Question: How do I prevent a collapsed lung after surgery?

Answer: But if a large part of your lung collapses or stops inflating, it can cause: Shortness of breath Rapid breathing and heart rate Blue lips or skin To prevent a collapsed lung, your doctor may have you use a device called an incentive spirometer. It measures your breathing and helps you practice taking slow, deep breaths. Get up and move around as soon as you can after surgery. Try to cough to help clear fluid from your lungs and let them re-inflate.


Question: What is an asthma diary used for?

Answer: The asthma diary is used to: Record asthma symptoms and peak expiratory flow ( PEF) readings Compare PEF readings with your asthma zones Keep track of how often you use medications for a sudden asthma attack Recording this information will help you recognize asthma attacks and head them off before you become seriously ill.


Question: What therapy is used for psoriasis on the hands and feet?

Answer: These include: Cyclosporine, to slow down your overactive immune system Low-dose retinoids like acitretin ( Soriatane), to reduce cell multiplication Methotrexate, which slows an enzyme that causes the rapid growth of skin cells in psoriasis Doctors often combine retinoids with light therapy for hands and feet psoriasis. You might have UVB or psoralen- UVA ( PUVA) phototherapy or targeted phototherapy (laser treatment). PUVA involves taking the drug psoralen, either by mouth or applied like paint, along with the light therapy.


Question: How does hydrocolloid occlusion treat psoriasis on the hands and feet?

Answer: Your doctor might have you use a corticosteroid under a type of dressing called hydrocolloid occlusion. This filmy layer bonds to the cream, helps keep skin moist, and can be worn for several days.


Question: When is a biologic used to treat psoriasis on the hands and feet?

Answer: Psoriasis is an immune system condition, so if skin treatments don't work, your doctor may recommend drugs that affect the disease at a cellular level.


Question: What are examples of biologics used to treat psoriasis on the hands and feet?

Answer: Examples include: Adalimumab ( Humira) Brodalumab ( Siliq) Etanercept ( Enbrel) Guselkumab ( Tremfya) Infliximab ( Remicade) Ixekizumab ( Taltz) Secukinumab ( Cosentyx) Ustekinumab ( Stelara) Some people -- mostly adults who smoke -- get pustular psoriasis on their palms and soles.


Question: What is pustular psoriasis and how can it affect your hands and feet?

Answer: Examples include: Adalimumab ( Humira) Brodalumab ( Siliq) Etanercept ( Enbrel) Guselkumab ( Tremfya) Infliximab ( Remicade) Ixekizumab ( Taltz) Secukinumab ( Cosentyx) Ustekinumab ( Stelara) Some people -- mostly adults who smoke -- get pustular psoriasis on their palms and soles. Known as palmoplantar pustulosis ( PPP), it can erupt over months or years. It may also cause painful cracks, redness, and scales. It can be more stubborn to treat than other types of hand and foot psoriasis, but the same methods are used.


Question: What is involved in cosmetic repair for nail psoriasis?

Answer: This can involve: Nail scraping and filing Nail polish Artificial nails Surgical removal To help prevent problems, trim your nails as short as possible, and wear gloves when you work with your hands.


Question: What is used to treat nail psoriasis?

Answer: It could cause: Shallow or deep holes Shape changes Thickening Separation of the nail from the nail bed, with debris under the nail Discoloration Corticosteroid creams or ointments and light therapy are also used to treat nail psoriasis. If these don't get the job done, your doctor might suggest corticosteroid injections into your nail beds. Nail psoriasis can cause fungal infections -- your doctor will prescribe anti-fungal agents.


Question: What may be recommended to treat psoriasis on the hands and feet?

Answer: Hands and feet psoriasis ( HFP) can also cause your skin to: Crack or split Thicken Redden Scale Swell Blister or have pimple-like spots (pustules) Here are some common ways to treat psoriasis on the hands and feet and relieve your symptoms. In addition to moisturizers, mild soaps, and soap substitutes, your doctor may recommend: Coal tar products, like creams, gels, or ointments, to slow skin growth and ease itchy, inflamed, or scaly skin Salicylic acid, a peeling agent that softens or reduces thick scales Corticosteroids, often creams and ointments Combinations of these often work better than one treatment alone. Sometimes doctors suggest alternating or using topical corticosteroids with a type of vitamin D called calcipotriene. This medicine should not be used on the face, so be sure to wear gloves when applying to your hands and feet in order to avoid getting it on your face later.


Question: What happens if you have hands and feet psoriasis?

Answer: Hands and feet psoriasis ( HFP) can also cause your skin to: Crack or split Thicken Redden Scale Swell Blister or have pimple-like spots (pustules) Here are some common ways to treat psoriasis on the hands and feet and relieve your symptoms.


Question: What medications can stop the progress of psoriasis on the hands and feet?

Answer: Psoriasis is an immune system condition, so if skin treatments don't work, your doctor may recommend drugs that affect the disease at a cellular level. These include: Cyclosporine, to slow down your overactive immune system Low-dose retinoids like acitretin ( Soriatane), to reduce cell multiplication Methotrexate, which slows an enzyme that causes the rapid growth of skin cells in psoriasis Doctors often combine retinoids with light therapy for hands and feet psoriasis.


Question: How does psoriasis on the hands and feet affect you?

Answer: But it can also appear on the tops of your feet, backs of your hands, and on knuckles and nails. Your hands and feet make up only 4% of your body's total surface area. But psoriasis here can still have a big effect on your quality of life. You might have pain, or you may just want to cover up the scales. If it affects your work, that could lead to a financial burden as well.


Question: How can you prevent nail psoriasis?

Answer: This can involve: Nail scraping and filing Nail polish Artificial nails Surgical removal To help prevent problems, trim your nails as short as possible, and wear gloves when you work with your hands.


Question: What is a Holter monitor?

Answer: If your heart seems to skip a beat, race, or work a bit too slow, you could have a condition known as arrhythmia. Your doctor might suggest you wear a device called a Holter monitor. This simple at-home tool helps track your heart's rhythm around the clock for a few days while you work, sleep, play, and do everyday tasks. Your doctor may refer to the device as an "ambulatory electrocardiogram," or ECG. That sounds a little scary, but ambulatory just means walking or moving around. It applies to the monitor, which you can wear or carry with you.


Question: If I'm allergic to milk, can I have sheep or goat milk?

Answer: Also, ask your doctor if sheep and goat's milk are safe. For most people with a milk allergy, the answer is no -- the proteins in sheep and goat's milk are similar to those in cow's milk and also cause a reaction.


Question: What is the difference between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy?

Answer: Lactose intolerance is when you can't digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. You'll often get symptoms like stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea. With a milk allergy, the symptoms affect more than just your digestive tract. A milk allergy is when your immune system thinks dairy is a foreign invader and attacks it by releasing chemicals called histamines. Symptoms can range from wheezing problems to vomiting and diarrhea.


Question: What are foods with milk in them that should be avoided with a milk allergy?

Answer: Butter and butter fat Cheese, including cottage cheese and cheese sauces Cream, including sour cream Custard Milk, including buttermilk, powdered milk, and evaporated milk Yogurt Ice cream Pudding These foods often contain cow's milk protein. Check their labels before buying. If you're eating out, ask if milk was used to make them. Au gratin dishes and white sauces Baked goods -- bread, cookies, crackers, cakes Cake mix Cereals Chewing gum Chocolate and cream candy Coffee creamers Creamed or scalloped foods Donuts Malted milk Margarine Mashed potatoes Meats -- canned and processed, including cold cuts and deli meats Nougat, found in some candy Salad dressings Sherbet If you see these listed on a label, the food has milk proteins in it: Artificial butter or cheese flavor Casein or caseinates Curd Ghee Hydrolysates Lactalbumin, lactalbumin phosphate Lactose, lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, lactulose Rennet Whey or whey products These lists may not be complete.


Question: What dairy products should you avoid if you have a milk allergy?

Answer: Butter and butter fat Cheese, including cottage cheese and cheese sauces Cream, including sour cream Custard Milk, including buttermilk, powdered milk, and evaporated milk Yogurt Ice cream Pudding These foods often contain cow's milk protein.


Question: What are ingredients with milk that should be avoided with a milk allergy?

Answer: Au gratin dishes and white sauces Baked goods -- bread, cookies, crackers, cakes Cake mix Cereals Chewing gum Chocolate and cream candy Coffee creamers Creamed or scalloped foods Donuts Malted milk Margarine Mashed potatoes Meats -- canned and processed, including cold cuts and deli meats Nougat, found in some candy Salad dressings Sherbet If you see these listed on a label, the food has milk proteins in it: Artificial butter or cheese flavor Casein or caseinates Curd Ghee Hydrolysates Lactalbumin, lactalbumin phosphate Lactose, lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, lactulose Rennet Whey or whey products These lists may not be complete.


Question: What are tips for living well with a milk allergy?

Answer: Find other ways to get vitamins and minerals. Dairy products are an important source of calcium, protein, and vitamins D and B12. If you or your child has a milk allergy, foods such as broccoli, spinach, and soy products can help fill the void. A registered dietitian can help you develop a well-balanced eating plan. Try dairy substitutes. Drink soy, rice, and almond milk that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Look for non-dairy ice cream, chocolate, cheese, and yogurt. Be careful with kosher products. Some may contain milk protein, even those labeled "pareve," which are considered milk-free under kosher guidelines. Ask your pediatrician about safe formula. If you have a baby with a milk allergy, the doctor may suggest an extensively hydrolyzed, casein-based formula. Avoid milk outside the kitchen. Check labels on cosmetics, creams, and ointments to see if they contain cow's milk in any form. Some medicines also contain whey, which is made from milk.


Question: What should I do if I am pregnant and still have migraines?

Answer: If you still get headaches, don't take any drugs. Many migraine medicines are bad for your baby. An over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen should be safe, but check with your doctor before you take it.


Question: What drugs are most often used to treat a menstrual migraine?

Answer: Medicines that treat migraines: The drugs used most often to treat menstrual migraines can also help prevent them. These include NSAIDs and triptans, such as: Eletriptan ( Relpax) Frovatriptan ( Frova) Naratriptan ( Amerge) Rizatriptan ( Maxalt) Sumatriptan ( Imitrex, Onzetra Xsail, Sumavel, Zembrace) Sumatriptan/naproxen sodium ( Treximet) ( Zomig) Medicines that prevent migraines: If you don't respond to other treatments and you have 4 or more migraine days a month, your doctor may suggest preventive medicines.


Question: Are migraines linked to a women's period?

Answer: About 60% of women with migraine get a type of headache called menstrual migraines.


Question: Are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and triptans used together to treat migraines in women?

Answer: Your doctor may suggest that you take both an NSAID and a triptan to get relief.


Question: When should women start using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and triptans to treat migraines?

Answer: If your period comes every month like clockwork, you can start these drugs a few days before your bleeding starts and continue for up to a week. This often prevents the migraine from coming on. If your period doesn't always stick to a schedule, your doctor may suggest you try a different type of drug that will prevent a headache from happening in the first place.


Question: Do birth control methods treat migraines in women?

Answer: Hormonal : Birth control pills or estrogen patches and vaginal rings may help lower the number of menstrual migraines you have or make them less severe. But they don't work for everyone. In some cases, they could make your migraines worse.


Question: How does pregnancy cause migraines?

Answer: Pregnancy: During the first trimester, estrogen levels rise quickly, then level out. Because of this, many women notice that their migraines get better or go away after their third month of pregnancy.


Question: How does a period trigger a migraine headache?

Answer: Right before your period, the amount of estrogen and progesterone, two female hormones, in your body drops. This drastic change can trigger throbbing headaches.


Question: Does birth control contribute to my headaches?

Answer: Birth control: The pill can make migraines worse for some women and lessen them for others. Three weeks out of every month, they keep the hormones in your body steady. When you take placebo pills or no pills at all, during the week of your period, your estrogen levels plummet and your head can pound. If you're prone to hormonal migraines, taking birth control that contains low amounts of estrogen or only progestin may help. Hormone replacement therapy : This type of medicine women take during menopause to control their hormones can also set off headaches.


Question: Will my doctor assign other drugs different than birth control to treat migraines?

Answer: These include NSAIDs and triptans, such as: Eletriptan ( Relpax) Frovatriptan ( Frova) Naratriptan ( Amerge) Rizatriptan ( Maxalt) Sumatriptan ( Imitrex, Onzetra Xsail, Sumavel, Zembrace) Sumatriptan/naproxen sodium ( Treximet) ( Zomig) Medicines that prevent migraines: If you don't respond to other treatments and you have 4 or more migraine days a month, your doctor may suggest preventive medicines. You can take these regularly to make the headaches less severe or less frequent. These could include: Seizure medicines Blood pressure medicines (like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers), and some antidepressants. CGRP inhibitors Devices: Two devices may bring relief. Cefaly: This small headband device sends electrical pulses through your forehead to stimulate a nerve linked with migraines. Spring TMS or e Neura s TMS: You place this magnet on the back of your head, and a split-second pulse interrupts abnormal electrical activity that could lead to a migraine.


Question: Do birth control pills cause migraines in women?

Answer: Birth control: The pill can make migraines worse for some women and lessen them for others. Three weeks out of every month, they keep the hormones in your body steady. When you take placebo pills or no pills at all, during the week of your period, your estrogen levels plummet and your head can pound. If you're prone to hormonal migraines, taking birth control that contains low amounts of estrogen or only progestin may help.


Question: What is leuprolide acetate and how does it treat migraines for women?

Answer: Other reasons your doctor may not want you to take birth control for your menstrual migraines: A history of smoking High blood pressure Obesity Diabetes If nothing else works, your doctor may prescribe a drug called leuprolide acetate ( Eligard, Lupron Depot). It drops the estrogen levels in your body, but it does have side effects. Because of this, it's often thought of as a last resort.


Question: Are triptans used to treat migraines and headaches in women?

Answer: Triptans are another option. These drugs block pain signals in your brain. They can start to work as soon as 2 hours after you take them.


Question: How can I prevent headaches during my period?

Answer: Hormonal : Birth control pills or estrogen patches and vaginal rings may help lower the number of menstrual migraines you have or make them less severe. But they don't work for everyone. In some cases, they could make your migraines worse. Your doctor might tell you to stay on birth control for 3 to 6 months without taking any placebo pills. This will prevent you from having a period and may stop your headaches.


Question: What drugs can prevent these headaches during your period?

Answer: Medicines that treat migraines: The drugs used most often to treat menstrual migraines can also help prevent them. These include NSAIDs and triptans, such as: Eletriptan ( Relpax) Frovatriptan ( Frova) Naratriptan ( Amerge) Rizatriptan ( Maxalt) Sumatriptan ( Imitrex, Onzetra Xsail, Sumavel, Zembrace) Sumatriptan/naproxen sodium ( Treximet) ( Zomig) Medicines that prevent migraines: If you don't respond to other treatments and you have 4 or more migraine days a month, your doctor may suggest preventive medicines. You can take these regularly to make the headaches less severe or less frequent. These could include: Seizure medicines Blood pressure medicines (like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers), and some antidepressants. CGRP inhibitors Devices: Two devices may bring relief. Cefaly: This small headband device sends electrical pulses through your forehead to stimulate a nerve linked with migraines. Spring TMS or e Neura s TMS: You place this magnet on the back of your head, and a split-second pulse interrupts abnormal electrical activity that could lead to a migraine.


Question: What causes the headaches during my period?

Answer: Right before your period, the amount of estrogen and progesterone, two female hormones, in your body drops. This drastic change can trigger throbbing headaches.


Question: When should I start taking drugs for my headache during my period?

Answer: If your period comes every month like clockwork, you can start these drugs a few days before your bleeding starts and continue for up to a week. This often prevents the migraine from coming on. If your period doesn't always stick to a schedule, your doctor may suggest you try a different type of drug that will prevent a headache from happening in the first place.


Question: Why won't my menstrual headache go away even though I have tried everything?

Answer: Other reasons your doctor may not want you to take birth control for your menstrual migraines: A history of smoking High blood pressure Obesity Diabetes If nothing else works, your doctor may prescribe a drug called leuprolide acetate ( Eligard, Lupron Depot). It drops the estrogen levels in your body, but it does have side effects. Because of this, it's often thought of as a last resort.


Question: How can I prevent tendinitis?

Answer: Vary your exercises and gently stretch all the muscles and tendons you are planning to exercise. Include warm-up and cool-down exercises and stretches in your routine. As a general rule, a good warm-up is five minutes for every 30 minutes of planned exercise.


Question: How can ultrasound and whirlpool treatments help with treating tendinitis?

Answer: Ultrasound and whirlpool treatments are useful for relaxing muscles and tendons, improving circulation, and promoting healing.


Question: How will my doctor diagnose tendinitis?

Answer: Tendinitis, also called overuse tendinopathy, typically is diagnosed by a physical exam alone.


Question: What can treatment do for tendinitis?

Answer: The goals of treatment for overuse tendinopathy are to restore movement to the joint without pain and to maintain strength in surrounding muscles while giving the tissues time to heal.


Question: How can your physical therapist help with treating tendinitis?

Answer: A physical therapist can propose an exercise plan that rests the tendon while strengthening nearby muscle groups and maintaining overall muscle tone. Only gradually will you begin to exercise the tendon itself. Your program may also include "eccentric" exercises, in which you gradually strengthen the muscle while stretching, stopping at the first sign of pain. You may also work into easy stretching exercises, done several times a day.


Question: What is the first treatment for tendinitis?

Answer: As an immediate treatment for overuse tendinopathy, doctors and physical therapists often recommend the RICE program: rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured tendon. They may also suggest a short course of aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory drugs to help inflammation and pain. Occasionally, your doctor may discuss injecting corticosteroids (a stronger anti-inflammatory drug) around the tendon for an acute injury, but these are not used in chronic overuse tendinopathy due to potential harmful effects of use.


Question: How is benign positional vertigo treated?

Answer: The most common and effective treatment is called particle repositioning maneuvers ( Epley maneuver). A form of physical therapy for the inner ear, it can be done in outpatient setting and continued at home.


Question: What at home solutions can help my sinuses?

Answer: Use a saline solution to remove allergens, irritants, and excess mucus. You can use a drugstore saline spray. Or make your own solution at home and use a nasal irrigation system like a Neti pot, a gadget that looks like a teapot. You can get one at the drugstore.


Question: Can antihistamine allergy medicines treat sinus problems?

Answer: Antihistamine allergy medicines may help if your sinus problems are related to allergies. Over-the-counter products include cetirizine, diphenhydramine, fexofenadine, and loratadine. If your problems don't go away, talk to your doctor about getting an allergy skin test.


Question: How can decongestants treat sinus problems?

Answer: Decongestants reduce the swelling in your nose and can ease stuffiness and sinus pressure, too. You can get them in more than one form. Here's what to look for on the ingredients list: Nasal sprays: oxymetazoline or phenylephrine Pills: phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine A word of caution: Don't use a nasal decongestant spray for more than 3 days, and don't use a decongestant you take by mouth for more than 7 days.


Question: How does climate affect my sinus problems?

Answer: A dry climate and heated indoor air will both dry out the membranes in your nose. And when the mucus up in there dries, it gets thicker and is more likely to clog your sinuses. The result? Pain and pressure. The best solution: Get a room humidifier for your bedroom and use it while you're running the heat.


Question: Will a HEPA air filter help my sinuses?

Answer: Should you get a HEPA air filter for your bedroom or office? That depends on what irritates your sinuses. These filters are good at removing airborne particles related to dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. But those don't just stay in the air. They settle in your carpets, upholstery, and other areas. If allergies cause your sinus problems, ask your doctor if a HEPA air filter makes sense for you.


Question: How can you open up your sinuses to fight sinus problems?

Answer: Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face several times a day. This can help open up spaces in your sinuses. To keep them moist, inhale steam two to four times a day. One simple way to get it done: Sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running. Drink plenty of fluids, too. That'll thin out your mucus and help you get rid of it.


Question: If you have agoraphobia, what might you worry about?

Answer: With agoraphobia, you might worry when you are in: Public transportation (buses, trains, ships, or planes) Large, open spaces (parking lots, bridges) Closed-in spaces (stores, movie theaters) Crowds or standing in line Being outside your home alone You may be willing to go just a handful of places. This cuts down on the chances of panic. You may even dread leaving your house.


Question: What are symptoms of islet cell tumors?

Answer: Like pancreatic adenocarcinoma, islet cell tumors may cause abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Hormones released by an islet cell tumor can also cause symptoms: These include Insulinomas (excess insulin): sweating, anxiety, lightheadedness, and fainting from low blood sugar Glucagonomas (excess glucagon): diarrhea, excessive thirst or urination, weight loss Gastrinomas (excess gastrin): abdominal pain, stomach ulcers that can bleed, reflux, weight loss Somatostatinomas (excess somatostatin): diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, foul-smelling fatty stools VIPomas (excess vasoactive intestinal peptide): watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, facial flushing In a very small number of people with pancreatic cancer, early symptoms might be present that could lead to an earlier diagnosis.


Question: What are islet cell tumors?

Answer: Islet cell tumors account for less than 5% of all pancreas tumors.


Question: What are symptoms of rare pancreatic cancer?

Answer: Like pancreatic adenocarcinoma, islet cell tumors may cause abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Hormones released by an islet cell tumor can also cause symptoms: These include Insulinomas (excess insulin): sweating, anxiety, lightheadedness, and fainting from low blood sugar Glucagonomas (excess glucagon): diarrhea, excessive thirst or urination, weight loss Gastrinomas (excess gastrin): abdominal pain, stomach ulcers that can bleed, reflux, weight loss Somatostatinomas (excess somatostatin): diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, foul-smelling fatty stools VIPomas (excess vasoactive intestinal peptide): watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, facial flushing In a very small number of people with pancreatic cancer, early symptoms might be present that could lead to an earlier diagnosis.


Question: How do people get pancreatic cancer?

Answer: Initially, pancreatic cancer tends to be silent and painless as it grows. By the time it's large enough to cause symptoms, pancreatic cancer has generally grown outside the pancreas.


Question: What are skin-related symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Answer: As pancreatic cancer blocks duct that releases bile into the intestine (common bile duct), the ingredients of bile build up in the blood. This turns the skin and the eyes yellow, a condition called jaundice. The same blockage causes dark urine, light colored stools, and itching.


Question: What are rare forms of pancreatic cancers?

Answer: Islet cell tumors account for less than 5% of all pancreas tumors.


Question: Which pancreatic cancer locations show symptoms early?

Answer: In general, symptoms appear earlier from cancers in the head of the pancreas, compared to those in the body and tail.


Question: Do early symptoms of pancreatic cancer exist?

Answer: Hormones released by an islet cell tumor can also cause symptoms: These include Insulinomas (excess insulin): sweating, anxiety, lightheadedness, and fainting from low blood sugar Glucagonomas (excess glucagon): diarrhea, excessive thirst or urination, weight loss Gastrinomas (excess gastrin): abdominal pain, stomach ulcers that can bleed, reflux, weight loss Somatostatinomas (excess somatostatin): diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, foul-smelling fatty stools VIPomas (excess vasoactive intestinal peptide): watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, facial flushing In a very small number of people with pancreatic cancer, early symptoms might be present that could lead to an earlier diagnosis. Unfortunately, researchers have been unable to identify any predictable pattern.


Question: What symptoms of pancreatic cancer should cause concern?

Answer: That said, symptoms like unintentional weight loss, persistent loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or light-colored stools should always prompt concern. Consistent or worsening discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are also disconcerting. If you feel something's not right, see your doctor.


Question: How is jaundice a symptom of pancreatic cancer?

Answer: As pancreatic cancer blocks duct that releases bile into the intestine (common bile duct), the ingredients of bile build up in the blood. This turns the skin and the eyes yellow, a condition called jaundice. The same blockage causes dark urine, light colored stools, and itching.


Question: Is there medication for myelofibrosis?

Answer: There are two drugs approved to treat MF. They are entrectinib ( Rozlytrek) and ruxolitinib ( Jakafi). Most people with MF have a mutation, or change, in one of their genes that tell their body how to make blood cells. These inhibitors are used to block the processes those faulty genes The medications can ease some MF symptoms like anemia, enlarged spleen, bone pain, itching, and night sweats. But they can have side effects, like an increase in platelets, which might lead to blood clots, or make your anemia worse. You might also have bruising, dizziness, or headaches.


Question: Can interferon alfa-2a help with spleen swelling in myelofibrosis?

Answer: Interferon alfa-2a.


Question: What new treatments may be helpful for myelofibrosis?

Answer: Most people with MF have a mutation, or change, in one of their genes that tell their body how to make blood cells. These inhibitors are used to block the processes those faulty genes The medications can ease some MF symptoms like anemia, enlarged spleen, bone pain, itching, and night sweats.


Question: How do erythropoietins treat anemia in myelofibrosis?

Answer: Erythropoietins. An injection of the hormone epoetin alfa ( Epogen, Procrit) helps you make more red blood cells. This treatment could make it more likely for you to get blood clots.


Question: How is treatment for myelofibrosis chosen?

Answer: MF affects everyone in different ways. Things like your age, blood cell counts, levels of immature blood cells called blasts, and symptoms like anemia or severe weight loss can help your doctor plan your treatment. One way to do this is to rank your risk of serious health problems using a scoring formula. Based on your results, you and your doctor will decide which approach is best for you. That includes waiting until you have symptoms to start treatment.


Question: What are the benefits and side effects of taking Jakafi for myelofibrosis?

Answer: These inhibitors are used to block the processes those faulty genes The medications can ease some MF symptoms like anemia, enlarged spleen, bone pain, itching, and night sweats. But they can have side effects, like an increase in platelets, which might lead to blood clots, or make your anemia worse. You might also have bruising, dizziness, or headaches.


Question: What supplements can help with myelofibrosis?

Answer: Supplements like iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12 supplements may help you ease anemia symptoms by replacing lost nutrients.


Question: How do blood transfusions treat anemia in myelofibrosis?

Answer: These can give you more red blood cells and ease symptoms from severe anemia.


Question: How can I reduce stress associated with myelofibrosis?

Answer: Meditation, yoga, exercise, or socializing with friends could help you reduce stress. Try peppermint tea to ease nausea from chemotherapy. Seek counseling from a therapist to help you cope with having cancer. Talking to other people who have the disease or their caregivers may help you handle yours better, too. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and American Cancer Society both offer online support and local groups.


Question: Are there alternative therapies for myelofibrosis?

Answer: Natural approaches could ease your symptoms or just help you manage your disease. While they won't treat or cure your cancer, they could help you feel better overall. Talk to your doctor before you try any of them.


Question: How does androgen therapy treat anemia in myelofibrosis?

Answer: It can cause side effects like liver damage, and in women, changes such as body hair growth or hair loss. Blood transfusions. These can give you more red blood cells and ease symptoms from severe anemia.


Question: Can radiation help with spleen swelling in myelofibrosis?

Answer: If surgery isn't a good option for you, you might try radiation, like X-rays, to reduce the size of your spleen.


Question: Do I have to treat myelofibrosis?

Answer: Myelofibrosis ( MF) treatment is based on your symptoms. If you don't feel bad right now, you may be able to just watch and wait without treating your cancer. Regular checkups and blood tests will make sure you don't have complications like anemia or an enlarged spleen.


Question: Does Gardasil prevent anal cancer?

Answer: The overall five-year survival rate following diagnosis of anal cancer is 60% for men and 71% for women.


Question: Does anal sex raise your chances of getting anal cancer?

Answer: Receptive anal intercourse is strongly related to the development of anal cancer.


Question: When is anal cancer diagnosed?

Answer: Most anal cancers (80%) are diagnosed in people who are over age 60.


Question: How many people get anal cancer?

Answer: The American Cancer Society estimates that 8,200 cases of anal cancer will be diagnosed in 2017 and about 1,100 deaths will occur that year from anal cancer. By contrast, some135,730 people are predicted to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the U. S. in 2017, and about 50,260 people are predicted to die of the disease the same year.


Question: What tests do I need if I think I have anal cancer?

Answer: If cancer is suspected, a biopsy should be done and the specimen examined by a pathologist. Staging workup may include an abdominal and pelvic CT scan, a pelvic MRI scan to assess the pelvic lymph nodes, a chest x-ray, and liver function studies.


Question: Who can get anal cancer?

Answer: The incidence rate of anal cancer is six times higher in single men as compared to married men. Receptive anal intercourse is strongly related to the development of anal cancer.


Question: What are the most common symptoms of anal cancer?

Answer: The most common symptom associated with anal cancer is bleeding. Because anal itching can also be a symptom of the cancer, many people initially attribute their bleeding and itching to hemorrhoids. This can delay the diagnosis of anal cancer.


Question: What are the treatments for anal cancer?

Answer: Anal cancer is primarily treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.


Question: How can anal cancer be prevented?

Answer: Gardasil, one of the HPV vaccines originally approved for the prevention of cervical cancer, is also approved for the prevention of anal cancer in men and women.


Question: What is a major risk factor for anal cancer?

Answer: Anal infection with human papillomavirus ( HPV) resulting in genital warts is a major risk factor for the cancer.


Question: How common is anal cancer?

Answer: The American Cancer Society estimates that 8,200 cases of anal cancer will be diagnosed in 2017 and about 1,100 deaths will occur that year from anal cancer. By contrast, some135,730 people are predicted to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the U. S. in 2017, and about 50,260 people are predicted to die of the disease the same year.


Question: What are the symptoms of anal cancer?

Answer: The most common symptom associated with anal cancer is bleeding. Because anal itching can also be a symptom of the cancer, many people initially attribute their bleeding and itching to hemorrhoids. This can delay the diagnosis of anal cancer. Other signs and symptoms of anal cancer may include: Pain or pressure in the anal area Unusual discharges from the anus Lump near the anus Change in bowel habits Anal cancer may be detected during a routine digital rectal exam or during a minor procedure, such as removal of what is believed to be a hemorrhoid.


Question: How is anal cancer first detected?

Answer: Other signs and symptoms of anal cancer may include: Pain or pressure in the anal area Unusual discharges from the anus Lump near the anus Change in bowel habits Anal cancer may be detected during a routine digital rectal exam or during a minor procedure, such as removal of what is believed to be a hemorrhoid. The cancer may also be detected with more invasive procedures such as an anoscopy, proctoscopy, or endorectal ultrasound.


Question: When is anal cancer usually diagnosed?

Answer: Approximately half of all anal cancers are diagnosed before the malignancy has spread beyond the primary site, whereas 13% to 25% are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, and 10% are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to distant organs, or has metastasized.


Question: What is the survival rate for anal cancer?

Answer: Approximately half of all anal cancers are diagnosed before the malignancy has spread beyond the primary site, whereas 13% to 25% are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, and 10% are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to distant organs, or has metastasized. When it is found early, anal cancer is highly treatable. The overall five-year survival rate following diagnosis of anal cancer is 60% for men and 71% for women.


Question: Do people with insomnia have fatigue or sleepiness?

Answer: Symptoms of daytime fatigue include: Weariness, weakness, and/or depleted energy Lack of motivation Poor performance Memory problems Lack of productivity Tendency to make errors and mistakes Depression Low interest in being social Fatigue is a more accurate description of what people with insomnia experience. Although they're sleep deprived, they tend to feel more tired than sleepy. If you have insomnia, you might find it hard to nap. People with insomnia usually see a doctor because of fatigue and poor daytime functioning, not because they have trouble falling or staying asleep.


Question: In what ways can insomnia take a toll on your life?

Answer: In addition, people with insomnia are more likely to: Miss work Make bad decisions Take more risks Have trouble concentrating Be irritable Be depressed Eat foods high in calories According to experts, chronic insomnia affects one in 10 people.


Question: What does excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) look like?

Answer: They might fall asleep while stopped at a stoplight or sitting in a waiting room. EDS is usually caused by conditions like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, neurologic conditions such as Parkinson's disease, as well as many medications. People with daytime fatigue are very tired but usually don't fall asleep during the day.


Question: What does insomnia increase your risk for in terms of health problems?

Answer: In addition to causing daytime fatigue, insomnia increases your risk for other health problems, including: Heart disease Stroke High blood pressure Infections Obesity Diabetes Depression Pain Substance abuse Early death Sleep affects our ability to think, react, remember, and solve problems.


Question: What are symptoms of daytime fatigue?

Answer: People with daytime fatigue are very tired but usually don't fall asleep during the day. They struggle to get through a normal day's activities. Symptoms of daytime fatigue include: Weariness, weakness, and/or depleted energy Lack of motivation Poor performance Memory problems Lack of productivity Tendency to make errors and mistakes Depression Low interest in being social Fatigue is a more accurate description of what people with insomnia experience.


Question: Does sugar or TV cause ADHD?

Answer: Although it's been debated, research does not show that ADHD is linked to eating too much sugar or watching a lot of TV.


Question: Can problems during pregnancy increase risk of ADHD?

Answer: The same is true for children with head injuries to the frontal lobe of the brain, the area that controls impulses and emotions. Studies show that pregnant women who smoke or drink alcohol may have a higher risk of having a child with ADHD.


Question: What happens chemically in the brain of someone with ADHD?

Answer: Studies show that brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, don't work the same in children and adults with ADHD. There also tend to be differences in the way nerve pathways work. Certain parts of the brain may be less active or smaller in children with ADHD than those without the disorder. The brain chemical dopamine may also play a role.


Question: Can exposure to toxins or other substances during pregnancy cause ADHD?

Answer: Studies show that pregnant women who smoke or drink alcohol may have a higher risk of having a child with ADHD. Exposure to lead, PCBs, or pesticides may also have a role. Researchers believe that some toxins may interfere with brain development.


Question: Is there a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer: No, but there are many drugs that can keep the disease from getting worse for a while. Along with medications, other treatments like physical therapy, rehab, and speech therapy can help you keep your symptoms under control and live an active life.


Question: Which multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment is best for me?

Answer: It's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different medications and therapies that can help people with MS. The first step is to learn about your treatment options and talk about them with your doctor. Think about how well the treatment is supposed to work, any possible side effects, how you'll take the therapy, and how it fits with your lifestyle. Your doctor is a good source for information about the different types of treatments. He also can recommend MS support groups and other professionals who can help you.


Question: What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer: MS is problem with the immune system called an autoimmune disease. Instead of targeting only bacteria, viruses, and other invaders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. In MS, it attacks the brain and spinal cord.


Question: Will you need a wheelchair for multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer: But there may be a time when you'll need to use a cane or a walker to make it easier. About 25% of people with the condition eventually need a wheelchair.


Question: How does deep brain stimulation help treat multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer: The main goal of deep brain stimulation for MS is to ease tremors, or shaking you can't control. It won't help with other problems, such as loss of vision, feeling, or strength.


Question: What viruses might cause multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Some studies also have suggested that many viruses -- such as those for measles, herpes, and the flu -- may be linked with MS. But there's no clear proof of a connection so far.


Question: Can you catch multiple sclerosis from someone else?

Answer: If other people in your family have the disease, you may be more likely to get it at some point.


Question: Is multiple sclerosis fatal?

Answer: And you can't catch it from someone else.


Question: Can my doctor help me choose a multiple sclerosis treatment?

Answer: Your doctor is a good source for information about the different types of treatments. He also can recommend MS support groups and other professionals who can help you.


Question: What are the first warning signs of multiple sclerosis?

Answer: The first warning signs of MS can be dramatic -- or so mild that a person doesn't even notice them. The most common early symptoms include: Tingling Numbness Loss of balance Weakness in one or more limbs Blurred or double vision Less-common warning signs may be: Slurred speech Suddenly not being able to move part of your body, called paralysis Lack of coordination Problems with thinking and processing information As the disease gets worse, other symptoms may include heat sensitivity, fatigue, and changes in thinking.


Question: What is multiple sclerosis?

Answer: MS is problem with the immune system called an autoimmune disease. Instead of targeting only bacteria, viruses, and other invaders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. In MS, it attacks the brain and spinal cord.


Question: Do doctors know why people contract multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Doctors still don't understand why people get the disease, but genetics, a person's environment, and possibly even viruses may play a role.


Question: What symptoms are displayed in patients with multiple sclerosis as the disease gets worse?

Answer: The most common early symptoms include: Tingling Numbness Loss of balance Weakness in one or more limbs Blurred or double vision Less-common warning signs may be: Slurred speech Suddenly not being able to move part of your body, called paralysis Lack of coordination Problems with thinking and processing information As the disease gets worse, other symptoms may include heat sensitivity, fatigue, and changes in thinking.


Question: What are less-common warning signs of symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Answer: The most common early symptoms include: Tingling Numbness Loss of balance Weakness in one or more limbs Blurred or double vision Less-common warning signs may be: Slurred speech Suddenly not being able to move part of your body, called paralysis Lack of coordination Problems with thinking and processing information As the disease gets worse, other symptoms may include heat sensitivity, fatigue, and changes in thinking.


Question: Does optic neuritis happen in one eye or both eyes?

Answer: Optic neuritis usually happens to one eye at a time, though it can affect both at once. It's often the first symptom that someone has MS. About half of people with the condition will have optic neuritis at least once.


Question: How does deep brain stimulation help treat multiple sclerosis?

Answer: The main goal of deep brain stimulation for MS is to ease tremors, or shaking you can't control. It won't help with other problems, such as loss of vision, feeling, or strength.


Question: Can a healthy diet help treat multiple sclerosis?

Answer: It's always a good idea to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, too. Ask your doctor what foods are right for you.


Question: Can you catch multiple sclerosis (MS) from someone else?

Answer: And you can't catch it from someone else. If other people in your family have the disease, you may be more likely to get it at some point.


Question: Do most people recover fully from optic neuritis?

Answer: Most people with optic neuritis recover fully, sometimes without any treatment.


Question: Can a positive attitude help treat multiple sclerosis?

Answer: It's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different medications and therapies that can help people with MS.


Question: What is optic neuritis relative to multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer: It's the inflammation of the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. It can cause: Pain in the eye Blurred vision Graying of vision Blindness in one eye If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. The key to protecting your eyesight is to catch the problem early. Your doctor can treat you with steroids to fight the inflammation in the nerve. Optic neuritis usually happens to one eye at a time, though it can affect both at once. It's often the first symptom that someone has MS. About half of people with the condition will have optic neuritis at least once. But it can happen to people who have other health problems, too, so it doesn't automatically mean that someone has or will get MS. Most people with optic neuritis recover fully, sometimes without any treatment.


Question: Is multiple sclerosis caused by genetics?

Answer: First-, second- and third-degree relatives of people with the disease have a higher risk of getting it. Some scientists think people might get multiple sclerosis because they're born with genes that make their bodies react to a trigger in the environment. Once they're exposed to it, their immune system starts targeting their own tissues.


Question: What is optic neuritis and what does it cause?

Answer: It's the inflammation of the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. It can cause: Pain in the eye Blurred vision Graying of vision Blindness in one eye If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. The key to protecting your eyesight is to catch the problem early. Your doctor can treat you with steroids to fight the inflammation in the nerve.


Question: What is a psychiatrist and how do they help with mental health?

Answer: who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness. A psychiatrist's training starts with four years of medical school and is followed by a one-year internship and at least three years of specialized training as a psychiatric resident. A psychiatrist is trained to differentiate mental health problems from other underlying medical conditions that could present with psychiatric symptoms. They also monitor the effects of mental illness on other physical conditions (such as problems with the heart or high blood pressure), and the effects of medicines on the body (such as weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep, and kidney or liver functioning). As a doctor, a psychiatrist is licensed to write prescriptions.


Question: What is a clinical social worker and how do they help with mental health?

Answer: A clinical social worker has at least a master's degree in social work and training to be able to evaluate and treat mental illnesses. In addition to psychotherapy, social workers can provide case management and hospital discharge planning as well as work as an advocate for patients and their family.


Question: What is a licensed mental health counselor and how do they help with mental health?

Answer: Licensed Mental Health Counselor. A psychological counselor is a mental health professional who has a master's degree ( MA) in psychology, counseling, or a related field. In order to be licensed, the professional counselor also needs two additional years' experience working with a qualified mental health professional after graduate school. A mental health counselor is qualified to evaluate and treat mental problems by providing counseling or psychotherapy.


Question: What is cognitive therapy?

Answer: Cognitive Therapy. The emphasis in cognitive therapy is on a person's thoughts. The idea is that dysfunctional thinking is what leads to dysfunctional emotions or behaviors. The goal is to help the person recognize unhealthy thinking patterns and to recognize and change inaccurate beliefs.


Question: How long will it take to feel comfortable with therapy?

Answer: It will likely take several weeks before you become fully comfortable with your therapy. If you still aren't feeling comfortable after two or three visits, let the mental health professional know and explain why you feel that way. The two of you need to work together as a team in order to get the most out of your treatment.


Question: What does the National Cancer Institute website provide regarding clinical trials?

Answer: National Cancer Institute This website lists thousands of cancer clinical trials, describes them, gives eligibility criteria, and explains what to do when you find one that you think may be right for you.


Question: What does the Emerging Med's Cancer Clinical Trial Matching Service website provide regarding clinical trials?

Answer: Onco Link Cancer Clinical Trial Matching Service This website enables you to create a detailed profile to see if you match the eligibility requirements of more than 10,000 trials in the U. S. and Canada.


Question: How can zinc be used as a treatment?

Answer: In addition, zinc has also been studied as a treatment for herpes, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, and more. However, the evidence of zinc's benefit for these conditions is inconclusive. Zinc may be part of an effective treatment for age-related macular degeneration, but more proof is needed.


Question: What skin conditions are related to HIV/AIDS?

Answer: Because HIV weakens the immune system, people with AIDS are more likely to suffer health problems, including those of the skin. In fact, certain skin diseases may be the first sign that someone is infected with HIV. While many people with HIV/ AIDS may develop the following conditions, especially Kaposi's sarcoma (sometimes called KS), it is important to note that a person may have any one of these conditions but not have HIV/ AIDS.


Question: What is facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy?

Answer: Facioscapulohumeral. Facioscapulohumeral refers to the muscles that move the face, shoulder blade, and upper arm bone. This form of muscular dystrophy appears in the teens to early adulthood and affects males and females. It progresses slowly, with short periods of rapid muscle deterioration and weakness. Severity ranges from very mild to completely disabling. Walking, chewing, swallowing, and speaking problems can occur. About 50% of of those with facioscapulohumeral MD can walk throughout their lives, and most live a normal life span.


Question: What is Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy?

Answer: This rare form of muscular dystrophy appears from childhood to the early teens and affects mainly males. In very rare cases, females can be affected. For that to happen, both of a girls X chromosomes (the one she gets from her mother and the one from her father) would have to have the defective gene. It causes muscle weakness and wasting in the shoulders, upper arms, and lower legs. Life-threatening heart problems are common and can also affect carriers -- those who have the genetic information for the disease but do not develop the full-blown version (including mothers and sisters of those with Emery- Dreifuss MD). Muscle shortening (contractures) occurs early in the disease. Weakness can spread to chest and pelvic muscles. The disease progresses slowly and causes less severe muscle weakness than some other forms of muscular dystrophy.


Question: What are the nine major forms of muscular dystrophy?

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(); }); } There are nine major forms of muscular dystrophy: Myotonic Duchenne Becker Limb-girdle Facioscapulohumeral Congenital Oculopharyngeal Distal Emery- Dreifuss Muscular dystrophy can appear in infancy up to middle age or later, and its form and severity are determined in part by the age at which it occurs.


Question: What is Becker form of muscular dystrophy?

Answer: This form is similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but the disease is much milder: symptoms appear later and progress more slowly. It usually appears between the ages of 2 and 16 but can appear as late as age 25. Like Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy affects only males (1 in 30,000) and causes heart problems. Disease severity varies. Those with Becker can usually walk into their 30s and live further into adulthood.


Question: What is congenital muscular dystrophy?

Answer: Congenital means present at birth. Congenital muscular dystrophies progress slowly and affect males and females. The two forms that have been identified -- Fukuyama and congenital muscular dystrophy with myosin deficiency -- cause muscle weakness at birth or in the first few months of life, along with severe and early contractures (shortening or shrinking of muscles that causes joint problems). Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy causes abnormalities in the brain and often seizures.


Question: What is distal muscular dystrophy?

Answer: This group of rare diseases affects adult men and women. It causes weakness and wasting of the distal muscles (those farthest from the center) of the forearms, hands, lower legs, and feet. It is generally less severe, progresses more slowly, and affects fewer muscles than other forms of muscular dystrophy.


Question: What is the most common form of muscular dystrophy?

Answer: The most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults, myotonic muscular dystrophy affects both men and women, and it usually appears any time from early childhood to adulthood. In rare cases, it appears in newborns (congenital MMD). The name refers to a symptom, myotonia -- prolonged spasm or stiffening of muscles after use. This symptom is usually worse in cold temperatures. The disease causes muscle weakness and also affects the central nervous system, heart, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, and hormone-producing glands. In most cases, daily living isn't restricted for many years. Those with myotonic MD have a decreased life expectancy.


Question: How does muscular dystrophy become inherited as an X-linked disorder?

Answer: Men carry one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. Females carry two X chromosomes. Thus, in order for a girl to become affected by muscular dystrophy, both of her X chromosomes would have to carry the defective gene -- an extremely rare occurrence, since her mother would have to be a carrier (one defective X chromosome) and her father would have to have muscular dystrophy (since men carry just one X chromosome, the other is a Y chromosome). A female who carries the defective X chromosome can pass the disease to her son (whose other chromosome is a Y, from the father). A few muscular dystrophies aren't inherited at all and occur because of a new gene abnormality or mutation.


Question: What is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children?

Answer: The most common form of muscular dystrophy in children, Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects only males. It appears between the ages of 2 and 6. The muscles decrease in size and grow weaker over time yet may appear larger. Disease progression varies, but many people with Duchenne (1 in 3,500 boys) need a wheelchair by the age of 12. In most cases, the arms, legs, and spine become progressively deformed, and there may be some cognitive impairment. Severe breathing and heart problems mark the later stages of the disease. Those with Duchenne MD usually die in their late teens or early 20s.


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


Question: When should you visit a sleep lab about sleep apnea?

Answer: If you think you have sleep apnea, ask your doctor for a referral to a sleep lab, where they can check to see if you need have this condition and need treatment such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine to help you breathe steadily while you sleep. If you're overweight, losing extra pounds may help, too.


Question: What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Answer: You are more likely to snore if you're overweight and if you: Drink alcohol Smoke Take medications such as sleeping pills, cold medicines, or antihistamines Sleep on your back Sleep on a pillow that's too soft or too large Have enlarged tonsils, chronic nasal congestion, or deviated nasal septum Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition that's linked to snoring. If you have sleep apnea, you briefly stop breathing during sleep several times a night. Sleep apnea can make you tired, give you headaches, and is linked to other serious conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.


Question: When are you more likely to snore?

Answer: You are more likely to snore if you're overweight and if you: Drink alcohol Smoke Take medications such as sleeping pills, cold medicines, or antihistamines Sleep on your back Sleep on a pillow that's too soft or too large Have enlarged tonsils, chronic nasal congestion, or deviated nasal septum Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition that's linked to snoring.


Question: What are the symptoms of  juvenile X-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Symptoms XJR starts at birth and usually affects both eyes. Symptoms can appear in the first few months of life. Some boys, though, aren't diagnosed until they start school and have trouble reading. Their vision often gets worse during childhood and then levels off for a while. When a man reaches his 50s and 60s, his vision might start to worsen again. Some people lose a lot of their vision by adulthood, but it's rare for retinoschisis to cause blindness. Other symptoms include: Eyes that look in different directions (strabismus) Poor close-up vision (farsightedness) Bleeding in your eye caused by damaged blood vessels In rare cases, the retina will pull away from the eye completely. This is called retinal detachment, and it can lead to serious vision loss. People who have retinal detachment will need surgery to fix it.


Question: What is the treatment for juvenile x-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Treatment No medicine or surgery can treat a divided retina. Glasses can't do much if your vision is bad because of nerve damage, but they can help if you're nearsighted (can't see far away) or farsighted. Large-print textbooks, computer screens, and other low-vision tools can help children in school. Bleeding in your eye is treated with a laser or with cold (cryotherapy) to close damaged blood vessels in the retina. Surgery can fix a detached retina. Researchers are testing new treatments for retinoschisis. One of these replaces the damaged gene with a copy of a healthy gene. Stem cell treatments are also being studied.


Question: What are the symptoms of senile retinoschisis?

Answer: Symptoms SR doesn't usually cause vision loss or other symptoms and, typically, is only found during an eye exam. Over time, some people lose a little of their side vision. In rare cases, the retina can become detached.


Question: What are the symptoms of juvenile x-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Symptoms XJR starts at birth and usually affects both eyes. Symptoms can appear in the first few months of life. Some boys, though, aren't diagnosed until they start school and have trouble reading. Their vision often gets worse during childhood and then levels off for a while. When a man reaches his 50s and 60s, his vision might start to worsen again. Some people lose a lot of their vision by adulthood, but it's rare for retinoschisis to cause blindness. Other symptoms include: Eyes that look in different directions (strabismus) Poor close-up vision (farsightedness) Bleeding in your eye caused by damaged blood vessels In rare cases, the retina will pull away from the eye completely. This is called retinal detachment, and it can lead to serious vision loss. People who have retinal detachment will need surgery to fix it.


Question: What are the causes of juvenile x-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Causes XJR is caused by a change -- or mutation -- to a gene. If a girl gets the problem gene from a parent, she'll carry the disorder but won't have symptoms. If a boy gets the gene, he'll have the disorder. If a mother has the gene, her female children have a 50% chance of being a carrier. Her male children have a 50% chance of having the disorder. Men who have the gene can't pass it to their sons, but their daughters will be carriers.


Question: What is the treatment for degenerative (senile) retinoschisis?

Answer: Diagnosis Tests your eye doctor might recommend include: Visual acuity test to check how well you can focus Field of vision test to measure your central and side vision Ophthalmoscopy to look at the back of your eye, including the retina Slit lamp exam to get a large, three-dimensional (3- D) view of the different parts of your eye Treatment People with degenerative retinoschisis usually don't need treatment. See your eye doctor for regular checkups to make sure you don't have any vision loss. If the retina detaches, your doctor will treat it with surgery.


Question: What are the symptoms of degenerative (senile) retinoschisis?

Answer: Symptoms SR doesn't usually cause vision loss or other symptoms and, typically, is only found during an eye exam. Over time, some people lose a little of their side vision. In rare cases, the retina can become detached.


Question: What causes juvenile X-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Causes XJR is caused by a change -- or mutation -- to a gene. If a girl gets the problem gene from a parent, she'll carry the disorder but won't have symptoms. If a boy gets the gene, he'll have the disorder. If a mother has the gene, her female children have a 50% chance of being a carrier. Her male children have a 50% chance of having the disorder. Men who have the gene can't pass it to their sons, but their daughters will be carriers.


Question: What is juvenile x-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: There are two forms of this condition: Juvenile X-linked retinoschisis Degenerative (senile) retinoschisis This rare condition, sometimes called XJR, mainly affects boys and men. It damages an area in the middle of the retina called the macula. The macula gives you clear central vision, and lets you focus on things in front of you, like a book or computer. Sometimes the condition also can affect your side, or peripheral, vision.


Question: What tests are used to diagnose juvenile X-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Diagnosis Your eye doctor will look for splits or tears in your retina. Tests for juvenile X-linked retinoschisis include: Optical coherence tomography ( OCT): Light waves make pictures of the retina. Ultrasound : Sound waves create pictures of the eyes. This can show bleeding in the eye. Electroretinogram ( ERG): This measures electrical activity in the retina. A special sensor is placed in each eye. While you look at a flashing light, the doctor will see how your retinas respond. Gene tests: Theselook for the RS1 gene that causes juvenile X-linked retinoschisis. People with juvenile retinoschisis should get regular eye exams to check for vision loss.


Question: How is degenerative (senile) retinoschisis diagnosed?

Answer: Diagnosis Tests your eye doctor might recommend include: Visual acuity test to check how well you can focus Field of vision test to measure your central and side vision Ophthalmoscopy to look at the back of your eye, including the retina Slit lamp exam to get a large, three-dimensional (3- D) view of the different parts of your eye Treatment People with degenerative retinoschisis usually don't need treatment.


Question: What causes degenerative (senile) retinoschisis?

Answer: Causes SR isn't caused by a problem gene, and it's not passed down through families. Doctors don't know exactly why the retina becomes damaged as some people get older.


Question: What is degenerative (senile) retinoschisis?

Answer: This form, sometimes called SR, usually affects men and women in their 50s to 70s, but it can start earlier in life. It's not as serious as the juvenile form and rarely causes vision loss.


Question: What are the causes of senile retinoschisis?

Answer: Causes SR isn't caused by a problem gene, and it's not passed down through families. Doctors don't know exactly why the retina becomes damaged as some people get older.


Question: What is the treatment for senile retinoschisis?

Answer: Diagnosis Tests your eye doctor might recommend include: Visual acuity test to check how well you can focus Field of vision test to measure your central and side vision Ophthalmoscopy to look at the back of your eye, including the retina Slit lamp exam to get a large, three-dimensional (3- D) view of the different parts of your eye Treatment People with degenerative retinoschisis usually don't need treatment. See your eye doctor for regular checkups to make sure you don't have any vision loss. If the retina detaches, your doctor will treat it with surgery.


Question: When should you call 911 about poison ivy, oak, or sumac allergies?

Answer: Trouble swallowing or breathing Swelling, especially near the eyes or on the face Wash with warm soap and water.


Question: How can you ease itching and discomfort from poison ivy, oak, or sumac allergies?

Answer: Apply cool compresses for 15 to 30 minutes at a time. Avoid topical antihistamines, anesthetics like benzocaine, and antibiotic ointments, all of which may make skin more sensitive. Have the person take oatmeal baths. Apply calamine lotion. If itchiness makes sleep difficult, give an oral antihistamine.


Question: What is the biggest reason for  strokes?

Answer: It's the biggest culprit behind strokes, causing more than half of them.


Question: What is the best way to prevent strokes?

Answer: Experts say 80% of strokes can be prevented. The single best way to do that is to get your blood pressure in the healthy range. That means lower than 120/80.


Question: How can high blood pressure cause stroke?

Answer: Hypertension puts your arteries under constant stress. As with a tire that's been overpumped, too much force inside your blood vessels damages the artery walls and makes them weaker.


Question: What is an ischemic stroke?

Answer: In almost 9 out of 10 cases, you have a stroke because something, usually a clot, blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Doctors call this an ischemic stroke.


Question: What is a hemorrhagic stroke?

Answer: Strokes caused by bleeding in or around the brain. These are âhemorrhagicâ strokes. They tend to be more serious and deadlier than clot-based ones. A weak blood vessel breaks open, usually because of an aneurysm, a spot that has ballooned up from pressure.


Question: How is schizophrenia in teens treated?

Answer: If your teen has the condition, a combination of treatments may work best. These might include medication and individual and family therapy. The diagnosis can be tough news to hear.


Question: How much surgery will you get to treat ovarian cancer?

Answer: How much surgery you have depends on how far the cancer has spread. In some cases, the ovaries, uterus, cervix, or fallopian tubes may need to be removed. Other tissue typically removed includes lymph nodes, the omentum (fatty apron covering the intestines) and all visible cancer. If your surgery is in the very early stages or you want to have children, your doctor may not remove all your reproductive organs.


Question: What are possible complications after an organ transplant?

Answer: High blood pressure.


Question: What causes temporal arteritis?

Answer: It's an autoimmune disease. That means your immune system mistakenly attacks your body's healthy tissues. In temporal arteritis, immune cells react against blood vessels and make them inflamed.


Question: How does temporal arteritis affect my eyesight?

Answer: When arteries are inflamed, blood can't move as easily through them. Temporal arteritis can keep oxygen from getting to your eyes, and this can damage them. You might need to see an eye doctor to check for this.


Question: What is temporal arteritis?

Answer: Temporal arteritis is a disease that causes your arteries -- blood vessels that carry oxygen from your heart to the rest of your body -- to become inflamed. It usually happens to the large and medium-sized temporal arteries that run along both sides of your head. The cells of these inflamed arteries look huge under a microscope. That is why temporal arteritis is also called giant cell arteritis. The swelling slows blood flow through your arteries, and that can cause symptoms like headaches and pain in your face and joints. Left untreated, narrowed arteries can cause vision problems and blindness. Medication can help your symptoms and prevent serious health issues.


Question: Why would you need bone density tests if you take steroids for temporal arteritis?

Answer: These medications can weaken your bones, so your doctor might suggest regular bone mineral density tests. Your doctor may suggest you take calcium and vitamin D supplements, along with a prescription drug called a bisphosphonate, to slow down or prevent bone damage.


Question: What's the treatment for temporal arteritis?

Answer: If you have temporal arteritis, your doctor will start you on medication right away to prevent vision loss and other problems. The main treatment is high doses of steroids, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation in the arteries. You'll take this medication by mouth every day.


Question: How does multiple sclerosis impact sexual function?

Answer: But, there are steps that can be taken to improve sexual function and intimacy, despite MS. Changes in sexual function can occur as a result of the neurologic and psychological affects of multiple sclerosis.


Question: Does multiple sclerosis affect sexual intimacy?

Answer: What with the fatigue, muscle spasms, and bladder control problems, who would want to think about sex? But, there are steps that can be taken to improve sexual function and intimacy, despite MS. Changes in sexual function can occur as a result of the neurologic and psychological affects of multiple sclerosis.


Question: What is the neurological impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on sex?

Answer: Sexual arousal begins in the central nervous system, as the brain sends messages to the sexual organs along the nerve pathway in the spinal cord. MS-related changes to these nerve pathways can directly or indirectly impair sexual functioning. For example, the following symptoms can occur as a direct result of myelin breakdown in the spinal cord or brain: Decreased sex drive Altered genital sensations (numbness, pain, increased sensitivity) Difficulty or inability to maintain erection Decreased vaginal lubrication Decreased vaginal muscle tone Ejaculation difficulty Problems having an orgasm The following symptoms can arise as a consequence of MS physical changes or treatments and affect sexual intimacy: Fatigue Spasticity Sensory changes Pain A loss of interest in sexual contact or intimacy may arise as a result of psychological or social issues associated with multiple sclerosis, such as: Depression Performance anxiety Changes in self-image or body image as a result of disability Talk to your partner about your sexual issues and multiple sclerosis.


Question: What is the psychological impact of multiple sclerosis on sex?

Answer: For example, the following symptoms can occur as a direct result of myelin breakdown in the spinal cord or brain: Decreased sex drive Altered genital sensations (numbness, pain, increased sensitivity) Difficulty or inability to maintain erection Decreased vaginal lubrication Decreased vaginal muscle tone Ejaculation difficulty Problems having an orgasm The following symptoms can arise as a consequence of MS physical changes or treatments and affect sexual intimacy: Fatigue Spasticity Sensory changes Pain A loss of interest in sexual contact or intimacy may arise as a result of psychological or social issues associated with multiple sclerosis, such as: Depression Performance anxiety Changes in self-image or body image as a result of disability Talk to your partner about your sexual issues and multiple sclerosis.


Question: What symptoms can arise as a consequence of multiple sclerosis physical changes or treatment?

Answer: For example, the following symptoms can occur as a direct result of myelin breakdown in the spinal cord or brain: Decreased sex drive Altered genital sensations (numbness, pain, increased sensitivity) Difficulty or inability to maintain erection Decreased vaginal lubrication Decreased vaginal muscle tone Ejaculation difficulty Problems having an orgasm The following symptoms can arise as a consequence of MS physical changes or treatments and affect sexual intimacy: Fatigue Spasticity Sensory changes Pain A loss of interest in sexual contact or intimacy may arise as a result of psychological or social issues associated with multiple sclerosis, such as: Depression Performance anxiety Changes in self-image or body image as a result of disability Talk to your partner about your sexual issues and multiple sclerosis.


Question: What is the psychological impact of muscular sclerosis on sex?

Answer: For example, the following symptoms can occur as a direct result of myelin breakdown in the spinal cord or brain: Decreased sex drive Altered genital sensations (numbness, pain, increased sensitivity) Difficulty or inability to maintain erection Decreased vaginal lubrication Decreased vaginal muscle tone Ejaculation difficulty Problems having an orgasm The following symptoms can arise as a consequence of MS physical changes or treatments and affect sexual intimacy: Fatigue Spasticity Sensory changes Pain A loss of interest in sexual contact or intimacy may arise as a result of psychological or social issues associated with multiple sclerosis, such as: Depression Performance anxiety Changes in self-image or body image as a result of disability Talk to your partner about your sexual issues and multiple sclerosis.


Question: What is the neurologic impact of multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Sexual arousal begins in the central nervous system, as the brain sends messages to the sexual organs along the nerve pathway in the spinal cord. MS-related changes to these nerve pathways can directly or indirectly impair sexual functioning. For example, the following symptoms can occur as a direct result of myelin breakdown in the spinal cord or brain: Decreased sex drive Altered genital sensations (numbness, pain, increased sensitivity) Difficulty or inability to maintain erection Decreased vaginal lubrication Decreased vaginal muscle tone Ejaculation difficulty Problems having an orgasm The following symptoms can arise as a consequence of MS physical changes or treatments and affect sexual intimacy: Fatigue Spasticity Sensory changes Pain A loss of interest in sexual contact or intimacy may arise as a result of psychological or social issues associated with multiple sclerosis, such as: Depression Performance anxiety Changes in self-image or body image as a result of disability Talk to your partner about your sexual issues and multiple sclerosis.


Question: What can prevent someone with multiple sclerosis (MS) from having sex?

Answer: For example, the following symptoms can occur as a direct result of myelin breakdown in the spinal cord or brain: Decreased sex drive Altered genital sensations (numbness, pain, increased sensitivity) Difficulty or inability to maintain erection Decreased vaginal lubrication Decreased vaginal muscle tone Ejaculation difficulty Problems having an orgasm The following symptoms can arise as a consequence of MS physical changes or treatments and affect sexual intimacy: Fatigue Spasticity Sensory changes Pain A loss of interest in sexual contact or intimacy may arise as a result of psychological or social issues associated with multiple sclerosis, such as: Depression Performance anxiety Changes in self-image or body image as a result of disability Talk to your partner about your sexual issues and multiple sclerosis.


Question: What is psychodynamic therapy?

Answer: Different approaches to therapy include: Psychodynamic Therapy Psychodynamic therapy is based on the assumption that a person is having emotional problems because of unresolved, generally unconscious conflicts, often stemming from childhood. The goal of this type of therapy is for the patient to understand and cope better with these feelings by talking about the experiences. Psychodynamic therapy is administered over a period of at least several months, although it can last longer, even years.


Question: What can make acne worse?

Answer: Though acne is essentially a normal physiologic occurrence, certain conditions may aggravate the condition, including: Fluctuating hormone levels around the time of menses (women) Manipulating (picking/prodding) acne lesions Clothing (for example, hats and sports helmets) and headgear Only three types of drugs have proven to be effective for the treatment of acne -- antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids.


Question: What are the forms of acne?

Answer: Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), for example, Differin, Retin- A, Tazorac, treat blackheads and whiteheads, the first lesions of acne.


Question: How can acne be prevented?

Answer: To prevent acne and reduce its damage to your skin, follow these tips. Choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne. These products often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help to clear acne sores. Clean your face gently, as trauma to the acne breakouts may worsen the acne or cause scarring. When washing your face, use your hands or cotton pads, as any terrycloth or other scrubbing material may cause acne sores to rupture. If you need to use a moisturizer, use only light, noncomedogenic moisturizers, which do not aggravate acne. If you are a woman, use an oil-free foundation. Heavy makeup or other cosmetic products that block pores may cause a flare-up of acne.


Question: Can antibiotics help acne?

Answer: Antibiotics , either topically applied to the skin (clindamycin, erythromycin), or taken orally (tetracycline and its derivatives, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) control surface bacteria and reduce inflammation in the skin. Antibiotics are more effective when combined with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.


Question: Are there drugs that can help acne?

Answer: Though acne is essentially a normal physiologic occurrence, certain conditions may aggravate the condition, including: Fluctuating hormone levels around the time of menses (women) Manipulating (picking/prodding) acne lesions Clothing (for example, hats and sports helmets) and headgear Only three types of drugs have proven to be effective for the treatment of acne -- antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids. Most people require at least one or two agents, depending on the severity of their acne.


Question: How is sunlight used to treat skin problems?

Answer: Too many rays coming directly from the sun can make your symptoms worse and raise your chances of getting skin cancer. If your doctor tells you to get some sun each day, about 20 minutes a day should be enough. Use a sunscreen with zinc oxide and an SPF of 30 or higher on areas of your skin that don't have psoriasis.


Question: What are the side effects of psoralen plus ultraviolet A for your skin?

Answer: PUVA clears up psoriasis quickly with long-lasting results. But using it for a long time can raise your chances of skin cancer. Because of that, it's typically only recommended for severe cases or when other treatments haven't worked. The treatment also has side effects such as: Nausea Exhaustion Headaches Burning and itching Because psoralen makes your body extra sensitive to light, you need to protect your skin and eyes after taking it.


Question: What combination treatment works with ultraviolet B for your skin?

Answer: Your doctor might suggest you use UVB treatment along with another kind of therapy, like a cream made from coal tar. He may call this the Goeckerman regimen. Another combination treatment pairs anthralin-salicylic acid paste with ultraviolet light. You might hear this called the Ingram regimen.


Question: Are lasers used to treat skin problems?

Answer: These highly focused beams of light target your psoriasis patches, not your healthy skin. This cuts down on side effects and may lower your chances of skin cancer. You'll also need fewer treatments compared with other types of light therapy.


Question: When is light therapy used to treat psoriasis?

Answer: If the medicine you put on your skin isn't doing all that it needs to, your doctor may suggest adding phototherapy to your psoriasis treatment. It uses ultraviolet rays that come from sunshine, artificial lamps, or lasers to slow skin cell growth and ease your symptoms.


Question: When should I stop taking eye medication?

Answer: Call him or her as soon as possible if you feel you need to stop the medication. If you quit too early, the illness might return or become harder to treat. Don't double the dose unless your doctor says to.


Question: What if I am pregnant and taking eye prescription medications?

Answer: Tell the doctor if you're expecting or breastfeeding. Small amounts of medication can pass from mother to child.


Question: What should I tell my eye doctor before they prescribe me drugs?

Answer: Before your eye doctor prescribes a drug, tell him or her if: You're allergic to any medication You're on any other drugs, including over-the-counter ones You're pregnant or think you might be You have problems with any medications When you take eye medication, follow these safety tips: Read all labels carefully.


Question: What are some safety tips for the dosage of my eye medication?

Answer: Don't double the dose unless your doctor says to. If you miss a dose, don't panic. Take it as soon as you remember.


Question: How should I keep my eye medication?

Answer: Don't keep medication that's outdated or no longer needed. Store it in a dry area away from moisture, unless the doctor or pharmacist tells you to refrigerate it. Always keep medications out of the reach of children.


Question: Do clogged arteries cause any symptoms?

Answer: In many instances, clogged arteries do not cause any symptoms until a major event, such as a heart attack or stroke, occurs. At other times, especially when the artery is blocked by 70% or more, the buildup of arterial plaque may cause symptoms that include: Chest pain Shortness of breath Heart palpitations Weakness or dizziness Nausea Sweating The first symptom, chest pain, is also called angina.


Question: Can smoking cause arterial plaque?

Answer: Cigarette smoke seems to increase the rate of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the heart, legs, and the aorta -- the largest artery in the body.


Question: Can lifestyle changes treat clogged arteries?

Answer: A healthy lifestyle is essential for the management of arterial plaque and treatment of clogged arteries. This includes: Eating a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, with less sugars and simple carbohydrates, and rich in fruits and vegetables Maintaining a healthy body weight Not smoking Exercising regularly Managing stress levels Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol down Maintaining low blood sugars 2.


Question: Can diabetes make you more likely to get plaque in your arteries?

Answer: Even people who have elevated sugars not yet at the level of diabetes, such as seen in metabolic syndrome, also have increased risk of plaque formation.


Question: What are symptoms of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)?

Answer: TIAs may produce the following symptoms: Sensation of weakness or numbness on one side of your body Inability to move an arm or a leg Loss of vision on one side only Slurring of words Clogged arteries in peripheral artery disease may cause: Leg pain Delayed healing of injuries to the feet Cold feet Gangrene Yes.


Question: Are there tests for clogged arteries?

Answer: There are several tests for clogged arteries. Your doctor will determine which tests to prescribe based on your symptoms and medical history. The tests may include: Cholesterol screening Chest X-ray CT scan Ultrasound Echocardiogram and/or cardiac stress test Electrocardiogram MRI or PET scanning Angiogram There are a variety of prevention and treatment options for clogged arteries.


Question: What medications treat clogged arteries or arterial plaque?

Answer: These include: Cholesterol-lowering drugs Blood pressure-lowering drugs Aspirin and other blood-thinning drugs, which reduce the likelihood of dangerous blood clot formation


Question: How can you screen for colorectal cancer?

Answer: The current American Cancer Society screening guidelines for colorectal cancer n an average risk patient begin at the age of 45 and include the following options: Stool based tests: Fecal immunochemical test ( FIT) yearly Guaiac fecal occult blood test yearly Stool DNA test every 3 years Structural examinations: Colonoscopy every 10 years Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years. If you have a positive result on a screening test that is not a colonoscopy, further evaluation should be performed on a timely basis with a colonoscopy test to take a look at your entire colon.


Question: What happens after a biopsy confirms colorectal cancer?

Answer: Should a biopsy confirm cancer, imaging tests using chest X-rays and CT scans of the abdomen, pelvis, and possibly chest are performed to find out whether the cancer has spread to other sites. Blood tests will also be ordered to find out how well the liver and kidneys are functioning, to determine if you are anemic, and to measure the blood level of a substance called carcinoembryonic antigen ( CEA), often found in higher-than-normal concentration in the presence of colorectal cancer, especially if it has spread.


Question: How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?

Answer: The current American Cancer Society screening guidelines for colorectal cancer n an average risk patient begin at the age of 45 and include the following options: Stool based tests: Fecal immunochemical test ( FIT) yearly Guaiac fecal occult blood test yearly Stool DNA test every 3 years Structural examinations: Colonoscopy every 10 years Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years. If you have a positive result on a screening test that is not a colonoscopy, further evaluation should be performed on a timely basis with a colonoscopy test to take a look at your entire colon.


Question: How is radiation therapy used to treat colorectal cancer?

Answer: For rectal cancer, radiation is usually given after surgery, along with chemotherapy (known as adjuvant therapy), in order to destroy any cancer cells left behind. In addition, it can be used along with chemotherapy before surgery (known as neoadjuvant therapy) in order to shrink a large tumor, making the surgery easier. In advanced rectal cancer, radiation can be used to shrink tumors that cause symptoms of bowel obstruction, bleeding, or pain.


Question: How do you treat irritated eyes caused by foreign objects?

Answer: Solution: If something feels stuck in your eye, try to wash it out with water. Don't touch your eye or try to remove the object. Keep your eye closed as much as possible and go to an eye doctor or emergency room immediately.


Question: Are foreign objects irritating your eyes?

Answer: Foreign objects: Sand, dirt, and sawdust can make you weepy. They can also scratch your cornea, the clear covering of the front of your eye. Symptoms include pain (which may be worse when you open or shut your eye), redness, watering, and sensitivity to light.


Question: How do I treat medical conditions that irritate my eyes?

Answer: Symptoms include: Always feeling like you have something in your eye Eyelids or lashes that crust over Eyelashes that grow in wrong directions Flakes at the base of your lashes Redness and itching Solution: Your doctor may prescribe medications for chronic dry eyes. There are treatments for blepharitis, too, and your doctor will probably suggest using an eyelid scrub.


Question: How do I keep my eyes healthy and infection-free?

Answer: Replace your mascara often, and never share makeup. Wear wrap-around sunglasses, and use safety glasses if you work with machinery. Keep them moist. Dry eyes are more likely to get inflamed or scarred. Stay away from cigarette smoke. Air conditioning can pull moisture from the air in your house, so run a humidifier if it feels too dry. Ask your doctor if any of your medications might dry out your eyes. Be careful with contacts. Wash your hands before you put in your lenses. See your eye doctor. If you have pain or blurriness, double vision, or a serious eye injury, go to the doctor immediately.


Question: What is pinkeye?

Answer: Infections: Red, itchy pinkeye is a form of conjunctivitis caused by a virus or bacteria. Your eyes put out a sticky or ropy discharge. Your eyelids may crust over. It usually starts in one eye and spreads to the other. And you can infect other people. Solution: Try cool compresses if they're itchy. Your doctor can tell you if the cause is a virus or bacteria. He might prescribe eye drops to treat it.


Question: How do you treat allergies that cause eye irritation?

Answer: Solution: Try over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops or allergy pills. A cool compress may soothe the itching.


Question: What should I do if something feels stuck in my eye?

Answer: Foreign objects: Sand, dirt, and sawdust can make you weepy. They can also scratch your cornea, the clear covering of the front of your eye. Symptoms include pain (which may be worse when you open or shut your eye), redness, watering, and sensitivity to light. Solution: If something feels stuck in your eye, try to wash it out with water. Don't touch your eye or try to remove the object. Keep your eye closed as much as possible and go to an eye doctor or emergency room immediately.


Question: What medical conditions can irritate my eyes?

Answer: Medical conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis and SjÃ¶gren's syndrome can cause dry eyes as well as more serious problems. Bacteria or a form of dandruff can cause blepharitis, a chronic condition that involves inflammation of the eyelids.


Question: How do I soothe common eye irritants?

Answer: Irritants: Other things that can make your eyes red and itchy include tobacco smoke, chlorinated pool water, and even the air around indoor pools. Solution: Rinse your eyes with clean, warm water, and use artificial tears to soothe them.


Question: How do you treat what's irritating your eyes?

Answer: Solution: Rinse your eyes with clean, warm water, and use artificial tears to soothe them.


Question: Is an allergy irritating your eyes?

Answer: Allergies: Your eyes let you know when it's allergy season, or if your new partner's pet gives off dander. Itchy, watery, swollen, and red eyes are signs of allergic conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the membrane that covers the whites of your eyes. Sometimes this happens along with nasal allergy symptoms.


Question: Are medical conditions causing your irritated eyes?

Answer: Medical conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis and SjÃ¶gren's syndrome can cause dry eyes as well as more serious problems. Bacteria or a form of dandruff can cause blepharitis, a chronic condition that involves inflammation of the eyelids. Symptoms include: Always feeling like you have something in your eye Eyelids or lashes that crust over Eyelashes that grow in wrong directions Flakes at the base of your lashes Redness and itching Solution: Your doctor may prescribe medications for chronic dry eyes.


Question: How can attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affect my sex life?

Answer: If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD), it can cause problems with intimacy and lead to some communication problems. You can have trouble paying attention during sex. Your mind might wander during foreplay, cuddling, or sex. That may seem normal to you, but your partner may see it as lack of interest. Your mood or desires may change suddenly. One day you might like cuddling or a certain sex act. The next day, the same things might bother you. Feelings like anger and loneliness may make you less interested in sex. They may also cause communication issues between you and your partner. You may be drawn to risky behaviors, like unprotected sex. ADHD can lower levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. That may make you more likely to take risks or be impulsive. You may like to have different sex partners. This can make it harder to keep a long-term relationship and raise the chances of risky sex.


Question: Can I still have a healthy sex life with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Answer: If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD), it can cause problems with intimacy and lead to some communication problems.


Question: What are drying guide for a dry hair?

Answer: Squeeze wetness out of your hair. Rubbing a towel back and forth causes friction, which breaks your hair. Spray on a detangling, moisturizing product before using the blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron. This protects against the heat and keeps your hair from drying out. For maximum protection, spray it on from the ends to the roots and then brush through, rather than combing, to cover hair completely. Use natural boar bristle brushes while blow drying. Hold the blow dryer 4 to 6 inches away from the brush as you style.