Question: What tests do doctors use to determine the type of lung cancer and how far it has spread?

Answer: Lung cancer, which originates in the lungs, can also spread to other parts of the body, such as distant bones, the liver, adrenal glands, or the brain. Nearby lymph nodes can be tested for cancer cells with a procedure called a mediastinoscopy, while imaging techniques such as CT scans, PET scans, bone scans, and either an MRI or a CT scan of the brain can detect cancer elsewhere in the body.


Question: How can you manage dilated pupils?

Answer: Try to avoid the drug in the future, if you can. If you need the medication for a health problem, ask your doctor if there's a different drug you can try that won't affect your eyes. While your eyes are dilated, they will be more sensitive to light than usual. Try to avoid bright places. Wear sunglasses when you go outside. Sometimes dilated pupils can affect your vision. Ask your eye doctor if you need to avoid driving until your pupils go back to their normal size.


Question: When should you see your doctor about large pupils?

Answer: See your doctor or ophthalmologist for an exam if your pupils are enlarged and they don't get smaller in bright light. Get emergency help if you've had a head injury and your pupils look larger -- especially if one pupil is bigger than the other.


Question: What should you know about why your pupils look big?

Answer: Those dark circles are your pupils, the openings that let light enter your eye so you can see. Muscles in the colored part of your eye, called the iris, control your pupil size. Your pupils get bigger or smaller, depending on the amount of light around you. In low light, your pupils open up, or dilate, to let in more light. When it's bright, they get smaller, or constrict, to let in less light. Sometimes your pupils can dilate without any change in the light. The medical term for it is mydriasis. Medicines, injuries, and diseases can all cause this eye condition.


Question: What medicines can lead to your pupils looking big?

Answer: A few medicines can affect the muscles that control your pupils and prevent them from getting smaller when light shines in. These meds include: Atropine ( Atropen), which treats problems with heart rhythm, stomach issues, and some types of poisoning Antihistamines, like diphenhydramine ( Benadryl, Genahist, Naramin, Sominex, Unisom) Decongestants, like pseudoephedrine ( Afrinol, Sudafed) Motion sickness and anti-nausea medicines such as dimenhydrinate ( Dramamine) or a scopolamine patch Parkinson's medications such as amantadine ( Symmetrel) and carbidopa-levodopa ( Sinemet) Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline ( Elavil) and desipramine ( Norpramin) Botulinum toxin ( Botox, Myobloc) Anti-seizure drugs, such as phenobarbital ( Luminal) and topiramate ( Topamax) Dilated pupils are one sign that someone has used illegal drugs, such as: Cocaine Amphetamines LSD Ecstasy These drugs affect the muscle that widens the pupil, slowing how it reacts to light.


Question: How can you tell if an eye injury is causing your pupils to appear large?

Answer: An eye injury can damage nerves or the muscles in your iris that control your pupil size. That can also happen after eye surgery, such as cataract removal or corneal transplant.


Question: How can you tell if benign episodic unilateral mydriasis is causing your pupils to appear large?

Answer: When it's bright, they get smaller, or constrict, to let in less light. Medicines, injuries, and diseases can all cause this eye condition. Ask your eye doctor if you need to avoid driving until your pupils go back to their normal size.


Question: When should you talk to your doctor about hiccups?

Answer: Also, talk to your doctor immediately if you have any kind of stomach pain, fever, shortness of breath, vomiting, or cough up blood with your hiccups.


Question: What causes hiccups?

Answer: Hiccups can happen for a lot of reasons -- some of them are physical, and some emotional. That's because the actual irritation happens in the nerve connecting the brain to the diaphragm. Some common causes include: Eating too much or too quickly Feeling nervous or excited Drinking carbonated beverages or too much alcohol Stress A sudden change in temperature Swallowing air while sucking on candy or chewing gum Hiccups are usually temporary, but in rare cases, they can stick around -- for a while.


Question: What does black currant contain?

Answer: Health supplements are made from the black currant plant using its: Seed oil Leaves Fruit Flowers Black currant contains: Anthocyanidin, a type of pigment Gamma-linolenic acid ( GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and other omega-6 fats Some researchers believe these may help the immune system and lessen inflammation.


Question: Does black currant have side effects?

Answer: The GLA in black currant seeds can sometimes cause side effects, such as: Headache Diarrhea Gas and belching But most people tend to have few problems with GLA. Allergy is a rare complication.


Question: Why do some women take black currant seed oil?

Answer: Improve poor circulation from conditions such as peripheral artery disease ( PAD) Treat open angle glaucoma Some women take black currant seed oil, or other sources of gamma-linolenic acid, to try to treat symptoms of: Menopause Premenstrual syndrome Painful periods Breast tenderness People also take black currant to try to boost immunity or to try to treat a wide range of problems that include: Peripheral artery disease High blood pressure Problems with veins Arthritis People also apply it directly to the skin to try to help with wounds or insect bites.


Question: Why should you tell your doctor about any black currant supplements you're taking?

Answer: Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications or foods. He or she can let you know if the supplement might raise your risks.


Question: What are optimal doses of black currant?

Answer: Optimal doses of black currant have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it hard to set a standard dose. Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural.


Question: How safe is black currant?

Answer: You can eat the berry of the black currant plant. The berry is also used as a flavoring in liqueurs and other products. More information is needed to know whether its dried leaf is safe.


Question: Why should you recheck your dog's collar in the winter?

Answer: Recheck his collar, tag, and chip: It’s easier for dogs to get lost in the winter than at other times of the year. If he gets away from you, piles of snow and ice can cover up the familiar scents he would normally use to find his way back home. So make sure his collar is secure, his tag information is up to date and, if he has a microchip, make sure the registration for that is current.


Question: How should you care for your dog's skin in the winter?

Answer: Take care of sensitive skin: Just like your skin, your dog’s skin gets drier, itchier, and flakier in the winter. Don’t bathe him as often as you do in the summer -- that strips away his coat’s natural oils. When you do get him into the tub, use a moisturizing shampoo.


Question: How effective are C-reactive protein tests?

Answer: One study found that testing for CRP levels is a better indicator of cardiovascular disease ( CVD) than the LDL test. But, it's important to know that a CRP test is not a test for heart disease. It's a test for inflammation in the body. The test is also used for people suffering from autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. They also cause inflammation. A doctor might test someone with either condition to see if anti-inflammatory medication is working, though the CRP test cannot determine where the inflammation is taking place.


Question: How often should you get a C-reactive protein test?

Answer: Because your CRP level can vary, the test should be done two times (2 weeks apart) to determine your risk of heart disease. It's also important to remember that you could have a high reading without necessarily having heart disease. So, it's important to check your LDL levels as well to get a full picture of your CVD risk.


Question: What do C-reactive protein test results mean?

Answer: Here are what the results mean: hs- CRP level of lower than 1.0 mg/ L -- low risk of CVD (heart disease) hs- CRP level of 1.0 mg/ L and 3.0 mg/ L -- moderate risk of CVD hs- CRP level of more than 3.0 mg/ L -- high risk of CVD A high level could also be a sign of cancer, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, or another disease. It could also be high because you're in the second half of your pregnancy or you are using birth control pills.


Question: How is C-reactive protein produced?

Answer: LDL cholesterol not only coats the walls of your arteries, but it also damages them. This damage causes inflammation that the body tries to heal by sending a "response team" of proteins called "acute phase reactants." CRP is one of these proteins. It's a test for inflammation in the body. A variation of the CRP test, the high-sensitivity CRP (hs- CRP), is used to check for cardiovascular disease.


Question: What are side effects and risks of bronchial thermoplasty for asthma?

Answer: It's a way to open your airways. It's common to feel sleepy right after your treatment. You may also cough or wheeze some, or be short of breath. These symptoms usually go away in a week. In rare cases, you may need hospital care for your symptoms. There is a risk that the treatment will trigger a bad asthma attack that may even cause you to be hospitalized.


Question: What is the outlook for people with rumination disorder?

Answer: Among the many potential complications associated with untreated rumination disorder are: Malnutrition Lowered resistance to infections and diseases Failure to grow and thrive Weight loss Stomach diseases such as ulcers Dehydration Bad breath and tooth decay Aspiration pneumonia and other respiratory problems (from vomit that is breathed into the lungs) Choking Death In most cases, infants and young children with rumination disorder will outgrow the behavior and return to eating normally. For older children, this disorder can continue for months. There is no known way to prevent rumination disorder.


Question: What complications can rumination disorder cause?

Answer: Among the many potential complications associated with untreated rumination disorder are: Malnutrition Lowered resistance to infections and diseases Failure to grow and thrive Weight loss Stomach diseases such as ulcers Dehydration Bad breath and tooth decay Aspiration pneumonia and other respiratory problems (from vomit that is breathed into the lungs) Choking Death In most cases, infants and young children with rumination disorder will outgrow the behavior and return to eating normally.


Question: What is rumination disorder?

Answer: Rumination disorder is a feeding and eating disorder in which a person -- usually an infant or young child -- brings back up and re-chews partially digested food that has already been swallowed. In most cases, the re-chewed food is then swallowed again; but occasionally, the person will spit it out. To be considered a disorder, this behavior must occur in a person who had previously been eating normally, and it must occur on a regular basis -- usually daily -- for at least one month.


Question: What are symptoms of rumination disorder?

Answer: Symptoms of rumination disorder include: Repeated regurgitation of food Repeated re-chewing of food Weight loss Bad breath and tooth decay Repeated stomachaches and indigestion Raw and chapped lips In addition, infants with rumination may make unusual movements that are typical of the disorder. These include straining and arching the back, holding the head back, tightening the abdominal muscles, and making sucking movements with the mouth.


Question: How is rumination disorder treated?

Answer: Several approaches may be used, including: Changing the child's posture during and right after eating Encouraging more interaction between mother and child during feeding; giving the child more attention Reducing distractions during feeding Making feeding a more relaxing and pleasurable experience Distracting the child when he or she begins the rumination behavior Aversive conditioning, which involves placing something sour or bad-tasting on the child's tongue when he or she begins to regurgitate food There are no FDA-approved medications to treat rumination disorder, but medications may be used to treat associated symptoms.


Question: What causes rumination disorder?

Answer: The exact cause of rumination disorder is not known; however, there are several factors that may contribute to its development: Physical illness or severe stress may trigger the behavior. For some children, the act of chewing is comforting. It may be a way for the child to gain attention. Since most children outgrow rumination disorder, and older children and adults with this disorder tend to be secretive about it out of embarrassment, it is difficult to know exactly how many people are affected. Rumination disorder most often occurs in infants and very young children (between 3 and 12 months), and in children with intellectual disabilities.


Question: What causes temporal arteritis?

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


Question: How does temporal arteritis affect my eyesight?

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


Question: What is temporal arteritis?

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


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

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


Question: What's the treatment for temporal arteritis?

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


Question: How do doctors diagnose temporal arteritis?

Answer: They'll also look for swelling and a weak pulse in the temporal artery in your scalp. You may need a biopsy of the temporal artery. If so, your doctor will numb an area of your scalp and remove a small piece of the temporal artery. A doctor will then check it under a microscope. The cells of an inflamed artery look very large under the microscope. Your doctor will do blood tests every few months to see if the inflammation in your arteries has gone down.


Question: What is the link between temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica?

Answer: The swelling slows blood flow through your arteries, and that can cause symptoms like headaches and pain in your face and joints. About half of people with temporal arteritis have polymyalgia rheumatica ( PMR) as well. Symptoms include stiffness and aching in your arms, neck, lower back, and thighs. It can be treated with medication and usually goes away within a few years. It's not clear how or why the two conditions are related.


Question: How does IgA pemphigus cause pustules?

Answer: Ig A pemphigus: Pustules are also a symptom of this rare disease that makes your immune system turn on itself.


Question: What are pustules?

Answer: That can result in a mixture of infected fluid and dead white blood cells (pus). When pus builds up under your skin or in a pore, it can cause a pustule. Several conditions can lead to pustules: Acne: This very common skin condition causes pustules that are bigger than typical pimples.


Question: How does chickenpox cause pustules?

Answer: Chickenpox: This childhood disease and other illnesses caused by a related virus cause skin lesions that become pustules as the disease progresses.


Question: How does acne cause pustules?

Answer: Several conditions can lead to pustules: Acne: This very common skin condition causes pustules that are bigger than typical pimples. They happen when one of the pores in your skin gets so irritated that its walls break.


Question: How do pustules show up?

Answer: That can result in a mixture of infected fluid and dead white blood cells (pus). When pus builds up under your skin or in a pore, it can cause a pustule.


Question: How does rosacea cause pustules?

Answer: Rosacea: This skin condition normally makes the skin on your face red and causes pimples. But a form of the disease known as inflammatory rosacea can create pustules.


Question: How are pustules treated?

Answer: Your doctor will treat the condition that's causing the pustules, but a topical medication you put directly on your skin or an over-the-counter treatment like calamine lotion or benzoyl peroxide gel might help with them in the meantime.


Question: Is hummus better for you than mayonnaise?

Answer: Hummus isn't just for dipping. It makes a great sandwich spread, too. Try it instead of mayo. You'll get more protein and fiber for half the calories you would from mayonnaise. Hummus adds 1 gram of fat to your lunch box, compared to 5 grams for regular mayo.


Question: What causes sensory processing disorder?

Answer: But a 2006 study of twins found that hypersensitivity to light and sound may have a strong genetic component. Other experiments have shown that children with sensory processing problems have abnormal brain activity when they are simultaneously exposed to light and sound. Still other experiments have shown that children with sensory processing problems will continue to respond strongly to a stroke on the hand or a loud sound, while other children quickly get used to the sensations.


Question: What is it like to have sensory processing disorder?

Answer: Common sounds may be painful or overwhelming. The light touch of a shirt may chafe the skin. Others with sensory processing disorder may: Be uncoordinated Bump into things Be unable to tell where their limbs are in space Be hard to engage in conversation or play Sensory processing problems are usually identified in children.


Question: What therapy is available for sensory processing disorder?

Answer: The therapy was developed by Stanley Greenspan, MD, and Serena Wieder, Ph D. A major part of this therapy is the "floor-time" method. The method involves multiple sessions of play with the child and parent. The play sessions last about 20 minutes. During the sessions, parents are first asked to follow the child's lead, even if the playtime behavior isn't typical. For example, if a child is rubbing the same spot on the floor over and over, the parent does the same. These actions allow the parent to "enter" into the child's world. This is followed by a second phase, where parents use the play sessions to create challenges for the child. The challenges help pull the child into what Greenspan calls a "shared" world with the parent. And the challenges create opportunities for the child to master important skills in areas such as: Relating Communicating Thinking The sessions are tailored to the child's needs. For instance, if the child tends to under-react to touch and sound, the parent needs to be very energetic during the second phase of the play sessions.


Question: How is sensory processing disorder treated?

Answer: But in general, it involves helping children do better at activities they're normally not good at and helping them get used to things they can't tolerate. Treatment for sensory processing problems is called sensory integration. The goal of sensory integration is to challenge a child in a fun, playful way so he or she can learn to respond appropriately and function more normally.


Question: What is sensory processing disorder?

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(); }); } Formerly referred to as sensory integration dysfunction, it is not currently recognized as a distinct medical diagnosis. Others with sensory processing disorder may: Be uncoordinated Bump into things Be unable to tell where their limbs are in space Be hard to engage in conversation or play Sensory processing problems are usually identified in children.


Question: What are the phases of mycosis fungoides?

Answer: But not everyone goes through all of them: First phase: a scaly red rash, usually in areas that don't get sunlight such as your rear end. There are no other symptoms in this phase, and it may last months or even years. Second phase:a thin red rash that looks like patches. Third phase:small raised bumps or hard plaques that may be red. Fourth phase: tumors or bumps that may look like mushrooms. They can break open and get infected. You can have patches, plaques, and tumors at the same time. But most people who've had mycosis fungoides for many years only have the first two.


Question: Is there a cure for mycosis fungoides?

Answer: Mycosis fungoides is rarely cured, but some people stay in remission for a long time. In early stages, it's often treated with medicines or therapies that target just your skin. Your doctor may use more than one approach: Creams, gels, or lotions: These include corticosteroids, vitamin A medicines called retinoids, and chemotherapy drugs that are spread on the skin.


Question: How is radiation for mycosis fungoides given?

Answer: It's given in two ways: Total skin radiation: Your whole body may need it if you have mycosis fungoides spots in lots of places. Spot treatment: If you only have a few trouble spots, radiation can target just those areas. This is often used when other therapies haven't worked.


Question: How does targeted and biologic therapy help with mycosis fungoides?

Answer: Targeted and biologic therapy: Some drugs identify and attack specific parts of cancer cells. Others boost your immune system to fight them.


Question: How does chemotherapy help with mycosis fungoides?

Answer: If your cancer is more advanced, your doctor may suggest whole body therapies. These include: Chemotherapy: Strong drugs target cancer and other cells that divide quickly.


Question: Where does mycosis fungoides spread?

Answer: It usually doesn't go beyond the skin. Many people live a normal life while treating the rash. However, in 10% of people, the cancer spreads to lymph nodes or other organs, which can be serious. Some people also develop SÃ©zary syndrome. The cancerous cells are found in your blood, and almost all your skin is affected. It may look like you have sunburn, and your skin may itch like crazy. SÃ©zary syndrome grows and spreads fast and is more difficult to treat than mycosis fungoides.


Question: What are some tips for dealing with mycosis fungoides?

Answer: This cancer can make your skin very dry and itchy. Here are a few things you can do: Take short, lukewarm baths or showers. Long, hot ones can make dryness and itchiness worse. Pat your skin dry -- don't rub it. Use an unscented skin moisturizer after bathing so moisture gets locked in. Put a cold compress on areas that are really itchy.


Question: How do retinoid pills help with mycosis fungoides?

Answer: Retinoid pills: These change the way cancer cells grow and mature.


Question: How does phototherapy treat mycosis fungoides?

Answer: Phototherapy: This uses ultraviolet light rays to heal the skin. Sometimes, you take a drug beforehand that makes T-cells more sensitive to the light.


Question: What creams, gels, or lotions can treat mycosis fungoides?

Answer: Your doctor may use more than one approach: Creams, gels, or lotions: These include corticosteroids, vitamin A medicines called retinoids, and chemotherapy drugs that are spread on the skin. They can clear the rash, control the cancer, and get rid of the itch.


Question: Is SÃ©zary syndrome the same as mycosis fungoides?

Answer: When cancerous T-cells are found in your blood as well as in your skin, it's called SÃ©zary syndrome. It's not clear if SÃ©zary syndrome is an advanced form of mycosis fungoides or something different.


Question: What helps dry and itchy skin from mycosis fungoides?

Answer: This cancer can make your skin very dry and itchy. Here are a few things you can do: Take short, lukewarm baths or showers. Long, hot ones can make dryness and itchiness worse. Pat your skin dry -- don't rub it. Use an unscented skin moisturizer after bathing so moisture gets locked in. Put a cold compress on areas that are really itchy. The Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation has an online community that can offer more tips and support.


Question: How is mycosis fungoides diagnosed?

Answer: It can be hard for your doctor to know for sure that you have mycosis fungoides. The patches or plaques can look like eczema, psoriasis, or another common skin problem. It's possible to have it for years before you get the right diagnosis. Your doctor will take a small sample of your skin -- a biopsy -- and put it under a microscope to look for signs of the cancer. You might need several biopsies to confirm it.


Question: How does radiation treat mycosis  fungoides?

Answer: Radiation: Electron beam radiation works well against mycosis fungoides. It uses very tiny electrically charged particles (electrons) to target and kill cancer cells. This type of radiation only enters the upper layers of your skin, so deeper tissues and organs are safe.


Question: How does photopheresis treat mycosis fungoides?

Answer: Photopheresis: This therapy uses ultraviolent light to treat cancerous cells in your blood. It's like giving blood, but instead of it going into a collection bag, blood goes into a special machine that takes out T-cells. They're treated with a drug and then exposed to the UV rays. The cells are mixed back in with the rest of your blood and returned to your body. This usually is used to treat advanced cases of mycosis fungoides and SÃ©zary syndrome. Doctors think it works by killing some cancer cells and by boosting your body's immune attack against other ones.


Question: How does radiation help with mycosis fungoides?

Answer: Radiation: Electron beam radiation works well against mycosis fungoides. It uses very tiny electrically charged particles (electrons) to target and kill cancer cells. This type of radiation only enters the upper layers of your skin, so deeper tissues and organs are safe.


Question: What causes mycosis fungoides and who can get it?

Answer: It could be related to a virus, exposure to a chemical, or your genes. It can happen at any age, but most people get it in their 50s or 60s. Men are two times more likely than women to have it. It can be hard for your doctor to know for sure that you have mycosis fungoides.


Question: What causes mycosis fungoides?

Answer: It could be related to a virus, exposure to a chemical, or your genes. It can happen at any age, but most people get it in their 50s or 60s. Men are two times more likely than women to have it. It can be hard for your doctor to know for sure that you have mycosis fungoides.


Question: What is SÃ©zary syndrome?

Answer: When cancerous T-cells are found in your blood as well as in your skin, it's called SÃ©zary syndrome. It may look like you have sunburn, and your skin may itch like crazy. SÃ©zary syndrome grows and spreads fast and is more difficult to treat than mycosis fungoides. This usually is used to treat advanced cases of mycosis fungoides and SÃ©zary syndrome.


Question: How can you eat healthy to control your diabetes?

Answer: This is crucial when you have diabetes, because what you eat affects your blood sugar. No foods are strictly off-limits. Focus on eating only as much as your body needs. Get plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Choose nonfat dairy and lean meats. Limit foods that are high in sugar and fat. Remember that carbohydrates turn into sugar, so watch your carb intake. Try to keep it about the same from meal to meal. This is even more important if you take insulin or drugs to control your blood sugars.


Question: How can stress affect how you control your diabetes?

Answer: When you're stressed, your blood sugar levels go up. And when you're anxious, you may not manage your diabetes well. You may forget to exercise, eat right, or take your medicines. Find ways to relieve stress -- through deep breathing, yoga, or hobbies that relax you.


Question: How can alcohol affect how you control your diabetes?

Answer: Watch your alcohol. It may be easier to control your blood sugar if you don't get too much beer, wine, and liquor. So if you choose to drink, don't overdo it. The American Diabetes Association says that women who drink alcohol should have no more than one drink a day and men should have no more than two. Alcohol can make your blood sugar go too high or too low. Check your blood sugar before you drink, and take steps to avoid low blood sugars. If you use insulin or take drugs for your diabetes, eat when you're drinking. Some drinks -- like wine coolers -- may be higher in carbs, so take this into account when you count carbs.


Question: How much should you exercise to help control your diabetes?

Answer: You don't have to join a gym and do cross-training. Just walk, ride a bike, or play active video games. Your goal should be 30 minutes of activity that makes you sweat and breathe a little harder most days of the week. An active lifestyle helps you control your diabetes by bringing down your blood sugar. It also lowers your chances of getting heart disease. And when you're anxious, you may not manage your diabetes well.


Question: How can smoking affect how you control your diabetes?

Answer: This is even more important if you take insulin or drugs to control your blood sugars. Exercise. Diabetes raises your odds of heart disease. Smoking also can make it harder to exercise. Talk with your doctor about ways to quit.


Question: What is hydrotherapy?

Answer: These symptoms mean the temperature was too extreme and may have caused skin damage: Skin that's purplish-red, dark red, or a spotty red and white color Hives Swelling Blisters Showers and baths aren't just for mornings. When you're hurting, stand under or settle into warm water for a few minutes to help soothe and relax you. ( If you're over 70 or have heart problems, check with your doctor before getting into a hot tub.) Try a warm shower or bath before you exercise to help loosen joints and muscles. Use cool water after exercise to help calm deep, burning pain and reduce inflammation.


Question: When should you call a doctor about heat or ice treatment?

Answer: Call your doctor if you notice any of the following signs after removing the compress. These symptoms mean the temperature was too extreme and may have caused skin damage: Skin that's purplish-red, dark red, or a spotty red and white color Hives Swelling Blisters Showers and baths aren't just for mornings.


Question: What is heated wax therapy?

Answer: Another way to apply heat -- especially to hands, elbows, and feet -- is warm, melted paraffin. You can buy paraffin wax kits at your local drugstore or beauty supply. A heated container safely melts the wax and mineral oil to make a paraffin bath. Dip your achy body part into the bath several times to build up a warm layer. Take it out of the bath, and cover it with plastic and wrap in a towel for 10-15 minutes until the wax cools. Unwrap and peel the wax away. To avoid irritation and pain, make sure the skin that you treat has no cuts or sores.


Question: What items can be used in heat or ice treatment?

Answer: Each can give you relief from these symptoms: Muscle aches, spasms, and pains Lower and upper back pain Stiff, swollen, or tender joints Neck stiffness Finger, hand, or wrist pain Knee pain For short-term pain relief of any of these conditions, apply a hot or cold compress using any of these items: An electric heating pad A gel pack that can be microwaved or frozen A bag of ice or frozen vegetables A washcloth or small towel soaked in hot or cold water (wring it out, fold it, and apply to the sore area) Whether you use heat or cold, be sure to wrap the pack in a thin towel to help protect your skin.


Question: When should you use heat and when should you use ice for pain?

Answer: Heat boosts the flow of blood and nutrients to an area of the body. It often works best for morning stiffness or to warm up muscles before activity. Cold slows blood flow, reducing swelling and pain. It's often best for short-term pain, like that from a sprain or a strain.


Question: How do you do heat or ice therapy for aches and pains?

Answer: Heat boosts the flow of blood and nutrients to an area of the body. Cold slows blood flow, reducing swelling and pain. It's often best for short-term pain, like that from a sprain or a strain. Each can give you relief from these symptoms: Muscle aches, spasms, and pains Lower and upper back pain Stiff, swollen, or tender joints Neck stiffness Finger, hand, or wrist pain Knee pain For short-term pain relief of any of these conditions, apply a hot or cold compress using any of these items: An electric heating pad A gel pack that can be microwaved or frozen A bag of ice or frozen vegetables A washcloth or small towel soaked in hot or cold water (wring it out, fold it, and apply to the sore area) Whether you use heat or cold, be sure to wrap the pack in a thin towel to help protect your skin. Apply to the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times each day.


Question: Is pain management important in treating lung cancer?

Answer: Pain management is also key. At any point in your treatment, tell your doctor if you're in pain. If your doctor mentions âpalliative care,â that includes helping you feel comfortable, managing pain, and improving your life as much as possible. It's not the same as hospice care, which focuses on preparing for the end of life.


Question: Is it important to pay attention to my emotions if I am diagnosed with lung cancer?

Answer: Pay attention to your emotions, too. Dealing with cancer is hard. It's normal to feel a lot of strong emotions, including fear, anger, and sadness. It can help to talk with a counselor or join a support group to help you work through those feelings and face the many challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.


Question: Is non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) common?

Answer: Non-small-cell lung cancer ( NSCLC) is the more common one. It accounts for about 85% of lung cancers. They include a group of cancers that generally grow and spread less rapidly than small-cell lung cancer.


Question: Who gets lung cancer?

Answer: It's much more common among people who smoke. Quitting makes that less likely, and never lighting up is even better. But people who have never smoked can get it too. Lung cancer is rare for people under 45 years old. On average, people are diagnosed at 70.


Question: Does diet affect lung cancer risk?

Answer: Some studies suggest that eating healthy can lower your risk, along with giving you many other benefits for the rest of your body. Many studies have tried to reduce the risk of lung cancer in current or former smokers by giving them high doses of vitamins or vitamin-like drugs, but none of these trials have worked out. In one study, a nutrient related to vitamin A called beta-carotene actually increased the rate of lung cancer for people who smoke. So, ask your doctor before you start any supplements.


Question: What is involved in the process of staging for lung cancer?

Answer: It depends on what type of lung cancer you have and how advanced it is. This usually involves getting a CT scan of the chest and abdomen, and possibly a PET scan. You may also get a bone scan, a CT or MRI scan of the brain, and other tests.


Question: What are the treatments for advanced lung cancer?

Answer: You might get radiation and chemotherapy to shrink tumors and help control symptoms. Before recommending which treatment or combination of treatments is right for you, your doctor will determine how advanced your lung cancer is, a process called staging.


Question: What raises my risk of lung cancer?

Answer: Although the disease is the No. It's much more common among people who smoke. Other risk factors are exposure to asbestos, radon gas, air pollution, and having had radiation therapy before. Smoking is almost always the cause.


Question: Can non-smokers get lung cancer?

Answer: But people who have never smoked can get it too. For some of these people, breathing in secondhand smoke may be a culprit, or there may be genetic or environmental causes, such as if you work with asbestos or are exposed to high levels of radon over a long time.


Question: Does insurance cover eyelid surgery?

Answer: Health insurance companies typically don't cover cosmetic procedures. If you're getting eyelid surgery for a medical reason (for instance, because your eyelids are drooping so much that it affects your vision), and if a vision test confirms that, your insurance company may cover it. Check on that before you get the surgery so you know exactly what you will pay.


Question: What should you prepare at home before eyelid surgery?

Answer: At home, you should have the following items ready: Ice cubes Ice pack (or you can use freezer bags filled with ice, frozen corn, or peas) Small gauze pads Eye drops or artificial tears (ask your doctor to recommend the proper type to meet your particular needs) Clean washcloths and towels Over-the-counter painkillers (which your doctor can recommend) Advil, Motrin, Naproxen, Aleve, and aspirin should not be used due to the increased risk of bleeding.


Question: Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

Answer: The best candidates for an eye lift are people who are in good health and who have realistic expectations. Most are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have the surgery done sooner. Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and help build your confidence. However, it may not result in your ideal look or alter your facial structure. Before you decide to have surgery, think about your goals and discuss them with your surgeon.


Question: How will I know if my insurance company covers varicose veins?

Answer: An estimated 30% to 60% of adults have varicose veins, but they are generally not a problem..


Question: What are spider veins?

Answer: Spider veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that are also twisted and turning. Spider veins are easily visible through the skin as well. They are most often seen on the legs, chest, or face.


Question: When is treatment for varicose veins not necessary?

Answer: Many people have no pain or other symptoms. For these individuals, no treatment is necessary, unless they want the veins removed for cosmetic reasons.


Question: How can changing your lifestyle help with treating varicose vein?

Answer: Surgery is generally used to treat large varicose veins.


Question: How do lasers and intense pulsed light help treat varicose veins?

Answer: These devices use heat energy to selectively damage or destroy abnormal veins. An advantage of these treatments is that no needles or sclerosing solutions are required; however, there may be some minor discomfort. Side effects do occur, including discoloration or staining and blister formation. Examples include Vasculight and Photo Derm.


Question: How does surgery help treat varicose veins?

Answer: Surgical techniques to treat varicose veins include ligation (tying off of a vein) and stripping (removal of a long segment of vein), ambulatory phlebectomy, which allows for the removal of large surface veins through very small incisions that do not need stitches, and endoscopic vein surgery. Surgery is generally used to treat large varicose veins.


Question: What is radiofrequency occlusion for varicose veins?

Answer: During this procedure, a small catheter is inserted into the vein to deliver radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse, and seal shut. The procedure is generally done in an outpatient or in-office setting and may be done under local anesthesia. Surgery may be performed using local, spinal, or general anesthesia.


Question: When should you go to the emergency room for frostbite?

Answer: Some warning signs may include: Your skin color changes color or becomes hard. Your skin stays numb (you can't feel anything). You have severe pain as your skin thaws. Skin blisters start.


Question: What is the advanced stage of frostbite?

Answer: Intermediate stage Skin becomes hard It looks shiny or waxy When the skin thaws, blisters filled with fluid or blood form Advanced stage Skin is very hard and cold to the touch Skin darkens quickly. It may look blue and later turn black Some people don't know they have frostbite because as it gets worse, you can't feel the area anymore.


Question: What are some layering tips to avoid frostbite?

Answer: These cold-weather clothing tips can help: Layer your clothing, loosely. Tight clothing raises your risk of frostbite. Instead, choose loose layers that allow body heat to get around. You want three layers: The first should be of a material that helps keep you dry. The second goes over the first and should be made of an insulator like wool or fleece. The third should be worn on top and should be wind- and waterproof.


Question: What should you watch for in frostbite?

Answer: It may look blue and later turn black Some people don't know they have frostbite because as it gets worse, you can't feel the area anymore. That's why it's important to watch for changes in skin color.


Question: What is frostbite?

Answer: In severely frigid weather, frostbite can happen in just 5 minutes. When it's cold out, exposed skin may get red or sore. Early frostbite affects the top layers of the skin. Instead, soak the affected hands and feet in warm water (104 F to 107 F), or place a washcloth with warm water on the affected areas that can't be submerged, like nose and ears, for at least 30 minutes.


Question: What are the symptoms of frostbite?

Answer: This is called frostnip, and it's an early warning sign of frostbite. If this happens, find warm shelter quickly. Symptoms of frostbite depend on how deep it goes into the body. There are three stages. Early frostbite affects the top layers of the skin. More advanced cases can go all the way through to the muscles and bones. As it thaws, it may get red.


Question: Which beauty products are likely to cause a skin reaction?

Answer: These include: Bath soaps Detergents Antiperspirants Eye makeup Moisturizers Permanent wave lotion (particularly those containing the chemical glyceryl monothioglycolate) Shampoos Long-wearing lip stains Nail polish (particularly those containing formaldehyde) Fingernail glue containing methacrylate Hair dyes can also be the source of skin reactions, especially those containing p-phenylenediamine as well as ammonium persulfate used to lighten hair.


Question: How can I avoid a skin reaction from beauty products?

Answer: But if you notice that you have skin reactions -- like irritation, rashes, or allergies -- to certain ingredients, these tips can help you steer clear. Look for products with the fewest ingredients. Before you start to use a new product, place a small amount on the inside of your elbow and wait 48 to 72 hours. Always put fragrance on your clothes, not your skin. The labels "hypoallergenic," "dermatologist tested," "sensitivity tested," or "non-irritating" don't guarantee that your skin won't react.


Question: How can you avoid an allergic reaction to beauty products?

Answer: You'll be less likely to have a skin reaction to it. To make sure no perfume is included, look for products marked âfragrance-freeâ or âwithout perfume.â Preservatives are in almost every product that contains water. All of the most common preservatives have been linked to skin allergies. But that doesn't mean they cause allergic reactions in everyone. They might not bother your skin at all.


Question: At what age do children have nightmares?

Answer: Nightmares occur from time to time in many children, but they are most common in preschoolers (children aged 3-6 years) because this is the age at which normal fears develop and a child's imagination is very active. Some studies estimate that as many as 50% of children in this age group have nightmares.


Question: What causes children's nightmares?

Answer: Exactly how or why nightmares occur is not known. However, being too tired, not getting enough sleep, having an irregular routine for sleep, and having stress or anxiety may all increase the risk of having nightmares. Nightmares can be related to the child's stage of development. Most nightmares are a normal part of coping with changes in our lives. For children, nightmares could be related to events such as starting school, moving to a new neighborhood, or living through a family divorce or remarriage.


Question: When do nightmares occur?

Answer: Sleep is divided into two types: rapid eye movement ( REM) and nonrapid eye movement (non- REM). REM and non- REM sleep alternate in 90- to 100-minute cycles. Most dreaming occurs during REM sleep. Nightmares usually occur in the middle of the night or early morning, when REM sleep and dreaming are more common.


Question: What can trigger an outbreak of cold sores?

Answer: Some things can trigger an outbreak, such as: Eating certain foods Stress Fever Colds Allergies Sunburns Menstruation To protect other people, when you have cold sores, don't: Kiss anyone Share forks, knives, spoons, glasses, towels, lip balm, or razors Have oral sex


Question: How does herpes simplex virus (HSV) lead to cold sores?

Answer: You usually catch HSV when you come into contact with people or things that carry the virus. For instance, you can get it from kissing someone who's infected or when you share eating utensils, towels, or razors.


Question: What can happen if I get cold sores?

Answer: The symptoms are usually the most severe the first you time you get cold sores. Sometimes kids who are affected may become seriously ill. After the first time you get cold sores, your body may develop antibodies, and you'll never have another infection. About 40% of U. S. adults, though, get repeated cold sores.


Question: What causes cold sores?

Answer: There are two types of herpes simplex virus that can cause cold sores: HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. Cold sores are usually caused by HSV type 1.


Question: Who gets cold sores?

Answer: Just about everyone. Up to 90 percent of all people get at least one cold sore in their life.


Question: How can herpes simplex virus (HSV) cause cold sores?

Answer: Both HSV type 1 and type 2 can cause sores on your genitals. They can be spread by oral sex. Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV type 2. You may get cold sores as late as 20 days after you came into contact with the virus. Once the virus enters your body, the cold sore may appear near the part it entered. About 2 days before an attack, you may get itchy or feel sensitive at the spot.


Question: How can I protect others from cold sores?

Answer: Some things can trigger an outbreak, such as: Eating certain foods Stress Fever Colds Allergies Sunburns Menstruation To protect other people, when you have cold sores, don't: Kiss anyone Share forks, knives, spoons, glasses, towels, lip balm, or razors Have oral sex


Question: What are the symptoms of cold sores?

Answer: Despite the name, when you get painful blisters called cold sores, don't blame your cold. They're most likely to appear on the outside of your mouth and lips, but you can also find them on your nose and cheeks. After the blisters form, you may notice that they break and ooze. A yellow crust or a scab builds up and eventually falls off, revealing new skin underneath. The sores usually last 7 to 10 days and can spread to other people until they crust over completely.


Question: What are cold sores?

Answer: Instead, they happen because of an infection with the herpes simplex virus ( HSV). Cold sores, also called fever blisters, can show up anywhere on your body. Cold sores are usually caused by HSV type 1.


Question: How serious are cold sores?

Answer: Cold sores are caused by a virus, but not the kind that makes you sniffle and sneeze. Sometimes kids who are affected may become seriously ill. After the first time you get cold sores, your body may develop antibodies, and you'll never have another infection. Complications from a cold sore can occur, but they are rare. If the infection spreads to the eye, it could affect your vision. If it spreads to the brain, it could lead to meningitis or encephalitis.


Question: What is glaucoma?

Answer: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that causes vision loss. High pressure inside the eye or poor circulation causes damage to the optic nerve. This nerve carries images from the eye to the brain.


Question: How do you get cataracts?

Answer: Symptoms of a cataract often develop slowly and can include: Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision -- a little like looking through a dirty windshield Double vision with one eye Trouble seeing at night or in dim light Halos around lights Sensitivity to light and glare Faded or yellow colors, or trouble telling the difference between blues and greens Trouble seeing an object against a background of the same color These factors raise your risk for developing cataract: Lots of exposure to sunlight Smoking High cholesterol or high blood pressure Diabetes Previous eye injury or surgery Family history of cataracts At earlier stages, simply changing your eyeglass or contacts prescription is all you need.


Question: How do you know if you have cataracts?

Answer: Symptoms of a cataract often develop slowly and can include: Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision -- a little like looking through a dirty windshield Double vision with one eye Trouble seeing at night or in dim light Halos around lights Sensitivity to light and glare Faded or yellow colors, or trouble telling the difference between blues and greens Trouble seeing an object against a background of the same color These factors raise your risk for developing cataract: Lots of exposure to sunlight Smoking High cholesterol or high blood pressure Diabetes Previous eye injury or surgery Family history of cataracts At earlier stages, simply changing your eyeglass or contacts prescription is all you need.


Question: What factors raise the risk for developing cataracts?

Answer: Symptoms of a cataract often develop slowly and can include: Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision -- a little like looking through a dirty windshield Double vision with one eye Trouble seeing at night or in dim light Halos around lights Sensitivity to light and glare Faded or yellow colors, or trouble telling the difference between blues and greens Trouble seeing an object against a background of the same color These factors raise your risk for developing cataract: Lots of exposure to sunlight Smoking High cholesterol or high blood pressure Diabetes Previous eye injury or surgery Family history of cataracts At earlier stages, simply changing your eyeglass or contacts prescription is all you need. Using brighter lights for reading or a magnifying glass may also help.


Question: What is the cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Answer: There is no cure for AMD, but there are options that may slow the progression of wet macular degeneration. Anti- VEGF treatment limits growth of new blood vessels in the eye that can threaten vision. Thermal laser treatment uses heat to disrupt the disease. Photodynamic therapy destroys blood vessels in the eye that are leaking and damaging vision. Your doctor may recommend you take certain vitamins and minerals -- including zinc, vitamins C and E, and lutein and zeaxanthin -- in specific doses to slow down AMD when it's still in its early stages.


Question: What is the wet type of AMD?

Answer: Other symptoms include: Hazy vision Needing extra light or having trouble when going from bright to low light Trouble reading or recognizing people's faces Colors appearing less vivid The wet type of AMD causes sudden, severe loss of central vision from leaking blood vessels growing in or under the retina. You may see a large dark spot in the center of your vision. If you have these blind spots, see an eye doctor right away. Other symptoms include: Distorted vision Objects appearing a different size for each eye Colors appearing less vivid or differently in each eye You may be more likely to get AMD if you smoke, have a family history of AMD, or are obese.


Question: What are cataracts?

Answer: With a cataract, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and your vision gets blurry. They're often associated with aging. Half of all Americans have them by the time they reach 80.


Question: How do you know if you have retinal vessel occlusion?

Answer: Depending upon the type of blockage you have, you may have subtle, painless, moderate vision loss that comes and goes. Or you may have sudden, severe vision loss and pain that requires immediate medical care.


Question: How normal is age-related vision problems?

Answer: But eye problems aren't something you should simply write off as normal. Some problems stem from new or worsening vision disorders. As you get older, these might happen gradually. Others happen suddenly, quickly causing blindness. That is why regular exams with an eye doctor are so important. You can take steps to lower your risk of age-related vision problems. Or, if you have changes, you can slow their progression.


Question: What are some symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Answer: Other symptoms include: Hazy vision Needing extra light or having trouble when going from bright to low light Trouble reading or recognizing people's faces Colors appearing less vivid The wet type of AMD causes sudden, severe loss of central vision from leaking blood vessels growing in or under the retina.


Question: What is the dry type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Answer: The dry type of AMD affects 9 out of 10 people with macular degeneration. It causes more gradual, subtle vision loss from the breakdown of cells in the retina. For example, you may see parts of letters, or straight lines may appear wavy. The dry type of AMD can develop into the wet type.


Question: What happens if cataracts interfere with day-to-day life?

Answer: If halos or glare are problems, limit night driving. Glare can also happen during the day, so make sure your vision prescription is up to date, and ask if special tinting could lessen glare. If a cataract begins to interfere with your day-to-day life, an ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery can remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear lens implant.


Question: What is the wet type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Answer: Other symptoms include: Hazy vision Needing extra light or having trouble when going from bright to low light Trouble reading or recognizing people's faces Colors appearing less vivid The wet type of AMD causes sudden, severe loss of central vision from leaking blood vessels growing in or under the retina. You may see a large dark spot in the center of your vision. If you have these blind spots, see an eye doctor right away.


Question: How can I treat cataracts?

Answer: Symptoms of a cataract often develop slowly and can include: Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision -- a little like looking through a dirty windshield Double vision with one eye Trouble seeing at night or in dim light Halos around lights Sensitivity to light and glare Faded or yellow colors, or trouble telling the difference between blues and greens Trouble seeing an object against a background of the same color These factors raise your risk for developing cataract: Lots of exposure to sunlight Smoking High cholesterol or high blood pressure Diabetes Previous eye injury or surgery Family history of cataracts At earlier stages, simply changing your eyeglass or contacts prescription is all you need. Using brighter lights for reading or a magnifying glass may also help.


Question: Who is most likely to get AMD?

Answer: Other symptoms include: Distorted vision Objects appearing a different size for each eye Colors appearing less vivid or differently in each eye You may be more likely to get AMD if you smoke, have a family history of AMD, or are obese. Other risk factors include genetics, exposure to ultraviolet ( UV) light, and a lack of nutrients reaching the retina.


Question: Is there a cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Answer: There is no cure for AMD, but there are options that may slow the progression of wet macular degeneration. Anti- VEGF treatment limits growth of new blood vessels in the eye that can threaten vision. Thermal laser treatment uses heat to disrupt the disease. Photodynamic therapy destroys blood vessels in the eye that are leaking and damaging vision.


Question: What are the symptoms of AMD?

Answer: Other symptoms include: Hazy vision Needing extra light or having trouble when going from bright to low light Trouble reading or recognizing people's faces Colors appearing less vivid The wet type of AMD causes sudden, severe loss of central vision from leaking blood vessels growing in or under the retina.


Question: How does age affect glaucoma?

Answer: You may not know you have it. Age makes it more likely, as do these things: A family history of glaucoma African or Hispanic ancestry High levels of farsightedness or nearsightedness Past eye injury High eye pressure or low blood pressure Diabetes Treatments include eye drops, other medication, laser treatment, and surgery. Retinal vessel occlusion is a common complication of diabetes or glaucoma.


Question: What should breastfed babies' poop be like?

Answer: Breastfed babies: Make yellow poop that's speckled with little seeds--like mustard Poop one or more times a day, usually after they eat Formula-fed babies: Have tan, yellow, or greenish poop Poop once a day, sometimes more often What's normal: Poop can come in a rainbow of colors, changing to yellow, green, or brown.


Question: What does normal baby poop look like?

Answer: Breastfed babies: Make yellow poop that's speckled with little seeds--like mustard Poop one or more times a day, usually after they eat Formula-fed babies: Have tan, yellow, or greenish poop Poop once a day, sometimes more often What's normal: Poop can come in a rainbow of colors, changing to yellow, green, or brown. Some babies don't poop for a day or two -- even a week. You don't need to worry as long as your baby is still eating and gaining weight.


Question: What is not normal in a baby's poop?

Answer: What's not normal (time to call your doctor): Poop that is filled with mucus, water, or blood could be a sign of an allergy or infection. Solid, hard poop means your baby is probably constipated.


Question: What should formula-fed babies' poop be like?

Answer: Breastfed babies: Make yellow poop that's speckled with little seeds--like mustard Poop one or more times a day, usually after they eat Formula-fed babies: Have tan, yellow, or greenish poop Poop once a day, sometimes more often What's normal: Poop can come in a rainbow of colors, changing to yellow, green, or brown.


Question: What should you know about panic disorder?

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(); }); } A panic attack can happen anywhere, at any time. You may feel terrified and overwhelmed, even though you're not in any danger. If this kind of random event has happened to you at least twice, and you constantly worry and change your routine to keep from having one, you might have panic disorder -- a type of anxiety disorder. One in 10 adults in the U. S. have panic attacks each year. About a third of people have one in their lifetime. But most of them don't have panic disorder. Only about 3% of adults have it, and it's more common in women than in men.


Question: How long does an attack last in panic disorder?

Answer: You'll have four or more of these signs: Pounding or fast heartbeat Sweating Trembling or shaking Shortness of breath or a feeling of being smothered A choking feeling Chest pain Nausea or stomach pains Feeling dizzy or faint Chills or hot flashes Numbness or tingling in the body Feeling unreal or detached A fear of losing control or going crazy A fear of dying An attack usually passes in 5-10 minutes, but it can linger for hours. It can feel like you're having a heart attack or a stroke. So people with panic attacks often wind up in the emergency room for evaluation.


Question: How is panic disorder diagnosed?

Answer: There isn't a lab test specifically for panic disorder. Your doctor probably will examine you and rule out other health issues. If you've had two or more random panic attacks and live in fear of a repeat episode, you likely have panic disorder.


Question: Is there a link between poorly managed diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: Poorly managed diabetes : Diabetes can affect blood flow to your penis. Maintain a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and take your medicine as prescribed.


Question: Can an active lifestyle lower your risk for erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: Inactive lifestyle: If you want to reduce your chance of getting ED, get off the couch. Regular exercise can help to make sure that when the time comes, you're ready.


Question: How can being overweight raise your odds of getting erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: Being overweight : Carrying extra pounds increases your risk of blood vessel disease, a cause of ED.


Question: How can smoking raise your chances of getting erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: Smoking : It increases your risk of hardening of the arteries. This reduces blood flow to the penis. It's that blood flow that helps you get an erection.


Question: Is alcohol linked to erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: Alcohol: If you have more than two drinks a day, you could be hurting your ability to get an erection. Alcohol restricts blood flow to the penis and can hinder production of testosterone. Low testosterone can affect not only your performance, but your desire, too.


Question: How can electroconvulsive therapy help with treating neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?

Answer: Medicines used to treat NMS include: Drugs that relax tight muscles, such as dantrolene ( Dantrium) Parkinson's disease drugs that make your body produce more dopamine, such as amantadine ( Symmetrel) or bromocriptine ( Parlodel) If these medicines don't help, your doctor might try electroconvulsive therapy. During this treatment, you're asleep and pain-free. A small electric current travels through your brain to trigger a seizure. This won't hurt you, and it should help your symptoms. NMS usually gets better in 1 to 2 weeks. After recovery, most people can start taking antipsychotic medicine again. Your doctor might switch you to a different drug. NMS can come back after you're treated. Your doctor will closely check for any signs of it.


Question: What are symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?

Answer: They may include: High fever (102 to 104 F) Muscle stiffness Sweating a lot Anxiety or other changes in mental state Fast or abnormal heartbeat Quick breathing More saliva than usual NMS can damage muscles and cause very high or low blood pressure.


Question: What newer antipsychotic drugs can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?

Answer: The older antipsychotic drugs include: Chlorpromazine ( Thorazine) Fluphenazine ( Prolixin) Haloperidol ( Haldol) Loxapine ( Loxitane) Perphenazine ( Etrafon) Thioridazine ( Mellaril) Doctors call the newer antipsychotic drugs "atypical antipsychotics." They include: Aripiprazole ( Abilify) Asenapine ( Saphris) Brexpiprazole ( Rexulti) Cariprazine ( Vraylar) Clozapine ( Clozaril) Iloperidone ( Fanapt) Olanzapine ( Zyprexa) Paliperidone ( Invega) Quetiapine ( Seroquel) Risperidone ( Risperdal) These drugs block a brain chemical called dopamine. That can make your muscles stiff and can cause rigid movements in people with Parkinson's disease.


Question: What tests are done to diagnose neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?

Answer: If you're not treated, you can get serious problems, like: Kidney failure Heart and lung failure Lack of oxygen in the body Infection in the lungs caused by breathing in fluid (aspiration pneumonia) More acid in the body Your doctor will look for the two main symptoms of NMS: a high temperature and stiff muscles. To be diagnosed with it, you also need to have a few other warning signs, like a fast heartbeat, low or high blood pressure, and sweating. Some other disorders have symptoms that are similar to NMS. To figure out if you have it, your doctor will do one or more of these tests: Blood and urine tests Brain imaging scans Test of spinal fluid EEG to find electrical problems in the brain Your doctor will first take you off the drug that caused this syndrome.


Question: What older antipsychotic drugs can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?

Answer: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome ( NMS) is a rare reaction to antipsychotic drugs that treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Most people who get it make a full recovery when it's found early. Any antipsychotic drug can cause NMS. But stronger drugs, like fluphenazine and haloperidol, are more likely to trigger it.


Question: What is flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Answer: A doctor uses it to view the lining of the rectum and the lower third of the colon.


Question: What happens after a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Answer: After the procedure, your doctor will talk with you about the results. You may go back to your normal diet and activities. If the doctor found any growths, or polyps, during the procedure, you may get a biopsy (removal of tissue) of the polyp or polyps. Or your doctor may recommend that you get a complete colon exam, by colonoscopy with polyp removal.


Question: How do you prepare for a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Answer: First, tell your doctor if you: Are pregnant Have a lung or heart condition Are allergic to any medications Have diabetes or take drugs that may affect blood clotting If you take certain medicines, your doctor may need to adjust them before you get this test. You may need to take antibiotics before the sigmoidoscopy if you: Have an artificial heart valve Have a history of endocarditis No.


Question: When do you need to take antibiotics before a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Answer: You may need to take antibiotics before the sigmoidoscopy if you: Have an artificial heart valve Have a history of endocarditis No.


Question: What happens during a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Answer: A flexible sigmoidoscopy usually lasts from 10 to 20 minutes. You may not need to be sedated. Your doctor will have you lie on your left side, with your knees drawn up. He will insert the sigmoidoscope through the rectum and pass it into your sigmoid colon. The doctor will use a small amount of air to expand the colon to see the colon walls. You may feel mild cramping during the procedure. To lessen those cramps, you can take several slow, deep breaths. The doctor will slowly take the sigmoidoscope out while carefully examining the lining of your bowel.


Question: What is used to do a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Answer: Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test that a doctor uses to check the inner lining of your rectum and the lower part of your colon. A doctor uses it to view the lining of the rectum and the lower third of the colon. It's rare, but it's possible that sigmoidoscopy could puncture the colon.


Question: Whoâs most likely to have a reaction to a sun-sensitizing drug?

Answer: It's important to note that not every person who uses these drugs has a reaction. If it does happen, it can be a one-time occurrence, or it can happen each time the drug is taken and sun exposure occurs. People with HIV are among the most likely group to experience sun sensitivity to drugs.


Question: What drugs can cause sun sensitivity?

Answer: There are dozens of medications and over-the-counter drugs that can cause sun sensitivity. Some of the most common include: Antibiotics: doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, trimethoprim Antidepressants: doxepin ( Sinequan); and other tricyclics; St. John's wort Antifungals: griseofulvin Antihistamine: promethazine, diphenhydramine Antihypertensives (blood pressure drugs): hydrochlorothiazide (also found in some blood pressure medicines: Aldactazide, Capozide), diltiazem ( Cardizem) Benzocaine Benzoyl peroxide Cholesterol drugs: atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin Chemotherapy drugs: doxorubicin, flutamide, 5- FU, gemcitabine, methotrexate Diuretics: bumetanide, furosemide, hydrolorothiazide Hypoglycemics: glipizide, glyburide Neuroleptic drugs: Chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, thioridazine, thiothixene Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories: celecoxib, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, piroxicam Other drugs: dapsone, Para-aminobenzoic acid ( PABA), quinidine.


Question: What kind of reaction to a sun-sensitizing drug is phototoxicity?

Answer: This is the most common type of sun-sensitivity drug reaction. It can occur when skin is exposed to the sun after certain medications are injected, taken orally, or applied to the skin. The drug absorbs the UV light, then releases it into the skin, causing cell death. Within a few days, symptoms appear on the exposed areas of the body. In some people, symptoms can persist up to 20 years after the medication is stopped.


Question: What kind of reaction to a sun-sensitizing drug is photoallergy?

Answer: In this case, problems occur when skin is exposed to the sun after certain medicines or compounds are applied to the skin's surface. The ultraviolet ( UV) light of the sun causes a structural change in the drug. This, in turn, causes the production of antibodies that are responsible for the sun-sensitivity reaction. The reaction usually includes an eczema-type rash, which often occurs a few days after exposure. The rash can also spread to parts of the body that were not exposed to the sun.


Question: What are sun-sensitizing drugs?

Answer: Some reactions are caused by exposure to the sun's UVB or "short" waves, but most are caused by UVA or "long" wave exposure. People with HIV are among the most likely group to experience sun sensitivity to drugs.


Question: What effect can sun-sensitizing drugs have on the body?

Answer: Sun-sensitizing drugs can aggravate existing skin conditions, including eczema and herpes, and may inflame scar tissue. Sun exposure can also worsen or even precipitate autoimmune disorders, such as lupus. Can sunscreen help? But some ingredients in sunscreens are potentially photosensitizing, so in rare circumstances, it could worsen symptoms.


Question: What is gestational diabetes insipidus?

Answer: In some cases, the disease runs in the family.


Question: How does gestational diabetes insipidus affect women?

Answer: This condition can make you so thirsty you drink many glasses of water a day. As a result, you might go to the bathroom more than once or twice an hour. This isn't a result of pregnancy but of diabetes insipidus, which is sometimes called "water" diabetes. It has symptoms like other forms of the disease, but isn't related.


Question: How is gestational diabetes insipidus treated?

Answer: The doctor may opt not to treat gestagenic DI. If that's the case, he'll likely ask you to come to the office a lot. He'll make sure your body doesn't retain too much fluid. You'll also need to keep liquids with you so you don't get dehydrated. You may need to take desmopressin, a man-made form of vasopressin. It usually comes as a nasal spray. This treatment helps control urine. It also stops bedwetting by letting your body to absorb and manage water from your kidneys. If your body's thirst control is the cause of gestational DI, your doctor will prescribe other treatments.


Question: How is gestational diabetes insipidus diagnosed?

Answer: If your body's thirst control is the cause of gestational DI, your doctor will prescribe other treatments.


Question: What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes insipidus?

Answer: Most pregnant women make many trips to the bathroom at night due to pressure the growing baby puts on the bladder. But if you go a lot and have an intense thirst, it could be gestagenic diabetes. Other symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and weakness.


Question: When should I see my doctor if I think I have gestational diabetes insipidus?

Answer: As a result, you might go to the bathroom more than once or twice an hour. Most pregnant women make many trips to the bathroom at night due to pressure the growing baby puts on the bladder. But if you go a lot and have an intense thirst, it could be gestagenic diabetes. Most cases go away 4 to 6 weeks after you give birth.


Question: Is there medication for myelofibrosis?

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


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

Answer: Interferon alfa-2a.


Question: What new treatments may be helpful for myelofibrosis?

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


Question: How do erythropoietins treat anemia in myelofibrosis?

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


Question: How is treatment for myelofibrosis chosen?

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


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

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


Question: What supplements can help with myelofibrosis?

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


Question: How do blood transfusions treat anemia in myelofibrosis?

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


Question: How can I reduce stress associated with myelofibrosis?

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


Question: Are there alternative therapies for myelofibrosis?

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


Question: How does androgen therapy treat anemia in myelofibrosis?

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


Question: Can radiation help with spleen swelling in myelofibrosis?

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


Question: Do I have to treat myelofibrosis?

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


Question: Is there a cure for myelofibrosis?

Answer: Only through a process called allogenic stem cell transplantation. In MF, your stem cells don't work like they should. This causes scar tissue to build up in your bone marrow. During this treatment, you're given healthy stem cells from a donor to replace your faulty ones. So you should only try it if you have a high chance of complications from your MF. This treatment could make it more likely for you to get blood clots.


Question: Can chemotherapy help with spleen swelling in myelofibrosis?

Answer: Chemotherapy. Drugs like hydroxyurea ( Droxia, Hydrea, Siklos) or cladribine can help shrink your spleen and ease your pain. Hydroxyurea isn't good for you if you have severe anemia, and it could cause skin ulcers. Cladribine may cause bleeding or raise your risk of infections.


Question: Why is allogenic stem cell transplantation risky?

Answer: Before you start, you'll need high doses either of chemotherapy or radiation to destroy the cells in your bone marrow. Then the donor's healthy stem cells go into your body. You might hear a doctor call this "graft versus host disease." It can be life-threatening. The transplant could also damage your organs or blood vessels, cause cataracts, or lead to other types of cancer.


Question: Can you get surgery for spleen swelling in myelofibrosis?

Answer: One way to do this is to rank your risk of serious health problems using a scoring formula. Cladribine may cause bleeding or raise your risk of infections. Some people may get an enlarged liver after spleen removal or make too many platelets, which could cause blood clots. The drug anagrelide ( Agrylin) helps lower platelets after spleen surgery. Side effects include headaches or rapid heartbeat.


Question: How can your habits and lifestyle affect your risk for atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

Answer: Alcohol: For some people, binge drinking is a trigger. But for others, even a modest amount can trigger AFib. Stimulants: Caffeine, cigarettes, and other things that rev up your system can set off AFib. Caffeine will probably affect you more if you don't usually drink it. Stress and worry: When you're under a lot of pressure or feeling worn out, it could trigger an episode or make your symptoms worse.


Question: Who may be at a greater risk for atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

Answer: Medication: Research suggests that people who take high doses of steroids -- perhaps for asthma or other conditions -- may be more likely to get AFib. If your chances are higher anyway, this treatment can trigger an episode.


Question: How does atrial fibrillation (AFib) happen?

Answer: Atrial fibrillation ( AFib) is the most common problem with your heartbeat's rate or rhythm. The basic cause of AFib is disorganized signals that make your heart's two upper chambers (the atria) squeeze very fast and out of sync. They contract so quickly that the heart walls quiver, or fibrillate.


Question: Who is more likely to get atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

Answer: Things that most often lead to AFib Include: Age Genes Heart disease Sick sinus syndrome Heart attack High blood pressure Lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) or emphysema, or a blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolism) An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) Obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome Sleep apnea Infections caused by a virus Age: Your odds go up as you get older, especially after age 60. In part, that's because you're more likely to get heart disease and other conditions that can cause AFib. Caffeine will probably affect you more if you don't usually drink it.


Question: What are some ways to lower your chance of getting a yeast infection?

Answer: You're more likely to get one when you: Are pregnant Have diabetes Have a weakened immune system Take antibiotics Use birth control with high doses of the hormone estrogen Use douches or vaginal sprays It may not be possible for all women to prevent yeast infections, but here's what you can do to lower your odds. It doesn't hold onto heat or moisture. It will help keep you dry. They can boost your body temperature and increase the amount of moisture around your private parts. That raises your chances for a yeast infection. Don't douche. â Feminine hygiene productsâ like douches can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your vagina by removing some of the good bacteria that's supposed to be there to fight off infections. Skip the scent in feminine products. You don't need them for conditions like a cold, because they don't do anything against a virus.


Question: What are the symptoms of familial partial lipodystrophy (FPL) in children?

Answer: The most common form shows up around puberty. Children lose body fat from their arms, legs, and trunk while they gain fat in their face, chin, and neck. They'll get dark, velvety skin in folds and creases. They could have insulin resistance and an enlarged liver, too.


Question: How can I help my child manage their inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: Because this condition affects how someone looks, care and compassion are as important as medicine. Focus on keeping your child healthy and giving her a meaningful, rewarding life. Set the tone for others. Be positive and open-minded. People may not know how to react or what to say to keep from prying or offending or embarrassing you. When someone asks about her, be matter-of-fact about her condition. Do what you can to boost self-esteem. Try to focus your praise on achievements, rather than appearance. Encourage friendships. But kids will be kids, so prepare her for unkind looks and words. Help her practice how she can respond with role-play and humor. Think about getting professional counseling. Someone with training can help your child and your family sort out their feelings as they deal with the challenges of this disease.


Question: If my child has congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL), how can a doctor help with reshaping his facial features?

Answer: As your child with CGL gets older, he may be able to get plastic surgery for his face with skin grafts from his thighs, belly, or scalp. Doctors can also use implants and injections of fillers to help reshape facial features.


Question: What tests are used during the diagnosis of inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: After talking to you and doing a full exam, the doctor may want to do some tests to learn more about what type of lipodystrophy your child has. Blood tests check: Blood sugar Kidney health Fats Liver enzymes Uric acid Checking your child's blood for leptin won't diagnose lipodystrophy, but it can help your doctor decide how to treat it. Urine tests check for kidney problems. X-rays use radiation in low doses to make images of structures inside his body. These can show bone problems that some people with lipodystrophy have. For a skin biopsy, the doctor will take a small piece of skin and check the cells under a microscope. Genetic testing may find the specific problem genes to pinpoint what type of lipodystrophy he has.


Question: I have fat deposits caused by familial partial lipodystrophy (FPL), how can I treat this?

Answer: People with FPL who have extra fat deposits can have liposuction to get rid of some areas, but fat may build up again. Talk to your doctor about what approach for his appearance makes sense and when.


Question: What are my treatment options for congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL)?

Answer: People with CGL may be able to get shots of metreleptin ( Myalept) to replace the missing leptin and help prevent other diseases. Statins and omega-3 fatty acids, found in some fish, can help control high cholesterol or triglycerides, too.


Question: I have familial partial lipodystrophy (FPL), will I pass this onto my children?

Answer: Someone with FPL has a 50/50 chance of passing the faulty gene to their child.


Question: What can I expect with inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: How long and how well someone with inherited lipodystrophy lives depends on how well they can manage the complications. Heart, blood vessel, liver, and kidney problems are common, and sometimes they're life-threatening. Diabetes is often hard to control. Some people have bone, immune system, or hormone-related troubles.


Question: What are the symptoms of congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) in adults?

Answer: Adults with CGL have large hands and feet and a strong, square jawbone because their hormone balance is off and they keep growing. They could have larger than usual sex organs (clitoris, or penis and testicles). A woman might have irregular periods or no periods. She could have polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS). She'll probably have extra hair on her upper lip and chin.


Question: How can I manage my familial partial lipodystrophy (FPL)?

Answer: Exercise, especially if you have FPL, will help you stay healthy, too. Physical activity lowers blood sugar and can keep fat from building up where it shouldn't.


Question: How can I prevent serious complications of inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: Work closely with your doctor to help prevent the most serious complications for your child's subtype. Researchers are studying this disease, and they may find more treatment options.


Question: What other problems can inherited lipodystrophy cause?

Answer: This condition causes other problems, too, including diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and fatty liver disease.


Question: What causes inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: The most common are: Congenital generalized lipodystrophy ( CGL), also called Berardinelli- Seip syndrome Familial partial lipodystrophy ( FPL) Researchers have found several genes that cause inherited lipodystrophy. That's why there are different subtypes. Sometimes, just one bad gene from one parent can cause it; sometimes, you must get a gene from each parent. It's also possible to have a bad gene but not get the disease.


Question: What are the symptoms of congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) in babies?

Answer: Babies look very muscular because they have almost no body fat. Most have a large belly button or a hernia, or bulging, around it. They grow fast and are very hungry. Their skin may be dark, thick, and velvety in places, especially at the neck, armpits, and where their legs meet the trunk of their body. Infants usually develop an enlarged liver. Young kids have problems controlling their blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Some children will have trouble thinking and learning.


Question: What questions will my doctor ask me once I'm diagnosed with inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: These women are more likely to have serious complications including: Diabetes High triglyceride and low HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels Heart disease Your doctor might ask you these questions: What symptoms have you noticed? When did you first see them? Are changes in how your child looks only in certain areas, or all over? Have you had his blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels checked? Has he had bad belly aches or oily poop? What other health problems does he have? Are his parents related by blood? Does anyone else in the family have problems with body fat?


Question: If my child has inherited lipodystrophy, what medications should they take?

Answer: If your child has diabetes, she'll need to take insulin or other drugs to control her blood sugar.


Question: Is family history important when diagnosis inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: Since lipodystrophy is passed on by genes, your family history is very important.


Question: Is inherited lipodystrophy related to other illnesses?

Answer: Inherited lipodystrophy is actually a group of related illnesses. The most common are: Congenital generalized lipodystrophy ( CGL), also called Berardinelli- Seip syndrome Familial partial lipodystrophy ( FPL) Researchers have found several genes that cause inherited lipodystrophy.


Question: What are the symptoms of familial partial lipodystrophy (FPL) in women?

Answer: It's easier to recognize FPL in women, since men tend to look muscular even without the disease. About one-quarter of women get more body hair. They can also have problems with their periods and may get PCOS. These women are more likely to have serious complications including: Diabetes High triglyceride and low HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels Heart disease Your doctor might ask you these questions: What symptoms have you noticed?


Question: Is support available to help me cope with my inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: The condition can also make fat build up in places it shouldn't, like the blood, heart, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. Someone with training can help your child and your family sort out their feelings as they deal with the challenges of this disease. Researchers are studying this disease, and they may find more treatment options.


Question: What chemical am I lacking if I have inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: Leptin tells your body you've eaten enough and to make insulin. How many people with this disease have you treated?


Question: What medication can help lighten dark skin patches caused by inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: They'll get dark, velvety skin in folds and creases. For a skin biopsy, the doctor will take a small piece of skin and check the cells under a microscope.


Question: What questions should I ask my doctor about inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: Do we need any more tests? How many people with this disease have you treated? What's the best way for us to manage this condition? What other symptoms should I watch for? How often should we see you? Do we need to see any other doctors? Is there anything I can do that will help my child look and feel "normal"? Can we be part of a lipodystrophy research study? Is it important to let other family members know he has this disease? Work closely with your doctor to help prevent the most serious complications for your child's subtype.


Question: What is inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: It comes from the genes you got from one or both of your parents. It makes you lose the fat under your skin, so it can change the way you look. You can't cure it, but with your doctor's help, the right treatment, a low-fat diet, and plenty of exercise, it's something you can live with. Your doctor may also look for a pattern of fat loss with: Skinfold thickness measurements, checking how much skin he can pinch between his fingers at specific spots on the body A special X-ray that measures bone mineral density A special whole-body MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make pictures showing tissues with fat What subtype of lipodystrophy is this?


Question: How can I treat my inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: A healthy lifestyle plays a big role. Everyone with lipodystrophy should eat a low-fat diet. People with CGL may be able to get shots of metreleptin ( Myalept) to replace the missing leptin and help prevent other diseases.


Question: Should I take birth control pills or hormone replacements if I have inherited lipodystrophy?

Answer: Have you had his blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels checked? Women shouldn't use birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy for menopause because they can make levels of fats worse.


Question: Can inherited lipodystrophy be cured?

Answer: You can't cure it, but with your doctor's help, the right treatment, a low-fat diet, and plenty of exercise, it's something you can live with. How many people with this disease have you treated?


Question: Why might you need two medications for cholesterol if you have a genetic form of high cholesterol?

Answer: Familial hypercholesterolemia ( FH) is a condition that causes very high levels of cholesterol -- so high that one drug and lifestyle changes won't do enough. People with FH usually take a statin and one or two other drugs.


Question: Why might you need two medications for cholesterol if your statin hasn't helped?

Answer: Statins are a mainstay of cholesterol treatment. But they don't work well enough for everyone who takes them. If that's the case for you, your doctor might recommend that you add another medicine to your treatment.


Question: What will your doctor consider along with your chances for heart disease when choosing a cholesterol treatment?

Answer: Along with your chances for heart disease, your doctor also will consider: Other medical conditions you have Side effects of the medication How much it costs Other medications you're taking What you feel comfortable with Different drugs work in different ways.


Question: Why might you need two medications for cholesterol if you can't take a statin?

Answer: The pills aren't safe for people with liver disease or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Doctors will rely on other types of drugs to lower cholesterol.


Question: What drugs might your doctor recommend if your LDL cholesterol level is too high?

Answer: If your LDL levels are too high, your doctor might recommend: Statins,including atorvastatin ( Lipitor), fluvastatin ( Lescol), lovastatin ( Altoprev, Mevacor), pravastatin ( Pravachol), rosuvastatin calcium ( Crestor), simvastatin ( Flolipid, Zocor), or pitavastatin ( Livalo) Resins, also called bile acid sequestrants, like cholestyramine ( Locholest, Prevalite, Questran), colesevelam ( Wel Chol), and colestipol ( Colestid) Nicotinic acid (niacin).


Question: What drugs can lower triglycerides?

Answer: Omega-3 fatty acids.


Question: Why might you need two medications for cholesterol if you have high triglycerides?

Answer: If that's the case for you, your doctor might recommend that you add another medicine to your treatment. The prescription forms of these fats include Epanova, Lovaza, Omtryg, and Vascepa.


Question: Do cholesterol medicines always work?

Answer: Even if you live a healthy lifestyle and take your pills correctly, you may need extra help getting your levels down to a healthier range. But that doesn't mean you have to live with high cholesterol. Help can come in the form of a second or even a third medication. Work with your doctor to build a better treatment plan. Familial hypercholesterolemia ( FH) is a condition that causes very high levels of cholesterol -- so high that one drug and lifestyle changes won't do enough.


Question: Who gets juvenile retinoschisis?

Answer: Causes: The abnormal gene at fault is linked to the X chromosome. That means it behaves differently in women and men: There's a 50% chance that women who carry the gene will pass it on to their daughters, who will become carriers. They also have a 50% chance of passing it to their sons, who will get the disease. Men with the disease always pass it to their daughters, who then become carriers. But they can't pass the gene to their sons.


Question: Who gets Stargardt's disease?

Answer: Causes: Researchers blame a specific gene for the disease. If both parents carry one mutated form of the gene and one normal gene, their children have a 25% chance of getting the disease. Children who inherit only one mutated gene won't get it. But they can pass it on without knowing it.


Question: What is juvenile macular degeneration (JMD)?

Answer: Juvenile macular degeneration ( JMD) is the term for several inherited and rare diseases that affect children and young adults. They include Stargardt's disease, Best disease, and juvenile retinoschisis. They can cause central vision loss that often starts in childhood or young adulthood.


Question: What is Best disease relative to juvenile macular degeneration (JMD)?

Answer: It's the second-most common type of JMD. You might also hear it called Best vitelliform macular dystrophy. It was discovered in 1905 by Friedrich Best, another German eye doctor. It may show up on an eye exam between ages 3 and 15, but symptoms may not show up until later.


Question: What are the signs of Best disease?

Answer: Signs: The eye doctor will see a bright yellow fluid-filled sac, or cyst, under your macula. It looks like a sunny-side-up egg. Your vision may be normal or near normal at this stage. Eventually, the sac bursts, and the fluid spreads throughout your macula. The doctor can spot it with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope.