Question: How can magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help diagnose a stroke?

Answer: This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make a detailed picture of your brain. It's sharper than a CT scan and can show injuries earlier than a traditional CT. Carotid ultrasound.


Question: What are the signs of stroke?

Answer: The F- A- S- T test is an easy way to remember them: Face: Smile. Does one side of your face sag? Arms: Raise both and see if one droops. Speech: Say a common phrase: Does it sound strange or slurred? Time: Call 9-1-1 right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Note what time they started.


Question: What is the most common kind of stroke?

Answer: Your doctor may: Ask when your symptoms started and get information about your medical history Check how alert you are, and see if you can't move one side of the face or you have trouble with coordination and balance Check if you feel numb or weak in any part of your body See if you have trouble with your vision or speech Do a physical exam, take your blood pressure, and listen to your heart Your doctor then will need to do blood tests and imaging tests to figure out which type of stroke you might have had. The most common kind is called ischemic stroke. Almost 90% of people who have a stroke have this, and it happens when a clot blocks blood flow. A hemorrhagic stroke is when you have bleeding in your brain.


Question: How is stroke diagnosed?

Answer: At the hospital, your doctor will want to rule out other conditions that might cause your symptoms. These could include seizure, migraine, low blood sugar, or a heart problem. Your doctor may: Ask when your symptoms started and get information about your medical history Check how alert you are, and see if you can't move one side of the face or you have trouble with coordination and balance Check if you feel numb or weak in any part of your body See if you have trouble with your vision or speech Do a physical exam, take your blood pressure, and listen to your heart Your doctor then will need to do blood tests and imaging tests to figure out which type of stroke you might have had.


Question: How can angiograms of your head and neck help diagnose a stroke?

Answer: Your doctor will put dye in your blood so they can see your blood vessels with X-rays. This can help find a blockage or aneurysm.


Question: How can echocardiogram help diagnose a stroke?

Answer: Sometimes a clot forms in another part of the body (often the heart) and travels to the brain. This imaging test of the heart can look for clots in the heart or enlarged parts of the heart.


Question: How can computerized tomography (CT) help with the diagnosis of stroke?

Answer: A hemorrhagic stroke is when you have bleeding in your brain. They may put dye in your vein first to look for an aneurysm, a thin or weak spot on an artery.


Question: How is ischemic stroke treated?

Answer: A stroke happens when the flow of blood to part of your brain gets cut off. Almost 90% of people who have a stroke have this, and it happens when a clot blocks blood flow. Your doctor may put a clot-busting drug called t PA in your arm. You should get it within 3 hours of the stroke. In some situations, you can get it 4.5 hours later. You'll probably have it while you're still in the ER. If you can't have t PA, which is a powerful drug and can cause bleeding, you might take aspirin or another medicine to thin your blood or keep clots from getting bigger. Another option is to remove the clot after you arrive at the hospital. Your doctor will thread a device called a stent up the artery to grab the clot, or take it out with a suction tube. They also can use a tiny, flexible tube called a catheter to send drugs up to your brain and directly to the clot.


Question: What treatments besides medication an help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Answer: Your doctor may also prescribe: Physical therapy Exercise Hot and cold compresses to help with the pain As a last resort, you may have surgery on your joints or tendons.


Question: What does it mean if I'm wheezing or hear whistling sound when I breathe?

Answer: A high-pitched whistling sound when you breathe in or out means that your airways have narrowed. This could be due to asthma, but it can also be because of an infection or allergic reaction. Wheezing can also signal that you inhaled something by mistake and it's stuck in your airway.


Question: What does it mean if I have chest pain while breathing?

Answer: But if you also feel short of breath, it can be a sign of another condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD.) A high-pitched whistling sound when you breathe in or out means that your airways have narrowed. It can also be a symptom of a heart problem. Chest pain after a workout or stressful event can be due to angina, in which the muscles of your heart don't get enough blood. Your doctor will want to know if you have those symptoms, so he can test you to see if the problem is likely to lead to other health conditions, like a heart attack. If you have chest pain lasts longer than 15 minutes or spreads to other parts of your body, or if you feel nauseous, sweaty, or cough up blood, you may be having a heart attack. Call 911 right away.


Question: What does it mean if I'm suddenly short of breath?

Answer: But if you also feel short of breath, it can be a sign of another condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD.) If you're stressed or very anxious, you'll take faster, more shallow breaths than normal. It could be a sign there's a problem with your airways or heart. For instance, an asthma attack can make it hard to get enough air into your lungs. Shortness of breath that comes out of the blue can also signal a problem with how your heart beats or pumps blood. If that happens to you, get medical help right away.


Question: What does it mean if I get easily winded while breathing?

Answer: If you're not getting enough, it can make you feel short of breath or have chest pain when you exercise. You may also feel run down, weak, or hear a pounding in your ears. It's common to have low iron, especially for women or vegetarians and vegans. The problem is usually easy to treat, though -- you can eat more iron-rich foods (like lean meat, beans, or dark, leafy greens) or take an iron supplement. Your doctor can help you figure out the best fix for you. It could be a sign there's a problem with your airways or heart.


Question: What problems can coughing signal?

Answer: But if you also feel short of breath, it can be a sign of another condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD.) People with COPD have airways that are inflamed, clogged with mucus, or don't work as well as they used to. Smoking is the biggest cause of the condition, but breathing secondhand smoke, polluted air, or toxic chemicals can also hurt your airways. A morning cough can be an early sign of COPD. In severe cases, you may also notice weight loss or swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs. If you have chest pain lasts longer than 15 minutes or spreads to other parts of your body, or if you feel nauseous, sweaty, or cough up blood, you may be having a heart attack.


Question: What is hyperventilation?

Answer: You can try treatments for anxiety or learn healthy ways to handle your stress so it won't make you feel short of breath. If you're not getting enough, it can make you feel short of breath or have chest pain when you exercise. It's normal to get out of breath if you're more active than usual.


Question: Is there an anthrax vaccine, and for whom is it intended?

Answer: The anthrax vaccine isn't approved for use after exposure, but that might change in an emergency situation, such as if anthrax were used in terrorism. In that case, people who are exposed would need three shots of the vaccine over 4 weeks, and also take antibiotics of 60 days.


Question: How do you get anthrax?

Answer: You can't get it unless the spores get into your body, either through a cut or because you breathe them in or drink or eat something that's contaminated with spores that contain the bacteria. You cannot catch anthrax from someone else.


Question: What should I do if I think I've been exposed to anthrax?

Answer: If he thinks you may have breathed in the spores that yield anthrax bacteria, you may get a chest X-ray or CT scan. The treatment you need will depend on what happened and how you were exposed. Anthrax antitoxins include obiltoxaximab ( Anthim) or raxibacumab ( ABthrax) to help treat inhaled anthrax. If your case is serious, you'll get the treatment in a hospital. You can't get it unless the spores get into your body, either through a cut or because you breathe them in or drink or eat something that's contaminated with spores that contain the bacteria.


Question: When should I see a pediatrician about my child's development?

Answer: Examples of this can include: Repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, jumping, or twirling Constant moving (pacing) and âhyperâ behavior Fixations on certain activities or objects Specific routines or rituals (and getting upset when a routine is changed, even slightly) Extreme sensitivity to touch, light, and sound Not taking part in âmake-believeâ play or imitating others' behaviors Fussy eating habits Lack of coordination, clumsiness Impulsiveness (acting without thinking) Aggressive behavior, both with self and others Short attention span The earlier treatment for autism spectrum disorder begins, the more like it is to be effective. That's why knowing how to identify the signs and symptoms is so important. Make an appointment with your child's pediatrician if he doesn't meet these specific developmental milestones, or if he meets but loses them later on: Smiles by 6 months Imitates facial expressions or sounds by 9 months Coos or babbles by 12 months Gestures (points or waves) by 14 months Speaks with single words by 16 months and uses phrases of two words or more by 24 months Plays pretend or âmake-believeâ by 18 months


Question: What are common behavioral problems for people with autism?

Answer: Examples of this can include: Repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, jumping, or twirling Constant moving (pacing) and âhyperâ behavior Fixations on certain activities or objects Specific routines or rituals (and getting upset when a routine is changed, even slightly) Extreme sensitivity to touch, light, and sound Not taking part in âmake-believeâ play or imitating others' behaviors Fussy eating habits Lack of coordination, clumsiness Impulsiveness (acting without thinking) Aggressive behavior, both with self and others Short attention span The earlier treatment for autism spectrum disorder begins, the more like it is to be effective.


Question: How early do signs of childhood autism show up?

Answer: But up to half of parents of children with ASD noticed issues by the time their child reached 12 months, and between 80% and 90% noticed problems by 2 years. Children with ASD will have symptoms throughout their lives, but it's possible for them to get better as they get older. If your child is on the spectrum, he might show some social symptoms by the time he's 8 to 10 months old.


Question: What are the social symptoms of autism?

Answer: Problems with social skills are some of the most common signs. If your child is on the spectrum, he might show some social symptoms by the time he's 8 to 10 months old. Playing, sharing, or talking with other people doesn't interest him. He prefers to be alone. He avoids or rejects physical contact. He avoids eye contact. When he's upset, he doesn't like to be comforted. He doesn't understand emotions -- his own or others'. He may not stretch out his arms to be picked up or guided with walking.


Question: How is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) diagnosed?

Answer: PHN usually is diagnosed when pain lasts three months or more after an acute attack of shingles or appears after the skin lesions of shingles have healed.


Question: What are symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

Answer: In PHN, pain is intense and may be described as burning, stabbing, or gnawing. Affected areas of the body may be hypersensitive or may have decreased sensation. In addition, areas previously affected by shingles may show evidence of scarring.


Question: How is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) treated?

Answer: For many people, PHN may improve over time without treatment.


Question: Who is more likely to get postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

Answer: PHN occurs most often in elderly people and in people whose immune systems have been compromised. The pain of PHN, which occurs in the same area as the pain and rash of shingles, results from damage to nerve fibers during the shingles infection. Shingles is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, but the disorder is most common in people over age 60.


Question: Can diabetes that develops after an organ transplant go away eventually?

Answer: After an organ transplant, you need to take drugs for the rest of your life so your body doesn't reject the donor organ. These drugs help organ transplants succeed, but many of them, such as the medication tacrolimus ( Astagraf, Prograf) or steroids, can cause diabetes or worsen it.


Question: What organ transplant recipients are at risk for developing diabetes?

Answer: Apart from those medicines, you are also more likely to get diabetes if: You're obese. Diabetes runs in your family. You're African- American or Latino. You're older than 40. You have hepatitis C. Talk to your doctor if you think that you're at high risk of getting diabetes. He may be able to prescribe medicines that are less likely to cause it.


Question: What organ transplant medications cause diabetes?

Answer: After an organ transplant, you need to take drugs for the rest of your life so your body doesn't reject the donor organ. These drugs help organ transplants succeed, but many of them, such as the medication tacrolimus ( Astagraf, Prograf) or steroids, can cause diabetes or worsen it.


Question: Why do doctors prescribe tamoxifen for breast cancer?

Answer: There are different reasons, including: To treat breast cancer after surgery or radiation To treat cancer in one breast and reduce the risk of the disease in the other breast To prevent invasive breast cancer in women at high risk To treat the earliest stage of breast cancer, called ductal carcinoma in situ ( DCIS), after surgery and radiation To prompt ovulation in women with fertility problems To treat other cancers such as ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, melanoma, and brain tumors In higher than normal doses, tamoxifen may even kill some breast cancer cells that don't depend on estrogen.


Question: How does tamoxifen prevent breast cancer?

Answer: Tamoxifen is a medication that blocks the female hormone estrogen in the body. It blocks estrogen from acting on cells that are not cancerous. Tamoxifen also keeps healthy breast cells from growing and multiplying. That way, it also reduces the number of cells that could become cancer.


Question: How does tamoxifen for breast cancer work?

Answer: Tamoxifen is a medication that blocks the female hormone estrogen in the body. For more than 30 years, doctors have prescribed it to fight breast cancer tumors that depend on estrogen to grow. In order to fuel that growth, estrogen must attach itself to those breast cancer cells. Doctors think that tamoxifen stops estrogen from attaching to the cell. There are different reasons, including: To treat breast cancer after surgery or radiation To treat cancer in one breast and reduce the risk of the disease in the other breast To prevent invasive breast cancer in women at high risk To treat the earliest stage of breast cancer, called ductal carcinoma in situ ( DCIS), after surgery and radiation To prompt ovulation in women with fertility problems To treat other cancers such as ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, melanoma, and brain tumors In higher than normal doses, tamoxifen may even kill some breast cancer cells that don't depend on estrogen.


Question: What is a lumbar laminotomy?

Answer: Sometimes your surgeon will also need to remove a small piece of bone called the lamina from the vertebra. The lamina forms a protective cover over your spinal cord. Removing part or all of it helps the surgeon access your herniated disk. It also can relieve pressure on your nerves and eliminate leg pain and sciatica.


Question: What is a diskectomy?

Answer: During this procedure, your surgeon removes your damaged disk to relieve pressure on your nerves. He can perform the surgery in a couple of ways: Your surgeons performs open diskectomy is via a cut in your back or neck. Microdiscectomy is done through a much smaller incision. Your surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera on one end to see and remove the damaged disk.


Question: How can I prevent getting another herniated disk?

Answer: To protect your spine and prevent another herniated disk, you should always sit and stand up straight. If you have to stand for a long period of time, rest one foot on a stool or box to take pressure off your back. Be careful when you lift anything heavy. Squat from your knees to pick it up. Don't bend from the waist. It puts too much pressure on your back. Stay at a good weight for you. Extra pounds put more strain on your back. Don't smoke. It can cause hardening of the arteries, which can damage the disks in your spine.


Question: What is a spinal fusion?

Answer: After a diskectomy or laminotomy, your surgeon may fuse together the two vertebrae on either side of the disk to stabilize your spine. This is called spinal fusion. Fusing the two disks will stop the bones from moving and prevent you from having any more pain.


Question: Will surgery treat a herniated disk?

Answer: Most people with a herniated disk don't need surgery. Rest and other treatments should start to improve your symptoms within 4 to 6 weeks. But if your pain doesn't improve, surgery might be an option. Talk to your doctor about surgery if: You're not getting relief from pain relievers, injections, and physical therapy. Your symptoms keep getting worse. You have trouble standing or walking. You can't control your bowels or bladder.


Question: Why does pregnancy cause acid reflux?

Answer: Many women experience acid reflux for the first time during pregnancy. This is caused by increasing levels of hormones combined with pressure from the growing fetus. Usually worst during the third trimester, the symptoms almost always go away after delivery.


Question: What medications can cause acid reflux?

Answer: Other common causes of acid reflux disease include: Being overweight or obese Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist Snacking close to bedtime or lying down right after a meal Taking aspirin or ibuprofen, some muscle relaxers, or certain blood pressure medications


Question: What can cause acid reflux disease?

Answer: Doctors aren't always sure. Other common causes of acid reflux disease include: Being overweight or obese Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist Snacking close to bedtime or lying down right after a meal Taking aspirin or ibuprofen, some muscle relaxers, or certain blood pressure medications


Question: How does a nicotine test work?

Answer: There are a couple of ways to test for nicotine and cotinine, the product created after nicotine enters your body: Qualitative testing: It simply looks for whether or not you have nicotine in your body. Quantitative testing: It actually measures the concentration of nicotine or cotinine in your body. It gives more information about your tobacco habits. It can tell whether you're an active smoker or if you've recently quit. If you're not a tobacco user, it can tell if you've been breathing in a lot of tobacco smoke or not.


Question: Why would you need a nicotine test?

Answer: Some of the most common reasons include: Court-ordered testing in child custody cases For smoking cessation programs When applying for health or life insurance Before certain surgeries For employment If your doctor suspects nicotine overdose The amount of nicotine in your blood rises just seconds after you light up.


Question: What chemicals does a nicotine test look for?

Answer: Usually, the tests look for cotinine, not nicotine. That's because cotinine is more stable and lasts longer in your body. Cotinine can show up in a blood or urine test. If you've quit smoking or using other tobacco products and you're now on a nicotine replacement product, you may need a test that looks for nicotine, cotinine, and anabasine, a substance that's found in tobacco but not in nicotine replacement products. If you test positive -- meaning anabasine is present in your body -- that indicates you're actually still using tobacco. It wouldn't show up if you were just using nicotine replacement products.


Question: What can you do to protect your ears and prevent swimmer's ear?

Answer: Don't stick stuff in your ear! You've probably heard this before, but never put cotton swabs, hairpins, pen caps, pencils, your finger, tissues, or anything else into your ear canal. It not only damages your skin, but bits of cotton or tissue can get stuck and break down in your ear, raising the chances of an infection. Leave earwax alone. Earwax plays an important role in protecting your ears. So when you try to pry it out, you raise your odds of getting swimmer's ear. What's more, you're also probably pushing wax farther into your ear. If you think you really do have too much earwax, talk to your doctor about safe ways to treat the problem. Take off your headphones. Headphones -- especially ones you stick into your ear canal, like earbuds -- can sometimes scratch the skin, leading to infections. Keep hearing aids clean. Just like earbuds, hearing aids can rub against the ear canal and lead to swimmer's ear. To lower your risk, make sure to take out your hearing aid each night to clean it regularly. Put cotton balls in your ears before using hair spray, dye, or other products. Some people get swimmer's ear from chemicals in cosmetics, which irritate the skin.


Question: What can you do before swimming to prevent swimmer's ear?

Answer: Put in earplugs. If you can keep water out of your ear canal, you're much less likely to have a problem. Choose earplugs that are designed for swimming. A bathing cap that covers your ears can help, too. Don't swim in lakes, ponds, or rivers with lots of bacteria. Check for posted signs about bacteria levels and whether it's safe to swim. High bacteria levels in the water can mean more bacteria in your ears. Make sure pools and spas are clean. Dirty water is more likely to have bacteria. If you don't know if a pool or spa is clean, don't get in.


Question: What can you do after swimming to prevent swimmer's ear?

Answer: Shake or drain water from your ears. Just tilt your head and let gravity do its thing. Pulling your earlobe at different angles can also help. Dry your ears. Use a clean towel to gently rub the outside of your ear. You can also use a hair dryer. Just make sure to set it on low and hold it about 12 inches away from your ear. Use eardrops. You can buy over-the-counter eardrops that will help dry up any leftover water. You can also make eardrops at home. Just mix a half-teaspoon of white vinegar and a half-teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and pour it into each ear. Then let it drain out. Don't put eardrops in your ear if you have had any ear pain, ear surgery, or have a tear in your eardrum (perforated eardrum).


Question: How can you get swimmer's ear?

Answer: Despite the name, swimmer's ear isn't always caused by swimming. You can sometimes get it after scratching the inside of your ear canal, which can break the skin and let in germs.


Question: How can I prevent swimmer's ear?

Answer: To protect yourself before and after you swim -- or get in a spa or bath -- keep your ears dry. Put in earplugs. Dirty water is more likely to have bacteria. Shake or drain water from your ears. Dry your ears. Use a clean towel to gently rub the outside of your ear. Just make sure to set it on low and hold it about 12 inches away from your ear. Use eardrops. Just mix a half-teaspoon of white vinegar and a half-teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and pour it into each ear. Then let it drain out. You can sometimes get it after scratching the inside of your ear canal, which can break the skin and let in germs. To lower your risk, make sure to take out your hearing aid each night to clean it regularly. You may have a greater chance of getting swimmer's ear and serious complications.


Question: What is acanthosis nigricans?

Answer: Acanthosis nigricans usually strikes people who are very overweight. While there is no cure for acanthosis nigricans, losing weight may improve the skin condition. Acanthosis nigricans usually precedes diabetes and is considered to be a marker for the disease. There are other health conditions that also are known to cause acanthosis of the skin and these include acromegaly and Cushing syndromes. It is thought that this health condition is a skin manifestation of insulin resistance.


Question: What causes diabetic blisters?

Answer: Diabetic blisters (bullosis diabeticorum): In rare cases, people with diabetes develop skin problems, such as blisters that resemble burn blisters. These blisters can occur on the fingers, hands, toes, feet, legs, or forearms. Diabetic blisters usually are painless and heal on their own. These skin problems often occur in people who have severe diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. Bringing your blood sugar level under control is the medical treatment for this health condition.


Question: What is vitiligo?

Answer: Vitiligo: Vitiligo, a skin problem more commonly associated with type 1 diabetes than type 2 diabetes, affects skin coloration. With vitiligo, the special cells that make pigment (the substance that controls skin color) are destroyed, resulting in patches of discolored skin. Vitiligo often affects the chest and abdomen, but may be found on the face around the mouth, nostrils, and eyes. Current treatment options for vitiligo include topical steroids and micropigmentation (tattooing). If you have vitiligo, you should use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn on the discolored skin.


Question: How is necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) linked to skin problems in diabetes associated with red blood supply to the skin?

Answer: Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum: Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum ( NLD) is thought to be caused by changes in the collagen and fat content underneath the skin. The overlaying skin area becomes thinned and reddened. Most lesions are found on the lower parts of the legs and can ulcerate if subjected to trauma. Lesions have fairly well defined borders between them and normal skin. Sometimes, NLD is itchy and painful. As long as the sores do not break open, treatment is not necessary. If the sores do break open, see your doctor for medical treatment.


Question: How does disseminated granuloma annulare show up in diabetics?

Answer: Disseminated granuloma annulare: This skin condition causes sharply defined, ring or arc-shaped areas on the skin. These rashes most often occur on the fingers and ears, but they can occur on the chest and abdomen. The rash can be red, red-brown, or skin colored. Medical treatment usually is not required, but sometimes a topical steroid medication, such as hydrocortisone, may help.


Question: How is digital sclerosis linked to skin problems in diabetes associated with red blood supply to the skin?

Answer: Digital sclerosis: Digital sclerosis is a health condition in which the skin on your toes, fingers, and hands become thick, waxy, and tight. Stiffness of the finger joints also may occur. The medical treatment is to bring your blood sugar level under control. Lotions and moisturizers may help soften the skin.


Question: How is diabetic dermopathy linked to skin problems in diabetes associated with red blood supply to the skin?

Answer: Diabetic dermopathy: Also called shin spots, this skin condition develops as a result of changes to the blood vessels that supply the skin. Dermopathy appears as a shiny round or oval lesion of thin skin over the front lower parts of the lower legs. The patches do not hurt, although rarely they can be itchy or cause burning. Medical treatment generally is not necessary.


Question: How is acanthosis nigricans linked to diabetes and insulin resistance?

Answer: This is a skin problem that results in the darkening and thickening of certain areas of the skin especially in the skin folds. The skin becomes tan or brown and is sometimes slightly raised and described as velvety. Most often the condition, which typically looks like small warts, appears on the sides or back of the neck, the armpits, under the breast, and groin. Occasionally the top of the knuckles will have a particularly unusual appearance. Acanthosis nigricans usually strikes people who are very overweight. While there is no cure for acanthosis nigricans, losing weight may improve the skin condition. Acanthosis nigricans usually precedes diabetes and is considered to be a marker for the disease. There are other health conditions that also are known to cause acanthosis of the skin and these include acromegaly and Cushing syndromes. It is thought that this health condition is a skin manifestation of insulin resistance.


Question: What skin problems do atherosclerosis cause?

Answer: When the blood vessels supplying the skin become narrow, changes occur to the skin due to a lack of oxygen, such as hair loss, thinning and shiny skin especially on the shins, thickened and discolored toenails, and cold skin. Because blood carries the white blood cells that help fight infection, legs and feet affected by atherosclerosis heal more slowly when they are injured.


Question: What causes rashes and bumps in people with diabetes?

Answer: Rashes and bumps: Allergic reactions to foods, bug bites, and medicines can cause rashes, depressions, or bumps on the skin. It is especially important for people with diabetes to check for skin problems, such as rashes or bumps, in the areas where they inject their insulin.


Question: What is the appearance of eruptive xanthomas?

Answer: The bumps -- which are surrounded by red halos and are itchy -- usually are found on the face and buttocks. They also can be seen on the back side of the arms and legs as well as in the creases of the extremities. Treatment for eruptive xanthomatosis consists of controlling the level of fats in your blood. The skin eruptions will resolve over a few weeks. Drugs that control different types of fats in the blood (lipid-lowering drugs) may also be needed. Rashes and bumps: Allergic reactions to foods, bug bites, and medicines can cause rashes, depressions, or bumps on the skin.


Question: What bacterial infections are associated with diabetes?

Answer: Skin infections with the bacteria known as Staphylococcus are more common and more serious in people with diabetes which is not under control. These bacteria can result in 'boils', an inflamed nodule from a hair follicle, which can occur in areas where hair follicles can be irritated. Other infections include styes, which are infections of the glands of the eyelids, and bacterial nail infections. Most bacterial infections require medical treatment with antibiotics in the form of pills and/or creams.


Question: What is "candida albicans" and where does it occur in people with diabetes?

Answer: Fungal infections : A yeast-like fungus called " Candida albicans" is responsible for many of the fungal infections causing skin problems in people with diabetes. Women in particular are prone to infection with this fungus in the vagina. Other commonly seen areas of infection include the corners of the mouth with what is known as "angular cheilitis," which feels like small cuts on the corners of the mouth. Fungus also can occur in between the toes and fingers and in the nails (onychomycosis). This fungus creates itchy, bright red rashes, often surrounded by tiny blisters and scales. These infections most often occur in warm, moist folds of the skin.


Question: What is diabetic dermopathy?

Answer: Diabetic dermopathy: Also called shin spots, this skin condition develops as a result of changes to the blood vessels that supply the skin. Dermopathy appears as a shiny round or oval lesion of thin skin over the front lower parts of the lower legs. The patches do not hurt, although rarely they can be itchy or cause burning. Medical treatment generally is not necessary.


Question: How do bacterial infections affect people with diabetes?

Answer: Bacterial infections: There are different kinds of bacterial infections commonly affecting the skin of those with diabetes. Skin infections with the bacteria known as Staphylococcus are more common and more serious in people with diabetes which is not under control. These bacteria can result in 'boils', an inflamed nodule from a hair follicle, which can occur in areas where hair follicles can be irritated. Other infections include styes, which are infections of the glands of the eyelids, and bacterial nail infections. Most bacterial infections require medical treatment with antibiotics in the form of pills and/or creams.


Question: How do fungal infections affect diabetics?

Answer: Fungal infections : A yeast-like fungus called " Candida albicans" is responsible for many of the fungal infections causing skin problems in people with diabetes. Women in particular are prone to infection with this fungus in the vagina. Other commonly seen areas of infection include the corners of the mouth with what is known as "angular cheilitis," which feels like small cuts on the corners of the mouth. Fungus also can occur in between the toes and fingers and in the nails (onychomycosis). This fungus creates itchy, bright red rashes, often surrounded by tiny blisters and scales. These infections most often occur in warm, moist folds of the skin. Three common fungal infections are: jock itch (red, itchy area on the genitals and the inside of the thighs), athlete's foot (affects the skin between the toes), and ringworm (ring-shaped, scaly patches that can itch or blister and appear on the feet, groin, chest and abdomen, scalp, or nails). Medicines that kill the fungus are usually needed to treat these infections. A rare but potentially fatal fungal infection with Mucormycosis is seen in people with diabetes. The infection usually starts in the nasal cavities and can spread to the eyes and brain.


Question: Does necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum need to be treated?

Answer: As long as the sores do not break open, treatment is not necessary. If the sores do break open, see your doctor for medical treatment.


Question: What causes itching in people with diabetes?

Answer: Itching: Itching skin, also called pruritus, can have many causes, such as a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor blood flow. When itching is caused by poor blood flow, the lower legs and feet are most often affected. Using lotion can help to keep your skin soft and moist, and prevent itching due to dry skin.


Question: What causes acanthosis nigricans?

Answer: Acanthosis nigricans usually strikes people who are very overweight. While there is no cure for acanthosis nigricans, losing weight may improve the skin condition. Acanthosis nigricans usually precedes diabetes and is considered to be a marker for the disease. There are other health conditions that also are known to cause acanthosis of the skin and these include acromegaly and Cushing syndromes. It is thought that this health condition is a skin manifestation of insulin resistance.


Question: How can people with diabetes prevent skin problems?

Answer: Keeping your diabetes under control is the most important factor in preventing these skin problems. Follow your health care provider's advice regarding nutrition, exercise, and medication. Keep your blood sugar level within the range recommended by your doctor. Proper skin care can also help reduce your risk of skin problems with diabetes.


Question: How is vitiligo linked to diabetes?

Answer: Vitiligo: Vitiligo, a skin problem more commonly associated with type 1 diabetes than type 2 diabetes, affects skin coloration. With vitiligo, the special cells that make pigment (the substance that controls skin color) are destroyed, resulting in patches of discolored skin. Vitiligo often affects the chest and abdomen, but may be found on the face around the mouth, nostrils, and eyes. Current treatment options for vitiligo include topical steroids and micropigmentation (tattooing). If you have vitiligo, you should use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn on the discolored skin.


Question: What are symptoms of cauda equina syndrome?

Answer: They also mimic other conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away: Severe low back pain Pain, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs that causes you to stumble or have trouble getting up from a chair Loss of or altered sensations in your legs, buttocks, inner thighs, backs of your legs, or feet that is severe or gets worse and worse; you may experience this as trouble feeling anything in the areas of your body that would sit in a saddle (called saddle anesthesia) Recent problem with bladder or bowel function, such as trouble eliminating urine or waste (retention) or trouble holding it (incontinence) Sexual dysfunction that has come on suddenly A doctor can diagnose cauda equina syndrome.


Question: How do you diagnose cauda equina syndrome?

Answer: Here's what you may need to confirm a diagnosis: A medical history, in which you answer questions about your health, symptoms, and activity A physical exam to assess your strength, reflexes, sensation, stability, alignment, and motion. You may also need blood tests Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) scan, which uses magnetic fields and computers to produce three-dimensional images of your spine A myelogram -- an X-ray of the spinal canal after injection of contrast material -- which can pinpoint pressure on the spinal cord or nerves A computed tomography ( CT) scan If you have cauda equina syndrome, you'll need prompt treatment to relieve pressure on nerves.


Question: What causes of cauda equina syndrome?

Answer: CES occurs more often in adults than in children. But it can occur in children who have a spinal birth defect or have had a spinal injury. These are the most common causes of cauda equina syndrome: A severe ruptured disk in the lumbar area (the most common cause) Narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) A spinal lesion or malignant tumor A spinal infection, inflammation, hemorrhage, or fracture A complication from a severe lumbar spine injury such as a car crash, fall, gunshot, or stabbing A birth defect such as an abnormal connection between blood vessels (arteriovenous malformation) It may be hard to diagnose cauda equina syndrome.


Question: How do you treat cauda equina syndrome?

Answer: You may need fast treatment to prevent lasting damage leading to incontinence and possibly permanent paralysis of the legs. It is best if this occurs within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Depending on the cause of your CES, you may also need high doses of corticosteroids. If a tumor is responsible, radiation or chemotherapy may be needed after surgery. You will need to learn ways to adapt to changes in your body's functioning. Depending on your limitations, you can seek help from: An occupational or physical therapist A social worker A continence advisor and continence physiotherapists A sex therapist And, as with many conditions, there may be nothing quite as helpful as support from those who really understand what you're going through.


Question: Does medication help with alcohol use disorder?

Answer: No medicine can âcureâ alcohol use disorder, but some can help as you recover. They can make drinking less enjoyable so you don't want to do it as much: Disulfiram ( Antabuse) will make you feel sick or throw up if you drink. Acamprosate ( Campral) can help with cravings. Naltrexone ( Revia) blocks the high you get from drinking. Drugs used for other conditions -- like smoking, pain, or epilepsy -- also may help with alcohol use disorder. Talk to your doctor to see of one of those might be right for you.


Question: What are treatment options for alcohol use disorder?

Answer: The one that's right for you depends on your situation and your goals. Many people find that a combination of treatments works best, and you can get them together through a program. Some of these are inpatient or residential programs, where you stay at a treatment center for a while. Others are outpatient programs, where you live at home and go to the center for treatment.


Question: What is alcohol use disorder?

Answer: Alcohol use disorder is what doctors call it when you can't control how much you drink and have trouble with your emotions when you're not drinking.


Question: What should you expect in recovery from alcohol use disorder?

Answer: Recovery can take a long time, so you may need ongoing treatment. And some people in recovery do relapse and drink again. But less than half of people who've stayed sober at least a year relapse. If you do, don't think you've failed. It's often a stage in the process, and recovery gets easier. After 5 years, only 1 out of 7 people have issues with drinking. Treatment can work -- just give yourself time.


Question: Does joining a support group help with alcohol use disorder?

Answer: Group therapy or a support group can help during rehab and help you stay on track as life gets back to normal. Group therapy, led by a therapist, can give you the benefits of therapy along with the support of other members. Support groups aren't led by therapists. Instead, these are groups of people who have alcohol use disorder. Examples include Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and other programs. Your peers can offer understanding and advice and help keep you accountable. Many people stay in groups for years.


Question: Does going to detox help with alcohol use disorder?

Answer: The goal is to stop drinking and give your body time to get the alcohol out of your system. That usually takes a few days to a week. Most people go to a hospital or treatment center because of withdrawal symptoms like: Shaking (tremors) Seeing or feeling things that aren't really there (hallucinations) Seizures Doctors and other experts can keep an eye on you and give you medicine to help with your symptoms. Instead, these are groups of people who have alcohol use disorder.


Question: How should I talk to my doctor about alcohol use disorder?

Answer: Your doctor may say you have alcohol use disorder if you: Feel like you have to drink Can't control how much you drink Feel bad when you can't drink When you meet with your doctor, talk about your goals. Are you trying to drink less or stop drinking completely? Together, you can start to make a treatment plan. You doctor also can refer you to a treatment center or experts who can help. With alcohol use disorder, controlling your drinking is only part of the answer. No medicine can âcureâ alcohol use disorder, but some can help as you recover.


Question: Does seeing a counselor or therapist help with alcohol use disorder?

Answer: The goal is to stop drinking and give your body time to get the alcohol out of your system. You also need to learn new skills and strategies to use in everyday life. Psychologists, social workers, or alcohol counselors can teach you how to: Change the behaviors that make you want to drink Deal with stress and other triggers Build a strong support system Set goals and reach them Some people just need a short, focused counseling session. Others may want one-on-one therapy for a longer time to deal with issues like anxiety or depression. Alcohol use can have a big effect on the people close to you, so couples or family therapy can help, too.


Question: How does a computed tomography (CT) scan help to diagnose a ruptured spleen?

Answer: Your doctor may refer to a ruptured spleen as a "splenic rupture." The severity and even the location of the pain depend on how badly the spleen has ruptured and how much blood leaks out. This can cause: Blurred vision Confusion Light-headedness Fainting Signs of shock, including restlessness, anxiety, nausea, and paleness A physical exam may be the only test done to diagnose a ruptured spleen. A computed tomography ( CT) scan of the abdomen is one of the most common methods used. However, a CT scan of the abdomen may only be done if time allows.


Question: What are the symptoms of low blood pressure caused by a ruptured spleen?

Answer: Depending on the size of the rupture, a large amount of internal bleeding can occur. Your doctor may refer to a ruptured spleen as a "splenic rupture." This can cause: Blurred vision Confusion Light-headedness Fainting Signs of shock, including restlessness, anxiety, nausea, and paleness A physical exam may be the only test done to diagnose a ruptured spleen.


Question: What are common causes of spleen injuries?

Answer: It contains special white blood cells that destroy bacteria and help your body fight infections. The following are among the frequent causes of spleen injuries: Motor vehicle accidents Injury during contact sports, such as football and hockey Bicycle accidents, such as falling into your bicycle's handlebars Domestic violence Certain diseases and illnesses can also lead to a ruptured spleen. In such cases, the spleen becomes swollen and the capsule-like covering becomes thin. This makes the organ especially fragile and more likely to rupture if the abdomen receives a direct hit (such as forceful football tackle).


Question: Should I tell my children about my migraines?

Answer: It may make them feel sad, scared, or even that they caused it. You can put that fear to rest by talking to your children about your migraines -- when you're not in the middle of one. What you tell them can depend on their age and how much information you think they can handle. For younger kids, you can try a statement like this: " Sometimes, my head really hurts, so when that happens I may need quiet time so I can feel better."


Question: How can migraines affect relationships?

Answer: Migraines are so common, there's a special name for people who get them: migraineur. Yet, loved ones don't always understand the condition, and even if they do, serious headaches can put a strain on time with spouses, family, and at work. You may not be able to cut migraines out of your life, but you can help others understand how they affect you. That way, everyone will know what to expect and how they can help you.


Question: Is communication important in dealing with migraines?

Answer: Understand and anticipate the impact migraine pain can have on others in your life. Talk to them about how you feel. This goes a long way to prevent or repair any problems. Clear communication is key.


Question: How might migraines affect my sex life?

Answer: You can put that fear to rest by talking to your children about your migraines -- when you're not in the middle of one. When a migraine is about to hit or is already in full swing, migraineurs may not be able to attend to family chores such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping. And for many, the migraines disrupt their sex life. And let them know that "not tonight" doesn't mean "not ever." It's only temporary.


Question: How might migraines affect my job and what can I tell my coworkers and boss about my migraines?

Answer: You can put that fear to rest by talking to your children about your migraines -- when you're not in the middle of one. Even if you can't prevent your migraines (and there are medicines that can help you do that), you can try to plan for the times when they might happen. On average, migraineurs take about 4 days off from work a year because of migraine pain.


Question: Is it normal for cold or the flu symptoms to get worse over time?

Answer: Remember, serious conditions can masquerade as the common cold and a mild infection can evolve into something more serious. If you have severe symptoms or are feeling sicker with each passing day or must travel, see a doctor.


Question: Is it healthy to blow your nose when you have a cold?

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(); }); } It's important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can cause an earache. The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other. Wash your hands after blowing your nose.


Question: Should I use hot or cold packs for a cold or the flu?

Answer: Either temperature may help you feel more comfortable. You can buy reusable hot or cold packs at a drugstore. Or make your own. Take a damp washcloth and heat it for 20 seconds at a time in a microwave (test the temperature first to make sure it's not too hot). Or take a small bag of frozen peas to use as a cold pack.


Question: Are steamy showers helpful for a cold or the flu?

Answer: Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you. If you're dizzy from the flu, run a steamy shower while you sit on a chair nearby and take a sponge bath.


Question: Are hot liquids helpful for a cold or the flu?

Answer: Warm liquids help relieve nasal congestion, help prevent dehydration, andsoothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.


Question: How should you gargle if you have a cold or the flu?

Answer: Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily. To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle -- such as tea that contains tannin -- to tighten the membranes. Or, steep one tablespoon of lemon juice in two cups of hot water and mix in one teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling. Honey should never be given to children under age 1.


Question: What is peripheral neuropathy?

Answer: Neuro-: Related to the nerves -pathy: Disease Peripheral neuropathy refers to the conditions that result when nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord from and to the rest of the body are damaged or diseased.


Question: What are the most common symptoms of polyneuropathy?

Answer: The most common symptoms of polyneuropathy are: Tingling Numbness Loss of sensation in the arms and legs A burning sensation in the feet or hands Because people with chronic polyneuropathy often lose their ability to sense temperature and pain, they can burn themselves and develop open sores as the result of injury or prolonged pressure.


Question: What are the complications of chronic polyneuropathy?

Answer: The most common symptoms of polyneuropathy are: Tingling Numbness Loss of sensation in the arms and legs A burning sensation in the feet or hands Because people with chronic polyneuropathy often lose their ability to sense temperature and pain, they can burn themselves and develop open sores as the result of injury or prolonged pressure. If the nerves serving the organs are involved, diarrhea or constipation may result, as well as loss of bowel or bladder control. Sexual dysfunction and abnormally low blood pressure also can occur.


Question: What is Guillain-Barre syndrome?

Answer: One of the most serious polyneuropathies is Guillain- Barre syndrome, a rare disease that strikes suddenly when the body's immune system attacks nerves in the body just as they leave the spinal cord. Symptoms tend to appear quickly and worsen rapidly, sometimes leading to paralysis. Early symptoms include weakness and tingling that eventually may spread upward into the arms. Blood pressure problems, heart rhythm problems, and breathing difficulty may occur in the more severe cases. However, despite the severity of the disease, recovery rates are good when patients receive treatment early. There are many factors that can cause peripheral neuropathies, so it is often difficult to pinpoint the origin.


Question: Are eye problems associated with Graves' disease?

Answer: Some degree of eye complaints occur in 25%-50% of those that develop Graves' disease but most can be managed with the home remedies discussed below. Surgery is rare and reserved for those with severe symptoms. Graves' disease patients with eye problems can find temporary relief from the redness, swelling, and pain through a number of drugs, including prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone. However, these medications should not be used for long periods of time, as they can lead to bone loss, muscle weakness, and weight gain. Vision problems and severe cases of eye protrusion can often be corrected through radiation therapy and surgery. A person who has Graves' disease should also see an eye doctor. Make sure to ask your doctor about any possible complications before undergoing surgery.


Question: How likely is it to develop hypothyroidism if you have Graves' disease?

Answer: Because many conventional remedies severely limit the thyroid's ability to manufacture thyroid hormone, they increase the chances that you will develop hypothyroidism, a potentially serious condition marked by insufficient thyroid hormone production. Therefore, if you have undergone any treatments for Graves' disease, you must continue to see your doctor for periodic checkups to make sure the problem has not been overcorrected, causing your thyroid hormone levels to drop too low.


Question: What do the two most frequently used treatments for Graves' disease involve?

Answer: The two most frequently used treatments involve disabling the thyroid's ability to produce hormones.


Question: How do antithyroid drugs work for Graves' disease?

Answer: Antithyroid drugs such as propylthiouracil and methimazole ( Tapazole), which interfere with thyroid hormone production, can be used to treat Graves' disease. After you begin treatment, it may take several months for hyperthyroid symptoms to subside. This is because the thyroid has already generated and stored enough hormone to keep it circulating at elevated levels. Once the stores are drained, hormone production should drop to its normal level. Although your disease may seem to go away entirely, you might still need drug therapy to keep your thyroid operating properly. Even if your case of Graves' disease does go into remission and your doctor says it's safe to stop taking medication, you will need to be evaluated every year or so to make sure hyperthyroidism has not returned since relapse is common.


Question: Will you have to take thyroid replacement medication for the rest of your life after taking radioactive iodine for Graves' disease?

Answer: If this occurs, you will have to take thyroid replacement medication for the rest of your life. Although radioactive iodine treatments are generally safe, they cannot be given to pregnant women because the chemical may destroy the thyroid gland in the fetus. Therefore, you must make sure that you are not pregnant before you take radioactive iodine for Graves' disease.


Question: Can pregnant women take radioactive iodine treatments for Graves' disease?

Answer: Although radioactive iodine treatments are generally safe, they cannot be given to pregnant women because the chemical may destroy the thyroid gland in the fetus. Therefore, you must make sure that you are not pregnant before you take radioactive iodine for Graves' disease. It is best to let several months pass after your last dose of radioactive iodine before becoming pregnant; confirm the length of time you should wait with your doctor. Except during these periods following the treatment, radioactive iodine poses no health risks for women who want to become pregnant, and it will not affect the fertility of either women or men.


Question: What are home remedies for Graves' disease?

Answer: Home Remedies for Graves' Disease If your lids cannot close completely over your eyes, use eye patches at night. This will help keep eyes from drying out. Use over-the-counter or prescription artificial tears to moisten eyes whenever they feel dry. If your eyes are red and swollen in the morning, sleep with your head elevated. Wear tinted glasses to protect the eyes from bright light, sunlight, and wind.


Question: What is LDL?

Answer: It can't dissolve in blood, so proteins carry it where it needs to go. These carriers are called "lipoproteins." LDL is a microscopic blob made up of an outer rim of lipoprotein and a cholesterol center. Its full name is "low-density lipoprotein." It's bad because it becomes part of plaque, the stuff that can clog arteries and make heart attacks and strokes more likely. Other medicines lower the amount of cholesterol your body gets from food you eat.


Question: What is hemicrania continua?

Answer: This is a rare type of headache, but it causes pain that's usually on one side of your face and head.


Question: What happens if I overuse pain medications?

Answer: Other therapies can help: Hormone therapy for women whose migraines are linked to their menstrual cycle Stress management, including exercise, relaxation, and biofeedback If you use pain medications too often to treat your headaches, you could get what are called medication overuse headaches ( MOH).


Question: How is hemicrania continua treated?

Answer: You may have other symptoms, too, including: Red, teary eyes A stuffy or runny nose A drooping eyelid A small pupil, the black circle in the center of your eye You can treat hemicrania continua with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID) called indomethacin ( Indocin, Tivorbex). Usually, it provides quick relief, but it can cause stomach side effects, so you might need an acid-fighting drug. Another NSAID, celecoxib ( Celebrex), can also treat your pain if you can't handle indomethacin's side effects. Sometimes, doctors also prescribe tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, to prevent these headaches.


Question: What things can trigger a tension headache?

Answer: When you get a tension-type headache, you may have a constant, aching pressure that feels like a band wrapped around your head. Many things can trigger it, such as: Stress Depression Too little rest Poor posture Tension-type headaches typically affect both sides of your head.


Question: What other therapies besides medications can help treat migraine headaches?

Answer: Other therapies can help: Hormone therapy for women whose migraines are linked to their menstrual cycle Stress management, including exercise, relaxation, and biofeedback If you use pain medications too often to treat your headaches, you could get what are called medication overuse headaches ( MOH).


Question: What are the symptoms of a migraine headache?

Answer: This type of headache could also signal a condition known as migraine which causes throbbing pain, often on one side of your head. Other symptoms include: Sensitivity to light, noise, and smells Nausea and vomiting Blurred vision or seeing spots, dots, or zigzag lines.


Question: What is a chronic daily headache?

Answer: If you get them for 4 hours or longer at least half of each month, and for more than 3 months, you might have what doctors call a chronic daily headache. Different treatments can bring relief, but first you need to figure out what type of headache you have.


Question: What are the ways to approach migraine treatment?

Answer: Migraines headaches can last from half an hour to several days. Your doctor may use certain medications to keep them from happening as often. Your doctor may also give you medicine to get rid of nausea from the headaches. Other therapies can help: Hormone therapy for women whose migraines are linked to their menstrual cycle Stress management, including exercise, relaxation, and biofeedback If you use pain medications too often to treat your headaches, you could get what are called medication overuse headaches ( MOH).


Question: How is hemicrania continua diagnosed?

Answer: Your doctor may diagnose hemicrania continua if you have head pain continuously for at least 3 months without the pain shifting sides or ever going away. It's usually moderate but can get better or worse, at times turning into brief, piercing head pain. You may have other symptoms, too, including: Red, teary eyes A stuffy or runny nose A drooping eyelid A small pupil, the black circle in the center of your eye You can treat hemicrania continua with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID) called indomethacin ( Indocin, Tivorbex).


Question: What over-the-counter drugs treat migraine headaches?

Answer: Your doctor may also give you medicine to get rid of nausea from the headaches.


Question: What should I do if over-the-counter medications don't treat my migraine?

Answer: Your doctor may also give you medicine to get rid of nausea from the headaches. You can usually bring them under control if you gradually cut back on your pain drugs and take preventive medicine.


Question: When am I most contagious when I have the flu?

Answer: Some experts believe you're most likely to spread the virus in the first t 3 to 4 days. That's because the more you cough and sneeze, the more droplets you shoot into the air and onto objects around you.


Question: How long is the flu contagious?

Answer: Typically, you're contagious from 1 day before you have any symptoms. You stay that way for 5 to 7 days after you start feeling sick. Kids and people may be able to spread the virus for even longer, until all of their symptoms fade.


Question: Do flu medicines stop the flu from being contagious?

Answer: You can still make other people sick even if you're taking antiviral mediations that treat the flu. The CDC recommends four FDA-approved drugs to treat the flu: baloxavir marboxil ( Xofluza), oseltamivir ( Tamiflu), peramivir ( Rapivab), and zanamivir ( Relenza). These drugs could shorten the time that you're sick.


Question: Can valacyclovir protect your sex partner from genital herpes?

Answer: A recent study of people taking daily doses of valacyclovir shows the drug may help protect sex partners from being infected, although you should still use a latex condom. Half the partners of people taking daily valacyclovir became infected with the virus, and half did not. Moreover, 75% of the partners did not show any symptoms of genital herpes, even if they had acquired the virus.


Question: What is intermittent treatment for genital herpes?

Answer: Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug for you to keep on hand in case you have another flare-up; this is called intermittent therapy. You can take the pills for two to five days as soon as you notice sores or when you feel an outbreak coming on. Sores will heal and disappear on their own, but taking the drugs can make the symptoms less severe and make them go away faster.


Question: How do you treat genital herpes treated when you have sores?

Answer: If you have symptoms such as sores when you're first diagnosed with genital herpes, your doctor will usually give you a brief course (seven to 10 days) of antiviral therapy to relieve them or prevent them from getting worse. Your doctor may keep you on the drugs longer if the sores don't heal in that time.


Question: When should you start suppressive therapy for genital herpes?

Answer: There is no set number of outbreaks per year that doctors use to decide when someone should start suppressive therapy. Rather, more important factors are how often the outbreaks happen and if they are severe enough to interfere with your life.


Question: What is suppressive treatment for genital herpes?

Answer: Doctors call this suppressive therapy. For someone who has more than six outbreaks a year, suppressive therapy can reduce the number of outbreaks by 70% to 80%. Many people who take the antiviral drugs daily have no outbreaks at all. You may find taking the pills every day to be inconvenient, the drugs may not work for you, or you may naturally have fewer outbreaks as time goes on.


Question: How do you treat genital herpes?

Answer: These are all taken in pill form. Severe cases may be treated with the intravenous ( IV) drug acyclovir. Side effects with these herpes drugs are considered mild, and health experts believe these drugs are safe in the long term.


Question: How is molecular breast imaging (MBI) being researched for breast cancer?

Answer: Molecular breast imaging ( MBI) -- Doctors inject a drug that's slightly radioactive into a vein. Called a tracer, this drug attaches itself to any breast cancer cells. A special camera then sees the tracer and any cells. This test is being studied to be used with mammograms for women with dense breasts or as a way to look at breast problems like lumps.


Question: How can I try new treatments for breast cancer?

Answer: New drugs and therapies are being tested all the time. The goal is to offer more effective, less-toxic treatment with fewer side effects. Taking part in one of these trials may allow you to try a treatment years before it reaches the market. Ask your doctor if a trial might be right for you.


Question: How is positron emission mammography (PEM) being researched for breast cancer?

Answer: Positron emission mammography ( PEM) -- With the PEM scan, sugar is attached to a radioactive particle to look for cancer cells. The test may help find small groups of them.


Question: How is electrical impedance imaging (EIT) being researched for breast cancer?

Answer: Electrical impedance imaging ( EIT) -- Breast cancer cells conduct electricity differently than normal cells. This test looks for that difference.


Question: What Is nanotechnology and how is it being researched for breast cancer?

Answer: This is the science of using very tiny objects. There's a lot of research in this field in cancer detection and treatment. Using nanoparticles, chemotherapy can target the cancer cells directly, without hurting the tissue around them. That would make the drugs more effective and cause fewer harmful side effects. There are several drugs approved for use. Others are being tested. Devices that use nanotechnology can also help find cancer.


Question: What are immunotherapy treatments for breast cancer?

Answer: The protein is found in some people who have breast cancer. The targeted drugs include: Ado-trastuzumab emtansine ( Kadcyla) Lapatinib ( Tykerb) Neratinib ( Nerlynx) Pertuzumab ( Perjeta) Trastuzumab ( Herceptin) Breast cancer can spread to the bones. That would make the drugs more effective and cause fewer harmful side effects.


Question: How do I choose which type of exercise is best for me?

Answer: You don't need to go to a gym. You just need to be active enough that you are breathing harder and making your heart beat a little faster. That includes brisk walking, jogging, swimming, biking, lifting weights, or doing yard work. To pick an activity, two good questions to ask yourself are: What sounds like fun? Would you rather exercise in a group, or on your own?


Question: What are the basic types of exercise?

Answer: There are three basic types of exercise: Cardiovascular, or aerobic, exercise can help lower your blood pressure and make your heart stronger. Examples include walking, jogging, jumping rope, bicycling (stationary or outdoor), cross-country skiing, skating, rowing, high- or low-impact aerobics, swimming, and water aerobics. Strength training builds strong muscles that help you burn more calories throughout the day. It's also good for your joints and bones. Stretching makes you more flexible, helps you move better, and helps prevent injury.


Question: How often should I exercise?

Answer: If you're short on time, vigorous activity, like jogging, gives you the same benefit in 20 minutes, 3 to 4 days a week. If you're not active today, gradually work up to this amount of exercise. If it takes you a few weeks to get there, that's absolutely fine.


Question: How do I exercise safely?

Answer: Ask your doctor if there are any limits on what you can try. It's also normal to breathe harder and to sweat, and for your heart to beat faster, when you're doing aerobic exercise. But if you're feeling very short of breath, or if you feel like your heart is beating too fast or irregularly, slow down or rest. Stop exercising if you feel chest pain, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or pressure or pain in your neck, arm, jaw, or shoulder. Call your doctor or seek emergency treatment immediately if these symptoms do not go away quickly, or if it happens again.


Question: How should I plan out my workouts?

Answer: They'll make sure you're ready for exercise. You don't need to go to a gym. Stretching makes you more flexible, helps you move better, and helps prevent injury. A 5- to 10-minute warm-up helps your body get moving and helps prevent injury. But if you're able to sing, step it up a bit to make sure you're getting the most out of your exercise. When you're done exercising, don't stop suddenly. Just slow down for a few minutes. This is especially important for someone with high blood pressure.


Question: How can exercise help your health?

Answer: There are three basic types of exercise: Cardiovascular, or aerobic, exercise can help lower your blood pressure and make your heart stronger. It's also normal to breathe harder and to sweat, and for your heart to beat faster, when you're doing aerobic exercise.


Question: What's are some ways to make an exericse habit stick?

Answer: They'll make sure you're ready for exercise. Schedule exercise into your daily routine. Plan when you're going to exercise and put it on your calendar. Find an exercise "buddy." This will help you stay motivated and enjoy it more.


Question: What kind of fluids should a baby or toddler with a cold have?

Answer: Extra fluids can thin out her mucus so her nose won't be as stuffy and she'll cough up all that gunk more easily. Most drinks, like water, juice, and milk, are fine. Warm liquids like chicken soup, apple cider, or hot chocolate can soothe a sore throat. Be sure they're warm, not hot, to avoid burns. Babies under 6 months should only drink breast milk or formula, not water or juice. But you may offer more milk than usual for coughs or colds.


Question: Can babies and toddlers have cold medicine?

Answer: Cough and cold medicines that are safe for grownups can cause serious side effects -- even life-threatening ones -- in children under age 2.


Question: How can I help a baby or toddler breathe at night if they are congested?

Answer: Simply place a pillow or folded towel under the head of your baby's mattress to create a slight angle. This will raise her head safely and help her to breathe.


Question: Do humidifiers help for babies and toddlers with colds?

Answer: Use a Humidifier Moisture in the air makes it easier to breathe, so run a humidifier in your child's bedroom at night. Cool-mist models are safer than those that produce steam. Follow cleaning instructions on the device to prevent mold.


Question: Can saline drops be used for babies and toddlers?

Answer: Saline nasal drops can thin the mucus in her nose and shrink swollen airways. Use them two or three times per day; any more often could make her nose sore. Saline drops may make it easier to remove mucus from your child's nose.


Question: What do I do if my baby or toddler has a fever?

Answer: If your baby or toddler has a fever, follow these steps: Babies under 1 month: Call your pediatrician. Babies 3 to 6 months: Give acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Follow dosage guidelines closely, and only use the syringe that came with the medicine, not a household spoon. Babies 6 months or older and toddlers: Give acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours or ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours. Don't give both drugs at the same time.


Question: Does honey help colds in toddlers and babies?

Answer: But you may offer more milk than usual for coughs or colds. Give a Little Honey It soothes sore throats and eases coughs. It can make them very ill. Raise Baby's Head Have you ever slept with extra pillows when you had a stuffy nose to breathe more easily?


Question: Can glucosamine sulfate help fight HIV?

Answer: Studies done in a laboratory dish hint that glucosamine sulfate may help fight HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Much more comprehensive research is needed before scientists can say whether or not this supplement could be helpful for those with the virus.


Question: What should you talk to your doctor about before taking glucosamine sulfate?

Answer: Talk to your doctor before taking this supplement if you have diabetes or insulin resistance.


Question: What medications could glucosamine sulfate interfere with?

Answer: There are reports that glucosamine may also reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs. So use caution when taking glucosamine if you take: acetaminophen ( Tylenol) Certain chemotherapy drugs, including doxorubicin ( Adriamycin, Rubex), etoposide ( Etopiside), and teniposide ( Vumon) Diabetes drugs, including glimepiride ( Amaryl), glyburide ( Dia Beta), insulin ( Novo Log), pioglitazone ( Actos), and rosiglitazone ( Avandia) Talk to your doctor before using this supplement if you are allergic to shellfish.


Question: How can you take care of yourself when you have non-24-hour-sleep-wake disorder?

Answer: Look for creative ways to adjust to your shifting sleep patterns. Think about what's important to you and how you can make positive changes in your life. For instance, you may need to ask your boss for flexible working hours. If you're a student, consider taking classes online or viewing lectures on video. Ask your school about getting a flexible exam schedule or taking a lighter course load. Keep in mind that Non-24 is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Schools and employers must make reasonable accommodations for you, such as part-time or altered schedules.


Question: How effective is the treatment for non-24-hour-sleep-wake disorder?

Answer: Treatment success varies from person to person. One survey found that a combination of therapies brought "moderate" or "marked" improvement in 31% of people. If you still have some symptoms after treatment, get help from your doctor and family members about managing your lifestyle to fit your changing sleep-wake cycle. You may need advice from a mental health professional to help you work through the challenges of a shifting schedule.


Question: What are symptoms of non-24-hour-sleep-wake disorder?

Answer: Other causes include: Developmental brain disorders, including autism spectrum disorder Brain damage from head injury or tumors When you have Non-24 you feel sleepy during the day and have trouble falling asleep at night. Since your sleep schedule moves around the clock, you may feel normal for days and weeks at a time. But as your bedtime pattern shifts, you'll go back to having problems in getting to sleep at night.


Question: How can medications help with treating non-24-hour-sleep-wake disorder?

Answer: This is a hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle.


Question: How can phototherapy help with treating non-24-hour-sleep-wake disorder?

Answer: You are exposed to bright light early in the morning from a light box. Late in the day, you wear special goggles to avoid light. Doctors usually try light therapy only after your sleep hours are back to normal, and it works only in people who have vision. It helps your eyes send the right signal to your brain about light and dark.


Question: What is the cure for non-24-hour-sleep-wake disorder?

Answer: There's no cure, but treatments, including hormones, medicine, and light therapy, can help get you closer to a normal sleeping pattern.


Question: What is a non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder?

Answer: But if you have Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder ( Non-24), you may find yourself gradually going to bed later every night and waking up later each day. Non-24 is a circadian rhythm disorder and occurs because our internal clock is not synched with light and dark cycles of the day and night. Most individuals with this disorder are totally blind. That's because your internal clock gets its cue from seeing light. But sometimes people who have normal vision also get it.


Question: How can melatonin help with treating non-24-hour-sleep-wake disorder?

Answer: Thanks to an internal body clock, most people get sleepy and wake up at roughly the same times every day. If you have vision problems, you may need to take other treatments along with it, but it's effective on its own for people who are totally blind. Your doctor may recommend a prescription drug that targets the parts of the brain that control the timing of the sleep-wake cycle.


Question: What tests are done to diagnose non-24-hour-sleep-wake disorder?

Answer: He may suggest you keep a sleep diary for a few weeks, or even months, to help track your sleep patterns. You may also wear a sensor that tracks your movement and records your rest and activity patterns. Together, the sleep diary and test results will help your doctor diagnose Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder. Do I have Non-24 or another circadian rhythm disorder?


Question: What are the risks of fluoride use?

Answer: Fluoride is safe and effective when used as directed but can be hazardous at high doses (the "toxic" dosage level varies based on an individual's weight). For this reason, it's important for parents to carefully supervise their children's use of fluoride-containing products and to keep fluoride products out of reach of children, especially children under the age of 6. In addition, excess fluoride can cause defects in the tooth's enamel that range from barely noticeable white specks or streaks to cosmetically objectionable brown discoloration. These defects are known as fluorosis and occur when the teeth are forming -- usually in children younger than 6 years.


Question: What should you know about fluoride?

Answer: Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under 6 years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.


Question: What are the different forms of fluoride?

Answer: As mentioned, fluoride is found in foods and in water. It can also be directly applied to the teeth through fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses. Mouth rinses containing fluoride in lower strengths are available over-the-counter; stronger concentrations require a doctor's prescription. A dentist in his or her office can also apply fluoride to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. These treatments contain a much higher level of fluoride than the amount found in toothpastes and mouth rinses. Varnishes are painted on the teeth; foams are put into a mouth guard, which is applied to the teeth for one to four minutes; gels can be painted on or applied via a mouth guard. Fluoride supplements are also available as liquids and tablets and must be prescribed by your dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor.


Question: What should you keep in mind when using fluoride?

Answer: Keep in mind, however, that it's very difficult to reach hazardous levels given the low levels of fluoride in home-based fluoride-containing products. Nonetheless, if you do have concerns or questions about the amount of fluoride you or your child may be receiving, talk to your child's dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor.


Question: Does a home water treatment system affect the level of fluoride in my drinking water?

Answer: The amount of fluoride you receive in your drinking water depends on the type of home water treatment system used. Steam distillation systems remove 100% of fluoride content. Reverse osmosis systems remove between 65% and 95% of the fluoride. On the other hand, water softeners and charcoal/carbon filters generally do not remove fluoride. One exception: some activated carbon filters contain activated alumina that may remove over 80% of the fluoride.


Question: How can I find out how much fluoride is in my tap water?

Answer: To find out how much fluoride is in your tap water, ask your local dentist, contact your local or state health department, or contact your local water supplier. Information for contacting your local water supplier should be on your water bill or see the "local government" section of your phone book.


Question: Am I missing out on the benefits of fluoride if I drink bottled water?

Answer: Even though there are no scientific studies to suggest that people who drink bottled water are at increased risk of tooth decay, the American Dental Association ( ADA) says that such people could be missing out on the decay-preventing effects of optimally fluoridated water available from their community water source.


Question: Who should get additional fluoride treatment?

Answer: In addition, people with certain conditions may be at increased risk of tooth decay and would therefore benefit from additional fluoride treatment. Presence of crowns and/or bridges or braces: These treatments can put teeth at risk for decay at the point where the crown meets the underlying tooth structure or around the brackets of orthodontic appliances. Ask your dentist if you could benefit from additional fluoride.


Question: What are useful reminders about fluoride?

Answer: These defects are known as fluorosis and occur when the teeth are forming -- usually in children younger than 6 years. A few useful reminders about fluoride include: Store fluoride supplements away from young children. Avoid flavored toothpastes because these tend to encourage toothpaste to be swallowed. Use only a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on a child's toothbrush.


Question: When is fluoride use most important?

Answer: These treatments contain a much higher level of fluoride than the amount found in toothpastes and mouth rinses. Ask your dentist if you could benefit from additional fluoride. For this reason, it's important for parents to carefully supervise their children's use of fluoride-containing products and to keep fluoride products out of reach of children, especially children under the age of 6. The ADA adds that most bottled waters do not contain optimal levels of fluoride, which is 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (this is the amount that is in public water supplies, in the communities that have fluoridated water).


Question: How can laser ablation help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: In this procedure, a laser beam is applied to either specific areas of cervical tissue or a whole layer of tissue at the surface of the cervix. The laser destroys these cells, leaving healthy cells in their place.


Question: What are cervical cancer exams and tests?

Answer: As with all cancers, an early diagnosis of cervical cancer is key to successful treatment and cure. Treating precancerous changes that affect only the surface of a small part of the cervix is much more likely to be successful than treating invasive cancer that affects a large portion of the cervix and has spread to other tissues. The most important progress that has been made in early detection of cervical cancer is widespread use of the Papanicolaou test ( Pap smear) and high-risk HPV testing. A Pap smear is done as part of a regular exam. During the procedure, cells from the surface of the cervix are collected and examined for abnormalities. Diagnosis of cervical cancer requires that a sample of cervical tissue (called a biopsy) be taken and analyzed under a microscope.


Question: Can cervical cancer be cured?

Answer: Health care providers who treat cancer often use the term "remission" rather than "cure." Although many women with cervical cancer recover completely, medical professionals sometimes avoid the word "cure," because the disease can recur.


Question: What is the survival rate for cervical cancer?

Answer: The prognosis for invasive cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer when it is found.


Question: How can loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) help in the diagnosis of cervical cancer?

Answer: The loop electrosurgical excision procedure ( LEEP) technique uses an electrified loop of wire to take a sample of tissue from the cervix. This procedure can often be performed in your gynecologist's office.


Question: How is cervical cancer staged?

Answer: By finding out how far it has spread, your health care providers can make a reasonable guess about your prognosis and the kind of treatment you will need. Cervical cancer is staged from stage 0 (least severe) to stage IV (metastatic disease, the most severe). Staging is based on size and depth of the cancerous lesion, as well as degree of spread.


Question: How can human papillomavirus (HPV) cause cervical cancer?

Answer: Forms of HPV, a virus whose different types cause skin warts, genital warts, and other abnormal skin disorders, have been shown to lead to many of the changes in cervical cells that may eventually lead to cancer. Certain types of HPV have also been linked to cancers involving the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, tongue, and tonsils. Genetic material that comes from certain forms of HPV (high-risk subtypes) has been found in cervical tissues that show cancerous or precancerous changes.


Question: What vaccines are approved to protect women from cervical cancer?

Answer: It protects against two strains of HPV (types 16 and 18) that account for the development of 70% of cervical cancers and over 50% of precancerous lesions of the cervix, vulva, and vagina. Gardasil protects against the types of HPV (6 and 11) which are associated with over 90% of the cases of genital warts. Gardasil 9 can also be used in males and females ages 9 to-26. It prevents infection by the same HPV types as Gardasil plus HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-45, HPV-52, and HPV-58. Collectively, these types are implicated in 90% of cervical cancers.


Question: What is high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL) in the cervix?

Answer: High-grade SIL ( HGSIL): A large number of precancerous cells, which look very different from normal cells, constitute a high-grade lesion. Like low-grade SIL, these precancerous changes involve only cells on the surface of the cervix. These lesions are also called moderate or severe dysplasia, CIN 2 or 3, or carcinoma in situ. They develop most often in women ages 30 to 40 years, but can occur at any age. Precancerous cells, even high-grade lesions, usually do not become cancerous and invade deeper layers of the cervix for many months, perhaps years.


Question: How can cryocautery help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: In this procedure, a steel instrument is cooled to subzero temperatures by immersion in liquid nitrogen or a similar liquid. This ultracooled instrument is then applied to the surface of the cervix, freezing cells. They eventually die and are sloughed off, to be replaced by new cervical cells.


Question: How can chemotherapy treat cervical cancer?

Answer: Chemotherapy is the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. In cervical cancer, it is used most often when the cancer is locally advanced or has spread to other parts of the body. Just one drug or a combination of drugs may be given. Anticancer drugs used to treat cervical cancer may be given via an IV line or by mouth. Either way, chemotherapy is systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the body in the bloodstream. They can kill cancer cells anywhere in the body.


Question: How can maintaining good nutrition help with treating cervical cancer?

Answer: Maintaining good nutrition is one of the best things you can do. You may lose your appetite during treatment for cervical cancer. Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, and sores inside the mouth. However, if you take in enough calories and protein, you will maintain your strength and energy and better tolerate the side effects of treatment. Your cancer specialist (oncologist) or gynecologist may be able to recommend a nutritionist who can provide suggestions for keeping up your calorie and protein intake.


Question: What are stages of cervical cancer?

Answer: The stage of a cancer is a measure of how far it has progressed, namely, what other organs or tissues have been invaded. For the earliest stage of cervical cancerâstage 0 â more than 90% of women survive at least five years after diagnosis Stage I cervical cancer patients have a five-year survival rate of 80 â 93%. Women with stage II cervical cancer have a five-year survival rate of 58 â 63%. The survival rate for women with stage III cervical cancer is anywhere from 32 â 35% Sixteen percent or fewer women with stage IV cervical cancer survive five years.


Question: When should I get chemotherapy as a treatment for cervical cancer?

Answer: Chemotherapy is given in cycles: each cycle comprises a period of intensive treatment followed by a recovery period. Treatment usually consists of several cycles. Most patients have chemotherapy as an outpatient (in an outpatient clinic at the hospital, at the doctor's office, or at home). Depending on which drugs are given and your general health, however, you may need to stay in the hospital during treatment.


Question: When do I need to get surgery for cervical cancer?

Answer: If a biopsy shows that cancerous cells have invaded through a layer called the basement membrane, which separates the surface layers of the cervix from other underlying layers, surgery is usually required. The extent of the surgery varies, depending on the stage of the cancer. In cervical cancer, surgery removes cancerous tissue in or near the cervix.


Question: How can radiation therapy help treat cervical cancer?

Answer: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop their growth. Like surgery, radiation therapy is local therapy; the radiation affects cancer cells only in the treated area. External radiation comes from a large machine, which aims a beam of radiation at your pelvis. Treatments, which take only a few minutes, usually are given five days a week for five to six weeks. At the end of that time, an extra dose of radiation called a "boost" may be applied to the tumor site. In cervical cancer, it is used most often when the cancer is locally advanced or has spread to other parts of the body.


Question: How can oral contraceptives increase the risk of cervical cancer?

Answer: The risk of developing these abnormal changes is associated with infection with human papillomavirus ( HPV). In addition, early sexual contact, multiple sexual partners, and taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) increase the risk of cervical cancer because they lead to greater exposure to HPV. Oral contraceptives ("the pill"), especially if taken longer than five years, may increase the risk for cervical cancer because they reduce the use of condoms.


Question: What is cervical cancer?

Answer: The uterine cervix is the lowest portion of a woman's uterus (womb), connecting the uterus with the vagina. When it is invasive, this cancer affects the deeper tissues of the cervix and may have spread to other parts of the body (metastasis), most notably the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum. Cigarette smoking is another risk factor for cervical cancer that can be prevented.


Question: How can cigarette smoking increase the risk of cervical cancer?

Answer: In addition, women who have been diagnosed with HPV are more likely to develop a cervical cancer. The chemicals in cigarette smoke interact with the cells of the cervix, causing precancerous changes that may over time progress to cancer. Cigarette smoking is another risk factor for cervical cancer that can be prevented.


Question: Who is more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer?

Answer: Most women diagnosed with precancerous changes in the cervix are in their 20s and 30s, but the average age of women when they are diagnosed with cervical cancer is the mid 50s. This difference in the age at which precancerous changes are most frequently diagnosed and the age at which cancer is diagnosed highlights the slow progression of this disease and the reason why it can be prevented if adequate steps are taken. For cervical cancer, the survival rate is close to 100% when precancerous or early cancerous changes are found and treated.


Question: When is hysterectomy chosen for precancerous changes of the cervix?

Answer: Cervical cancer begins with abnormal changes in the cervical tissue. In some cases, you may choose to have a hysterectomy for precancerous changes, particularly if abnormal cells are found inside the opening of the cervix or you have severe or recurring dysplasia. This surgery is more likely to be done if you do not plan to have children in the future.


Question: How can quitting smoking decrease your chances of developing cervical cancer?

Answer: Cigarette smoking is another risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. Quitting smoking may decrease your chances of developing the disease.


Question: When do cervical cancer occur?

Answer: Precancerous changes Over the years, different terms have been used to refer to abnormal changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix. Invasive cancer If abnormal cells spread deeper into the cervix or to other tissues or organs, the disease is then called cervical cancer, invasive cervical cancer, or metastatic cancer. Cervical cancer occurs most often in women aged 40 years or older.


Question: Is smoking the only cause of lung cancer?

Answer: Smoking isn't the only cause of lung cancer. If you work with cancer-causing chemicals, follow all the safety rules to protect yourself.


Question: What are the risks with CT scans?

Answer: CT scans use X-rays, which produce ionizing radiation. Research shows that this kind of radiation may damage your DNA and lead to cancer. But the risk is still very small -- your chances of developing a fatal cancer because of a CT scan are about 1 in 2,000.


Question: What are the side effects of a CT scan?

Answer: Some people are allergic to the contrast materials. Most of the time, the reaction is mild. It can lead to itchiness or a rash. In very few cases, the dye may trigger a life-threatening reaction. For this reason, your health care provider may want to monitor you for a short period after your CT scan. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have to medications, seafood, or iodine. Your doctor should know, too, if you have diabetes and are taking the drug metformin. He'll let you know if you should stop taking your medication before or after your procedure. Although it's rare, contrast materials can lead to kidney problems. Let your doctor know if you have any kidney issues before the CT scan.


Question: How can radiation from a CT scan be harmful?

Answer: But radiation's effect adds up over your lifetime. So your risk increases with every CT scan you get. Talk to your doctor about the procedure's potential dangers and benefits, and ask why the CT scan is necessary. Ionizing radiation may be more harmful in children. That's because they're still growing. They also have more years to get exposed to radiation. Before the procedure, you may want to ask the doctor or technician if the CT machine's settings have been adjusted for a child. Tell your physician if you're pregnant. If you need imaging for your stomach area, your doctor may recommend an exam that doesn't use radiation, such as an ultrasound.


Question: How long does a CT scan take?

Answer: How long the scan takes will depend on what parts of your body are being scanned. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a half-hour. In most cases, you'll go home the same day.


Question: What is a CT scan with contrast?

Answer: A computed tomography ( CT or CAT) scan allows doctors to see inside your body. To help them appear clearly, you may need a special dye called a contrast material. They block the X-rays and appear white on the scan, highlighting blood vessels, organs, or other structures. This is done to help your blood vessels, urinary tract, liver, or gallbladder stand out in the image. But radiation's effect adds up over your lifetime.


Question: How are CT scans done?

Answer: You may also need to wear a hospital gown and remove any metal objects, such as jewelry. A radiology technologist will perform the CT scan. Before the procedure, you may want to ask the doctor or technician if the CT machine's settings have been adjusted for a child.


Question: How do CT scans work?

Answer: You can get a CT scan on any part of your body. A computer uses this information to create a cross-sectional picture. Like one piece in a loaf of bread, this two-dimensional (2 D) scan shows a âsliceâ of the inside of your body. This process is repeated to produce a number of slices. The computer stacks these scans one on top of the other to create a detailed image of your organs, bones, or blood vessels. For example, a surgeon may use this type of scan to look at all sides of a tumor to prepare for an operation.


Question: What should I do if my child who has autism wakes up repeatedly or has difficulty in sleeping?

Answer: To know for sure, make an appointment with your child's pediatrician. The doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist or an ear, nose and throat doctor. It can help to keep a sleep diary for a week to track how much and when your child is sleeping. You may include any snoring, changes in breathing patterns, unusual movements, or difficulty breathing.


Question: What are the biggest sleep problems among children with autism?

Answer: Researchers estimate that between 40% and 80% of children with ASD have difficulty sleeping. The biggest sleep problems among these children include: Difficulty falling asleep Inconsistent sleep routines Restlessness or poor sleep quality Waking early and waking frequently A lack of a good night's sleep can affect not only the child but everyone in his or her family.


Question: Why do children with autism have problems with sleep?

Answer: Researchers don't know for sure why autistic children have problems with sleep, but they have several theories. The first has to do with social cues. Another reason children with autism may have trouble falling asleep or awaken in the middle of the night could be an increased sensitivity to outside stimuli, such as touch or sound. Anxiety is another possible condition that could adversely affect sleep.