Question: What are examples of calcium channel blockers?

Answer: Examples of calcium channel blockers include: Norvasc (amlodipine) Plendil (felodipine) Dyna Circ (isradipine) Cardene (nicardipine) Procardia XL, Adalat (nifedipine) Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, Diltia XL (diltiazem) Sular ( Nisoldipine) Isoptin, Calan, Verelan, Covera- HS (verapamil) Potential side effects from taking a calcium channel blocker include: Dizziness or lightheadedness Low blood pressure Heart rhythm problems Dry mouth Edema (swelling of ankles, feet, or lower legs) Headache Nausea Fatigue Skin rash Constipation or diarrhea Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD) Before taking a calcium channel blocker, tell your doctor: About any medical conditions you have, including any heart or blood vessel disorders, kidney or liver disease About every medication you are taking, including any over-the-counter or herbal medications; certain drugs may interact with calcium channel blockers.


Question: What skin problems may be treated with sea buckthorn?

Answer: Though not proven in human clinical trials, people say they take sea buckthorn specifically to try to: Treat stomach or intestinal problems Improve blood pressure or blood cholesterol Prevent or manage blood vessel or heart disease Complement cancer treatment Boost immunity and prevent infections Treat obesity Improve symptoms of cirrhosis Improve eyesight or dry eyes Treat respiratory problems such as asthma, colds, and pneumonia People also use sea buckthorn as a sunscreen or cosmetic, and for a variety of skin problems such as: Radiation damage Exanthemata, a skin rash usually found in children Bedsores, burns, or cuts Acne, dermatitis, or dry skin There isn't enough evidence to confirm that sea buckthorn works for most of these health problems.


Question: Why do people take sea buckthorn?

Answer: Though not proven in human clinical trials, people say they take sea buckthorn specifically to try to: Treat stomach or intestinal problems Improve blood pressure or blood cholesterol Prevent or manage blood vessel or heart disease Complement cancer treatment Boost immunity and prevent infections Treat obesity Improve symptoms of cirrhosis Improve eyesight or dry eyes Treat respiratory problems such as asthma, colds, and pneumonia People also use sea buckthorn as a sunscreen or cosmetic, and for a variety of skin problems such as: Radiation damage Exanthemata, a skin rash usually found in children Bedsores, burns, or cuts Acne, dermatitis, or dry skin There isn't enough evidence to confirm that sea buckthorn works for most of these health problems.


Question: What is sea buckthorn?

Answer: It contains many medicinal compounds, as well as nutrients that include: Vitamins Amino acids Fatty acids Minerals The leaves, flowers, seeds, and berries of sea buckthorn are used in teas, oils, or concentrates for a wide variety of health issues. For hundreds of years, sea buckthorn has been used in Russia and China for its medical and nutritional qualities.


Question: What conditions may be treated with sea buckthorn?

Answer: Though not proven in human clinical trials, people say they take sea buckthorn specifically to try to: Treat stomach or intestinal problems Improve blood pressure or blood cholesterol Prevent or manage blood vessel or heart disease Complement cancer treatment Boost immunity and prevent infections Treat obesity Improve symptoms of cirrhosis Improve eyesight or dry eyes Treat respiratory problems such as asthma, colds, and pneumonia People also use sea buckthorn as a sunscreen or cosmetic, and for a variety of skin problems such as: Radiation damage Exanthemata, a skin rash usually found in children Bedsores, burns, or cuts Acne, dermatitis, or dry skin There isn't enough evidence to confirm that sea buckthorn works for most of these health problems. But there is some limited research showing it might be helpful for: Dry eyes Atopic dermatitis In animal studies, sea buckthorn has also shown some promise in slowing the growth of tumors and ulcers.


Question: Who should avoid using sea buckthorn?

Answer: Avoid using sea buckthorn if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There is not enough information to prove its safety. The FDA does not regulate supplements. Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications, foods, or other herbs and supplements. He or she can let you know if the supplement might raise your risks.


Question: What are other causes of diarrhea from diabetes?

Answer: Linagliptin ( Tradjenta) Miglitol ( Glyset) Saxagliptin ( Onglyza) Sitagliptin ( Januvia) Eating a lot of sugar-free sweeteners -- like maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol -- can cause diarrhea. They're from a family of compounds called sugar alcohols. Because your body doesn't break them down and absorb them completely, they pull extra water into your intestines. If you have type 1 diabetes, you are at higher risk for having celiac disease. People with this disorder can't eat gluten (a protein found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley) because it damages the small intestine.


Question: What is Metformin?

Answer: Metformin is in medicines many people take for type 2 diabetes. It helps lower your blood glucose and makes your body more sensitive to insulin, but it can also cause nausea and diarrhea when you first start taking it or raise the dose. Those side effects usually go away in a few weeks.


Question: What can you do if you have diarrhea or constipation from diabetes?

Answer: He can help you figure out what's going on and how to treat it. You may be able to manage diarrhea and constipation by having smaller meals more often, eating fiber-rich foods, or taking medicine. Keeping your blood sugar at your target level may help lessen symptoms and stop nerve damage from getting worse.


Question: How can diabetes lead to diarrhea or constipation?

Answer: But over time, high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels and nerves in your body, including your digestive system. A speed-up or slow-down of the process in your intestines could result in diarrhea or constipation. Diabetes medications, certain foods, and related illnesses can cause diarrhea, too.


Question: How does nerve damage from diabetes cause diarrhea?

Answer: Fluid that lingers in your small intestine too long can allow too much bacteria to grow. This could lead to bloating, belly pain, and diarrhea. Nerve damage in your large intestine may let fluids move through too fast, or cause problems with absorbing and releasing fluid. If that's the case, your poop could be more watery, and you'll need to go more often and urgently.


Question: What types of vaginal estrogen treat vaginal dryness?

Answer: Most women use one of three types of vaginal estrogen: Ring ( Estring): You or your doctor inserts this soft, flexible ring into your vagina where it releases a steady stream of estrogen directly to the tissues. The ring is replaced every 3 months. Tablet ( Vagifem): You use a disposable applicator to put a tablet into your vagina once a day for the first two weeks of treatment. Then you do it twice a week until you no longer need it. Cream ( Estrace, Premarin): You use an applicator to get the cream into your vagina. You'll typically apply the cream daily for 1 to 2 weeks, then cut back to one to three times a week as directed by your doctor.


Question: What are other causes of vaginal dryness?

Answer: Estrogen levels can also drop because of: Childbirth and breastfeeding Radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer Surgical removal of the ovaries Anti-estrogen medications used to treat uterine fibroids or endometriosis Other causes of vaginal dryness include: SjÃ¶gren's syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that attacks cells in the body that produce moisture) Allergy and cold medications Certain antidepressants Douching Not enough foreplay before sex No matter what the cause, vaginal dryness can be extremely uncomfortable. It can lead to itching, burning, and painful intercourse.


Question: What should I avoid to prevent vaginal dryness?

Answer: Avoid using douches, bubble baths, scented soaps, and lotions around the sensitive vaginal area. These products can worsen dryness.


Question: How is vaginal dryness diagnosed?

Answer: Any burning, itching, or discomfort in the area is worth a call to your doctor or gynecologist. They'll ask about your past health and find out how long you've had symptoms and what seems to make them worse or better. Your doctor will do a pelvic exam, checking your vagina for any thinning or redness. The exam will help rule out other possible causes for your discomfort, including a vaginal or urinary tract infection. The doctor may also remove cells from your vaginal wall or cervix for a Pap test.


Question: What should you know about vaginal dryness?

Answer: It can happen at any age from a number of different causes. It may seem like a minor irritation. But the lack of vaginal moisture can have a huge impact on your sex life. Fortunately, several treatments are available to relieve vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness is common symptom of menopause -- and close to one out of every three women deals with it while going through "the change." It becomes even more common afterward.


Question: What conditions can lead to a broken rib?

Answer: There are several ways your ribs could be broken: A traffic accident Getting punched in your rib cage Contact sports -- football, hockey, or soccer, for example Repeated movements, like swinging a golf club, rowing or swimming Coughing very hard again and again A fall onto a hard surface Getting CPR Some conditions can lead to a broken rib without your being hit very hard, including: Osteoporosis (thin, brittle bones, usually linked to aging) Cancerous lesions that weaken bones Sharp chest pain happens with a broken rib.


Question: How is a broken rib diagnosed?

Answer: He'll ask you what happened and will touch the painful area. He'll want to listen to your lungs when you breathe and watch your rib cage as your chest goes up and down. If your doctor suspects a rib fracture, he will want to get images of your chest. If the broken rib is caused by blunt trauma or a serious accident, he will want to make sure there's is no other serious damage to internal organs. Your doctor might order one or more of these: X-ray. These catch 75% of all broken ribs. They can also show other problems, like a collapsed lung. CT scan. This type of image shows fractures that don't appear on X-rays. Your doctor will want you to get one if he thinks the X-ray missed something. It can also show damage to soft tissue and organs, like your lungs, liver, spleen or kidneys. MRI. Like a CT scan, these images can show fractures that X-rays miss. They can pinpoint damage to soft tissue and organs. Bone scan. If you have a stress fracture to a rib, or a history of prostate cancer, this may do a better job of showing where the damage is.


Question: What are the consequences of a broken rib?

Answer: Many times, it's just a crack or hairline fracture, and the rib doesn't move out of place. But if more ribs are broken or if the fracture is from a serious injury, more problems are possible. A broken rib can have a jagged edge that juts into the chest cavity. There's a chance that it can harm one of your organs: If you break a rib toward the top of your rib cage, the sharp end of the bone could tear or puncture an important blood vessel. If you break a rib in the middle of your rib cage, the sharp end of bone could puncture a lung. If you break a rib toward the bottom of your rib cage, the sharp end of the bone could cause damage to your liver, kidney, or spleen.


Question: What can cause a broken rib?

Answer: There are several ways your ribs could be broken: A traffic accident Getting punched in your rib cage Contact sports -- football, hockey, or soccer, for example Repeated movements, like swinging a golf club, rowing or swimming Coughing very hard again and again A fall onto a hard surface Getting CPR Some conditions can lead to a broken rib without your being hit very hard, including: Osteoporosis (thin, brittle bones, usually linked to aging) Cancerous lesions that weaken bones Sharp chest pain happens with a broken rib.


Question: How is pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) diagnosed?

Answer: These include: Cephalosporins ( Cephalexin, Suprax) Clindamycin ( Cleocin) Fluoroquinolones ( Cipro, Levaquin) Penicillin (amoxicillin, ampicillin) PMC also can be related to: Changes in your diet Chemotherapy Hirschsprung disease (a condition that affects your colon) Kidney disease or kidney failure Malnutrition Recent bowel surgery Shock To find out if you have PMC, you may need one of these tests: Blood test to check your white blood cell count Imaging tests, like an X-ray or CT scan of your lower belly (for serious cases) Stool sample test to check for bacteria in your colon You also may have a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, which are exams that look inside your colon with a thin flexible tube. Your doctor may take a tissue sample during the exam for testing.


Question: Is plucking a good option for hair removal?

Answer: Plucking or tweezing can be painful, but it may be a good option if you only have a few hairs you want to remove. Times when you might want to pluck include when you're reshaping your eyebrows or pulling out a few stray hairs that appear on your face. You should not, however, use this hair removal method for large areas. It can cause ingrown hairs or scarring.


Question: What is Vaniqa?

Answer: There is a prescription cream called Vaniqa that's approved by the FDA for slowing facial hair growth in women. This cream slows growth, but it will not remove the hair. You apply it to the area twice a day. Once you stop using the cream, the hair will regrow.


Question: What are the two main types of electrolysis?

Answer: Galvanic hair removal chemically destroys the hair follicle. Thermolytic removal uses heat to destroy the follicle. In either case, be sure to find a professional who is highly trained and knowledgeable.


Question: What should I do in an eye emergency?

Answer: Do not stop flushing your child's eye until medical help arrives unless instructed otherwise. If possible, show the chemical to health care providers. If your child is hit in the eye with a blunt object, examine the eye closely. If you see bleeding or cannot open the child's eyelids, seek immediate medical attention. If your child continues to be in pain, constantly rubs his or her injured eye, has persistent tearing, or complains of blurry or double vision, call the doctor. In the meantime, cover your child's injured eye with a cold pack for 15 minutes every hour or so. If you are using an ice pack, wrap it in a moistened cloth so the eye does not become damaged from freezing. If your child's eye is injured with a sharp object, do NOT press on the eye or eyelid. Cover the eye with a shield (the cut-out bottom of a foam cup would do) and seek immediate medical attention. If the sharp object is still in the child's eye DO NOT remove it. Instead cover the eye and call 911.


Question: How often should my child's eyes be checked?

Answer: Some good examples are: Building or linking blocks Puzzles Stringing beads Pegboards Drawing tools like pencils, chalk, crayons, and markers Finger paints Modeling clay Experts have different opinions on vision screening and exams for children. Talk to your doctor about what's right for your child.


Question: What toys improve hand-eye coordination?

Answer: Some good examples are: Building or linking blocks Puzzles Stringing beads Pegboards Drawing tools like pencils, chalk, crayons, and markers Finger paints Modeling clay Experts have different opinions on vision screening and exams for children.


Question: How can I help my baby develop good eyesight?

Answer: To help your baby develop good eyesight: Place toys within focus of your baby's eyes, only 8 to 12 inches away. Encourage your baby to crawl. This helps develop hand-eye coordination. Talk to your baby as you move around the room to encourage his or her eyes to follow you. Hang a mobile above or outside of your baby's crib. Give your baby toys to hold and visualize. Make sure your baby is following moving objects with his eyes and developing eye-hand coordination. If he seems delayed, talk to your child's doctor.


Question: How often should your child's eyes be checked?

Answer: Some good examples are: Building or linking blocks Puzzles Stringing beads Pegboards Drawing tools like pencils, chalk, crayons, and markers Finger paints Modeling clay Experts have different opinions on vision screening and exams for children. Talk to your doctor about what's right for your child.


Question: How can you help your baby develop good eyesight?

Answer: To help your baby develop good eyesight: Place toys within focus of your baby's eyes, only 8 to 12 inches away. Encourage your baby to crawl. This helps develop hand-eye coordination. Talk to your baby as you move around the room to encourage his or her eyes to follow you. Hang a mobile above or outside of your baby's crib. Give your baby toys to hold and visualize. Make sure your baby is following moving objects with his eyes and developing eye-hand coordination. If he seems delayed, talk to your child's doctor.


Question: What should you do in an eye emergency?

Answer: Do not stop flushing your child's eye until medical help arrives unless instructed otherwise. If possible, show the chemical to health care providers. If your child is hit in the eye with a blunt object, examine the eye closely. If you see bleeding or cannot open the child's eyelids, seek immediate medical attention. If your child continues to be in pain, constantly rubs his or her injured eye, has persistent tearing, or complains of blurry or double vision, call the doctor. In the meantime, cover your child's injured eye with a cold pack for 15 minutes every hour or so. If you are using an ice pack, wrap it in a moistened cloth so the eye does not become damaged from freezing. If your child's eye is injured with a sharp object, do NOT press on the eye or eyelid. Cover the eye with a shield (the cut-out bottom of a foam cup would do) and seek immediate medical attention. If the sharp object is still in the child's eye DO NOT remove it. Instead cover the eye and call 911.


Question: What are some examples of stimulating toys to help your child's developing eyesight?

Answer: As your baby grows into an active child, continue to encourage good eyesight by providing visually stimulating toys that will improve motor and eye-hand coordination skills. Some good examples are: Building or linking blocks Puzzles Stringing beads Pegboards Drawing tools like pencils, chalk, crayons, and markers Finger paints Modeling clay Experts have different opinions on vision screening and exams for children.


Question: What type of doctors perform gum contouring?

Answer: Many general dentists and periodontists (gum specialists) can perform the gum contouring procedure. Before having the procedure done, ask your dentist about his or her knowledge and experience with the process.


Question: What is gum contouring for?

Answer: If your gums rest too low or too high on your teeth and you are unhappy with your smile, you may be a candidate for gum contouring surgery. Also called gum reshaping or tissue sculpting, this cosmetic dental procedure can even out an uneven gum line and give you a smile you can be proud of.


Question: How expensive is gum contouring?

Answer: The cost of gum contouring depends on the extent of the work being done. Talk to your dentist about the cost based on your individual needs. Dental insurance does not typically cover gum contouring for cosmetic purposes.


Question: Does depression change how you feel pain?

Answer: Some of these networks also process information for sensing physical pain. So many experts think that depression can make you feel pain differently than other people. Any kind of chronic painmay get worse.


Question: How do you treat physical symptoms of depression?

Answer: Tell your doctor about any physical symptoms: Don't assume they'll go away on their own. Sometimes, treating your depression -- with therapy or medicine or both -- will clear up your physical symptoms. Medicines for depression "tweak" the chemicals your nerve cell networks use communicate, making them work more efficiently. Some antidepressants, such as duloxetine ( Cymbalta), venlafaxine ( Effexor), and older tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline ( Elavil) or desipramine ( Norpramin), may help with chronic pain, too. But you may also need something else. For example, your doctor may suggest an anti-anxiety or sleep aid medicine for insomnia so you can relax and sleep better.


Question: Can depression cause physical symptoms?

Answer: Depression can cause real changes in your body. For instance, it can slow down your digestion, which can result in stomach problems. Because these symptoms happen with many conditions, people with depression may never get help for them. They don't realize that their physical problems might be caused by their mental illness. A lot of doctors miss them, too.


Question: What are physical symptoms of depression?

Answer: Depression can cause real changes in your body.


Question: Is there a supplement that can cure diabetes?

Answer: Supplements don't cure diabetes, either. Some natural supplements may interact dangerously with your diabetes medication. Others have been shown to help improve your diabetes, but always check with your doctor before taking any supplement. Be skeptical about claims of a diabetes cure. A genuine cure will have been tested repeatedly in clinical trials with clear success.


Question: Is there a cure for diabetes?

Answer: But the reality is that there is no cure for diabetes -- neither type 1 diabetes nor type 2 diabetes. ( Although lifestyle changes can achieve remission in type 2 diabetes in some cases.) However, there are treatments, including simple things you can do daily, that make a big difference.


Question: Can islet cell transplantation be a cure for diabetes?

Answer: Islet cells sense blood sugar levels and make insulin. The cells come from a donor. Once transplanted successfully, the donor cells begin to make and release insulin in response to blood sugar levels. This procedure can provide more flexibility with meal planning and help protect against serious long-term diabetes complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve and eye damage. The person receiving the transplant must take medicine for the rest of their life to prevent their body from rejecting the donor's cells.


Question: How can I manage blood sugar levels effectively?

Answer: To manage diabetes effectively, you need to do the following: Manage your blood sugar levels. Know what to do to help keep them as near to normal as possible every day: Check your glucose levels frequently. Take your diabetes medicine regularly. And balance your food intake with medication, exercise, stress management, and good sleep habits.


Question: How effective are treatments for diabetes?

Answer: Even though there's no diabetes cure, diabetes can be treated and controlled, and some people may go into remission.


Question: Could a pancreas transplantation cure diabetes?

Answer: Getting a transplanted pancreas is a possibility for some people with type 1 diabetes. It's usually done in those who also have end-stage kidney (renal) disease. A pancreatic transplant would help restore blood sugar control. Like anyone else who gets a transplant, the patient would need to take medicine for the rest of their life to help their body accept their new pancreas.


Question: Can diabetes go into remission?

Answer: Even though there's no diabetes cure, diabetes can be treated and controlled, and some people may go into remission.


Question: How can you manage your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes?

Answer: To manage diabetes effectively, you need to do the following: Manage your blood sugar levels. Know what to do to help keep them as near to normal as possible every day: Check your glucose levels frequently. Take your diabetes medicine regularly. And balance your food intake with medication, exercise, stress management, and good sleep habits.


Question: What is an islet cell transplantation for diabetes?

Answer: Islet cells sense blood sugar levels and make insulin. The cells come from a donor. Once transplanted successfully, the donor cells begin to make and release insulin in response to blood sugar levels. This procedure can provide more flexibility with meal planning and help protect against serious long-term diabetes complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve and eye damage. The person receiving the transplant must take medicine for the rest of their life to prevent their body from rejecting the donor's cells.


Question: Is there a natural therapy that can cure diabetes?

Answer: Natural therapies such as deep abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback can help relieve stress. And emotional stress affects your blood sugar levels.


Question: How does weight loss surgery help treat diabetes?

Answer: Weight Loss Surgery After weight loss surgery, many people with type 2 diabetes see their blood sugar levels return to near normal. Some experts call this a remission. It's not unusual for people to no longer need diabetes medicines after weight loss surgery. The more weight a person loses after surgery, the greater improvement in blood sugar control. After surgery, if extra weight returns, your diabetes can return too.


Question: What lifestyle changes can help me manage my diabetes?

Answer: Plan what you eat at each meal. Stick to your diabetes eating plan as often as possible. Bring healthy snacks with you. You'll be less likely to snack on empty calories. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps you keep you fit, burns calories, and helps normalize your blood glucose levels. Keep up with your medical appointments. That includes your doctor, diabetes educator, ophthalmologist, dentist, podiatrist, and other health care professionals.


Question: Are stem cells a cure for diabetes?

Answer: Stem cells are cells that can develop into other types of cells. Scientists have had some success with stem cells in type 1 diabetes.


Question: How can food and exercise help me manage diabetes effectively?

Answer: Plan what you eat at each meal. Stick to your diabetes eating plan as often as possible. Bring healthy snacks with you. You'll be less likely to snack on empty calories. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps you keep you fit, burns calories, and helps normalize your blood glucose levels.


Question: What should you know about inherited colorectal cancer?

Answer: Colorectal cancer is called "hereditary" or "inherited" when several generations of a family have colorectal cancer. Several gene mutations, or abnormalities, that cause colorectal cancer, and allow it to be transmitted to family members, have been found. A gene is a block of DNA that holds the genetic code, or instructions, for producing proteins vital to our bodily functions. The two most common inherited colorectal cancer syndromes are hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer ( HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis ( FAP). They can affect men and women, and the children of people who carry these genes have a 50% chance of inheriting the disease-causing gene. These two inherited cancer syndromes account for less than 5% of all colorectal cancers.


Question: What is familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndrome?

Answer: Familial adenomatous polyposis ( FAP) is a rare condition characterized by the presence of more than hundreds or even thousands of benign polyps, or growths in the large intestine and upper respiratory tract. It is thought to be present in about 1% of all people diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. The polyps occur early in life, with 95% of people with FAP developing polyps by age 35, and are often detected in patients in their teens, with 50% developing polyps by age 15. If the colon is not surgically removed, there is almost a 100% chance that some of the polyps will develop into cancer, usually by age 40. Thyroid cancer is associated with FAP. While most cases of FAP are inherited, nearly a third of the cases are the result of a spontaneous (newly-occurring) gene mutation, or abnormality. For those who develop a new gene mutation, it is possible to pass the FAP gene onto their children.


Question: What is the difference between familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)?

Answer: There are two main differences between FAP and HNPCC, and they include: Number of genes mutated. In FAP, there is only one gene, the APC gene, which is abnormal. In HNPCC, there are several gene, mutations which may be responsible for the development of the condition. Presence of polyps, or growths that can become cancer. FAP is characterized by the presence of more than 100 benign polyps. In HNPCC, affected people have fewer polyps, but these polyps can become cancerous more quickly than normal.


Question: What is hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)?

Answer: Nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, HNPCC, is the most common form of hereditary colon cancer, accounting for about 3% of all colorectal cancer diagnoses each year. People with HNPCC often have at least three family members and two generations with colorectal cancer, and cancer develops before age 50. Although not everyone who inherits the HNPCC gene will develop colorectal cancer, the risk is very high -- about 80%. People with HNPCC also have a higher risk of developing other Lynch syndrome-related cancers, such as kidney, ovarian, uterine, renal, pelvis, small intestine, and stomach cancer.


Question: Is airplane ear muffling your hearing?

Answer: It happens when the air pressure in your middle ear and the air pressure around you aren't in synch. Airplane ear doesn't just happen on planes. Anything that limits the way your eustachian tube -- which helps your ear keep the right air pressure -- works can increase your risk. Some common activities and conditions that can lead to airplane ear include: Diving Middle ear infection (otitis media) Sinus infection Common cold Hay fever A mild case of airplane ear can cause muffled hearing or some hearing loss, a feeling of "stuffiness" inside your ear, and possibly pain. goes away when you yawn, swallow, or chew gum. But if it lasts more than a few hours or seems severe, call your doctor. She may recommend decongestant sprays or pills, antihistamines, or over-the-counter pain relievers.


Question: Is ear wax muffling your hearing?

Answer: Earwax (cerumen) helps protect your ears from infection. When you talk or chew, you help move the wax from the inside to the outside of your ear where it dries and flakes off. Cleaning inside your ear canal, especially with cotton swabs, can push wax deeper into the ear. That can cause a wax buildup (cerumen impaction) that can make it hard for you to hear with the affected ear. Other things can cause earwax buildup as well. For example, the shape of the canals can make it hard to clear the wax, and hearing aids or earplugs also can cause it. You may also notice: A feeling of fullness in the ear Pain Ringing (tinnitus) Itchiness Discharge Odor A few drops of mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide in your ear can soften the wax and help clear it out. If that doesn't work, see your doctor. He may use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to try to flush it out or use special tools to remove the wax and improve your hearing.


Question: Is tinnitus causing your hearing to be muffled?

Answer: Your hearing could be muffled because of ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or clicking that isn't really there, known as tinnitus. It's one of the most common health issues in the U. S. -- about 15% of Americans have some form of it. Tinnitus isn't a disease -- it's a symptom of some other health condition. More than 200 disorders can cause it. Some of the more common ones include: Age-related hearing loss Certain drugs, including some antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), and water pills or diuretics Common cold Earwax buildup Head or neck injury Meniere's disease Noise-induced hearing loss Sinus pressure Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ (an issue with your lower jaw where it connects to your skull) Depending on the condition that causes it, tinnitus can go away on its own or you might have it for a long time. There's no specific cure for it, but some treatments can help. These include sound therapy, behavioral therapy, and hearing aids in the case of hearing loss. If your hearing does not improve, make sure to see your doctor to find out what it is and what to do about it.


Question: What is the first aid for seizures?

Answer: Seizure first aid is a matter of taking precautions. You're most likely to need it for a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Keep other people out of the way. Clear hard or sharp objects away from the person. Don't try to hold her down or stop the movements. Place her on her side, to help keep her airway clear. Look at your watch at the start of the seizure, to time its length. Don't put anything in her mouth. Contrary to a popular myth, you can't swallow your tongue during a seizure. But if you put an object in her mouth, she could damage her teeth or bite you.


Question: What is the sequence of events of tonic-clonic seizures?

Answer: They have a set sequence of events: The person may become unresponsive. She doesn't answer if you call. She won't react if you wave a hand in her face or shake her. She may suddenly collapse. Her muscles clench and she becomes rigid as a board. This is the tonic phase. It lasts a few seconds. Next, a series of jerking movements convulse her body. This is the clonic phase. It can last a few seconds or several minutes. Eventually, the jerking stops and she regains consciousness. She may be confused or disoriented for a short period.


Question: What serious side effects of fluoroquinolones have been reported?

Answer: Serious side effects reported to the FDA include an increase in ruptures or tears in the aorta, which is the main artery in the body, significant drops in blood sugar levels, ruptured tendons, pain, âpins and needlesâ sensations, and depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide and other mental health issues. About half of the patients who had serious side effects from fluoroquinolones said the side effects began after the first or second dose. Most patients reported: Long-term pain Pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness Symptoms affecting tendons, muscles, and joints, including swelling, pain, and tendon rupture Symptoms that lasted longer than a year Depression, anxiety or other changes in mental health Sensation changes or nerve damage in hands, feet, arms, or legs Dramatic impact on quality of life such as job loss, financial problems, and increased family tension Since most patients reported symptoms lasting longer than a year, it is possible that some of these effects will be permanent.


Question: What are the risks of fluoroquinolones and when are they not worth the benefit?

Answer: However, some people who take these medicines may develop disabling and potentially permanent side effects of the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system. A person can experience more than one of these side effects at the same time. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) advises against using fluoroquinolone antibiotics for the treatment of three common infections: acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and urinary tract infections ( UTI) without complications. The agency made this decision because the chances of serious side effects outweigh the benefits for most people.


Question: How long do side effects of fluoroquinolones last?

Answer: Most patients reported: Long-term pain Pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness Symptoms affecting tendons, muscles, and joints, including swelling, pain, and tendon rupture Symptoms that lasted longer than a year Depression, anxiety or other changes in mental health Sensation changes or nerve damage in hands, feet, arms, or legs Dramatic impact on quality of life such as job loss, financial problems, and increased family tension Since most patients reported symptoms lasting longer than a year, it is possible that some of these effects will be permanent. If you have side effects while on a medication, you can file a report with the FDA's Med Watch program.


Question: When is it okay to use fluoroquinolones, according to the FDA?

Answer: The FDA says it's OK use fluoroquinolones for other serious infections or for patients who have no other choice of treatment. This might include patients with allergies to other antibiotics or infections caused by hard-to treat, resistant bacteria.


Question: Have changes been made to warnings on fluoroquinolones labels?

Answer: The FDA approved changes to the labels and medication guides of fluoroquinolones taken by mouth or by injection based on patient reports of side effects. The FDA revised the boxed warning, the agency's strongest, to address these serious safety issues, and updated the patient medication guide. The medication guide is a paper handout that comes with many prescription medicines.


Question: What are symptoms of heart valve disease?

Answer: Arrhythmia symptoms may include: Palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats, fluttering or "flip-flops," or feeling that your heart is "running away") Pounding in your chest Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting Shortness of breath Chest discomfort Weakness or fatigue Symptoms of heart valve disease may include: Shortness of breath and/or difficulty catching your breath Weakness or dizziness Fainting Discomfort in your chest during an activity Palpitations that may feel like a rapid heart rhythm, irregular heartbeat, skipped beats or a flip-flop feeling in your chest If valve disease causes heart failure, symptoms may include: Swelling of your ankles, feet, or abdomen Quick weight gain (a weight gain of two or three pounds in one day is possible) Symptoms do not always relate to the seriousness of your valve disease.


Question: What are symptoms of arrhythmias?

Answer: Arrhythmia symptoms may include: Palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats, fluttering or "flip-flops," or feeling that your heart is "running away") Pounding in your chest Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting Shortness of breath Chest discomfort Weakness or fatigue Symptoms of heart valve disease may include: Shortness of breath and/or difficulty catching your breath Weakness or dizziness Fainting Discomfort in your chest during an activity Palpitations that may feel like a rapid heart rhythm, irregular heartbeat, skipped beats or a flip-flop feeling in your chest If valve disease causes heart failure, symptoms may include: Swelling of your ankles, feet, or abdomen Quick weight gain (a weight gain of two or three pounds in one day is possible) Symptoms do not always relate to the seriousness of your valve disease.


Question: What are the symptoms of a heart attack (myocardial infarction)?

Answer: Shortness of breath Palpitations (irregular heart beats, skipped beats, or a "flip-flop" feeling in your chest) Rapid heartbeat Weakness or dizziness Nausea Sweating Symptoms of a heart attack may include: Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest or left arm Fullness, indigestion, or a choking feeling (may feel like heartburn) Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat, or arm Sweating, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness Extreme weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath Rapid or irregular heartbeats Heart attack symptoms usually last 30 minutes or longer, and are not relieved by rest or by taking a form of heart medication called nitroglycerin.


Question: What are symptoms of congenital heart disease in adults?

Answer: In adults, if symptoms of congenital heart disease are present, they may include: Shortness of breath Limited ability to exercise Symptoms of heart failure (see above) or valve disease (see above) Symptoms of congenital heart disease in infants and children may include: Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, fingernails, and lips) Fast breathing and poor feeding Poor weight gain Recurrent lung infections Inability to exercise Many people with heart muscle disease have no symptoms or only minor symptoms and live a normal life.


Question: What are symptoms of heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)?

Answer: Symptoms of cardiomyopathy can occur at any age and may include: Chest pain or pressure (occurs usually with exercise or physical activity, but can also occur with rest or after meals) Heart failure symptoms (see above) Swelling of the lower extremities Fatigue Fainting Palpitations (fluttering in the chest due to abnormal heart rhythms) Sudden death can occur in a small number of people with cardiomyopathy.


Question: What are symptoms of pericarditis?

Answer: When present, symptoms of pericarditis may include: Chest pain. This pain is different from angina. It may be sharp and located in the center of the chest. The pain may radiate to the neck and occasionally, the arms and back. It is made worse by lying down, coughing, swallowing, or taking a deep breath, and is relieved by sitting forward. Low-grade fever Increased heart rate You experience unusual chest pain, particularly if it persists or recurs.


Question: What should I do with lupus medications that cause photosensitivity?

Answer: Many medications, including some used to treat lupus, can magnify the effects that sun has on a person's body, making them even more susceptible to the hazards of UV rays. Make sure to ask your doctor whether or not your medications will increase your sensitivity to sun or artificial light.


Question: What are symptoms of photosensitivity in people with lupus?

Answer: Other rashes might look like hives. Sunlight may cause also a lupus flare, resulting in fever, joint pain, or even organ inflammation.


Question: How do I avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays indoors if I have lupus photosensitivity?

Answer: Many indoor offices and businesses use halogen and fluorescent light bulbs. Copy machines also have lighting mechanisms that emit UV rays that can cause lupus symptoms. Fortunately, there are shades, shields, filters, and tube covers available through several manufacturers that can offer protection from UV rays that aggravate your lupus. You can eliminate UV rays emitted by photocopiers by simply closing the cover of the machine while the copier is in use. Remember that windows do not offer full protection from UV rays. Your lupus can actually be aggravated by harmful rays you receive through a car or building window, so it is best to protect yourself with window shades or films that block UV rays.


Question: Why should I cover up my skin to avoid lupus rash due to photosensitivity?

Answer: Because it is not always possible to avoid the sun entirely, people with lupus should protect themselves with clothing, too. Rashes caused by photosensitivity usually occur on parts of the body that are most often exposed to sun, including the face, neck, ears, and hands. Hats with large brims, along with tightly woven, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants can help provide maximum coverage from the sun. People with lupus who work or spend a lot of time outside should consider wearing clothing that has built-in sun protection or using an umbrella made with special fabric designed to block UV rays. If you are fair-skinned and have light eyes and light hair, you should be even more careful when exposed to UV rays, because people with those features are more sensitive to the sun and artificial light than people who have darker hair and skin.


Question: How does sunscreen help prevent symptoms of lupus photosensitivity?

Answer: Anyone who is out in the sun for more than 20 minutes daily should apply sunscreen, but people who have lupus should be especially vigilant. Sunscreen should have a sun protection factor ( SPF) of at least 30. Studies used to suggest that UVB rays -- the rays responsible for burning -- were most dangerous to people with lupus.


Question: How can I prevent lupus photosensitivity?

Answer: If photosensitivity is a problem for you, here are some ways to protect yourself from the sun: If you are photosensitive, the best rule is to avoid midday and tropical sun entirely. Unfortunately, that's not always the most practical advice, especially if your job or family situation requires that you spend time outside or near UV rays. People with lupus should not stay in the sun for extended periods and should make every effort to avoid UV rays outside, which are at their peak between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Don't be fooled by an overcast day, because clouds don't filter out all of the sun's UV rays. Keep track of the time you spend in the sun. It can take anywhere from hours to days before skin abnormalities occur from sun exposure.


Question: How is Holter monitoring used to diagnose heart palpitations?

Answer: It continuously records your heart's electrical signals for 24 to 48 hours. It can identify rhythm differences that weren't picked up during an EKG.


Question: How are heart palpitations diagnosed?

Answer: Heart conditions tied to palpitations include: Prior heart attack Coronary artery disease Heart failure Heart valve problems Heart muscle problems Your doctor will: Give you a physical exam Take down your medical history Want to know about your current medications, diet, and lifestyle Ask for specifics about when, how often, and under what circumstances your palpitations occur Sometimes, a blood test can help your doctor find the cause of your palpitations.


Question: How can you get heart palpitations from eating foods?

Answer: Medications, including diet pills, decongestants, asthma inhalers, and some drugs used to prevent arrhythmias (a serious heart rhythm problem) or treat an underactive thyroid Some herbal and nutritional supplements Abnormal electrolyte levels Some people have palpitations after heavy meals rich in carbohydrates, sugar, or fat. Sometimes, eating foods with a lot of monosodium glutamate ( MSG), nitrates, or sodium can bring them on, too. If you have heart palpitations after eating certain foods, it could be due to food sensitivity. Keeping a food diary can help you figure out which foods to avoid.


Question: What heart conditions are tied to heart palpitations?

Answer: They can also be related to heart disease. When they are, they're more likely to represent arrhythmia. Heart conditions tied to palpitations include: Prior heart attack Coronary artery disease Heart failure Heart valve problems Heart muscle problems Your doctor will: Give you a physical exam Take down your medical history Want to know about your current medications, diet, and lifestyle Ask for specifics about when, how often, and under what circumstances your palpitations occur Sometimes, a blood test can help your doctor find the cause of your palpitations.


Question: How is event recording used to diagnose heart palpitations?

Answer: Event recording: You'll wear a device on your chest and use a handheld gadget to record your heart's electrical signals when symptoms occur.


Question: What are non-heart-related causes of heart palpitations?

Answer: There can be many. Usually, palpitations are either related to your heart or the cause is unknown. Non-heart-related causes include: Strong emotions like anxiety, fear, or stress. They often happen during panic attacks. Vigorous physical activity Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines Medical conditions, including thyroid disease, a low blood sugar level, anemia, low blood pressure, fever, and dehydration Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or just before menopause. Sometimes, palpitations during pregnancy are signs of anemia. Medications, including diet pills, decongestants, asthma inhalers, and some drugs used to prevent arrhythmias (a serious heart rhythm problem) or treat an underactive thyroid Some herbal and nutritional supplements Abnormal electrolyte levels Some people have palpitations after heavy meals rich in carbohydrates, sugar, or fat.


Question: How is an echocardiogram used to diagnose heart palpitations?

Answer: Echocardiogram : This is an ultrasound of your heart. It provides detailed information about its structure and function. If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist for more tests or treatment.


Question: What substances should you cut out to treat heart palpitations?

Answer: Common ways include: Relaxation exercises Yoga Tai chi Biofeedback Guided imagery Aromatherapy Cutting out certain foods, beverages, and other substances. These may include: Alcohol Nicotine Caffeine Illegal drugs Avoiding medications that act as stimulants.


Question: What medications should you avoid to prevent heart palpitations?

Answer: These may include: Alcohol Nicotine Caffeine Illegal drugs Avoiding medications that act as stimulants. You may have to steer clear of: Cough and cold medicines Certain herbal and nutritional supplements If lifestyle changes don't help, you may be prescribed medications.


Question: How can your doctor help treat heart palpitations?

Answer: Get immediate medical attention if they come with: Shortness of breath Dizziness Chest pain Fainting After your doctor takes your medical history and looks you over, he may order tests to find the cause. If he finds one, the right treatment can reduce or get rid of the palpitations. If there's no underlying cause, lifestyle changes can help, including stress management.


Question: When should you see a doctor about heart palpitations?

Answer: In rare cases, palpitations can be a sign of a more serious heart condition. So, if you have heart palpitations, see your doctor. Get immediate medical attention if they come with: Shortness of breath Dizziness Chest pain Fainting After your doctor takes your medical history and looks you over, he may order tests to find the cause.


Question: Which adults should get the hepatitis A vaccine?

Answer: Will have close contact with an international adoptee from a country where hepatitis A is common Are a man who has sex with men Use street drugs Have chronic liver disease Work with primates infected with hepatitis A or with the virus in a research lab Also, if you work with food, you should consider getting the hepatitis A vaccine.


Question: Are there any dangers or side effects associated with the hepatitis A vaccine?

Answer: But in very rare cases, people can have a severe allergic reaction to the hepatitis A vaccine. This occurs within a few minutes to hours of getting the shot. In extremely rare cases, this reaction can be fatal. It's important to remember that the risks from the disease are much greater than the risk from the vaccine itself. Signs of a severe reaction to the hepatitis A vaccination include: High fever Behavior changes Trouble breathing Hoarseness or wheezing Hives Paleness Weakness Fast heartbeat Dizziness Other minor reactions to the hepatitis A vaccine that may last one to two days may include: Soreness at the site of injection Headache Fatigue If you have any signs of a severe reaction: Call the doctor or get to a doctor right away Describe when you had the vaccine and what occurred Have a health care professional report the reaction


Question: Are there any adults who should not get the vaccine?

Answer: Do not get the hepatitis vaccine if you: Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a hepatitis A vaccine or to any vaccine component; hepatitis A vaccines contain alum and some contain 2-phenoxyethanol. Are ill, unless it is a mild illness Are pregnant You receive the injection of the hepatitis A vaccine in the muscle of your upper arm.


Question: How is the hepatitis A virus spread?

Answer: The hepatitis A virus, present in the stool of infected people, spreads through: Close personal contact, such as household or sexual contact, with an infected person Contaminated water or ice Contaminated raw shellfish, fruits, vegetables, or other uncooked foods If you get hepatitis A as an adult, you are more likely to have signs and symptoms than young children who are infected.


Question: How and when should you get the hepatitis A vaccine?

Answer: Are ill, unless it is a mild illness Are pregnant You receive the injection of the hepatitis A vaccine in the muscle of your upper arm. Start the vaccine series when you are at risk of infection and at least one month before traveling. You need two doses at least six months apart. There are also combination vaccines for adults that protect against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. However, these have a different dosing schedule. Ask your doctor for details. You might prefer this option if, for example, you are traveling to countries with high rates of both diseases.


Question: What's the difference between a sedentary lifestyle, a moderately active lifestyle and an active lifestyle?

Answer: Gender Age Sedentary* Moderately Active* Active* Females 19-30 31-50 51+ 1800-2000 1800 1600 2000-2200 2000 1800 2400 2200 2000-2200 Males 19-30 31-50 51+ 2400-2600 2200-2400 2000-2200 2600-2800 2400-2600 2200-2400 3000 2800-3000 2400-2800 * Sedentary means a lifestyle that includes light physical activity associated with typical activities of daily living. Moderately active consists of walking 1.5 to 3 miles daily at a pace of 3 to 4 miles per hour (or the equivalent). An active person walks more than 3 miles daily at the same pace, or equivalent exercise.


Question: How many calories a day should I have if I want to gain weight?

Answer: To gain weight, it's best to work on a plan with a dietitian.


Question: Can surgery treat blocked tear ducts?

Answer: Intubation can cause side effects such as: A stuffy nose (saline drops can help relieve the congestion) More tearing (this should improve by the time the doctor removes the tubes) Movement of the tube (your doctor will put it back in place) A type of surgery called â DCRâ (dacryocystorhinostomy) bypasses the blocked tear duct. Doctors usually do it in adults who haven't improved with other treatments. They rarely use it in children. DCR creates a new route for tears to drain from the eye. Sometimes the new opening totally bypasses the tear drainage system and lets tears flow straight into the nose.


Question: How can an intubation treat a blocked tear duct?

Answer: Intubation may be another option if other treatments don't work. In this procedure, the doctor threads a tiny tube through the holes, or puncta, in the corners of the eyes. The tube passes through each tear duct to the inside of the nose. The procedure takes about an hour. The tubes stay in place for three to six months to open up the ducts and let tears drain.


Question: How can a massage treat a blocked tear duct?

Answer: When a blocked tear duct doesn't open on its own, these techniques can help infants and adults: One of the easiest ways to fix a blockage in babies (or adults) is to massage the lacrimal sac -- the area where tears drain from the eye into the tear duct. Twice a day -- in the morning and at night -- take a cotton swab or clean fingers and gently rub the lower corners of your baby's eyes, next to the nose for a few seconds. This motion should cause a clear fluid to drain out of the corners of the eyes. The pressure of the massage can pop open the membrane that covers the tear duct.


Question: How can I decide what treatment option will work best for my blocked tear duct?

Answer: Possible side effects include: Infection (your doctor will give you antibiotics to prevent this) Scars (from external surgery) Stuffy nose (you can treat this with a decongestant nasal spray) Bruises Discuss all your treatment options with your doctor. Ask questions so you understand how the procedure will help and what side effects it might cause.


Question: How can you treat a blocked tear duct that doesn't open on its own?

Answer: When a blocked tear duct doesn't open on its own, these techniques can help infants and adults: One of the easiest ways to fix a blockage in babies (or adults) is to massage the lacrimal sac -- the area where tears drain from the eye into the tear duct.


Question: How do I massage my baby's tear ducts to remove blockages?

Answer: Twice a day -- in the morning and at night -- take a cotton swab or clean fingers and gently rub the lower corners of your baby's eyes, next to the nose for a few seconds. This motion should cause a clear fluid to drain out of the corners of the eyes. The pressure of the massage can pop open the membrane that covers the tear duct.


Question: What are the side effects of intubation?

Answer: Intubation can cause side effects such as: A stuffy nose (saline drops can help relieve the congestion) More tearing (this should improve by the time the doctor removes the tubes) Movement of the tube (your doctor will put it back in place) A type of surgery called â DCRâ (dacryocystorhinostomy) bypasses the blocked tear duct.


Question: What are the side effects of dacryocystorhinostomy for blocked tear ducts?

Answer: DCR usually relieves the tear duct blockage and its symptoms. Possible side effects include: Infection (your doctor will give you antibiotics to prevent this) Scars (from external surgery) Stuffy nose (you can treat this with a decongestant nasal spray) Bruises Discuss all your treatment options with your doctor.


Question: What happens if tear duct blockage doesnât get better on its own?

Answer: If the blockage doesn't get better on its own or with probing, the doctor might try balloon catheter dilation. While your child is asleep, the doctor threads a thin tube called a catheter into the tear duct. A pump inflates a balloon at the end of the tube. The doctor then deflates and inflates the balloon again to widen the duct. Then he removes the balloon.


Question: What if my child's tear duct doesn't open on its own?

Answer: If your child's tear duct doesn't open on its own by age one, the doctor can do a procedure to remove the blockage. While your baby is asleep, the doctor places a thin probe into one or both holes that tears drain through and opens up the tissue that covers the tear duct. This is a pain-free procedure and, most of the time, undoes the blockage.


Question: How effective are enemas for the treatment of encopresis?

Answer: The phosphate-sodium enema ( Fleet Enema) is probably the most widely used type. Note: Some gastrointestinal specialists discourage the use of enemas and suppositories or any anal intervention because the child associates fear and pain with the anal area. The child may struggle or feel additional trauma when these types of manipulations are performed. Eventually, all impacted stool can be dissolved or disimpacted by using medications taken by mouth.


Question: What is the outlook for encopresis?

Answer: Generally, the outlook for encopresis is excellent for children who undergo the treatment regimen outlined here. Many children who do not undergo treatment are able to resolve the problem on their own as they grow up, but this can take many years.


Question: How can you establish bowel movements for your child with encopresis?

Answer: Establishing regular soft and painless bowel movements is mostly a matter of retraining the child to give up the habit of retaining stool. This is accomplished by giving laxatives every day to produce soft bowel movements. The laxative must be given in doses large enough to produce one or two soft bowel movements every day. The soft stool will be passed easily and painlessly, encouraging the child to have regular bowel movements rather than holding the stool in.


Question: How are osmotic laxatives used to treat encopresis?

Answer: Osmotic laxatives: These laxatives contain agents that are not efficiently absorbed by the intestinal lining. This results in large amounts of extra water in the intestine, which softens the stool. Since all osmotic laxatives work by increasing the amount of water in the colon, it is important that your child drinks lots of fluid while taking any of these laxatives. Like any medication, these should be given only as recommended by your child's health care provider. If the laxative does not seem to be working, do not increase the dose without talking to your child's health care provider.


Question: How is an enema used to treat severe encopresis?

Answer: Evacuation can be accomplished in the following ways: Give an enema or series of enemas: An enema pushes fluid into the rectum. This softens the stool in the rectum and creates pressure within the rectum. This pressure gives the child a powerful urge to pass a bowel movement, and the stool is usually expelled rapidly. The fluid in most enemas is water. Something is usually added to keep the water from being absorbed by the intestinal lining. Widely used enemas include commercial sodium phosphate preparations (such as Fleet saline or Pedia- Lax enemas), saline, and mineral oil enemas. Daily enemas for several days may be needed to completely evacuate the colon.


Question: How does biofeedback work to help with encopresis?

Answer: Biofeedback: This technique has been used successfully to teach some children how to best use their abdominal, pelvic, and anal sphincter muscles, which they have so often used to retain stool.


Question: How do laxatives work to treat severe encopresis?

Answer: Give strong laxatives: Most laxatives work by increasing the amount of water in the large intestine. Some laxatives cause the lower intestine to secrete water and others work by decreasing the amount of water absorbed in the lower intestine. In either case, the end result is much more water in the lower intestine when using laxatives than when not using them. This large amount of water softens formed or hard stool in the intestine and produces diarrhea. Laxatives used for this purpose include magnesium citrate, Miralax, Go LYTELY, and COLYTE products. Treatment for several days may be needed to completely evacuate the colon.


Question: How do stimulant laxatives work to help with encopresis?

Answer: Stimulant laxatives: These agents have direct actions on the lining of the intestinal wall. They increase water and salt secretion into the colon and irritate the intestinal lining to produce contractions.


Question: How is encopresis treated at home?

Answer: Although parents will be following a regimen recommended by the child's health care provider, most of the work of treating encopresis is done at home. It is very important that parents and other caregivers keep a complete record of the child's medication use and bowel movements during the treatment period. This record can be very helpful in determining whether the treatment is working.


Question: What are the symptoms of encopresis?

Answer: Children with encopresis are no more likely than other children to have major behavioral or emotional problems. More than 80% of children with encopresis have experienced constipation or painful defecation in the past. In many cases, constipation or pain occurred years before the encopresis is brought to a doctor's attention. Most children with encopresis say they have no urge to pass a bowel movement before they soil their underwear. Soiling episodes usually occur during the day, while the child is awake and active. Many school age children soil late in the afternoon after returning home from school. Soiling at night is uncommon. In many children with encopresis, the colon has become stretched out of shape, so they may intermittently pass extremely large bowel movements.


Question: What is the follow-up care for encopresis like?

Answer: The extent of follow-up needed for encopresis varies by situation. Your child's health care provider will probably want to see him at least once after treatment is well under way to ensure that the treatment is working or to alter treatment if necessary.


Question: What are the principles for treating encopresis?

Answer: Although many different regimens have been developed for the treatment of encopresis, most rely on the following principles: Empty the colon of stool Establish regular soft and painless bowel movements Maintain very regular bowel habits While there is almost always a large behavioral component to chronic encopresis, behavioral therapy alone, such as offering rewards or reasoning with the child, usually is not effective.


Question: When should you see a doctor about encopresis?

Answer: Any of the following warrants a visit to your child's primary care provider: Severe, persistent, or recurrent constipation Pain during bowel movements Reluctance to have bowel movements, including straining to hold stool in Soiling in a child who is at least 4 years old To diagnose enopresis, your child's health care provider will ask many questions about his medical history, toilet training history, diet, lifestyle, habits, medications, and behavior.


Question: How is an anorectal manometry used to diagnose encopresis?

Answer: With this test, a small tube is inserted into the child's rectum. The tube has several pressure sensors in it. During the test, the doctor can determine how the child is using his or her abdominal, pelvic, and anal muscles during defecation. Many children who have chronic constipation and/or encopresis do not use their muscles in a coordinated fashion during bowel movements. The main objective of manometry is to confirm increased pressure within the anus. Manometry can also show whether the nerves controlling the anal sphincter, anus, and rectum are present and working by measuring reflexes in this area. Manometry can measure how far the rectum is distended and whether sensation in this area is normal. Abnormal contractions of the muscles in the pelvic floor can be documented by using manometry.


Question: How long does it take to treat encopresis?

Answer: The duration of encopresis treatment varies from child to child. Treatment should continue until the child has developed regular and reliable bowel habits and has broken the habit of holding back his or her stool. This usually takes at least several months. Generally, it takes longer in younger children than in older children.


Question: How can encopresis affect a child?

Answer: Over time, the child with encopresis may also develop incoordination of the muscles used to pass bowel movements. In many children, the anal sphincter contracts rather than relaxes when they are trying to push out bowel movements. This disturbed coordination of muscle function, which causes fecal retention, is a key to the diagnosis and is also called anismus or paradoxic contraction of the pelvic floor to defecation.


Question: What causes constipation related to encopresis?

Answer: Some experts believe children become constipated when they do not eat enough fiber, available in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. Many doctors think that some children become constipated because they do not drink enough water.


Question: What should parents expect from encopresis?

Answer: Encopresis is a very frustrating condition for parents. Many parents become angry at the repeated need to bathe the dirty child and to clean or discard soiled underwear. Many parents assume the soiling is the result of the child being lazy or that the child is soiling intentionally. In most cases, this is not the case. Children with encopresis are no more likely than other children to have major behavioral or emotional problems.


Question: What is encopresis like?

Answer: As the colon stretches more and more, the child loses the natural urge to pass a bowel movement. Eventually, looser, partly formed stool from higher up in the intestine leaks around the large collection of harder, more formed stool at the bottom of the colon (rectum) and then leaks out of the anus (the opening from the rectum to the outside of the body). Often in the beginning, only small amounts of stool leak out, producing streaks in the child's underwear. Typically, parents assume the child isn't wiping very well after passing a bowel movement and aren't concerned. As time goes on, the child is less and less able to hold the stool in-more and more stool leaks, and eventually the child passes entire bowel movements into his or her underwear. Often the child is not aware that he or she has passed a bowel movement. Because the stool is not passing normally through the colon, it often becomes very dark and sticky and may have a very foul smell.


Question: When should you see a specialist for encopresis?

Answer: Most cases of encopresis respond to the treatment regimen outlined above. If the soiling does not resolve, your child's health care provider may refer you to a specialist in digestive and intestinal disorders (pediatric gastroenterologist), a behavioral psychologist, or both.


Question: How do emollient laxatives work to help with encopresis?

Answer: Emollient laxatives: These products decrease the absorption of water from the colon, and thus soften the stool, making it easier to pass.


Question: How else can an anorectal manometry help with encopresis?

Answer: Anorectal manometry can also be helpful to rule out Hirschsprung disease, a very rare cause of constipation without encopresis. If Hirschsprung disease is seriously considered as a cause of your child's encopresis, a biopsy of the rectum may be necessary. A biopsy is the removal of a very tiny piece of tissue for examination under a microscope. This is done to look for the absence of nerve function in the rectum, a characteristic sign of Hirschsprung disease.


Question: What works best to treat encopresis?

Answer: Although many different regimens have been developed for the treatment of encopresis, most rely on the following principles: Empty the colon of stool Establish regular soft and painless bowel movements Maintain very regular bowel habits While there is almost always a large behavioral component to chronic encopresis, behavioral therapy alone, such as offering rewards or reasoning with the child, usually is not effective. Rather, a combination of medical and behavioral therapy works best.


Question: How can you establish regular bathroom times to treat encopresis?

Answer: Establish regular bathroom times: The child should sit on the toilet for 5-10 minutes after breakfast and again after dinner EVERY DAY. Some families must alter their daily routines to accomplish this, but it is a crucial step, particularly for school-aged children. Sitting on the toilet right after a meal takes advantage of the âgastrocolic reflex,â intestinal contractions that naturally occur after eating.


Question: What behavioral techniques can help with encopresis?

Answer: Behavioral techniques: Offer age-appropriate positive reinforcement for developing regular toilet habits. For young children, a star or sticker chart can be helpful. For older children, earning privileges, such as extra television or video game time, may be useful.


Question: How is a suppository used to treat severe encopresis?

Answer: Give a suppository or a series of suppositories: A suppository is a tablet or capsule that is inserted into the rectum. The suppository is made of a substance that may stimulate the rectum to contract and expel stool or it may soften the stool by drawing extra water from the body into the bowel. Popular stimulant suppositories include Dulcolax or Fleet Bisacodyl. Popular stool softening suppositories with glycerin are provided by Fleet or Pedia- Lax. Daily suppositories for several days may be needed to completely evacuate the colon.


Question: How does magnesium hydroxide work to help with encopresis?

Answer: Magnesium hydroxide ( Philip's Milk of Magnesia, Pedia- Lax) -- Besides causing retention of fluid in the intestine, this laxative promotes the release of a hormone that stimulates movement of stool through the intestine. Some children experience abdominal cramping. This laxative is flavorless but has a thick chalky texture that may be more acceptable when mixed with a fluid such as milk or chocolate milk. It should be avoided by children with kidney problems.


Question: How can you train your child to help with encopresis?

Answer: Training: Children may respond to teaching about the appropriate use of muscles and other physical responses during defecation. This helps them learn how to recognize the urge to have a bowel movement and to defecate effectively.


Question: What tests are done to diagnose encopresis?

Answer: In some cases, an X-ray of the child's abdomen or pelvis is performed to determine how much stool is present in the colon and assess if the colon and rectum are enlarged. Occasionally, a barium enema is performed. This is a special type of X-ray. A small tube is inserted into the child's rectum, and the colon is slowly filled with a radiopaque dye (barium). X-rays are taken throughout the procedure to see if areas of narrowing, twisting, or kinking in the lower intestine are causing the child's symptoms. In some cases, anorectal manometry may be performed. With this test, a small tube is inserted into the child's rectum. The tube has several pressure sensors in it. During the test, the doctor can determine how the child is using his or her abdominal, pelvic, and anal muscles during defecation. Many children who have chronic constipation and/or encopresis do not use their muscles in a coordinated fashion during bowel movements.


Question: How is encopresis diagnosed?

Answer: Any of the following warrants a visit to your child's primary care provider: Severe, persistent, or recurrent constipation Pain during bowel movements Reluctance to have bowel movements, including straining to hold stool in Soiling in a child who is at least 4 years old To diagnose enopresis, your child's health care provider will ask many questions about his medical history, toilet training history, diet, lifestyle, habits, medications, and behavior. A thorough physical exam will be done to assess the child's general health as well as the status of the colon, rectum, and anus. The examiner may insert a gloved finger into the child's rectum to feel for stool and make sure the anal opening and rectum are of normal size and that the anal muscles are of normal strength.


Question: Which children's cold medicines are questionably effective?

Answer: Specifically, four different categories of drugs. They are: Cough suppressants (dextromethorphan or DM) Cough expectorants (guaifenesin) Decongestants (pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine) Certain antihistamines (such as brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine maleate, and diphenhydramine [ Benadryl]) You might not recognize these drugs by name, but they are the active ingredients in many brands of kids' cold and cough medicines commonly available in drugstores.


Question: Do children need medicine for a cold?

Answer: Reduce the child's fever using appropriate medication (check with a doctor), such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol).


Question: Can children overdose on cold medicine?

Answer: Accidentally giving a child a dose that's too high can be easy to do; parents might use two different brands of medicine at the same time, not realizing they contain the same ingredients, or may incorrectly measure a dose if they get up in the middle of the night to soothe a child. While the overall risks are low, some experts say that they are not low enough. Given that there's no evidence that kids' cold medicines help children, some consider any risk -- no matter how slight -- to be unacceptably high.


Question: Should I give my child children's cold medicine?

Answer: The current recommendations from the FDA are: Do not use cold and cough medicines in children under age 4 unless advised by your doctor. Never give adult medicines to children. Only use medicines designed for children. Never use a cold or cough drug if your child takes other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, unless you've checked with the doctor first. Carefully follow the instructions for dosing on the box. Use the enclosed measuring spoon, dropper, or dosing cup. Take your child to the doctor if symptoms worsen or don't improve within a few days. Also, many experts say that parents should go further and stop using any kids' cold medicine in children under age 6 unless their doctors recommend it.


Question: What can I give my kids if they have a cold or cough?

Answer: Nothing cures a cold, but pediatricians say these strategies may help: Call the child's doctor right away if he is three months of age or younger at the first sign of an illness. Reduce the child's fever using appropriate medication (check with a doctor), such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol). Do not use ibuprofen in children under age 6 months or if your child is vomiting or dehydrated. Do not use aspirinwith any child because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious disease. Consider using honey for coughs or sore throat for kids, but only if they are older than age 1. Honey can be toxic to infants. Try saline drops or spray to clear thick mucus out of your child's nose. Give your child plenty of liquids to increase hydration and help thin mucus. Use a humidifier in your child's room to add moisture to the dry air. If your child wheezes, call your doctor. Other treatments may be needed to help open airways. To ease congestion, keep the child's head elevated when resting. Of course, parents should seek medical care as needed.


Question: Why are children's cold medicines questionable?

Answer: One specific concern was that these medicines were often not studied in children. Instead, they were studied in adults, and those results were then applied to children. However, it's not clear that adults and children will react to these medicines in the same way. Even in adults, the evidence is weak that cough and cold medicines help.


Question: What are the risks associated with children's cold medicines?

Answer: Experts agree that the risks from kids' cold and cough medicines are low, especially considering how common they are. Still, thousands of children under age 12 go to emergency rooms each year after taking cough and cold medicines, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Roughly two-thirds of those ER visits occurred after children drank cough or cold medicine while unsupervised.


Question: What are the dosing recommendations for children's cold medicine?

Answer: In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics called on the FDA to make such a recommendation. In addition, the AAP asked that OTC cold/cough medicine manufacturers to use weight-based rather than age-based dosing recommendations, saying weight is more accurate for determining the correct dose of a drug. The AAP also asked that dosing devices have a flow-limiting capacity to prevent against overdose.


Question: Do children's cough and cold medicines work?

Answer: In 2008, the FDA strongly recommended against giving over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children who are under age 2. However, rather than requiring manufacturers to warn consumers, the agency praised the voluntary actions of manufacturers to state on product labels not to give the medicines to children under age 4. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Evidence indicates that children's cold medicines don't really help and may pose a real (although small) risk of side effects, particularly to young children.


Question: When should I see my doctor about ear pain?

Answer: Some causes of ear pain can be serious such as tumors or infections, including cellulitis or shingles. If your ear pain is severe, doesn't go away within a few days of home treatment, or comes with a high fever or sore throat, or you get a new rash, visit your doctor right away for treatment and to rule out something more serious.


Question: What does it mean if I have an earache with a sore throat?

Answer: Doctors call this type of pain that starts in one area but is felt in another âreferred pain.â If your earache comes with a severe sore throat, it could be an infection like tonsillitis or pharyngitis. In fact, ear pain is often the worst symptom of one of these conditions.


Question: Can the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, cause ear pain?

Answer: The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the âhingeâ of your jaw that sits directly below your ears. You might get TMJ pain from grinding your teeth, or it could be a symptom of arthritis. The ache in your ears or face comes after you chew, talk, or yawn. To treat it, take over-the-counter pain medicine and put warm compresses on your jaw. Try not to clench your teeth. You may benefit from using a mouth guard when you sleep. This can help ease the tension that causes ear pain. Eating soft foods will help, too.


Question: Can earwax cause pain?

Answer: These are the most common causes: Your ear makes and gets rid of wax all the time. When the process doesn't work well, the gunk builds up and hardens so your ear canal gets blocked. Your doctor will call this impacted wax. Sometimes, it causes pain.


Question: What are some serious causes of ear pain?

Answer: Some causes of ear pain can be serious such as tumors or infections, including cellulitis or shingles. If your ear pain is severe, doesn't go away within a few days of home treatment, or comes with a high fever or sore throat, or you get a new rash, visit your doctor right away for treatment and to rule out something more serious.


Question: What are symptoms of vulvar vestibulitis?

Answer: This condition is also called âvestibulodyniaâ or âlocalized provoked vulvodynia.â They can be different for every woman. They may be mild and annoying, or severe enough to interfere with your life. Symptoms can be constant, or they can come and go. They include: Pain from pressure (sitting, biking, working out, tight clothes, touch) Pain from sex or using a tampon Burning or stinging Feeling raw Peeing a lot, or suddenly feeling like you have to pee Usually, itching isn't a symptom.


Question: What is vulvar vestibulitis?

Answer: Vulvar vestibulitis is a type of vulvodynia, or pain around the vulva â the sex organs outside a woman's body. The pain is in your vestibule, the part of your vulva around the opening of your vagina. It can cause redness and irritation of the skin and pain in the glands inside the skin. This condition is also called âvestibulodyniaâ or âlocalized provoked vulvodynia.â They can be different for every woman.


Question: Who can get infected with vulvar vestibulitis?

Answer: Doctors don't know, but some studies show it may be linked to the following: Human papillomavirus ( HPV) Yeast infections Bacterial infections Changes in the acidity of the vagina Detergents and soaps Spermicides and lubricants Menopause Stress Any woman can get vulvar vestibulitis. It doesn't matter if you've had sex or not or how old you are. Your risk may be higher if you have interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), endometriosis, or problems with the muscles that support their bladder, uterus, vagina, or rectum. Doctors aren't sure which comes first -- those conditions or vulvar vestibulitius.


Question: What is eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)?

Answer: If you have blepharitis, you may have: A burning or gritty feeling in your eye Blurred vision Crusted eyes when you first wake in the morning Dry eyes Eyelashes that grow at different angles Greasy eyelids Itchy eyes Red eyelids Swelling You also may: Blink more than usual Lose some eyelashes Tear up Find it hard to see in bright light Blepharitis can sometimes lead to other eye problems, such as: Dry eye syndrome Cysts and styes (swollen red bumps on your eyelid caused by infected oil glands) Pink eye (conjunctivitis) Injury to your cornea There's no one cause for blepharitis.


Question: What are some other treatments for eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)?

Answer: Depending on what's causing the inflammation, you may need to use antibiotic eye drops, ointment, or cream to help clear up your symptoms. You might need to use the treatment for 4 to 6 weeks. If that doesn't help, your doctor may give you antibiotics to take by mouth. Blepharitis is often a long-term problem -- your symptoms may come and go. Take good care of your eyes, and see your doctor if your symptoms get worse.


Question: What is the treatment for eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)?

Answer: Several things could be to blame, including: Mites in your eyelashes Bacteria like staph Allergies to products that come in contact with your eye, like makeup or contact lens solution Tiny oil glands in your eyelid getting clogged Acne rosacea (facial redness) To ease your symptoms, take care of your eyes and keep the area around them clean: Apply a warm compress: Do this twice a day for 15 minutes to loosen crust from your eyelashes and help get rid of extra oil that's plugging up your glands. Gently wash the area: After you take off the compress, use a cotton swab or washcloth to lightly clean the area with a mixture of baby shampoo and water. Rinse well afterward. Blink: This helps the glands in your eyelids squeeze out extra oil. Blink at least 20 times in a row, 4 times a day. Give your eyes a rest: Until your symptoms get better, don't wear eye makeup or contact lenses. Care for dry eyes: Use over-the-counter artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. Get enough omega-3s: Some research suggests that a diet high in these fatty acids can help manage blepharitis symptoms. Have fish twice a week, and make one a fatty fish like salmon, fresh or frozen tuna, or herring.


Question: What are some eye problems that blepharitis can lead to?

Answer: If you have blepharitis, you may have: A burning or gritty feeling in your eye Blurred vision Crusted eyes when you first wake in the morning Dry eyes Eyelashes that grow at different angles Greasy eyelids Itchy eyes Red eyelids Swelling You also may: Blink more than usual Lose some eyelashes Tear up Find it hard to see in bright light Blepharitis can sometimes lead to other eye problems, such as: Dry eye syndrome Cysts and styes (swollen red bumps on your eyelid caused by infected oil glands) Pink eye (conjunctivitis) Injury to your cornea There's no one cause for blepharitis.


Question: How do you do pursed-lip breathing for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: Pursed-lip breathing: Relax your neck and shoulder muscles. Breathe in for 2 seconds through your nose, keeping your mouth closed. Breathe out for 4 seconds through pursed lips. If this is too long for you, simply breathe out twice as long as you breathe in. Use pursed-lip breathing while exercising. If you experience shortness of breath, first try slowing your rate of breathing and focus on breathing out through pursed lips.


Question: How can strengthening exercises help you deal with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: Strengthening exercises involve tightening muscles until they begin to tire. When you do this for the upper body, it can help increase the strength of your breathing muscles.


Question: When should I call my doctor about exercising with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, stop your COPD exercise program right away. Sit down, and keep your feet raised while resting. If you don't feel better right away, call 911. Even if you do feel better, make sure you tell your doctor right away about any of these symptoms.


Question: How can exercises help you deal with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: Exercise can: Improve how well your body uses oxygen. That's important because people with COPD use more energy to breathe than other people do. Decrease your symptoms and improve your breathing Strengthen your heart, lower your blood pressure, and improve your circulation Improve your energy, making it possible to stay more active Improve your sleep and make you feel more relaxed Help you maintain a healthy weight Enhance your mental and emotional outlook Reduce your social isolation, if you exercise with others Strengthen your bones These four types of exercise can help you if you have COPD.


Question: How can stretching exercises help you deal with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: Stretching exercises lengthen your muscles, increasing your flexibility.


Question: What are some exercise tips if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: Set realistic goals. Gradually increase the number of minutes and days you exercise. A good goal is to exercise 20 to 40 minutes, 2 to 4 times a week. Start out slow. Warm up for a few minutes. Choose activities you enjoy, and vary them to help you stay motivated. Find an exercise partner. Keep a record of your exercise to help you stay on track. As you end your exercise, cool down by moving more slowly.


Question: How can breathing exercises help you deal with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: Breathing exercises for COPD help you strengthen breathing muscles, get more oxygen, and breathe with less effort.


Question: What exercises should you not do if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: Exercises to avoid when you have COPD: Heavy lifting or pushing Chores such as shoveling, mowing, or raking Pushups, sit-ups, or isometric exercises, which involve pushing against immovable objects Outdoor exercises when the weather is very cold, hot, or humid Walking up steep hills Ask your doctor whether exercises like weightlifting, jogging, and swimming are OK for you to do.


Question: What is a diverticulitis diet?

Answer: You may also go on a liquid or âdiverticulitis diet.â You'll start by drinking only clear liquids, such as water, broth, non-pulpy juices, ice pops, and plain tea or coffee. As you start to feel better, you can add low-fiber foods such as eggs, yogurt, and cheese, and white rice and pasta. These foods are gentle on your digestive system. This treatment works well for most people who have clear-cut cases of diverticulitis.


Question: How can primary bowel resection help treat diverticulitis?

Answer: In this procedure, your surgeon will remove diseased parts of the intestine and reconnect the healthy sections. You can have normal bowel movements afterward.


Question: What can raise your odds of getting diverticulitis?

Answer: They include: Taking certain medicines, like ibuprofen, naproxen, and steroids Lack of exercise Obesity Smoking Signs can come on suddenly.


Question: What is stricture?

Answer: This happens when the colon narrows in the affected area.


Question: What is perforation?

Answer: This is a small hole or tear in a pocket that allows the bowel contents to seep into your abdomen. It's rare but life-threatening, and it requires emergency surgery.


Question: What are the most common causes of erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer: The most common cause of ED is reduced blood flow to the penis due to chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and hardening of the arteries. Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and relationship issues are also possible causes of ED. So are multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, chronic back pain, and other neurological conditions.


Question: How can vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) help with treating depression?

Answer: Vagus Nerve Stimulation ( VNS) is a surgical procedure in which a pacemaker-like device delivers electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which connects to areas of the brain believed to be involved in regulating mood. For reasons that doctors don't completely understand, these electrical impulses transmitted via the vagus nerve to the brain can relieve the symptoms of depression. The impulses may affect the way nerve cell circuits transmit signals in areas of the brain that affect mood. However, it usually takes several months before you feel the effects.


Question: What are signs of alcohol use disorder?

Answer: Some of the signals include: An uncontrollable urge to drink Lack of control over how much you drink Negative thoughts when you're not drinking alcohol Drinking in risky situations Drinking that interferes with fulfilling obligations Continuing to drink even though it causes problems or makes them worsen Stopping or doing less of important activities because of alcohol There are mild, moderate, and severe forms of AUD, which depend on how many symptoms you have.


Question: What is heavy drinking for women and for men?

Answer: For women, "heavy" or "at risk" drinking means more than seven drinks per week, or more than three in any day. For men, it's more than 14 drinks in a week, or more than four in a day.


Question: What is one alcoholic drink serving size?

Answer: One drink equals: 1.5 ounces of liquor (like whisky, rum, or tequila) 5 ounces of wine 12 ounces of beer Another way to look at your drinking habits is to think about how much you have during an average week.


Question: What are long term effects of alcohol use disorder?

Answer: In the short term, AUD can cause: Memory loss Hangovers Blackouts Long-term effects include: Stomach problems Heart problems Cancer Brain damage Permanent memory loss Pancreatitis High blood pressure Cirrhosis, or scarring on your liver You're also more likely to take dangerous risks.


Question: How successful is the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure for portal hypertension?

Answer: The TIPS procedure controls bleeding immediately in more than 90% of patients with portal hypertension. However, in about 20% of patients, the shunt may narrow, causing varices to re-bleed at a later time.


Question: What complications are associated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension?

Answer: Shunt narrowing or blockage can occur within the first year after the TIPS procedure. Follow-up ultrasound exams are performed frequently after the TIPS procedure to detect these complications. The signs of a blockage include increased ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen) and re-bleeding. This condition can be treated by a radiologist who re-expands the shunt with a balloon or repeats the procedure to place a new stent. Encephalopathy, or abnormal functioning of the brain, can occur with severe liver disease. Hepatic encephalopathy can become worse when blood flow to the liver is reduced by TIPS, which may result in toxic substances reaching the brain without being metabolized first by the liver. This condition can be treated with medications, diet, or by making the shunt inaccessible.


Question: What are the symptoms of portal hypertension?

Answer: The onset of portal hypertension may not always be associated with specific symptoms that identify what is happening in the liver. But if you have liver disease that leads to cirrhosis, the chance of developing portal hypertension is high. The main symptoms and complications of portal hypertension include: Gastrointestinal bleeding marked by black, tarry stools or blood in the stools, or vomiting of blood due to the spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage from varices Ascites (an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen) Encephalopathy or confusion and forgetfulness caused by poor liver function Reduced levels of platelets, blood cells that help form blood clots, or white blood cells, the cells that fight infection Usually, doctors make the diagnosis of portal hypertension based on the presence of ascites or of dilated veins or varices as seen during a physical exam of the abdomen or the anus.


Question: What are other treatment options for portal hypertension?

Answer: If endoscopic therapy, drug therapy, and/or dietary changes don't successfully control variceal bleeding, you may require one of the following procedures to reduce the pressure in these veins. Decompression procedures include: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt ( TIPS): This procedure involves placing a stent (a tubular device) in the middle of the liver. The stent connects the hepatic vein with the portal vein, which reroutes blood flow in the liver and helps relieve pressure in abnormal veins. Distal splenorenal shunt ( DSRS): This procedure connects the vein from your spleen to the vein from the left kidney in order to reduce pressure in the varices and control bleeding.


Question: Is there a cure for testicular cancer?

Answer: Most cases of testicular cancer can be cured, even if the cancer has spread.


Question: What should I expect when I go to the doctor with suspected testicular cancer?

Answer: During your visit, you will be asked to talk about symptoms and any illnesses you have had in the past. The doctor will feel the scrotum for lumps. Samples of blood and urine may be taken for testing. An ultrasound exam of the scrotum and its contents may be performed. ( Ultrasound is a painless test that creates images by using high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted through body tissues.) You also may be given a chest X-ray or computed tomography ( CT) scan.


Question: What should I do if I think I have testicular cancer?

Answer: Low back pain Swollen breasts If you have symptoms of testicular cancer, don't panic. Many times, changes in the testicles are not cancer. But, you should contact your doctor to find the cause of your symptoms.


Question: Can testicular cancer be cured?

Answer: Most cases of testicular cancer can be cured, even if the cancer has spread.


Question: What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?

Answer: A sudden gathering of fluid in the scrotum.


Question: What is radiculopathy?

Answer: A spinal nerve can become pinched or inflamed. This can cause low back pain to travel (radiate) down your legs. It can also cause numbness or tingling.


Question: What puts you at risk for low back pain?

Answer: Certain things make it more likely that you will have low back pain: Age.