Question: What is rheumatoid factor (RF)?

Answer: It shows up in the blood of about 70% to 80% of people with RA. High levels of it are linked to more severe cases. People with lupus often have high levels of these immune system chemicals.


Question: How can testing help with managing blood sugar levels for kids with diabetes?

Answer: Remember, the numbers on the meter aren't "good" or "bad" -- they're just numbers. They give you information about how to keep your child healthy. Since you or your child might not notice symptoms, testing is the best way to avoid dangerously high and low levels.


Question: What causes ups and downs of blood sugar levels in kids and teens with diabetes?

Answer: Food Exercise Growth and hormones Illness Stress and other emotions Medication No one expects a growing child's blood sugar levels to be normal all the time. And when your child enters puberty, his hormones could cause problems with blood sugars changing wildly.


Question: What can you do to help kids manage their diabetes?

Answer: Encourage good habits. Praise your child when he tests, regardless of the result. Don't let him feel bad or blame him when his levels are out of range. Offer support to get him back on track.


Question: What causes blood sugar levels to change?

Answer: What causes ups and downs? Food Exercise Growth and hormones Illness Stress and other emotions Medication No one expects a growing child's blood sugar levels to be normal all the time.


Question: How can I best teach a child to manage their diabetes?

Answer: Encourage good habits. Praise your child when he tests, regardless of the result. Don't let him feel bad or blame him when his levels are out of range. Offer support to get him back on track.


Question: What are the symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs?

Answer: Often, a dog: Loses appetite Vomits Has belly pain Other symptoms are: A fever or low body temperature Diarrhea No energy A hard time breathing Dehydration Irregular heartbeat If your dog has some of these problems for more than a day, or if these symptoms keep coming back, take him to the vet.


Question: How is the cause of pancreatitis in dogs found?

Answer: If your vet can figure out what caused the pancreatitis, he'll try to deal with that first. For instance, if it was a reaction to a drug, he may take him off it. If it's related to diet, he may put him on prescription food. Sometimes it's hard to tell what causes it, and there's no clear treatment to fight it. The focus instead becomes keeping the dog as comfortable as possible until the attack passes.


Question: What should you know about pancreatitis in dogs?

Answer: If so, he'll need treatment. The condition happens when the pancreas becomes inflamed. That's an organ near the stomach that helps digest food and control blood sugar. Pancreatitis can come on all at once and then pass, or it can stay for longer periods. It could be pancreatitis, or it could be something else. Your dog doesn't need to eat human food.


Question: What is the treatment for pancreatitis in dogs?

Answer: For the first 24 hours, your vet may recommend no food or water, or may continue to give your pet food. Pain medications are usually given by injection. These things give the pancreas a rest. Giving your dog IV fluids is also a common practice for pancreatitis. When he gets home, you'll need to give him lots of water to make sure he doesn't get dehydrated. He may need medication for pain, too. He may also get drugs to help ease nausea and vomiting. When your dog starts eating again, make sure it's a low-fat diet. Look for food that's easy to digest. If this is a single, sudden attack, it's a good idea to stick with this diet for a week or so. However, if your dog has experienced several episodes, then this new way of eating will be for life. Your dog doesn't need to eat human food.


Question: What causes pancreatitis in dogs?

Answer: Often, a dog: Loses appetite Vomits Has belly pain Other symptoms are: A fever or low body temperature Diarrhea No energy A hard time breathing Dehydration Irregular heartbeat If your dog has some of these problems for more than a day, or if these symptoms keep coming back, take him to the vet. Experts aren't sure what causes the pancreas irritation, but some breeds, especially schnauzers, are more prone to it. Older dogs and ones who are overweight are also more likely to get it. Sometimes, the condition comes on as a side effect to a drug, or after surgery. More commonly, a fatty meal, like bacon grease or table scraps, triggers it. Dogs usually recover from mild cases, but if it's severe, it can sometimes lead to death.


Question: How can you prevent pancreatitis in dogs?

Answer: When your family dog doesn't want to eat and is throwing up, you hope it's a passing thing. Watch your dog's diet. Make sure he doesn't have too much high-fat food. Keep your garbage secure. Vets report more cases of pancreatitis during the holidays, when people are eating more fatty foods and so are their pets.


Question: Is all fiber the same?

Answer: No, some fibers are soluble in water and others are insoluble. Soluble fiber slows digestion and helps you absorb nutrients from food. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool, helping the stool pass more quickly through the intestines.


Question: Which type of fiber is best to ease constipation?

Answer: Go for whole-grain breads, cereals, and pastas. Cereal fibers generally have cell walls that resist digestion and retain water within the cellular structures. Wheat bran can be highly effective as a natural laxative.


Question: What if whole-grain fiber and fruits don't help constipation?

Answer: Then try foods that contain psyllium seed husk, bran, and methylcellulose, or try fiber supplements. These natural products increase stool weight and have a laxative effect. Be sure to drink a lot of water when taking any of these products, as they can clog up the intestines and cause constipation. Fiber must have water in order to sweep the colon and move the stool out of your body.


Question: What is fiber?

Answer: Dietary fiber refers to the edible parts of plants or carbohydrates that cannot be digested. Fiber is in all plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. You can also find a form of fiber called chitin in the shells of crustaceans such as crab, lobster, and shrimp.


Question: Are prunes a natural laxative?

Answer: are also high in disease-fighting antioxidants and have both insoluble and soluble fiber. One cup of pitted, uncooked prunes contains 12 grams of fiber. Three dried plums have 3.9 grams of fiber. Then try foods that contain psyllium seed husk, bran, and methylcellulose, or try fiber supplements. These natural products increase stool weight and have a laxative effect.


Question: Can food help treat constipation?

Answer: It's becoming clear in recent years that what you eat can be highly effective in preventing or reversing some health problems, especially chronic constipation.


Question: What other foods are high in fiber?

Answer: Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes such as beans and lentils. The fiber found in citrus fruits and legumes stimulate the growth of colonic flora, which increases the stool weight and the amount of bacteria in the stool. Encouraging the growth of certain bacteria in the colon may help promote a healthy intestine.


Question: When should you use a psyllium powder?

Answer: Soluble fiber slows digestion and helps you absorb nutrients from food. But if you can't eat enough fruits and vegetables to make a difference, then opt for fiber supplements. Examples include psyllium, methylcellulose, wheat dextrin, and calcium polycarbophil. With psyllium powder, mix the powder in a glass of water one to three times daily. Be sure to drink enough water along with this psyllium powder drink. The drink may cause you to feel bloated until you get used to the fiber.


Question: How can you treat constipation?

Answer: Make sure you see your doctor for a medical evaluation. No, some fibers are soluble in water and others are insoluble. Most plant foods contain some of each kind of fiber. But if you can't eat enough fruits and vegetables to make a difference, then opt for fiber supplements.


Question: When does fiber not work for ending constipation?

Answer: Foods high in insoluble fiber include wheat bran, whole grains, cereals, seeds, and the skins of many fruits and vegetables. But those who have slow transit or pelvic floor dysfunction may respond poorly to increased dietary fiber. If you have a change in frequency of bowel movements and develop acute constipation, talk to your doctor. The constipation could be caused by an underlying medical condition.


Question: How often is medulloblastoma cured?

Answer: About 70% to 80% of children who are treated for an average-risk tumor (one that isn't difficult for doctors to get to) are free of cancer five years after their diagnosis.


Question: How do doctors test for medulloblastoma in children?

Answer: Some of the first symptoms include: Behavioral problems Changes in handwriting Clumsiness or other balance problems Headaches Nausea or vomiting in the morning Tilting the head to one side Vision problems Once the medulloblastoma has spread to the spinal cord, you also might notice: Back pain Bladder and bowel control problems Trouble walking If your child has symptoms, his pediatrician will want to do a few tests to find out what's going on. These may include a physical exam and a neurological exam, which checks reflexes, senses, and muscle strength among other things. The doctor also may recommend the following: MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make detailed pictures of the inside of your child's brain and spine.


Question: What causes medulloblastomas?

Answer: Doctors don't know why these tumors appear, but people with some conditions, including Li- Fraumeni syndrome and Gorlin syndrome, are more likely to get them. In rare cases, they can be passed from parents to their children.


Question: What are signs that medulloblastoma has spread to the spinal cord?

Answer: Some of the first symptoms include: Behavioral problems Changes in handwriting Clumsiness or other balance problems Headaches Nausea or vomiting in the morning Tilting the head to one side Vision problems Once the medulloblastoma has spread to the spinal cord, you also might notice: Back pain Bladder and bowel control problems Trouble walking If your child has symptoms, his pediatrician will want to do a few tests to find out what's going on.


Question: Where do medulloblastomas form?

Answer: These tumors start near the base of the skull -- in the cerebellum. This is the part of the brain that controls balance and motor skills. The tumors tend to grow quickly and can spread to other parts of the brain, spinal cord, and bone marrow.


Question: How common is medulloblastoma?

Answer: Medulloblastoma is the most common kind of cancerous brain tumor in children under age 16. It's typically found between ages 3 and 8. About 500 children in the U. S. are diagnosed with a medulloblastoma each year. They're more common in boys than in girls, and they happen less often in adults.


Question: What are the treatments for medulloblastoma in children?

Answer: Your child's treatment will depend on whether the cancer has spread. The doctor probably will recommend one or more of the following: Surgery: This is usually the first step. Chemotherapy: The doctor will likely suggest this after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. It's given through an IV or with pills. Radiation therapy: This is also used to kill cancer cells. Proton therapy: A low dose of radiation is sent directly to the tumor. This is more precise than radiation therapy and can prevent damage to healthy tissue and organs.


Question: What is biologic therapy for kidney cancer?

Answer: Biologic therapy for kidney cancer This therapy uses your immune system to fight cancer by boosting, directing, or restoring your body's natural defenses. Substances for biologic therapy are made by your body or in a lab. Examples of biologic therapy for metastatic kidney cancer include interferon alpha or interleukin-2. There are many new immunotherapies being actively studied for kidney cancer.


Question: What is kidney cancer?

Answer: This type of kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma. In most cases, surgery is the first step.


Question: Does my age affect my chances of getting migraines?

Answer: Migraine headaches can hit at any point in your life, but you're more likely to get your first one in your teens. The headaches tend to peak in your 30s and become less severe later in life.


Question: Can certain foods trigger a migraine?

Answer: Salty, processed foods and aged cheeses like blue cheese are known triggers. And the artificial sweetener aspartame, and flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate, or MSG, may cause them, too.


Question: Can sensory overload trigger a migraine?

Answer: Shifts in the hormone estrogen can bring on migraines in women.


Question: Do my genes affect my chances of getting migraines?

Answer: If someone in your family gets migraine headaches, you're more likely to get them than someone without that family history.


Question: Can emotional stress trigger a migraine?

Answer: This is one of the most common migraine triggers. That's because when you're stressed, your brain releases chemicals that cause your âfight or flightâ response. Anxiety, worry, and fear can create even more tension and make a migraine worse.


Question: Why do I get migraines?

Answer: Doctors aren't totally sure what causes migraine headaches, but they think imbalances in certain brain chemicals may play a role. Your genes and other things are also likely reasons. While researchers haven't been able to pinpoint a cause, they know that several things raise your chances of having migraines, including: 1.


Question: Can changes in weather trigger a migraine?

Answer: Changes in weather. This is a big trigger. So is a change in the overall air pressure.


Question: Can hormonal changes trigger a migraine?

Answer: Medications like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can bring on headaches or make them worse. But some women have fewer migraines when they take these medications.


Question: How can sensory overload trigger a migraine?

Answer: Bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells can bring on these headaches in some people.


Question: How can emotional stress trigger a migraine?

Answer: This is one of the most common migraine triggers. That's because when you're stressed, your brain releases chemicals that cause your âfight or flightâ response. Anxiety, worry, and fear can create even more tension and make a migraine worse.


Question: How can hormonal changes trigger a migraine?

Answer: Medications like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can bring on headaches or make them worse. But some women have fewer migraines when they take these medications.


Question: What should you know about migraines?

Answer: It's a disabling condition that causes an extremely painful headache that is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to lights and sounds. The head pain that happens with migraine is usually a severe, pounding headache that can last hours or even days. But migraine is much more than just a headache. Other symptoms vary from person to person, but you may see spots, have blurred vision, or smell strange odors. You might be sensitive to light, feel sick to your stomach, and even vomit.


Question: Why do you get migraines?

Answer: Your genes and other things are also likely reasons. Certain foods.


Question: How can physical strain trigger a migraine?

Answer: Medications like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can bring on headaches or make them worse. You should still be active, but you might do better with a more moderate pace.


Question: How can certain foods trigger a migraine?

Answer: Certain foods. If you get too much or too little sleep, you may get a migraine.


Question: Can physical strain trigger a migraine?

Answer: Medications like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can bring on headaches or make them worse. You should still be active, but you might do better with a more moderate pace.


Question: Can changes in sleep pattern trigger a migraine?

Answer: If you get too much or too little sleep, you may get a migraine. Too much medication.


Question: Do my hormonal changes affect my chances of getting migraines?

Answer: The headaches tend to peak in your 30s and become less severe later in life. That's because when you're stressed, your brain releases chemicals that cause your âfight or flightâ response. If you get too much or too little sleep, you may get a migraine.


Question: What causes shingles (herpes zoster)?

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


Question: What is postherpetic neuralgia after shingles (herpes zoster)?

Answer: After one to two weeks, the blisters heal and form scabs. Up to 15% of people with herpes zoster develop deep pain called postherpetic neuralgia that follows after the infection has run its course. It can continue for months or even years, especially in older people. The incidence of shingles and of postherpetic neuralgia rises with increasing age. Shingles arises from varicella-zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox.


Question: What is shingles (herpes zoster)?

Answer: Shingles (herpes zoster) results from a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that also causes chickenpox. With shingles, usually the first thing you may notice is a tingling sensation or burning pain on one side of your body or face. Within days, tiny clusters of red bumps quickly evolve into a group of painful blisters which can pop and get crusty with pus. The area can be very painful, itchy, and tender. After one to two weeks, the blisters heal and form scabs. Shingles usually occurs only once, although it has been known to recur, usually in people with weakened immune systems. But it can be reactivated years later when the immune system is suppressed by: Physical or emotional trauma A serious illness Certain medications, like steroids Medical science doesn't understand why the virus becomes reactivated in some people and not in others.


Question: How do you chill a bruise to heal it?

Answer: These tips may help your bruise go away more quickly: Put ice on your bruise right after you get injured. That can reduce the size of your bruise, which may allow it to heal faster. The cold temperature from an ice pack makes the blood in that area flow more slowly. It may reduce the amount of blood that leaks out of your vessels. Don't put ice directly on your bruise -- protect your skin by wrapping the ice in a washcloth or paper towel. Remove the ice from your skin after about 10 minutes. Leaving it on too long could harm your skin. It's OK to put ice on your bruise several times a day, as long as you take a break after every time you do it.


Question: Should you put a steak on a bruise?

Answer: You may have seen people in old movies or cartoons putting raw steaks on their bruises -- especially on black eyes. Don't do this yourself. It's not safe to handle raw meat or place it against your eye or another body part, since it may be loaded with bacteria. Steaks and other raw meats don't have special healing powers that can help a bruise.


Question: How can keeping your scalp moist help with sleeping problems from scalp psoriasis?

Answer: If your doctor has prescribed medicine for you to leave on, apply it now. Put a dry shower cap over your hair before you slip into bed. This will keep it damp and hold medicine in. It may make your head sweat as you sleep, adding even more moisture.


Question: How can showering before bed help with sleeping problems from scalp psoriasis?

Answer: Moisture can soothe your scalp and calm the itch. Take a warm shower before you go to sleep every night. Wash your hair each time. Try an over-the-counter shampoo for people with psoriasis. Look for one with tar, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid. Dandruff shampoo may also help. To give it time to work, leave it on your scalp for 5 minutes before you rinse it out. If your doctor gave you a cream or other medicine to use during your shower, put it on your wet scalp before you shampoo. Leave it on for the prescribed period of time, then wash and rinse as usual. Always use conditioner. It will help keep your skin moist. Shampoo alone can dry out your scalp.


Question: How should I avoid triggers for scalp psoriasis?

Answer: Control stress when you can, at work and at home. Learn some techniques to relax. Try to exercise every day, and leave enough time to rest at night. Scrapes and sunburns can trigger psoriasis. Be gentle when you scratch your head. Wear sunscreen and a hat when you go outdoors. To lower chances that you'll get strep throat or another illness, wash your hands often.


Question: How can you avoid triggers of scalp psoriasis to get better sleep?

Answer: Control stress when you can, at work and at home. Learn some techniques to relax. Try to exercise every day, and leave enough time to rest at night. Scrapes and sunburns can trigger psoriasis. Be gentle when you scratch your head. Wear sunscreen and a hat when you go outdoors.


Question: How can seeing your doctor help with sleeping problems from scalp psoriasis?

Answer: Your sleep problems could be tied to a psoriasis flare. If the itching and pain keep you awake for more than a couple of nights, call your dermatologist. She can suggest a new treatment.


Question: What should I do if my scalp psoriasis keeps me awake at night?

Answer: Your sleep problems could be tied to a psoriasis flare. If the itching and pain keep you awake for more than a couple of nights, call your dermatologist. She can suggest a new treatment.


Question: What can I do at night to help my scalp psoriasis?

Answer: Take a warm shower before you go to sleep every night. Look for one with tar, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid. If your doctor gave you a cream or other medicine to use during your shower, put it on your wet scalp before you shampoo. Leave it on for the prescribed period of time, then wash and rinse as usual. Always use conditioner. After your shower, gently rub any over-the-counter creams or scale softeners that you have into your scalp. Put a dry shower cap over your hair before you slip into bed. This will keep it damp and hold medicine in.


Question: Should I follow good sleep habits if I have scalp psoriasis?

Answer: Go to bed at the same time every night. Keep your bedroom cool. Choose sheets, pillows, blankets, and pajamas in soft fabrics. Relax for an hour before bed. Avoid gadgets with bright screens like TVs, computers and smartphones. Get out of bed if you can't sleep. Do something quiet until you feel tired, but again, no screen time. Control stress when you can, at work and at home.


Question: How can stress trigger psoriasis?

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


Question: How can smoking affect your risk for psoriasis?

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


Question: What skin injuries can trigger psoriasis?

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


Question: How can alcohol affect your psoriasis?

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


Question: Can certain genes trigger a psoriasis flare?

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


Question: How are genes and DNA related to psoriasis?

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


Question: How can HIV trigger psoriasis?

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


Question: What medications can make psoriasis worse?

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


Question: How can psoriasis be triggered?

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


Question: How can hormone changes trigger psoriasis?

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


Question: How many people are affected by psoriasis?

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


Question: What infections can trigger psoriasis?

Answer: Scientists have found about 25 genes that are different in people with psoriasis. Kids will often have strep throat before their first flare. Earaches, bronchitis, tonsillitis, or a respiratory infection such as a cold, the flu, or skin problems.


Question: What happens if you have psoriasis?

Answer: Psoriasis turns your skin cells into type A overachievers: They grow about five times faster than normal skin cells. But it's likely a combination of genetics and triggers. Little bits of your DNA, called genes, are instructions for your cells. Scientists think your immune system may respond to emotional and mental pressures the same way it does to physical problems like injuries and infections.


Question: What are the symptoms of a black eye?

Answer: Any of the symptoms below may indicate damage to the eyeball, which should be evaluated and treated by an eye care specialist: Your eyeball hurts.


Question: When should you see a doctor for a black eye?

Answer: There was loss of consciousness as a result of the injury. Black eyes appear affecting one or both eyes after a head injury; you should be examined by a doctor for possible skull fracture. You have blurry or double vision. You can't move your eyeball in all directions.


Question: When should you see an eye care specialist for a black eye?

Answer: The signs of a black eye include bruising and swelling of the eyelid and soft tissue around the injured eye, sometimes accompanied by broken blood vessels along the white of the eye, called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. You have blurred vision, or see multiple images or floating spots. You are bleeding from the eye. You experience unusual sensitivity to light or other vision changes.


Question: How do I know if I have hepatitis?

Answer: Most people have vague or no symptoms at all; hence, viral hepatitis is often referred to as a silent disease. Your healthcare provider may also require a liver biopsy, or tissue sample, in order to determine the extent of the damage.


Question: What should I consider if I have hepatitis?

Answer: Other Points to Consider If your hepatitis, either viral or nonviral, is in the acute stage (occurred within the last six months), avoid alcoholic beverages, as your body's efforts to process alcohol puts an added strain on an already injured liver. Also, be aware that your sexual partners, especially if you have hepatitis B, are at risk of contracting the disease. Hepatitis C is difficult to pass through sexual contact, unless there is blood-to-blood contact. Most adults recover completely from acute hepatitis A and B within six months.


Question: What are other names for acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

Answer: Doctors may call it: Acute myelocytic leukemia Acute myelogenous leukemia Acute granulocytic leukemia Acute non-lymphocytic leukemia Without treatment, AML can quickly be life-threatening.


Question: Where can acute myeloid leukemia (AML) spread to?

Answer: Doctors may call it: Acute myelocytic leukemia Acute myelogenous leukemia Acute granulocytic leukemia Acute non-lymphocytic leukemia Without treatment, AML can quickly be life-threatening. Because it's "acute," this type of leukemia can spread quickly to the blood and to other parts of the body, such as the: Lymph nodes Liver Spleen Brain and spinal cord Testicles Each person is different, and how acute myeloid leukemia affects them depends on certain things, including how well the cancer responds to treatment.


Question: When is the outlook better for acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

Answer: Because it's "acute," this type of leukemia can spread quickly to the blood and to other parts of the body, such as the: Lymph nodes Liver Spleen Brain and spinal cord Testicles Each person is different, and how acute myeloid leukemia affects them depends on certain things, including how well the cancer responds to treatment. Your outlook is better if: You are younger than 60. You have a lower white blood cell count when you're diagnosed. You do not have a history of blood disorders or cancers. You do not have certain gene mutations or chromosome changes.


Question: What are the risk factors for acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

Answer: Acute myeloid leukemia risk factors include: Smoking Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene (a solvent used in oil refineries and other industries and present in cigarette smoke), pesticides, ionizing radiation, certain cleaning products, detergents, and paint strippers Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat other cancers, such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubin, melphalan, and mitoxantrone Exposure to high doses of radiation Certain blood disorders such as myeloproliferative disorders (for example, chronic myelogenous leukemia) A parent, brother, or sister who has had AML Although there is no way to prevent AML, you may lower your risk by not smoking and avoiding exposure to chemicals.


Question: What happens during acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

Answer: Acute myeloid leukemia starts in the bone marrow. This is the soft inner parts of bones. With acute types of leukemia such as AML, bone marrow cells don't mature the way they're supposed to. These immature cells, often called blast cells, keep building up.


Question: When you're pregnant, should you call your doctor if you're worried about a symptom but you're not sure it's serious?

Answer: If there is a problem, you will get prompt attention. If there isn't, you will be reassured.


Question: When should you call your doctor right away during pregnancy?

Answer: Call your health care provider right away if you have: Unusual or severe cramping or abdominal pain Changes in your baby's movement after 28 weeks gestation (if there are less than 10 movements in 2 hours) that you notice while sitting still or lying down Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that seems to be getting worse Signs of premature labor including: -- Regular tightening or pain in the lower abdomen or back -- Any bleeding in the second or third trimester (which may be normal after a vaginal exam or intercourse) -- Fluid leak -- Severe pressure in the pelvis or vagina ( Pressure is normal in 2nd and 3rd trimesters.) Also call your health care provider if you have any of the following conditions during pregnancy: A fever over 100 ° Fahrenheit Severe or persistent vomiting Severe diarrhea Fainting spells or dizziness Pain, burning, or trouble urinating Unusual vaginal discharge Repeated vaginal bleeding Swelling in your hands, fingers, or face Blurred vision or spots before your eyes Sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples Severe headaches Pain or cramping in your arms, legs, or chest If you aren't sure if a symptom is serious, but you just don't feel like yourself, trust your instincts and call your provider.


Question: What are some conditions you should call your doctor about while you're pregnant?

Answer: Also call your health care provider if you have any of the following conditions during pregnancy: A fever over 100 ° Fahrenheit Severe or persistent vomiting Severe diarrhea Fainting spells or dizziness Pain, burning, or trouble urinating Unusual vaginal discharge Repeated vaginal bleeding Swelling in your hands, fingers, or face Blurred vision or spots before your eyes Sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples Severe headaches Pain or cramping in your arms, legs, or chest If you aren't sure if a symptom is serious, but you just don't feel like yourself, trust your instincts and call your provider.


Question: Are there medications that may affect my triglyceride levels?

Answer: You should also ask your doctor whether any of your medications (such as birth control pills or hormone replacement) are linked to your high triglycerides. If so, your doctor will probably recommend changing your prescription.


Question: What makes a woman more likely to get high triglycerides?

Answer: Women are more likely to get high triglycerides if they: Take birth control pills that include estrogen Are pregnant; pregnancy can temporarily raise triglyceride levels. Have been through menopause Have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), a hormonal disorder in which women have higher levels of male hormones; PCOS can also raise the likelihood of heart disease and diabetes. Take oral estrogens or hormone replacement therapy Take prescription drugs such as tamoxifen or, to a lesser degree, raloxifene ( Evista) that target estrogen levels; doctors call this class of drugs " SERMs," which stands for "selective estrogen receptor modulators."


Question: How can long-term controller medicines help manage the symptoms of allergic asthma in children?

Answer: They're for kids who get asthma symptoms more than twice a week, nighttime symptoms more than twice a month, or those who've been to the hospital for asthma recently. They include: Budesonide ( Pulmicort) Fluticasone ( Flovent) Montelukast ( Singulair) Salmeterol ( Advair) Many kids use both types of medicine. They take long-term control medicines every day and carry quick-relief medicines with them in case of an asthma attack.


Question: How can quick-relief medicines help manage the symptoms of allergic asthma in children?

Answer: Doctors prescribe two types of medicines to manage children's asthma symptoms: Quick-relief medicines widen the airways to stop asthma attacks when they happen. Some kids use these medicines before they exercise. Albuterol ( Pro Air HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA) is the most common quick-relief medicine.


Question: How does immunotherapy help treat allergic asthma in children?

Answer: Kids can avoid their triggers, but they can also take medicines to prevent asthma and allergy symptoms. Your child can take these medicines as a syrup, chewable tablet, or nasal spray.


Question: Why do allergies and asthma cause coughing?

Answer: If you have them, inhaling a trigger like mold can cause your lungs to overreact. They're trying to cough out what's bothering them.


Question: When should you see a doctor for a cough?

Answer: If your cough isn't getting better after 1 week, it's time to call your doc. See him as soon as you can if your cough interferes with your daily life and ability to work, or if it comes with any of these other symptoms: Trouble breathing Chest pain Ongoing heartburn Coughing up blood Fever or night sweats Trouble sleeping


Question: Why does postnasal drip cause coughing?

Answer: When you're congested, mucus drips down from your nose into your throat, and makes you cough. You can get postnasal drip from colds, flu, sinus infections, allergies, and other problems.


Question: How long do coughs usually last?

Answer: Common viruses are the most likely causes. Sometimes, the cough can last weeks or months after the virus is gone. Over time your airways will heal and the cough will stop.


Question: Why do viruses cause coughing?

Answer: Colds and the flu are the most common causes. While annoying, coughs that are âproductiveâ get germy mucus out of your lungs when you're sick. Most will go away in a few days.


Question: What are some less known causes of coughing?

Answer: Many other problems -- lung inflammation, sleep apnea, and drug side effects -- can be triggers. Get coughs that won't go away checked out to make sure you don't have a separate problem.


Question: Can medicine be used for a cough?

Answer: Over-the-counter cough remedies can help in a number of ways. Suppressants lessen your urge to cough. Expectorants thin mucus and make it easier to hack up.


Question: How can cough triggers be avoided?

Answer: While annoying, coughs that are âproductiveâ get germy mucus out of your lungs when you're sick. Allergies and asthma . You can drink warm fluids, inhale warm, moist air, and use cough drops. You won't see the effects right away, but if you stay away from what bothers you, you'll start to feel better.


Question: Can a cough be treated with home remedies?

Answer: Add a spoonful of honey to hot tea, or choose a cough drop that has it. Never give honey to a child under a year old -- it can make them very sick. Use air conditioners to filter air during pollen season.


Question: How is surgery done for larger tumors of skin cancer?

Answer: Larger tumors, lesions in high-risk locations, recurrent tumors, and lesions in cosmetically sensitive areas are removed by a technique called Mohs micrographic surgery. For this technique, the surgeon carefully removes tissue, layer by layer, until cancer-free tissue is reached.


Question: How is surgery done for small skin cancer lesions?

Answer: Small skin cancer lesions may be removed through a variety of techniques, including simple excision (cutting it away), electrodesiccation and curettage (scraping the tumor and then burning the tissue with an electric needle), and cryosurgery (freezing the area with liquid nitrogen).


Question: What is it like to live with skin cancer?

Answer: Living with skin cancer presents many new challenges for you and for your family and friends. You will probably have many worries about how the cancer will affect you and your ability to "live a normal life," that is, to care for your family and home, to hold your job, and to continue the friendships and activities you enjoy. Many people with a skin cancer diagnosis feel anxious and depressed. Some people feel angry and resentful; others feel helpless and defeated. For most people with skin cancer, talking about their feelings and concerns helps. Your friends and family members can be very supportive. They may be hesitant to offer support until they see how you are coping. Don't wait for them to bring it up. If you want to talk about your concerns, let them know.


Question: What should you do after your advanced cancerous melanoma treatment?

Answer: If you have advanced malignant melanoma, your oncologist may want to see you every few months. These visits may include total body skin exams, regional lymph node checks, and periodic chest X-rays and body scans. Over time, the intervals between follow-up appointments will increase. Eventually these checks may be done only once a year.


Question: What will your doctor talk about regarding skin cancer?

Answer: These conditions require the care of a dermatologist or specialist in skin cancers.


Question: What is it going to be like living with skin cancer?

Answer: You will probably have many worries about how the cancer will affect you and your ability to "live a normal life," that is, to care for your family and home, to hold your job, and to continue the friendships and activities you enjoy. Many people with a skin cancer diagnosis feel anxious and depressed. Some people feel angry and resentful; others feel helpless and defeated. For most people with skin cancer, talking about their feelings and concerns helps. Your friends and family members can be very supportive. They may be hesitant to offer support until they see how you are coping. Don't wait for them to bring it up. If you want to talk about your concerns, let them know. Some people don't want to "burden" their loved ones, or prefer talking about their concerns with a more neutral professional. A social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful. Your dermatologist or oncologist should be able to recommend someone.


Question: What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

Answer: Skin cancer symptoms depend on the type of skin cancer that has developed.


Question: How can you prevent skin cancer?

Answer: You can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer by following these guidelines: Limit sun exposure. Attempt to avoid the sun's intense rays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Apply sunscreen every day. Use a sunscreen with sun protection factor ( SPF) of at least 30 both before and every 60 to 80 minutes during outdoor exposure. Select products that filter both UVA and UVB light. The label will tell you. If you are likely to sunburn, wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants and a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid artificial tanning booths. Conduct monthly self-exams.


Question: How do you know if you have a cancerous melanoma related to skin cancer?

Answer: The majority of malignant or cancerous melanomas are brown-to-black pigmented lesions. Other signs of a cancerous melanoma include: A change in size, shape, color, or elevation of a mole The appearance of a new mole during adulthood, or new pain, itching, ulceration, or bleeding of an existing mole The following easy-to-remember guideline, " ABCDE," is useful for identifying malignant melanoma: Asymmetry -- One side of the lesion does not look like the other.


Question: How can you tell if you have skin cancer?

Answer: Skin Self- Exams Monthly skin self-exams improve your chances of finding a skin cancer early, when it has done a minimum of damage to your skin and can be treated easily. Regular self-exams help you recognize any new or changing features. The best time to do a self-exam is right after a shower or bath. Do the self-exam in a bright room; use a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror. Learn where your moles, birthmarks, and blemishes are, and what they look like. Each time you do a self-exam, check these areas for changes in size, texture, and color, and for ulceration. If you notice any changes, call your primary care provider or dermatologist.


Question: How do you know if you have a malignant melanoma related to skin cancer?

Answer: Other signs of a cancerous melanoma include: A change in size, shape, color, or elevation of a mole The appearance of a new mole during adulthood, or new pain, itching, ulceration, or bleeding of an existing mole The following easy-to-remember guideline, " ABCDE," is useful for identifying malignant melanoma: Asymmetry -- One side of the lesion does not look like the other. Border irregularity -- Margins may be notched or irregular. Color -- Melanomas are often a mixture of black, tan, brown, blue, red, or white. Diameter -- Cancerous lesions can be larger than 6 mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although with early detection they will not reach this size. Evolution -- has a mole changed over time?


Question: Where can you get more information on skin cancer?

Answer: The American Cancer Society also has information about support groups throughout the U. S. National Cancer Institute, Cancer Information Service ( CIS) Toll-free: (800) 4- CANCER (800) 422-6237 TTY (for deaf and hard of hearing callers): (800) 332-8615 Skin Cancer Foundation 255 Lexington Avenue, 11th Floor New York, NY 10016 (212)754-5176 www.skincancer.org For information about clinical trials in skin cancer treatment, visit the National Institute of Health's Clinical Trials database.


Question: What should doctors check for when looking for skin cancer?

Answer: Have your primary health care provider or a dermatologist check any moles or spots that concern you. See your health care provider to check your skin if you notice any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of pigmented areas (such as darker or a change in areas of skin or moles).


Question: What tests do you need if you have malignant melanoma?

Answer: If a biopsy shows that you have malignant melanoma, you may undergo further testing to determine the extent of spread of the disease, if any. This may involve blood tests, a chest X-ray, and other tests as needed.


Question: What do you need to know about skin cancers?

Answer: Here are the basics on skin cancers: The vast majority of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cells carcinomas. While malignant, these are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. They may be locally disfiguring if not treated early. A small but significant number of skin cancers are malignant melanomas. Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer that tends to spread to other parts of the body. These cancers may be fatal if not treated early.


Question: How common is skin cancer?

Answer: Almost 91,300 people are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma in the U. S. in 2018, and an estimated 12,000 people will die from some form of skin cancer the same year.


Question: What does a squamous cell carcinoma look like?

Answer: A squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC) is commonly a well-defined, red, scaling, thickened bump on sun-exposed skin. It may ulcerate and bleed, and left untreated, may develop into a large mass.


Question: What happens after a biopsy shows you have a malignant melanoma?

Answer: If a biopsy shows that you have malignant melanoma, you may undergo further testing to determine the extent of spread of the disease, if any. This may involve blood tests, a chest X-ray, and other tests as needed. This is only needed if the melanoma is of a certain size.


Question: How can you identify a cancerous melanoma?

Answer: Other signs of a cancerous melanoma include: A change in size, shape, color, or elevation of a mole The appearance of a new mole during adulthood, or new pain, itching, ulceration, or bleeding of an existing mole The following easy-to-remember guideline, " ABCDE," is useful for identifying malignant melanoma: Asymmetry -- One side of the lesion does not look like the other. Border irregularity -- Margins may be notched or irregular. Color -- Melanomas are often a mixture of black, tan, brown, blue, red, or white. Diameter -- Cancerous lesions can be larger than 6 mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although with early detection they will not reach this size. Evolution -- has a mole changed over time?


Question: What is the outcome of malignant melanoma related to skin cancer?

Answer: In most cases, the outcome of malignant melanoma depends on the thickness of the tumor at the time of treatment. Thin lesions are almost always cured by simple surgery alone. Thicker tumors, which usually have been present for some time but have gone undetected, may spread to other organs. Surgery removes the tumor and any local spread, but it cannot remove distant metastasis. Other therapies, such as radiation therapy, immunotherapy or chemotherapy, are used to treat the metastatic tumors.


Question: What are skin cancer web links?

Answer: The American Cancer Society also has information about support groups throughout the U. S. National Cancer Institute, Cancer Information Service ( CIS) Toll-free: (800) 4- CANCER (800) 422-6237 TTY (for deaf and hard of hearing callers): (800) 332-8615 Skin Cancer Foundation 255 Lexington Avenue, 11th Floor New York, NY 10016 (212)754-5176 www.skincancer.org For information about clinical trials in skin cancer treatment, visit the National Institute of Health's Clinical Trials database. For other valuable information, visit the following Web sites: American Academy of Dermatology American Cancer Society National Cancer Institute Media file 1: Skin cancer.


Question: What do you need to know about cancer?

Answer: Here are the cancer basics: As the cells multiply, they form a mass called a tumor. Tumors are cancerous only if they are malignant. This means that they encroach on and invade neighboring tissues (especially lymph nodes) because of their uncontrolled growth. Tumors may also travel to remote organs via the bloodstream. This process of invading and spreading to other organs is called metastasis. Tumors overwhelm surrounding tissues by invading their space and taking the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive and function.


Question: What does medical treatment for skin cancer entail?

Answer: Surgical removal is the mainstay of skin cancer treatment for both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.


Question: What follow-up treatment do you need if you have advanced malignant melanoma?

Answer: If you have advanced malignant melanoma, your oncologist may want to see you every few months. These visits may include total body skin exams, regional lymph node checks, and periodic chest X-rays and body scans. Over time, the intervals between follow-up appointments will increase. Eventually these checks may be done only once a year.


Question: How can you treat advanced cases of melanoma?

Answer: In advanced cases of melanoma, immune therapies, vaccines, or chemotherapy may be used. These treatments are typically offered as clinical trials. Clinical trials are studies of new therapies to see if they can be tolerated and work better than existing therapies.


Question: How common is skin cancer in the United States?

Answer: Although the number of skin cancers in the U. S. continues to rise, more skin cancers are being caught earlier, when they are easier to treat. Thus, illness and death rates have decreased.


Question: What does a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) look like?

Answer: A basal cell carcinoma ( BCC) usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck, or shoulders. Others signs include: Small blood vessels may be visible within the tumor. A central depression with crusting and bleeding (ulceration) frequently develops. A BCC often appears as a sore that does not heal.


Question: How can I tell if I have the early stages of skin cancer?

Answer: Many people, especially those who have fair coloring or have had extensive sun exposure, periodically check their entire body for suspicious moles and lesions. Have your primary health care provider or a dermatologist check any moles or spots that concern you. See your health care provider to check your skin if you notice any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of pigmented areas (such as darker or a change in areas of skin or moles).


Question: Can skin cancer be cured?

Answer: Most skin cancer is cured surgically in the dermatologist's office.


Question: What are examinations like for skin cancer?

Answer: If you think a mole or other skin lesion has turned into skin cancer, your primary care provider will probably refer you to a dermatologist. The dermatologist will examine any moles in question and, in many cases, the entire skin surface. Any lesions that are difficult to identify, or are thought to be skin cancer, may then be checked.


Question: What does a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) look like?

Answer: A squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC) is commonly a well-defined, red, scaling, thickened bump on sun-exposed skin. It may ulcerate and bleed, and left untreated, may develop into a large mass.


Question: What are other important causes of skin cancer?

Answer: Other important causes of skin cancer include the following: Use of tanning booths Immunosuppression, or impairment of the immune system, which protects the body from germs or substances that cause an allergic reaction Exposure to unusually high levels of radiation, such as from X-rays Contact with certain chemicals, such as arsenic (miners, sheep shearers, and farmers) and hydrocarbons in tar, oils, and soot (which may cause squamous cell carcinoma) The following people are at the greatest risk of skin cancer: People with fair skin, especially types that freckle, sunburn easily, or become painful in the sun People with light (blond or red) hair and blue or green eyes Those with certain genetic disorders that deplete skin pigment , such as albinism and xeroderma pigmentosum (a disease in which DNA repair mechanisms, especially in response to ultraviolet light, is impaired) People who have already been treated for skin cancer People with numerous moles, unusual moles, or large moles that were present at birth People with close family members who have developed skin cancer People who had at least one severe sunburn early in life People with burns unrelated to sunburn People with indoor occupations and outdoor recreational habits Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are more common in older people.


Question: What does advanced skin cancer treatment entail?

Answer: In advanced cases of melanoma, immune therapies, vaccines, or chemotherapy may be used. These treatments are typically offered as clinical trials. Clinical trials are studies of new therapies to see if they can be tolerated and work better than existing therapies.


Question: Do a lot of people die from skin cancer?

Answer: A small but significant number of skin cancers are malignant melanomas. When treated properly, the cure rate for both basal cell carcinoma ( BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC) approaches 95%. The remaining cancers recur at some point after treatment.


Question: How can you prevent getting skin cancer?

Answer: Many people, especially those who have fair coloring or have had extensive sun exposure, periodically check their entire body for suspicious moles and lesions. If you have advanced malignant melanoma, your oncologist may want to see you every few months. Attempt to avoid the sun's intense rays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Select products that filter both UVA and UVB light. If you are likely to sunburn, wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants and a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid artificial tanning booths.


Question: How do doctors treat skin cancer?

Answer: A sample of skin (biopsy) will be taken so that the suspicious area of skin can be examined under a microscope. Malignant melanoma, however, may require several treatment methods -- depending on the size of the tumor -- including surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.


Question: How do doctors remove malignant melanomas related to skin cancer?

Answer: Skin cancer is the most common of all human cancers, with 1 million people in the U. S. diagnosed each year with some type of the disease. Depending on the thickness of the melanoma, neighboring lymph nodes may also be removed and tested for cancer.


Question: What is the outcome of cancerous melanoma?

Answer: Thin lesions are almost always cured by simple surgery alone. Thicker tumors, which usually have been present for some time but have gone undetected, may spread to other organs. Surgery removes the tumor and any local spread, but it cannot remove distant metastasis. Other therapies, such as radiation therapy, immunotherapy or chemotherapy, are used to treat the metastatic tumors. Malignant melanoma causes more than 75% of deaths from skin cancer. Melanoma on the sole of the foot.


Question: How is surgery done for cancerous melanoma?

Answer: Usually, surgical removal of the lesion is adequate. To ensure the complete removal of this dangerous malignancy, 1-2 cm of normal-appearing skin surrounding the tumor is also removed. Depending on the thickness of the melanoma, neighboring lymph nodes may also be removed and tested for cancer. The sentinel lymph node biopsy method uses a mildly radioactive substance to identify which lymph nodes are most likely to be affected.


Question: What kinds of changes can lead to skin cancer?

Answer: Some specific dysplastic changes that occur in skin are as follows: Actinic keratosis is an area of red or brown, scaly, rough skin, which can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. A nevus is a mole, and abnormal moles are called dysplastic nevi. These can potentially develop into melanoma over time. If a mole on your body looks different from the others, ask your health care provider to take a look at it. People sometimes have as many as 100 or more dysplastic nevi, which are usually irregular in shape, with notched or fading borders. Some may be flat or raised, and the surface may be smooth or rough ("pebbly"). They are often large, at a quarter-inch across or larger, and are typically of mixed color, including pink, red, tan, and brown.


Question: How common are skin cancers by age?

Answer: Melanomas are one of the most common cancers in younger people, especially in people ages 25 to 29. Surgical removal is the mainstay of skin cancer treatment for both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.


Question: What are the different types of skin cancers?

Answer: Other unusual types of skin cancer include Merkel cell tumors and dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans. Like many cancers, skin cancers start as precancerous lesions. Basal cell carcinoma.


Question: How do you treat obstructive lung disease with medicines?

Answer: Airways may be narrowed by spasms in the smooth muscles that are in the wall of the airways (bronchospasm). Medicines that relax these smooth muscles and improve airflow are called bronchodilators, and are inhaled. These include: Albuterol ( Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, Accu Neb, Pro Air HFA) Ipratropium ( Atrovent) Formoterol ( Foradil) Salmeterol ( Serevent) Tiotropium ( Spiriva) Combined medications like Combivent Respimat, Duo Neb, Anoro Ellipta, and Advair, which include a bronchodilator Theophylline ( Theo- Dur and other brand names) is a rarely used bronchodilator taken as an oral tablet.


Question: What are symptoms of obstructive and restrictive lung disease?

Answer: In early stages of obstructive or restrictive lung disease, shortness of breath occurs only with exertion. If the underlying lung condition progresses, breathlessness may occur with minimal activity, or even at rest. Cough is a common symptom in restrictive and obstructive lung diseases. Usually, the cough is dry or productive of white sputum.


Question: What medicines help reduce inflammation in obstructive lung disease?

Answer: Inflamed airway walls may be swollen and filled with mucus, obstructing airflow. Various medicines help reduce inflammation in obstructive lung disease, including: inhaled corticosteroids ( Flovent, Pulmicort, Advair, QVAR, Alvesco, and others) oral corticosteroids (prednisone and others) montelukast ( Singulair) A program of regular exercise will improve symptoms of breathlessness in virtually all people with obstructive lung disease.


Question: What are obstructive versus restrictive lung disease?

Answer: Obstructive lung diseases include conditions that make it hard to exhale all the air in the lungs. People with restrictive lung disease have difficulty fully expanding their lungs with air. Obstructive lung disease and restrictive lung disease cause shortness of breath.


Question: How do doctors diagnose obstructive or restrictive lung disease?

Answer: In pulmonary function testing, a person blows air forcefully through a mouthpiece. As the person performs various breathing maneuvers, a machine records the volume and flow of air through the lungs. These may include: Chest X-ray film Computed tomography ( CT scan) of the chest In some people, a bronchoscopy may be recommended to diagnose the lung condition causing obstructive or restrictive lung disease. In a bronchoscopy, a doctor uses an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and tools on its tip) to look inside the airways and take samples of lung tissue (biopsies).


Question: How is osteoarthritis of the hip treated?

Answer: The main goal of treating osteoarthritis of the hip is to improve the person's mobility (ability to get around) and lifestyle. Part of this goal involves improving the function of the hip and controlling pain. Treatment plans can involve: Rest and joint care Use of a cane to take weight off the affected hip Nondrug pain relief techniques to control pain Losing excess weight Exercise Medications, including acetaminophen ( Tylenol), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen ( Advil), or a prescription pain medication Surgery Complementary and alternative therapies The hip joint is a ball-and-socket mechanism.


Question: What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hips?

Answer: If you have any of the following symptoms of hip osteoarthritis, talk to your doctor: Joint stiffness that occurs as you are getting out of bed Joint stiffness after you sit for a long time Any pain, swelling, or tenderness in the hip joint A sound or feeling ("crunching") of bone rubbing against bone Inability to move the hip to perform routine activities such as putting on your socks There is no single test for diagnosing osteoarthritis, but often it is diagnosed by an abnormal X-ray that shows characteristic features such as narrowing of the joint and spurring of the joint margins.


Question: What is the meaning of arthritis?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Arthritis means "joint inflammation." It causes pain and swelling in the body's joints, such as the knees or hips. There are many types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common. Also known as degenerative joint disease or age-related arthritis, osteoarthritis is more likely to develop as people get older.


Question: What are the two main types of osteoarthritis?

Answer: Osteoarthritis occurs when inflammation and injury to a joint cause a breaking down of cartilage tissue. The two main types of osteoarthritis are: Primary: More generalized osteoarthritis that affects the fingers, thumbs, spine, hips, and knees Secondary: Osteoarthritis that occurs after injury or inflammation in a joint, or as a result of another condition that may affect the composition of the cartilage, such as hemochromatosis Patients who have osteoarthritis of the hip sometimes have problems walking.


Question: What is the use of hip resurfacing for osteoarthritis?

Answer: Osteoarthritis occurs when inflammation and injury to a joint cause a breaking down of cartilage tissue. If you have any of the following symptoms of hip osteoarthritis, talk to your doctor: Joint stiffness that occurs as you are getting out of bed Joint stiffness after you sit for a long time Any pain, swelling, or tenderness in the hip joint A sound or feeling ("crunching") of bone rubbing against bone Inability to move the hip to perform routine activities such as putting on your socks There is no single test for diagnosing osteoarthritis, but often it is diagnosed by an abnormal X-ray that shows characteristic features such as narrowing of the joint and spurring of the joint margins. Hip resurfacing is a surgical option that can provide relief while delaying hip replacement surgery. In hip resurfacing, the diseased hip joint surfaces are removed surgically and substituted with metal. Rather than removing the ball of the hip socket, the surgeon covers it with a metal cap.


Question: How does osteoarthritis affect the hip joint?

Answer: Osteoarthritis occurs when inflammation and injury to a joint cause a breaking down of cartilage tissue. That's because pain can appear in different locations, including the groin, thigh, buttocks, or knee. The pain can be stabbing and sharp or it can be a dull ache, and the hip is often stiff. If you have any of the following symptoms of hip osteoarthritis, talk to your doctor: Joint stiffness that occurs as you are getting out of bed Joint stiffness after you sit for a long time Any pain, swelling, or tenderness in the hip joint A sound or feeling ("crunching") of bone rubbing against bone Inability to move the hip to perform routine activities such as putting on your socks There is no single test for diagnosing osteoarthritis, but often it is diagnosed by an abnormal X-ray that shows characteristic features such as narrowing of the joint and spurring of the joint margins.


Question: What is total hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis?

Answer: Osteoarthritis occurs when inflammation and injury to a joint cause a breaking down of cartilage tissue. Treatment plans can involve: Rest and joint care Use of a cane to take weight off the affected hip Nondrug pain relief techniques to control pain Losing excess weight Exercise Medications, including acetaminophen ( Tylenol), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen ( Advil), or a prescription pain medication Surgery Complementary and alternative therapies The hip joint is a ball-and-socket mechanism. The ball is located at the top of the thigh bone (femur). Total hip replacement surgery replaces the damaged ball with a metal ball. The hip socket is resurfaced using a metal shell and a plastic liner.


Question: What causes osteoarthritis of the hip joint?

Answer: There are many types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common. Osteoarthritis occurs when inflammation and injury to a joint cause a breaking down of cartilage tissue. The person may be putting extra stress on his or her joints, either by being overweight or through activities that involve the hip.


Question: When does osteoarthritis occur?

Answer: Osteoarthritis occurs when inflammation and injury to a joint cause a breaking down of cartilage tissue. In turn, that breakdown causes pain, swelling, and deformity. The primary function of cartilage is to reduce friction in the joints and serve as a "shock absorber." Although cartilage may undergo some repair when damaged, the body does not grow new cartilage after it is injured.


Question: What should you ask your doctor about a sprain or strain?

Answer: Make sure you have answers to these questions: What is my injury? What's OK for me to do? What activities should I avoid? What can I safely take for pain and how often? How long will my recovery take? What can I expect during that time? When is it safe to return to full activity? When do I need to get my injury re-evaluated?


Question: What are the different grades of a sprain?

Answer: If you have a sprain, your doctor may mention its âgradeâ: Grade I is stretching of the ligament or a very mild tear, with little or no instability at the joint. Grade II is a more serious but still incomplete tear, with some looseness in the joint. Grade III is a completely torn or ruptured ligament. This is not a broken bone, but can feel like one since it's often impossible to put weight on the joint or use the affected limb because the joint isn't stable.


Question: How long does it take to recover from a sprain or strain?

Answer: The time frame for recovery depends on the severity of the injury and can vary from person to person. It may take just a few days for a slight sprain of an ankle to heal, or it may take months for a knee that needs surgery to reconstruct it. For most mild to moderate sprains and strains, you can expect to regain full mobility within 3 to 8 weeks. More severe injuries can take months for a full recovery.


Question: Who's most likely to get strains?

Answer: Athletes in contact sports, like football, hockey, and boxing, have the biggest chance of strains. Even in noncontact sports like tennis, golf, or rowing, doing the same motions over and over can lead to strains of the hand and forearm.


Question: What causes sprains?

Answer: Sprains usually happen when a person falls, twists, or is hit in a way that forces the body out of its normal position. Wrist and thumb sprains are also common, particularly in sports like skiing, where it's not unusual to fall and land on an outstretched palm. Even in noncontact sports like tennis, golf, or rowing, doing the same motions over and over can lead to strains of the hand and forearm.


Question: What's the difference between a sprain and a strain?

Answer: People use the words âsprainâ and âstrainâ almost interchangeably, to describe everything from a twisted ankle to a pulled hamstring. But they're not the same. A strain is also a stretch or tear, but it happens in a muscle or a tendon. Tendons link muscles to the bones.


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

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


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

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


Question: Who can get deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson's disease?

Answer: One of the most important criteria is that you try drug treatment first. Surgery is not recommended if medications can adequately control the disease. However, surgery should be considered if you do not achieve satisfactory control with medications. Strategies can be designed to help you regain a sense of control over your life and improve your quality of life.


Question: Will drinking water and other fluids cure constipation?

Answer: Extra fluids help keep the stool soft and easy to pass, but drinking more liquids does not cure constipation.


Question: How much fluid is enough to ease chronic constipation?

Answer: When it comes to thirst, most experts say you should let your body be your guide. The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board suggests that women get 91 ounces of water each day from foods and drinks and men should get 125 ounces. Remember, this recommendation includes the fluids that you take in from your food. In general, for healthy, average people, 8 cups a day is a good goal. Talk to your doctor about how much water is good for you. People with some medical conditions may need to drink less than that. Others may need more than 8 cups a day.


Question: What causes chronic constipation?

Answer: If you don't have enough water in your body already, the large intestine soaks up water from your food waste. This makes you have hard stools that are difficult to pass. There are other causes of chronic constipation too, including what you eat, traveling, medicines, irritable bowel syndrome, and pregnancy.


Question: Are there fluids you should avoid if you have constipation?

Answer: It is a diuretic, which gets rid of water from your body and leads to dehydration. Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and colas are also diuretics, but as long as you drink moderate amounts, they probably won't cause dehydration.


Question: How can you prevent dehydration?

Answer: Watch the amount of fluid you drink, listen to your body, and drink more liquids during exercise and hot weather. You get dehydrated when your body gets rid of more fluids -- usually through sweating or going to the bathroom more than normal -- than it takes in. Drinking too little water during exercise, hot weather, or daily activities can also cause your body to use up its stored water.


Question: Besides water, what other fluids are hydrating for constipation?

Answer: Fruit and vegetable juices, clear soups, and herbal teas are also good sources of fluids.


Question: How can water affect your digestion?

Answer: It keeps the food you eat moving through your intestines, and it keeps your intestines smooth and flexible, too. Talk to your doctor about how much water is good for you.


Question: How can you treat chronic constipation?

Answer: If you're looking for a simple way to ease chronic constipation, drink plenty of fluids every day. Staying well-hydrated can be a key part of your plan to "get things moving" again. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of chronic constipation.


Question: What are some common thoughts that people diagnosed with hepatitis C have?

Answer: If you've just been diagnosed with hepatitis C, you may wonder how you got it and worry about passing on the virus to a loved one. If you've had the disease for a long time without knowing it, you could dwell on every little incident in the past where you might have accidentally exposed a family member to the disease.


Question: How common is it for someone to catch hepatitis C through everyday contact?

Answer: It cannot be spread through: Coughing Sneezing Hugging Kissing Breastfeeding (unless nipples are cracked or bleeding) Sharing utensils or glasses Casual contact Sharing food and water Mosquito or other insect bites That means everyday contact isn't risky. The odds of it spreading between people in a household are near zero.


Question: What should someone with hepatitis C do to encourage others to get tested?

Answer: While the odds of passing on the hepatitis C virus are low, you should still tell anyone at risk that you have hepatitis C. You should tell sexual partners, spouses, and family members. Your infection may be difficult to discuss, but anyone at potential risk must know.


Question: What are some precautions someone with hepatitis C can take?

Answer: Get into a treatment program if you can. At the very least, don't share needles or equipment with anyone else. This includes razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or anything else that could have your blood on it. Cover any open wounds or sores with bandages. Carefully dispose of tampons, sanitary napkins, tissues, used bandages, and anything else that might have your blood on it. Hepatitis C can spread through sexual intercourse, but it's rare. You can't give blood if you currently have symptoms or have ever tested positive for hepatitis C. But you can probably donate organs or tissue, since risk of transmission is low and hepatitis C is curable.


Question: How common is hepatitis C spread through sexual activity?

Answer: Hepatitis C can spread through sexual intercourse, but it's rare. In fact, the CDC considers the risk of sexual transmission between monogamous couples so low that it doesn't even recommend using condoms. Also, there's no evidence that hepatitis C is spread by oral sex. If you have HIV or if you have multiple partners, you should take precautions. Using condoms will protect you and your partners.


Question: How common is it for a family member to catch hepatitis C?

Answer: If you've just been diagnosed with hepatitis C, you may wonder how you got it and worry about passing on the virus to a loved one. It's important to remember that hepatitis C isn't easy to catch. If you take a few precautions, it's almost impossible to pass on the disease to someone else. The odds of it spreading between people in a household are near zero.


Question: What are decongestant sprays?

Answer: Decongestant sprays shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues in your nose that cause congestion. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride ( Afrin, Dristan, Sinex) and phenylephrine hydrochloride ( Neo- Synephrine) are some examples of these medicines. You can buy them over the counter. Don't use decongestant nasal sprays longer than three days. Using them longer can actually make your nose more stopped up. Ask your doctor before using them if you have glaucoma or high blood pressure that's not under control.


Question: Is cromolyn safe to use for allergies?

Answer: Cromolyn sodium is safe for most people. Ask your doctor before using it if you have wheezing from asthma or sinus pain. Side effects can include sneezing and nasal burning.


Question: What are examples of steroid nasal sprays?

Answer: Examples of steroid nasal sprays available by prescription include beclomethasone ( Beconase, Qnasl), ciclesonide ( Zetonna), fluticasone furoate ( Veramyst), and mometasone ( Nasonex). Three medications can be purchased over the counter -- budesonide ( Rhinocort Allergy), fluticasone ( Flonase Allergy Relief), and triamcinolone ( Nasacort Allergy 24 HR). Side effects can include headache, sore throat, nosebleed, or cough.


Question: What are steroid nasal sprays?

Answer: These sprays work very well to reduce congestion, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. They also help stop a drippy nose. They're often the first drug recommended for allergies, but it takes about a week before you'll notice your symptoms getting better.


Question: Can nasal sprays help allergies?

Answer: You can buy them at the drugstore, or your doctor can prescribe one to relieve a stuffy or runny nose. It can also help a stuffy nose.


Question: When should you call your doctor about eczema?

Answer: You develop an itchy rash and have a family history of eczema or asthma. The inflammation doesn't respond within a week to treatment with over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams. You may need more aggressive forms of treatment. You develop yellowish to light brown crust or pus-filled blisters over existing patches of eczema. This may indicate a bacterial infection that should be treated with an antibiotic. During a flare-up of eczema, you are exposed to anyone with a viral skin disease such as cold sores or genital herpes. Having eczema puts you at increased risk of contracting the herpes simplex virus. You develop numerous painful, small, fluid-filled blisters in the areas of eczema. You may have eczema herpeticum, a rare but potentially serious complication caused by the herpes simplex virus.


Question: How do insulin pumps deliver insulin?

Answer: Between meals and overnights, a small amount of insulin is constantly delivered to keep the blood sugar in the target range. This is called the basal rate. When food is eaten, a bolus dose of insulin can be programmed into the pump. You can measure how much of a bolus you need using calculations based on the grams of carbohydrates consumed.


Question: Why should I use an insulin pump for diabetes?

Answer: Some health care providers prefer the insulin pump for diabetes because its slow release of insulin mimics how a normally working pancreas would release insulin. One large study concluded the insulin pump is a safe and valuable treatment option for those with poorly controlled blood sugar. Another advantage of the insulin pump is that it frees you from having to measure insulin into a syringe.


Question: What are rare symptoms of malignant hypertension due to brain swelling?

Answer: Other symptoms of malignant hypertension include: Blurred vision Chest pain (angina) Difficulty breathing Dizziness Numbness in the arms, legs, and face Severe headache Shortness of breath In rare cases, malignant hypertension can cause brain swelling, which leads to a dangerous condition called hypertensive encephalopathy. Symptoms include: Blindness Changes in mental status Coma Confusion Drowsiness Headache that continues to get worse Nausea and vomiting Seizures High blood pressure, in general, makes it difficult for kidneys to filter wastes and toxins from the blood.


Question: What are complications of malignant hypertension?

Answer: Untreated, malignant hypertension causes death. Complications of malignant hypertension also may include: Aortic dissection, which is a sudden rupture of the main blood vessel leaving the heart Coma Fluid in the lungs, called pulmonary edema Heart attack Heart failure Stroke Sudden kidney failure Immediate medical treatment decreases your chances for life-threatening complications.


Question: What are the main symptoms for malignant hypertension?

Answer: The main symptoms of malignant hypertension are a rapidly increasing blood pressure of 180/120 or higher and signs of organ damage. Usually, the damage happens to the kidneys or the eyes. Other symptoms depend on how the rise in blood pressure affects your organs. A common symptom is bleeding and swelling in the tiny blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the layer of nerves that line the back of the eye. It senses light and sends signals to the brain through the optic nerve, which can also be affected by malignant hypertension. When the eye is involved, malignant hypertension can cause changes in vision.


Question: What are other symptoms of malignant hypertension?

Answer: Other symptoms of malignant hypertension include: Blurred vision Chest pain (angina) Difficulty breathing Dizziness Numbness in the arms, legs, and face Severe headache Shortness of breath In rare cases, malignant hypertension can cause brain swelling, which leads to a dangerous condition called hypertensive encephalopathy.


Question: How is malignant hypertension treated?

Answer: The doctor will also ask for imaging tests, including: Echocardiogram to check heart function and blood flow through the heart Electrocardiogram ( ECG) to check the heart's electrical function Chest X-ray to look at the shape and size of the heart structures and to detect fluid in the lungs Other imaging tests to evaluate the kidneys and their arteries Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency and needs to be treated in a hospital, often in an intensive care unit. The doctor will consider your symptoms and overall health when deciding what treatment plan is best for you. The goal of treatment is to carefully lower your blood pressure within a matter of minutes. You will receive blood pressure medicines through an IV, which is the quickest way to treat extremely high blood pressure. Once blood pressure is at a safe level, the medications may be switched to oral forms. If you develop kidney failure, you may need kidney dialysis. Other treatments depend on your specific symptoms and possible causes of the malignant hypertension.


Question: Why can malignant hypertension cause kidney problems?

Answer: Symptoms include: Blindness Changes in mental status Coma Confusion Drowsiness Headache that continues to get worse Nausea and vomiting Seizures High blood pressure, in general, makes it difficult for kidneys to filter wastes and toxins from the blood. It is a leading cause of kidney failure. Malignant hypertension can cause your kidneys to suddenly stop working properly.


Question: What imaging tests will a doctor use to check for malignant hypertension?

Answer: The doctor will also ask for imaging tests, including: Echocardiogram to check heart function and blood flow through the heart Electrocardiogram ( ECG) to check the heart's electrical function Chest X-ray to look at the shape and size of the heart structures and to detect fluid in the lungs Other imaging tests to evaluate the kidneys and their arteries Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency and needs to be treated in a hospital, often in an intensive care unit.


Question: What causes malignant hypertension?

Answer: In many people, high blood pressure is the main cause of malignant hypertension. Missing doses of blood pressure medications can also cause it. In addition, there are certain medical conditions that can cause it. They include: Collagen vascular disease, such as scleroderma Kidney disease Spinal cord injuries Tumor of the adrenal gland Use of certain medications, including birth control pills and MAOIs Use of illegal drugs, such as cocaine Malignant hypertension is rare.


Question: Who's at risk for malignant hypertension?

Answer: About 1% of people who have a history of high blood pressure develop this life-threatening condition. You are at greater risk of developing it if you are a man, African- American, or someone of lower economic status. Poor access to health care increases the risk. Other symptoms of malignant hypertension include: Blurred vision Chest pain (angina) Difficulty breathing Dizziness Numbness in the arms, legs, and face Severe headache Shortness of breath In rare cases, malignant hypertension can cause brain swelling, which leads to a dangerous condition called hypertensive encephalopathy.


Question: What is malignant hypertension?

Answer: A person with malignant hypertension has a blood pressure that's typically above 180/120. Malignant hypertension should be treated as a medical emergency. The main symptoms of malignant hypertension are a rapidly increasing blood pressure of 180/120 or higher and signs of organ damage.


Question: When should someone with schizophrenia call 911?

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


Question: When should someone with schizophrenia call their doctor?

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


Question: Is surgery an option for strabismus?

Answer: It works best when done during childhood, but adults can have it, too The surgeon opens the eyeball's outer layer to reach a muscle. To strengthen the muscle, the surgeon removes a small section from one end and reattaches at the same location. This makes the muscle shorter, which turns the eye toward that side. To weaken a muscle, the doctor moves it back or makes a partial cut across it. The eye turns away from that side. Any double vision after surgery should go away within a few weeks as the brain adjusts to improved sight.


Question: How is strabismus in children treated?

Answer: He may start treatment with eyeglasses or a patch to force your child to use the off-kilter eye until he sees normally. Sometimes, farsightedness is to blame. Glasses may solve the problem. The main goal is to get the problem eye working like it should before your child turns 8 years old. After that, permanent vision loss can set in.


Question: What causes strabismus?

Answer: There may be a problem with the part of his nervous system that controls eye muscles. Or he could have a tumor or eye disorder. If it doesn't appear until later in life, it will cause double vision. If an adult's eyes cross without warning, he could have a serious condition like a stroke. If either one happens, see a doctor immediately. However, that may lead to "lazy eye," a condition your doctor will refer to as amblyopia. Most adults with crossed eyes were born that way.


Question: How does allogeneic stem cell transplant help in treating chronic myelogenous leukemia?

Answer: Allogeneic stem cell transplant. It's the only potential cure. The procedure is usually done if you're young and don't have any medical issues besides CML. It replaces abnormal white blood cells with stem cells you get from a donor and lets your body make healthy blood cells. But there are serious risks, including a disease called GVHD (graft-versus-host disease). When this happens, the new stem cells attack your normal cells by mistake.


Question: Does chemotherapy help in treating chronic myelogenous leukemia?

Answer: It kills the abnormal cells in your body, but it doesn't work as well for CML as other types of leukemia. It's usually used if you're in the "blast" phase of the disease, a period when infections and bleeding are common and can be life-threatening.


Question: How do you know if your treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia is working?

Answer: For instance, he'll look to see that you have: Normal blood cell counts with no signs of abnormal white blood cells, called a complete hematologic response. No blood or bone marrow cells that contain the " Philadelphia" chromosome, which creates the BCR- ABL gene. This is called a complete cytogenetic response. No sign of BCR- ABL in your blood, also called a complete molecular response.


Question: How does immunotherapy help in treating chronic myelogenous leukemia?

Answer: It helps your immune system, your body's defense against germs, destroy the cancer.


Question: What are tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia?

Answer: Your doctor will likely prescribe a TKI such as: Bosutinib ( Bosulif) Dasatinib ( Sprycel) Imatinib ( Gleevec) Nilotinib ( Tasigna) Ponatinib ( Iclusig) Most people get a quick response from these drugs.


Question: What is the first step in treating chronic myelogenous leukemia?

Answer: Your doctor will decide on a treatment plan based on the stage of your disease. He'll likely start you off with a type of drug called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor ( TKI). It blocks a protein called tyrosine kinase, which is made by the BCR- ABL gene and plays a role in the growth of abnormal blood cells.


Question: What is a typical schedule for testing in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia?

Answer: While you take TKIs, you'll get regular blood tests, including: Complete blood counts to check white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets Blood cell exams to check the percentage of abnormal blood cells Cytogenetic analysis, which looks for the abnormal Philadelphia chromosome Polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) tests to check for the BCR- ABL gene A typical schedule for testing may look something like this: During the first 3 months, you'll likely have a complete round of blood tests every 2 weeks. At 3 months, you may get a follow-up bone marrow study. After the third month, you'll have blood and bone marrow tests at least once every 6 months until you have a complete cytogenetic response. Once you have a complete cytogenetic and molecular response, you'll get a PCR test every 3-6 months and a cytogenetic analysis once every year.


Question: What are side effects from tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that treat chronic myelogenous leukemia?

Answer: Some side effects that you might have from a TKI are: Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Rash Headache Fatigue Lower blood cell counts Your doctor will set several goals to help him check if your treatment is doing its job.


Question: How effective is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in treating chronic myelogenous leukemia?

Answer: Your doctor will likely prescribe a TKI such as: Bosutinib ( Bosulif) Dasatinib ( Sprycel) Imatinib ( Gleevec) Nilotinib ( Tasigna) Ponatinib ( Iclusig) Most people get a quick response from these drugs. Your doctor will likely know in 3 to 6 months if your treatment works. You may go into "remission" while you take a TKI. That means that the abnormal gene is no longer in your cells. It doesn't mean that you're cured, but your CML is now under control.


Question: What blood tests will you get if you take  tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for chronic myelogenous leukemia?

Answer: While you take TKIs, you'll get regular blood tests, including: Complete blood counts to check white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets Blood cell exams to check the percentage of abnormal blood cells Cytogenetic analysis, which looks for the abnormal Philadelphia chromosome Polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) tests to check for the BCR- ABL gene A typical schedule for testing may look something like this: During the first 3 months, you'll likely have a complete round of blood tests every 2 weeks.


Question: What kind of doctor treats chronic myelogenous leukemia?

Answer: To find the best one for you, you'll work closely with a specialist called a hematologist-oncologist, a doctor with special training in blood diseases such as leukemia. The goal is to destroy cells that contain the BCR- ABL gene, which leads to too many abnormal white blood cells. It doesn't mean that you're cured, but your CML is now under control.


Question: How is obsessive-compulsive disorder diagnosed?

Answer: You are more likely to get the disorder if you have: A parent, sibling, or child with OCD Depression, anxiety or tics Experience with trauma A history of physical or sexual abuse as a child Your doctor may do a physical exam and bloodwork to make sure that your symptoms aren't caused by something else. She will also talk with you about your feelings, thoughts, and habits. If your thoughts and habits keep you from doing what you want to do for at least an hour a day, you may have OCD.


Question: What causes obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Answer: Some have both obsessions and compulsions. Certain areas in the brain may not look normal in people with OCD, but more research is needed. There may be a gene or genes linked to OCD, but this is still unknown. You are more likely to get the disorder if you have: A parent, sibling, or child with OCD Depression, anxiety or tics Experience with trauma A history of physical or sexual abuse as a child Your doctor may do a physical exam and bloodwork to make sure that your symptoms aren't caused by something else.


Question: What should I expect on the 3rd day after my hip replacement surgery?

Answer: 3 Days After Hip Replacement Surgery Walking will likely be easier. You may be able to walk to the bathroom without help. You will be discharged from the hospital if you are doing well. Some people stay longer if they have complications. Depending on your situation, you may go straight home or to a rehab facility, where you'll recover.


Question: What should you expect during your hip replacement surgery?

Answer: Day of Your Hip Replacement Surgery You'll check in several hours before your scheduled surgery. Expect to stay for 3 to 4 days. The procedure will probably last about 2 to 3 hours. Recovery from anesthesia will probably take about 2 hours. Once you're fully awake, you'll go to your hospital room. You will likely stick to a liquid diet for the rest of the day. You will need medication to help with pain and to prevent infection and blood clots.


Question: What does a fibroadenoma feel like?

Answer: Usually, a fibroadenoma won't cause any pain. It will feel like a marble that moves around beneath your skin. You may describe the texture as firm, smooth, or rubbery. In some cases, though, you won't even be able to feel it at all.


Question: How is a fibroadenoma treated if it gets larger?

Answer: If your fibroadenoma gets larger, the doctor suspects that it might, or he isn't sure whether a lump is a fibroadenoma or not, he'll likely recommend removing any lumps. This will help confirm that a lump isn't cancer and that it doesn't grow and distort the surrounding breast tissue.


Question: What does follow-up care for fibroadenoma entail?

Answer: Most women won't need anything beyond routine screening tests. They'll continue to get any breast changes checked out by a doctor. Having a simple fibroadenoma may raise your risk of breast cancer, compared with women without fibroadenomas. But if yours was complex, it might mean a slightly higher risk of breast cancer later on. Unless you have other things that make breast cancer more likely, like close family members with the disease, your odds are still low. Either way, keep up with your regular checkups, and ask your doctor which screening tests you need and when.


Question: Who gets fibroadenomas?

Answer: Fibroadenomas are very common. About 10% of women have one of these breast lumps, often without ever knowing. They most often appear in women between the ages of 15 and 35, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some researchers have found that women with a family history of breast cancer are more likely to get fibroadenomas. Most women only have one.


Question: How are fibroadenomas treated if they have been removed in the past?

Answer: If you've had more than one fibroadenoma removed in the past, and tests confirmed that that's what they were, your doctor also may delay removing any new lumps.


Question: How is a fibroadenoma diagnosed?

Answer: If your doctor has told you that you have a fibroadenoma in your breast, don't panic. You can't tell for sure what it is by how it feels. Your doctor will likely feel the lump so he can gauge its texture and size. Even if he thinks it might be a fibroadenoma, he'll recommend that you get more tests to confirm it. You may get an ultrasound or a mammogram, depending on your age and whether you're pregnant. Both are quick scans that you'll get in the doctor's office. A radiologist will then check the images of your breast tissue to see if it's a fibroadenoma or something else. The only way for a doctor to get know for sure that it's a fibroadenoma is through a biopsy, which means taking a sample of the lump to test in a lab. Based on the results of your examination and scan, your doctor will decide whether he needs to get extra confirmation from a biopsy. To do a biopsy, a doctor will insert a thin needle into your breast and pull out a small sample from the lump.


Question: What does a fibroadenoma look like?

Answer: Unlike a breast cancer, which grows larger over time and can spread to other organs, a fibroadenoma remains in the breast tissue. They're pretty small, too. Most are only 1 or 2 centimeters in size. It's very rare for them to get larger than 5 centimeters across. If your fibroadenoma gets larger, the doctor suspects that it might, or he isn't sure whether a lump is a fibroadenoma or not, he'll likely recommend removing any lumps.