thoroughly clean house. Vacuum the rugs and furniture, and then wash all of the child's clothes, hats, bedding, and towels in hot water. Dry-clean items you can't wash, like stuffed animals, or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks. Experts recommend that you continue to check the hair for two to three weeks to make sure that all of the lice and nits (eggs) are gone. Use another lice kit after 10 days.


Question: Is there a cure for dandruff?

Answer: There's no cure, but it's fairly easy to control by washing your hair more often with a medicated shampoo. Leave it in for 5 minutes before rinsing to give it a chance to work. Pick one with one or more of these ingredients: Coal tar ( Neutrogena T/ Gel, Tegrin) Zinc pyrithione ( Suave Dandruff Control, Pert Plus Dandruff Control, Head & Shoulders) Salicylic acid ( T- Sal, Sebulex) Selenium sulfide ( Selsun Blue) Ketoconazole ( Nizoral A- D) available as a 1% over-the-counter shampoo or a 2% prescription-strength one You may need to try two or three products to clear up your dandruff.


Question: What is psoriasis?

Answer: This skin condition can show up anywhere, but often happens on the scalp. It causes the body to make too many new skin cells. This buildup can form thick, crusted scales that can feel itchy or sore.


Question: Can you get dandruff from other people?

Answer: You can't catch dandruff from someone else, and it isn't dangerous, but it can be itchy and a bother. Luckily, there's no redness or scabbing of the scalp.


Question: What is the treatment for cradle cap?

Answer: For treatment, try rubbing your baby's scalp softly with baby or mineral oil to loosen the scales. After a few minutes, wash your baby's hair with a gentle baby shampoo. Then brush the scalp very gently with a soft brush to loosen the flakes. If a regular shampoo isn't working, ask your pediatrician about a medicated one.


Question: Can you get dandruff from someone else?

Answer: You can't catch dandruff from someone else, and it isn't dangerous, but it can be itchy and a bother.


Question: What is cradle cap?

Answer: This form of seborrheic dermatitis affects infants, typically in the first 6 months. It causes greasy, yellowish scales or crusts on the scalp. Although it may frighten parents, cradle cap is not a sign of a more serious infection, and it will usually clear up by the baby's first birthday.


Question: How is lichen planus on the scalp treated?

Answer: To kill the fungus, you must treat ringworm on the scalp with medications taken by mouth. Retinoid medications used for acne may also help. Antihistamines (such as Benadryl), cold compresses, and soothing baths can help the itching. Sometimes doctors use a type of ultraviolet light therapy called PUVA (psoralen plus UVA radiation), narrow band UVB phototherapy, or antibiotics.


Question: Does hair make my scalp itch?

Answer: There's no cure, but it's fairly easy to control by washing your hair more often with a medicated shampoo. And they usually itch.


Question: How does alcohol use disorder affect younger and older people differently?

Answer: In young people binge drinking is more acceptable, and teenagers tend to drink with friends. Older people are more likely to drink alone, and take medications or have co-morbidities that make drinking more risky. Both situations can make it hard to identify a problem drinker.


Question: What health problems can alcohol use disorder cause?

Answer: Alcohol intoxication may or may not be obvious to observers. Even in highly functional alcoholics, chronic alcoholism can lead to physical problems. Most common is damage to your liver, which over time can lead to cirrhosis (scarred liver). Other risks include depression, chronic gastritis that leads to stomach bleeds, pancreatitis, high blood pressure, heart failure, numbness and tingling in your feet and changes in your brain. Alcoholism can also increase your risk for infections including pneumonia and tuberculosis. Alcoholism can also lead to impotence in men, damage to the fetus in pregnant women, and an elevated risk of cancer of the larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, stomach, pancreas, and upper gastrointestinal tract. Because heavy drinkers seldom have adequate diets, they may have nutritional deficiencies. Heavy drinkers typically have impaired liver function, and up to one in five develops cirrhosis.


Question: How common is alcohol abuse?

Answer: Consumed in moderate amounts, alcoholic beverages are relaxing and in some cases may even have beneficial effects on heart health. Consumed in excess, alcohol is poisonous and is considered a drug. It is estimated that between 18 million -- or one in 12 adults -- in the U. S. abuse alcohol or are chronic alcoholics. Nearly 100,000 Americans die each year as a result of alcohol abuse, and alcohol is a factor in more than half of the country's homicides, suicides, and traffic accidents. Alcohol abuse also plays a role in many social and domestic problems, from job absenteeism and crimes against property to spousal and child abuse.


Question: What makes treatment difficult for alcohol use disorder?

Answer: The alcoholic's continual craving for alcohol makes abstinence -- an important goal of treatment -- extremely difficult. The condition is also complicated by denial: Alcoholics might be reluctant to admit their excess drinking either because of denial or guilt. Another barrier to receiving care is that physicians screen only about 15% of their primary care patients for alcohol disorders. Historically, alcoholic behavior was blamed on a character flaw or weakness of will; experts now consider alcoholism, and addiction more generally, a medical disease.


Question: What are physical effects of drinking alcohol?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } The immediate physical effects of drinking alcohol range from mild mood changes to complete loss of coordination, vision, balance, and speech -- any of which can be signals of acute alcohol intoxication, or drunkenness. These effects usually wear off in a matter of hours after a person stops drinking. Many law-enforcement agencies regard a .08 percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream as evidence of intoxication. Larger amounts of blood alcohol can impair brain function and eventually cause unconsciousness. An extreme overdose, alcohol poisoning, can be fatal.


Question: What causes alcoholism?

Answer: The cause of alcoholism seems to be a blend of genetic, physical, psychological, environmental, and social factors. A given person's risk of becoming an alcoholic is three to four times greater if a parent is alcoholic. While children of alcoholics have an increased risk of struggling with alcohol, many children of people who have an alcohol abuse or dependence issue do not develop a problem.


Question: What can you do for pain management in an abortion procedure?

Answer: Your doctor will also talk to you about different types of pain management available to you during the procedure. For an in-clinic abortion, you'll probably get local anesthesia, meaning that your cervix will be numbed but you'll be awake. While 600 to 800 milligrams of ibuprofen usually provides enough pain relief, your doctor might also offer you an oral medication to calm you down or mildly sedate you, so you're awake but relaxed. If you prefer heavy sedation, meaning you're in a light sleep throughout the procedure, you can ask if a sedative medication can be given to you through an IV.


Question: How is a vacuum aspiration (suction abortion) done?

Answer: If you opt for an in-clinic abortion in your first trimester, you'll have a vacuum aspiration, which you may also hear called a âsuction abortion.â In most cases, your cervix doesn't need to be prepped or dilated for this procedure. But if you're more than about 10 to 12 weeks pregnant, your health care provider may take steps to open your cervix a bit before getting started so that the medical tools can access your uterus. She'll likely insert little sticks made of sterilized seaweed that absorb moisture and expand, called laminaria. Once you're ready for the procedure, your health care provider will have you lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups, like you're having a pelvic exam. When you're comfortable and sedated, if you so choose, your health care provider will insert a medical tool called a speculum into your vagina to keep it open, and swab your vagina and cervix with an antiseptic solution called Betadine. She'll inject an anesthetic into the cervix to numb it, holding your cervix in place with a grasping instrument. She'll then insert a small tube attached to either a hand-held syringe or a suction machine into your uterus, and clear out its contents. From start to finish, the procedure takes several minutes. Afterward, your doctor will check to make sure that the procedure was successful, and then let you rest for about 30 minutes under observation.


Question: Can a bleeding disorder cause a nose bleed?

Answer: But if you get nosebleeds a lot -- there may be a reason you can pinpoint: Dry climates or dry, heated air that dries out the inside of your nose Picking your nose or rubbing it too hard A cold Repeated nose-blowing An injury to your nose Allergies or allergy medicines that can dry out your nose Other medications you're taking such as certain blood thinners A sinus infection It's possible for nosebleeds to be caused by bleeding disorders, but it's rare. If your nosebleed doesn't stop, or you have a lot of bleeding from your gums or when you get minor cuts, then you should see a doctor. Bleeding disorders can be serious because platelets in your blood that help it clot are either missing or aren't working.


Question: Can nose bleeds be genetic?

Answer: In some cases, nosebleeds can be caused by genes passed down in families. A rare condition called âhereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasiaâ ( HHT) affects the blood vessels. The main symptom is repeated nosebleeds that seem to come out of nowhere and get worse over time.


Question: Am I  having an anterior or posterior nose bleed?

Answer: It can be hard to tell if you have a posterior or anterior nosebleed. Both can make blood flow toward the back of your throat if you're lying on your back. But posterior nosebleeds can be much more serious. You're more likely to need to emergency help.


Question: What are some other chemicals that can cause popcorn lung?

Answer: Other chemicals that can cause popcorn lung include: Metal oxide fumes, a common byproduct of welding Formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical used in some glues and building materials Sulfur dioxide, a pollutant released by burning fossil fuels Ammonia Chlorine Nitrogen oxides Hydrochloric acid Sulfur mustard, a chemical weapon known as "mustard gas" Sometimes, bronchiolitis obliterans happens after you've had a serious illness that affects your lungs, for example some forms of pneumonia or bronchitis.


Question: What is the purpose of lungs?

Answer: Your lungs are where your blood picks up oxygen before carrying it to cells in the rest of your body. When you breathe in, air flows into your lungs through your windpipe, or trachea. Your windpipe divides into two tubes called the bronchi, which lead to your left and right lungs.


Question: What happens when someone has popcorn lung?

Answer: When you have "popcorn lung," those tiny air passages get irritated and inflamed. That leads to scarring that makes them narrower. That makes it harder for you to get enough air.


Question: When are other times someone could have bronchiolitis obliterans?

Answer: Other chemicals that can cause popcorn lung include: Metal oxide fumes, a common byproduct of welding Formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical used in some glues and building materials Sulfur dioxide, a pollutant released by burning fossil fuels Ammonia Chlorine Nitrogen oxides Hydrochloric acid Sulfur mustard, a chemical weapon known as "mustard gas" Sometimes, bronchiolitis obliterans happens after you've had a serious illness that affects your lungs, for example some forms of pneumonia or bronchitis. And some people who have rheumatoid arthritis can get popcorn lung as a side effect of that condition.


Question: What are the main symptoms of popcorn lung?

Answer: The main symptoms of popcorn lung are a dry cough and shortness of breath. These show up between 2 weeks and 2 months after you've been around a toxic gas or had an illness. You're especially likely to have them when you're exercising or doing heavy labor. If you've had a lung transplant, it might take several years for symptoms to show up. If you feel tired without an obvious reason or wheeze when you don't have asthma or a cold, that also could be a symptom of bronchiolitis obliterans.


Question: What is popcorn lung?

Answer: It's sometimes caused by breathing in a chemical used to flavor microwave popcorn. But other chemicals or lung illnesses can also cause popcorn lung. The chemical that gave this condition its nickname is diacetyl. The main symptoms of popcorn lung are a dry cough and shortness of breath.


Question: How does a menstrual cup work?

Answer: The small, flexible cup is made of silicone or latex rubber. Instead of absorbing your flow, like a tampon or pad, it catches and collects it. Just before your period begins, tightly fold the menstrual cup and insert it like a tampon without an applicator. Used correctly, you shouldn't feel it. It's similar to putting a diaphragm or birth control ring in place. Your cup will spring open (you may need to rotate it first) and rest against the walls of your vagina. It forms a seal to prevent leaks. The blood then simply drips into the cup. Some types are disposable, but most are reusable. To remove it, you pull the stem sticking out the bottom and pinch the base to release the seal. Then you just empty, wash with soap and water, and replace. At the end of your cycle, you can sterilize your cup in boiling water. Like any other product for your period, you can buy them online or over the counter at grocery and drugstores.


Question: Are menstrual cups new to the feminine care aisle?

Answer: Menstrual cups have actually been around since the 1930s, but America was slow to catch on. The first menstrual cup for U. S. use was manufactured in 1987. Since then, there have been several others produced, manufactured from different substances ranging from rubber to silicone. Your partner can't feel them, and there's no blood to worry about.