Question: What is the treatment for fibroadenoma?

Answer: It's not cancer. If your fibroadenoma gets larger, the doctor suspects that it might, or he isn't sure whether a lump is a fibroadenoma or not, he'll likely recommend removing any lumps.


Question: What's the definition of blood pressure?

Answer: Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body.


Question: How can you manage sound sensitivity caused by migraine?

Answer: To manage sound sensitivity: Avoid concerts, movies, big parties, or other places you know will be loud. Wear noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. Cover your windows with heavy drapes (which will block light, too), and install thick carpet to absorb sounds in your home. Turn on a white noise machine. This gentle sound can drown out louder noises. You might not want to avoid sound entirely. If you surround yourself with silence, you can become even more sensitive, and that could lead to headaches that are more painful.


Question: What are the types of migraine drugs?

Answer: Knowing about these symptoms can help her choose the right way to help you with them. Migraine drugs come in two forms: Preventive agents that are taken on a daily basis to reduce attack frequency. These include antidepressants, beta-blockers, and anti-seizure drugs can sometimes help stop headaches before they start. You might need to take these every day. Acute therapies, like triptans and ergots, can help with the pain once you have a headache. They also can help with sound and light sensitivity. They work best if you take them as soon as possible after your headache starts. You can make a few small changes at home and at work to manage your light and sound triggers.


Question: What high blood pressure drugs are commonly linked to erectile dysfunction?

Answer: High blood pressure by itself can lead to erectile dysfunction.


Question: How can beta-blockers cause erectile dysfunction?

Answer: Beta-blockers dampen the response to nerve impulses that lead to an erection. They also make it more difficult for the arteries in the penis to widen and let in blood. What's more, they can make you feel sedated and depressed -- and the mind always plays some part in sexual arousal.


Question: Can diuretics cause erectile dysfunction?

Answer: High blood pressure by itself can lead to erectile dysfunction. Your body needs zinc to make testosterone.


Question: Can high blood pressure lead to erectile dysfunction?

Answer: That traps blood in the penis. As more blood flows in, the penis expands and stiffens, and you have an erection. They also make it more difficult for the arteries in the penis to widen and let in blood.


Question: How does CPAP help treat central sleep apnea?

Answer: With CPAP, patients wear a mask over their nose and/or mouth. An air blower forces air through the nose and/or mouth. The air pressure is adjusted so that it is just enough to prevent the upper airway tissues from collapsing during sleep. The pressure is constant and continuous. CPAP prevents airway closure while it is being used, but apnea episodes return when CPAP is stopped or is used improperly.


Question: How is central sleep apnea treated?

Answer: Some of these conservative treatments include: Losing weight if necessary, and then maintaining a healthy weight Avoiding the use of alcohol and sleeping pills, as these items make the airway more likely to collapse during sleep Sleeping on your side if you have apneic events when sleeping on your back, possibly using pillows or other devices to keep you in place Using nasal sprays or breathing strips to keep air flowing if you have sinus problems or nasal congestion Avoiding sleep deprivation Another treatment is continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP), which is the preferred initial treatment for most people with obstructive sleep apnea.


Question: What are the symptoms of central sleep apnea?

Answer: Conditions that may be associated with central sleep apnea include the following: Congestive heart failure Hypothyroid Disease Kidney failure Neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) Damage to the brainstem caused by encephalitis, stroke, injury, or other factors The main symptom of CSA is temporary stoppages of breathing while asleep. Although snoring is a very strong symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, snoring is usually not found with central sleep apnea. Symptoms may also include: Being very tired during the day Waking up often during the night Having headaches in the early morning Poor memory and difficulty concentrating Mood problems If you have any of these symptoms of central sleep apnea, or if a family member or bed partner notices that you stop breathing while sleeping, you should talk to your doctor or health care provider.


Question: What is central sleep apnea?

Answer: In CSA, breathing is disrupted regularly during sleep because of the way the brain functions. It is not that you cannot breathe (which is true in obstructive sleep apnea); rather, you do not try to breathe at all. The brain does not tell your muscles to breathe. This type of sleep apnea is usually associated with serious illness, especially an illness in which the lower brainstem -- which controls breathing -- is affected. In infants, central sleep apnea produces pauses in breathing that can last 20 seconds.


Question: What conditions are associated with central sleep apnea?

Answer: Conditions that may be associated with central sleep apnea include the following: Congestive heart failure Hypothyroid Disease Kidney failure Neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) Damage to the brainstem caused by encephalitis, stroke, injury, or other factors The main symptom of CSA is temporary stoppages of breathing while asleep.


Question: How is central sleep apnea diagnosed?

Answer: If your doctor suspects you have central sleep apnea, he is likely to perform a physical exam, take a medical history, and recommend a sleep history. The next step will likely be an overnight sleep study called a polysomnogram. This test is performed in a sleep lab under the direct supervision of a trained technologist. During the test, the following body functions may be monitored: Electrical activity of the brain Eye movements Muscle activity Heart rate Breathing patterns Air flow Blood oxygen levels After the study is completed, the technologist will tally the number of times that breathing is impaired during sleep and then grade the severity of sleep apnea.


Question: What are the effects of sleep apnea?

Answer: Sleep apnea can cause serious health problems. It can increase the risk for stroke, obesity, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. It may also increase the risk for accidents while working or driving, as some people with sleep apnea may fall asleep during those activities.


Question: What are stress response syndromes?

Answer: Other, less common types of mental illnesses include: Stress response syndromes (formerly called adjustment disorders): Stress response syndromes occur when a person develops emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a stressful event or situation. The stressors may include natural disasters, such as an earthquake or tornado; events or crises, such as a car accident or the diagnosis of a major illness; or interpersonal problems, such as a divorce, death of a loved one, loss of a job, or a problem with substance abuse. Stress response syndromes usually begin within three months of the event or situation and ends within six months after the stressor stops or is eliminated.


Question: What are dissociative disorders?

Answer: Dissociative disorders: People with these disorders suffer severe disturbances or changes in memory, consciousness, identity, and general awareness of themselves and their surroundings. These disorders usually are associated with overwhelming stress, which may be the result of traumatic events, accidents, or disasters that may be experienced or witnessed by the individual. Dissociative identity disorder, formerly called multiple personality disorder, or "split personality," and depersonalization disorder are examples of dissociative disorders.


Question: What are tic disorders?

Answer: Tic disorders: People with tic disorders make sounds or display nonpurposeful body movements that are repeated, quick, sudden, and/or uncontrollable. ( Sounds that are made involuntarily are called vocal tics.) Tourette's syndrome is an example of a tic disorder.


Question: When can patellofemoral pain syndrome happen?

Answer: The pain might start because you've suddenly started to exercise more, such as going from working out 3 days a week to 6. Or maybe you've made your workouts more intense. Other things that might bring on patellofemoral pain syndrome: Poor exercise technique The wrong equipment, such as shoes Changing your exercise surface; for instance, running on streets after you've been running on a track Patellofemoral pain syndrome also may come from an alignment problem in how your knee works.


Question: What movements might hurt your kneecap and cause patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Answer: If you have this condition, you might hurt when you: Go up or down stairs Kneel or squat Sit with your knees bent for a long time, such as during a movie or plane ride You might also hear popping or crackling in your knees when you climb stairs or get up after you've been sitting a long time.


Question: When can your kneecap get fractured?

Answer: Symptoms that your kneecap has subluxated include: Pain in the front of your knee A feeling that your kneecap is loose Your knee suddenly buckles In a fall, landing directly on your knee A direct hit to your knee, like slamming it against the dashboard in a car accident If you break your kneecap, your symptoms might include: Bruises You can't walk You can't straighten your knee or keep it straight when you raise your leg This catch-all term describes pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap.


Question: What are signs that you've dislocated your kneecap?

Answer: Signs that you've dislocated your kneecap include: The joint looks out of place, though it might move back on its own A popping sound or feeling Severe pain You can't straighten your leg or walk Sudden swelling Your knee also might dislocate without an injury because there's a problem with the structure.


Question: What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Answer: Symptoms that your kneecap has subluxated include: Pain in the front of your knee A feeling that your kneecap is loose Your knee suddenly buckles In a fall, landing directly on your knee A direct hit to your knee, like slamming it against the dashboard in a car accident If you break your kneecap, your symptoms might include: Bruises You can't walk You can't straighten your knee or keep it straight when you raise your leg This catch-all term describes pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap. Sometimes it's called ârunner's kneeâ or a âtrackingâ problem.


Question: What are symptoms that your kneecap has subluxated?

Answer: Symptoms that your kneecap has subluxated include: Pain in the front of your knee A feeling that your kneecap is loose Your knee suddenly buckles In a fall, landing directly on your knee A direct hit to your knee, like slamming it against the dashboard in a car accident If you break your kneecap, your symptoms might include: Bruises You can't walk You can't straighten your knee or keep it straight when you raise your leg This catch-all term describes pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap.


Question: What are the symptoms of a broken kneecap?

Answer: Symptoms that your kneecap has subluxated include: Pain in the front of your knee A feeling that your kneecap is loose Your knee suddenly buckles In a fall, landing directly on your knee A direct hit to your knee, like slamming it against the dashboard in a car accident If you break your kneecap, your symptoms might include: Bruises You can't walk You can't straighten your knee or keep it straight when you raise your leg This catch-all term describes pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap.


Question: What is patellar tracking disorder?

Answer: The kneecap, or patella, is the bone that covers your knee. Symptoms that your kneecap has subluxated include: Pain in the front of your knee A feeling that your kneecap is loose Your knee suddenly buckles In a fall, landing directly on your knee A direct hit to your knee, like slamming it against the dashboard in a car accident If you break your kneecap, your symptoms might include: Bruises You can't walk You can't straighten your knee or keep it straight when you raise your leg This catch-all term describes pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap. Tracking problems could come from overall alignment issues between your leg and hip. Weak thigh muscles can also be part of the problem.


Question: What is kneecap?

Answer: It helps give the joint strength and structure, which allows your legs to bend and turn safely. Symptoms that your kneecap has subluxated include: Pain in the front of your knee A feeling that your kneecap is loose Your knee suddenly buckles In a fall, landing directly on your knee A direct hit to your knee, like slamming it against the dashboard in a car accident If you break your kneecap, your symptoms might include: Bruises You can't walk You can't straighten your knee or keep it straight when you raise your leg This catch-all term describes pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap.


Question: What are the blood sugar goals for people with diabetes?

Answer: The American Diabetes Association's goals for blood sugar control in people with diabetes are 70 to 130 mg/d L before meals, and less than 180 mg/d L after meals.


Question: What are normal blood sugar levels?

Answer: They're less than 100 mg/d L after not eating (fasting) for at least 8 hours. And they're less than 140 mg/d L 2 hours after eating. During the day, levels tend to be at their lowest just before meals. For most people without diabetes, blood sugar levels before meals hover around 70 to 80 mg/d L. For some people, 60 is normal; for others, 90.


Question: How many people have prediabetes in the U.S. and what are its risks?

Answer: According to the American Diabetes Association, 86 million people in the U. S. have this condition, which can lead to diabetes if you don't make healthy lifestyle changes that your doctor recommends. It also raises the risk for heart disease, although not as much as diabetes does. It's possible to keep prediabetes from becoming diabetes with diet and exercise.


Question: Can high blood sugar be bad for you?

Answer: When you have diabetes, your blood sugar (aka blood glucose) levels may be consistently high. Over time, this can damage your body and lead to many other problems.


Question: Why are high blood sugar levels bad for you?

Answer: High sugar levels slowly erode the ability of cells in your pancreas to make insulin. The organ overcompensates and insulin levels stay too high. Over time, the pancreas is permanently damaged. High levels of blood sugar can cause changes that lead to a hardening of the blood vessels, what doctors call atherosclerosis.


Question: What is a low blood sugar level?

Answer: What's a low sugar level? It varies widely, too. Many people's glucose won't ever fall below 60, even with prolonged fasting. When you diet or fast, the liver keeps your levels normal by turning fat and muscle into sugar. A few people's levels may fall somewhat lower.


Question: How common is high blood sugar?

Answer: According to the American Diabetes Association, 86 million people in the U. S. have this condition, which can lead to diabetes if you don't make healthy lifestyle changes that your doctor recommends. It also raises the risk for heart disease, although not as much as diabetes does. It's possible to keep prediabetes from becoming diabetes with diet and exercise.


Question: What is a low sugar level?

Answer: What's a low sugar level? It varies widely, too. Many people's glucose won't ever fall below 60, even with prolonged fasting. When you diet or fast, the liver keeps your levels normal by turning fat and muscle into sugar. A few people's levels may fall somewhat lower.


Question: What problems can happen if you have high blood sugar?

Answer: Almost any part of your body can be harmed by too much sugar. Damaged blood vessels cause problems such as: Kidney disease or kidney failure, requiring dialysis Strokes Heart attacks Vision loss or blindness Weakened immune system, with a greater risk of infections Erectile dysfunction Nerve damage, also called neuropathy, that causes tingling, pain, or less sensation in your feet, legs, and hands Poor circulation to the legs and feet Slow wound-healing and the potential for amputation in rare cases Keep your blood sugar levels close to normal to avoid many of these complications.


Question: How do you know if Crohn's disease is causing your chronic constipation?

Answer: Crohn's disease: This causes irritation and swelling in any part of the digestive tract. If it happens in your rectum, you may get constipated.


Question: How do you know if diabetes is causing your chronic constipation?

Answer: Diabetes: Constipation is common for people with this condition. It's thought that diabetes may affect nerves in the colon, which can slow down the movement of stool.


Question: How do you know if pregnancy is causing your chronic constipation?

Answer: Pregnancy: About 2 in 5 pregnant women get constipated. It's usually more of a problem during the first few months. When you're expecting, your body makes more of the hormone progesterone. It acts as a muscle relaxant. That slows down the natural movement of your bowels, so waste doesn't move as fast through your system.


Question: How do you know if diverticulosis is causing your chronic constipation?

Answer: Diverticulosis: This happens when small pouches bulge out from the wall of your colon. Some people don't have symptoms. But you may have bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms may get worse if the pouches get swollen or infected. That's a problem called diverticulitis.


Question: How do you know if medications are causing your chronic constipation?

Answer: They include: Heartburn medications like aluminum or calcium antacids Certain depression medications Calcium channel blockers that control blood pressure Diuretics (water pills) Drugs to lessen or treat muscle spasms in your gut Iron pills to treat some kinds of anemia Epilepsy medications Painkillers such as morphine, codeine or other opioids If your doctor thinks it's something you're taking, talk to him about your other options.


Question: How do you know if irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is causing your chronic constipation?

Answer: Several conditions are known to cause such problems: Irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) causes belly pain, gas, bloating, and a change in bathroom habits. If you have IBS with constipation ( IBS- C), you may notice that your symptoms flare and then normal bowel habits return. Sometimes, bouts of diarrhea or loose stools happen, too.


Question: How do you know if hypothyroidism is causing your chronic constipation?

Answer: Hypothyroidism: This happens when your thyroid gland doesn't make enough hormones. This can slow down many of your body functions, including your bowels.


Question: When should you talk to your doctor about the cause of your chronic constipation?

Answer: Talk to your doctor if you think you may have one of these conditions. Make sure he's aware of all your symptoms. You'll probably need tests to find out what's going on. No matter the cause, your doctor can help you get the treatment to get things moving through your system again.


Question: Are there different types of constipation?

Answer: If there's a problem with your how your lower intestinal tract (colon, rectum, and anus) are working, you have âfunctional constipation.â But if that's not the case, you could have âsecondary constipationâ -- that's when it's brought on by a medical problem or a medication you take. If it happens in your rectum, you may get constipated.


Question: What do I need to know about erectile dysfunction and vascular disease?

Answer: If they cut blood flow to the penis, they can cause erectile dysfunction. These diseases may be the cause of ED in as many as 50% to 70% of men who have it. The good news is that lifestyle changes and drug treatments usually help fight the types of vascular disease that can cause erectile dysfunction. Usually, a vascular disease happens when cholesterol and other substances build up and block blood vessels.


Question: What common health conditions are linked with vascular disease and clogged arteries?

Answer: They lower blood flow to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Some common health conditions are linked with vascular disease and clogged arteries: Coronary artery disease (clogged arteries in the heart) High blood pressure Diabetes High cholesterol Obesity Peripheral vascular disease, which affects the blood vessels that send blood to the arms, hands, legs, and feet If you have one of these conditions, it's more likely that the problem can affect the blood vessels in your penis and cause erectile dysfunction.


Question: What is radiation for melanoma?

Answer: A specialist will zap the area with high-energy rays, which kill cancer cells. It's like getting an X-ray, but the dose is stronger.


Question: How long is it normal for side effects of melanoma treatment to last?

Answer: Infection Feeling tired Feeling sick to your stomach Constipation or diarrhea Anxiety or depression The side effects you have depend on the stage of your disease, how much treatment you get and how long it takes, and your general health. Some of them can last for a while after you finish treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any side effects, even if you think they're no big deal. There are almost always ways to control them so you'll feel better.


Question: Can melanoma return after successful treatment?

Answer: Melanoma can come back after treatment. It can show up where it was before, or it can start on other places on your skin or in an organ inside your body like your liver. Your doctor will want to watch you closely for signs that the disease has returned, so it's important to keep your appointments for checkups.


Question: What are clinical trials for melanoma?

Answer: But they have to test them and compare how they work to current therapies before they become available for everyone. They do this in research studies called clinical trials.


Question: What is targeted therapy for melanoma?

Answer: This can happen because of bad genes inside the cells. In targeted therapy, drugs go after changes in melanoma cells that make them grow out of control. This treatment tends to stop working well after a while. If that happens, you and your doctor will need to try another approach. It happens when your body holds on to fluid because your lymph system is blocked or damaged.


Question: Can drinking more water prevent belly pain?

Answer: Water helps keep things moving in your gut so you stay regular. Pay attention to your body when you're thirsty, and have a glass of water, not soda. Carbonation can cause stomach pain because the fizz can lead to gas. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can cause trouble for some people, too, so steer clear of them if they bother your stomach.


Question: Can following your hunches on what might hurt your belly prevent stomach pain?

Answer: If you notice your stomach always cramps up after you drink a glass of milk or eat a certain thing, see your doctor. You might have a problem with dairy products (called lactose intolerance) or another kind of food. If your doctor finds an issue in your diet, she can help you find ways to stay away from it or eat less of it. It's a good idea to work with your doctor on this instead of trying to figure it out on your own. You could get on the wrong track and miss out on nutrients from some foods without really needing to.


Question: How can eating more slowly prevent belly pain?

Answer: If you tend to take big bites and eat without chewing well, you can swallow air, which adds gas to your stomach and can lead to stomach pain. Take time to chew slowly and swallow without rushing. This also gives your brain time to realize you're full before you eat too much.


Question: Can managing stress prevent belly pain?

Answer: Some people feel their hearts race or their palms sweat when they're stressed or anxious. And plenty of people have stomach pain. They may feel their stomachs churn or seem to tie up in knots. The obvious answer is to stay out of stressful situations when you can. Since that's not always possible, you can ease stress with things like exercise, meditation, hobbies, or hanging out with friends. If those don't work, it might help to talk with your doctor or a therapist about ways to manage it.


Question: Can washing your hands prevent belly pain?

Answer: A common cause of stomach pain is gastroenteritis, sometimes called a stomach bug or a stomach virus. It can cause diarrhea, nausea, fever, or a headache, too. The best way to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands often, especially before you eat, after you go to the bathroom, and when you've been in public places.


Question: What are some serious causes of belly pain?

Answer: You can't prevent all types of stomach pain, and in some cases, you may need medicine, surgery, or another kind of treatment. If you have sharp or severe stomach pain, get medical help right away. Some things that can cause stomach pain include: Appendicitis Gallstones Kidney stones Stomach ulcers Irritable bowel syndrome Colitis/ Crohn's disease (inflammation of your colon) Celiac disease (a digestive disorder that damages your colon) Ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg is attached outside the uterus) Side effects of medication


Question: What is stomach pain?

Answer: It can bother you for a short while or for hours. You might have a problem with dairy products (called lactose intolerance) or another kind of food. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can cause trouble for some people, too, so steer clear of them if they bother your stomach. If you have sharp or severe stomach pain, get medical help right away.


Question: Can changing how often you eat prevent belly pain?

Answer: With so many kinds of belly pain, it's no surprise that different things can cause it. If this happens, eat smaller meals or snacks spaced out throughout the day so your stomach isn't empty for long periods. The opposite also can cause stomach pain. If you eat so much that you feel stuffed, your stomach is likely to hurt.


Question: Can watching what you eat prevent belly pain?

Answer: You might have gas or diarrhea, or you might be constipated. They can wreak havoc on your gut as your body digests them. They also can slow down the process and make you more likely to get constipated. If you eat more nutritious foods, with a focus on veggies and fiber, you'll digest things at a healthy speed, and your stomach will thank you.


Question: What is a good tea recipe for colds?

Answer: 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh ginger 6 cups water 2 cinnamon sticks 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar lemon wedges for garnish if desired In a saucepan, simmer ginger, cinnamon, and water 20 minutes, or more for stronger tea. Add honey or sugar and strain tea through a sieve.


Question: How does eating healthily help with illness?

Answer: Quite simply, a well-nourished immune system, your body's defense against germs, is better able to ward off infections.


Question: What is a good hot lemon drink for colds?

Answer: It's great for a sore throat. 4 lemons several slices of ginger root honey to taste Juice several lemons, then scrub the peel well. Slice it thinly, and add to the juice. Cover all with plenty of boiling water, put a lid on it, and steep until cool. For added benefit, add several slices of ginger root before covering with water. Strain off the liquid, add honey and additional water to taste. Drink hot. NOTE: Never give honey to any child less than 12 months old. It can cause botulism food poisoning in this age group.


Question: What is a good salad recipe for when you have a cold?

Answer: 1 bag of fresh spinach or mixed salad greens 2 fennel bulbs (cleaned, cut in half lengthwise, and sliced thinly crosswise) For the dressing: 2 scallions, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons oriental sesame oil 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon chopped, peeled fresh ginger 1 tablespoon honey (see note below) 1/4 cup canola oil Blend first seven dressing ingredients in food processor. With machine running, gradually add oil and process until well blended. ( You can prepare this 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature before you use it.) Toss fennel and greens with dressing. Enjoy! NOTE: Never give honey to any child less than 12 months old. It can cause botulism food poisoning in this age group.


Question: What is a good fish recipe for when you have a cold?

Answer: 4 salmon fillets with skin on salt, pepper to taste 3 tablespoons fresh herbs, such as chives, rosemary, or thyme For the salsa: 1 fennel bulb finely diced, plus 1 tablespoon minced fennel leaves 1/2 cup finely diced oranges 10 green olives pitted and minced 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste Preheat oven to 250 degrees. While it's heating, make the salsa. In a medium bowl, stir together the fennel bulb and leaves, the diced orange, the olives, the juices, and salt and pepper to taste. Then, place salmon skin side down on a baking sheet sprayed with olive oil. Brush fish with a bit more olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and press the herbs into the flesh. Set aside. When the oven is hot, "slow-roast" the salmon for 17 minutes. For safety, make sure that the fish reaches a temperature of 145 F. If you don't have a thermometer, make sure it flakes with a fork. Serve salmon with salsa on the side.


Question: What is the main way newborns communicate?

Answer: Crying is the main way babies communicate, especially in their early days. The cries can be hard to decode, but you can think about her schedule or surroundings to figure out what's wrong. If it's been 2 hours since she last ate, there's a good chance she's hungry. If she's been up for an hour and a half, she's probably due for a nap. Babies can also get bored or overstimulated.


Question: How often will most newborns want to eat?

Answer: Most newborns will want to eat every 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. Their feeding schedule usually depends on if you're breastfeeding or giving your baby formula. Breastfed babies generally eat more often than those on formula, because their tummies digest breast milk faster.


Question: What are the signs that your newborn is sleepy?

Answer: If she stops eating and falls asleep, or turns her head away from the bottle, those are good signs she's had enough.


Question: How often will your newborn sleep?

Answer: New babies often get tired after being awake just an hour or two. The first few weeks, your baby will snooze about 16 hours a day, usually in 2- to 4-hour stretches, any time of day or night. Many will fall asleep while they're eating or sucking, and that's just fine.


Question: How can you tell if your newborn is hungry?

Answer: There are many ways babies can tell you they're hungry. They may make sucking motions, put their hands or fingers in their mouths, or you may notice that your baby turns her head toward you and opens her mouth if you gently stroke her cheek. Babies do cry when they want to eat, but it's usually a late sign of hunger. Try to get your baby to burp during and after her feeding. If she stops eating and falls asleep, or turns her head away from the bottle, those are good signs she's had enough. If she cries toward the end, that may mean she's hungry for more.


Question: What is the right position for newborns to sleep in?

Answer: Always put your child on her back to sleep, on a firm sleep surface, with nothing else in the crib or bassinet -- just a mattress with a tightly fitted sheet. By the end of the first month, newborns start to fit their sleep into longer periods. But it will be a few more months before your baby gets into a predictable pattern of a morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon nap, and a longer stretch of sleep at night.


Question: What can you expect in your newborn's poops for the first week?

Answer: If she cries toward the end, that may mean she's hungry for more. After that's out of her system, her poop will become soft and runny. If you breastfeed her, she will have light yellowish, seedy-looking poop. If she eats formula, it will be firmer and tan or yellow in color. After a few weeks, the pooping slows down. Breastfed babies can go a week with just one bowel movement, while formula-fed babies should poop at least once a day. The first few weeks, your baby will snooze about 16 hours a day, usually in 2- to 4-hour stretches, any time of day or night.


Question: How can you soothe your newborn when she's crying?

Answer: Try to get your baby to burp during and after her feeding. Rock, walk, or bounce her. Move to a quiet place and turn on a calming sound, like a fan or a white noise machine. Offer a pacifier, or help her find her finger or thumb to suck. Smile, sing, read, and talk to her, sway with her to music, make funny faces for her to imitate, and offer interesting objects for her to feel and look at.


Question: How will your newborn play in her first weeks?

Answer: Many will fall asleep while they're eating or sucking, and that's just fine. This is a great time to play with them. Your baby is learning the sound of your voice, the sight of your face, and your touch. Smile, sing, read, and talk to her, sway with her to music, make funny faces for her to imitate, and offer interesting objects for her to feel and look at. At this age, babies don't need toys -- your face and eyes, your baby's hands and feet, and simple objects like a rattle, shatterproof mirror, or colorful scarf will offer plenty of entertainment.


Question: How can preservative sensitivities affect asthma symptoms?

Answer: Sulfites, which are used to keep food fresh and stop the growth of mold, can trigger temporary asthma symptoms in a few people with asthma. Sulfites can give off sulfur dioxide that can irritate the lungs. Sulfites are no longer added to fresh fruits and vegetables in the U. S. But they are still used in many processed foods, and may also be in condiments, dried fruits, canned vegetables, wine, and other foods.


Question: How can food allergies affect asthma symptoms?

Answer: Food Allergies . Many people have food intolerances such as lactose intolerance, but these are not true allergies and rarely worsen asthma. Only about 2% of adults with asthma have true food allergies to milk, eggs, shellfish, peanuts, or other foods. When exposed to even small amounts of the foods to which they have become allergic, these people can have life-threatening anaphylactic attacks, including bronchospasm, which requires immediate asthma medication.


Question: Is weight an issue for people with asthma?

Answer: That's bad not only for your general health, but for your asthma specifically. People who are obese are more likely to have more severe asthma symptoms, take more medication, and miss more work than people who maintain a normal weight . If you have GERD, you may need to take medicine.


Question: Is there an asthma diet?

Answer: That goes for people with asthma, too. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eat foods with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids -- found in fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines and some plant sources, like flaxseed -- are believed to have a number of health benefits. Avoid trans fats and omega-6 fatty acids. There's some evidence that eating omega-6 fats and trans fats, found in some margarines and processed foods, may worsen asthma, and other serious health conditions such as heart disease.


Question: Can chemotherapy affect parts of my mouth?

Answer: Some types of chemotherapy can affect your white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. That can affect your gums and the lining in your mouth.


Question: Should I avoid mouthwash if I have lung cancer?

Answer: Skip mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can be drying. Look for an alcohol-free one that has fluoride. If you don't have any mouthwash, rinse with water regularly, which can clear your mouth and gums of food particles and bacteria. You may want to consider using a mix that has a quarter teaspoon of baking soda and a quarter teaspoon salt in 1 quart of warm water. If you have mouth sores, rinse with plain warm water that has a little bit of salt in it. Your dentist can also prescribe a mouthwash that may help with sores.


Question: Can radiation therapy affect parts of my mouth?

Answer: Likewise, certain kinds of radiation therapy can cause pain and stiffness, and even contribute to cavities in your teeth because of dry mouth.


Question: How frequently should I brush my teeth if I have lung cancer?

Answer: Gently brush your teeth, gums, and tongue after every meal, and before bed, too. If it hurts to brush, you can soften your toothbrush by soaking it in warm water before you use it. If toothpaste stings, brush with salt water -- add a quarter teaspoon of salt to 2 cups of water.


Question: What common oral problems should I watch for if I have lung cancer?

Answer: When you have lung cancer, you may notice that it even seems to affect your mouth. These can appear on the lining of your mouth and throat. They can make it hard to eat and drink. Dry mouth. This can make it hard to swallow and make you more likely to get infections and cavities. Bleeding or sensitive gums. Your doctor or dentist may call this gingivitis. Aches and pains in and around your jaw. Changes in the way food tastes. You might have less of an appetite, too, which can impact your ability to get enough healthy food. New cavities. Infections in your mouth. If you notice any of these things, tell your doctor, a nurse, or another member of your cancer care team. Although some of these side effects can be normal, they can sometimes be a sign that your treatment plan needs to change.


Question: Should I use fluoride if I have lung cancer?

Answer: Your dentist or periodontist should look at your teeth and gums. Your dentist may make a tray for your teeth that you wear at night, or you may get a fluoride treatment at your next dental checkup.


Question: Should I eat well if I am diagnosed with lung cancer?

Answer: Infections in your mouth. You may not have as much of an appetite when you're going through treatment. Skip mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can be drying.


Question: Should I exercise my jaw if I get radiation therapy?

Answer: Likewise, certain kinds of radiation therapy can cause pain and stiffness, and even contribute to cavities in your teeth because of dry mouth. Three times a day, open and close your mouth as far as you can without feeling pain 20 times. This can help prevent and ease stiffness in your jaw muscles.


Question: Will lung cancer ever affect my mouth?

Answer: Food might not even taste the way it usually does. Usually, those changes are related to the treatments, not the disease itself. But if your cancer spreads to your lymph nodes or other areas around your head or neck, it could cause problems like pain. When you get treated for cancer in your lungs or elsewhere in your body, you might have: Mouth sores. Bleeding or sensitive gums.


Question: Can smoking affect my mouth and oral health?

Answer: No doubt about it: You need the lung cancer treatments. If you quit tobacco, those problems become less likely, though they're still more likely than for a nonsmoker. These can ease mouth sores and dry mouth.


Question: When might I need to call my doctor or 911 after a tonsil removal surgery?

Answer: Symptoms such as pain, snoring, and fever under 102 F are normal after surgery. But call your doctor if you notice these things: You feel weak, dizzy, lightheaded, or have a headache. This could mean you haven't had enough fluids. For your child: If's he's peeing only 2 to 3 times a day and crying without tears, that usually means he hasn't had enough to drink. You have a fever 102 F or higher. You throw up or still feel sick to your stomach more than 12 hours after surgery Go to the emergency room if you have: A hard time breathing Any bleeding (small bits of dark blood in your nose or spit are normal, but bright red blood means you need to be seen by a doctor.)


Question: How do flexitarians consume plant-based diets?

Answer: Some people call themselves "flexitarians" or "semi-vegetarians," meaning that they occasionally eat meat, poultry, pork, or fish. You might also hear the term "pescatarian," which means they eat a plant-based diet plus fish.


Question: How does a plant-based diet benefit my heart health?

Answer: You might also hear the term "pescatarian," which means they eat a plant-based diet plus fish. Start eating more fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.


Question: How do I make the switch to a plant-based diet?

Answer: Start eating more fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Depending on how far you want to take it, you can cut back on animal products, or cut them out. Check with a dietitian to make sure you're getting the nutrients you need. For example, you'll need to take a supplement or look for foods fortified with vitamin B12 if you totally cut out animal products. You'll also want to check on whether you're getting enough iron, calcium, and zinc. If you decide to swap dairy products for rice milk, nut milk, soy milk, or other plant-based alternatives, check the label to see how much calcium and vitamin D you're getting.


Question: How should I get enough protein for my plant-based diet?

Answer: To get enough protein without meat, favor beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, quinoa, or tofu. You'll still need to stick with your doctor's guidelines about fat, calories, sugar, and salt. It's possible to get too much of those whether you eat animal products or not.


Question: What are common types of plant-based diets for heart health?

Answer: There are many different types of plant-based diets. The three most common ones are: Vegan : No animal products such as meat, eggs, or dairy products. Lacto-vegetarian: No meat or eggs, but dairy products are OK. Lacto-ovo-vegetarian: No meat, but dairy products and eggs are OK. You can eat a plant-based diet without going completely vegetarian.


Question: Who can get palliative care?

Answer: Any adult or child can get it if they have a serious or ongoing condition, like: Cancer Heart failure Kidney or liver failure ALS ( Lou Gehrig's disease) HIV/ AIDS Multiple sclerosis Stroke Parkinson's disease Dementia Your team may include doctors, nurses, social workers, dietitians, volunteers, and even spiritual advisers.


Question: How do I get palliative care?

Answer: If you feel palliative medicine might help you, ask for it if it's not offered. You can receive care at home, in the hospital, nursing home, or an assisted living center.


Question: What can palliative medicines help with?

Answer: Its focus is not to treat or cure your disease, but to ease your symptoms and any side effects of treatment. These include: Pain Shortness of breath Fatigue Anxiety or depression Sleep problems Lack of appetite Constipation Your palliative care experts will ask what you may need and want.


Question: How do you know what palliative medications to use?

Answer: These include: Pain Shortness of breath Fatigue Anxiety or depression Sleep problems Lack of appetite Constipation Your palliative care experts will ask what you may need and want. Maybe you'd like to feel well enough to leave the hospital or to move to the next step in your treatment. Or, you may want to get stronger so you can see your daughter play baseball or attend your son's wedding. Your team can help you reach those goals. The team can answer questions about treatment options, help you make decisions, and let your regular doctors know your wishes. You'll have more control over your overall care this way.


Question: How is palliative care different from hospice?

Answer: Unlike with hospice care, you can receive palliative care at any stage in your disease and continue to get treatments to cure it. You don't have to be dying or have a terminal illness to get palliative care.


Question: How can a palliative care team help you and your child with emotions?

Answer: You may be in pain or too tired to get through the day. The team can answer questions about treatment options, help you make decisions, and let your regular doctors know your wishes.


Question: How can rheumatoid arthritis affect your voice box?

Answer: It doesn't happen often, but RA can also affect a joint in your voice box.


Question: What joints does rheumatoid arthritis affect?

Answer: RA usually starts in the hands, but it can affect any joint, including your: Elbows Feet Hips Jaw Knees Neck Shoulders Wrists If you have RA, you'll notice a symmetrical pattern. It shows up in the same joints on both sides of your body, like both wrists or both hips.


Question: How do you know if rheumatoid arthritis is in your joints?

Answer: RA almost always affects your joints. It may take a few weeks or months for the first signs to show. The inflammation it causes results in classic symptoms like: Stiffness. The joint is harder to use and doesn't move as well as it should. It's especially common in the morning. While many people with other forms of arthritis have stiff joints in the morning, it takes people with rheumatoid arthritis more than an hour (sometimes several hours) before their joints feel loose. Swelling. Fluid in the joint makes it puffy and tender. Pain. Inflammation inside a joint makes it hurt whether you're moving it or not. Over time, it causes damage and pain. Redness and warmth. The joints may be warmer and show color changes related to the inflammation.


Question: How can rheumatoid arthritis  affect your heart?

Answer: Likewise, RA can inflame the lining around your heart (called pericarditis) or your heart muscle (called myocarditis). You probably wouldn't notice symptoms from that. There's a chance you could feel shortness of breath or chest pain.


Question: Does rheumatoid arthritis cause pain?

Answer: Fluid in the joint makes it puffy and tender. Pain.


Question: Can rheumatoid arthritis affect your lungs?

Answer: This may not cause symptoms. But you might notice shortness of breath. Your doctor can treat it with drugs that ease the inflammation in the lungs.


Question: Does rheumatoid arthritis affect your eyes?

Answer: While many people with other forms of arthritis have stiff joints in the morning, it takes people with rheumatoid arthritis more than an hour (sometimes several hours) before their joints feel loose.


Question: How do you know if rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire body?

Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can go beyond your joints. You could also feel: Fatigue Muscle aches Poor appetite Bad all over (your doctor may call this malaise) Depression Extreme fatigue could be a sign of anemia, or a lack of healthy red blood cells.


Question: Can rheumatoid arthritis inflame areas around your heart?

Answer: Likewise, RA can inflame the lining around your heart (called pericarditis) or your heart muscle (called myocarditis). You probably wouldn't notice symptoms from that. There's a chance you could feel shortness of breath or chest pain.


Question: Can rheumatoid arthritis affect your voice box?

Answer: It doesn't happen often, but RA can also affect a joint in your voice box.


Question: How can rheumatoid arthritis affect your lungs?

Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can go beyond your joints. This may not cause symptoms. Your doctor can treat it with drugs that ease the inflammation in the lungs.


Question: Does rheumatoid arthritis affect your joints?

Answer: RA almost always affects your joints. Redness and warmth.


Question: What should I be monitoring while my child is on ADHD medication titration?

Answer: What works at first may not continue to over time. Watch your child for symptoms and side effects as he grows and his schedule and lifestyle change. Check in with the doctor every 3 months or so to make sure your child is still on the right treatment.


Question: What side effects are associated with ADHD medication titration?

Answer: Common side effects include sleeping problems, appetite loss, and not feeling as social. These often go away after a few weeks, so your doctor may encourage you to wait it out and see if they get better on their own. If they don't, your doctor can adjust the dosage or change the medication. Less common but more serious side effects can include hallucinations, tics, and depression. You may want to start during the weekend or over a school break so you can keep a close eye on your child for the first few days. You can also use this time to figure out the best time to take the medicine.


Question: When is the best time to start titration for ADHD medication in a child?

Answer: This is called titration. You may want to start during the weekend or over a school break so you can keep a close eye on your child for the first few days. You can also use this time to figure out the best time to take the medicine. For example, a younger child may need to take the medicine in the morning to focus throughout the school day, and a teen may need a stronger dose later in the afternoon to get through homework or to focus while driving home.


Question: How long does ADHD medication titration take?

Answer: It can take several weeks. And don't be discouraged if the first medicine your child takes isn't the right fit. The doctor may try titration with two or three different types of medicine before finding the best match. Check in with the doctor every 3 months or so to make sure your child is still on the right treatment.


Question: How can I find the right ADHD treatment for my child?

Answer: Your doctor may prescribe your child a low dose of a medicine, then raise it little by little until your child gets the greatest benefit with the fewest side effects. This is called titration. Watch your child for symptoms and side effects as he grows and his schedule and lifestyle change.


Question: What is chest discomfort or pressure like as a symptom of a heart attack in men?

Answer: The pain can be severe, but it doesn't have to be. It can be a feeling of âfullness,â squeezing, or pressure. It can even be mistaken for heartburn. The discomfort often happens in the left or center of your chest. The feeling may last for more than several minutes, or it may come and go.


Question: What is chest pain like as a symptom of a heart attack in men?

Answer: This is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women. Most often, it starts slowly with mild pain or discomfort. A sudden onset of severe symptoms is sometimes called a â Hollywood heart attack,â because of the typical way heart attacks have been portrayed in movies and television. A heart attack can happen this way, but it doesn't that often.


Question: What is pain like as a symptom of a heart attack in men?

Answer: Pain or discomfort sometimes shows up in other areas because they're not getting enough blood. Usually, it's an area of the body that's above the waist, including the upper part of your stomach, your shoulders, one arm (probably the left) or both, your back, neck or jaw, even your teeth.


Question: When should you get help because of symptoms of a heart attack?

Answer: Another possible sign is breaking into a cold sweat The more symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you're having a heart attack.


Question: What are other symptoms of a heart attack in men?

Answer: Shortness of breath, called dyspnea, can happen with or without chest pain and may even be your only symptom. It can happen when you're being active or not and is probably due to congestion (fluid buildup) in your lungs. You may also find yourself coughing or wheezing. Feeling tired for no reason is another common sign. You might feel anxious, too. Nausea and vomiting are less common in men than women. Some people say they feel light-headed or dizzy. Another possible sign is breaking into a cold sweat The more symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you're having a heart attack. But bear in mind, you may have no symptoms at all. These are called silent heart attacks and are more common the older you are or if you have diabetes.


Question: What should you know about the signs of a heart attack?

Answer: Some come on suddenly, and others give plenty of warning. Still, there are some common signs of heart attacks in men. This is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women. The pain can be severe, but it doesn't have to be. If you think there's any possibility that you're having a heart attack, call 911 right away.


Question: How long are patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) hospitalized?

Answer: The goal is to get the inflammation down quickly and stop the immune system attack. This will likely take a week or two in the hospital.


Question: What are the best therapies for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)?

Answer: After the hospital, they may need some combination of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. They may have to stay in a rehab hospital for a while, or maybe they can go home and work with a therapist.


Question: What causes acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)?

Answer: Other symptoms include: Fever Headache Sleepiness Behavior changes such as fussiness or confusion Nausea and vomiting Seizures Coma ADEM seems to be an autoimmune disease. That means your immune system attacks your body's own cells and tissues as if they were outside bacteria or viruses.


Question: What triggers acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)?

Answer: Experts don't know exactly what triggers it, but it could be an overreaction to an infection. Most of the time, the attack happens when a child is getting over some common illness, like a cold or stomach bug. ADEM sometimes follows an immunization, particularly certain rabies shots and the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella. No direct connection has been made though. Other times, nothing out of the ordinary happens before symptoms appear.


Question: What is the treatment for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in children?

Answer: Most people start with high doses of a powerful corticosteroid by IV for a few days. Your child may feel better within hours. They'll continue to take a steroid (as a pill or a liquid) for several weeks, in smaller and smaller doses. If your child can't have steroids or if they don't work, some procedures can calm the immune system. The doctor may filter their blood through a machine to remove the antibodies that their immune system is sending to attack the brain. This is called plasmapheresis. Or they could get shots of antibodies from a healthy person, which is called intravenous immunoglobulin treatment.


Question: What is acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)?

Answer: ADEM is a rare kind of inflammation that affects the brain and spinal cord. It damages the protective coating of nerve fibers, called myelin. Most often, children under age 10 will get it. While symptoms can be severe, they can be treated. Most people make a full recovery and don't have another attack.


Question: How is acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) diagnosed in kids?

Answer: But MS is rare in children. Other differences can also help your doctor make the right diagnosis. Kids with ADEM may have a fever, a headache, seizures, or trouble thinking clearly. The disease usually appears soon after a viral illness. There's no such link with MS. An ADEM attack usually happens once, while multiple sclerosis involves many episodes over time. Tests of spinal fluid usually show certain proteins when you have MS, but not ADEM. With ADEM, spinal fluid usually has more white blood cells than normal. Damage to the brain from ADEM and damage caused by multiple sclerosis look different on an MRI. It's more widespread with ADEM. The doctor has to rule out other illnesses with similar symptoms, too, like infections of the brain and spinal cord such as meningitis.


Question: What is the outlook for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)?

Answer: Most of the time, a child who gets ADEM will recover completely. It will be a slow process, over 4 to 6 weeks. But it could be 6 months or up to a year before they're fully well. In some cases, kids don't get over all of their symptoms. They may have lasting vision damage or muscle weakness. They might have trouble in school if they've missed a lot of time, or perhaps as a lingering effect of the attack. About 8 times out of 10, ADEM happens only once. But sometimes you can get it again within a few months, especially if you don't take steroids for long enough. Your child might get MS later, but it's unlikely. In very rare cases, ADEM can be fatal.


Question: Does therapy for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) usually continue after hospitalization?

Answer: After the hospital, they may need some combination of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. They may have to stay in a rehab hospital for a while, or maybe they can go home and work with a therapist. Your child's doctor will probably want a follow-up MRI to make sure the inflammation is gone and no new scars have formed.


Question: How is acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) differentiated from other conditions with similar symptoms?

Answer: The condition has a lot in common with multiple sclerosis and other diseases that damage myelin. They share some symptoms, like muscle weakness, numbness, loss of vision, and loss of balance. But MS is rare in children. Other differences can also help your doctor make the right diagnosis. Kids with ADEM may have a fever, a headache, seizures, or trouble thinking clearly. The disease usually appears soon after a viral illness. There's no such link with MS. An ADEM attack usually happens once, while multiple sclerosis involves many episodes over time. Tests of spinal fluid usually show certain proteins when you have MS, but not ADEM. With ADEM, spinal fluid usually has more white blood cells than normal. Damage to the brain from ADEM and damage caused by multiple sclerosis look different on an MRI. It's more widespread with ADEM. The doctor has to rule out other illnesses with similar symptoms, too, like infections of the brain and spinal cord such as meningitis.


Question: What are the causes of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)?

Answer: Other symptoms include: Fever Headache Sleepiness Behavior changes such as fussiness or confusion Nausea and vomiting Seizures Coma ADEM seems to be an autoimmune disease. That means your immune system attacks your body's own cells and tissues as if they were outside bacteria or viruses. Experts don't know exactly what triggers it, but it could be an overreaction to an infection. Most of the time, the attack happens when a child is getting over some common illness, like a cold or stomach bug. ADEM sometimes follows an immunization, particularly certain rabies shots and the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella. No direct connection has been made though. Other times, nothing out of the ordinary happens before symptoms appear.


Question: How is oral cancer treated?

Answer: Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue.


Question: What is oral cancer?

Answer: Oral cancer appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.


Question: What can I do to prevent oral cancer?

Answer: To prevent oral cancer: Don't smoke or use any tobacco products and drink alcohol in moderation (and refrain from binge drinking). Eat a well balanced diet. Limit your exposure to the sun. Repeated exposure increases the risk of cancer on the lip, especially the lower lip. When in the sun, use UV- A/ B-blocking sun protective lotions on your skin, as well as your lips.


Question: What is the outlook for people with oral cancer?

Answer: The overall 5-year survival rate for patients with an early diagnosis of oral cavity and pharynx cancers is 84%. If the cancer has spread to nearby tissues, organs, or lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate drops to 65%.


Question: Who gets oral cancer?

Answer: It's estimated that over 50,000 people in the U. S. received a diagnosis of oral cancer in 2019. Risk factors for the development of oral cancer include: Smoking . Cigarette, cigar, or pipe smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers. Smokeless tobacco users. Users of dip, snuff, or chewing tobacco products are 50 times more likely to develop cancers of the cheek, gums, and lining of the lips. Excessive consumption of alcohol. Oral cancers are about six times more common in drinkers than in nondrinkers. Family history of cancer. Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age. Human papillomavirus ( HPV). Certain HPV strains are etiologic risk factors for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ( OSCC). The American Cancer Society recommends oral cancer screening exams every 3 years for persons over age 20 and annually for those over age 40.


Question: How is oral cancer diagnosed?

Answer: A biopsy may be needed to determine the makeup of a suspicious looking area. There are different types of biopsies and your doctor can determine which one is best. Many doctors don't use brush biopsies because while they're very easy, they still need a scalpel biopsy to confirm the results if the brush biopsy is positive. Also there are different types of scalpel biopsies, incisional and excisional, depending whether only a piece or the whole area is needed to determine what the nature of the problem is. Some doctors perform these biopsies with lasers. Feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes in both sides of your neck and under your lower jaw. Call your dentist's office immediately if you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth or any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above. During your next dental appointment, ask your dentist to perform an oral exam.


Question: What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

Answer: The most common symptoms of oral cancer include: Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth $('.ua_type_mobile .article table').css('width','100%'); Unexplained bleeding in the mouth Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice Ear pain A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together Dramatic weight loss If you notice any of these changes, contact your dentist or health care professional immediately. Call your dentist's office immediately if you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth or any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above.


Question: How can infection cause breathlessness?

Answer: If germs come into your body through your nose and mouth, they can travel to your lungs and cause an infection. This is called pneumonia. Anyone can get it, but you're at higher risk if your immune system is weak, you have a lung disease like asthma, or you smoke. Warning signs: Chest pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain. You may also bring up thick mucus when you cough.


Question: How can anxiety cause breathlessness?

Answer: When you're stressed or worried, the muscles that help you breathe tighten. This makes you breathe faster than normal. You may feel like you're not getting enough air, which can make you panic and make your breathing even shallower. Warning signs: Sweating, chest pain, feeling faint.


Question: How can cancer can cause breathlessness?

Answer: Some types of cancer cause fluid to build up in the space between your lungs and chest wall. This can make it painful to take a deep breath. Warning signs: Feeling like there's a weight on your chest, coughing, fever. You may also feel rundown and tired. What helps: Your doctor could prescribe a drug that eases swelling or helps your body get rid of extra fluid. In some cases, he'll need to remove the fluid and treat the area so it doesn't fill again.


Question: How can allergies cause breathlessness?

Answer: Pollen, mold, and other allergens do more than cause itchy eyes and a runny nose. They can also irritate the airways in your lungs. This can trigger an asthma attack and make it hard for you to take normal breaths. Warning signs: Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness. Symptoms may last a few minutes or several days.


Question: How can anemia cause breathlessness?

Answer: This can lead to a condition called anemia. Some people get pale skin and cold hands and feet. Anyone can get it, but you're at higher risk if your immune system is weak, you have a lung disease like asthma, or you smoke. Over time, that makes your body have fewer red blood cells.


Question: What are hookworms?

Answer: You can catch this parasite by walking barefoot through infected soil or by drinking or eating food that has hookworm eggs in it. Once hookworms get inside you, they grow in your intestines and feed on your blood. Warning signs: Weakness, feeling tired, stomach pain, diarrhea, weight loss. Hookworms are easy to treat.


Question: What are treatments for breathlessness caused by anxiety?

Answer: When you're stressed or worried, the muscles that help you breathe tighten. This makes you breathe faster than normal. Try to stay calm. Sit or lie down and relax your shoulders as much as you can. Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, and out through pursed lips (like you're blowing out a candle) for 8. This can help bring your breath back to normal.


Question: What is myasthenia gravis?

Answer: When you're stressed or worried, the muscles that help you breathe tighten. It prevents your nerves and muscles from âtalkingâ to each other like they should. You may notice a drooping eyelid or double vision. Other signs may be trouble with speaking, swallowing, or smiling, feeling tired, and weakness in your arms and legs. For a few people, symptoms go away on their own. But most need drugs to get your nerves and muscles âtalkingâ again.


Question: How do you make memories?

Answer: For something to become a memory, three functions must occur, including: Acquisition -- learning or experiencing something new Consolidation -- the memory becomes stable in the brain Recall -- having the ability to access the memory in the future Both acquisition and recall are functions that take place when you are awake. However, researchers believe sleep is required for consolidation of a memory, no matter the memory type.


Question: What happens when you sleep?

Answer: Scientists don't know exactly how sleep enhances memory, but it appears to involve the brain's hippocampus and neocortex -- the part of the brain where long-term memories are stored. It is thought that during sleep, the hippocampus replays the events of the day for the neocortex, where it reviews and processes memories, helping them to last for the long term.


Question: What does sleep affect?

Answer: Studies show that sleep affects physical reflexes, fine motor skills, and judgment, too. One study showed that participants who were sleep deprived were more likely to think they were right when they were, in fact, wrong. Studies involving memory tests show that after a single night of sleep, or even a nap, people perform better, whether on a test, in the office, on the athletic field, or in a concert hall.


Question: Why is sleep important for memory?

Answer: Imaging and behavioral studies continue to show the critical role sleep plays in learning and memory. Researchers believe that sleep affects learning and memory in two ways: Lack of sleep impairs a person's ability to focus and learn efficiently. Sleep is necessary to consolidate a memory (make it stick) so that it can be recalled in the future.


Question: What are tips to help you get more sleep?

Answer: Here are some tips to help you get more sleep: Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Get regular exercise, but do not exercise close to bedtime. Experts recommend allowing at least three hours between exercise and bed. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before going to sleep. Take time to unwind before going to sleep. Take a warm bath, read a book, drink some caffeine-free tea, and avoid any activities that can cause tension. Finish eating two to three hours before going to bed. Create a pleasant sleeping environment: make the room dark, cool, and comfortable. Use a sound machine, or other type of white noise device, to block out unwanted sounds. Do not watch TV or use the computer in bed. Use your bedroom for sleep and sex only. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including getting regular and quality sleep, can be a challenge, especially when you are stressed with a work deadline or test. But, remember (and you need sleep to do this! ), sleep is your friend. So, when it comes to learning and memory, sleep on it.


Question: How does weight affect someone with diabetes getting pregnant?

Answer: At this appointment, you and the doctor will discuss: Your weight: Try to reach your ideal body weight before you get pregnant. If you have a few extra pounds, losing them will help prevent complications from diabetes. If you're underweight, adding pounds can make you less likely to deliver a low-birth-weight baby.


Question: Is blood sugar important during pregnancy?

Answer: Your blood sugar: The doctor will check to see if your blood sugar is in control. This is key, because you may not know you're pregnant until the baby has been growing for 2-4 weeks. High blood sugar during the first 13 weeks can cause birth defects, lead to miscarriage, and put you at risk for diabetes complications.


Question: What are some lifestyle changes that need to happen before someone with diabetes gets pregnant?

Answer: Your lifestyle: If you smoke or drink alcohol, you'll need to stop. Smoking during pregnancy affects both you and the baby before, during, and after birth. When you smoke, the nicotine (the addictive substance in cigarettes), carbon monoxide, and other toxins travel through your bloodstream and go directly to your baby. These substances can: Deprive you and the baby of oxygen Raise the baby's heart rate Boost the chances of miscarriage and stillbirth Increase the odds of a premature, low-birth-weight baby Make the baby prone to future problems with the lungs or breathing Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a pattern of birth defects that includes intellectual disability and certain physical problems. No amount of alcohol is known to be safe while pregnant, and there's no safe time during pregnancy to drink.


Question: Why is drinking alcohol while pregnant bad?

Answer: These substances can: Deprive you and the baby of oxygen Raise the baby's heart rate Boost the chances of miscarriage and stillbirth Increase the odds of a premature, low-birth-weight baby Make the baby prone to future problems with the lungs or breathing Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a pattern of birth defects that includes intellectual disability and certain physical problems. No amount of alcohol is known to be safe while pregnant, and there's no safe time during pregnancy to drink.


Question: How will diabetes medications change during pregnancy?

Answer: Your medications: You'll need more insulin during pregnancy, especially the last 3 months. The doctor will tell you how to adjust your dose. If you take diabetes pills, the doctor may switch you to insulin, because some of these drugs can harm the baby. So can some high blood pressure treatments used with diabetes. Bottom line: Discuss all medications you take with your doctor.


Question: What is preconception counseling?

Answer: At that visit, your doctor will: Order an A1 C test to find out if your diabetes is controlled well enough for you to stop using birth control Test your blood and urine for diabetes-related kidney complications Look for other problems linked with diabetes, like organ, nerve, or heart damage Take your blood pressure Rule out thyroid disease (if you have type 1 diabetes) Check your cholesterol and levels of a type of blood fat called triglycerides Suggest an eye exam to screen for glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy Recommend pre-conception counseling This is another important step for women with diabetes. This educational session will help you get physically and emotionally prepared -- and healthy -- for pregnancy.


Question: How often should you check your blood sugar if you're pregnant?

Answer: How often should you check your blood sugar? Pre-existing diabetes: Before and after meals and before bedtime Gestational diabetes: Before breakfast and after every meal; your doctor can tell you how long after eating you should check. If you are pregnant and have type 1 diabetes, your doctor might sometimes ask you to check your blood sugar in the middle of the night, around 3 a.m.


Question: Why is it important to continually check blood sugar levels if you are pregnant with diabetes?

Answer: Tight control will help you avoid complications and long-term health problems for both you and your baby. You're eating differently because your body needs more energy to help your baby grow and be healthy. And your changing hormones affect how your body makes and uses insulin. In the later parts of your pregnancy, you may become more insulin resistant, so blood sugar builds up to higher levels. If you are pregnant and have type 1 diabetes, your doctor might sometimes ask you to check your blood sugar in the middle of the night, around 3 a.m.


Question: How can your blood sugar levels affect you during your pregnancy?

Answer: Tight control will help you avoid complications and long-term health problems for both you and your baby. You're eating differently because your body needs more energy to help your baby grow and be healthy. In the later parts of your pregnancy, you may become more insulin resistant, so blood sugar builds up to higher levels. If you are pregnant and have type 1 diabetes, your doctor might sometimes ask you to check your blood sugar in the middle of the night, around 3 a.m.


Question: What is the vitreous in the eye?

Answer: It's bathed in moisture from a clear jelly known as the vitreous.


Question: What is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the eye?

Answer: These cells absorb excess light so the photoreceptors can give a clearer signal. They also move nutrients to (and waste from) the photoreceptors to the choroid. The choroid is separate from the RPE.


Question: What are photoreceptors?

Answer: They're special nerve endings that convert the light into electrochemical signals.


Question: Where does the light that enters the eye go?

Answer: Its final destination is the retina, which lines the back of your eye. It's like the screen in a movie theater or the film in a camera. The focused light hits cells called photoreceptors.


Question: How does the lens of the eye work?

Answer: It circulates throughout the front part of your eye and keeps pressure inside constant After the aqueous humor, light passes through the pupil. This is the central round opening in your iris, the colored part of your eye. It changes size to control how much light gets in farther back. Next up is the lens. It works just like a camera to focus light. It adjusts shape depending on whether the light reflects off something near to you or far away.


Question: What is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choroid, and sclera in the retina?

Answer: These cells absorb excess light so the photoreceptors can give a clearer signal. They also move nutrients to (and waste from) the photoreceptors to the choroid. The choroid is separate from the RPE. It lies behind the retina and is made up of many fine blood vessels that supply nutrition to the retina and the RPE. Sclera is the tough, white, fibrous outside wall of your eye. It's connected to the clear cornea in front.


Question: What are the blood vessels, macula, and photoreceptors in the retina?

Answer: Unlike a movie screen, the retina has many parts: Blood vessels bring nutrients to your nerve cells. The macula is the bull's-eye at the center of your retina. The dead center is called the fovea. Because it's the focal point of your eye, it has more special, light-sensitive nerve endings, called photoreceptors, than any other part. Photoreceptors come in two kinds: rods and cones. They're special nerve endings that convert the light into electrochemical signals.


Question: What happens after light enters the pupil?

Answer: It circulates throughout the front part of your eye and keeps pressure inside constant After the aqueous humor, light passes through the pupil. This is the central round opening in your iris, the colored part of your eye. It changes size to control how much light gets in farther back. Next up is the lens. It works just like a camera to focus light. It adjusts shape depending on whether the light reflects off something near to you or far away. This light now pierces the center of the eye. It's bathed in moisture from a clear jelly known as the vitreous.


Question: How do our eyes work?

Answer: The first thing it touches is a thin veil of tears in the front. Behind this is your eye's front window, the cornea. This clear layer helps focus the light. On the other side is liquid called the aqueous humor. It circulates throughout the front part of your eye and keeps pressure inside constant After the aqueous humor, light passes through the pupil. And that's how you see: Light, reflected from an object, enters the eye, gets focused, is converted into electrochemical signals, delivered to the brain, and is interpreted, or "seen," as an image.


Question: How does the eye see?

Answer: The macula is the bull's-eye at the center of your retina. They're special nerve endings that convert the light into electrochemical signals. And that's how you see: Light, reflected from an object, enters the eye, gets focused, is converted into electrochemical signals, delivered to the brain, and is interpreted, or "seen," as an image.


Question: What are tips to help manage the emotional changes of menopause?

Answer: Here are some tips that may make it easier for you to handle your fluctuating emotions: Exercise and eat healthy. Find a self-calming skill to practice, such as yoga, meditation, or rhythmic breathing. Avoid tranquilizers and alcohol. Engage in a creative outlet that fosters a sense of achievement. Stay connected with your family and community. Nurture your friendships.


Question: Can hormone replacement therapy help during menopause?

Answer: Although depression is not caused by menopause, some women exhibit the symptoms of depression during this time. If you are feeling increasingly unable to cope, see your doctor. He or she may be able to recommend medicine, such as antidepressants, or therapy that can get you through this rough time.


Question: When should I see a doctor about menopause?

Answer: Although depression is not caused by menopause, some women exhibit the symptoms of depression during this time. If you are feeling increasingly unable to cope, see your doctor. He or she may be able to recommend medicine, such as antidepressants, or therapy that can get you through this rough time.


Question: Is having a hard time concentrating and being forgetful a normal part of perimenopause?

Answer: Unfortunately, difficulty with concentration and minor memory problems can often be a normal part of perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause (defined as not having a period for a year). The good news is that it is likely to be temporary. Current medical knowledge is limited as to why memory changes occur with perimenopause, and there are currently no treatments available to relieve these symptoms. If you are having memory problems, discuss this with your doctor. He or she can help manage memory problems or refer you to a provider who can.


Question: What are the emotional changes experienced with menopause?

Answer: Some of the emotional changes experienced by women undergoing perimenopause or menopause can include: Irritability Feelings of sadness Lack of motivation Anxiety Aggressiveness Difficulty concentrating Fatigue Mood changes Tension If you are feeling irritable and sad, there is a good chance it could be related to menopause, but the above listed symptoms are not linked only to menopause. There are a number of conditions that can cause you to feel downright irritable. Tell your doctor how you are feeling, so he or she can rule out other medical or psychiatric conditions. Irritability and feelings of sadness are the most common emotional symptoms of menopause.


Question: How can I cope with the emotional changes of menopause?

Answer: Some of the emotional changes experienced by women undergoing perimenopause or menopause can include: Irritability Feelings of sadness Lack of motivation Anxiety Aggressiveness Difficulty concentrating Fatigue Mood changes Tension If you are feeling irritable and sad, there is a good chance it could be related to menopause, but the above listed symptoms are not linked only to menopause. He or she may be able to recommend medicine, such as antidepressants, or therapy that can get you through this rough time.


Question: What is the first step in treating headaches and migraines?

Answer: Keeping a headache or migraine diary is the first step toward keeping pain from disrupting your life.


Question: When should I keep a daily headache diary?

Answer: Possible signs include: Irritability Depression Frequent yawning Feeling especially excitable If headaches plague you, keep a daily headache diary. That way you can look back a day or two before a headache starts for signs of what may have triggered your headache. Record any irritability or other prodromal signs. Also, if you think weather is a factor, record any of the common weather and environmental triggers listed above. Keep a detailed diary for three months to allow the variable patterns of your headaches to show up.


Question: Are people who get headaches in extreme weather more sensitive to the environment?

Answer: Experts believe that people who get frequent headaches have a greater sensitivity to changes in the environment. They also have a lower threshold to the pain response. The reason, they suspect, is that people who get migraine headaches have likely inherited this sensitivity.


Question: What can you do to cope with headaches and migraines?

Answer: Possible signs include: Irritability Depression Frequent yawning Feeling especially excitable If headaches plague you, keep a daily headache diary. That way you can look back a day or two before a headache starts for signs of what may have triggered your headache. Record any irritability or other prodromal signs. Also, if you think weather is a factor, record any of the common weather and environmental triggers listed above. Keep a detailed diary for three months to allow the variable patterns of your headaches to show up. In your headache diary, write the following: Your headache symptoms: where you feel the pain, what the pain feels like, and any other symptoms, such as vomiting or sensitivity to noise, smells, or bright light The time your headache started and ended Any food and beverages you had (common triggers include chocolate, caffeine, and foods with the preservatives MSG and nitrates) Any changes in the weather, such as storms, high winds, or high humidity Any treatment you tried, and whether it helped or made the headache worse Some experts believe that people link their headaches to weather more than is actually true.


Question: Why does the weather trigger headaches and migraines?

Answer: As noted earlier, there is a theory that headaches triggered by extreme weather are a protective, or defensive, response because they lead the person to seek a more hospitable environment. Experts believe that people who get frequent headaches have a greater sensitivity to changes in the environment. They also have a lower threshold to the pain response. The reason, they suspect, is that people who get migraine headaches have likely inherited this sensitivity. The survey cited earlier also found that two out of three headache sufferers had not discussed environmental triggers with their doctors. Nearly half of them, though, had been plagued by headaches for more than 20 years.


Question: Do experts know what causes migraine?

Answer: Most believe a combination of factors, from genetics to neurovascular imbalances in the brain, play a role. In your headache diary, write the following: Your headache symptoms: where you feel the pain, what the pain feels like, and any other symptoms, such as vomiting or sensitivity to noise, smells, or bright light The time your headache started and ended Any food and beverages you had (common triggers include chocolate, caffeine, and foods with the preservatives MSG and nitrates) Any changes in the weather, such as storms, high winds, or high humidity Any treatment you tried, and whether it helped or made the headache worse Some experts believe that people link their headaches to weather more than is actually true.


Question: What are specific weather triggers of headaches and migraines?

Answer: Three out of every four respondents said that weather triggered their headache pain. Specific weather triggers include: Changes in humidity Changes in temperature Storms Extremely dry conditions Dusty environments Listed below are common environmental triggers for headaches included in the survey and the percentage of people who identified them as triggers. The survey cited earlier also found that two out of three headache sufferers had not discussed environmental triggers with their doctors.


Question: What plays a role in headaches and migraines?

Answer: Most believe a combination of factors, from genetics to neurovascular imbalances in the brain, play a role. In your headache diary, write the following: Your headache symptoms: where you feel the pain, what the pain feels like, and any other symptoms, such as vomiting or sensitivity to noise, smells, or bright light The time your headache started and ended Any food and beverages you had (common triggers include chocolate, caffeine, and foods with the preservatives MSG and nitrates) Any changes in the weather, such as storms, high winds, or high humidity Any treatment you tried, and whether it helped or made the headache worse Some experts believe that people link their headaches to weather more than is actually true.


Question: What are warning signs of headaches and migraines triggered by the weather?

Answer: Keeping a headache or migraine diary is the first step toward keeping pain from disrupting your life. Some people have clear signs that a migraine headache is coming. Possible signs include: Irritability Depression Frequent yawning Feeling especially excitable If headaches plague you, keep a daily headache diary. Record any irritability or other prodromal signs.


Question: Does the weather really trigger headaches and migraines?

Answer: People often have more than one type of trigger for their headaches. But those same experts would agree that headache is still somewhat of a mystery. They also point out that headaches are as individual as they are unpredictable. The only way to know for sure if weather is a factor for you is to find out for yourself. And the only way to do that is with a detailed headache diary. But you may be better able to plan around it and keep your headaches at bay.


Question: What common environmental triggers can cause migraines?

Answer: Specific weather triggers include: Changes in humidity Changes in temperature Storms Extremely dry conditions Dusty environments Listed below are common environmental triggers for headaches included in the survey and the percentage of people who identified them as triggers. People often have more than one type of trigger for their headaches. They also said they'd stayed away from places likely to have smoke in the air, such as restaurants or bars. In your headache diary, write the following: Your headache symptoms: where you feel the pain, what the pain feels like, and any other symptoms, such as vomiting or sensitivity to noise, smells, or bright light The time your headache started and ended Any food and beverages you had (common triggers include chocolate, caffeine, and foods with the preservatives MSG and nitrates) Any changes in the weather, such as storms, high winds, or high humidity Any treatment you tried, and whether it helped or made the headache worse Some experts believe that people link their headaches to weather more than is actually true.


Question: Can testosterone leves go down in women during menopause?

Answer: At menopause, women experience a decline in testosterone. That decline may be correlated to a reduced libido.


Question: What happens when testosterone levels rise in women?

Answer: If your body produces too much testosterone, you may have irregular or absent menstrual periods. You may also have more body hair than the average woman. Some women with high testosterone levels develop frontal balding. Other possible effects include acne, an enlarged clitoris, increased muscle mass, and deepening of voice. High levels of testosterone can also lead to infertility and are commonly seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS).


Question: Why might estrogen levels fall?

Answer: There are many reasons why estrogen levels fall, including: Hypogonadism Hypopituitarism Pregnancy failure (estriol) Perimenopause and menopause (estradiol) Polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS) Anorexia nervosa (eating disorder) Extreme exercise or training Drugs that block estrogen include clomiphene, which tricks the body into thinking it has decreased levels of estrogen.


Question: What are the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

Answer: They include: Obesity An apple-shaped body Excessive or thinning hair Acne Menstrual irregularity PCOS is associated with: Higher levels of circulating male hormones Insulin resistance Carbohydrate intolerance -- conditions that make you prone to gaining weight Low levels of HDL -- ''good'' -- cholesterol Elevated triglycerides High LDL -- ''bad'' -- cholesterol Obesity High blood pressure As women with PCOS age, the presence of these risk factors increases their risk for heart disease.


Question: How can women know if their hormone levels are too high or too low?

Answer: Your doctor can do a physical examination and assess your health situation and symptoms to determine if further laboratory tests are needed to check hormone levels. Those tests may be important if you have a health condition such as PCOS or have stopped menstruating because of excessive athletic training or anorexia nervosa. If the tests show abnormal levels of hormones, your doctor can prescribe effective treatment.


Question: Can medications cause estrogen levels to rise in women?

Answer: This can be a problem for women such as athletes, models, and gymnasts.


Question: What symptoms can a drop in estrogen at menopause cause?

Answer: The drop of estrogen levels at menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including: Hot flashes Night sweats Vaginal dryness or itching Loss of libido or sex drive Some women experience moodiness.


Question: Do women have testosterone?

Answer: Testosterone belongs to a class of male hormones called androgens. But women also have testosterone. The ovaries produce both testosterone and estrogen. Relatively small quantities of testosterone are released into your bloodstream by the ovaries and adrenal glands.


Question: What is estradiol?

Answer: A hormone is a chemical substance. Estriol is made from the placenta. Estradiol is responsible for female characteristics and sexual functioning. Also, estradiol is important to women's bone health. Estradiol contributes to most gynecologic problems, including endometriosis and fibroids and even female cancers.


Question: Do estrogen levels fall at menopause?

Answer: It is the main estrogen present after menopause. Estrogen levels fall at menopause. This is a natural transition for all women between ages 40 and 55. The first natural decline in estrogen levels starts during this phase.


Question: Why do estrogen levels rise in women?

Answer: During puberty, it's normal for levels of estrogen to rise. In addition, high levels of estrogen are seen in women who are extremely overweight. Estrogen levels rise during a healthy pregnancy, and increased estrogen levels may be seen with tumors of the ovaries, testes, or adrenal glands.


Question: How much should I regularly exercise to treat my migraine?

Answer: Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.


Question: Are there groups or organizations that can help me with my migraines?

Answer: From medications, to alternative treatments, to new methods to ease stress and relax, try these tips to keep the pain at bay. Other people with migraine headaches can offer other tips on how to deal with your symptoms. See if you can find some that meet in your area or online.


Question: How can I relieve emotional stress to treat my migraine?

Answer: From medications, to alternative treatments, to new methods to ease stress and relax, try these tips to keep the pain at bay. Learn skills that can calm you, like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.


Question: What happens to my body after 3-9 months of not smoking?

Answer: At this point, you can take deeper, clearer breaths. Instead of hacking, you cough in a helpful way that actually clears things out. That helps you get fewer colds and other illnesses. You'll also have more energy.


Question: What happens to my body after 10 years of not smoking?

Answer: And compared to when you first quit, you're half as likely to get cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, or bladder. Compared to someone who still smokes, you're now half as likely to die from lung cancer. And the chances you'll get cancer of the larynx (voice box) and pancreas both drop.


Question: What happens to my body after 5 years of not smoking?

Answer: Compared to someone who still smokes, you're now half as likely to die from lung cancer. And the chances you'll get cancer of the larynx (voice box) and pancreas both drop. Finally, after 15 years of not smoking, the chances that you'll get heart disease are the same as if you never smoked.


Question: What happens to your body 48 hours after you stop smoking?

Answer: By this point, your senses of taste and smell get sharper as your nerve endings start to heal. Your body's also busy with a lot of cleanup. Your lungs kick out mucus and other gunk left from cigarettes. And you don't have any more nicotine in your body. This is also about the time when the toughest withdrawal symptoms show up. You might feel anxious, dizzy, hungry, or tired. You might get headaches or feel bored or depressed.


Question: What happens to my body after 15 years of not smoking?

Answer: Finally, after 15 years of not smoking, the chances that you'll get heart disease are the same as if you never smoked.


Question: What happens to my body after 8 hours of not smoking?

Answer: Why does that matter? Carbon monoxide is a chemical in cigarettes, and it crowds out oxygen in your blood. That causes problems from your muscles to your brain because they don't get the oxygen they need. But as the chemical's levels drop, your oxygen gets back to normal. By the end of day 3, you breathe easier and have more energy.


Question: What two species of black widow are common in the United States?

Answer: Two species are common to the United States: The southern black widow. This spider has a shiny, black, globe-shaped abdomen. You'll know it by the red hourglass mark on the underside. The northern black widow. You'll notice a row of red spots down the middle of the upper surface of its abdomen. It also has two crosswise bars on the underside. Just to make things interesting, the markings can also be yellow or white. The spider may be brown or have red legs.


Question: How can black widow spider bites be prevented?

Answer: Black widow spiders live in cool, dark places like sheds and garages. They normally bite when they're startled or surprised. To reduce your risk of being bitten, keep storage areas clean. And outside, try to avoid woodpiles, fallen tree branches, and other places they may hide.


Question: What are symptoms of a black widow spider bite?

Answer: The black widow spider produces a protein venom (poison) that affects your nervous system. Some people are slightly affected by it, but others may have a severe response. Right away, you may feel severe pain, burning, swelling, and redness at the site. You may even see two fang marks. Other symptoms include: Muscles that begin to hurt and become stiff, usually within 8 hours Nausea or vomiting Difficulty breathing Severe abdominal pain or cramping Excessive sweating Rash and itching Swollen eyelids Weakness or tremors. You may not be able to move your legs. Many of the symptoms of a black widow bite can look like those of other conditions. But if you think you've been bitten by this spider, make an appointment to see your doctor. IMPORTANT: If you suspect your child was bitten by a black widow, get to the emergency room right away. These bites can be fatal in young children.