Question: What are the symptoms of Giardiasis?

Answer: The most common include: Diarrhea Gas or flatulence Greasy stool that floats Stomach or abdominal cramps Upset stomach or nausea Dehydration Weight loss Let your doctor know if: Your symptoms -- including loose stools and nausea -- last more than a week You show signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dizziness, or confusion Tell her about any recent travels, interactions with children in diapers, or swimming or drinking from a body of water. She'll collect a series of stool samples over several days to make a diagnosis.


Question: Who is at risk for Giardiasis?

Answer: You might: Touch contaminated surfaces like bathroom handles, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys, then eat without washing your hands Drink water or use ice made from an untreated water source -- like a lake, stream, or well -- that's home to giardia Swallow the parasite while you swim or play in water Eat uncooked food that contains giardia Come into close contact with someone who has giardiasis Travel to countries where it's common While anyone can catch giardiasis, some people are more likely than others to get the infection: Parents and child care workers who change diapers Children in child care centers People who live in the same household as someone with giardiasis Those who drink water or use ice made from untreated water Backpackers, hikers, and campers who drink unsafe water or who don't practice good hygiene (like proper handwashing) on the trail International travelers People who have anal sex There isn't a vaccine, but there are steps you can take: Wash your hands after you use the toilet, after you change diapers, and before you eat or prepare food.


Question: What causes Giardiasis?

Answer: It's a common cause of waterborne illness in the U. S. Usually from the stool of an infected person or animal. Drink bottled water when you travel to places with unsafe water.


Question: What are complications of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in infants and children?

Answer: In infants and children, LPR can cause: Narrowing of the area below the vocal cords Contact ulcers Recurrent ear infections from problems with eustachian tube function Lasting buildup of middle ear fluid In adults, silent reflux can scar the throat and voice box.


Question: What lifestyle changes can help treat laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) treated in adults?

Answer: Silent reflux treatment for infants and children may include: Smaller and more frequent feedings Keeping an infant in a vertical position for at least 30 minutes after feeding Medications such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors, as directed by the pediatrician Surgery for any abnormalities that can't be treated in other ways Silent reflux treatment for adults may include these lifestyle modifications: Lose weight, if needed. Quit smoking, if you are a smoker. Avoid alcohol. Restrict chocolate, mints, fats, citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, spicy or tomato-based products, red wine, and caffeine. Stop eating at least three hours before going to bed. Elevate the head of the bed about 4 to 6 inches. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes around the waist. Try chewing gum to increase saliva and neutralize acid.


Question: What is surgery called fundoplication for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)?

Answer: Fundoplication is a type of surgery which involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to create a stronger valve between the esophagus and stomach. It is usually done laparoscopically, with small surgical incisions and use of small surgical equipment and a laparoscope to help the surgeon see inside. Fundoplication can also be done as a traditional open surgery with a larger incision.


Question: How is laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) treated in infants and children?

Answer: Silent reflux treatment for infants and children may include: Smaller and more frequent feedings Keeping an infant in a vertical position for at least 30 minutes after feeding Medications such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors, as directed by the pediatrician Surgery for any abnormalities that can't be treated in other ways Silent reflux treatment for adults may include these lifestyle modifications: Lose weight, if needed.


Question: What medications might be used to treat laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)?

Answer: You may also need to take one or more types of medicine such as: Proton pump inhibitors such as rabeprazole ( Aciphex), dexlansoprazole ( Dexilant), esomeprazole ( Nexium), lansoprazole ( Prevacid), omeprazole ( Prilosec), or omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate ( Zegerid) to reduce gastric acid. H2 blockers such as nizatidine ( Nizatidine), famotidine ( Pepcid), cimetidine ( Tagamet), or ranitidine ( Zantac) to reduce gastric acid. Prokinetic agents to increase the forward movement of the GI tract and increase the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter. These medications are not as commonly used, because they have been linked to adverse effects on heart rhythm and diarrhea. Sucralfate to help protect injured mucous membranes. Antacids to help neutralize acid; these are used more commonly for symptoms of heartburn.


Question: What are the symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in infants and children?

Answer: Symptoms in infants and children may include: Hoarseness " Barking" or chronic cough Reactive airway disease (asthma) Noisy breathing or pauses in breathing (apnea) Trouble feeding, spitting up, or inhaling food Trouble gaining weight With LPR, adults may have heartburn or a bitter taste or burning sensation in the back of the throat.


Question: What is a sleep apnea test?

Answer: This may be done in a sleep disorder center or even at home. A polysomnogram -- or sleep study -- is a multiple-component test that electronically transmits and records specific physical activities while you sleep. The recordings are analyzed by a qualified sleep specialist to determine whether or not you have sleep apnea or another type of sleep disorder. If sleep apnea is determined, you may be asked to do further sleep testing in order to determine the best treatment option.


Question: What are some equipments used for sleep apnea test?

Answer: EMG (electromyogram) to record muscle activity such as face twitches, teeth grinding, and leg movements, and to determine the presence of REM stage sleep. During REM sleep, intense dreams often occur as the brain undergoes heightened activity. EOG (electro-oculogram) to record eye movements. These movements are important in determining the different sleep stages, particularly REM stage sleep. ECG (electrocardiogram) to record heart rate and rhythm. Nasal airflow sensor to record airflow. Snore microphone to record snoring activity.


Question: What can you expect during a sleep study?

Answer: If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, your doctor may ask you to have a sleep apnea test, called a polysomnogram. This may be done in a sleep disorder center or even at home. Near the bedroom will be a central monitoring area, where the technicians monitor sleeping patients. You will be hooked up to equipment that may look uncomfortable. However, most people fall asleep with little difficulty. Similar, more portable equipment is now available for home testing, especially for less complicated cases or situations.


Question: How does hepatitis B spread?

Answer: The virus that causes it lives in blood, semen, and some other fluids in your body. You usually catch it by having sex with someone who's infected. You can also get it by using the same razor or toothbrush as someone who has hepatitis B. Sharing needles and syringes to inject illegal drugs can also give you the disease. Another way to get sick is if you touch the open sores of somebody who's infected. And if you have the disease when you're pregnant you can pass it to your baby.


Question: What are some ways hepatitis is spread?

Answer: Food or drinks you buy at the supermarket can sometimes cause the disease, too. The ones most likely to get contaminated are: Fruits and vegetables Shellfish Ice and water You could catch or spread it if you're taking care of a baby and you don't wash your hands after changing his diaper. This can happen, for example, at a day care center. Another way you can get hep A is when you have sex with someone who has it.


Question: How does hepatitis A spread?

Answer: The main way you get sick is when you eat or drink something that has the hep A virus in it. A lot of times this happens in a restaurant. If an infected worker there doesn't wash his hands well after using the bathroom, and then touches food, he could pass the disease to you.


Question: How long before someone has symptoms of hepatitis C?

Answer: Hepatitis C. The early symptoms are the same as hepatitis A and B, and they usually happen 6 to 7 weeks after the virus gets in your body. But you could notice them anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months later. For about 25% of people who get hep C, the virus goes away on its own without treatment. In other cases, it sticks around for years. When that happens, your liver might get damaged. Remember, it's possible to spread all the types of hepatitis even if you don't show any signs of being sick.


Question: How long can hepatitis C survive for?

Answer: The symptoms usually show up 2 to 6 weeks after the virus entered your body.


Question: What are some myths about how hepatitis C is spread?

Answer: There are some myths out there about how you get hepatitis C, so let's set the record straight. It's not spread by food and water (like hep A). And you can't spread it by doing any of these things: Kissing Hugging Sneezing or coughing Sharing forks, knives, or spoons For hepatitis A, one of the best things you can do is wash your hands a lot.


Question: How does hepatitis C spread?

Answer: You catch it when blood from someone who's infected gets in your body. This happens if you share needles to take illegal drugs. It's less common, but you can also get sick if you: Share a razor or toothbrush with someone who's infected Have sex with somebody who has hepatitis C It's rare, but if you're pregnant and have the disease, it's possible to pass it to your newborn.


Question: How long before someone has symptoms of hepatitis A and what are the symptoms?

Answer: The symptoms usually show up 2 to 6 weeks after the virus entered your body. They usually last for less than 2 months, though sometimes you can be sick for as long as 6 months. Some warning signs that you may have the disease are: Fever Fatigue Nausea, vomiting, or pain in your belly Dark urine or clay-colored bowel movements Pain in your joints Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice) Some people get the disease but don't have any symptoms, though.


Question: How long can hepatitis A survive outside of the body?

Answer: Hepatitis C. The early symptoms are the same as hepatitis A and B, and they usually happen 6 to 7 weeks after the virus gets in your body. But you may be able to kill it by boiling or cooking foods or liquids for at least a minute.


Question: What are the three major types of hepatitis in the U.S.?

Answer: They're all contagious, but you can take steps to protect yourself. Hepatitis C. The early symptoms are the same as hepatitis A and B, and they usually happen 6 to 7 weeks after the virus gets in your body.


Question: What drugs can be used to treat symptoms of tardive dyskinesia?

Answer: There are two FDA-approved medicines to treat tardive dyskinesia: Valbenazine ( Ingrezza) Deutetrabenazine ( Austedo) Both of these medicines work in similar ways to regulate the amount of dopamine flow in brain areas that control certain kinds of movements.


Question: What natural remedies can be used to treat tardive dyskinesia?

Answer: Your doctor can take you off the medicine that caused the movements, or lower the dose.


Question: Who is more likely to get tardive dyskinesia?

Answer: These include: Metoclopramide ( Reglan) Prochlorperazine ( Compazine) You're more likely to get it if you: Are a woman who has gone through menopause Are over age 55 Abuse alcohol or drugs Are African- American or Asian- American TD can be hard to diagnose.


Question: What older antipsychotics can cause tardive dyskinesia?

Answer: Antipsychotic medications that can cause tardive dyskinesia include older antipsychotics like: Chlorpromazine ( Thorazine) Fluphenazine ( Prolixin) Haloperidol ( Haldol) Thioridazine ( Mellaril) Trifluoperazine ( Stelazine) Your chances of getting TD go up the longer you take an antipsychotic medicine.


Question: What does tardive dyskinesia  cause?

Answer: TD causes stiff, jerky movements of your face and body that you can't control. You might blink your eyes, stick out your tongue, or wave your arms without meaning to do so.


Question: What drugs that treat nausea can cause tardive dyskinesia?

Answer: Some drugs that treat nausea, reflux, and other stomach problems can also cause TD if you take them for more than 3 months. These include: Metoclopramide ( Reglan) Prochlorperazine ( Compazine) You're more likely to get it if you: Are a woman who has gone through menopause Are over age 55 Abuse alcohol or drugs Are African- American or Asian- American TD can be hard to diagnose.


Question: How is tardive dyskinesia diagnosed?

Answer: These include: Metoclopramide ( Reglan) Prochlorperazine ( Compazine) You're more likely to get it if you: Are a woman who has gone through menopause Are over age 55 Abuse alcohol or drugs Are African- American or Asian- American TD can be hard to diagnose. Symptoms might not appear until months or years after you start taking antipsychotic medicine. Or you might first notice the movements after you've already stopped taking the drug. The timing can make it hard to know whether the medicine caused your symptoms.


Question: How can your chances of getting tardive dyskinesia increase?

Answer: Antipsychotic medications that can cause tardive dyskinesia include older antipsychotics like: Chlorpromazine ( Thorazine) Fluphenazine ( Prolixin) Haloperidol ( Haldol) Thioridazine ( Mellaril) Trifluoperazine ( Stelazine) Your chances of getting TD go up the longer you take an antipsychotic medicine.


Question: What is tardive dyskinesia?

Answer: Antipsychotic meds treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other brain conditions. Antipsychotic medications that can cause tardive dyskinesia include older antipsychotics like: Chlorpromazine ( Thorazine) Fluphenazine ( Prolixin) Haloperidol ( Haldol) Thioridazine ( Mellaril) Trifluoperazine ( Stelazine) Your chances of getting TD go up the longer you take an antipsychotic medicine.


Question: What should you do to prevent tardive dyskinesia?

Answer: The timing can make it hard to know whether the medicine caused your symptoms. Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale ( AIMS): If you take medicine for mental health conditions, your doctor should check you at least once a year to make sure you don't have TD. You might need to switch to a newer antipsychotic drug that may be less likely to cause TD.


Question: What is the goal of treatment for tardive dyskinesia?

Answer: Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of antipsychotic medications. These drugs are used to treat schizophrenia and other mental health disorders. The benefits of the drug should outweigh the risks.


Question: What are symptoms of type 1 Gaucher disease?

Answer: Type 1 symptoms can sometimes be mild. Some people may never notice it. Others may have more severe problems. Your symptoms can crop up at any age, from childhood to adulthood.


Question: How does synovial fluid help your joints?

Answer: Smooth tissue called cartilage and synovium and a lubricant called synovial fluid cushion the joints so bones do not rub together.


Question: How can a stronger core help with caring for your joints?

Answer: Stronger abs and back muscles help you keep your balance and prevent falls that can damage your joints.


Question: How does exercise helps in caring for your joints?

Answer: Exercise can help you lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Some research suggests that aerobic exercise -- activities that get your heart rate up -- can reduce joint swelling. If your joints bother you, opt for exercises that won't give your joints a pounding. Instead of step aerobics, try low-impact exercises such as swimming or bicycling.


Question: How important is your posture for your joints' health?

Answer: Slouching is not good for your joints. Standing and sitting up straight protect your joints from your neck to your knees. Good posture also helps guard your hip joints and back muscles. Posture is also important when lifting and carrying. For example, if you use a backpack, be sure to put it over both shoulders instead of slinging it over one. Being lopsided puts more stress on your joints. When lifting, use the biggest muscles in your body by bending at your knees instead of bending your back.


Question: How can weight affect your joints?

Answer: Keeping your weight within a healthy range is the best thing you can do for your joints. Weight-bearing joints, such as your knees, hips, and back, have to support some, if not all, of your body weight. That's why so many overweight people have problems with these areas of the body.


Question: How does vitamin D help your joints?

Answer: You also need vitamin D to keep your bones and joints in good health. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from the foods you eat. Dairy products.


Question: How does weight training help your joints?

Answer: Losing weight reduces pressure on your knees, hips, and back and helps prevent joint injury. If you don't have enough muscle, your joints take a pounding, especially your spine, hips, and knees, which must support your entire body weight. Weight training exercises help build muscle and keep your muscles and surrounding ligaments strong. That way, your joints don't have to do all the work. A certified personal trainer can show you the best exercises for healthy joints and how to do them correctly. Eating a healthy diet is good for your joints, because it helps build strong bones and muscles.


Question: How does ice help my joints?

Answer: Modify exercises that cause joint pain. If you have a sore joint, apply ice wrapped in a towel or a cold pack to the painful area for no more than 20 minutes. Don't have ice or a cold pack? in a light towel. Never apply ice directly to the skin.


Question: What protective gear can I wear to care for my joints?

Answer: Being lopsided puts more stress on your joints. Even if you think you're a pro on a bicycle or on a pair of Rollerblades, you should never go without safety gear. Elbow and wrist braces, or guards, also help reduce stress on your joints during activities.


Question: Who usually gets toxic shock syndrome?

Answer: Toxic shock syndrome is still mostly a disease of menstruating women who use tampons. But it has also been linked to the use of menstrual sponges, diaphragms, and cervical caps. A woman who has recently given birth also has a higher chance of getting toxic shock. And it can happen to men and women who have been exposed to staph bacteria while recovering from surgery, a burn, an open wound, or the use of a prosthetic device. More than a third of all cases of toxic shock involve women under 19, and up to 30% of women who have had the disease will get it again. If you have ever had toxic shock, you must look out for the symptoms so you can get immediate medical care.


Question: What has been ruled out as the cause of toxic shock syndrome?

Answer: But it has also been linked to the use of menstrual sponges, diaphragms, and cervical caps. How staph causes toxic shock syndrome is not understood.


Question: How can using tampons cause toxic shock syndrome?

Answer: But it has also been linked to the use of menstrual sponges, diaphragms, and cervical caps. Polyester foam provides a better environment for the growth of bacteria than either cotton or rayon fibers. In cases from menstrual sponges, diaphragms, and cervical caps, either the device had been in the vagina for a long time -- more than 30 hours -- or, in the case of the sponge, pieces of the sponge remained in the vagina.


Question: What can cause toxic shock syndrome from tampon use?

Answer: Then the poisons must get into the bloodstream. Sliding a tampon into place in the vagina may make microscopic tears in the walls of the vagina, rupturing tiny blood vessels. A super-absorbent tampon -- especially if it's left in place too long, or if it is used when the menstrual flow is light -- can dry out the vagina, making such tearing even more likely.


Question: Should I warm my insides if my multiple sclerosis symptoms are worse because of the cold?

Answer: The easiest way to do this is to eat hot meals like soup. You can also sip hot drinks like tea or coffee. Pour them into an insulated mug to keep them warm longer and help limit your trips to the kitchen.


Question: How long do symptoms of multiple sclerosis stay worse in cold weather?

Answer: If your symptoms get worse in cold weather, it's usually for short time. A few simple tips can help you stay comfortable and warm in the fall and winter.


Question: Why do cold temperatures make multiple sclerosis symptoms worse?

Answer: But they think that the condition can alter the way you feel temperature changes.


Question: Should I dress in layers if my multiple sclerosis symptoms are worse because of the cold?

Answer: And if you get too hot, you can easily remove layers and stay comfortable. When it's very cold, it's a good idea to wear hats, thick socks, or lined boots. This will keep heat from escaping through your head or feet.


Question: Should I keep my hands and feet warm if my multiple sclerosis symptoms are worse because of the cold?

Answer: Doctors believe that MS can cause blood vessels in your hands and feet to overreact to cold temperatures. If you have MS, you may also be at risk for Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition in which your fingers and toes lose heat. They turn from white to blue to red as the blood begins flowing again. You may feel numbness, pain, or like someone is sticking you with pins and needles. To protect your hands and feet from the effects of the cold, try wearing hand warmers or using a heating pad. But don't place the heating pad directly on your skin. It could cause burns or blisters.


Question: Should I get some sunshine if my multiple sclerosis symptoms are worse because of the cold?

Answer: After the hot, humid days of summer, the colder temperatures in the fall and winter can come as a shock to our bodies. It'll help you burn energy and warm up. Get some sunshine. A little sunshine might help boost your mood.


Question: Should I get moving if my multiple sclerosis symptoms are worse because of the cold?

Answer: Try to get moving. If you have MS, you may also be at risk for Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition in which your fingers and toes lose heat. You'll warm up, and you'll help your body make some much-needed vitamin D. An added benefit?


Question: Do cold temperatures aggravate multiple sclerosis?

Answer: If you have a condition like multiple sclerosis ( MS), cold temps can make your symptoms worse and make you flat-out uncomfortable. You might find that it's harder to move your limbs, you get more muscle spasms than normal, or your muscles feel tighter. A few simple tips can help you stay comfortable and warm in the fall and winter.


Question: How do you know if you have an allergy?

Answer: Confirm you have allergies. Only a doctor can tell you for sure whether you have an allergy. You may have something else, such as an infection. When you know what you have, you can get the right treatment.


Question: When should you make an appointment to your allergist?

Answer: You may want to make an appointment if: You have symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, or watery eyes that last for more than three months and make it hard for you to work or sleep. You've tried over-the-counter drugs and still need more relief. You get a lot of sinus infections, headaches, stuffy nose, or ear infections. You snore or have trouble staying asleep. You have other health problems such as heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, liver disease, or kidney disease. If you do, it may not be safe to treat allergies on your own with over-the-counter drugs.


Question: Will an allergist check that I'm taking the right medicine?

Answer: Check that you have the right medicine. Over-the-counter drugs can often help with allergies. Some people, though, also need prescription medicine to handle the symptoms. Your doctor can advise you about your medicines and make sure you have the prescriptions you need.


Question: What is an allergy treatment plan?

Answer: A treatment plan will help you know what you need to do. It should include what kind of medicine to take and when to take it, what things you need to avoid because of your allergies, and how to be ready for and what to do if you have a serious allergic reaction.


Question: What should be in your allergy treatment plan?

Answer: An allergist will give you tests to help you identify specifically what triggers your allergies Make a treatment plan. A treatment plan will help you know what you need to do. It should include what kind of medicine to take and when to take it, what things you need to avoid because of your allergies, and how to be ready for and what to do if you have a serious allergic reaction.


Question: When should you see an allergist?

Answer: An allergist is an MD who specializes in treating allergic conditions. You may want to make an appointment if: You have symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, or watery eyes that last for more than three months and make it hard for you to work or sleep. You've tried over-the-counter drugs and still need more relief. You get a lot of sinus infections, headaches, stuffy nose, or ear infections. You have other health problems such as heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, liver disease, or kidney disease. If you do, it may not be safe to treat allergies on your own with over-the-counter drugs.


Question: How can probiotics be bad for me?

Answer: There isn't as much research yet, but some people say that probiotics have helped them with: Preventing and treating yeast infections Preventing and treating urinary tract infections Lactose intolerance Skin conditions such as eczema Treating certain stomach and respiratory infections, especially in children Treating allergies and asthma Decreasing inflammation, such as from rheumatoid arthritis Because these good bacteria already exist in the body, they're considered safe for most people. But there are some things to consider. They can trigger an allergic reaction. They might cause mild stomach problems, especially the first few days you start taking them. You might have stomach upset, gas, diarrhea, or bloating. Those symptoms usually go away after your body gets used to them. If you have an immune system problem or another serious health condition, you may have a greater chance of issues.


Question: What conditions can benefit from probiotics?

Answer: Researchers are studying when and how probiotics might best help. There's more research for some illnesses than others. They might help people with: Diarrhea , especially when it's linked to specific antibiotics. Inflammatory bowel diseases ( IBD) including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome .


Question: What are drugs used to prevent tooth decay in dentistry?

Answer: Fluoride is a drug used to prevent tooth decay. It is available on a nonprescription basis in many toothpastes. It is absorbed by teeth and helps strengthen teeth to resist acid and block the cavity-forming action of bacteria.


Question: What drugs are used to treat periodontal disease?

Answer: The doxycycline periodontal system (marketed as Atridox) contains the antibiotic doxycycline and is used to help treat periodontal disease. Doxycycline works by preventing the growth of bacteria. Doxycycline periodontal system is placed by your dentist into deep gum pockets next to your teeth and dissolves naturally over seven days. The time release of this medication may continue to occur even after it has dissolved.


Question: What is used to treat dry mouth in dentistry?

Answer: Pilocarpine, marketed as Salagan, may be prescribed by your dentist if you have been diagnosed with dry mouth. The drug stimulates saliva production.


Question: What  anti-inflammatory drugs do dentists use?

Answer: Corticosteroids are available by prescription only and are available as pastes under such brand names as Kenalog in Orabase, Orabase- HCA, Oracort, Oralone, Lidex, Temovate and others.


Question: What  drugs do dentists use  to control patients' anxiety?

Answer: Local anesthesia, general anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or intravenous sedation is commonly used in dental procedures to help control pain and anxiety. Other pain relievers include prescription or nonprescription anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen ( Tylenol), anesthetics and topical analgesics.


Question: What are topical analgesics used in dentistry?

Answer: Topical Analgesics Dental analgesics are used in the mouth to relieve pain or irritation caused by many conditions, including toothache and sores in or around the mouth (such as cold sores, canker sores, and fever blisters). Also, some of these medicines are used to relieve pain or irritation caused by dentures or other dental appliances, including braces.


Question: What are drugs to help control plaque and gingivitis in dentistry?

Answer: Chlorhexidine is an antibiotic drug used to control plaque and gingivitis in the mouth or in periodontal pockets (the space between your gum and tooth). The medication is available as a mouth rinse and as a gelatin-filled chip that is placed in the deep gum pockets next to your teeth after root planing. The drug in the gelatin-filled chip is released slowly over about seven days. Dental products containing this antibacterial are marketed under various prescription-only brand names, such as Peridex, Perio Chip, and Perio Gard, as well as other over-the-counter trade names. Note: Chlorhexidine may increase the staining of tartar and plaque on your teeth. It may also cause staining of the tooth, tooth filling, and dentures or other mouth appliances. Antiseptics Your dentist may recommend the use of an over-the-counter antiseptic mouth rinse product to reduce plaque and gingivitis and kill the germs that cause bad breath.


Question: Could a migraine make my vision blurry?

Answer: There are a host of other symptoms that you might have with the pain, including blurry vision and sensitivity to light. You may feel these signs even before a migraine starts, and they may last until it's over. More dramatic changes to your eyesight during a migraine are called an aura. They can include: Loss of part or all of your vision for a little while Seeing flashes of light Seeing wavy lines or spots To solve these problems, you'll need to work with your doctor to treat your migraines and keep them from starting.


Question: How can you treat psoriasis related to blurry vision?

Answer: Treatments can get rid of uveitis, but the type you need will depend on which part of your eye is affected.


Question: Is my blurry vision caused by multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer: Blurry vision is often one of the earliest symptoms of multiple sclerosis ( MS). The disease causes inflammation along the nerve that connects your eyes to your brain, called the optic nerve. That causes a condition called optic neuritis, which can give you blurry sight, loss of color vision, and pain when you move your eyes. It often happens in just one eye. Besides blurry vision, MS also causes: Trouble with balance Bladder and bowel problems Dizziness Feeling very tired Numbness Stiffness Weakness Optic neuritis doesn't necessarily mean you have MS, so talk to your doctor about what's causing it. The problem often goes away on its own, but your doctor can give you some medications to help you heal faster.


Question: Could Parkinson's disease cause my vision to be blurry?

Answer: Blurry vision is not the first sign of this nerve disease. But as it gets worse, it can affect sight. That's because the condition may change how your eyes move. As your sight seems less sharp, you may strain your eyes because they have to work harder to focus. Parkinson's disease affects much more than the eyes. It also causes: Poor balance and coordination Stiffness in your body Tremors that affect the hands, arms, legs, and face Learn more about Parkinson's disease symptoms.


Question: Will diabetes make my vision blurry?

Answer: The condition raises your risk for an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina, the part of your eye that senses light. That can lead to swelling in a part of the retina called the macula, new and unwanted blood vessels growing in the eye, and bleeding inside the eye. Along with blurry vision, diabetic eye disease may also cause: â Floatingâ spots in your field of vision Permanent loss of vision Early treatment is the best way to ward off permanent damage. So protect your eyes from diabetes by getting them checked at least once a year.


Question: Could multiple sclerosis make my vision blurry?

Answer: Blurry vision is often one of the earliest symptoms of multiple sclerosis ( MS). The disease causes inflammation along the nerve that connects your eyes to your brain, called the optic nerve. That causes a condition called optic neuritis, which can give you blurry sight, loss of color vision, and pain when you move your eyes. It often happens in just one eye. Besides blurry vision, MS also causes: Trouble with balance Bladder and bowel problems Dizziness Feeling very tired Numbness Stiffness Weakness Optic neuritis doesn't necessarily mean you have MS, so talk to your doctor about what's causing it. The problem often goes away on its own, but your doctor can give you some medications to help you heal faster.


Question: Is my blurry vision caused by diabetes?

Answer: The condition raises your risk for an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina, the part of your eye that senses light. That can lead to swelling in a part of the retina called the macula, new and unwanted blood vessels growing in the eye, and bleeding inside the eye. Along with blurry vision, diabetic eye disease may also cause: â Floatingâ spots in your field of vision Permanent loss of vision Early treatment is the best way to ward off permanent damage.


Question: When should you call 911 about blurry vision?

Answer: Call 911 right away if you have either of these changes and other stroke warning signs, such as: Dizziness Face drooping Loss of balance Slurred speech or other problems speaking clearly Weakness or numbness in one arm Learn more about the timeline of a stroke.


Question: How can you protect your vision from the effects of diabetes?

Answer: Along with blurry vision, diabetic eye disease may also cause: â Floatingâ spots in your field of vision Permanent loss of vision Early treatment is the best way to ward off permanent damage. So protect your eyes from diabetes by getting them checked at least once a year.


Question: How can you treat your blurry vision?

Answer: Often, treatment for these conditions will clear up your blurred vision. Remember, though, that sudden changes to your eyesight aren't normal, so if they happen, see your doctor right away.


Question: Could a brain tumor make my vision blurry?

Answer: Scary, but true: A tumor in any part of your brain can make pressure build inside your skull. That can cause many symptoms, including blurred vision. Other signs of a possible brain tumor are: Drowsiness Headache that won't go away Nausea Personality changes Seizures Vomiting If your doctor thinks you might have a brain tumor, she'll use different tests to check how well your brain and spinal cord work, as well as imaging tests to see inside your head.


Question: Is my blurry vision caused by a stroke?

Answer: One of the key signs that you're having a stroke is a sudden, painless change in eyesight. You might have blurry or double vision.


Question: Is my blurry vision caused by Parkinson's disease?

Answer: That causes a condition called optic neuritis, which can give you blurry sight, loss of color vision, and pain when you move your eyes. Blurry vision is not the first sign of this nerve disease. As your sight seems less sharp, you may strain your eyes because they have to work harder to focus.


Question: Is my blurry vision caused by a migraine?

Answer: There are a host of other symptoms that you might have with the pain, including blurry vision and sensitivity to light. You may feel these signs even before a migraine starts, and they may last until it's over. More dramatic changes to your eyesight during a migraine are called an aura. They can include: Loss of part or all of your vision for a little while Seeing flashes of light Seeing wavy lines or spots To solve these problems, you'll need to work with your doctor to treat your migraines and keep them from starting. Parkinson's disease affects much more than the eyes.


Question: What are the early symptoms of mononucleosis?

Answer: The early symptoms of mononucleosis are like those of the flu, including: Severe fatigue Headache Sore throat, which sometimes can be very severe Chills, followed by a fever Muscle aches After a day or two, someone with mono may also have: Swollen lymph nodes Jaundice (a yellow tinge to the skin and eyes) A measles-like skin rash anywhere on the face or body.


Question: When should you call your doctor about colorectal cancer?

Answer: So you'll need to check with your doctor to find out what's going on. Don't just assume it's hemorrhoids. Make an appointment if you have any of the symptoms, or if a doctor tells you that you have anemia. ( When doctors look for the cause of anemia, they should check for bleeding from the digestive tract because of colorectal cancer.)


Question: What is the treatment for lipodystrophy?

Answer: But children still need enough calories and good nutrition so they grow properly. Exercise will help your child stay healthy, too. Physical activity lowers blood sugar and can keep fat from building up dangerously. People with AGL may be able to get metreleptin injections ( Myalept) to replace the missing leptin and help prevent other diseases. Statins and omega-3 fatty acids, found in some fish, can help control high cholesterol or triglycerides, too. If your child has or gets diabetes, she'll need to take insulin or other drugs to control her blood sugar. Women with AGL shouldn't use oral birth control or hormone replacement therapy for menopause because they can make levels of certain fats worse. Your doctor may prescribe a lotion or cream to lighten and soften dark skin patches. Over-the-counter bleaches and skin scrubs probably won't work and could irritate the skin. As your child gets older, she may be able to get plastic surgery to help fill out her face with skin grafts from her thighs, belly, or scalp. Doctors can also use implants and injections of fillers to help reshape facial features. People with APL who have extra fat deposits can use liposuction to get rid of some, but fat may build up again. Talk to your doctor about what approach for her appearance makes sense and when.


Question: What should you expect if you have lipodystrophy?

Answer: Over time, people with AGL can lose most or all of their body fat. With APL, it typically stops after a few years. In general, the more fat you lose, the more serious the condition is. Yet many people with lipodystrophy live active, productive lives. You'll need to work closely with your doctor to prevent complications. For example, people with AGL are likely to have heart and liver problems. Diabetes can be hard to control. They might develop autoimmune disorders such as vitiligo (light-colored spots of skin), rheumatoid arthritis, and a kind of hepatitis. People with APL probably won't have the insulin-related problems that often come with AGL. But it can lead to kidneys that don't work well or at all, and drusen, tiny fat deposits in the back of the eyes that may be connected to age-related macular degeneration ( AMD). Women may get extra fat on their hips and thighs. AGL and APL can be linked to autoimmune disorders, too, including rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease. Researchers are studying lipodystrophy, and they may find more ways to treat it.


Question: What are acquired lipodystrophies?

Answer: Other acquired lipodystrophies are: Acquired generalized lipodystrophy ( AGL), or Lawrence syndrome Acquired partial lipodystrophy ( APL), also called progressive lipodystrophy or Barraquer- Simons syndrome Localized lipodystrophy AGL often shows up in children, but adults can get it, too. APL typically starts around ages 8-10. Both conditions affect girls 3 times more often than boys. Both cause a person to lose fat from her face, so she may look sick or much older than she is. Localized lipodystrophy can happen to anyone at any age. A small dimple of localized lipodystrophy may look odd, but it probably won't cause any other trouble. However, because fat tissue makes the hormone leptin, people with larger areas of acquired lipodystrophy might not have enough of this chemical in their bodies. Leptin tells your body you've eaten enough and to make insulin. Fat could also build up in places it shouldn't, like the blood, heart, liver, and kidneys. Depending on which type of lipodystrophy a person has, it may cause other problems, including diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, liver disease, and kidney failure. Doctors can help you manage these complications.


Question: What will your doctor look for to diagnose lipodystrophy?

Answer: Your doctor may also look for a pattern of fat loss with: Skinfold thickness measurements, checking how much skin he can pinch between his fingers at specific spots on her body A special X-ray that measures bone mineral density A special whole-body MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make pictures showing tissues with fat Blood tests check: Blood sugar Kidney health Fats Liver enzymes Uric acid If the doctor suspects APL, he'll check her blood for evidence of a specific way the body attacks fat cells.


Question: How can a urine test help to diagnose a lipodystrophy?

Answer: Your doctor may also look for a pattern of fat loss with: Skinfold thickness measurements, checking how much skin he can pinch between his fingers at specific spots on her body A special X-ray that measures bone mineral density A special whole-body MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make pictures showing tissues with fat Blood tests check: Blood sugar Kidney health Fats Liver enzymes Uric acid If the doctor suspects APL, he'll check her blood for evidence of a specific way the body attacks fat cells.


Question: How can you take care of your child with lipodystrophy?

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


Question: What are the symptoms of acquired partial lipodystrophy (AGL)?

Answer: This type affects just the upper body, on both sides. It usually starts with her face and moves to her neck, arms, and chest.


Question: Where can you get support for lipodystrophy?

Answer: If you're looking for a community, Lipodystrophy United is a good place to start. It has information about the disease as well as an online community for people with lipodystrophy and their families.


Question: What questions should you ask your doctor about a lipodystrophy?

Answer: What type of lipodystrophy is this? Do you know what caused it? Do we need any more tests? How many other people with this condition have you treated? What's the best way for us to treat it? What other symptoms should we watch for? Do we need to see any other doctors? Is there anything I can do that will help my child look and feel "normal"? Can we be part of a lipodystrophy research trial?


Question: What are the symptoms of localized lipodystrophy?

Answer: This looks like a dent in the skin, but the skin itself seems fine. The size can vary. It could be in one spot or many. There might also be tender or painful bumps.


Question: What are types of acquired lipodystrophies?

Answer: Other acquired lipodystrophies are: Acquired generalized lipodystrophy ( AGL), or Lawrence syndrome Acquired partial lipodystrophy ( APL), also called progressive lipodystrophy or Barraquer- Simons syndrome Localized lipodystrophy AGL often shows up in children, but adults can get it, too.


Question: How is a lipodystrophy diagnosis confirmed?

Answer: Tests of body fat can confirm the diagnosis. For a skin biopsy, the doctor will cut a small piece of skin and check the cells under a microscope. Your doctor may also look for a pattern of fat loss with: Skinfold thickness measurements, checking how much skin he can pinch between his fingers at specific spots on her body A special X-ray that measures bone mineral density A special whole-body MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make pictures showing tissues with fat Blood tests check: Blood sugar Kidney health Fats Liver enzymes Uric acid If the doctor suspects APL, he'll check her blood for evidence of a specific way the body attacks fat cells.


Question: What questions will my doctor ask for lipodystrophy diagnosis?

Answer: When you go to the doctor, he'll do a full exam and ask questions about your child's health: What symptoms have you noticed? When did you first see them? Are changes in how she looks only in certain areas, or all over? Has she had panniculitis -- swollen bumps under her skin or a bumpy red rash? Does she have diabetes? What other health problems or recent injuries has she had? Have you had her blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels checked?


Question: What are the symptoms of acquired partial lipodystrophy?

Answer: This type affects just the upper body, on both sides. It usually starts with her face and moves to her neck, arms, and chest.


Question: Is there a community for people with lipodystrophy?

Answer: If you're looking for a community, Lipodystrophy United is a good place to start. It has information about the disease as well as an online community for people with lipodystrophy and their families.


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

Answer: What type of lipodystrophy is this? Do you know what caused it? Do we need any more tests? How many other people with this condition have you treated? What's the best way for us to treat it? What other symptoms should we watch for? Do we need to see any other doctors? Is there anything I can do that will help my child look and feel "normal"? Can we be part of a lipodystrophy research trial?


Question: Who can get lipodystrophy?

Answer: Some people with HIV get lipodystrophy ( LD- HIV). It may be related to the medicines they take or the disease itself.


Question: What causes lipodystrophy?

Answer: Often, doctors don't know what causes acquired lipodystrophy, but some triggers are: An infection, such as measles, pneumonia, infectious mononucleosis, or hepatitis A disease where your immune system attacks your body (called an autoimmune disease) Repeated injections in or pressure on the same place on your body An injury For example, people with diabetes who have to inject insulin daily tend to get localized lipodystrophy where they keep giving themselves shots.


Question: Can children get localized lipodystrophy?

Answer: Localized lipodystrophy can happen to anyone at any age. A small dimple of localized lipodystrophy may look odd, but it probably won't cause any other trouble.


Question: What is lipodystrophy?

Answer: It often affects the fat that's just under your skin, so it can change the way you look. It also can cause other changes in your body. Some people with HIV get lipodystrophy ( LD- HIV). It may be related to the medicines they take or the disease itself. Other acquired lipodystrophies are: Acquired generalized lipodystrophy ( AGL), or Lawrence syndrome Acquired partial lipodystrophy ( APL), also called progressive lipodystrophy or Barraquer- Simons syndrome Localized lipodystrophy AGL often shows up in children, but adults can get it, too. That's a good reason to change your injection site often.


Question: What are the symptoms of acquired generalized lipodystrophy (AGL)?

Answer: The type your child has will affect: Where it happens How much fat is lost Other effects on her body AGL. She'll lose fat from under the skin all over her body, including her face, arms, legs, palms, and sometimes the soles of her feet. She could look very muscular, and you'll be able to see veins under her skin. Kids with AGL are very hungry all the time and grow fast. Adults may have large hands and feet and a strong, square jawbone if their hormone balance is off and they've kept growing. They could have larger than usual sex organs (clitoris and ovaries, penis and testicles). A woman might have irregular periods or none at all. She could have polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS). She'll probably have extra hair on her upper lip and chin. Some people with AGL have patches of dark, velvety skin in their underarms, on their neck, around their belly button or nipples, or on their hands and feet. Because of the fat loss, a person may have problems using sugar in her body or controlling her blood sugar and triglyceride levels. She could have a large liver or spleen. What type of lipodystrophy is this?


Question: How can I find a dermatologist to treat my psoriasis?

Answer: When you look for a dermatologist, start by asking your primary care doctor for a recommendation. You can also check with the American Academy of Dermatology, which has lists of specially trained doctors.


Question: How can you choose a doctor for psoriasis?

Answer: When you look for a dermatologist, start by asking your primary care doctor for a recommendation. You can also check with the American Academy of Dermatology, which has lists of specially trained doctors. A nearby medical school is another resource. Do you have a special area of interest in skin care?


Question: How can cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib) cause stroke?

Answer: Blood clots: Either kind of cardioversion could knock loose blood clots created from your abnormal heartbeat. Before the procedure, your doctor may do a type of ultrasound to look for blood clots in your heart. You'll probably get medicine to take for 3-4 weeks before and after the procedure to help prevent blood clots. Stroke : If a clot travels to your brain, it can cause a stroke.


Question: How effective is cardioversion for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

Answer: It might not work: Cardioversion doesn't always fix a fast or irregular heartbeat. You may need medicine or a pacemaker to control things.


Question: What is the success rate of electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

Answer: How well it works depends on the size of your left atrium as well as how long you've been in AFib. If you have a large left atrium or you've been in constant AFib for a year or two, it may not work as well. Taking antiarrhythmic drugs can also prevent AFib after a successful electrical cardioversion.


Question: How does cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib) work?

Answer: Your doctor uses a special machine to send electrical energy to the heart muscle. The procedure restores a normal heart rate and rhythm, allowing your heart to pump better.


Question: How can chemical cardioversion help with treating atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

Answer: Chemical cardioversion: If your arrhythmia isn't an emergency, a doctor will usually use medication to get your heart back to normal. This is called chemical or pharmacologic cardioversion. You typically get the medicine through an IV while doctors check your heart. But sometimes, people can take it as a pill.


Question: What are the concerns about cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

Answer: It might make things worse: It's unlikely, but there's a small chance that cardioversion could damage your heart or lead to more arrhythmias. Irritated skin: This often happens where the paddles are applied. The doctor can give you a cream to treat it.


Question: What is the success rate of chemical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

Answer: Chemical cardioversion: You should know quickly if it works. It usually takes effect within hours, but sometimes it takes days. If it doesn't work for you, the doctor might suggest electrical cardioversion.


Question: How can electrical cardioversion help with treating for AFib?

Answer: Electrical cardioversion gives shocks through paddles to regulate your heartbeat. First, you'll get medicine to make you fall asleep. Then, your doctor will put the paddles on your chest, and sometimes your back. These will give you a mild electrical shock to get your heart's rhythm back to normal. Most people only need one. Because you're sedated, you probably won't remember being shocked. You can usually go home the same day.


Question: How does cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib) cause blood clots?

Answer: Blood clots: Either kind of cardioversion could knock loose blood clots created from your abnormal heartbeat. Before the procedure, your doctor may do a type of ultrasound to look for blood clots in your heart. You'll probably get medicine to take for 3-4 weeks before and after the procedure to help prevent blood clots.


Question: What is recovery for cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib) like?

Answer: These will give you a mild electrical shock to get your heart's rhythm back to normal. You'll go back to your doctor in a few weeks for an electrocardiogram (you may hear it called an EKG) to make sure your beat is still regular. Keep up with your doctor visits and follow your treatment plan, which may also include antiarrhythmic drugs to help your heart maintain its normal rhythm. Let him know if you have any questions or notice any changes in your condition.


Question: How do defibrillation and electric cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib) differ?

Answer: But sometimes, people can take it as a pill. These will give you a mild electrical shock to get your heart's rhythm back to normal. In defibrillation, doctors use high-voltage shocks to treat life-threatening arrhythmias or a heart that has stopped.


Question: What are the benefits of exercise in adults with ADHD?

Answer: Fitness can have the following benefits for adults with ADHD: Ease stress and anxiety. Improve impulse control and reduce compulsive behavior. Enhance working memory. Improve executive function. That's the set of skills needed to plan, organize, and remember details. Increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. That's a protein involved in learning and memory. It's in short supply in people with ADHD.


Question: What are the other benefits of exercise relative to ADHD symptoms?

Answer: Beyond helping with ADHD symptoms, exercise has several other benefits. Getting regular workouts can help you: Stay at a healthy weight. That's important because evidence suggests that people with ADHD are more likely to become obese. Reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a normal range. Strengthen your bones. Improve your mood and self-esteem.


Question: How can exercise help adults with ADHD?

Answer: When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals called neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which help with attention and clear thinking. People with ADHD often have less dopamine than usual in their brain. The stimulant medicines that are often used to treat adult ADHD work by increasing the availability of dopamine in the brain. So it makes sense that a workout can have many of the same effects as stimulant drugs.


Question: How can ADHD affect adults?

Answer: Fitness can have the following benefits for adults with ADHD: Ease stress and anxiety.


Question: Can adults have ADHD?

Answer: Adults can have this condition, too. ADHD can make it hard for adults to pay attention, control their emotions, and finish tasks.


Question: How often should adults with ADHD exercise?

Answer: Health experts recommend that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week. That works out to about 30 minutes of fitness a day, five days a week.


Question: What are the benefits of exercise beyond helping ADHD symptoms?

Answer: Beyond helping with ADHD symptoms, exercise has several other benefits. Getting regular workouts can help you: Stay at a healthy weight. That's important because evidence suggests that people with ADHD are more likely to become obese. Reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a normal range. Strengthen your bones. Improve your mood and self-esteem.


Question: Does exercise help ADHD in adults?

Answer: Research is finding that getting regular fitness can improve thinking ability, and it may improve the symptoms of adult ADHD.


Question: How often should you exercise to help with adult ADHD?

Answer: That works out to about 30 minutes of fitness a day, five days a week. If you're doing more intense aerobic workouts -- such as running or taking indoor cycling classes -- you can get away with about 75 minutes of exercise a week. As long as you're sweating and your heart is pumping, you're likely to see real, positive effects from exercise on your ADHD symptoms.


Question: How are adults with ADHD treated?

Answer: Research is finding that getting regular fitness can improve thinking ability, and it may improve the symptoms of adult ADHD. Beyond helping with ADHD symptoms, exercise has several other benefits. Getting regular workouts can help you: Stay at a healthy weight.


Question: How much can you whiten your teeth?

Answer: So if you change the color of the teeth around them, you might wind up with an uneven smile or need to replace old fillings and crowns.


Question: What should I do before I whiten my teeth at home?

Answer: Get a professional cleaning and mouth exam, even if you decide to whiten your teeth at home. You might only need a thorough cleaning to restore your smile's sparkle. Your dentist will also look for cavities and check the health of your gums during the exam. Treating any problems before you whiten is safer for your mouth. Ask your dentist about which over-the-counter system to use and how much lightening you can expect. Teeth do darken with age, and the amount of color change varies from person to person.


Question: What should you keep in mind when buying at-home whiteners for teeth?

Answer: At-home whiteners have peroxides, typically carbamide peroxide, in amounts ranging from 10% to 20%. Choose a product with a peroxide level somewhere in the middle of that range. If the product doesn't bother your mouth but doesn't provide the lightening effect you want, you can choose a higher level. If you have any questions, your dentist can help you find the whitener that best fits your needs.


Question: What are the side effects of at-home teeth whiteners?

Answer: Ask your dentist about which over-the-counter system to use and how much lightening you can expect. Don't leave the strips or gels on longer than advised -- you might wind up with sore gums and set yourself up for other problems. It's a good idea to stop using the product if you start having this problem.


Question: How many servings of fruit and vegetables should I eat to lose weight without fad diets?

Answer: How many depends on your age, sex, and activity level. A good reference point for adults is 2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 1.5 to 2 servings of fruits a day.


Question: How can I stock my kitchen if I want to lose weight without fad diets?

Answer: Then, fill your fridge and cupboards with lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, good fats, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Pile on the salad and super servings of green beans, broccoli, cabbage, kale, or other low-calorie vegetables instead of high-fat foods, breads, pasta, and desserts.


Question: What are the side effects of using opioids for pain relief?

Answer: Side effects of opioids may include: Drowsiness Nausea Constipation Itching Breathing problems Addiction Antidepressants are drugs that can treat pain and/or emotional conditions by adjusting levels of neurotransmitters (natural chemicals) in the brain.


Question: What are some other pain relievers?

Answer: The most common side effects include: Drowsiness Dizziness Fatigue Nausea Another means of topical pain relief comes in the form of a lidocaine ( Lidoderm) patch, which is a prescription medication. If your pain is not relieved by the usual treatments, your doctor may refer you to a pain management specialist. Doctors who specialize in pain management may try other treatments such as certain types of physical therapy or other kinds of medicine. They may also recommend TENS, a procedure that uses patches placed on the skin to send signals that may help stop pain. Patient-controlled analgesia ( PCA) is a method of pain control that allows the patient to control the amount of pain medication administered. This is often used in the hospital to treat pain. By pushing a button on a computerized pump, the patient receives a pre-measured dose of pain medicine. The pump is connected to a small tube that allows medicine to be injected intravenously (into a vein), subcutaneously (just under the skin), or into the spinal area.


Question: What are opioids?

Answer: Some examples of opioids include: Morphine Fentanyl Oxycodone Codeine Opioids are effective for severe pain and do not cause bleeding in the stomach or other parts of the body, as can some other types of pain relievers. It is rare for people to become addicted to opioids if the drugs are used to treat pain for a short period of time.


Question: What are some over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers?

Answer: Over-the-counter ( OTC) pain relievers include: Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), including ibuprofen ( Motrin, Advil) or naproxen ( Aleve, Naprosyn) Both acetaminophen and NSAIDs reduce fever and relieve pain caused by muscle aches and stiffness, but only NSAIDs can also reduce inflammation (swelling and irritation). Acetaminophen and NSAIDs also work differently. NSAIDs relieve pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause pain. Acetaminophen works on the parts of the brain that receive the "pain messages." NSAIDs are also available in a prescription strength that can be prescribed by your physician. Using NSAIDs increase the risk of heart attack or stroke and have also been known to cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. They can also cause kidney problems.


Question: What are some prescription pain relievers?

Answer: Some examples of topical pain relievers include Aspercreme, Ben- Gay, Icy Hot, and Capzasin- P. Prescription pain relievers include: Corticosteroids Opioids Antidepressants Anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) Lidocaine patches Prescription corticosteroids provide relief for inflamed areas of the body by easing swelling, redness, itching and allergic reactions.


Question: What are the side effects of using antidepressants for pain relief?

Answer: In general, antidepressants have fewer long-term side effects than frequent, ongoing use of other pain medicines. Generally, SSRIs and SNRIs have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. The most common side effects with antidepressants include: Blurry vision Constipation Difficulty urinating Dry mouth Fatigue Nausea Headache Anticonvulsants are drugs typically used to treat seizure disorders.


Question: Which antidepressants work best to treat pain?

Answer: Chronic pain conditions treated by low-dose antidepressants include some types of headaches (like migraines) and menstrual pain. Some antidepressant medications include: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs) such as citalopram ( Celexa), fluoxetine ( Prozac), paroxetine ( Paxil), and sertraline ( Zoloft) Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, desipramine ( Norpramin), doxepin ( Silenor), imipramine ( Tofranil), and nortriptyline ( Pamelor) Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors ( SNRIs) such as venlafaxine ( Effexor) and duloxetine ( Cymbalta) These drugs require a steady dose of the medicine buildup in the body over a period of time to work. The doses needed to treat pain are often lower than those needed to treat depression.


Question: What are anticonvulsants?

Answer: The most common side effects with antidepressants include: Blurry vision Constipation Difficulty urinating Dry mouth Fatigue Nausea Headache Anticonvulsants are drugs typically used to treat seizure disorders. Some of these medications are shown to be effective in treating pain as well. The exact way in which these medicines control pain is unclear but it is thought that they minimize the effects of nerves that cause pain. Some examples include carbamazepine ( Tegretol), gabapentin ( Neurontin), and pregabalin ( Lyrica).


Question: How do antidepressants treat pain relief?

Answer: Side effects of opioids may include: Drowsiness Nausea Constipation Itching Breathing problems Addiction Antidepressants are drugs that can treat pain and/or emotional conditions by adjusting levels of neurotransmitters (natural chemicals) in the brain. These medications can increase the availability of the body's signals for well-being and relaxation, enabling pain control for some people with chronic pain conditions that do not completely respond to usual treatments. Research suggests antidepressants work best for neuropathic or nerve pain.


Question: What are some topical pain relievers?

Answer: Topical pain relievers are also available without a doctor's prescription. These products include creams, lotions, or sprays that are applied to the skin in order to relieve pain from sore muscles and arthritis. Some examples of topical pain relievers include Aspercreme, Ben- Gay, Icy Hot, and Capzasin- P. Prescription pain relievers include: Corticosteroids Opioids Antidepressants Anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) Lidocaine patches Prescription corticosteroids provide relief for inflamed areas of the body by easing swelling, redness, itching and allergic reactions.


Question: What are the side effects of using anticonvulsants?

Answer: Some of these medications are shown to be effective in treating pain as well. The most common side effects include: Drowsiness Dizziness Fatigue Nausea Another means of topical pain relief comes in the form of a lidocaine ( Lidoderm) patch, which is a prescription medication.


Question: What is Apremilast (Otezla) and some of its side effects?

Answer: Apremilast is a drug you take by mouth that's approved to treat psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis in adults. It curbs phosphodiesterase-4 ( PDE-4), an enzyme that controls inflammation. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Some people in studies who took the drug lost weight. If you use the medicine, it's recommended that you check your weight regularly and watch out for signs of depression.


Question: What biologics are approved by the FDA to treat psoriasis?

Answer: Biologic medicines approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe psoriasis include: Adalimumab ( Humira), a TNF-alpha-blocking antibody Adalimumab-adbm ( Cyltezo), a biosimilar to Humira Brodalumab ( Siliq), a human antibody against interleukins Certolizumab pegol ( Cimzia), a TNF-alpha blocker Etanercept ( Enbrel), a TNF-alpha blocker Etanercept-szzs ( Erelzi), a biosimilar like Enbrel Guselkumab ( Tremfya), an antibody against interleukins Infliximab ( Remicade), a TNF-alpha blocker Ixekizumab ( Taltz), an antibody that binds to inflammation-causing proteins/interleukins Risankizumab-rzaa ( SKYRIZI), an antibody against interleukins Secukinumab ( Cosentyx), a human antibody against interleukins Ustekinumab ( Stelara), a human antibody against interleukins Biologics are good at treating psoriasis.


Question: How were past research treatments of psoriasis executed?

Answer: Research in psoriasis doesn't always make headlines -- or win funding -- like discoveries in cancer or heart disease. And studies are hamstrung by the one-of-a-kind nature of your skin. Unlike many other diseases, experiments on mice or other animals aren't very helpful. In recent years, research into other autoimmune diseases brought new insights about the immune system. It turns out that some of the problems in those conditions are active in psoriasis, as well.


Question: What do new psoriasis treatments look like?

Answer: Research in psoriasis doesn't always make headlines -- or win funding -- like discoveries in cancer or heart disease. And studies are hamstrung by the one-of-a-kind nature of your skin. Unlike many other diseases, experiments on mice or other animals aren't very helpful. In recent years, research into other autoimmune diseases brought new insights about the immune system. It turns out that some of the problems in those conditions are active in psoriasis, as well. The new info brought treatments that target specific areas of your immune system. Called biologics, these drugs launched a new era of psoriasis treatment.


Question: What were some of the older treatments for psoriasis compared to the newer treatments?

Answer: In the 1960s and '70s, new info about how the immune system -- your body's defense against germs -- plays a role in psoriasis led to several new treatments. In recent years, research into other autoimmune diseases brought new insights about the immune system. The new info brought treatments that target specific areas of your immune system.


Question: Are biologics effective in treating psoriasis?

Answer: New biologic therapies work well to treat psoriasis, and other new treatments are close to FDA approval. In clinical trials, each of the drugs lowered psoriasis activity by at least 75% in many people.


Question: What is the definition of hypnosis?

Answer: Hypnosis is defined as an altered state of awareness in which you appear to be asleep or in a trance. Clinical hypnosis may be used to treat certain physical or psychological problems. For instance, it is frequently used to help patients control pain. It is also used in a wide range of other conditions such as weight issues, speech disorders, and addiction problems.


Question: How well does hypnosis work to help people stop smoking?

Answer: Study results have been mixed. In 2010, a systematic review of published studies found that there wasn't enough evidence to support the use of hypnosis.


Question: What is Spiegel's method of hypnosis for quitting smoking?

Answer: Spiegel's method is one popular smoking cessation hypnosis technique that focuses on three main ideas: Smoking poisons the body You need your body to live You should respect your body and protect it (to the extent you'd like to live) The hypnotherapist teaches the smoker self-hypnosis, and then asks him or her to repeat these affirmations anytime the desire to smoke occurs.


Question: How successful is hypnosis for smoking cessation?

Answer: Hypnosis, in general, does not work for everyone. About one in four people are not able to be hypnotized. When successful, the intensity of hypnosis can vary from person to person.


Question: What should I look for when I hire a hypnotherapist?

Answer: Here are some tips when looking for a qualified hypnotherapist: Make sure they are licensed, trained, and credentialed. Ask about their professional training. The American Society for Clinical Hypnosis also suggests asking: â Is this practitioner able to help me without using hypnosis?" If the answer is no, you should look elsewhere. Beware of too-good-to-be true claims or guarantees. Hypnosis does not work for everyone.


Question: What is mind-body medicine?

Answer: That's where mind-body medicine comes in. This is a form of what doctors call complementary medicine. That means it isn't the traditional type of medicine you get in a pill or shot. These are practices you do in addition to your regular treatments to help you relax and focus your mind so you can get more control over your emotions and improve your physical health.


Question: How can guided imagery session help you?

Answer: One 20-minute guided imagery session a day can help: Ease stress and anxiety Slow your heart rate and breathing Lower your blood pressure Boost your immune system to help your body heal more quickly Relieve symptoms of your cancer Manage side effects of treatment How to do it: Sit or lie down in a quiet room and close your eyes.


Question: Does tai chi help you feel better if you have cancer?

Answer: It can help people with cancer: Ease anxiety, depression, and stress Lessen fatigue Get better sleep Improve their quality of life and emotional well-being Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art. Because it's made up of a series of gentle movements combined with deep breathing, it's sometimes called "meditation in motion." People with cancer who take up tai chi might notice: Lower anxiety and stress Less pain Harder-working immune system Higher quality of life Know that while they can be a helpful add-on to your cancer treatment, they aren't meant to replace standard options like chemotherapy and radiation.


Question: How is progressive muscle relaxation done?

Answer: It can help people with cancer manage side effects like: Anxiety and stress Depression Fatigue Nausea and vomiting Pain Trouble sleeping It's also easy to do: Lie down somewhere quiet. Tense then relax each group of muscles. Start with your feet and work your way up your body. Flex and relax your toes, feet, ankles, lower legs, upper legs, belly, chest, fingers, arms, shoulders, neck, and face. By the time you reach your head, you should feel calmer and more at ease.


Question: What type of mind-body medicine are yoga and tai chi?

Answer: Yoga and tai chi: These exercise programs blend deep breathing and relaxation. Yoga combines a series of strengthening, stretching, and balance poses with deep breathing. It can help people with cancer: Ease anxiety, depression, and stress Lessen fatigue Get better sleep Improve their quality of life and emotional well-being Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art.


Question: What type of mind-body medicine is meditation?

Answer: Meditation: This simple practice has been around for thousands of years. It's easy -- just sit quietly and breathe deeply. Sometimes you repeat a word or phrase called a mantra. The idea is to gain control over your thoughts and breathing to help you relax. Even though it's simple, meditation can do a lot of good for people with cancer. Mindfulness meditation, in which you focus only on the present moment and your breathing, can help ease stress, improve your coping skills, and enhance your well-being.


Question: How is guided imagery done?

Answer: One 20-minute guided imagery session a day can help: Ease stress and anxiety Slow your heart rate and breathing Lower your blood pressure Boost your immune system to help your body heal more quickly Relieve symptoms of your cancer Manage side effects of treatment How to do it: Sit or lie down in a quiet room and close your eyes. Breathe in and out deeply. Picture an image that's calming and pleasant, like a lake with mountains in the distance. Use all your senses. Feel the gentle breeze on your face. Smell the flower-scented air. Hear the wind ripple the water. Imagine your stress is a small boat moving away from the shore, and away from you.


Question: What type of mind-body medicine is deep breathing?

Answer: A few minutes each day can help you feel more relaxed. In one study, deep breathing improved quality of life in people with breast cancer who were treated with chemotherapy. Breathe in and out deeply. Because it's made up of a series of gentle movements combined with deep breathing, it's sometimes called "meditation in motion."


Question: Where can I try mind-body practices if I have cancer?

Answer: Most people have to learn to manage feelings like fear, anxiety, and depression at some point during their journey. That's where mind-body medicine comes in. These are practices you do in addition to your regular treatments to help you relax and focus your mind so you can get more control over your emotions and improve your physical health. Mind-body medicine helps you relax and buffer some of these effects. It can also help you manage your condition better.


Question: What are the symptoms of drug allergy?

Answer: Symptoms of a drug allergy can range from mild to life-threatening. Even in people who aren't allergic, many drugs can cause irritation, such as an upset stomach. But during an allergic reaction, the release of histamine can cause signs like hives, skin rash, itchy skin or eyes, and congestion. A more severe reaction may include swelling in the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, blueness of the skin, dizziness, fainting, anxiety, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal problems.


Question: What characterizes a brainstem stroke?

Answer: Along with vertigo, you'll also have numbness, weakness, trouble speaking, and other stroke symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, or if you have new vertigo that has not been diagnosed, get immediate emergency help.


Question: Do vestibular migraines cause symptoms of vertigo?

Answer: If you're having a vestibular migraine, you may feel: Dizziness that lasts more than a few minutes Nausea and vomiting Balance problems Extreme motion sensitivity -- feeling sick or dizzy when you move your head, eyes, or body Feeling disoriented or confused Feeling unsteady, like you're in a rocking boat Sensitivity to sound You could get dizzy and have balance problems without having a migraine at all. Other times, the vertigo symptoms happen before, during, or after the headache. Sometimes, you might have migraines for years before the vertigo symptoms begin.


Question: What drugs are used to treat vestibular migraines?

Answer: CGRP inhibitors are a new class of preventive medicine that your doctor may recommend if other medicines don't help. If you have frequent or disabling vestibular migraines, your doctor may try drugs similar to traditional migraine meds.


Question: What are other names for a vestibular migraine?

Answer: There are many names for this type of problem. Your doctor might also call it: Migraine-associated vertigo Migrainous vertigo Migraine-related vestibulopathy Vestibular migraines don't always cause headaches.


Question: Is there a specific medication for vestibular migraines?

Answer: There's no specific medication for vestibular migraines. Your doctor will prescribe different drugs to stop an attack when it happens. This is called abortive therapy.


Question: Who gets vestibular migraines?

Answer: It's hard to tell how many people are living with this condition. The symptoms mimic a lot of other diseases. Researchers think they affect about 1% of the population. But that number could be higher. Like traditional migraines, they're more common in women than men. Vertigo symptoms tend to first strike around age 40. But the condition doesn't just affect adults. Kids can get it, too.


Question: What causes vestibular migraines?

Answer: Doctors aren't sure. Like migraines, there are a lot of theories. But how it really happens is poorly understood. They credit it to misfires between nerve cells in your brain.


Question: Are vestibular suppressants used to treat vestibular migraines?

Answer: It can ease your dizziness and motion sensitivity. This type of drug works on the balance center in your inner ear. Your doctor might prescribe benzodiazepines like lorazepam ( Ativan), anti-nausea drugs like promethazine ( Phenergan), and antihistamines like meclizine.


Question: How are vestibular migraines diagnosed?

Answer: But the International Headache Society and other organizations recently set up the first criteria to help your doctor diagnose the disorder.


Question: What are the symptoms of a vestibular migraine?

Answer: Your doctor might also call it: Migraine-associated vertigo Migrainous vertigo Migraine-related vestibulopathy Vestibular migraines don't always cause headaches. The main symptom is dizziness that comes and goes. Vestibular refers to the inner ear, which controls your hearing and balance. If you're having a vestibular migraine, you may feel: Dizziness that lasts more than a few minutes Nausea and vomiting Balance problems Extreme motion sensitivity -- feeling sick or dizzy when you move your head, eyes, or body Feeling disoriented or confused Feeling unsteady, like you're in a rocking boat Sensitivity to sound You could get dizzy and have balance problems without having a migraine at all.


Question: How does my doctor rule out something else with my vestibular migraine?

Answer: At least half of the episodes happen with one of the following migraine symptoms: A headache that has two of these characteristics: is one-sided, pulsing, moderate to severe, or gets worse with activity Sensitivity to light or sound Seeing shimmering or flashing lights in your vision (a migraine aura) He'll likely order an MRI to check your brain and run hearing and balance tests to look for problems with your ears.


Question: What signs are indicative of a vestibular migraine?

Answer: If you're having a vestibular migraine, you may feel: Dizziness that lasts more than a few minutes Nausea and vomiting Balance problems Extreme motion sensitivity -- feeling sick or dizzy when you move your head, eyes, or body Feeling disoriented or confused Feeling unsteady, like you're in a rocking boat Sensitivity to sound You could get dizzy and have balance problems without having a migraine at all. You have at least 5 episodes of vertigo that make you feel like you are spinning or moving. This isn't the same as motion sickness or feeling faint. These feelings last between 5 minutes to 72 hours. Your symptoms are moderate to severe. That means they stop you from doing everyday tasks or they're so bad you can't do anything at all. At least half of the episodes happen with one of the following migraine symptoms: A headache that has two of these characteristics: is one-sided, pulsing, moderate to severe, or gets worse with activity Sensitivity to light or sound Seeing shimmering or flashing lights in your vision (a migraine aura) He'll likely order an MRI to check your brain and run hearing and balance tests to look for problems with your ears.


Question: Can diet changes help prevent attacks of vestibular migraine?

Answer: Your doctor might also call it: Migraine-associated vertigo Migrainous vertigo Migraine-related vestibulopathy Vestibular migraines don't always cause headaches. It's hard to tell how many people are living with this condition. If you have vestibular migraines, these things might trigger your symptoms, too. It can't hurt to cut them from your diet to see if your symptoms ease up a bit. Tracking your diet is another good way to help tell if your vertigo symptoms are really due to headaches. For example, a high-salt diet can make vertigo symptoms worse if you have Meniere's disease. Keep a food diary and show it to your doctor. It can help improve your diagnosis and treatment.


Question: What is a vestibular migraine?

Answer: Unlike traditional migraines, you may not always have a headache. You could be having a vestibular migraine if: You have migraines or had them in the past.


Question: How are frequent or disabling vestibular migraines treated?

Answer: If you have frequent or disabling vestibular migraines, your doctor may try drugs similar to traditional migraine prevention meds. You take these regularly to reduce the severity or frequency of the headaches. These include seizure medicines, blood pressure medicines (like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers), and some antidepressants. CGRP inhibitors are a new class of preventive medicine that your doctor may recommend if other medicines don't help. When placed over the vagus nerve in the neck, it releases a mild electrical stimulation to the nerve's fibers to relieve pain.


Question: What are vestibular migraines?

Answer: Unlike traditional migraines, you may not always have a headache. You could be having a vestibular migraine if: You have migraines or had them in the past.


Question: How are vestibular migraines treated?

Answer: There's no specific medication for vestibular migraines. Your doctor will prescribe different drugs to stop an attack when it happens. Take these migraine meds at the first sign of headache symptoms. It can ease your dizziness and motion sensitivity. This type of drug works on the balance center in your inner ear. If you have frequent or disabling vestibular migraines, your doctor may try drugs similar to traditional migraine prevention meds. You take these regularly to reduce the severity or frequency of the headaches. These include seizure medicines, blood pressure medicines (like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers), and some antidepressants. CGRP inhibitors are a new class of preventive medicine that your doctor may recommend if other medicines don't help.


Question: How do you know if you are having a vestibular migraine?

Answer: If you're having a vestibular migraine, you may feel: Dizziness that lasts more than a few minutes Nausea and vomiting Balance problems Extreme motion sensitivity -- feeling sick or dizzy when you move your head, eyes, or body Feeling disoriented or confused Feeling unsteady, like you're in a rocking boat Sensitivity to sound You could get dizzy and have balance problems without having a migraine at all. You have at least 5 episodes of vertigo that make you feel like you are spinning or moving. This isn't the same as motion sickness or feeling faint. These feelings last between 5 minutes to 72 hours. Your symptoms are moderate to severe. That means they stop you from doing everyday tasks or they're so bad you can't do anything at all. At least half of the episodes happen with one of the following migraine symptoms: A headache that has two of these characteristics: is one-sided, pulsing, moderate to severe, or gets worse with activity Sensitivity to light or sound Seeing shimmering or flashing lights in your vision (a migraine aura) He'll likely order an MRI to check your brain and run hearing and balance tests to look for problems with your ears.


Question: What medications treat Parkinson's disease?

Answer: Selegiline ( Eldepryl Zelapar) and rasagiline ( Azilect).


Question: How does safinamide help with Parkinson's disease?

Answer: Safinamide ( Xadago) is an add-on medicine that may be prescribed when individuals taking levdopoa and carbidopa have a breakthrough of Parkinson's symptoms that were previously under control. Studies show that adding this drug helps individuals experience longer times with reduced or no symptoms. The most common side effects are trouble falling or staying asleep, nausea, falls, and uncontrolled, involuntary movements.


Question: How do dopamine agonists help with Parkinson's disease?

Answer: They include ropinirole ( Requip), pramipexole ( Mirapex), and rotigotine ( Neupro). You can take one of these drugs on its own or along with Sinemet. Most doctors prescribe dopamine agonists first and then add levodopa if your symptoms still aren't under control. Dopamine agonists don't have the same risks of long-term problems as levodopa therapy.


Question: How does Sinemet help with Parkinson's disease?

Answer: Sinemet is a mix of levodopa and another drug called carbidopa. Carbidopa makes the levodopa work better, so you can take less of it. That prevents many common side effects of levodopa, such as nausea, vomiting, and irregular heart rhythms. Sinemet has the fewest short-term side effects, compared with other Parkinson's medications. But it does raise your odds for some long-term problems, such as involuntary movements.


Question: Which drugs stop the breakdown of dopamine to treat Parkinson's disease?

Answer: These drugs block the brain chemicals that break down dopamine. That helps your brain have more dopamine to work with. Some evidence shows that selegiline may slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, especially early on.


Question: What drugs might you take with levodopa for Parkinson's disease?

Answer: Carbidopa makes the levodopa work better, so you can take less of it. Safinamide ( Xadago) is an add-on medicine that may be prescribed when individuals taking levdopoa and carbidopa have a breakthrough of Parkinson's symptoms that were previously under control. They include ropinirole ( Requip), pramipexole ( Mirapex), and rotigotine ( Neupro). You can take one of these drugs on its own or along with Sinemet. When you take levodopa, a chemical in your body called COMT makes part of the drug useless. The drugs tolcapone ( Tasmar) and entacapone ( Comtan) block COMT, so the brain can use levodopa more effectively, which eases Parkinson's symptoms.


Question: How does levodopa help with Parkinson's disease?

Answer: Most people can get relief from their Parkinson's symptoms with medicines. It's also the best at controlling the symptoms of the condition, particularly slow movements and stiff, rigid body parts. Levodopa works when your brain cells change it into dopamine. Sinemet is a mix of levodopa and another drug called carbidopa. A new, inhalable powder form of levopoda ( INBRIJA) has been approved for those experiencing OFF periods, OFF periods are when Parkinson's symptoms return during periods between scheduled doses of levodopa/carbidopa. These drugs act like dopamine in the brain. Have a routine for taking your medications.


Question: What is Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)?

Answer: Kaposi's sarcoma ( KS) is a type of cancer. Tumors with tiny new blood vessels grow below the surface of the skin and in membranes of your mouth, nose, eyes, and anus. It can spread to your lungs, liver, stomach, intestines, and lymph nodes, which are glands that help you fight infection. Researchers have found that Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by a herpes virus, HHV-8, also called KSHV. It affects 8 times more men than women. It may spread through sexual contact, but we don't know for sure. KS was once rare, affecting older men from Eastern European or Mediterranean families, young African men, or people who had undergone organ transplants. Now HIV is the most common cause.


Question: What are life-threatening symptoms of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)?

Answer: Kaposi's sarcoma ( KS) is a type of cancer. Researchers have found that Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by a herpes virus, HHV-8, also called KSHV. The most visible signs of Kaposi's sarcoma are lesions on the skin: flat, painless spots that are red or purple on white skin and bluish, brownish, or black on dark skin. When KS spreads elsewhere, it can be life-threatening. You may have: Trouble eating or swallowing Queasiness, vomiting, and belly pain from bleeding and blockages inside Severe swelling in your arms, legs, face, or scrotum Serious coughing or shortness of breath Your doctor may diagnose Kaposi's sarcoma simply by looking at your skin.


Question: What medications can treat Kaposi's sarcoma?

Answer: Kaposi's sarcoma ( KS) is a type of cancer. Researchers have found that Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by a herpes virus, HHV-8, also called KSHV. Once KS has spread, you'll need meds that go throughout your whole body to kill the cancer. Another type of drug treatment, called biological therapy, works by boosting your immune system. Your doctor may prescribe interferon alfa ( Intron A) if your CD4 cell count is over 200 and you have a fairly healthy immune system. Targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibody therapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors ( TKIs), are being tested in clinical trials. These try to attack the cancer and keep it from growing without harming healthy cells.


Question: What is the most visible sign of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)?

Answer: Kaposi's sarcoma ( KS) is a type of cancer. Researchers have found that Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by a herpes virus, HHV-8, also called KSHV. The most visible signs of Kaposi's sarcoma are lesions on the skin: flat, painless spots that are red or purple on white skin and bluish, brownish, or black on dark skin. Unlike bruises, they don't turn white when you press on them. They aren't itchy, and they don't drain. They're not life-threatening. New spots may show up each week. For some people, these lesions change slowly. They may grow into raised bumps or grow together.


Question: How is Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

Answer: Kaposi's sarcoma ( KS) is a type of cancer. Researchers have found that Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by a herpes virus, HHV-8, also called KSHV. Because people with HIV have weakened immune systems, they're more likely to develop certain cancers, including KS. Most severe cases happen when someone has AIDS, the late stage of HIV infection, but skin lesions can also show up earlier. In many cases, ART is the best way to treat active Kaposi's sarcoma. That won't cure you, but it can make your skin look better.


Question: How is Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) treated?

Answer: Kaposi's sarcoma ( KS) is a type of cancer. Researchers have found that Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by a herpes virus, HHV-8, also called KSHV. Your treatment will depend on how many lesions you have and how big they are and where they are, as well as how well your immune system is working. In many cases, ART is the best way to treat active Kaposi's sarcoma. It may even clear up the skin lesions. If you have just a few, you could have them removed. That won't cure you, but it can make your skin look better. Your doctor can cut the tissue out or freeze it to destroy it. Radiation can kill the cancer cells or keep them from growing. A machine can direct it toward the lesions on your body, or your doctor may put radioactive needles, seeds, or wires inside you near the cancer.


Question: How is Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) diagnosed?

Answer: Kaposi's sarcoma ( KS) is a type of cancer. Researchers have found that Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by a herpes virus, HHV-8, also called KSHV. You may have: Trouble eating or swallowing Queasiness, vomiting, and belly pain from bleeding and blockages inside Severe swelling in your arms, legs, face, or scrotum Serious coughing or shortness of breath Your doctor may diagnose Kaposi's sarcoma simply by looking at your skin. To confirm it, he may take a sample of tissue from a spot and look at it under a microscope, which is called a biopsy. If you have trouble breathing, your doctor may use a thin tube with a light (a bronchoscope) to look into your breathing passages. Or, if you have tummy troubles, he may want to look inside your guts through a lighted tube during a procedure called an endoscopy.


Question: What are chemotherapy drugs for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)?

Answer: Kaposi's sarcoma ( KS) is a type of cancer. Researchers have found that Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by a herpes virus, HHV-8, also called KSHV. A machine can direct it toward the lesions on your body, or your doctor may put radioactive needles, seeds, or wires inside you near the cancer. Chemotherapy drugs for Kaposi's sarcoma include: Doxorubicin ( Adriamycin, Doxil) Paclitaxel ( Taxol) Vinblastine ( Velban) Chemotherapy can have side effects, including hair loss, vomiting, and fatigue.


Question: What is retinis pigmentosa?

Answer: Retinitis pigmentosa ( RP) is a term for a group of eye diseases that can lead to loss of sight. What they have in common is a coloring your doctor sees when he looks at your retina -- a bundle of tissue at the back of your eye. When you have RP, cells in the retina called photoreceptors don't work the way they're supposed to, and over time, you lose your sight. It's a rare disorder that's passed from parent to child. Only 1 out of every 4,000 people get it. About half of all people with RP have a family member who also has it.


Question: What are the differences between rods and cones?

Answer: The retina has two types of cells that gather light: rods and cones. The rods are around the outer ring of the retina and are active in dim light. Most forms of retinitis pigmentosa affect the rods first. Your night vision and your ability to see to the side -- peripheral vision -- go away. Cones are mostly in the center of your retina. They help you see color and fine detail. When RP affects them, you slowly lose your central vision and your ability to see color.