Question: Why do people take L-tryptophan?

Answer: Some women take L-tryptophan supplements to try to ease mood swings due to premenstrual syndrome ( PMS), also called premenstrual dysphoric disorder ( PMDD).


Question: What are symptoms of serotonin syndrome linked to L-tryptophan?

Answer: Do not take L-tryptophan if you are on antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs), MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and atypical antidepressants.. Doing so may lead to a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome are: Extreme anxiety Easily startled Rapid heart beats Delirium Severe muscle spasms Increased body temperature L-tryptophan supplements should be used with caution in pregnant women.


Question: What is bipolar mania?

Answer: Bipolar mania is a prolonged state (at least one week at a time) of extreme elation or agitation accompanied by excessive energy. Symptoms of the manic "highs" include increased energy, racing thoughts and fast speech, excessive talkativeness, distractibility, reckless and aggressive behavior, grandiose thoughts, decreased need for sleep, feelings of invincibility, sexual inappropriateness including infidelity, excessive spending, and exaggerated self-confidence.


Question: Can environmental stress increase the risk of bipolar disorder?

Answer: People are sometimes diagnosed with bipolar following a stressful or traumatic event in their lives. These environmental triggers can include seasonal changes, holidays, and major life changes such as starting a new job, losing a job, going to college, family disagreements, marriage, or a death in the family. Stress, in and of itself, does not cause bipolar disorder (much the way pollen doesn't cause seasonal allergies), but in people with the biological vulnerability to bipolar disorder, having effective skills for managing life stresses can be critical to a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid things that can aggravate the illness (such as drugs and alcohol).


Question: Does bipolar disorder run in families?

Answer: Numerous studies have found that people with bipolar often have at least one close relative with depression or bipolar disorder. Children who have one parent with the disorder have about a 10%-25% chance of developing the disorder themselves; children with two parents with the disorder have a 10%-50% chance. If a non-identical twin sibling has the disorder, the chance that another sibling will have it is about 10%-25%. Studies of identical twins have shown that genetics are not the only factor in determining who is at risk for bipolar disorder. Because identical twins share all the same genes, if bipolar disorder were purely hereditary, then all identical twins would share the disorder. However, it has been found that if one identical twin has bipolar disorder, the chances of the other twin also having bipolar disorder ranges from 40% to 70%.


Question: How can you treat symptoms of testicular pain?

Answer: For pain, take over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin). For swelling, apply an ice pack to the scrotum. The person should wear supportive underwear.


Question: How can high blood pressure cause right-side heart failure?

Answer: It measures how hard your heart pumps blood through your arteries. The higher your blood pressure, the harder your heart is working to pump it. That means over time, your heart muscles can thicken and weaken because of the extra work they do.


Question: How can coronary artery disease cause right-side heart failure?

Answer: This is the most common form of heart disease and cause of heart failure. When you have coronary artery disease, plaque blocks your arteries, causing blood flow to your heart muscle to slow or even stop.


Question: What causes right-side heart failure?

Answer: Sometimes it just happens. But usually it's left-side heart failure that causes right-side heart failure. As the left chamber of your heart loses some of its ability to pump, blood continues to back up -- sometimes into your lungs. Heart failure is a long-term condition that gets worse over time. In most cases, you get it because you have other health issues that have damaged or weakened your heart.


Question: How is right-side heart failure treated?

Answer: There is no cure for heart failure, but there are treatments for its symptoms. Talk to your doctor. She may suggest medications to make you more comfortable. In some cases, a procedure or surgery may be necessary. Your doctor will also suggest you do some things differently to reduce the stress on your heart. These might include: Lose weight, or stay at a weight that feels best. Quit smoking. Exercise. Eat a diet high in lean protein, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Cut back on of sodium, saturated fats (found in meats and full-fat dairy products), added sugars, and carbs. Get enough rest.


Question: How can an arrhythmia cause right-side heart failure?

Answer: This is when your heart has an irregular heartbeat. It may beat too fast, too slow, or just not the way it should. Most of the time, arrhythmia is harmless. But it can also make your heart pump an insufficient amount of blood through the body. If it's not treated, it could weaken your heart over time.


Question: How do you know if you have right-side heart failure?

Answer: When your heart is working normally, it pumps oxygen-rich blood through your lungs and to the rest of your body. The left ventricle, or left chamber, of the heart provides most of the heart's pumping power. So when you have left-side heart failure, your heart can't pump enough blood to your body. The right ventricle, or right chamber, moves âusedâ blood from your heart back to your lungs to be resupplied with oxygen. So when you have right-side heart failure, the right chamber has lost its ability to pump. That means your heart can't fill with enough blood, and the blood backs up into the veins. If this happens, your legs, ankles, and belly often swell.


Question: What other long-term health conditions can cause right-side heart failure?

Answer: Diabetes, HIV, and thyroid problems are examples of health issues that do not go away and eventually could play a part in heart failure.


Question: What are common side effects of cholesterol drugs?

Answer: Common side effects of cholesterol drugs include: Diarrhea Constipation Nausea Stomach cramps Muscle soreness, pain, or weakness Vomiting Headache Dizziness Drowsiness Fatigue Problems sleeping Rash or flushed skin Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U. S. and are known to lower a person's risk for stroke and heart attack.


Question: What are severe problems from taking cholesterol drugs?

Answer: But for some people they can cause severe side effects like muscle damage and liver damage. Rarer side effects may include dark-colored urine, urinary tract infections, increased blood sugar or type 2 diabetes, and memory loss or confusion. It's unclear why these issues happen. Your doctor may test your liver while you take statins to see if you're having liver problems. Muscle pain is the problem people on statins report most often. Doctors aren't sure why it happens.


Question: How is a brain hemorrhage treated?

Answer: Doctors may run a variety of imaging tests, such as a CT scan, which can reveal internal bleeding or blood accumulation, or an MRI. A neurological exam or eye exam, which can show swelling of the optic nerve, may also be performed. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is usually not performed, as it may be dangerous and make things worse. Treatment for bleeding in the brain depends on the location, cause, and extent of the hemorrhage. Surgery may be needed to alleviate swelling and prevent bleeding. Certain medications may also be prescribed. These include painkillers, corticosteroids, or diuretics to reduce swelling, and anticonvulsants to control seizures.


Question: What causes bleeding in the brain?

Answer: There are several risk factors and causes of brain hemorrhages. The most common include: Head trauma . Injury is the most common cause of bleeding in the brain for those younger than age 50. High blood pressure . This chronic condition can, over a long period of time, weaken blood vessel walls. Untreated high blood pressure is a major preventable cause of brain hemorrhages. Aneurysm . This is a weakening in a blood vessel wall that swells. It can burst and bleed into the brain, leading to a stroke. Blood vessel abnormalities. ( Arteriovenous malformations) Weaknesses in the blood vessels in and around the brain may be present at birth and diagnosed only if symptoms develop. Amyloid angiopathy. This is an abnormality of the blood vessel walls that sometimes occurs with aging and high blood pressure. It may cause many small, unnoticed bleeds before causing a large one. Blood or bleeding disorders. Hemophilia and sickle cell anemia can both contribute to decreased levels of blood platelets. Liver disease. This condition is associated with increased bleeding in general. Brain tumors .


Question: When should you seek medical care for a brain hemorrhage?

Answer: If you exhibit any of the following symptoms, you may have a brain hemorrhage. This is a life-threatening condition, and you should call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately. The symptoms include: A sudden severe headache Seizures with no previous history of seizures Weakness in an arm or leg Nausea or vomiting Decreased alertness; lethargy Changes in vision Tingling or numbness Difficulty speaking or understanding speech Difficulty swallowing Difficulty writing or reading Loss of fine motor skills, such as hand tremors Loss of coordination Loss of balance An abnormal sense of taste Loss of consciousness Keep in mind that many of these symptoms are often caused by conditions other than brain hemorrhages.


Question: What happens during a brain hemorrhage?

Answer: When blood from trauma irritates brain tissues, it causes swelling. This is known as cerebral edema. The pooled blood collects into a mass called a hematoma. These conditions increase pressure on nearby brain tissue, and that reduces vital blood flow and kills brain cells. Bleeding can occur inside the brain, between the brain and the membranes that cover it, between the layers of the brain's covering or between the skull and the covering of the brain.


Question: How can counseling and support help with treating dementia?

Answer: A dementia diagnosis is stressful. If your loved one needs help coming to terms with it, ask the doctor treating their dementia to refer you to a trained mental health professional. ( You might also want to do this for yourself, if you'd like help adjusting to their condition.) This might include an individual or family therapist, social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Joining a local or online support group for people with dementia can also be comforting.


Question: What does MIND diet include?

Answer: Researchers say the MIND diet includes: Vegetables, especially leafy greens (think of spinach, kale, and other greens) Nuts Berries Beans Whole grains Fish Poultry Olive oil Wine The plan limits red meat, butter and stick margarine, cheese, sweets, and fried foods.


Question: How can memantine (Namenda) help with treating dementia?

Answer: Memantine ( Namenda) helps control a different brain chemical needed for learning and memory. Sometimes doctors prescribe memantine along with donepezil in a combination drug ( Namzaric) for moderate to severe dementia.


Question: How can antipsychotic medicines help with treating dementia?

Answer: Antipsychotic medicines such as aripiprazole ( Abilify), haloperidol ( Haldol), olanzapine ( Zyprexa), and risperidone ( Risperdal) can help control feelings and behaviors such as aggression, agitation, delusions, or hallucinations.


Question: How can antidepressants help with treating dementia?

Answer: Antidepressants , especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs), can improve low mood and irritability.


Question: Can you get potassium naturally from foods?

Answer: Good natural food sources of potassium include: Bananas Avocados Nuts, like almonds and peanuts Citrus fruits Leafy, green vegetables Milk Potatoes Keep in mind that some types of cooking, such as boiling, can decrease the potassium content in some foods.


Question: Who is more likely to get potassium deficiencies?

Answer: Potassium deficiencies are more common in people who: Use certain medicines, such as diuretics Have physically demanding jobs Athletes exercising in hot climates and sweating excessively Have health conditions that affect their digestive absorption, such as Crohn's disease Have an eating disorder Smoke Abuse alcohol or drugs The Institute of Medicine has set an adequate intake for potassium.


Question: How are blood tests used to diagnose psoriatic arthritis?

Answer: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate or ESR): Gives a rough idea of how much inflammation is in your body, which could be caused by psoriatic arthritis. But higher levels can come from other autoimmune diseases, an infection, a tumor, liver disease, or pregnancy, too. Rheumatoid factor ( RF) and anti- CCP antibody: These tests can rule out rheumatoid arthritis. People with that condition may have higher levels of these in their blood. HLA- B27: More than half of people who have psoriatic arthritis with spine inflammation will have this genetic marker. You can get tested to find out if you do. Iron tests: People with psoriatic arthritis may have mild anemia , or not enough healthy red blood cells.


Question: What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will look at your body and ask about the symptoms you've been having, which might include: Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling Fatigue Tenderness, pain, or swelling where tendons and ligaments attach to bones Swollen fingers or toes Patches of red, itchy skin Thick silver or gray scaly areas on your skin Changes or problems with your fingernails or toenails Redness and swelling in your eye Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are related to your genes, so if you have a close family member with these skin or joint problems, you're more likely to have them, too.


Question: How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?

Answer: Your doctor will make a decision based on: Your symptoms A physical exam Your medical history and your family's medical history Lab tests No single thing will diagnose psoriatic arthritis, but blood tests, imaging, and other tests can help your doctor. He may want to give you certain tests that check for rheumatoid arthritis, because it can look a lot like psoriatic arthritis.


Question: How are X-rays used to diagnose psoriatic arthritis?

Answer: X- Rays These can show cartilage changes or bone and joint damage that suggests arthritis in your spine, hands, or feet. Psoriatic arthritis usually looks different on X-rays than rheumatoid arthritis does.


Question: Who can get psoriatic arthritis?

Answer: Psoriatic arthritis usually shows up between ages 30 and 50, but it may start in childhood. Both men and women get it. Many people have the skin disease psoriasis first.


Question: Can psoriatic arthritis be passed down?

Answer: Your doctor will look at your body and ask about the symptoms you've been having, which might include: Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling Fatigue Tenderness, pain, or swelling where tendons and ligaments attach to bones Swollen fingers or toes Patches of red, itchy skin Thick silver or gray scaly areas on your skin Changes or problems with your fingernails or toenails Redness and swelling in your eye Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are related to your genes, so if you have a close family member with these skin or joint problems, you're more likely to have them, too.


Question: How safe is a liver biopsy?

Answer: In most instances, there are no complications in obtaining a liver biopsy. However, rarely, internal bleeding may occur, as well as a leak of bile from the liver or gallbladder. There is a slight risk of a pneumothorax, also called a collapsed lung, if the biopsy needle makes a hole in the chest wall causing air to enter.


Question: What symptoms should I look out for within 72 hours of my liver biopsy?

Answer: If these symptoms occur within 72 hours of the biopsy, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room: Fever Dizziness Chills Difficulty breathing Chest pain Abdominal swelling or bloating Increasing abdominal pain Tenderness or severe pain or redness at the site of the biopsy or in the shoulder, chest, or abdomen


Question: What common fungal infections are typically associated with diabetes?

Answer: A yeast-like fungus called " Candida albicans" causes many of the fungal infections that happen to people with diabetes.


Question: How can you develop atherosclerosis if you have diabetes?

Answer: When you have issues with your heart or blood vessels: Atherosclerosis: This is the narrowing of blood vessels. They become narrower as the vessel walls get thick from plaque buildup. That can affect blood supply to your skin. When the blood vessels that bring oxygen to the skin become narrow, changes can happen, such as hair loss and thinning, shiny skin (especially on the shins), thickened and discolored toenails, and cold skin. Because blood carries the white blood cells that help fight infection, your legs and feet can heal more slowly when they are injured.


Question: How can you develop disseminated granuloma annulare if you have diabetes?

Answer: Disseminated granuloma annulare: While there is some controversy over whether this condition is connected to diabetes, disseminated granuloma annulare causes sharply defined ring- or arc-shaped areas on the skin. These rashes most often happen on the fingers and ears, but they can appear on the chest and abdomen, too. The rash can be red, red-brown, or skin-colored. Treatment usually isn't needed, but sometimes a steroid medication you put on your skin, such as hydrocortisone, can help.


Question: How do shin spots (diabetic dermopathy) develop in diabetics?

Answer: Shin spots (diabetic dermopathy): This condition happens due to changes to the blood vessels in your skin. Dermopathy appears as a shiny round or oval lesion on the thin skin of your shins. The patches don't hurt, and they rarely cause itching or burning. Treatment usually isn't necessary.


Question: What is necrobiosis lipoidica and how is it related to diabetes?

Answer: Necrobiosis lipoidica: If you've had diabetes for a long time without good control of your blood sugar, you could develop this condition. Poor blood supply to the skin can cause changes in the collagen and fat underneath. The overlaying skin becomes thin and red. Most lesions are found on the lower parts of the legs and can turn into an ulcer if there's trauma. Lesions have fairly well-defined borders. Sometimes, the condition is itchy and painful. As long as the sores don't break open, you won't need treatment for them. If the sores do break open, see your doctor.


Question: How can you develop digital sclerosis if you have diabetes?

Answer: Digital sclerosis: Due to poor blood flow, the skin on your toes, fingers, and hands becomes thick, waxy, and tight. It can also make your finger joints stiff. Get your blood sugar under control, because that can help treat this condition. Try lotions and moisturizers to help soften the skin.


Question: How can you develop scleredema diabeticorum if you have diabetes?

Answer: Scleredema diabeticorum: This condition causes a thickening of the skin on the back of the neck and upper back. It's rare, but it can affect people with type 2 diabetes. The treatment is to bring your blood sugar levels under control. Lotions and moisturizers might help soften your skin.


Question: How can you develop eruptive xanthomatosis if you have diabetes?

Answer: Eruptive xanthomatosis: Severe insulin resistance can make it hard for your body to get rid of fat in your blood. When you have very high cholesterol, this skin condition can happen. Firm, yellow, waxy pea-like bumps on the skin are surrounded by red halos and are itchy. These usually show up on the eyes, elbows, face, and buttocks. They also can appear on the back side of the arms and legs. To treat it, your doctor will work to control the level of fats in your blood. The bumps usually go away over several weeks. You might also need drugs that control different types of fats in the blood (lipid-lowering drugs).


Question: How do fungal infections occur in diabetics?

Answer: Fungal infections: Warm, moist folds of the skin are the perfect breeding ground for these infections. Three common fungal infections are: Jock itch (red, itchy area on the genitals and the inside of the thighs) Athlete's foot (affects the skin between the toes) Ringworm (ring-shaped, scaly patches that can itch or blister and appear on the feet, groin, chest, stomach, scalp, or nails).


Question: What is disseminated granuloma annulare and is it related to diabetes?

Answer: Disseminated granuloma annulare: While there is some controversy over whether this condition is connected to diabetes, disseminated granuloma annulare causes sharply defined ring- or arc-shaped areas on the skin. These rashes most often happen on the fingers and ears, but they can appear on the chest and abdomen, too. The rash can be red, red-brown, or skin-colored. Treatment usually isn't needed, but sometimes a steroid medication you put on your skin, such as hydrocortisone, can help.


Question: What are diabetes-related shin spots?

Answer: Shin spots (diabetic dermopathy): This condition happens due to changes to the blood vessels in your skin. Dermopathy appears as a shiny round or oval lesion on the thin skin of your shins. The patches don't hurt, and they rarely cause itching or burning. Treatment usually isn't necessary.


Question: What is eruptive xanthomatosis and how is it related to diabetes?

Answer: Eruptive xanthomatosis: Severe insulin resistance can make it hard for your body to get rid of fat in your blood. When you have very high cholesterol, this skin condition can happen. Firm, yellow, waxy pea-like bumps on the skin are surrounded by red halos and are itchy. These usually show up on the eyes, elbows, face, and buttocks. They also can appear on the back side of the arms and legs. To treat it, your doctor will work to control the level of fats in your blood. The bumps usually go away over several weeks. You might also need drugs that control different types of fats in the blood (lipid-lowering drugs).


Question: What are diabetes-related blisters?

Answer: Diabetes-related blisters (bullous diabeticorum): In rare cases, people with diabetes get blisters that resemble burn blisters. These can affect the fingers, hands, toes, feet, legs, or forearms. They're usually painless and they heal on their own. They often happen in people who have severe diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. For treatment, your doctor will help you get your blood sugar levels under control.


Question: How common are diabetes-related skin problems?

Answer: Doing so can help you avoid many diabetes skin problems. Still, skin conditions related to this disease are common. As many as 1 out of 3 people with diabetes will have one. Fortunately, most can be successfully treated before they turn into a serious problem. The key is to catch them early.


Question: What bacterial infections are commonly associated with diabetes?

Answer: Bacterial infections: Staphylococcus skin infections are more common and more serious in people with poorly controlled diabetes. When hair follicles are irritated, these bacteria can cause boils or an inflamed bump. Other infections include: Styes, which are infections of the eyelid glands Nail infections Most bacterial infections need to be treated with antibiotic pills.


Question: How can you develop diabetes-related blisters (bullous diabeticorum)?

Answer: Diabetes-related blisters (bullous diabeticorum): In rare cases, people with diabetes get blisters that resemble burn blisters. These can affect the fingers, hands, toes, feet, legs, or forearms. They're usually painless and they heal on their own. They often happen in people who have severe diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. For treatment, your doctor will help you get your blood sugar levels under control.


Question: How can you develop necrobiosis lipoidica if you have diabetes?

Answer: Necrobiosis lipoidica: If you've had diabetes for a long time without good control of your blood sugar, you could develop this condition. Poor blood supply to the skin can cause changes in the collagen and fat underneath. The overlaying skin becomes thin and red. Most lesions are found on the lower parts of the legs and can turn into an ulcer if there's trauma. Lesions have fairly well-defined borders. Sometimes, the condition is itchy and painful. As long as the sores don't break open, you won't need treatment for them. If the sores do break open, see your doctor.


Question: How does vitiligo develop in diabetics?

Answer: Vitiligo: This condition affects your skin color. It's more common with type 1 diabetes. With vitiligo, the cells that make the substance that gives your skin color, melanin, are destroyed. Patches of skin look discolored. They often appear on the chest and stomach. But they can also show up on the face around the mouth, nose, and eyes. Steroid creams, ultraviolet light treatments, and micropigmentation (tattooing) are a few treatment options. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn on your discolored skin.


Question: Where do diabetics usually get fungal infections?

Answer: Women are likely to get this in their vaginas. People also tend to get this infection on the corners of their mouth. It feels like small cuts and is called "angular cheilitis." Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails that is more prevalent among people with diabetes. It causes discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed. Medicines that kill fungus -- called antifungals -- are usually needed to treat these infections.


Question: Why does diabetes cause itching?

Answer: Itching skin, also called pruritus, can have many causes, such as dry skin, poor blood flow, or a yeast infection. When itching is caused by poor blood flow, you'll likely feel it in your lower legs and feet. Lotion can help to keep your skin soft and moist, and prevent itching due to dry skin.


Question: What is scleredema diabeticorum?

Answer: Scleredema diabeticorum: This condition causes a thickening of the skin on the back of the neck and upper back. It's rare, but it can affect people with type 2 diabetes. The treatment is to bring your blood sugar levels under control. Lotions and moisturizers might help soften your skin.


Question: What is digital sclerosis and how is it related to diabetes?

Answer: Digital sclerosis: Due to poor blood flow, the skin on your toes, fingers, and hands becomes thick, waxy, and tight. It can also make your finger joints stiff. Get your blood sugar under control, because that can help treat this condition. Try lotions and moisturizers to help soften the skin.


Question: What is diabetes-related acanthosis nigricans?

Answer: Acanthosis nigricans: This condition is most common in people with type 2 diabetes. It causes darkened and thickened skin, especially in skin folds. It looks like a small wart. Skin becomes tan or brown. It's sometimes slightly raised and may look velvety. It can be found on the sides or back of the neck, the armpits, under the breast, and groin. Sometimes, the top of your knuckles will look strange. This condition usually affects people who are very overweight. It usually starts before diabetes, and it can be a sign of insulin resistance. While there's no cure, losing weight may help.


Question: How does acanthosis nigricans develop in diabetics?

Answer: Acanthosis nigricans: This condition is most common in people with type 2 diabetes. It causes darkened and thickened skin, especially in skin folds. It looks like a small wart. Skin becomes tan or brown. It's sometimes slightly raised and may look velvety. It can be found on the sides or back of the neck, the armpits, under the breast, and groin. Sometimes, the top of your knuckles will look strange. This condition usually affects people who are very overweight. It usually starts before diabetes, and it can be a sign of insulin resistance. While there's no cure, losing weight may help.


Question: What is diabetes-related vitiligo?

Answer: Vitiligo: This condition affects your skin color. It's more common with type 1 diabetes. With vitiligo, the cells that make the substance that gives your skin color, melanin, are destroyed. Patches of skin look discolored. They often appear on the chest and stomach. But they can also show up on the face around the mouth, nose, and eyes. Steroid creams, ultraviolet light treatments, and micropigmentation (tattooing) are a few treatment options. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn on your discolored skin.


Question: What is cervical disc disease and how does it cause neck pain?

Answer: Sometimes simple home interventions are enough to treat cervical disc disease, in which an abnormality in one or more discs that lie between the vertebrae cause neck pain.


Question: What is cervical traction?

Answer: Traction gently extends the neck, opening the spaces between the cervical vertebrae and temporarily alleviating pressure on the affected discs.


Question: What should I do if I'm diagnsed with FTD?

Answer: The condition is not life-threatening. But you should find a doctor who knows how to manage it as soon as possible. Speech experts, physical therapists, and nurses may be able to help, too. You should also think about doing these things: Ask your doctor whether medications can help. Find a support group. Share information with family and friends. Get a driving evaluation. Exercise and eat healthy foods.


Question: What causes frontotemporal dementia (FTD)?

Answer: Scientists don't know for sure. But it starts when nerve cells in two parts or âlobesâ of the brain -- the front and the side -- die. That causes the lobes to shrink. Doctors believe FTD may be genetic. About 4 out of 10 people who have it also have a relative who had it or some other form of dementia.


Question: How is frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosed?

Answer: It can be hard to figure out if someone has FTD. That's because it often mirrors other disorders, like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, depression, and schizophrenia. See a doctor about any strange behavior. He'll ask about medications and family history. He may also do blood tests to rule out other medical problems. He might refer you to a neurologist, who will check things like your balance, reflexes, memory, and thinking.


Question: How common is it for children with ADHD to also have a mood disorder, such as depression?

Answer: Up to 30% of children who have ADHD also have a serious mood disorder like depression. And some experts say that more than half of people who have the condition will get treatment for depression at some point in their lives.


Question: How can psychotherapy help to treat ADHD and depression?

Answer: Psychotherapy can offer ways to manage your symptoms and live a healthy life. A therapist can give you strategies to deal with everyday challenges, such as issues with friends, family, work, or school.


Question: How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Answer: Most cases of chickenpox are mild and go away on their own. But see your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: The rash spreads to one or both eyes The rash gets very red, warm, or tender. You could have a bacterial skin infection. Dizziness Shortness of breath Vomiting Stiff neck You can't control your muscles Fever over 102 F


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

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


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

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


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

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


Question: What should you know about toddler constipation?

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


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

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


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

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


Question: What can cause acute insomnia?

Answer: Causes of acute insomnia can include: Major life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving) Illness Emotional or physical discomfort Noise, light, or being too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep Some medications (including certain ones for colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma) Changes to a normal sleep schedule (like jet lag or switching from a day shift to night shift, for example) Causes of chronic insomnia include: Irregular sleep schedules Substances that interfere with sleep (alcohol, caffeine, nicotine) Activities that stimulate the brain (playing video games, watching TV) right before bedtime For some people, exercising too close to bed time Using the bedroom for activities other than sleep and sex Depression or anxiety Chronic stress Pain or discomfort at night Poor sleep habits If you think you have insomnia, talk to your doctor or health care provider.


Question: Whatâs the difference between primary and secondary insomnia?

Answer: People with insomnia have one or more of these symptoms: Difficulty falling asleep Waking up during the night and having trouble going back to sleep Waking up too early in the morning Feeling tired when you wake up Being sleepy or tired during the day Feeling cranky or irritable Problems with focus or memory Primary insomnia is not directly linked to any other health condition or problem. Secondary insomnia comes from something else, like a health condition (such as asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, or heartburn), pain, a medication, or a substance like alcohol.


Question: What can cause chronic insomnia?

Answer: Causes of acute insomnia can include: Major life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving) Illness Emotional or physical discomfort Noise, light, or being too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep Some medications (including certain ones for colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma) Changes to a normal sleep schedule (like jet lag or switching from a day shift to night shift, for example) Causes of chronic insomnia include: Irregular sleep schedules Substances that interfere with sleep (alcohol, caffeine, nicotine) Activities that stimulate the brain (playing video games, watching TV) right before bedtime For some people, exercising too close to bed time Using the bedroom for activities other than sleep and sex Depression or anxiety Chronic stress Pain or discomfort at night Poor sleep habits If you think you have insomnia, talk to your doctor or health care provider.


Question: How is insomnia treated?

Answer: You may not even need any treatment for acute insomnia. In mild cases, it often can be cured with good sleep habits (see below). If your insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day because you are tired, your doctor may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time. These quick-working, short-acting drugs can help you avoid next-day drowsiness. There is not a lot of evidence that over-the-counter sleeping pills are effective for insomnia. They may have troubling side effects including daytime drowsiness.. Good sleep habits, also called sleep hygiene, can help you get a good night's sleep and beat insomnia.


Question: Is there only one kind of weight loss surgery?

Answer: There are different kinds of operations. Some help you lose weight by shrinking the size of your stomach so you feel full after small meals. Others change the way your body absorbs calories, nutrients, and vitamins. Still others do both.


Question: What are the pros and cons of gastric sleeve surgery for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Gastric sleeve (also called sleeve gastrectomy) The surgeon removes a large part of your stomach. With less room for food, you feel full faster. This operation also lowers ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungry. Pros: More than 60% of people show no signs of diabetes after surgery. Plus, people usually lose 50% of their extra weight. Cons: You can't get this surgery reversed later on. Also, your body can't absorb as many vitamins and minerals as before, which could lead to health problems.


Question: What are the pros and cons of an electric implant device for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Electric Implant Device The surgeon implants an electrical device just beneath the skin of your abdomen. The device helps control signals in the vagus nerve which connects the stomach and the brain, reducing the feeling of hunger. Pros: Implanting the device is considered minor surgery and it can easily be removed once weight loss is achieved. The device can also be controlled remotely. Cons: Patients may experience pain, heartburn, problems swallowing, belching, nausea, and chest pain.


Question: What are the pros and cons of gastric bypass surgery?

Answer: Gastric sleeve (also called sleeve gastrectomy) The surgeon removes a large part of your stomach. With less room for food, you feel full faster. This operation also lowers ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungry. Pros: More than 60% of people show no signs of diabetes after surgery. Plus, people usually lose 50% of their extra weight. Cons: You can't get this surgery reversed later on. Also, your body can't absorb as many vitamins and minerals as before, which could lead to health problems.


Question: What are the pros and cons of gastric sleeve surgery?

Answer: Gastric sleeve (also called sleeve gastrectomy) The surgeon removes a large part of your stomach. With less room for food, you feel full faster. This operation also lowers ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungry. Pros: More than 60% of people show no signs of diabetes after surgery. Plus, people usually lose 50% of their extra weight. Cons: You can't get this surgery reversed later on. Also, your body can't absorb as many vitamins and minerals as before, which could lead to health problems.


Question: What are the pros and cons of adjustable gastric band surgery for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Adjustable gastric band The surgeon puts an inflatable band around the top of the stomach. It forms a small pouch where the food goes. The tiny pouch fills up fast, so you feel full a lot quicker. Pros: Your doctor doesn't have to cut the stomach or move the intestines, like in other surgeries. That's one reason it has fewer complications. Also, you can get the band adjusted or taken out later. Forty-five percent to 60% percent of people who have this surgery end up diabetes-free. Cons: Sometimes there are problems with the band. It may slip or become worn, so you could need another surgery to fix it. Also, you'll lose less weight with this surgery than others (about 40% to 50%).


Question: What are the pros and cons of electric implant device surgery?

Answer: Electric Implant Device The surgeon implants an electrical device just beneath the skin of your abdomen. The device helps control signals in the vagus nerve which connects the stomach and the brain, reducing the feeling of hunger. Pros: Implanting the device is considered minor surgery and it can easily be removed once weight loss is achieved. The device can also be controlled remotely. Cons: Patients may experience pain, heartburn, problems swallowing, belching, nausea, and chest pain.


Question: What are the pros and cons of biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch This surgery is not common, partly because it's the most complicated. The doctor removes a large part of the stomach and also changes the way food moves to the intestines. Pros: It's the most effective surgery for people with diabetes. Also, people usually lose 60% to 70% of their extra weight. Cons: You're more likely to have complications with this type of surgery. You will need more days in the hospital to recover. Plus, you'll have more trouble digesting food and absorbing calories than with any of the other surgeries, so it's the most likely type to lead to health problems.


Question: If you have MDS, will you get leukemia?

Answer: With some types, you're more likely to develop acute myeloid leukemia. Also called AML, it's when your bone marrow makes too much of a certain type of white blood cell. It can get worse quickly if it's not treated. With most types of MDS, the chance of leukemia is much lower.


Question: What are symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome?

Answer: This is a common symptom of anemia, caused when you don't have enough red blood cells Unusual bleeding Bruises and tiny red marks under the skin Paleness Shortness of breath when you're exercising or being active Call your doctor if you have these symptoms and concerns about MDS.


Question: Can cancer cause changes in testicles or penis?

Answer: Tell your doctor if you have pain when you pee or blood in your urine.


Question: What cancers should men be weary of?

Answer: The three most common cancers in men are prostate, lung, and colorectal.


Question: Does cancer cause fatigue?

Answer: Fatigue: If you're tired all the time and rest doesn't help, tell your doctor. Leukemia often wears you out, or you could have blood loss from colon or stomach cancer. Cancer-related weight loss can leave you exhausted, too.


Question: How can fever be a sign of cancer?

Answer: Fever: If it's high or sticks around for more than 3 days, call your doctor. Some blood cancers, like lymphoma, cause a fever that lasts for days or even weeks.


Question: How can weight loss without trying be a sign of cancer?

Answer: Weight loss without trying: It's common to lose weight when you have cancer. It's often one of the signs of cancer that people notice first. Almost half the people with cancer lose weight by the time they get diagnosed.


Question: What signs of cancer should men watch out for?

Answer: The three most common cancers in men are prostate, lung, and colorectal. Keep an eye out for: Cough or hoarseness that won't go away: See the doctor if a cough is severe, lasts more than 3 weeks, or you see blood when you cough. Trouble peeing: A swollen prostate can make it hard to go, or it may make you have to go a lot. Tell your doctor if you have pain when you pee or blood in your urine. Change in bowel habits. Diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than 4 weeks can be a sign of colorectal cancer. Blood in your poop isn't normal. Tell your doctor.


Question: Does cancer cause changes in the skin?

Answer: Changes in your skin: Get unusual or new moles, bumps, or marks on your body checked. You want to be sure skin cancer isn't lurking. Your skin can also provide clues to other kinds of cancers. If it's darkened, looks yellow or red, itches, sprouts more hair, or if you have an unexplained rash, let your doctor take a look. It could be a sign of liver, ovarian, or kidney cancer.


Question: Does cancer cause fever?

Answer: Fever: If it's high or sticks around for more than 3 days, call your doctor. Some blood cancers, like lymphoma, cause a fever that lasts for days or even weeks.


Question: What cancers should women be weary of?

Answer: The types that affect women most are breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. Women can also have cancer of the uterus, endometrium, cervix, vagina, or vulva.


Question: Can cancer cause breast changes?

Answer: You see spots or other changes in the skin around your nipples.


Question: How does angina signal a heart attack?

Answer: The difference is mainly one of degree: With angina, blood flow is restored, pain recedes within minutes, and the heart is not permanently damaged. With a heart attack, blood flow is critically reduced or fully blocked, pain lasts longer, and heart muscle dies without prompt treatment.


Question: What are the risk factors for a heart attack?

Answer: While the step-by-step process leading to a heart attack is not fully understood, major risk factors for coronary artery disease are well-known. Some can be controlled, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Stress is also said to raise the risk, and exertion and excitement can act as triggers for a heart attack. Other risk factors include having diabetes and having a family history of heart disease.


Question: What can people who get heart attacks experience?

Answer: Recovery is always a delicate process, because any heart attack weakens the heart to some degree. But generally, a normal life can be resumed. Depending on the severity of a heart attack, a person may experience: Heart failure, where the heart doesn't pump well enough to meet the body's needs Arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms Cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death, where the heart stops beating Cardiogenic shock, where the heart is so damaged from the heart attack that a person goes into shock, which may result in damage of other vital organs like the kidneys or liver Death Most heart attacks are the result of coronary artery disease, also known as atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries," a condition that clogs coronary arteries with fatty, calcified plaques over time.


Question: What causes a heart attack?

Answer: Depending on the severity of a heart attack, a person may experience: Heart failure, where the heart doesn't pump well enough to meet the body's needs Arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms Cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death, where the heart stops beating Cardiogenic shock, where the heart is so damaged from the heart attack that a person goes into shock, which may result in damage of other vital organs like the kidneys or liver Death Most heart attacks are the result of coronary artery disease, also known as atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries," a condition that clogs coronary arteries with fatty, calcified plaques over time. The typical trigger for a heart attack is often a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood through a coronary artery.


Question: What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?

Answer: You don't always get symptoms, but when you do, you might have: Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin, dark urine) Pain in your belly Loss of appetite Nausea Fever Diarrhea Fatigue Children often have the disease with few symptoms.


Question: Is there a hepatitis A vaccine?

Answer: Vaccination is recommended for: Travelers to areas of the world with higher hepatitis A infection Infants aged 6 to 11 months who are traveling internationally Men who have sex with other men Those with a blood clotting problem People who inject illegal drugs Anyone with long-term liver disease The vaccine is given in 3 separate doses.


Question: Who gets hepatitis A?

Answer: Hepatitis transmission can also happen if you: Eat fruits, vegetables, or other foods that were contaminated during handling Eat raw shellfish harvested from water that's got the virus in it Swallow contaminated ice You could be at risk for the disease if you: Live with or have sex with someone who's infected Travel to countries where hepatitis A is common People who are also at risk are: Men who have sex with men People who inject illegal drugs Kids in child care and their teachers Your doctor will suspect hepatitis if you have the symptoms above and you have high levels of liver enzymes when he tests your blood.


Question: Are there any long-term effects of hepatitis A?

Answer: Usually the virus doesn't cause any long-term problems or complications. But according to the CDC, 10% to 15% of people with hepatitis A will have symptoms that last a long time or come back over a 6- to 9-month period. In rare situations, some people may have liver failure or need a transplant.


Question: What could cause eyelid swelling?

Answer: It's likely to go away on its own within a few days, but if the swelling lasts more than 48 hours or you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away: Eye pain Blurry or lost vision The feeling that something is stuck in your eye If your eyelid is swollen, it could be: Pinkeye (conjunctivitis): This is an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or irritants. It happens most often during cold and flu season. Stye: This infection often starts where you eyelash connects to your eye, or in the gland that makes tears. It can cause red bumps around your eyelid that can be sore. Chalazion: This is a small bump on your eyelid like a stye that's caused by blocked oil glands. Allergies: These can make your eyelids swell in some cases. Blepharitis: This is when bacteria and oily flakes get into the base of your eyelashes. It can make your eyelids red, swollen, or itchy, and they may burn. Injury: If you get hit in your eye, blood can collect underneath your eyelid and lead to swelling. Graves' disease: This condition, which affects your thyroid, is an autoimmune disease -- your immune system attacks your own body. Sometimes your eyelids can get inflamed, and that's known as Graves' eye disease or Graves'ophthalmopathy.


Question: What do blinking problems mean for my eyelid health?

Answer: Sometimes you might notice your eyelids twitch -- it happens most often when you're tired. But if you have spasms often or blink or close your eyelids too much, you might have a condition called blepharospasm. Doctors don't know what causes it, but certain things like bright lights and stress can cause eyelid spasms that last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Your doctor might recommend botulinum toxin ( Botox) injections, which can help relax the muscles that control your eyelids. She may check you for dry eyes or other irritating conditions that could cause the eyelid spasms. In rare cases, your doctor may want to check for a more serious issue with your brain or nerves.


Question: What can make my eyes itch?

Answer: Blepharitis and allergies can make your eyes itch, as can certain products you use on or around your eyes. That can happen if you're allergic to any of the ingredients, and the irritation creates a type of eczema called contact dermatitis. The itching and irritation will usually go away if you stop using the product.


Question: What is the treatment for hemiplegic migraines?

Answer: Doctors disagree over how to treat hemiplegic migraines. Your doctor might prescribe drugs to prevent hemiplegic migraine, to stop them once they've started, and to relieve your symptoms. Your doctor will discuss the best options for you.


Question: What medical tests can diagnose hemiplegic migraine?

Answer: See your doctor for a full exam to figure out what's going on. A CT scan or an MRI of your head can show signs of a stroke. Tests of your heart and the blood vessels in your neck can rule out symptoms caused by blood clots.


Question: What are symptoms of hemiplegic migraine headaches?

Answer: Sometimes, before the actual headache pain, you'll get other symptoms that it's coming. These early symptoms, called auras, can include short-term trouble with muscle control and sensation: Severe, throbbing pain, often on one side of your head A pins-and-needles feeling, often moving from your hand up your arm Numbness on one side of your body, which can include your arm, leg, and half of your face Weakness or paralysis on one side of your body Loss of balance and coordination Dizziness or vertigo Nausea and vomiting You may also have problems with your senses, communication, and drowsiness: Seeing zigzag lines, double vision, or blind spots Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smell Language difficulties, such as mixing words or trouble remembering a word Slurred speech Confusion Loss of consciousness or coma (rare) Auras usually come on gradually over a half hour and then can last for hours to slowly resolve.


Question: What tests are used to diagnose hemiplegic migraine headaches?

Answer: See your doctor for a full exam to figure out what's going on. A CT scan or an MRI of your head can show signs of a stroke. Tests of your heart and the blood vessels in your neck can rule out symptoms caused by blood clots. If you have a family member with similar symptoms, your doctor may want to do genetic testing. Familial hemiplegic migraine ( FHM) means it runs in your family, and you could pass it on to your children. People who don't have problems with those three genes have sporadic hemiplegic migraine ( SHM).


Question: Do hemiplegic migraines follow a particular pattern?

Answer: There's not a predictable pattern with this type of migraine. Usually pain follows the paralysis, but it might come before, or you might not get a headache at all. You may hurt a lot and feel only a little weak; then the next attack might bring severe paralysis without much pain.


Question: What is the pattern of hemiplegic migraine headaches?

Answer: There's not a predictable pattern with this type of migraine. Usually pain follows the paralysis, but it might come before, or you might not get a headache at all. You may hurt a lot and feel only a little weak; then the next attack might bring severe paralysis without much pain. It's uncommon, but over time, some people can have long-lasting trouble with movement and coordination.


Question: How are hemiplegic migraine headaches treated?

Answer: Doctors disagree over how to treat hemiplegic migraines. Your doctor might prescribe drugs to prevent hemiplegic migraine, to stop them once they've started, and to relieve your symptoms. Your doctor will discuss the best options for you. Some doctors are feeling more comfortable that drugs called triptans, which are used for migraine headaches, are safe and effective for relieving hemiplegic migraine when you get them, too. Still, they are contraindicated based on package labelling. There is anecdotal evidence that triptans, beta blockers, and ergotamine derivatives may lead to ischemia in patients to treat patients with hemiplegic migraine. CGRP inhibitors are a new class of preventive medicine for treating most common migraines, but indications suggest this treatment would not be effective for hemiplegic migraines.


Question: How long do symptoms last in hemiplegic migraine headaches?

Answer: These early symptoms, called auras, can include short-term trouble with muscle control and sensation: Severe, throbbing pain, often on one side of your head A pins-and-needles feeling, often moving from your hand up your arm Numbness on one side of your body, which can include your arm, leg, and half of your face Weakness or paralysis on one side of your body Loss of balance and coordination Dizziness or vertigo Nausea and vomiting You may also have problems with your senses, communication, and drowsiness: Seeing zigzag lines, double vision, or blind spots Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smell Language difficulties, such as mixing words or trouble remembering a word Slurred speech Confusion Loss of consciousness or coma (rare) Auras usually come on gradually over a half hour and then can last for hours to slowly resolve. They can be more severe and last longer than with other types of migraine. The stroke-like symptoms can range from worrisome to disabling. Unlike a stroke, they come on slowly and build and then may completely go away. Muscle problems usually go away within 24 hours, but they may last a few days.


Question: What causes hemiplegic migraine headaches?

Answer: So far, researchers have found four genes linked with hemiplegic migraine: CACNA1 A ATP1 A2 SCN1 A PRRT2 Defects, or mutations, in any of these lead to a breakdown in your body's ability to make a certain protein. Without it, nerve cells have trouble sending out or taking in signals that go between them. One of these chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, is serotonin. About half of the people with hemiplegic migraine inherited the genes from a parent with the condition.


Question: When do I need eye protection?

Answer: Sports like ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse can also lead to eye injury. Wear eye protection. Helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses will shield your eyes.


Question: What happens when you stare at a screen for too long?

Answer: Staring at a computer or phone screen for too long can cause: Eyestrain Blurry vision Trouble focusing at a distance Dry eyes Headaches Neck, back, and shoulder pain To protect your eyes: Make sure your glasses or contacts prescription is up to date and good for looking at a computer screen.


Question: Does smoking damage eyes?

Answer: It makes you more likely to get cataracts, damage to your optic nerve, and macular degeneration, among many other medical problems. If you've tried to kick the habit before only to start again, keep at it. The more times you try to quit, the more likely you are to succeed. Ask your doctor for help.


Question: What nutrients are good for eyes when you're older?

Answer: Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.


Question: What's a good diet for healthy eyes?

Answer: Good eye health starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. To get them, fill your plate with: Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish Eggs, nuts, beans, and other nonmeat protein sources Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices Oysters and pork A well-balanced diet also helps you stay at a healthy weight. That lowers your odds of obesity and related diseases like type 2 diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.


Question: How can a well-balanced diet keep your eyes healthy?

Answer: To get them, fill your plate with: Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish Eggs, nuts, beans, and other nonmeat protein sources Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices Oysters and pork A well-balanced diet also helps you stay at a healthy weight. That lowers your odds of obesity and related diseases like type 2 diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.


Question: Are there different types of eye doctors?

Answer: Depending on your eye health needs, you can see one of two types of doctors: Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care. They can provide general eye care, treat eye diseases, and perform eye surgery. Optometrists have had 4 years of specialized training after college. They provide general eye care and treat the most common eye diseases. They don't do eye surgery.


Question: How can you protect your eyes from looking at a computer screen?

Answer: Staring at a computer or phone screen for too long can cause: Eyestrain Blurry vision Trouble focusing at a distance Dry eyes Headaches Neck, back, and shoulder pain To protect your eyes: Make sure your glasses or contacts prescription is up to date and good for looking at a computer screen. If your eye strain won't go away, talk to your doctor about computer glasses. Move the screen so your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. That lets you look slightly down at the screen. Try to avoid glare from windows and lights. Use an anti-glare screen if needed. Choose a comfortable, supportive chair. Position it so that your feet are flat on the floor. If your eyes are dry, blink more. Rest your eyes every 20 minutes. Look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Get up at least every 2 hours and take a 15-minute break.


Question: What should you eat to keep your eyes healthy?

Answer: To get them, fill your plate with: Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish Eggs, nuts, beans, and other nonmeat protein sources Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices Oysters and pork A well-balanced diet also helps you stay at a healthy weight.


Question: How can wearing sunglasses help keep your eyes healthy?

Answer: The right pair of shades will help protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet ( UV) rays. Too much UV exposure boosts your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. Choose a pair that blocks 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the side. Polarized lenses reduce glare while you drive. If you wear contact lenses, some offer UV protection. It's still a good idea to wear sunglasses for an extra layer.


Question: How can eating well help keep your eyes healthy?

Answer: Good eye health starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.


Question: What does a comprehensive eye exam include to keep your eyes healthy?

Answer: It makes you more likely to get cataracts, damage to your optic nerve, and macular degeneration, among many other medical problems.


Question: What kind of sunglasses protect eyes from UV rays?

Answer: Too much UV exposure boosts your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. Choose a pair that blocks 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the side. Polarized lenses reduce glare while you drive. If you wear contact lenses, some offer UV protection. It's still a good idea to wear sunglasses for an extra layer.


Question: What does the A1c blood test do?

Answer: An A1 C test is a blood test that estimates average glucose levels in your blood over the previous three months. Periodic A1 C testing may be advised to see how well diet, exercise, and medications are working to control blood sugar and prevent organ damage.


Question: Is type 2 more or less aggressive than type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Type 2 diabetes is often a milder form of diabetes than type 1. Nevertheless, type 2 diabetes can still cause major health complications, particularly in the smallest blood vessels in the body that nourish the kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Type 2 diabetes also increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.


Question: How do people with type 1 diabetes take insulin?

Answer: Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves taking insulin, which needs to be injected through the skin into the fatty tissue below. The methods of injecting insulin include: Syringes Insulin pens that use pre-filled cartridges and a fine needle Jet injectors that use high pressure air to send a spray of insulin through the skin Insulin pumps that dispense insulin through flexible tubing to a catheter under the skin of the abdomen A periodic test called the A1 C blood test estimates glucose levels in your blood over the previous three months.


Question: What risks to the mother are caused by gestational diabetes?

Answer: Risks to the mother include needing a cesarean section due to an overly large baby, as well as damage to heart, kidney, nerves, and eye.


Question: What causes a lack of insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes?

Answer: With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually produces some insulin. But either the amount produced is not enough for the body's needs, or the body's cells are resistant to it. Insulin resistance, or lack of sensitivity to insulin, happens primarily in fat, liver, and muscle cells.


Question: Is type 2 diabetes curable?

Answer: But even then, there is not enough insulin to keep sugars normal. There is no cure for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can, however, be controlled with weight management, nutrition, and exercise. Unfortunately, type 2 diabetes tends to progress, and diabetes medications are often needed.


Question: What lifestyle changes are necessary for people with type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Having type 1 diabetes does require significant lifestyle changes that include: Frequent testing of your blood sugar levels Careful meal planning Daily exercise Taking insulin and other medications as needed People with type 1 diabetes can lead long, active lives if they carefully monitor their glucose, make the needed lifestyle changes, and adhere to the treatment plan.


Question: What risks to the unborn baby are caused by gestational diabetes?

Answer: With gestational diabetes, risks to the unborn baby are even greater than risks to the mother. Risks to the baby include abnormal weight gain before birth, breathing problems at birth, and higher obesity and diabetes risk later in life.


Question: What is an A1c test for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: An A1 C test is a blood test that estimates average glucose levels in your blood over the previous three months. Periodic A1 C testing may be advised to see how well diet, exercise, and medications are working to control blood sugar and prevent organ damage. The A1 C test is typically done a few times a year.


Question: What is the treatment for gestational diabetes?

Answer: Treatment during pregnancy includes working closely with your health care team and: Careful meal planning to ensure adequate pregnancy nutrients without excess fat and calories Daily exercise Controlling pregnancy weight gain Taking diabetes insulin to control blood sugar levels if needed A few rare kinds of diabetes can result from specific conditions.


Question: What causes type 2 diabetes?

Answer: This type of diabetes may be caused by a genetic predisposition. It could also be the result of faulty beta cells in the pancreas that normally produce insulin.


Question: What specific types of diabetes exist other than type 1, type 2, and gestational?

Answer: Treatment during pregnancy includes working closely with your health care team and: Careful meal planning to ensure adequate pregnancy nutrients without excess fat and calories Daily exercise Controlling pregnancy weight gain Taking diabetes insulin to control blood sugar levels if needed A few rare kinds of diabetes can result from specific conditions. For example, diseases of the pancreas, certain surgeries and medications, or infections can cause diabetes. These types of diabetes account for only 1% to 5% of all cases of diabetes.


Question: Is gestational diabetes common?

Answer: According to the National Institutes of Health, the reported rate of gestational diabetes is between 2% to 10% of pregnancies.


Question: What are other forms of diabetes?

Answer: Treatment during pregnancy includes working closely with your health care team and: Careful meal planning to ensure adequate pregnancy nutrients without excess fat and calories Daily exercise Controlling pregnancy weight gain Taking diabetes insulin to control blood sugar levels if needed A few rare kinds of diabetes can result from specific conditions. For example, diseases of the pancreas, certain surgeries and medications, or infections can cause diabetes. These types of diabetes account for only 1% to 5% of all cases of diabetes.


Question: How can you treat type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves taking insulin, which needs to be injected through the skin into the fatty tissue below. The methods of injecting insulin include: Syringes Insulin pens that use pre-filled cartridges and a fine needle Jet injectors that use high pressure air to send a spray of insulin through the skin Insulin pumps that dispense insulin through flexible tubing to a catheter under the skin of the abdomen A periodic test called the A1 C blood test estimates glucose levels in your blood over the previous three months.


Question: How can you treat gestational diabetes?

Answer: Treatment during pregnancy includes working closely with your health care team and: Careful meal planning to ensure adequate pregnancy nutrients without excess fat and calories Daily exercise Controlling pregnancy weight gain Taking diabetes insulin to control blood sugar levels if needed A few rare kinds of diabetes can result from specific conditions.


Question: What lifestyle changes are required if you have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Having type 1 diabetes does require significant lifestyle changes that include: Frequent testing of your blood sugar levels Careful meal planning Daily exercise Taking insulin and other medications as needed People with type 1 diabetes can lead long, active lives if they carefully monitor their glucose, make the needed lifestyle changes, and adhere to the treatment plan.


Question: What happens to your body if you have type 2 diabetes?

Answer: With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually produces some insulin. But either the amount produced is not enough for the body's needs, or the body's cells are resistant to it. Insulin resistance, or lack of sensitivity to insulin, happens primarily in fat, liver, and muscle cells.


Question: What are the different types of biologics?

Answer: There are different types. They target the causes of joint inflammation and damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Each biologic focuses on one of these things: T cells.


Question: What biologic treats IL-1 or IL-6 in relation to rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: These are inflammatory chemicals your body makes. Anakinra ( Kineret) blocks IL-1. Sarilumab ( Kevzara) and tocilizumab ( Actemra) blocks IL-6.


Question: When do doctors prescribe biologic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Doctors often prescribe biologics if another group of drugs, called DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), don't control RA well enough. You can take biologics with other types of RA drugs. Usually, people who take one also take a DMARD.


Question: What biologic treats B cells in relation to rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: These are a type of white blood cell. Rituximab ( Rituxan) targets them.


Question: What is the goal of biologic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: All biologics have been shown to slow or even stop joint damage from getting worse.


Question: Are infections a side effect of biologic drugs?

Answer: Most cases are mild, like a cold or sinus infection. It's rare, but there have been life-threatening infections, including tuberculosis. Your doctor will closely watch for serious infections when you take a biologic. She can tell you about the benefits and risks of all your medicines.


Question: How do biologics work to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: These are a type of white blood cell and part of your immune system.


Question: What biologic treats T cells in relation to rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: These are a type of white blood cell and part of your immune system. The drug abatacept ( Orencia) affects them.


Question: What causes subconjunctival hemorrhages?

Answer: Most subconjunctival hemorrhages are spontaneous without an obvious cause. Often, a person may discover a subconjunctival hemorrhage on awakening and looking in the mirror. Most spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhages are first noticed by another person seeing a red spot on your eye.


Question: What is the conjunctiva in subconjunctival hemorrhage?

Answer: The conjunctiva is the thin, moist, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye (called the sclera) and the inside of the eyelids. The conjunctiva is the outermost protective coating of the eyeball. The conjunctiva contains nerves and many small blood vessels. These blood vessels are usually barely visible but become larger and more visible if the eye is inflamed. These blood vessels are somewhat fragile, and their walls may break easily, resulting in a subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding under the conjunctiva). A subconjunctival hemorrhage appears as a bright red or dark red patch on the sclera.


Question: When should you seek medical care for subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye)?

Answer: If you have a hemorrhage in both eyes at the same time or if the subconjunctival hemorrhage coincides with other symptoms of bleeding, including easy bruising, bleeding gums, or both, contact your health care provider or eye care provider.


Question: What does subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye) look like?

Answer: The hemorrhage itself is an obvious, sharply outlined bright red area overlying the sclera. The entire white part of the eye may occasionally be covered by blood.


Question: How can you take care of yourself at home if you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

Answer: Over-the-counter artificial tears can be applied to the eye if mild irritation is present. Unless otherwise directed by your health care provider, you should avoid the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxyn, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications as these can increased bleeding. Usually, no treatment is required.


Question: Is subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye) painful?

Answer: When the bleeding first occurs, you may experience a sense of fullness in the eye or under the lid. As the hemorrhage resolves, some people may experience very mild irritation of the eye or merely a sense of awareness of the eye.


Question: What is the medical treatment for subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye)?

Answer: Usually, no treatment is required. Your health care provider or eye care provider may prescribe artificial tears to ease any irritation that may be present. If the injury is related to trauma, your health care provider or eye care provider may need to examine your eye to rule out the possibility of damage to other parts of the eye.


Question: What is the outlook for a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

Answer: This condition clears by itself within one to two weeks. Usually, recovery is complete, without any long-term problems, similar to a mild bruise under the skin. Like a bruise, a subconjunctival hemorrhage changes colors (often red to orange to yellow) as it heals.


Question: What questions should you ask your doctor if you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

Answer: Go to your health care provider, eye care provider, or emergency department immediately if you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage and you have any of the following: Pain associated with the hemorrhage Changes in vision (for example, blurry vision, double vision, difficulty seeing) History of a bleeding disorder History of high blood pressure Injury from trauma to the eye Is there any sign of damage to the eye? Will I develop any scarring or permanent vision loss from this subconjunctival hemorrhage? What causes a subconjunctival hemorrhage? How can I prevent a subconjunctival hemorrhage?


Question: What will happen if you have subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye)?

Answer: In a spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage, no blood will exit from the eye.


Question: What medical treatment can you use for a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

Answer: Usually, no treatment is needed. Over-the-counter artificial tears can be applied to the eye if mild irritation is present. Unless otherwise directed by your health care provider, you should avoid the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxyn, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications as these can increased bleeding.


Question: What is the outlook if you have subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye)?

Answer: This condition clears by itself within one to two weeks. Usually, recovery is complete, without any long-term problems, similar to a mild bruise under the skin. Like a bruise, a subconjunctival hemorrhage changes colors (often red to orange to yellow) as it heals. A skin bruise changes to various shades of green, black and blue as it heals, because the blood is being seen though skin. Because the conjunctiva is transparent, a subconjunctival hemorrhage never has these color characteristics.


Question: Will blood come out of my eye if I have subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye)?

Answer: In a spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage, no blood will exit from the eye. If you blot the eye with a tissue, there should be no blood on the tissue.


Question: What exams and test are used for subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye)?

Answer: Your health care provider or eye care provider will take a concise history of the events prior to the subconjunctival hemorrhage and perform an examination. Your blood pressure may also be checked. If you've been evaluated by your primary health care provider initially, you may be referred to an eye care specialist. If trauma was the cause, a more thorough examination using a slit lamp (a special microscope for examining the eye) will usually be performed.


Question: When do you need immediate attention for subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye)?

Answer: Go to your health care provider, eye care provider, or emergency department immediately if you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage and you have any of the following: Pain associated with the hemorrhage Changes in vision (for example, blurry vision, double vision, difficulty seeing) History of a bleeding disorder History of high blood pressure Injury from trauma to the eye Is there any sign of damage to the eye?


Question: How can you take care of subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye) at home?

Answer: Usually, no treatment is needed. Over-the-counter artificial tears can be applied to the eye if mild irritation is present. Unless otherwise directed by your health care provider, you should avoid the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxyn, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications as these can increased bleeding.


Question: What are the symptoms of subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in eye)?

Answer: Most of the time, no symptoms are associated with a subconjunctival hemorrhage other than seeing blood over the white part of the eye.


Question: Where can you go for more information about subconjunctival hemorrhages?

Answer: American Academy of Ophthalmology 655 Beach Street Box 7424 San Francisco, CA 94120 (415) 561-8500 Media file 1: Subconjunctival hemorrhage.


Question: What drugs can branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) interact with?

Answer: Talk with your doctor first if you are taking: Diabetes medications Parkinson's medications Corticosteroids Thyroid hormone Proglycem (diazoxide) Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural.


Question: What are the side effects of taking branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)?

Answer: When taken up to six months, oral supplements of BCAAs have not often been linked with harmful side effects. However, side effects may include: Nausea Pain Headache Risks.


Question: How can you get branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) naturally from foods?

Answer: You can get branched-chain amino acids from these foods: Whey, milk, and soy proteins Beef, chicken, fish, and eggs Baked beans and lima beans Chickpeas Lentils Whole wheat Brown rice Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews Pumpkin seeds Side effects.


Question: Why do athletes take branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)?

Answer: Athletes may take oral supplements of branched-chain amino acids ( BCAAs) to try to help with recovery from workouts and enhance athletic performance. Studies suggest that BCAAs may prevent muscle breakdown during exercise.


Question: What are the risks of taking branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)?

Answer: BCAAs may interfere with blood glucose levels during and after surgery. You may also be at increased risk if you have chronic alcoholism or branched-chain ketoaciduria. Also, avoid using BCAAs if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.


Question: How can pampering hands and feet affect psoriatic arthritis?

Answer: Fingernails and toenails can become pitted and can separate from the nail bed. Make sure any nail changes you have are from your condition and not a fungal infection -- your doctor can diagnose and treat the true cause of the problem. Keep your nails short so they don't get caught on things, and don't push back your cuticles. When getting a manicure or pedicure, soak for only a few minutes. Nail polish is usually safe, but don't get acrylic nails. When they're removed, your nail bed may be damaged.


Question: How can stress affect psoriatic arthritis?

Answer: Stress can trigger a psoriasis flare, particularly for women. Take charge of your tension to ease your symptoms and keep things from getting worse. You can meditate, listen to soothing music, go for a walk, practice yoga, or try tai chi. Find what works for you, and do it for at least 15 minutes every day.


Question: How can staying warm affect psoriatic arthritis?

Answer: When you're stiff, a bit of warmth can really help. Since hot baths and showers are bad for your skin, put the heat right where it's needed. Use an electric heating pad, a microwaveable heat wrap, or an air-activated heat pack. You can even soothe stiff fingers and moisturize your hands at the same time: Apply oil to your hands, put on rubber gloves, and soak your hands in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes.


Question: How can exfoliation affect psoriatic arthritis?

Answer: Remove the scales and flakes from your skin to ease the burning and itching. This will make your lotions and anti-itch ointments work better. Over-the-counter lotions that have ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, or phenol can help soften and remove scales.


Question: How can staying cool affect psoriatic arthritis?

Answer: A cool shower or bath can soothe your skin, especially when you use some heavy-duty moisturizer afterward. If you take a bath, you can add oilated oatmeal, bath oil, Dead Sea salts, or Epsom salts for added comfort. After you get out, creams and ointments can lock in moisture and soothe your skin. So go ahead and slather it on. Store your lotion in the fridge for an extra dose of relief. You can also put cold packs on your painful joints to ease pain and swelling. Wrap the cold pack in a light towel to protect your skin -- 10-15 minutes on, 10-15 minutes off.


Question: Are there community exercise programs that are designed for people with arthritis?

Answer: These include People with Arthritis Can Exercise ( PACE) and the Arthritis Self Help Course ( ASHC), which the Arthritis Foundation offers.


Question: What are the benefits of making fitness a regular habit if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: When you make fitness a regular part of your life, the benefits include: Less pain from rheumatoid arthritis.


Question: Can I strength train if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Strength training uses resistance to work your muscles. You can use machines at a gym, hand-held weights, resistance bands, or even your own body weight. It strengthens muscles and increases the amount of activity you can do. Your physical therapist can show you what to do, tell you how often to do each exercise, and let you know how hard you should work when you work out.


Question: What exercises can I do if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: If you don't exercise now, check with your doctor first. Tell her what you want to do, and ask what types of things will be best for you and what you should avoid. You may also want to consult with a physical therapist to make a safe, effective workout plan. Your plan will likely include low-impact activities, like walking, swimming, bicycling, or using an elliptical machine.


Question: Can a rheumatologist help me create an exercise program that is right for me?

Answer: Your rheumatologist can help you create an exercise program that is right for you. This may also involve meeting with a physical therapist. Physical therapists can identify what areas you need to work on, choose the right exercises for you, and tell you how vigorously you should exercise.


Question: Should children with ADHD be involved in their treatment plans?

Answer: Every child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) should be involved in his own treatment plan. For most kids, that treatment involves medication. From the start, your child should understand what ADHD is, how it affects him, and how his medicine helps his symptoms. He should also know what his treatment plan is and how it works.


Question: Is it ok for my child to allow other students to take his ADHD medication?

Answer: No one else can take his medication. Other students who don't have ADHD may want to take his stimulant medication to help them focus while they study. But giving pills to another person is illegal and can get him into trouble with school and legal authorities.


Question: Is it ok for me to let my child take their own medication if they are in middle or high school?

Answer: If your child is in middle school or high school, you may want to let him take his medication on his own. It's still best for you to monitor how many pills are in the bottle, and watch to see that he takes them as prescribed. If he manages that well, he may be ready to take pills without supervision. You know your child best, but talk to his doctor and other people involved in his ADHD treatment, like therapists and teachers, before you make that call.


Question: What should I tell my child regarding drugs and alcohol use while taking ADHD medication?

Answer: He can't drink or use illegal drugs while on ADHD medication. ADHD medications are safe, but they can have serious side effects if he takes them with alcohol or other drugs.


Question: What should I tell my child about medication dosages before allowing him to manage his own medication?

Answer: If you decide it's time to let him manage his meds, make sure he understands these key things before you hand over the pill bottles: He has to take ADHD medication as prescribed. More is not necessarily better. Make sure he or she knows it may be dangerous to increase the dose without talking to your doctor.


Question: When does pain happen in people with sickle cell disease?

Answer: Pain is a common problem for people with sickle cell disease. It happens when the sickle-shaped red blood cells that cause the condition get stuck in small blood vessels and block blood flow. That can cause a pain episode or crisis to start suddenly, usually in the lower back, arms, legs, chest, and belly. For others, health problems from sickle cell disease can cause pain that lasts longer. But no matter the type of sickle cell pain you have, there are many options that can help you find relief. Talk to your doctor about making a plan to manage your pain.


Question: What medicines can affect how blood thinners for pulmonary embolism (PE) work?

Answer: You also should talk to your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines you take. Some common ones can affect how blood thinners work, too: These include: Aspirin Cold medicines Pain medicines Sleeping pills Antibiotics You can expect to take blood thinners for at least 3 months and possibly much longer.


Question: What medication can help with treating pulmonary embolism (PE)?

Answer: They're known as âblood thinnersâ because they make it harder for your blood to clot. They don't break up a clot, but they keep it from getting bigger as your body dissolves it. When you take blood thinners, you'll need to change what you eat and drink. For example, foods rich in vitamin K, which helps your body form blood clots, may keep blood thinners from working like they should. That means you may need to eat fewer leafy green vegetables and limit fish, liver, and some kinds of vegetable oil. Ask your doctor if it's OK for you to drink alcohol while you take blood thinners.


Question: Why is thickened blood from polycythemia vera bad?

Answer: When your blood slows down, none of your body parts -- from your eyes to your toes -- get enough oxygen. This brings about the early symptoms of PV, including dizziness, itchiness, and headaches. Thicker blood is also more likely to form a clot -- a clump of blood that stops up a vein or artery. Blood clots can lead to life-threatening problems such as a heart attack or stroke.


Question: What is polycythemia vera?

Answer: Polycythemia vera ( PV) is a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells. Extra cells may not sound like a problem, but they are. They thicken your blood, which means it doesn't flow as quickly, so it's more like maple syrup than water.


Question: Is there a cure for polycythemia vera?

Answer: There's no cure for PV, but there are treatments. Most people with PV live a normal life when they get the care they need.


Question: What problems can you get from polycythemia vera?

Answer: When your blood slows down, none of your body parts -- from your eyes to your toes -- get enough oxygen. This brings about the early symptoms of PV, including dizziness, itchiness, and headaches. Thicker blood is also more likely to form a clot -- a clump of blood that stops up a vein or artery. Blood clots can lead to life-threatening problems such as a heart attack or stroke.


Question: What are the symptoms of polycythemia vera?

Answer: Because PV grows slowly, you might have it for years without knowing it. When you do see symptoms, they may not seem all that unusual. In fact, they're the same as with many other illnesses: Dizziness Headache Itchiness, often after a warm bath or shower More sweating than normal, sometimes at night Shortness of breath or trouble breathing when you lie down Tiredness Weakness Brief vision problems, like seeing flashes You may also have: Bloating or a feeling of fullness on the upper left side of your belly Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or more menstrual bleeding than normal Numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands and feet Problems with your vision, like seeing double or things seeming blurry Reddened face Swelling and pain in one joint, usually your big toe PV can lead to other issues.


Question: What is the outlook for polycythemia vera?

Answer: PV is a slow-growing cancer. You can go years without seeing symptoms. Your doctor can check for PV with a basic blood test, but most people with PV find out because they had the test for some other reason. There's no cure for PV, but there are treatments. Most people with PV live a normal life when they get the care they need.


Question: What are other symptoms of polycythemia vera?

Answer: In fact, they're the same as with many other illnesses: Dizziness Headache Itchiness, often after a warm bath or shower More sweating than normal, sometimes at night Shortness of breath or trouble breathing when you lie down Tiredness Weakness Brief vision problems, like seeing flashes You may also have: Bloating or a feeling of fullness on the upper left side of your belly Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or more menstrual bleeding than normal Numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands and feet Problems with your vision, like seeing double or things seeming blurry Reddened face Swelling and pain in one joint, usually your big toe PV can lead to other issues.


Question: Is there a genetic cause of polycythemia vera?

Answer: While the cause isn't clear, most people with PV have a problem in a gene called JAK2. Your bone marrow -- the spongy center part of your bone -- creates your blood cells. Normally, it makes just the right amount. But if your JAK2 gene doesn't work right, your bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. Even though the problem is in a gene, you don't get PV from your parents. The gene changes at some point after you're born, but doctors don't know why.


Question: Can polycythemia vera cause other health problems?

Answer: But your doctor will work to avoid those problems. Blood clots are the most serious concern because they can cause a stroke, heart attack, or other life-threatening problems, such as a DVT (a blood clot in your legs) or a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that travels to your lungs). Clots can also make your spleen and liver larger than normal, giving you sharp pains in your belly. It's rare, but some people with PV get leukemia or another bone marrow illness called myelofibrosis.


Question: How can I prevent lung cancer?

Answer: 1 thing to do is to not smoke and to avoid other people's secondhand smoke. If you've never smoked cigarettes, your risk of lung cancer is low. If you currently smoke, especially if you are a heavy smoker, your odds of developing lung cancer can be 30 times higher than the risk for a nonsmoker. How long you've smoked also matters.


Question: How do asbestos cause lung cancer?

Answer: It's a risk if you work with it.


Question: Is lung cancer hereditary?

Answer: Lung cancer runs in some families, but since you can't change that, focus on the things that you do control.


Question: How do you take monthly combination pills for birth control?

Answer: Monthly: Pills come in 21- or 28-day packs. With 21-day pills, you take one every day for 3 weeks straight. During week 4 you take no pills and have your period. The 28-day packs include pills with hormones and some inactive pills with none. With most brands, you take 21 active pills, and seven inactive ones to keep you in the habit of taking it every day. You'll have your period during the days you take the inactive pills. Other brands include 24 active pills and four that aren't. You may have shorter periods with this type.


Question: How do you take extended-cycle combination pills for birth control?

Answer: Extended-cycle: You take pills with hormones for 12 weeks straight and inactive ones for a week. You only have three or four periods a year.


Question: What type of birth control pill are combination pills?

Answer: Most women in the U. S. who are on the pill take what's called the combination pill. It uses man-made versions of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to keep you from getting pregnant. These hormones stop your ovaries from releasing eggs, and they also make changes in your cervix and uterus that lower your chance of a pregnancy.


Question: What type of birth control pill is a mini-pill?

Answer: It uses only man-made progesterone. It works mostly by causing changes that keep sperm from reaching eggs.


Question: What are more serious but rarer side effects of combination pills for birth control?

Answer: You might have: Changes in your period Headache and nausea Tender breasts Breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods, also known as spotting) More-serious but rarer side effects include: High blood pressure Heart attack or stroke Blood clots (the risk is highest for very overweight women) You shouldn't take a combination pill if you already have high blood pressure or have had a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.


Question: What are the side effects of combination pills for birth control?

Answer: You might have: Changes in your period Headache and nausea Tender breasts Breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods, also known as spotting) More-serious but rarer side effects include: High blood pressure Heart attack or stroke Blood clots (the risk is highest for very overweight women) You shouldn't take a combination pill if you already have high blood pressure or have had a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.


Question: What should you know about the mini-pill for birth control?

Answer: If you had estrogen-linked side effects, like tender breasts or nausea, even after switching to a low-dose pill, you may want to try the mini-pill. It's a safe choice if you have high blood pressure or other conditions that can be aggravated by estrogen. It's also an option if you just gave birth or are breastfeeding. It won't affect your milk supply or hurt your baby.


Question: What are the risks of taking combination pills for birth control?

Answer: You might have: Changes in your period Headache and nausea Tender breasts Breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods, also known as spotting) More-serious but rarer side effects include: High blood pressure Heart attack or stroke Blood clots (the risk is highest for very overweight women) You shouldn't take a combination pill if you already have high blood pressure or have had a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. Some pills ( Beyaz, Gianvi, Yasmin, Yaz, and others) use a man-made progesterone called drospirenone. These are linked to a higher risk of blood clots than brands that use other kinds of synthetic progesterone. These types of pills also aren't right for you if you have migraine headaches that affect vision, or if you gave birth less than 3 weeks ago. You're at greater risk of serious side effects if you smoke, especially if you're over 35.


Question: How do you know if birth control pills are the right option for you?

Answer: So talk to your doctor before you choose your contraception method. Make sure she knows your health history and any other medications you take. Some meds make the pill less effective. This includes herbal remedies like St. John's wort. You shouldn't take any type of birth control pill if you've had breast cancer. Also, the pill doesn't protect you from STDs.