Question: How do doctors diagnose insomnia?

Answer: Many factors can cause acute or chronic insomnia: Stress (including job change or loss, moving, death of a loved one) Medical condition or disease (including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, asthma, cancer, heartburn, heart failure, overactive thyroid, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and other health problems) Pain or physical discomfort Medications Noise, light or extreme temperatures Interference with one's regular sleep schedule (including jet lag or switching work shifts) Substance abuse If you have insomnia, you may have some of these symptoms: Difficulty falling asleep Difficulty staying asleep Waking up too early Feeling tired and irritable Daytime sleepiness Mood changes Lack of motivation Attention, concentration, or memory problems Making errors at work, school, or while driving Tension headaches or stomach aches Frustration or worry about sleep To diagnose insomnia, your doctor will ask about your sleep patterns and habits, stress levels, medical history, level of physical activity, and use of medications, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and illegal substances. He or she might also ask you to keep a detailed log of your sleep habits, including sleep and wake times, napping, and any specific problems with sleeping. Your doctor will also do a physical exam to look for health disorders that can cause insomnia. If the specialist suspects a disorder, such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, you may need to do an overnight sleep study at home or at a special sleep center.


Question: How can bone-forming medications help treat osteoporosis?

Answer: Bone-forming medications are designed to do just what they say. Instead of just slowing or stopping the process of bone breakdown, they work to build more of it. Abaloparatide ( Tymlos) and teriparatide ( Forteo) is the only medicines of this type approved by the FDA. In women, they help reduce fractures of the spine and in the hands and feet. They're also approved for men with low testosterone levels and men with osteoporosis caused by steroids. With either drug, you have to inject it daily, and the treatment is expensive.


Question: How can estrogen therapy help in treating osteoporosis?

Answer: This type of osteoporosis treatment works well in decreasing bone loss and reducing hip and spine fractures, but it comes with a number of very serious drawbacks. While it replaces the estrogen levels that drop drastically during menopause, it may also raise your chances for blood clots, heart attack, breast cancer, and stroke. The FDA recommends that you try other osteoporosis drugs first.


Question: How can medication help me with my osteoporosis?

Answer: They also may lower your chances for dangerous breaks in bones, or "fractures." They help prevent bone loss and reduce spinal fractures, but don't seem to do much in other parts of the body.


Question: How does denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva) help in treating osteoporosis?

Answer: It strengthens bones throughout the body. It's a twice-yearly injection. If one drug doesn't work well for you, another may.


Question: What are symptoms of brittle bone disease?

Answer: They break very easily. Your child may have a bone break during a diaper change, or even when being burped. Someone with the condition may have only a few broken bones in a lifetime, or may have hundreds of them. Sometimes, babies are born with fractures or get them while growing in their mother's womb. Other times, symptoms don't appear until the teen years or later.


Question: What are treatments for brittle bone disease?

Answer: That treatment may include: Splints and casts for broken bones Braces for weak legs, ankles, knees, and wrists Physical therapy to strengthen the body and improve movement Medicine to make the bones stronger Surgery to implant rods in the arms or legs Special dental work, such as crowns, for brittle teeth Other things that could be helpful: Try to maintain a healthy weight.


Question: What can help relieve symptoms of brittle bone disease?

Answer: Too much weight adds stress to the bones. Talk to the doctor or physical therapist about a safe exercise routine. Eat a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium. But high doses of these supplements are not recommended. Avoid alcohol, or drink it only occasionally. Cut back on caffeine. Discuss the use of any steroid medications with your doctor. These drugs reduce bone density. Do not smoke.


Question: What are symptoms of mild brittle bone disease?

Answer: They include: Broken bones (fractures) Bleeding and easy bruising (frequent nosebleeds or heavy bleeding after an injury) Blue color in the white part of the eyes Bowing of the legs Breathing problems Brittle, discolored teeth Curved spine, called scoliosis Feeling very tired Skin that is easily hurt Hearing loss that starts in early adulthood Can't stand warm temperatures Loose joints Short height Weak muscles and tissues Doctors group brittle bone disease into types, based on symptoms and number of fractures. The most common types of brittle bone disease are: Mild Few signs of the condition Little to no bone deformity Number of broken bones from a few to many Height not usually affected May have premature hearing loss Broken bones decrease after puberty Average life expectancy Moderate to severe Increased number and frequency of broken bones Babies can be born with many broken bones, an unstable neck, or soft skull Problems with long bones slowly get worse Short height Abnormally shaped spine and rib cage May have a dozen to several hundred broken bones in a lifetime May not be able to move and may need a motorized wheelchair Severe breathing problems can lead to early death Lethal Babies usually die in the womb or soon after birth Severe fractures and breathing problems cause death soon after birth If your baby is born with broken bones, the doctor can diagnose the condition with a physical exam.


Question: How is brittle bone disease diagnosed?

Answer: Your doctor will examine your child and ask questions about your family and medical history. Blood and urine tests will rule out other health conditions that can cause weak bones, such as rickets. Genetic testing can confirm brittle bone disease. Genetic tests can also tell if you or your family members carry the gene.


Question: Can brittle bone disease be cured?

Answer: There is no cure for brittle bone disease, but treatment can relieve symptoms, prevent breakage of bones, and maximize movement. Severe forms of the disease can affect the shape of the rib cage and spine, which can lead to life-threatening breathing problems. Some people may need to be on oxygen. But in many other cases, people with this condition live a healthy, productive life with monitoring on a regular basis and the right treatment.


Question: What is a brittle bone disease?

Answer: There is no cure for brittle bone disease, but your doctor can treat it. If you don't have enough of it, your bones become very weak and will break easily. They break very easily.


Question: What causes brittle bone disease?

Answer: It's caused by a defect in a gene that is supposed to make a substance called collagen. Collagen is a protein in your body that forms and strengthens bones. Most children with brittle bone disease get this gene from only one parent, but it's possible to get it from both. Sometimes a child doesn't inherit the gene from either parent, but the gene mutation develops on its own. They break very easily.


Question: What are other symptoms of brittle bone disease?

Answer: They break very easily. General symptoms of brittle bone disease may be mild or very severe. They include: Broken bones (fractures) Bleeding and easy bruising (frequent nosebleeds or heavy bleeding after an injury) Blue color in the white part of the eyes Bowing of the legs Breathing problems Brittle, discolored teeth Curved spine, called scoliosis Feeling very tired Skin that is easily hurt Hearing loss that starts in early adulthood Can't stand warm temperatures Loose joints Short height Weak muscles and tissues Doctors group brittle bone disease into types, based on symptoms and number of fractures.


Question: What is hypoglycemia unawareness?

Answer: Most people with diabetes can drive safely. The exception is if you have a condition called hypoglycemia unawareness, which means low blood sugars hit you out of the blue, with no warning at all. It can be especially dangerous for you to be on the road. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor. You might be able to learn how to feel low blood sugar coming on.


Question: When should you pull over when driving if you have diabetes?

Answer: Ask your doctor how high is too high to be on the road.) Pull over and check your levels if you start feel: A headache Shaky or jumpy Sweaty Hungry Like you can't see straight Sleepy Dizzy, lightheaded, or confused Clumsy Irritable or cranky Weak If your blood sugar is low, have a snack with fast-acting carbohydrates.


Question: How does diabetes affect driving?

Answer: That can make it hard for you to concentrate on the road and react to what's going on around you. If you're not sure whether your diabetes medication can cause low blood sugar, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Second, over time diabetes can cause other health problems that can affect your driving. Diabetes can also hurt your vision by damaging blood vessels in your eyes or making you more likely to get cataracts. It can be especially dangerous for you to be on the road. You might be able to learn how to feel low blood sugar coming on.


Question: What should you do before you drive if you have diabetes?

Answer: That can make it hard for you to concentrate on the road and react to what's going on around you. Before you drive, make sure your blood sugar is at least 80 mg/d L. If it's lower than that, have a snack with 15 grams of carbohydrate. Wait 15 minutes, then check again. Bring snacks. Stock your car with some snacks that have fast-acting carbohydrates in case your blood sugar starts to go too low. Try glucose tablets or gel, regular soda (not diet), and juice boxes or snack bars that won't go bad if you leave them in the car. Bring your meter. You might have to check your blood sugar along the way. Don't leave it in the car when you're not driving, though. Extreme heat or cold can damage it. Wear your medical ID. If there's an emergency, police and rescuers need to know that you have diabetes. Get your eyes checked. Keep up with your regular eye appointments to make sure diabetes isn't changing your vision.


Question: What can you do if your blood sugar is low while driving with diabetes?

Answer: Wait 15 minutes, then check again. Stock your car with some snacks that have fast-acting carbohydrates in case your blood sugar starts to go too low. If it's still not high enough, eat another snack, wait another 15 minutes, and check again. Don't drive again until your blood sugar is in a normal range. Then when you get a chance, eat a bigger snack or a meal with some protein.


Question: Does hormone therapy work for anyone when treating symptoms of menopause?

Answer: Hormone therapy isn't for everyone. Don't take it if you've ever had breast cancer, uterine or "endometrial" cancer, blood clots, liver disease, or a stroke. Also don't take it if you might be pregnant or you have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. If you can't or don't want to take hormones, other medications can ease symptoms. They include antidepressants, antiseizure drugs, or blood pressure medications to help with hot flashes and mood swings.


Question: Are there any tests for menopause?

Answer: The most accurate way to tell if it's happening to you is to watch your menstrual cycles for 12 months in a row. It helps to keep track of your periods and chart them as they become irregular. Menopause has happened when you have not had any period for an entire 12 months. Your doctor can check your blood for follicle stimulating hormone ( FSH). The levels will jump as your ovaries begin to shut down. As your estrogen levels fall, you'll notice hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and less lubrication during sex. The tissue in and around your vagina will thin as estrogen drops, too. The only way to check for this is through a Pap-like smear, but it's rarely done. As this happens, you might have urinary incontinence, painful sex, a low sex drive, and vaginal itching.


Question: What are the stages of menopause?

Answer: The process happens slowly over three stages: Perimenopause. Your cycles will become irregular, but they haven't stopped. Most women hit this stage around age 47. Even though you might notice symptoms like hot flashes, you can still get pregnant. Menopause. This is when you'll have your final menstrual period. You won't know for sure it's happened until you've gone a year without one. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, and other symptoms are common in this stage. Postmenopause. This begins when you hit the year mark from your final period. Once that happens, you'll be referred to as postmenopausal for the rest of your life. Keep in mind that after more than 1 year of no menstrual periods due to menopause, vaginal bleeding isn't normal, so tell your doctor if you have any ASAP.


Question: What are other ways to treat symptoms of menopause?

Answer: Prescription and OTC medication for vaginal dryness and sleep problems. You can try topical estrogen, lubricants, and non-estrogen prescriptions for dryness and painful sex. Acupuncture, meditation, and relaxation techniques are harmless ways to ease the stress of menopause, and some people believe they help. Many women also try herbal or natural remedies. Talk to a doctor before trying any of these.


Question: How can I treat the symptoms of menopause?

Answer: A healthy diet and regular exercise program will help manage your symptoms and boost your health. It helps with hot flashes and night sweats, and it may help prevent osteoporosis. If you don't have a uterus, you might get estrogen alone. Hormone therapy isn't for everyone. If you can't or don't want to take hormones, other medications can ease symptoms.


Question: I have diabetes and a cold, what should I do if my blood sugar is too high?

Answer: If your blood sugar is too high, sip liquids like water or sugar-free ginger ale. If it's too low, sip half a cup of apple juice or 1/2 cup of ginger ale. Always check what you eat or drink against your regular diabetes diet to make sure these foods and drinks are allowed in your situation.


Question: Can I eat foods from my regular meal plan if I have a cold with diabetes?

Answer: You may not feel hungry when you first get sick, but it's important to try to eat something anyway. You can have foods from your regular meal plan.


Question: How often should I check my blood sugar if I have a cold and diabetes?

Answer: Check it at least every 3 or 4 hours when you're sick with a cold. If your levels aren't near your target, you can tweak your diabetes management plan -- your doctor may tell you to use more insulin if your blood sugar levels are too high.


Question: I have a cold and diabetes, what should I do if I have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea?

Answer: You can sip the liquid if you want -- no need to gulp it down all at once. The important thing is to avoid getting dehydrated. If your blood sugar is too high, sip liquids like water or sugar-free ginger ale. If it's too low, sip half a cup of apple juice or 1/2 cup of ginger ale.


Question: What can happen if I'm a diabetic with a cold and I don't eat?

Answer: Some foods to try: 3-ounce fruit juice bar 1/2 cup frozen yogurt 1/2 cup cooked cereal If you don't eat, your blood sugar might fall too low.


Question: What cold medications should I avoid if I have diabetes and high blood pressure?

Answer: If you have high blood pressure, avoid any cold medicine that contains decongestants, which can raise it even more.


Question: Can a cold make my diabetes worse?

Answer: When you're sick, there's a chance your blood sugar levels could go up.


Question: I have a cold and diabetes, what is recommended that I should eat and drink?

Answer: You may not feel hungry when you first get sick, but it's important to try to eat something anyway. Some foods to try: 3-ounce fruit juice bar 1/2 cup frozen yogurt 1/2 cup cooked cereal If you don't eat, your blood sugar might fall too low.


Question: What are short-term and long-term effects of raspberry ketone?

Answer: When ketones are taken from raspberries, they can be used to add fragrance and flavor to things such as colas, ice cream, and cosmetics. No study has been done to document potential side effects. There are also no studies that look at potential drug or food interactions. Without scientific evidence, no one can say what dosage of raspberry ketone supplements, if any, might be safe to take.


Question: What are the symptoms of kyphosis ?

Answer: Symptoms of lordosis may include: Appearing swayback, with the buttocks being more pronounced Having a large gap between the lower back and the floor when lying on your back on a hard surface that does not change when you bend forward Back pain and discomfort Problems moving certain ways Symptoms of kyphosis are usually visible in nature and include: Bending forward of the head compared to the rest of the body Hump or curve to the upper back Fatigue in back or legs Postural kyphosis does not typically cause back pain; however, physical activity and long periods of standing and sitting can cause discomfort for people with Scheuermann's kyphosis.


Question: What types of surgery are used to treat spine curvature disorders?

Answer: The following procedures may be used to treat spine curvature disorders: Spinal instrumentation. Instruments such as hooks, rods, and wire are attached to the spine to realign the bones of the spine and keep them secure following spinal fusion. Artificial disc replacement. Degenerated discs in the spine are replaced with artificial devices. Kyphoplasty. A balloon is inserted inside the spine to straighten and stabilize the affected area and relieve pain.


Question: What should I know about spine curvature disorder?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } The spine, or backbone, is made up of small bones (vertebrae) stacked -- along with discs -- one on top of another. A healthy spine when viewed from the side has gentle curves to it. The curves help the spine absorb stress from body movement and gravity. When viewed from the back, the spine should run straight down the middle of the back. When abnormalities of the spine occur, the natural curvatures of the spine are misaligned or exaggerated in certain areas, as occurs with lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis.


Question: What conditions can cause lordosis?

Answer: A condition in which a vertebrae, usually in the lower back, slips forward Osteoporosis, a condition in which vertebrae become fragile and can be easily broken (compression fractures) Obesity, or being extremely overweight Kyphosis.


Question: What conditions can cause kyphosis?

Answer: Inflammation of the disc space between the bones of the spine most often caused by infection Benign (harmless) juvenile lordosis The following conditions can cause kyphosis: Abnormal vertebrae development in utero (congenital kyphosis) Poor posture or slouching (postural kyphosis) Scheuermann's disease, a condition that causes vertebrae to be misshaped ( Scheuermann's kyphosis) Arthritis Osteoporosis Spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spinal column of the fetus does not close completely during development inside the womb Spine infections Spine tumors Doctors do not know what causes the most common type of scoliosis seen in adolescents.


Question: How is kyphosis treated?

Answer: Treatment for lordosis may include: Medication to relieve pain and swelling Exercise and physical therapy to increase muscle strength and flexibility Wearing a back brace Weight loss Surgery Treatment for kyphosis may include: Exercise and anti-inflammatory medication to ease pain or discomfort Wearing a back brace Surgery to correct severe spine curvature and congenital kyphosis Exercises and physical therapy to increase muscle strength Treatment for scoliosis may include: Observation.


Question: How is lordosis treated?

Answer: Treatment for lordosis may include: Medication to relieve pain and swelling Exercise and physical therapy to increase muscle strength and flexibility Wearing a back brace Weight loss Surgery Treatment for kyphosis may include: Exercise and anti-inflammatory medication to ease pain or discomfort Wearing a back brace Surgery to correct severe spine curvature and congenital kyphosis Exercises and physical therapy to increase muscle strength Treatment for scoliosis may include: Observation.


Question: How do I know if I have a spine curvature disorder?

Answer: Your doctor can diagnose a spine curvature disorder by taking a medical and family history, examining the curve of your spine during a physical examination, and using imaging tests, like X-rays, to look more closely at the spine. X-rays can show if there are any abnormalities to the bones of the spine and can also measure how much curve is present. If you or a loved one's back appears to have an abnormal curve to it, beyond just poor posture, see your doctor so that you can be evaluated and treated.


Question: What are the symptoms of lordosis?

Answer: Symptoms of lordosis may include: Appearing swayback, with the buttocks being more pronounced Having a large gap between the lower back and the floor when lying on your back on a hard surface that does not change when you bend forward Back pain and discomfort Problems moving certain ways Symptoms of kyphosis are usually visible in nature and include: Bending forward of the head compared to the rest of the body Hump or curve to the upper back Fatigue in back or legs Postural kyphosis does not typically cause back pain; however, physical activity and long periods of standing and sitting can cause discomfort for people with Scheuermann's kyphosis.


Question: How are spine curvature disorders treated?

Answer: Symptoms of scoliosis may include having: Uneven shoulder blades with one being higher than the other An uneven waist or hip Leaning toward one side In general, treatment is determined based on the severity and type of spinal curvature disorder you have. Mild spinal curvature, as occurs with postural kyphosis, may not be treated at all. More severe spinal curvature may require the use of a back brace or surgery.


Question: What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

Answer: Symptoms of scoliosis may include having: Uneven shoulder blades with one being higher than the other An uneven waist or hip Leaning toward one side In general, treatment is determined based on the severity and type of spinal curvature disorder you have.


Question: What causes scoliosis?

Answer: Inflammation of the disc space between the bones of the spine most often caused by infection Benign (harmless) juvenile lordosis The following conditions can cause kyphosis: Abnormal vertebrae development in utero (congenital kyphosis) Poor posture or slouching (postural kyphosis) Scheuermann's disease, a condition that causes vertebrae to be misshaped ( Scheuermann's kyphosis) Arthritis Osteoporosis Spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spinal column of the fetus does not close completely during development inside the womb Spine infections Spine tumors Doctors do not know what causes the most common type of scoliosis seen in adolescents. However, doctors do know that scoliosis tends to run in families. A disease, injury, infection, or birth defect also may be to blame.


Question: How is scoliosis treated?

Answer: Depending on the degree of the curve, a back brace is sometimes prescribed for kids and adolescents who are still growing. Bracing can help prevent the curve from getting worse. Surgery. If the curve is severe and is getting worse, surgery is sometimes needed. Body casting. A cast is placed from the shoulders to the lower trunk while the child is under anesthesia. It is replaced every few months for up to 3 years. This is usually reserved for young children when a scoliosis curve looks like it will get worse as they grow. Exercise programs, chiropractic treatment, electrical stimulation, and nutritional supplements have not been proven to prevent the worsening of scoliosis. It is still ideal to keep as much as strength and flexibility to maintain normal function. This may require more effort and attention in someone with scoliosis. If you or a loved one's back appears to have an abnormal curve to it, beyond just poor posture, see your doctor so that you can be evaluated and treated.


Question: What are the types of spine curvature disorders?

Answer: Kyphosis. Kyphosis is characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50 degrees of curvature). Scoliosis. A person with scoliosis has a sideways curve to their spine. The curve is often S-shaped or C-shaped. Symptoms of lordosis may include: Appearing swayback, with the buttocks being more pronounced Having a large gap between the lower back and the floor when lying on your back on a hard surface that does not change when you bend forward Back pain and discomfort Problems moving certain ways Symptoms of kyphosis are usually visible in nature and include: Bending forward of the head compared to the rest of the body Hump or curve to the upper back Fatigue in back or legs Postural kyphosis does not typically cause back pain; however, physical activity and long periods of standing and sitting can cause discomfort for people with Scheuermann's kyphosis. The following procedures may be used to treat spine curvature disorders: Spinal instrumentation.


Question: How is MRSA diagnosed?

Answer: Your health care provider will examine the area and be able to run lab tests to see if you have MRSA. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor also might test blood, urine, or sputum (mucus coughed up). If you have a severe infection, or MRSA in the bloodstream, you will need intravenous antibiotics.


Question: What are the treatments for MRSA?

Answer: MRSA is treatable. If you have a severe infection, or MRSA in the bloodstream, you will need intravenous antibiotics. Antibiotics, however, aren't always necessary. If you have a small skin boil caused by MRSA, your doctor may just make an incision and drain it. If you are prescribed antibiotics, follow your health care provider's instructions precisely. Never stop taking your medicine, even if you're feeling better. If you don't take all of your medicine, some of the staph bacteria may survive, requiring re-treatment. Inadequate treatment also increases the development of antibiotic resistance in the surviving staph population. If you still have staph you can infect someone else.


Question: What should I do if I have symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Contact your health care provider if you have any type 2 diabetes symptoms or if you have questions about type 2 diabetes. It's important to get diabetes testing and start a treatment plan early to prevent serious diabetes complications.


Question: What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes because of high blood sugar?

Answer: You might lose weight even though you're eating and feel hungry.


Question: What should you do if you have symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Contact your health care provider if you have any type 2 diabetes symptoms or if you have questions about type 2 diabetes. It's important to get diabetes testing and start a treatment plan early to prevent serious diabetes complications.


Question: What are symptoms of type 2 diabetes that aren't directly related to high blood sugar?

Answer: Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes complications may include: Itching of the skin (usually around the vaginal or groin area) Frequent yeast infections Recent weight gain or unexplained weight loss Velvety dark skin changes of the neck, armpit, and groin, called acanthosis nigricans Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet Decreased vision Erectile dysfunction (impotency) Over time, people with type 2 diabetes may notice these problems: Hypoglycemia: Blood sugar lower than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/d L) can lead to accidents, coma, and death.


Question: What do you need to know about type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Type 2 diabetes is usually not diagnosed until there are health complications. Most often, there are no diabetes symptoms or a very gradual development of the above symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Eye damage: Diabetes can cause: Glaucoma: A buildup of pressure in your eye Cataracts: Cloudiness on the lens Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in your eye Kidney disease: When your glucose is high, your kidneys have to work harder to filter the extra sugar, along with all the other waste products from your blood. It's important to get diabetes testing and start a treatment plan early to prevent serious diabetes complications.


Question: What is the main difference between the flu and a cold?

Answer: It's often hard to tell the difference because the symptoms of both are similar. But there is one clue about flu that can help you know. When you have it, you feel the symptoms sooner than you would with a cold, and they come on with much greater intensity.


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


Question: Will insurance cover weight loss surgery for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: If so, he will give you a detailed checkup and ask you questions to see if you are physically and emotionally ready for the operation and the major changes you'll need to make. Many insurance companies do cover weight loss surgery, since studies show that weight loss surgery could help treat type 2 diabetes. You can deduct it from your federal income taxes.


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

Answer: ( You'll need to eat a lot less and make a healthy diet and exercise part of your life forever.) Pros: Your doctor doesn't have to cut the stomach or move the intestines, like in other surgeries. That's one reason it has fewer complications. Also, you can get the band adjusted or taken out later. Cons: Sometimes there are problems with the band. It may slip or become worn, so you could need another surgery to fix it. Also, you'll lose less weight with this surgery than others (about 40% to 50%).


Question: How common is psoriasis?

Answer: So people have to learn how to deal with it in all parts of life, from clothing to romance to jobs. As more people learn more about the disease, though, those who have it may face less stigma and misunderstanding about their condition.


Question: What are the symptoms of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) or autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)?

Answer: They may also: Avoid eye contact Not be able to express what they're thinking through language Have a high-pitched or flat voice Find it hard to keep up a conversation Have trouble controlling emotions Perform repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, jumping, or twirling Children on the spectrum may repeat certain types of play, have trouble with âmake believe,â and be more interested in parts of a toy, rather than the toy itself. They need strict schedules and don't like changes to their routines.


Question: How are pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) or autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) diagnosed?

Answer: To make the diagnosis, doctors observe the child and ask questions of the parents or guardians about the child's behaviors. There is no lab test for an autism spectrum disorder. The key is to find out as soon possible if a child is on the spectrum. That way, you can line up resources to help your child reach his full potential. The sooner that starts, the better.


Question: How are pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) or autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) treated?

Answer: Medication works best when paired with therapy that develops socialization and other life skills. Keep in mind that someone who's on the spectrum experiences the world differently. Their victories and challenges might be very different from yours. It helps to appreciate them as they are, with their own unique personalities and interests, while you get them the support and skills that could make a big difference in their future.


Question: When did pervasive developmental disorders become part of "autism spectrum disorders"?

Answer: The name change came in 2013, when the American Psychiatric Association reclassified autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified ( PDD- NOS) as autism spectrum disorders. Why the change? The spectrum concept is a more medically accurate way of diagnosing children with these disorders.


Question: What is Hatha yoga like?

Answer: Hatha Yoga What it's like: Gentle " Hatha yoga" originally meant the physical practice of yoga; the poses rather than the breathing exercises. The term now is often used when a few different yoga styles are combined to create a simple class that's good for beginners learning to do basic poses.


Question: How do I get the most benefit out of yoga?

Answer: To get the most benefit, you should choose a yoga style that matches your current fitness level, as well as your personality and goals for practicing yoga Try different classes and teachers, and see what works for you.


Question: What is Ashtanga yoga like?

Answer: Ashtanga Yoga What it's like: Challenging You do a nonstop series of yoga poses. Ashtanga yoga also uses a special breathing technique that's said to help focus the mind and control the flow of breath through the body.


Question: What is Viniyoga like?

Answer: Hatha Yoga What it's like: Gentle " Hatha yoga" originally meant the physical practice of yoga; the poses rather than the breathing exercises. Viniyoga What it's like: Gentle You focus on how your breath moves through your body and affects each pose. It's not so much about doing every pose precisely. The long, deep stretches of this style of yoga are ideal for beginners and people who want to focus on flexibility, recovery from injury, body awareness, and relaxation.


Question: What is Iyengar yoga like?

Answer: Hatha Yoga What it's like: Gentle " Hatha yoga" originally meant the physical practice of yoga; the poses rather than the breathing exercises. The term now is often used when a few different yoga styles are combined to create a simple class that's good for beginners learning to do basic poses. Then try one of the yoga styles that include plenty of meditation, chanting, and the philosophic aspects of yoga.


Question: What is Sivananda yoga like?

Answer: Hatha Yoga What it's like: Gentle " Hatha yoga" originally meant the physical practice of yoga; the poses rather than the breathing exercises. Sivananda Yoga What it's like: Gentle You do 13 poses and lie down in between the poses. Sivananda yoga is easily adaptable to people of different physical abilities.


Question: What medications trigger supraventricular tachycardia?

Answer: Certain medications have been known to trigger the pounding heart rhythm of SVT. These include: Digoxin ( Digitek, Digox, Lanoxin), for treating heart failure. Theophylline ( Elixophyllin, Norphyl, Phyllcontin), for treating asthma and other lung problems. If you're taking either of those prescription drugs and you start feeling your heart beating rapidly, let your doctor know at once. Other things to watch out for: Over-the-counter cold medications, namely decongestants (to relieve a stuffy nose) and antihistamines (to ease allergy symptoms). If possible, try to avoid any product listing these ingredients: Ephedrine Pseudoephedrine Phenylephrine Herbal supplements and diet pills.


Question: How can cigarettes trigger supraventricular tachycardia?

Answer: If you've had heart surgery, you may be left with scars that increase the chances you may get SVT.


Question: Are caffeine and alcohol triggers for supraventricular tachycardia?

Answer: You would probably have to have a lot of cups o' joe to set your heart racing, although the amount varies from person to person. Caffeine is found in tea, chocolate, and energy drinks, too. Figure out how much you're really taking in. Alcohol can also be a trigger, and possibly in smaller amounts than caffeine.


Question: What is supraventricular tachycardia and what causes it?

Answer: What they do know for certain: It starts in the upper chambers of your heart with electrical signals that tell it when to pump. These impulses go in a loop instead of heading off to the right place. This causes your heartbeat to speed up -- sometimes to three times its normal pace. With a little detective work, you and your doctor might be able to figure out what your triggers are. That could help you control this condition.


Question: How can stress trigger supraventricular tachycardia?

Answer: That could help you control this condition. If you've had heart surgery, you may be left with scars that increase the chances you may get SVT. Up to 25% of people who've had a heart transplant will have this happen.


Question: How can previously having a surgery trigger supraventricular tachycardia?

Answer: This causes your heartbeat to speed up -- sometimes to three times its normal pace. If you are worn out or anxious, you may be more likely to have a bout of SVT. This doesn't mean your body is rejecting the new organ.


Question: How can working out too much trigger supraventricular tachycardia?

Answer: Alcohol can also be a trigger, and possibly in smaller amounts than caffeine. Most of the time, though, exercise is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.


Question: How can I check the blood pressure of my child?

Answer: How to Check Your child's doctor will start to check blood pressure at age 3. Your child may need to have it checked sooner if he: Was born prematurely or had low birth weight Has congenital heart disease Takes medicine that can make blood pressure rise Has other medical conditions that can lead to high blood pressure If your doctor tells you to check your child's blood pressure at home, use an automatic monitor with a cuff that fits on his upper arm. Take the monitor with you to your next appointment so your doctor can check that you use it correctly.


Question: How can I check my child's heart rate?

Answer: You should also check your child's pulse if he: Says his chest hurts or complains of things like a âracingâ feeling or a âskippedâ heartbeat Faints Has trouble breathing (not because of asthma) Becomes pale or his lips turn blue How to Check Make sure your child has been seated for at least 5 minutes before you start. Place your first two fingers on the front of his neck or the inside of the wrist, armpit, or elbow crease. You should feel thumps against your fingers. Set a timer for 30 seconds and count the beats. Double that number, and that's your child's heart rate.


Question: What are signs of respiratory distress in children?

Answer: Normal rate (breaths per minute): Infant (0-12 months): 30-60 Toddler (1-3 years): 24-40 Preschooler (3-5 years): 22-34 School-aged child (5-12 years): 18-30 Adolescent (12-18 years): 12-16 If your baby or child's pulse is fast or he has any of the following symptoms, it could mean he's having trouble breathing: Bluish color around the mouth Pale or gray skin A grunting sound with each breath out Nose flares Wheezing Sweating Tiredness Upper chest sinks in with each breath Respiratory distress is serious. It means your child isn't getting enough oxygen. Call your doctor or 911, or get to the emergency room right away.


Question: How can I check my child's respiratory rate?

Answer: How to Check Set a timer for 30 seconds and count the number of times your child's chest rises. Double that number to get his respiratory rate. Normal rate (breaths per minute): Infant (0-12 months): 30-60 Toddler (1-3 years): 24-40 Preschooler (3-5 years): 22-34 School-aged child (5-12 years): 18-30 Adolescent (12-18 years): 12-16 If your baby or child's pulse is fast or he has any of the following symptoms, it could mean he's having trouble breathing: Bluish color around the mouth Pale or gray skin A grunting sound with each breath out Nose flares Wheezing Sweating Tiredness Upper chest sinks in with each breath Respiratory distress is serious.


Question: What are normal levels of blood pressure for boys and girls 13 and older?

Answer: For boys: 1 year old: less than 98/52 2 years old: less than 100/55 3 years old: less than 101/58 4 years old: less than 102/60 5 years old: less than 103/63 6 years old: less than 105/66 7 years old: less than 106/68 8 years old: less than 107/69 9 years old: less than 107/70 10 years old: less than 108/72 11 years old: less than 110/74 12 years old: less than 113/75 For girls: 1 year old: less than 98/54 2 years old: less than 101/58 3 years old: less than 102/60 4 years old: less than 103/62 5 years old: less than 104/64 6 years old: less than 105/67 7 years old: less than 106/68 8 years old: less than 107/69 9 years old: less than 108/71 10 years old: less than 109/72 11 years old: less than 111/74 12 years old: less than 114/75 For boys and girls 13 and older: less than 120/80.


Question: How do I take an oral temperature for my child?

Answer: To take an oral temperature: Slip the end of the thermometer under your child's tongue. Have your child close his lips around the thermometer. Remove it when it beeps and check the temperature.


Question: What are normal levels of blood pressure in girls?

Answer: For boys: 1 year old: less than 98/52 2 years old: less than 100/55 3 years old: less than 101/58 4 years old: less than 102/60 5 years old: less than 103/63 6 years old: less than 105/66 7 years old: less than 106/68 8 years old: less than 107/69 9 years old: less than 107/70 10 years old: less than 108/72 11 years old: less than 110/74 12 years old: less than 113/75 For girls: 1 year old: less than 98/54 2 years old: less than 101/58 3 years old: less than 102/60 4 years old: less than 103/62 5 years old: less than 104/64 6 years old: less than 105/67 7 years old: less than 106/68 8 years old: less than 107/69 9 years old: less than 108/71 10 years old: less than 109/72 11 years old: less than 111/74 12 years old: less than 114/75 For boys and girls 13 and older: less than 120/80.


Question: What are the symptoms of metabolic acidosis?

Answer: Although symptoms can differ, someone with metabolic acidosis will often: Breathe fast Have a fast heartbeat Have a headache Be confused Feel weak Feel tired Have little desire to eat Feel sick to their stomach Throw up Fruity-smelling breath is a classic symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis ( DKA). If you have these symptoms, call your doctor. You'll probably need to go to the hospital if they're severe.


Question: How does lactic acidosis lead to metabolic acidosis?

Answer: Lactic acidosis. The cells in your body make lactic acid when they don't have a lot of oxygen to use. This acid can build up, too. It might happen when you're exercising intensely. Big drops in blood pressure, heart failure, cardiac arrest, and an overwhelming infection can also cause it.


Question: How does renal tubular acidosis lead to metabolic acidosis?

Answer: Healthy kidneys take acids out of your blood and get rid of them in your pee. Kidney diseases as well as some immune system and genetic disorders can damage kidneys so they leave too much acid in your blood.


Question: What tests are used to diagnose metabolic acidosis?

Answer: Ketoacidosis. This test measures the chemical balance in your blood. It compares the numbers of positively and negatively charged particles, including sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Certain types of metabolic acidosis have a bigger difference -- or "gap" -- than others. Arterial blood gases. If you have diabetes, you can test your pee for ketones at home with test strips you can buy over the counter. Some blood sugar meters can measure ketones in your blood.


Question: What is metabolic acidosis?

Answer: Your body: Is making too much acid Isn't getting rid of enough acid Doesn't have enough base to offset a normal amount of acid 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(); }); } When any of these happen, chemical reactions and processes in your body don't work right. Although severe episodes can be life-threatening, sometimes metabolic acidosis is a mild condition. You can treat it, but how depends on what's causing it. This test measures the chemical balance in your blood.


Question: What is the treatment for metabolic acidosis?

Answer: You can treat it, but how depends on what's causing it. If you don't restore the balance, it can affect your bones, muscles, and kidneys. In severe cases, it can cause shock or death. DKA can put you in a coma. The earlier you're treated, the better. Common treatments include: Detoxification, if you have drug or alcohol poisoning Insulin, if you have DKA IV fluids, given by needle through a vein in your arm Sodium bicarbonate, by IV You might have to go to a hospital.


Question: How can you prevent metabolic acidosis?

Answer: You can treat it, but how depends on what's causing it. Drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic fluids. Your pee should be clear or pale yellow. Limit alcohol. It can increase acid buildup. It can also dehydrate you. Manage your diabetes, if you have it. Follow directions when you take your medications.


Question: How does hyperchloremic acidosis lead to metabolic acidosis?

Answer: Lots of ketones in your blood turn it acidic. But it starts in a different way, when your body has too much carbon dioxide because of a problem with your lungs. This test measures the p H of your blood and the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in it.


Question: Which genes cause myelofibrosis and are they inherited?

Answer: About 90% of people who get this kind of cancer have a change in one of three genes: JAK2, CALR, or MPL. These genes change during your lifetime, but we don't know why. Maybe you were exposed to toxic chemicals or radiation. In most cases, you don't inherit these gene problems from your parents, and you don't pass them on to your children.


Question: How does myelofibrosis (MF) affect your organs?

Answer: Organs: Because your marrow has problems making blood cells, organs like your spleen, liver, or lungs may start the process instead. You could also make blood cells in your spinal cord or lymph nodes -- small glands in your groin, neck, and armpits. All that extra blood can cause organs to get too large, especially your spleen. You might feel pain or fullness in your belly if that happens. This can be serious, so you need to get it looked at right away.


Question: What do different blood cells do and how does myelofibrosis affect them?

Answer: Red blood cells bring oxygen to your organs and tissues like muscles. If you have too few (your doctor will call this anemia), you might feel weak, short of breath, lightheaded, or really tired. You might have bone pain. White blood cells help you fight off infections. If you have too many, your body can't defend you from illness like it's supposed to. Platelets make your blood clot when you get a cut so you can form a scab and heal. Without enough working platelets, it may be hard for you to stop bleeding.


Question: What causes myelofibrosis?

Answer: A problem with one of your genes causes you to make stem cells that don't work the way they should. These are the cells that make blood in your bone marrow.


Question: How does myelofibrosis spread in the body and can it be prevented?

Answer: These faulty genes make copies of themselves. The bad versions spread through your marrow and try to stop your body from making normal blood cells. We don't know how to prevent MF.


Question: What ages and gender are most likely to get myelofibrosis?

Answer: Most people are diagnosed around age 60. Both men and women can get it. About 18,000 people in the U. S. are living with MF. Young adults or small children can get myelofibrosis, but it's rare. Girls are affected twice as often as boys when it happens in childhood.


Question: What can increase your risk of myelofibrosis?

Answer: You may get MF by itself. Or it could happen if you have another type of cancer that spreads to your marrow. Blood cancers like leukemia or myeloma could also bring it on. Long-term exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals like benzene could make you more likely to get MF. But that doesn't happen often.


Question: Who gets myelofibrosis (MF)?

Answer: Most people are diagnosed around age 60. Both men and women can get it. About 18,000 people in the U. S. are living with MF. Young adults or small children can get myelofibrosis, but it's rare. Girls are affected twice as often as boys when it happens in childhood. You may get MF by itself. Long-term exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals like benzene could make you more likely to get MF. Red blood cells bring oxygen to your organs and tissues like muscles.


Question: How do I do a breast self-exam lying down?

Answer: Lying down: Lie down and place a small pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Put your right hand behind your head. Place your left hand on the upper portion of your right breast with fingers together and flat. Body lotion may help to make this easier. Think of your breast as a face on a clock. Start at 12 o'clock and move toward 1 o'clock in small circular motions. Continue around the entire circle until you reach 12 o'clock again. Keep your fingers flat and in constant contact with your breast. When the circle is complete, move in 1 inch toward the nipple and complete another circle around the clock. Continue in this pattern until you've felt the entire breast. Make sure to feel the upper outer areas that extend into your armpit. Place your fingers flat and directly on top of your nipple. Feel beneath the nipple for any changes. Gently press your nipple inward. It should move easily. Repeat these steps on your other breast. Don't forget to check the upper, outer area of the breast, nearest to the armpit.


Question: Should you do a breast self-exam?

Answer: Medical groups don't agree on that. You can ask your doctor for advice on whether it would be helpful for you. If you notice anything unusual, tell your doctor. You may need to lift your breasts with your hand to see it.


Question: How do I do a breast self-exam in the mirror?

Answer: But should you do a breast self-exam? If you choose to do one, follow these steps: In the mirror: Stand undressed from the waist up in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room. Look at your breasts. If they aren't equal in size or shape, that's OK! Most women's breasts aren't. With your arms relaxed by your sides, look for any changes in size, shape, or position, or any breast skin changes. Look for any puckering, dimpling, sores, or discoloration. Check your nipples and look for any sores, peeling, or change in their direction. Place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to tighten the chest muscles beneath your breasts. Turn from side to side so you can look at the outer part of your breasts. Then bend forward toward the mirror. Roll your shoulders and elbows forward to tighten your chest muscles. Your breasts will fall forward. Look for any changes in their shape or contour. Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward. Again, turn from side to side to inspect your breasts' outer portions. Remember to look at the border underneath them. You may need to lift your breasts with your hand to see it. Check your nipples for discharge fluid. Place your thumb and forefinger on the tissue surrounding the nipple and pull outward toward the end of the nipple. Look for any discharge. Repeat on your other breast.


Question: What should you do if you find a lump during your breast self-exam?

Answer: Medical groups don't agree on that. You can ask your doctor for advice on whether it would be helpful for you. But do check in with your doctor's office if you notice any new breast changes, such as: An area that is different from any other area on either breast A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that lasts through your menstrual cycle A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast A mass or lump A marble-like area under the skin A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed) Bloody or clear fluid discharge from the nipples Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple


Question: How do I do a breast self-exam in the shower?

Answer: In the shower: Feel for changes in the breast. It helps to have your hands slippery with soap and water. Check for any lumps or thickening in your underarm area. Place your left hand on your hip and reach with your right hand to feel in the left armpit. Repeat on the other side. Check both sides for lumps or thickenings above and below your collarbone. With hands soapy, raise one arm behind your head to spread out the breast tissue. Use the flat part of your fingers from the other hand to press gently into the breast. Follow an up-and-down pattern, moving from bra line to collarbone. Continue the pattern until you have covered the entire breast. Repeat on the other side. Repeat these steps on your other breast.


Question: How can modified radical hysterectomy help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: This surgery is usually for early stage cervical cancer that has not spread outside the cervix. During a radical hysterectomy, your doctor removes the uterus and cervix, along with ligaments that hold the uterus in place, and the top part of the vagina next to the cervix. Pelvic lymph nodes may also be removed. The surgery is usually done with one large cut in the abdomen, or is laparoscopic-assisted through the vagina. Your hospital stay after a radical hysterectomy is usually between 5 and 7 days. You could have trouble going to the bathroom after surgery, and you might need a temporary tube called a catheter to urinate.


Question: What do you need to know about treating cervical cancer?

Answer: If you were diagnosed with cervical cancer, just know that it's usually very treatable -- especially if your doctor caught it early. If so, there are several options to treat it, relieve your symptoms, and help you live longer. First, your doctor will have to determine the cancer's stage, meaning its size, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. She will choose a treatment that's most likely to shrink the cancer based on the stage and what type of cervical cancer it is. She will also consider your age and whether you want to maintain your ability to have children.


Question: How can pelvic exenteration help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: This surgery is used when cervical cancer comes back and spreads outside the cervix. Your surgeon will remove your cervix, uterus, and nearby lymph nodes. Other organs, like the bladder, vagina, rectum, and part of the colon might also be removed, depending on where your cancer has spread. If you have your bladder or rectum removed, the surgeon will create new pathways to remove urine and waste from your body.


Question: How can total hysterectomy help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: This surgery removes your uterus and cervix. It is the main treatment for small cancers that haven't spread outside your cervix. This procedure can be done through your: Belly (abdominal hysterectomy) Belly, through very small holes (laparoscopic hysterectomy) During the procedure, you surgeon might also remove your fallopian tubes and ovaries, as well as the lymph nodes in your pelvis to see if the cancer has spread. You'll have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 5 days after a hysterectomy. Recovery time is faster for laparoscopic surgery than abdominal surgery. You won't be able to bear children after a hysterectomy. If you still want children and opt to have this procedure, talk to your doctor about options such as freezing your eggs or embryos.


Question: How can trachelectomy help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: This procedure, also known as a cervicectomy, is an option if you have early-stage cervical cancer and still want to have children. It removes the cervix and top of the vagina, but leaves most of the uterus. This can be done through an open cut or laparoscopically in the abdomen or can be done vaginally. If you get pregnant you'll have to deliver by C-section.


Question: What are side effects of chemotherapy for cervical cancer?

Answer: The side effects from chemotherapy depend on which drugs you take, but can include: Changes in your periods Fatigue Hair loss Increased risk for infection Loss of appetite Mouth sores Nausea and vomiting Getting both radiation and chemo can increase the number of side effects you have. Many of these will go away once you stop treatment. Some can last for a long time, or even permanently. Ask your doctor for ways to relieve your side effects. Targeted therapy uses drugs that kill cancer cells but spare healthy cells.


Question: What are side effects of radiation for cervical cancer?

Answer: Radiation uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and stop their growth. Side effects of radiation include: Fatigue Loose stools, diarrhea Nausea, vomiting Pain during sex Skin changes Discomfort and urge to urinate often Menstrual changes Swollen legs (if lymph nodes are irradiated) These side effects will go away once you finish treatment.


Question: How can conization help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: If you were diagnosed with cervical cancer, just know that it's usually very treatable -- especially if your doctor caught it early. This surgery can treat very small cervical cancers that haven't spread. Your surgeon removes a cone-shaped area of abnormal cells from your cervix. Conization is performed with a knife, laser, or a thin, heated wire loop. After conization, you should still be able to have children.


Question: How can surgery help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: If you were diagnosed with cervical cancer, just know that it's usually very treatable -- especially if your doctor caught it early. Surgery is the main treatment for cervical cancers. Sometimes you'll get chemotherapy or radiation to shrink the tumor before surgery, or to kill cancer cells that remain afterward. The type of surgery you have depends on how large the cancer has grown and whether it has spread. Some types of cervical cancer surgery can affect your ability to have children. Talk to your doctor about the risks before you decide on a procedure.


Question: How can clinical trials help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: You might also get chemotherapy if your cancer has spread. If you've tried a few treatments and they didn't work, or the cancer has spread, ask your doctor about a clinical trial. These test new treatments to see if they're safe and if they work.


Question: What are cervical cancer treatments?

Answer: If you were diagnosed with cervical cancer, just know that it's usually very treatable -- especially if your doctor caught it early. Cervical cancer treatments include: Chemotherapy Radiation Surgery Targeted therapy Take time to review all your options. Make sure you understand how each treatment works. You can also get a second opinion from another doctor.


Question: Does having diabetes affect my teeth?

Answer: â High blood sugar or some medications can cause you to have less saliva, so your mouth can feel dry. Without saliva to cleanse and rinse your teeth, you're at a much higher risk for cavities.â Diabetes also makes it take longer to heal wounds, including those from oral surgery or having a tooth removed.


Question: What does gum disease look like?

Answer: â The most common effect of diabetes is swollen and bleeding gums,â Boghosian says. She notes that about 1 in 5 people with diabetes have gum disease.


Question: Can a dentist tell how well I manage my diabetes?

Answer: A dentist can tell if something is not right within your mouth. They would not give you a blood sugar test or check on your diabetes, but if your gums bleed and are not the right color, they will see that.


Question: What do oral infections caused by diabetes look like?

Answer: â First of all, it can put you at higher risk for oral infections.â These are clusters of germs that can cause pain in your mouth. They look like white or red patches on your gums, tongue, or inside your cheeks. You might even notice dark spots or holes in your teeth. People with diabetes are also more likely to get fungal infections, such as thrush, which leaves white patches in your mouth that can turn into sores or ulcers.


Question: How are gum infection and blood sugar related?

Answer: If it's not treated, gum disease can cause your blood sugar to rise, and that makes your diabetes harder to manage. If your blood sugar is out of control because of an infection in your mouth, then treating that infection will tame your blood sugar.


Question: What can I do to reduce dental issues associated with diabetes?

Answer: First, manage your diabetes. â Keep your blood sugar levels under control, choose a healthy diet, stay active,â Boghosian says. â If your body is healthy it will help you fight the oral and fungal infections, and maybe even increase the amount of saliva in your mouth.â Don't smoke. Aside from their many dangers, cigarettes and cigars also contribute to dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. If you wear a full or partial denture, clean it thoroughly each day to reduce bacteria. â And of course, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush,â Boghosian says. See your dentist for regular checkups.â


Question: Can diabetes affect my teeth?

Answer: â If left untreated, diabetes can really take a toll on your mouth,â says Alice Boghosian, DDS, spokeswoman for the American Dental Association. When you think of a treatment for diabetes, a toothbrush isn't the first thing that comes to mind. â If your body is healthy it will help you fight the oral and fungal infections, and maybe even increase the amount of saliva in your mouth.â Don't smoke.


Question: How is farsightedness diagnosed?

Answer: Glasses, contact lenses, or vision correction surgery can correct your vision. If your problem is severe, you may need to wear glasses or contacts all the time.


Question: What are symptoms of farsightedness?

Answer: You may have Trouble focusing on nearby objects Headaches Blurry vision Eye strain Fatigue or headache after you do a close-up task such as reading If you have these symptoms when you wear glasses or contacts, you may need a new prescription.


Question: Does farsightedness improve over time?

Answer: It's normal for your eyes to change as you get older. Adults over 40 who are already farsighted often need reading glasses earlier in life. Eventually, you may also need glasses or contacts to help you see better at a distance.


Question: What is farsightedness?

Answer: This is also is called hyperopia. It means that the eye focuses better on distant objects than on those that are close. When you're farsighted, the light rays don't focus like they should.


Question: Will I need eye surgery if I'm farsighted?

Answer: Glasses, contact lenses, or vision correction surgery can correct your vision. If contacts or glasses aren't for you, eye surgery may be the answer. The most common procedure to correct farsightedness is LASIK. The doctor creates a flap on the top of your cornea, then uses a laser to sculpt tissue inside your eye. Talk to your eye doctor about your options, how well they work, and what's involved.


Question: What is a neti pot and how can it help with clearing a stuffed up nose?

Answer: They flush your sinuses with saline. Follow the directions above to make saline, or buy a rinse at the drugstore. To use a neti pot, fill it with a saline solution. Stand over a sink and pour the liquid into your nostril with your head tilted about 45 degrees. It will drain through your sinuses and out the other nostril.


Question: What are steroid nasal sprays and how can they help with clearing a stuffed-up nose?

Answer: If allergies are causing your stuffy nose, ask your doctor if you should use ones that you can buy without a prescription. They can bring down swelling and improve congestion, and have few side effects. They can take a couple of days to kick in, so start them before you have symptoms and use them throughout your allergy season. They won't help with colds or the flu.


Question: How can you blow your nose the right way?

Answer: Blow Your Nose the Right Way Here's how to do it: Always use a disposable tissue to avoid spreading germs. Blow gently. If you do it too hard, it can force mucus into your ears or other parts of your sinuses. Wash your hands when you're done.


Question: Should you check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications if you have medical problems?

Answer: Medications Check with your doctor before you take any over-the-counter drugs if you have medical problems or take other medicines.


Question: What are decongestants and how can they help with clearing a stuffed-up nose?

Answer: You can get them as pills or sprays. They shrink the blood vessels inside your nose. This opens up your nasal passages, so air can flow easier through them. Decongestant sprays work directly on the blood vessels in your nose. You shouldn't use them for more than 3 days, because your body may start to rely on them. If this happens, you'll feel even stuffier when you stop using them. Decongestants can raise your heart rate and blood pressure.


Question: What is menthol and how can it help with clearing up a stuffed-up nose?

Answer: Medicated ointments that have this or camphor in them can help you breathe better. You can rub them on your chest or upper lip. You can also buy types that you place in warm water and breathe in the vapor, which helps open up your airways.


Question: How can steam help with clearing a stuffed-up nose?

Answer: Stand in a warm shower and take deep breaths. This good old-fashioned method may do the trick to ease your stuffiness. Natural Remedies continued... You can also fill a bowl with hot water, put a towel over your head, and hold your face over the bowl. The towel will help keep the steam close to you as you breathe it in.


Question: What are antihistamines and how can they help with clearing a stuffed-up nose?

Answer: If allergies are causing your stuffy nose, ask your doctor if you should use ones that you can buy without a prescription. Histamines are chemicals in your body that cause allergic symptoms, including a stuffy nose. Antihistamines help prevent allergic reactions by blocking these chemicals. Some of these meds can make you sleepy, so read the label. They work best if you take them before your allergies begin, but they can work after the fact, too.


Question: What is saline and how can it help with clearing a stuffed-up nose?

Answer: If allergies are causing your stuffy nose, ask your doctor if you should use ones that you can buy without a prescription. In a clean container, mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Add 1 teaspoon of this mix to 8 ounces of distilled or pre-boiled lukewarm water. Hold one side of your nose closed, then squirt the saline into the other side. Repeat 2-3 times and switch sides. They flush your sinuses with saline.


Question: What happens when stage II chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms get worse?

Answer: You may also start to have flare-ups, called exacerbations. This is when your symptoms get worse for several days at a time. They can be very serious. Keep an eye out for: Feeling confused Being more breathless than usual Change in color of mucus, which may be the first sign of a flare-up Change in amount of mucus, either more or less More coughing More tiredness New sleep problems Tell your doctor if you have any of these. Get medical help right away if you feel confused or have trouble breathing.


Question: What are some complications of stage II chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Answer: They can be very serious. COPD also raises your odds of having heart disease, lung cancer, and high blood pressure in your lungs. Check with your doctor to see how you can limit your risks for these other conditions. Make sure you tend to your overall well-being and keep an eye on your mood, since people with COPD can sometimes get depressed. If you find that you're often sad or feel helpless or hopeless, talk to your doctor.


Question: What are good sources of protein to eat if you're on an insulin-resistance diet?

Answer: Lean protein. You want to make sure to get enough protein, but not when it's loaded with fat. Limit beef, lamb, and pork, and stick with: Chicken or turkey without the skin Fish, such as albacore tuna, sardines, and salmon Low-fat cheese and egg whites Proteins from plants, like beans, lentils, and nut butters Healthy fats.


Question: Can low-fat dairy be part of an insulin-resistance diet?

Answer: With low-fat milk and plain, nonfat yogurt, you get calcium, protein, and fewer calories. Plus, several studies show that low-fat dairy lowers insulin resistance. If you're used to full-fat, you can dial it down slowly. So maybe try 1% or 2% milk for a while before switching to skim.


Question: What kinds of fruit should you eat if you're on an insulin-resistance diet?

Answer: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, they're another great choice. Swap a fruit for sweets to tame your cravings. Add berries to plain, non-fat yogurt to make it into a dessert. Again, fresh is best. Make sure to avoid canned fruits with syrup added. And remember that fruits count as carbs.


Question: What should you know about carbs if you're on an insulin-resistance diet?

Answer: They're low in carbs and calories, and they're packed with nutrients, so you can eat as much as you want. So for breakfast, choose oats over toast. Low-fat dairy.


Question: What kinds of vegetables should you eat if you're on an insulin-resistance diet?

Answer: But it can be hard to change habits. Fresh vegetables are best. If you go frozen or canned, make sure there's no added fat, salt, or sugar. Watch out for starchy vegetables, like potatoes, peas, and corn. They have more carbs, so treat them more like grains, and don't overdo it. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, they're another great choice.


Question: What foods and drinks should you avoid on an insulin-resistance diet?

Answer: And if you already have it, a diet change may help you manage it better. They're low in carbs and calories, and they're packed with nutrients, so you can eat as much as you want. If you go frozen or canned, make sure there's no added fat, salt, or sugar. Swapping out saturated and trans fats for healthy ones can lower insulin resistance. Sweetened drinks, like soda, fruit drinks, iced teas, and vitamin water, which can make you gain weight.


Question: What foods are part of an insulin-resistance diet?

Answer: You don't need special foods for the insulin-resistance diet. In a nutshell, you'll eat less unhealthy fat, sugar, meats, and processed starches, and more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and lean poultry. There's no magic food that'll fix everything, so vary what you eat. When you have a choice, choose the food with more vitamins, minerals, and fiber.


Question: How is surgery done for the treatment of Crohn's disease?

Answer: Common procedures include: Anastomosis: Your surgeon removes the diseased part of the bowel and joins the two healthy ends together. This surgery can allow many people to remain symptom-free for years, but it isn't a cure.


Question: Who gets Crohn's disease?

Answer: A few things can make you more likely to get Crohn's disease: Genetics: Crohn's disease is often inherited. About 20% of people with Crohn's disease may have a close relative with either Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews are at greater risk for the disease. Age: While Crohn's disease can affect people of all ages, it's primarily an illness of the young. Most people are diagnosed before age 30, but the disease can happen in people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, or even later in life.


Question: How is Crohn's disease distinguished?

Answer: Doctors use many tests to distinguish Crohn's disease from other conditions like ulcerative colitis.


Question: How does Crohn's disease progress?

Answer: With Crohn's disease, you have periods of symptoms that can last for days, weeks, or months, followed by periods of remission when you have no symptoms. Remissions can last days, weeks, or years.


Question: When is surgery done for the treatment of Crohn's disease?

Answer: Surgery About 66% to 75% of people with Crohn's disease will need surgery. Surgery is done to treat complications of the disease or when medications don't help.


Question: What can worsen Crohn's disease?

Answer: Things that worsen Crohn's disease include: Infections (including the common cold) Cigarette smoking Certain anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) Though treatments can't cure Crohn's disease, they can help most people lead normal lives.


Question: What are side effects of surgeries for Crohn's disease?

Answer: This surgery can allow many people to remain symptom-free for years, but it isn't a cure.


Question: What do children with Crohn's disease experience?

Answer: About 20% of people with Crohn's disease may have a close relative with either Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.


Question: What tests are used for Crohn's disease?

Answer: Your doctor might want to do some lab tests, like: Blood tests, including blood counts Stool samples to rule out infections as the cause of diarrhea Imaging tests or endoscopy: Your doctor might send you to a specialist called a gastroenterologist to get one of these: Balloon-assisted enteroscopy: This test uses balloons that inflate and deflate to pull a flexible tube called an endoscope through your small intestine.


Question: When do you need an ileostomy for the treatment of Crohn's disease?

Answer: Ileostomy: You might need this if your rectum is diseased and the doctor can't use it for an anastomosis. This procedure connects your intestine to the skin of your torso. The result is an opening in the skin that can collect waste products in a special pouch that you empty.


Question: What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?

Answer: People with Crohn's disease can have severe symptoms followed by periods of no symptoms that can last for weeks or years. The symptoms depend on where the disease happens and how severe it is. You might notice: Chronic diarrhea, often bloody and containing mucus or pus Weight loss Fever Abdominal pain and tenderness Feeling of a mass or fullness in the abdomen Rectal bleeding Crohn's causes two types of complications: Local, which affect just the intestines Systemic, which affect your whole body.


Question: What causes Crohn's disease?

Answer: It has often been thought of as an autoimmune disease, but research suggests that the chronic inflammation may not be due to the immune system attacking the body itself, but rather a result of the immune system attacking a harmless virus, bacteria, or food in the gut. While foods don't appear to cause Crohn's disease, soft, bland foods may cause less discomfort than spicy or high-fiber foods when the disease is active.


Question: What are life-threatening symptoms of Crohn's disease?

Answer: You'd notice swelling, tenderness, pain, and fever. These drugs cause a higher risk of infections that can be life-threatening.


Question: What medications are used to treat Crohn's disease?

Answer: About 20% of people with Crohn's disease may have a close relative with either Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Medication Crohn's disease is treated primarily with medications, including: Anti-inflammatory drugs. Examples include mesalamine ( Asacol, Lialda, Pentasa), olsalazine ( Dipentum), and sulfasalazine ( Azulfidine). Side effects include upset stomach, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and rash. Corticosteroids, a more powerful type of anti-inflammatory drug. Examples include budesonide ( Entocort) and prednisone or methylprednisolone ( Solu- Medrol). If you take these for a long time, side effects can be severe and may include bone thinning, muscle loss, skin problems, and a higher risk of infection. Entocort has fewer side effects. Immune system modifiers such as azathioprine ( Imuran) and methotrexate ( Rheumatrex). It can take up to 6 months for these drugs to work. These drugs cause a higher risk of infections that can be life-threatening. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin ( Cipro), metronidazole ( Flagyl), and others. Flagyl can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, and tingling or numbness of the hands and feet. Cipro can cause nausea and tears in the Achilles tendon. Drugs for diarrhea. Biologic medicines, such as adalimumab ( Humira), adalimumab-atto ( Amjevita), certolizumab pegol ( Cimzia), infliximab ( Remicade), infliximab-abda ( Renflexis), infliximab-dyyb ( Inflectra), natalizumab ( Tysabri), ustekinumab ( Stelara), and vedolizumab ( Entyvio). Once you start treatment, your doctor will check to see how well it works within several weeks. You'll continue until you reach remission. When that happens, your doctor may prescribe what he calls "maintenance therapy" to keep your symptoms at bay. Your doctor may suggest you take nutritional supplements, too.


Question: How does Crohn's disease cause inflammation?

Answer: It can get inflamed as a result of Crohn's treatment or the disease itself. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can result from both gallstones and medications. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. It has often been thought of as an autoimmune disease, but research suggests that the chronic inflammation may not be due to the immune system attacking the body itself, but rather a result of the immune system attacking a harmless virus, bacteria, or food in the gut.


Question: How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?

Answer: First, your doctor will review your medical history and talk about your symptoms. Your doctor might want to do some lab tests, like: Blood tests, including blood counts Stool samples to rule out infections as the cause of diarrhea Imaging tests or endoscopy: Your doctor might send you to a specialist called a gastroenterologist to get one of these: Balloon-assisted enteroscopy: This test uses balloons that inflate and deflate to pull a flexible tube called an endoscope through your small intestine. Capsule endoscopy : You'll swallow a tiny, pill-sized camera to give the doctor a closer look at your small intestine. Upper endoscopy: The doctor does this to see your esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.


Question: What other symptoms of Crohn's disease can develop?

Answer: The symptoms depend on where the disease happens and how severe it is. Fistulas: In addition to forming within your intestines, fistulas can also form between the intestine and other organs, like the bladder or ureter.


Question: How does diet affect Crohn's disease?

Answer: Ileostomy: You might need this if your rectum is diseased and the doctor can't use it for an anastomosis. While foods don't appear to cause Crohn's disease, soft, bland foods may cause less discomfort than spicy or high-fiber foods when the disease is active. Most doctors try to be flexible in planning the diets of their Crohn's disease patients.


Question: What can happen if you don't care for a cold or the flu?

Answer: These viruses can develop into serious illnesses like pneumonia in people who have weak immune systems, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. So if you have a chronic illness, your healing time may be different.


Question: How can you give a cold to someone else?

Answer: Your sneezes and coughs can send virus particles as far as 12 feet through the air where they can land in someone's mouth or nose or be inhaled into the lungs. Others can also catch your cold if they touch you or something you've come into contact with and then touch their mouth or nose. Some people never show symptoms but can still give it to others.


Question: What is pericarditis?

Answer: This condition is rare and means the lining surrounding your heart is inflamed. An infection often causes this.


Question: What is congenital heart disease?

Answer: This is a problem in one or more parts of the heart or blood vessels. It happens before birth. About 8 out of every 1,000 children get it. They may have symptoms at birth, but some people with it don't have symptoms until childhood or even adulthood. In most cases, we don't know why it happens. Genes may play a role, or it can happen if a baby is exposed to viral infections, alcohol, or drugs before it's born.


Question: What are abnormal heart rhythms?

Answer: It beats in a steady, even rhythm, about 60 to 100 times each minute. That's about 100,000 times each day. Sometimes your heart gets out of rhythm. Your doctor calls an irregular or abnormal heartbeat an arrhythmia. An arrhythmia (also called a dysrhythmia) can bring on an uneven heartbeat or a heartbeat that is either too slow or too fast.


Question: What is coronary artery disease?

Answer: You may hear this called CAD. It's when plaque builds up and hardens that give your heart vital oxygen and nutrients. That hardening is also called atherosclerosis.


Question: What are cardiovascular diseases?

Answer: Cardiovascular diseases are conditions that affect the structures or function of your heart, such as: Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias Aorta disease and Marfan syndrome Congenital heart disease Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries) Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism Heart attack Heart failure Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy) Heart valve disease Pericardial disease Peripheral vascular disease Rheumatic heart disease Stroke Vascular disease (blood vessel disease) Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U. S. It's important to learn about your heart to help prevent it. If you have it, you can live a healthier, more active life by learning about your disease and taking care of yourself.


Question: What is heart valve disease?

Answer: Your valves sit at the exit of each of your four heart chambers. They keep blood flowing through your heart. Your aortic valve narrows. It slows blood flow from your heart to the rest of your body. Mitral valve insufficiency. This causes blood to leak backward, leading to fluid backup in the lungs. The valve between your left upper and left lower chambers doesn't close right.


Question: Which partners should I avoid to prevent gonorrhea?

Answer: Don't have sex with someone who has symptoms of gonorrhea. Has your partner complained of a burning feeling while peeing or sores in their genital area? Take a break from sexual activity until they get their symptoms checked (and you should get checked, too).


Question: What should I do if I'm pregnant and have gonorrhea?

Answer: Doctors recommend you get tested for gonorrhea once a year if you're: A man who has sex with men A sexually active woman under age 25 A woman who has multiple sex partners If you're pregnant and have gonorrhea, talk to your doctor so you can get the right treatment. This STD can cause health problems for babies, so it's important to treat the disease as soon as possible to help lower your baby's risk for complications.


Question: How can I get gonorrhea?

Answer: You can get gonorrhea from any kind of sexual contact, including: Vaginal intercourse Anal intercourse Oral intercourse (both giving and receiving) As with other germs, you can get the bacterium that causes gonorrhea just from touching an infected area on another person. If you come into contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus of someone carrying this bacterium, you can get gonorrhea. These germs can't live for more than a few seconds outside the body, so you can't get this STD by touching objects like toilet seats or clothes. But women who have gonorrhea can pass the disease on to their baby during a vaginal delivery. Babies born by C-section can't get it from their mother.


Question: How can using condoms prevent gonorrhea?

Answer: They help protect you from STDs. They act as a barrier and keep bacteria from infecting you. Spermicide won't prevent you from getting gonorrhea.


Question: When does my risk of getting gonorrhea rise?

Answer: Your risk for gonorrhea is higher if you: â¢ Are young â¢ Are having sex with a new partner â¢ Are having sex with someone who is having sex with other people â¢ Have multiple sex partners â¢ Have had gonorrhea before â¢ Have had other STDs There are specific steps you can take to safeguard yourself from gonorrhea: Use condoms.


Question: Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

Answer: Doctors recommend you get tested for gonorrhea once a year if you're: A man who has sex with men A sexually active woman under age 25 A woman who has multiple sex partners If you're pregnant and have gonorrhea, talk to your doctor so you can get the right treatment.


Question: What causes gonorrhea?

Answer: Deferred(); $(function() { require(['ia-modules/1/ia-modules.min','video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader','webmd.oauth/1/webmd.oauth'], function(ia M, video Loader, oauth){ window.webmd Video Promise.resolve(video Loader, oauth); }); }); This STD comes from a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Even though it's spread through sex, a man doesn't have to ejaculate in order to pass it on to his partner.


Question: How can getting tested prevent gonorrhea?

Answer: Have your sexual partners get tested. Ask them if they've been screened for gonorrhea. If they haven't, have a conversation about getting tested. Doctors recommend you get tested for gonorrhea once a year if you're: A man who has sex with men A sexually active woman under age 25 A woman who has multiple sex partners If you're pregnant and have gonorrhea, talk to your doctor so you can get the right treatment.


Question: How can I prevent gonorrhea?

Answer: You also have a lower risk if you're in a long-term sexual relationship with only one person and you're their only partner. You can reduce your chances of getting gonorrhea by practicing safe sex, which means using a condom, and by getting regular screenings. You'll need to keep practicing safe sex to keep from getting it again.


Question: What is gonorrhea?

Answer: Some people call it âthe clap.â Gonorrhea usually causes pain and other symptoms in your genital tract, but it can also cause problems in your rectum, throat, eyes, or joints. Both men and women can get it, though men get it more often than women. Your risk for gonorrhea is higher if you: â¢ Are young â¢ Are having sex with a new partner â¢ Are having sex with someone who is having sex with other people â¢ Have multiple sex partners â¢ Have had gonorrhea before â¢ Have had other STDs There are specific steps you can take to safeguard yourself from gonorrhea: Use condoms. With the right treatment, gonorrhea is curable.


Question: What is microscopic colitis?

Answer: When you have this condition, your colon is inflamed. Your symptoms may include watery diarrhea and belly pain. The condition may go away without any treatment, but if it doesn't, your doctor may tell you to tweak your diet or take medication. In rare cases, when the symptoms are severe, you may need surgery.


Question: What are gallstones?

Answer: Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ in your belly. It holds a fluid called bile that helps digest your food. Sometimes, leftover bile hardens to form little stones. These may not give you any symptoms unless they cause a blockage. If you have a gallstone, you may get a sharp pain on the right side of your belly. You may not be able to sit comfortably. If you run a high fever with chills or notice that your skin or eyes start to yellow, call your doctor right away.


Question: What is diverticulitis?

Answer: Sometimes, weak parts of your colon start to sag. This causes tiny pouches to form, most often in the lower part of your colon. A tear in these "pockets" can lead to inflammation or infection, which is called diverticulitis. If you have a mild case, you can treat it by making lifestyle changes, like getting more rest and watching what you eat.


Question: How is endometriosis similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Answer: In rare cases, when the symptoms are severe, you may need surgery. This includes your bowel. It can cause symptoms like IBS, but they may get worse before and during your period. Another sign you could have endometriosis is pain when you start to have a bowel movement or during sex. Some women also have rectal bleeding. Your doctor can diagnose endometriosis of the bowel with different imaging tests. Sometimes you can manage symptoms with medicine. Your doctor may also suggest surgery.


Question: What is ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Answer: You may need to take medicine every day to treat it. Sometimes, doctors suggest surgery. Like ulcerative colitis, this type of IBD causes ulcers and inflammation.


Question: What is celiac disease?

Answer: When you have this condition, your colon is inflamed. A blood test can show if you're more likely to get celiac disease. If so, your doctor may do a biopsy of your small intestine to confirm it. The only sure treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. It's important to manage your condition to avoid severe damage. A medicine you take by mouth can get rid of these parasites.


Question: How is stomach cancer similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Answer: If it's not working the way it should, you can have IBS-like symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and belly pain. Other symptoms can be: Heartburn Feeling sick to your stomach Vomiting Blood in your stool Losing weight without trying If your doctor thinks you have it, she may do a test called an upper endoscopy. She puts a small, lighted tube with a video camera into your throat to look at your stomach. Your doctor may take a sample of an area that doesn't look healthy and send it to a lab to be tested.


Question: What causes excessive gas in babies?

Answer: Use the burping position they appear most comfortable with. There are three basic positions in which to gently pat and rub your baby's back: Over your shoulder Sitting on your lap, facing out or to the side Lying face down on your lap To avoid air swallowing during bottle feeding, make sure that the air is always at the bottom of the bottle, not at the nipple area.


Question: How should you burp your baby?

Answer: Pick a time when they slow down or are taking a break. Use the burping position they appear most comfortable with. There are three basic positions in which to gently pat and rub your baby's back: Over your shoulder Sitting on your lap, facing out or to the side Lying face down on your lap To avoid air swallowing during bottle feeding, make sure that the air is always at the bottom of the bottle, not at the nipple area.


Question: How can you help your baby avoid swallowing air during bottle feedings?

Answer: There are three basic positions in which to gently pat and rub your baby's back: Over your shoulder Sitting on your lap, facing out or to the side Lying face down on your lap To avoid air swallowing during bottle feeding, make sure that the air is always at the bottom of the bottle, not at the nipple area. This ensures the air doesn't get swallowed.


Question: What Is a biventricular pacemaker?

Answer: Leads are tiny wires implanted through a vein into the right ventricle and into the coronary sinus vein to pace or regulate the left ventricle. Usually (but not always), a lead is also implanted into the right atrium. This helps the heart beat in a more balanced way. Traditional pacemakers are used to treat slow heart rhythms. Pacemakers regulate the right atrium and right ventricle to maintain a good heart rate and keep the atrium and ventricle working together. This is called AV synchrony. Biventricular pacemakers add a third lead to help the left ventricle have a normal contraction when it also doesn't function properly.


Question: Why would a doctor recommend combination implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and pacemaker therapy?

Answer: People with heart failure who have poor ejection fractions (measurement that shows how well the heart pumps with each beat) are at risk for fast irregular heart rhythms -- some of which can be life-threatening -- called arrhythmias. Currently, doctors use an ICD to prevent these dangerous rhythms. The device works by detecting such a rhythm and shocking the heart back to normal. These devices can combine biventricular pacing with anti-tachycardia pacing (to slow down the heart rate) and internal defibrillators ( ICDs) to deliver shocks as needed. Current studies are showing that resynchronization may even lessen the amount of arrhythmia that occurs, decreasing the times the ICD needs to shock the heart. These devices are improving heart failure patients' quality of life as well as improving their safety.