Question: What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Answer: Many people, including pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD. Doctors believe that some people suffer from GERD due to a condition called hiatal hernia. In most cases, GERD can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes; however, some people may require medication or surgery. Therefore, gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus.


Question: How can you adjust your sleeping position to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Answer: Therefore, gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus. Do not use pillows to prop yourself up; that only increases pressure on the stomach.


Question: What should I do before taking calcium channel blockers?

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


Question: What are examples of calcium channel blockers?

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


Question: What are calcium channel blockers?

Answer: They work by slowing the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, which makes it easier for the heart to pump and widens blood vessels. As a result, the heart doesn't have to work as hard, and blood pressure lowers. Taking other blood pressure medications in combination with a calcium channel blocker may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.


Question: How should I take calcium channel blockers?

Answer: Follow the label directions on how often to take it. The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and how long you need to take the medicine will depend on the type of medication prescribed and on your condition. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking these medications, because grapefruit prevents the breakdown of the drug in the body. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your calcium channel blocker is affected by grapefruit juice.


Question: What foods and medicines should I avoid if I take a calcium channel blocker?

Answer: Most calcium channel blockers can be taken with food or milk; however, ask your doctor. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking these medications, because grapefruit prevents the breakdown of the drug in the body. Do not drink alcohol while taking a calcium channel blocker. Alcohol interferes with the effects of the drug and increases the side effects. Taking other blood pressure medications in combination with a calcium channel blocker may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor the best way to take the medication if you are taking other drugs.


Question: What can you do if you get headaches from hormone replacement therapy?

Answer: Hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) treats symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. It can cause headaches. If you get headaches when you take HRT, discuss it with your doctor. There are several different changes he can make that may reduce your pain. You could try a lower dose of HRT or you could try different types of HRT to find the one that works best for you. For instance, an estrogen skin patch is a type of HRT that releases a low level of estrogen. It's the least likely method of HRT to trigger headaches.


Question: What can you do to treat headaches from taking birth control pills?

Answer: Here's what can help: Use a birth control pill that has fewer inactive pill days, such as Seasonale, Seasonique, or others. Use a type of birth control pill that has lower levels of estrogen. Switch to an IUD (intrauterine device) for birth control. Take over-the-counter or prescription headache medicine during the inactive pill days. Try a birth control pill that only contains progestin instead of a combination of estrogen and progestin. Take a low dose of estrogen pills or wear an estrogen patch during the inactive pill days.


Question: What withdrawal symptoms will you get when you stop the medicine for headaches?

Answer: Keep in mind that when you stop the medicine, you may get withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sleep problems, diarrhea, or worse headaches. The good news is that once you quit the medicine and your rebound headaches go away, the drugs you take for headaches can be more effective.


Question: Does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause symptoms cause headaches?

Answer: Hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) treats symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. It can cause headaches. If you get headaches when you take HRT, discuss it with your doctor. There are several different changes he can make that may reduce your pain.


Question: How can nitrates cause headaches?

Answer: Headaches are a common side effect of nitrates. You can get a mild to moderate headache soon after you take the medicine, or you might get an intense migraine about 3 to 6 hours later. You may also have nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Your headaches may go away as your body gets used to the medicine.


Question: What's the treatment for rebound headaches?

Answer: Some examples of drugs that can cause rebound headaches are: Aspirin Acetaminophen Sleeping pills Ibuprofen Naproxen Codeine and prescription pain relievers Medicines that contain caffeine Migraine drugs called triptans The best way to treat rebound headaches is to not take the medicine anymore. Work with your doctor to come off of the medication that may be causing them. You may be able to stop taking the drug, or you may need to gradually reduce the dose.


Question: What can I do if my birth control pill gives me headaches?

Answer: Here's what can help: Use a birth control pill that has fewer inactive pill days, such as Seasonale, Seasonique, or others. Use a type of birth control pill that has lower levels of estrogen. Switch to an IUD (intrauterine device) for birth control. Take over-the-counter or prescription headache medicine during the inactive pill days. Try a birth control pill that only contains progestin instead of a combination of estrogen and progestin. Take a low dose of estrogen pills or wear an estrogen patch during the inactive pill days.


Question: What medicines can cause headaches?

Answer: A wide variety of medicines, including birth control pills, heart drugs, and even pain relief medications, can cause headaches. But if your head starts hurting, don't stop your medicine on your own. Always talk to your doctor first so the two of you can figure out what your next step should be. He may suggest you change your dose or switch to a different drug.


Question: Can birth control pills cause headaches?

Answer: They have a mixed track record when it comes to headaches. Some women who get migraines find that hormonal birth control helps treat them. Others find that birth control pills and other hormonal birth control methods, such as the patch or vaginal ring, cause migraines.


Question: Which medicines can cause headaches?

Answer: A wide variety of medicines, including birth control pills, heart drugs, and even pain relief medications, can cause headaches. But if your head starts hurting, don't stop your medicine on your own. Always talk to your doctor first so the two of you can figure out what your next step should be. He may suggest you change your dose or switch to a different drug.


Question: Can you get headaches from pain medicine?

Answer: OK, this may not be what you were hoping to hear, but the truth is some medicines that are used to treat headaches can actually cause them. It's called a rebound headache. It happens when you use pain relief drugs several times a week. As your medication wears off, you get a headache again, which leads you to take even more medicine. Eventually, you find yourself getting headaches more and more, and often with greater pain.


Question: How can you treat rebound headaches?

Answer: Some examples of drugs that can cause rebound headaches are: Aspirin Acetaminophen Sleeping pills Ibuprofen Naproxen Codeine and prescription pain relievers Medicines that contain caffeine Migraine drugs called triptans The best way to treat rebound headaches is to not take the medicine anymore. Work with your doctor to come off of the medication that may be causing them. You may be able to stop taking the drug, or you may need to gradually reduce the dose. Keep in mind that when you stop the medicine, you may get withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sleep problems, diarrhea, or worse headaches. The good news is that once you quit the medicine and your rebound headaches go away, the drugs you take for headaches can be more effective.


Question: Which pain medicines cause rebound headaches?

Answer: Some examples of drugs that can cause rebound headaches are: Aspirin Acetaminophen Sleeping pills Ibuprofen Naproxen Codeine and prescription pain relievers Medicines that contain caffeine Migraine drugs called triptans The best way to treat rebound headaches is to not take the medicine anymore. Take over-the-counter or prescription headache medicine during the inactive pill days.


Question: What can you do to treat headaches from nitrates?

Answer: Don't try to treat yourself. Certain medicines that are used to treat migraines, such as triptans, may be unsafe to take when you have a heart condition. If you get headaches when you take HRT, discuss it with your doctor.


Question: Can nitrates cause headaches?

Answer: Headaches are a common side effect of nitrates. You can get a mild to moderate headache soon after you take the medicine, or you might get an intense migraine about 3 to 6 hours later. You may also have nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Your headaches may go away as your body gets used to the medicine. Certain medicines that are used to treat migraines, such as triptans, may be unsafe to take when you have a heart condition. In addition to helping control your blood pressure, this medication can be given to help with chest pain if you have heart disease.


Question: What are the serious side effects of antipsychotic medications?

Answer: Common side effects may include: Drowsiness Rapid or irregular heartbeat Dizziness when changing positions Decrease in sexual interest or ability Problems with menstrual periods Skin rashes or skin sensitivity to the sun Weight gain Muscle spasms Restlessness and pacing Slowing down of movement and speech Shuffling walk Menstrual irregularities in women There are, however, a few serious side effects that are possible, especially with long-term use of anti-psychotic medications. These side effects include: Tardive dyskinesia : This is a movement disorder that results in unusual and uncontrollable movements, usually of the tongue and face (such as sticking out the tongue and smacking the lips), and sometimes jerking and twisting movements of other parts of the body. It can be treated by taking deutetrabenazine ( Austedo) or valbenazine ( Ingrezza). Neuroleptic malignant syndrome : This is a potentially fatal disorder characterized by severe muscle rigidity (stiffening), fever, sweating, high blood pressure, delirium, and sometimes coma. Agranulocytosis: This is a condition marked by a sharp decrease in the number of infection-fighting white blood cells. This condition can leave the person prone to infection and at greater risk of death. Agranulocytosis has been particularly linked with Clozaril, where it may occur in 1 in 100 patients. People taking Clozaril must have regular blood tests to closely monitor their white blood cell count. However, all antipsychotics carry a warning label from the FDA noting that as a class they have a risk for lowering someone's white blood cell count. Changes in Blood Sugar and Cholesterol : Some atypical antipsychotics can cause increases in blood sugar (which could eventually lead to diabetes) and blood lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Periodic blood tests are necessary to monitor these factors.


Question: What drugs treat mental illness in children?

Answer: Many drugs used to treat mental disorders in adults are also used to treat the same illnesses in children. However, doctors often adjust the doses given and monitor more closely. The FDA has determined that antidepressant drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your health care provider.


Question: Can I stop taking antidepressants to treat mental illness?

Answer: If you decide to stop taking your antidepressants, it is important that you gradually reduce the dose over a period of several weeks. With many antidepressants, quitting them abruptly can cause discontinuation symptoms or speed the risk for depression relapse. It is important to discuss quitting (or changing) medications with your health care provider first.


Question: What drugs treat attention deficit hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD)?

Answer: Another group of drugs called stimulants may be used for certain disorders, primarily attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD). The most commonly used stimulants include amphetamine salt combo ( Adderall, Adderall XR), Daytrana, dextroamphetamine ( Dexedrine), lisdexamfetamine ( Vyvanse), and methylphenidate ( Concerta, Quillivant XR, Ritalin). Recently, the FDA approved a once a day treatment of mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product called Mydayis. A class of drugs, called alpha agonists, are nonstiumulant medicines that are also sometimes used to treat ADHD. Examples include clonidine ( Catapres) and guanfacine ( Intuniv). Atomoxetine ( Strattera) also has FDA-approval for the treatment of ADHD. It is a non-stimulant more similar to the SNRI antidepressants. But the agency has also issued warnings that children and teens who taking it may have suicidal thoughts. The FDA requires all ADHD drugs to include patient medication guides that detail serious outcomes from the use of the drugs, including a slightly higher risk of stroke, heart attack and sudden death, and psychiatric problems like becoming manic or psychotic.


Question: What happens if the antipsychotic drug side effects are particularly troublesome?

Answer: If antipsychotic drug side effects are particularly troublesome, your doctor may change medications or dosages or sometimes add additional medicines to counteract side effects like weight gain or high blood lipids. The newer atypical antipsychotic medications appear to be much better tolerated, with fewer side effects such as movement disorders or drowsiness. They do, though, require monitoring for weight and metabolic risks, which appear to be higher than with older-generation anti-psychotics.


Question: Is combining antidepressants to treat mental illness normal?

Answer: In some cases, a combination of antidepressants sometimes called augmentation, may be necessary. Sometimes an antidepressant combined with a different type of drug, such as a mood stabilizer (like Lithium), a second antidepressant, or atypical anti-psychotic drug, is the most effective treatment. Side effects vary, depending on what type of drug you are taking, and may improve once your body adjusts to the medication.


Question: How long does it take for mental illness drugs to work?

Answer: Remember that medications usually take 4 to 6 weeks to become fully effective. And if one drug does not work, there are many others to try.


Question: What are common side effects of antipsychotic drugs?

Answer: Many side effects of anti-psychotic drugs are mild and many go away after the first few weeks of treatment. Common side effects may include: Drowsiness Rapid or irregular heartbeat Dizziness when changing positions Decrease in sexual interest or ability Problems with menstrual periods Skin rashes or skin sensitivity to the sun Weight gain Muscle spasms Restlessness and pacing Slowing down of movement and speech Shuffling walk Menstrual irregularities in women There are, however, a few serious side effects that are possible, especially with long-term use of anti-psychotic medications.


Question: What drugs treat psychotic disorders?

Answer: Antipsychotics are a class of drugs used commonly to treat psychotic disorders -- conditions in which thinking can be irrational, and people have false beliefs (delusions) or perceptions (hallucinations) -- and sometimes to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or major depression. Different antipsychotics vary in their side effects, and some people have more trouble with certain side effects than with others. The doctor can change medications or dosages to help minimize unpleasant side effects. A drawback to some antipsychotic medications is their potential to cause sedation and problems with involuntary movements as well as weight gain and changes in blood sugar or cholesterol, which require periodic laboratory monitoring. Changes in Blood Sugar and Cholesterol : Some atypical antipsychotics can cause increases in blood sugar (which could eventually lead to diabetes) and blood lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides.


Question: What are some of the most common drugs to treat mental illness?

Answer: Some of the most commonly used are antidepressants, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, mood stabilizing, and stimulant medications. Many drugs used to treat mental disorders in adults are also used to treat the same illnesses in children.


Question: How can you recover better after tonsillectomy?

Answer: These tips can help you feel your best while you recover: Take your pain medication as your doctor prescribed. The pain will be worse immediately after surgery -- it should start to go away after the first week. Call your doctor if your pain gets worse instead of better. Suck on ice cubes to help with throat pain. Drink plenty of water, apple juice, and other clear fluids to stay hydrated. Drink smoothies or eat soft foods to make sure you get enough nutrition.


Question: Why do kids tend to recover much faster after tonsillectomy than adults?

Answer: They only need a week to heal, while adults need about two. There are a few reasons for this: Children typically heal faster than adults. Children are less likely to have bleeding problems after their tonsils are removed. Adults tend to have more pain after surgery. This may be because adults try to do too much too soon after surgery. They may not follow the rest and recovery instructions as a parent would make a child.


Question: What can you expect after tonsillectomy?

Answer: Your doctor will discuss these with you, but you should call him if you have any trouble breathing, bleeding, pain that gets worse, signs of dehydration (you don't have to pee often), or a fever over 102 F. Most adults who have their tonsils taken out because of chronic infection say they: Have fewer sore throats Don't have to use antibiotics as often Miss fewer days at work Have fewer doctor's visits Have better general health


Question: How is tonsillectomy done?

Answer: You'll be given general anesthesia, so you'll be asleep and pain-free during the surgery. The surgeon will use a small knife called a scalpel to gently remove your tonsils. If you're doing well after a few hours, you'll likely be sent home to recover. But if you have a lot of bleeding from the wound, severe vomiting, trouble breathing, or other complication, you'll probably stay in the hospital overnight.


Question: What are the risks of tonsillectomy?

Answer: Your sore throat might get better with antibiotics, but it comes back as soon as you're done with the treatment. A 2014 report found that 1 in 5 adults who had their tonsils taken out had some kind of problem afterward. These included: Dehydration Infection Pain Pneumonia Too much bleeding from the wound (hemorrhaging) You're a lot more likely to have one of these issues if you have: A history of pus collecting on your tonsils (peritonsillar abscess) Another health problem Used antibiotics often in the past year Kids tend to recover much faster after tonsil surgery than adults.


Question: Why would an adult need a tonsillectomy?

Answer: Chronic throat infection is the most common reason adults have their tonsils out. Other reasons you might have your tonsils removed as an adult include: Obstructive sleep apnea (if a blockage of your upper airway is caused by swollen tonsils) Bad breath, or halitosis, that doesn't go away (if caused by a collection of pus and debris in your tonsil area) Cancer (spread from your head or neck area) Men are more likely to have their tonsils removed than women.


Question: Which adults should get the hepatitis A vaccine?

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


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

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


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

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


Question: How is the hepatitis A virus spread?

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


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

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


Question: When should you call your doctor about flu symptoms?

Answer: Look for these symptoms: Fever -- usually between 101 F and 102 F (but sometimes as high as 106 F) Chills Sore throat Dry, hacking cough Aching muscles General fatigue and weakness Stopped up head Sneezing Headache You have these symptoms, and you also have a weakened immune system because of cancer, diabetes, AIDS, or other conditions. You have symptoms and a serious illness like heart, lung, or kidney disease, brittle asthma, or chronic anemia. You're more likely to have problems with the flu, and your doctor should watch you closely. You have trouble breathing. You have a headache associated with a stiff neck. Your fever lasts more than 3 or 4 days, you get short of breath while resting, and you have chest pain. You may have pneumonia. Your nasal drainage is yellow or green and has lasted for more than 10 days. You could have a sinus infection.


Question: How should I order my schedule so my multiple sclerosis doesn't affect my energy levels?

Answer: Have a plan. Schedule your days according to what you know about your energy levels. If you always get tired in the afternoon, try to get as much done as you can in the morning. See if you can change your work schedule to get to the office early so you can leave before you're too tired. Do important jobs first.


Question: How will multiple sclerosis affect my energy levels?

Answer: The right steps can give you the boost you need to spend time on the things that matter. Have a plan. Schedule your days according to what you know about your energy levels.


Question: How should you get rest to fight multiple sclerosis fatigue?

Answer: Schedule your days according to what you know about your energy levels. Just don't nap too much. It could throw off your sleep schedule and keep you up at night. Take a short walk, or do 15 minutes of yoga.


Question: How are antihistamines used to treat sinus headaches?

Answer: If your headaches and other sinus problems keep coming back, surgery can sometimes help if nothing else does.


Question: What can worsen your sinus headache?

Answer: Perfume, cigarette smoke, and certain chemicals can irritate your nasal passages and worsen your symptoms.


Question: What do you need to know about treating sinus headaches?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Your clogged sinuses can give you pain and pressure above your nose and between your eyes, but the right treatment can bring relief. First, you need to find out if a sinus headache is the cause of your discomfort.


Question: How can moisture help to treat sinus headaches?

Answer: Rinse the neti pot after each use and let it air dry.


Question: How are nasal steroid sprays used to treat sinus headaches?

Answer: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe these sprays and other drugs to reduce your congestion and pain.


Question: How can salt water help to treat sinus headaches?

Answer: Use salt water. Get a bulb syringe or neti pot and flush out your sinuses with salt water. It moistens and helps clear mucus from your nasal passages, which cuts down on the pressure. Always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water. Rinse the neti pot after each use and let it air dry. You can also try saline (salt water) nasal sprays to flush out your stuffy nose.


Question: What are the symptoms of sinus headaches?

Answer: These headaches may give you: Pain and pressure around the sinuses -- in the forehead, especially behind and between the eyes, and above the nose. If pain is your only symptom, you probably don't have a sinus headache. Those usually have other symptoms as well, including: Stuffy nose Nasal discharge Cough Sore throat Fatigue Your doctor may suggest treating the pain and the underlying causes of your sinus headache at the same.


Question: What causes constipation?

Answer: If you're constipated, it's often because there isn't enough water in your stool, a problem that occurs when you don't drink enough fluids.


Question: How should you take laxatives for constipation?

Answer: Laxatives are best taken short-term only, because you don't want to start relying on them to go to the bathroom. Also ask how to ease off laxatives when you no longer need them. Stopping them too abruptly can affect your colon's ability to contract.


Question: When should you call your doctor about your constipation?

Answer: Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms with constipation: Stomach pain Blood in your stools Unexplained weight loss Inability to have a bowel movement Also, call if you've been having trouble going for more than three weeks and constipation treatments aren't working. You may have a condition called Chronic Idiopathic Constipation ( CIC) which means your constipation may be caused by something other than physical or physiological.


Question: Where can you get fiber to treat constipation?

Answer: Good fiber sources include: Bran and other whole grains found in cereals, breads, and brown rice Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and asparagus Fresh fruits, or dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and prunes Beans While you're having an issue with constipation, limit foods that are high in fat and low in fiber, like cheese and other dairy products, processed foods, and meat.


Question: Which foods should you avoid if you have constipation?

Answer: Good fiber sources include: Bran and other whole grains found in cereals, breads, and brown rice Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and asparagus Fresh fruits, or dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and prunes Beans While you're having an issue with constipation, limit foods that are high in fat and low in fiber, like cheese and other dairy products, processed foods, and meat. They can make constipation worse.


Question: When should you use laxatives to treat constipation?

Answer: In that case, stopping the medicine or treating the problem should relieve your constipation. If your doctor recommends laxatives, ask what type is best for you, and for how long you should take them.


Question: How much water should you drink to avoid constipation?

Answer: And on the subject of diet, water is important for preventing constipation, too. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.


Question: What can untreated constipation lead to?

Answer: Untreated constipation can lead to real problems, such as hemorrhoids and tears in the skin around the anus (called fissures) that make you bleed. If you strain too hard, you might even cause part of your intestines to push out through the anus -- a condition called rectal prolapse that can sometimes require surgery.


Question: What can make constipation worse?

Answer: Regardless of what constipation treatment you use, give yourself enough time to sit on the toilet when you need to go. Holding in the urge can make your constipation worse. Set aside a regular time of the day when you know you'll be left undisturbed for several minutes.


Question: How much fiber should you have to treat constipation?

Answer: Gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet until you're getting at least 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily. Moving your body will keep your bowels moving, too.


Question: What is the best way to relieve constipation?

Answer: Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. In general, doctors do not recommend using mineral oil or castor oil. Mineral oil can cause problems such as vitamin deficiencies, and castor oil can lead to long-term constipation. These laxatives work quickly, but they can cause side effects, including cramping and diarrhea, so use them for as short a period of time as possible.


Question: What laxatives can you use for constipation?

Answer: Laxatives come in several forms: Bulk-forming fiber supplements include Citrucel, Fiber Con, and Metamucil. Unlike other laxatives, you can take these every day. Although they are safe to use regularly, fiber supplements can interfere with your body's ability to absorb certain medicines, and they may cause bloating, cramps, and gas. Drink a lot of water with them. Lubricant laxatives, including Zymenol, help the stool pass more easily through the colon. Osmotic laxatives such as lactulose, Miralax, Milk of Magnesia, and Sorbitol help fluids move through your intestines. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor before taking osmotics because they can cause electrolyte imbalances. Stimulant laxatives such as Dulcolax and Senokot make the muscles in your intestines contract to help push stool out. These laxatives work quickly, but they can cause side effects, including cramping and diarrhea, so use them for as short a period of time as possible. Stool softeners such as Colace and Surfak make stools easier to pass by adding fluid to them. Having softer stool can prevent you from having to strain during bowel movements. Your doctor may recommend one of these products if your constipation is due to childbirth or surgery. Plecanitide ( Trulance) changes stool consistency by increasing the amount of water into the GI lumen and increases gastrointestinal movement.


Question: How common is constipation?

Answer: Women are the most frequent constipation sufferers. This may have to do with the slower movement of food through a woman's intestines, as well as with the effects of female hormones on the GI tract. Drink a lot of water with them.


Question: How is constipation defined?

Answer: Some women naturally have a bowel movement a few times a day, while others go just a few times a week. You don't need constipation treatments unless you're going to the bathroom a lot less often than usual. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms with constipation: Stomach pain Blood in your stools Unexplained weight loss Inability to have a bowel movement Also, call if you've been having trouble going for more than three weeks and constipation treatments aren't working.


Question: Why do people get dialysis if kidney transplants are better?

Answer: Many people go on dialysis because they need to. They have no other choice while they're on a waiting list for a donor kidney. And for them, dialysis is a lifesaver.


Question: What are the advantages of kidney transplant?

Answer: Not only do people who get transplants usually live longer, they also tend to have: Better quality of life. They don't spend hours each week getting dialysis, and they're more likely to go back to work. Fewer limits on their diet Fewer long-term health problems from the transplant than people have with dialysis More energy Also, dialysis can take a toll on the body. It can cause problems ranging from anemia, where you have fewer red blood cells, to heart disease.


Question: Who may not be a good candidate for a kidney transplant?

Answer: People at almost any age, from children to older adults, can get a kidney transplant, but not everyone is healthy enough for one. If your loved one has any of these conditions, they're not likely to get a transplant: Active or recently treated cancer Illness that might limit their life to just a few more years Infection that can't be treated or keeps coming back Serious health condition -- like severe heart disease -- that means they're not healthy enough for surgery Very overweight The following problems could also prevent a transplant: Dementia Drug or alcohol abuse Hard time remembering to take medicine Mental health problems that aren't easily managed Even if your loved one is older or has a health condition like diabetes, your doctor can help you understand if a transplant is a safe option.


Question: What are the side effects of the medicines you take after a kidney transplant?

Answer: Like any medicine, the drugs used to prevent transplant rejections can have side effects. They generally work by making your immune system less active, which makes you more likely to get infections and can raise the odds of getting cancer. Other side effects may include acne, bone disease, and high blood pressure.


Question: What are the risks from kidney transplant?

Answer: The main ones are: Kidney rejection. There's a chance that the body will reject the donated kidney. Your loved one will take medicine for the rest of their life to prevent this from happening, and newer drugs greatly lower the odds of it. Side effects from medicine. They generally work by making your immune system less active, which makes you more likely to get infections and can raise the odds of getting cancer. Other side effects may include acne, bone disease, and high blood pressure. Any surgery, including a kidney transplant, has risks, such as bleeding and infection.


Question: What are the pros and cons of kidney transplant and dialysis as treatment for chronic kidney disease?

Answer: The kidneys are so important because they remove waste from the body. So when they stop working as well, waste and fluids build up. They can get a transplant to receive a healthy kidney from a donor. The reason is simple: People who get transplants generally live longer than those who get dialysis. Fewer limits on their diet Fewer long-term health problems from the transplant than people have with dialysis More energy Also, dialysis can take a toll on the body. Mainly because there are many more people in need of kidneys than there are donors.


Question: What factors might disqualify you as a kidney transplant recipient?

Answer: The reason is simple: People who get transplants generally live longer than those who get dialysis. If your loved one has any of these conditions, they're not likely to get a transplant: Active or recently treated cancer Illness that might limit their life to just a few more years Infection that can't be treated or keeps coming back Serious health condition -- like severe heart disease -- that means they're not healthy enough for surgery Very overweight The following problems could also prevent a transplant: Dementia Drug or alcohol abuse Hard time remembering to take medicine Mental health problems that aren't easily managed Even if your loved one is older or has a health condition like diabetes, your doctor can help you understand if a transplant is a safe option.


Question: What are two main options for someone with chronic kidney disease?

Answer: If you have a loved one with chronic kidney disease, it's no different. They can get a transplant to receive a healthy kidney from a donor. Or they can start dialysis, a treatment where blood gets filtered either by a machine or in the belly with the help of a special tube. You might think that a transplant is more of a last resort, the thing to do when you've run out of options. But that's hardly the case. For most people, doctors prefer transplant over dialysis.


Question: Can antibiotics fight a cold?

Answer: Here's the plain truth: Colds are caused by viruses, and no antibiotic in the world can fight one. They only treat an infection that's brought on by another small living thing -- bacteria.


Question: Why do antibiotics get less effective the more you take them?

Answer: When people take antibiotics when they don't have to, over time, the medicine becomes less effective. The reason has to do with the bacteria themselves. These new strains are "resistant" to some types of antibiotics. If you get an infection with one of these bacteria, your doctor may need to try several types of drugs until he finds one that works. You could get a lot sicker while you wait for the one that can treat you.


Question: Why do people take saffron?

Answer: More research is needed. Saffron may also help with depression. Several small studies showed that it seemed to work as well as a common antidepressant in helping symptoms. Larger studies need to be done to see if this would be a safe and effective treatment.


Question: What are side effects of saffron?

Answer: Using saffron supplements in the short-term seems safe for most people. They may cause side effects like anxiety, appetite changes, upset stomach, sleepiness, and headache. Using saffron in high doses or for long periods of time may be risky. Some people are also allergic to saffron.


Question: How much saffron should I take?

Answer: Ideal doses for saffron have not been set for any condition, although studies have been done using 30 mg of the extract a day, or 15-200 milligrams of dried saffron daily. Ingredients in supplements may vary widely. This makes it very hard to set a standard dose.


Question: What are the risks of saffron?

Answer: Saffron may also help with depression. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and drugs are.


Question: Do any medicines have interactions with saffron?

Answer: It's been used as a traditional treatment for thousands of years. Check with your doctor before using it if you are taking medication.


Question: What can I expect at my first appointment with a rheumatologist?

Answer: Your first visit will be part conversation, part examination. Your appointment may take an hour or more, but it will be well worth the time. Because RA is a long-term disease, you'll see this doctor often.


Question: Should I do family research before I go see a rheumatologist for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: What kinds of problems run in your family? Find out what you can about the health of your grandparents, parents, and any brothers and sisters.


Question: Should I tell my rheumatologist about my previous conditions and medications?

Answer: Your rheumatologist will need to know about every medication you're taking: All your prescriptions for RA and other health problems Include over-the-counter medicines like , rub-on creams, and other pain relievers Vitamins, herbs, and supplements You can write up a list or toss all the bottles in a bag and take them with you. Ask your other doctors for copies of your records and any test results or X-rays, and take them with you, too.


Question: Should I create a timeline of my rheumatoid arthritis before I see a rheumatologist?

Answer: Describe your symptoms and how they've changed over time.


Question: How can you prepare for your rheumatologist?

Answer: Rheumatologists are like detectives looking for clues to relieve your pain and treat your condition. To give your new doctor a head start: Create a timeline. Go back as far as you can remember. Describe your symptoms and how they've changed over time. Do some family research. What kinds of problems run in your family? Find out what you can about the health of your grandparents, parents, and any brothers and sisters. List your meds. Your rheumatologist will need to know about every medication you're taking: All your prescriptions for RA and other health problems Include over-the-counter medicines like , rub-on creams, and other pain relievers Vitamins, herbs, and supplements You can write up a list or toss all the bottles in a bag and take them with you. Ask your other doctors for copies of your records and any test results or X-rays, and take them with you, too.


Question: What can be part of your treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Physical therapy or occupational therapy : Your doctor may suggest you meet with one or both of these health professionals. Physical therapists can teach you exercises to help you move your joints and make them stronger. Occupational therapists can show you how to ease the strain on your joints during daily activities. Lifestyle changes: Exercise and weight control will be part of your treatment plan. You need to move your joints to keep them from getting stiff and to strengthen the muscles around them. If you're overweight, shedding extra pounds can take stress off joints and lessen pain.


Question: What questions should you ask your rheumatologist?

Answer: One of the first questions the doctor will ask is, " What brings you here?" How often do you have symptoms? I don't like to take medicine. What are my other options? Will I have to take RA drugs for the rest of my life? Where can I find resources to help me learn more about living with the disease? How can I find a support group? By the end of this first visit, your new rheumatologist will know a lot about you and your RA.


Question: What questions will your rheumatologist ask?

Answer: Then, get ready to answer a lot of questions, like: What are your symptoms? How often do you have symptoms? What makes you feel worse? ( Lack of activity, not enough sleep, stress, eating a certain kind of food?) What activities cause pain? Where on your body is the pain? How bad is the pain? Which words best describe your pain? ( Dull, sharp, stabbing, throbbing, burning, aching, cramping, radiating?) How does the pain make you feel? Are there symptoms other than joint, muscle, or bone pain that seem to be linked? ( Rashes, itching, dry mouth or eyes, fevers, infections?) Some questions may not seem to be about rheumatoid arthritis, but your doctor has a good reason for asking them. Tell him if you want to know why or if you feel uncomfortable. I don't like to take medicine.


Question: What causes aplastic anemia?

Answer: Acquired causes include: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis Chemicals such as pesticides, arsenic, and benzene Infections including hepatitis, Epstein- Barr virus, and HIV Radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer Inherited conditions such as Fanconi anemia, Shwachman- Diamond syndrome, and Diamond- Blackfan anemia, can damage cells and also cause aplastic anemia.


Question: What are the symptoms of Fanconi anemia?

Answer: Symptoms of Fanconi anemia include: Abnormal thumbs Heart, kidney, and bone problems Skin color changes Small body, head, and eyes If you have Fanconi anemia, you're more likely to get a type of cancer called acute myeloid leukemia, or AML.


Question: What is Fanconi anemia?

Answer: Fanconi anemia makes your blood marrow produce too few blood cells. It's hereditary, meaning it's passed down from one of your parents through a gene mutation.


Question: What are the symptoms of aplastic anemia?

Answer: Symptoms of aplastic anemia can include everything from shortness of breath and dizziness to headaches, pale skin, chest pain, fast heart rate (tachycardia), and cold hands and feet.


Question: What causes myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)?

Answer: Some people are born with a gene that causes MDS. These genes are usually passed down from one or both parents. If you have certain inherited syndromes, including Fanconi anemia, Shwachman- Diamond syndrome, Diamond Blackfan anemia, familial platelet disorder, and severe congenital neutropenia, you could be more likely to develop MDS. A small number of people also get MDS after radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Another risk is exposure to chemicals like benzene, which is found in tobacco smoke.


Question: What is megaloblastic anemia?

Answer: With this type of anemia, your bone marrow produces abnormally structured red blood cells that are too large and too young. Because they're not mature or healthy, they can't carry oxygen throughout your body very well.


Question: What are the complications of Fanconi anemia?

Answer: Symptoms of Fanconi anemia include: Abnormal thumbs Heart, kidney, and bone problems Skin color changes Small body, head, and eyes If you have Fanconi anemia, you're more likely to get a type of cancer called acute myeloid leukemia, or AML. Your odds of getting cancers of the head, neck, skin, GI tract, or genitals also go up.


Question: How is congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) treated?

Answer: Some people never need treatment. But depending on the severity of the disease, your doctor might recommend a blood transfusion, a stem cell transplant, or with medicines to lower iron levels or interferon alfa-2 A, a drug typically used for treating leukemia and melanoma.


Question: How is Diamond-Blackfan anemia treated?

Answer: Symptoms of Diamond- Blackfan anemia include: Fast heartbeat (tachycardia) Fatigue Heart murmur Pale skin Short height Weak bones Treatments include everything from steroids that can help produce more red blood cells to red blood cell transfusions and bone marrow transplants.


Question: What are the symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia?

Answer: Symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, fast heartbeat (tachycardia), trouble breathing, chills, backache, and yellow skin (jaundice).


Question: How is autoimmune hemolytic anemia treated?

Answer: Treating the disease that caused the anemia can also stop your red blood cell damage. If you have an autoimmune disease, your doctor might treat you with steroid drugs to calm your immune system, which can help the anemia.


Question: How does aplastic anemia affect you?

Answer: Blood cells are made from stem cells in your bone marrow. When you have aplastic anemia, stem cells in your bone marrow are damaged and can't make enough new blood cells. You're either born with aplastic anemia, meaning you inherited a gene from your parents that caused it, or you develop it (acquired). Acquired aplastic anemia is the more common of the two, and sometimes it's only temporary.


Question: How is megaloblastic anemia treated?

Answer: But once symptoms do appear, they're similar to other types of anemia, and include: Dizziness and fatigue Diarrhea, nausea Fast or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia) Muscle pain or weakness Pale skin Trouble breathing Doctors treat megaloblastic anemia with vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 supplements to replace what your body is missing. You'll also need treatment for any disease -- such as Crohn's -- that caused your body to lack these vitamins.


Question: What are the symptoms of Diamond-Blackfan anemia?

Answer: Symptoms of Diamond- Blackfan anemia include: Fast heartbeat (tachycardia) Fatigue Heart murmur Pale skin Short height Weak bones Treatments include everything from steroids that can help produce more red blood cells to red blood cell transfusions and bone marrow transplants.


Question: What are the symptoms of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)?

Answer: Some people don't have symptoms with MDS, but others do, including: Bruising or bleeding Infection Fever Shortness of breath Weakness and fatigue Weight loss Oncologists (cancer doctors) and hematologists (blood doctors) treat MDS with chemotherapy, hematopoietic growth factors, and stem cell or bone marrow transplants.


Question: What causes megaloblastic anemia?

Answer: But once symptoms do appear, they're similar to other types of anemia, and include: Dizziness and fatigue Diarrhea, nausea Fast or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia) Muscle pain or weakness Pale skin Trouble breathing Doctors treat megaloblastic anemia with vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 supplements to replace what your body is missing. You'll also need treatment for any disease -- such as Crohn's -- that caused your body to lack these vitamins.


Question: What are the symptoms of sideroblastic anemia?

Answer: Symptoms for both types include: Chest pain Fast heartbeat, or tachycardia Headaches Trouble breathing Weakness and fatigue Treatment for sideroblastic anemia depends on the cause.


Question: How are myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) treated?

Answer: Some people don't have symptoms with MDS, but others do, including: Bruising or bleeding Infection Fever Shortness of breath Weakness and fatigue Weight loss Oncologists (cancer doctors) and hematologists (blood doctors) treat MDS with chemotherapy, hematopoietic growth factors, and stem cell or bone marrow transplants.


Question: How is sideroblastic anemia treated?

Answer: Symptoms for both types include: Chest pain Fast heartbeat, or tachycardia Headaches Trouble breathing Weakness and fatigue Treatment for sideroblastic anemia depends on the cause. If you have acquired anemia, you'll need to avoid the chemical or drug that caused it. Other treatments include vitamin B6 therapy and bone marrow or stem cell transplants.


Question: How is Fanconi anemia treated?

Answer: Symptoms for both types include: Chest pain Fast heartbeat, or tachycardia Headaches Trouble breathing Weakness and fatigue Treatment for sideroblastic anemia depends on the cause. Treatments include hormone therapy and growth factors to boost blood cell growth. If symptoms become severe, your doctor might recommend a bone marrow stem cell transplant. Oftentimes a bone marrow transplant can cure the problems altogether.


Question: What causes sideroblastic anemia?

Answer: Think of your red blood cells as the transport system that carries oxygen to your body's tissues. The iron buildup causes the formation of abnormal red blood cells called sideroblasts. There are two main types of sideroblastic anemia: Acquired sideroblastic anemia can be caused by exposure to certain chemicals or drugs. Hereditary sideroblastic anemia happens when a gene mutation disrupts normal hemoglobin production. This gene produces âheme,â the part of hemoglobin that carries oxygen.


Question: What is congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA)?

Answer: In this group of blood disorders, your body can't use iron to make hemoglobin -- the protein that carries oxygen in your blood. All CDAs are passed down through families. There are three types of CDA, types 1, 2, and 3. Type 2 is the most common and type 3 is the rarest. Symptoms include chronic anemia, fatigue, yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), pale skin, and missing fingers and toes at birth.


Question: What are myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)?

Answer: When you have aplastic anemia, stem cells in your bone marrow are damaged and can't make enough new blood cells. MDS is a type of cancer.


Question: What are the symptoms of megaloblastic anemia?

Answer: Some people are born with a gene that causes MDS. But once symptoms do appear, they're similar to other types of anemia, and include: Dizziness and fatigue Diarrhea, nausea Fast or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia) Muscle pain or weakness Pale skin Trouble breathing Doctors treat megaloblastic anemia with vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 supplements to replace what your body is missing.


Question: What causes autoimmune hemolytic anemia?

Answer: When you have aplastic anemia, stem cells in your bone marrow are damaged and can't make enough new blood cells. Acquired causes include: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis Chemicals such as pesticides, arsenic, and benzene Infections including hepatitis, Epstein- Barr virus, and HIV Radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer Inherited conditions such as Fanconi anemia, Shwachman- Diamond syndrome, and Diamond- Blackfan anemia, can damage cells and also cause aplastic anemia. Symptoms of Fanconi anemia include: Abnormal thumbs Heart, kidney, and bone problems Skin color changes Small body, head, and eyes If you have Fanconi anemia, you're more likely to get a type of cancer called acute myeloid leukemia, or AML.


Question: How is an ankle fracture diagnosed?

Answer: What your doctor recommends depends on the type of break you have and how severe it is. He'll look at X-rays or other scans to figure out the best approach.


Question: What is expressive aphasia (non-fluent) versus receptive aphasia (fluent)?

Answer: Common types of aphasia include the following: Expressive aphasia (non-fluent): With expressive aphasia, the person knows what he or she wants to say, yet has difficulty communicating it to others.


Question: What is primary progressive aphasia?

Answer: Primary progressive aphasia is a rare disorder where people slowly lose their ability to talk, read, write, and comprehend what they hear in conversation over a period of time. With a stroke, aphasia may improve with proper therapy. There is no treatment to reverse primary progressive aphasia. People with primary progressive aphasia are able to communicate in ways other than speech.


Question: What is anomic aphasia?

Answer: Because of the difficulties, the person struggles to find the right words for speaking and writing.


Question: What is aphasia?

Answer: It's more common in older adults, particularly those who have had a stroke. Aphasia gets in the way of a person's ability to use or understand words. Aphasia does not impair the person's intelligence. People who have aphasia may have difficulty speaking and finding the "right" words to complete their thoughts. They may also have problems understanding conversation, reading and comprehending written words, writing words, and using numbers. Aphasia is usually caused by a stroke or brain injury with damage to one or more parts of the brain that deal with language.


Question: What's the difference between mild and severe aphasia?

Answer: With mild aphasia, the person may be able to converse, yet have trouble finding the right word or understanding complex conversations. Severe aphasia limits the person's ability to communicate. The person may say little and may not participate in or understand any conversation.


Question: What are the main symptoms of aphasia?

Answer: The main symptoms of aphasia include: Trouble speaking Struggling with finding the appropriate term or word Using strange or inappropriate words in conversation Some people with aphasia have problems understanding what others are saying. Some people have trouble using numbers or even doing simple calculations.


Question: Can acupuncture help relieve back pain?

Answer: One recent review of 22 acupuncture studies showed that it provided short-term relief from chronic back pain. It also showed there was greater improvement in pain for people who got acupuncture compared to those who received a âshamâ treatment. Other studies have found, though, that sham acupuncture can be as effective as actual acupuncture. Those studies also found that, compared to standard treatment, both actual acupuncture and sham acupuncture are more effective.


Question: How does acupuncture help back pain?

Answer: According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body has more than 2,000 of these points. Stimulating these points is said to correct the imbalance of qi and improve the flow of energy. Practitioners believe that this helps relieve pain and improve health. Or it may release immune system cells in the body.


Question: Does sweat spread HIV?

Answer: HIV doesn't live in saliva, tears, pee, or sweat -- so it can't be spread by casual contact with these body fluids.


Question: How do you get HIV?

Answer: The infection spreads from person to person when certain body fluids are shared, usually during vaginal or anal sex, or when sharing drugs you inject. It can also be passed from dirty needles from tattoos and body piercing. It can be spread through oral sex, too, although the chance is small.


Question: Which health care professionals can best perform physical evaluations and prescribe medications for ADHD?

Answer: While all of the professionals listed above can treat ADHD, only certain ones can prescribe medication and do thorough physical evaluations to rule out other possible causes of symptoms. These professionals are doctors (either a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy), nurse practitioners, and physician assistants supervised by a doctor. Because medication is a key part of ADHD treatment, it is important that all members of your treatment team communicate with each other on a regular basis.


Question: What are motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease during the advanced stage?

Answer: Some people never reach this stage. This is when medication doesn't help as much and serious disabilities set in. At this point, you likely: Are limited to bed or a wheelchair Can't live on your own Have severe posture issues in your neck, back, and hips Need help with daily tasks Almost everyone with Parkinson's gets at least one of these.


Question: What are motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease during the moderate stage?

Answer: Often within 3 to 7 years, you'll see more changes. Early on, you might have a little trouble with something like buttoning a shirt. At this point, you may not be able to do it at all. You might also find that the medicine you take starts to wear off between doses. You can expect: Changes in how you speak, like a softer voice or one that starts strong, but trails off Freezing when you first start to walk or change direction, as if your feet are glued to the ground Trouble swallowing Falls to be more likely Trouble with balance and coordination Slower movements Small, shuffling steps Advanced stage.


Question: What are motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease during the mild stage?

Answer: And drugs usually work well to keep them in check. You might notice: Your arms don't swing as freely when you walk You can't make facial expressions Your legs feel heavy Posture becomes a little stooped Handwriting gets smaller Your arms or legs get stiff You have symptoms only on one side of your body, like a tremor in one arm Moderate stage.


Question: What can I expect from Parkinson's disease?

Answer: Parkinson does follow a broad pattern. While it moves at different paces for different people, changes tend to come on slowly. Symptoms usually get worse over time, and new ones probably will pop up along the way. Parkinson's doesn't always affect how long you live. At this point, you likely: Are limited to bed or a wheelchair Can't live on your own Have severe posture issues in your neck, back, and hips Need help with daily tasks Almost everyone with Parkinson's gets at least one of these.


Question: What non-motor symptoms may show up early in those with Parkinson's disease?

Answer: Another might have major tremors but no issues with thinking or memory. You may have these issues years before any classic motor symptoms like tremors: Constipation Depression Loss of smell Low blood pressure when you stand up Pain Sleep issues You also might get these symptoms later in the disease. Drooling and a more urgent need to pee are also common.


Question: What makes Parkinson's disease hard to predict?

Answer: Parkinson's comes with two main buckets of possible symptoms. One affects your ability to move and leads to motor issues like tremors and rigid muscles. The other bucket has non-motor symptoms, like pain, loss of smell, and dementia. You may not get all the symptoms. Another might have major tremors but no issues with thinking or memory. And someone else may have severe symptoms all around. All that adds up to a disease that's very hard to predict. Dementia and psychosis are two serious mental health issues that usually take a while to show up.


Question: When should I see a doctor about a sprain or strain?

Answer: All but the most minor strains and sprains should be evaluated by a doctor. Consult a doctor as soon as possible if there are symptoms of a possible broken bone: There is a "popping" sound with the injury. The person can't move the injured joint or limb or bear weight on it. The limb buckles when the injured joint is used. There is numbness. There is significant swelling, pain, fever, or open cuts.


Question: What is RICE therapy?

Answer: Ice for 20 minutes every hour. Never put ice directly against the skin or it may damage the skin. Use a thin towel for protection. Compress by wrapping an elastic ( Ace) bandage or sleeve lightly (not tightly) around the joint or limb. Consult a doctor as soon as possible if there are symptoms of a possible broken bone: There is a "popping" sound with the injury. Continue RICE for 24 to 48 hours, or until the person sees a doctor.


Question: Who gets skin picking disorder?

Answer: Skin picking disorder happens in both children and adults. It can begin at almost any age.


Question: What causes skin picking disorder?

Answer: You may pick at the scab or rash, which causes more injury to the skin and keeps the wound from healing. More itching leads to more picking and more scabbing, and the cycle continues. During a time of stress. You may absently pick at a scab or the skin around your nails and find that the repetitive action helps to relieve stress.


Question: What is skin picking disorder?

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Question: How is skin picking disorder classified?

Answer: Skin picking disorder is considered a type of repetitive "self-grooming" behavior called " Body- Focused Repetitive Behavior" ( BFRB). Other types of BFRBs include pulling or picking of the hair or nails that damages the body. It is classified in the DSM- V (a compendium of psychiatric diagnoses) as a type of obsessive compulsive disorder because of the compulsive urge to perform repetitive behaviors.


Question: When should you call a doctor about your stoma?

Answer: Pick up the phone if you notice any of these problems: The skin around the stoma looks red, raw, or it leaks fluid. You have a fever of 101 degrees F or higher. You have nausea, vomiting, pain in your gut, severe constipation, or diarrhea. You're weak, have muscle cramps, or pee less than usual -- these are warning signs of dehydration.


Question: What complications can happen after a colostomy?

Answer: But if you had to have a large piece of the bowel removed, you may need the stoma for good. If the opening is too big, stool can leak out. Doctors call this a prolapse. You may need surgery to fix it.


Question: What medications can you use to treat occipital neuralgia?

Answer: If those don't help, your doctor may prescribe medications for you, including: Prescription muscle relaxants Antiseizure drugs, such as carbamazepine ( Tegretol) and gabapentin ( Neurontin) Antidepressants Nerve blocks and steroid shots. The nerve block that your doctor might do to diagnose your condition can be a short-term treatment, too. It may take two to three shots over several weeks to get control of your pain. It's not uncommon for the problem to return at some point and to need another series of injections.


Question: How is occipital neuralgia diagnosed?

Answer: Some medical conditions are linked to it, including: Trauma to the back of the head Neck tension or tight neck muscles Osteoarthritis Tumors in the neck Cervical disc disease Infection Gout Diabetes Blood vessel inflammation Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and about any injuries you've had. She'll do a physical exam, too. She'll press firmly around the back of your head to see if she can reproduce your pain. She may also give you a shot to numb the nerve, called a nerve block, to see if it gives you relief. If it works, occipital neuralgia is likely the cause of the pain. You might also have blood tests or an MRI scan if your doctor thinks your case isn't typical.


Question: How can I relieve pain from occipital neuralgia?

Answer: The first thing you'll want to do is to relieve your pain. You can try to: Apply heat to your neck.


Question: How can you relieve pain from occipital neuralgia?

Answer: The first thing you'll want to do is to relieve your pain. You can try to: Apply heat to your neck.


Question: What is occipital neuralgia?

Answer: Other symptoms include: Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp Pain on one or both sides of the head Pain behind the eye Sensitivity to light Tender scalp Pain when you move your neck Occipital neuralgia happens when there's pressure or irritation to your occipital nerves, maybe because of an injury, tight muscles that entrap the nerves, or inflammation.


Question: What are the causes of occipital neuralgia?

Answer: Other symptoms include: Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp Pain on one or both sides of the head Pain behind the eye Sensitivity to light Tender scalp Pain when you move your neck Occipital neuralgia happens when there's pressure or irritation to your occipital nerves, maybe because of an injury, tight muscles that entrap the nerves, or inflammation. Many times, doctors can't find a cause for it.


Question: What are the symptoms of occipital neuralgia?

Answer: Occipital neuralgia can cause intense pain that feels like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock in the back of the head and neck. Other symptoms include: Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp Pain on one or both sides of the head Pain behind the eye Sensitivity to light Tender scalp Pain when you move your neck Occipital neuralgia happens when there's pressure or irritation to your occipital nerves, maybe because of an injury, tight muscles that entrap the nerves, or inflammation.


Question: What are symptoms of occipital neuralgia?

Answer: Occipital neuralgia can cause intense pain that feels like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock in the back of the head and neck. Other symptoms include: Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp Pain on one or both sides of the head Pain behind the eye Sensitivity to light Tender scalp Pain when you move your neck Occipital neuralgia happens when there's pressure or irritation to your occipital nerves, maybe because of an injury, tight muscles that entrap the nerves, or inflammation.


Question: How does occipital neuralgia happen?

Answer: Other symptoms include: Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp Pain on one or both sides of the head Pain behind the eye Sensitivity to light Tender scalp Pain when you move your neck Occipital neuralgia happens when there's pressure or irritation to your occipital nerves, maybe because of an injury, tight muscles that entrap the nerves, or inflammation. Many times, doctors can't find a cause for it.


Question: What is the outlook of occipital neuralgia?

Answer: Occipital neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition. Most people get good pain relief by resting and taking medication. But if you still hurt, tell your doctor. She'll want to see if there's another problem that's causing your pain.


Question: Is occipital neuralgia similar to a migraine?

Answer: People can confuse it with a migraine or other types of headache, because the symptoms can be similar. But treatments for those conditions are very different, so it's important to see your doctor to get the right diagnosis.


Question: What does surgery for occipital neuralgia include?

Answer: She may also give you a shot to numb the nerve, called a nerve block, to see if it gives you relief. You might also have blood tests or an MRI scan if your doctor thinks your case isn't typical. The nerve block that your doctor might do to diagnose your condition can be a short-term treatment, too. Your doctor uses a device called a neurostimulator to deliver electrical pulses to your occipital nerves. They can help block pain messages to the brain.


Question: How can medications help with generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer: Medication for Anxiety Medication is useful for alleviating the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and is often prescribed in conjunction with other therapies. Some types of anxiety drugs can be habit-forming and are usually prescribed on a short-term or as-needed basis. Different anxiety disorders have different medication regimens. Some are preventive and some are designed to cure the problem.


Question: How can deep breathing help treat generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer: Since anxiety is often accompanied by shallow breathing, deep breathing exercises can also be helpful. Try the following form of yoga breathing: Lie on your back in a comfortable place. Breathe in slowly through your nose, using your diaphragm to suck air into your lungs while allowing your abdomen to expand. ( Put your hand on your abdomen just below the navel to make sure the abdomen is being pushed up and out by the diaphragm.) After the abdomen is expanded, continue to inhale as deeply as possible. When you breathe out, reverse the process: Contract the abdomen while exhaling slowly and completely. Repeat several times.


Question: What does therapy for generalized anxiety disorder involve?

Answer: Therapy for Anxiety Psychotherapy, with or without medication, is often considered a fundamental aspect of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. Several specific forms of psychotherapy have been described in research studies as helpful for alleviating the symptoms of GAD. Two -- psychodynamic psychotherapy and supportive-expressive therapy -- focus on anxiety as an outgrowth of feelings about important relationships. Another form of psychotherapy, called cognitive-behavioral therapy, involves learning behavioral relaxation techniques as well as restructuring patterns of thinking that foster anxiety. Biofeedback is another helpful tool. In a series of sessions with a therapist, you watch your own brain-wave patterns on an electroencephalograph and gradually learns to control the waves. This teaches you to achieve a more relaxed state at will. Practitioners estimate that after about a dozen sessions, you will be able to exert control over mental activity without the help of the therapist or monitoring instrument.


Question: How can relaxing visualization help with generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer: Relaxing visualization can also help. A therapist or meditation trainer suggests relaxing images for a person to hold in mind. Once the image is in place, the person imagines soothing sensations such as pleasant scents and sounds. Eventually people can learn to do this themselves when they anticipate -- or find themselves in -- stressful situations.


Question: How do I know if I have generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } The first step is to rule out the possibility that your symptoms are being caused by a medical condition that is not psychiatric. Among the conditions that produce symptoms similar to those of anxiety are hyperthyroidism or other endocrine problems, too much or too little calcium, low blood sugar, and certain heart problems. Certain medicines also can sometimes cause anxiety. A thorough evaluation by your health care provider will determine if any of these conditions are the cause of your symptoms. If no other medical culprit can be found and the symptoms seem out of proportion to any situation you are facing, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.


Question: How are antidepressants used to treat generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer: Antidepressants, particularly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs), are widely used to treat and prevent a variety of anxiety disorders. Examples of SSRIs that are commonly used to treat chronic anxiety include citalopram ( Celexa), escitalopram ( Lexapro), fluoxetine ( Prozac), paroxetine ( Paxil), and sertraline ( Zoloft). The antidepressants duloxetine ( Cymbalta) and venlafaxine ( Effexor), SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) which act on the brain chemicals serotonin and norephinephrine, and some of the tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine ( Tofranil), may also help. Antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine) and beta-blockers (such as propranolol) can help mild cases of anxiety as well as performance anxiety, a type of social anxiety disorder. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs or tricyclics need to be taken daily whether or not you have anxiety on that particular day, as prescribed by your health care provider. Antihistamines or beta-blockers are usually taken only when needed for anxiety, or immediately before an anxiety-provoking event (for example, taking propranolol shortly before giving a speech). Finally, certain anticonvulsant medicines, such as gabapentin ( Neurontin) and pregabalin ( Lyrica), are also beginning to show value in treating some forms of anxiety in initial research studies If you have acute anxiety (panic attack), you will likely need to take an anti-anxiety medicine as well.


Question: What is progressive relaxation for generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer: Biofeedback is another helpful tool. When this part of the body is relaxed, another part of the body is tensed and relaxed until the entire body is free of tension.


Question: Whatâs the best way to deal with dental anxiety?

Answer: The key to coping with dental anxiety is to discuss your fears with your dentist. Once your dentist knows what your fears are, he or she will be better able to work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more comfortable. If your dentist doesn't take your fear seriously, find another dentist. Ask your dentist to explain what's happening at every stage of the procedure. Another helpful strategy is to establish a signal -- such as raising your hand -- when you want the dentist to immediately stop. Use this signal whenever you are uncomfortable, need to rinse your mouth, or simply need to catch your breath.


Question: What is dental phobia, and what are some signs of it?

Answer: It leaves people panic-stricken and terrified. People with dental phobia have an awareness that the fear is totally irrational, but are unable to do much about it. They exhibit classic avoidance behavior; that is, they will do everything possible to avoid going to the dentist. Other signs of dental phobia include: Trouble sleeping the night before the dental exam Feelings of nervousness that escalate while in the dental office waiting room Crying or feeling physically ill at the very thought of visiting the dentist Intense uneasiness at the thought of, or actually when, objects are placed in your mouth during the dental treatment or suddenly feeling like it is difficult to breathe Fortunately, there are ways to get people with dental anxiety and dental phobia to the dentist.


Question: How long is a sinus infection contagious?

Answer: If a virus is to blame, you may have been contagious days before you got the sinus infection. Most viruses can be spread for just a few days, but sometimes you could pass it on for a week or more.


Question: How are viral sinus infections spread?

Answer: You can get it the same way you get cold and flu -- by breathing it in or passing it from your hands to your mouth after touching something. Viruses get in the air after someone who is sick sneezes or coughs. They also can be passed on when someone shakes hands with someone who is sick or touches a doorknob or anything else the sick person has touched.


Question: Can you spread sinus infections caused by a virus?

Answer: Most sinus infections are brought on by a virus. If that's what happened to you, then yes, you can spread the virus that caused it but not the infection itself. Another person might get sick but may or may not get a sinus infection. Most of the time, these kinds of viruses cause colds, which may or may not lead to sinus infections.


Question: Can long-lasting sinus infections be spread by contact?

Answer: If your infection is caused by bacteria, you can't spread it. You may not know what is causing your sinusitis, so it's best to avoid close contact with other people and to make an appointment with your doctor. Viruses get in the air after someone who is sick sneezes or coughs.


Question: Is a sinus infection contagious?

Answer: It can also make you cough and produce a lot of discharge. That may make you wonder if you could pass it on to someone else. !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } The answer is sort of. But it really depends on what caused it. And often you just don't know. You can get it the same way you get cold and flu -- by breathing it in or passing it from your hands to your mouth after touching something.


Question: What  lifestyle changed can treat high blood pressure?

Answer: A critical step in preventing and treating high blood pressure is a healthy lifestyle. You can lower your blood pressure with the following lifestyle changes: Losing weight if you are overweight or obese Quitting smoking Eating a healthy diet, including the DASH diet (eating more fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products, less saturated and total fat) Reducing the amount of sodium in your diet to less than 1,500 milligrams a day if you have high blood pressure; healthy adults should try to limit their sodium intake to no more 2,300 milligrams a day (about 1 teaspoon of salt).


Question: What is medical treatment for a rotator cuff tendon rupture?

Answer: More than 90% of tendon injuries are long term in nature, and 33-90% of these chronic rupture symptoms go away without surgery. In contrast, acute rupture, as occurs with trauma, may or may not be repaired surgically depending on the severity of the tear. If the tear is either less than 50% of the cuff thickness or less than 1 cm in size, the dead tissue is removed arthroscopically. A small incision is made and a tool called an arthroscope is passed into the joint. Through it, the surgeon can see and remove dead tissue without actually cutting the joint open. The shoulder is then left to heal.


Question: When should you get medical care about a ruptured tendon?

Answer: Call a doctor if you hear or feel a snap or pop, have severe pain, rapid or immediate bruising after an accident, and are unable to use the affected arm or leg. You may have a tendon rupture.


Question: What is medical treatment for a bicep tendon rupture?

Answer: Biceps Most surgeons prefer not to operate on a ruptured biceps tendon because function is not severely impaired with its rupture. Studies suggest that after biceps rupture, only a small fraction of elbow flexion is lost and approximately 10%-20% strength reduction in supination (ability to turn the hand palm up). This is considered to be a moderate loss and not worth the risk of surgery in middle-aged and older people.


Question: What tests can be done to diagnose bicep tendon ruptures?

Answer: Biceps X-rays may show that your upper arm bone is out of place or that the place where the muscle attaches has changed. If your biceps tendon is completely ruptured, the biceps retracts toward the elbow causing a swelling just above the crease in your arm. This is called the Popeye deformity. You will experience decreased strength of elbow flexion and arm supination (moving the hand palm up). You will have decreased ability to raise the arm out to the side when the hand is turned palm up.


Question: What are signs or symptoms of a tendon rupture?

Answer: Rotator cuff tendon rupture may be caused by: Lifting a heavy object overhead Direct trauma Attempting to break a fall with an outstretched hand Biceps tendon rupture may result from: Forced flexion of the arm Lifting 150 pounds or more (traumatic rupture) Advanced age resulting in gradual weakening of the tendon May occur spontaneously An injury that is associated with the following signs or symptoms may be a tendon rupture: A snap or pop you hear or feel Severe pain Rapid or immediate bruising Marked weakness Inability to use the affected arm or leg Inability to move the area involved Inability to bear weight Deformity of the area Symptoms associated with specific injuries include the following: Achilles tendon rupture: You will be unable to support yourself on your tiptoes on the affected leg (you may be able to flex your toes downward because supporting muscles are intact).


Question: When is surgery recommended for a rotator cuff tendon rupture?

Answer: Rotator cuff Many surgeons will not attempt surgical repair until nonoperative treatment has failed, even in cases of larger tears. Surgical treatment is usually reserved for a severe tear in a young person or in an older person (aged 60-70 years) who is suddenly unable to externally rotate their arm.


Question: What is the biceps tendon?

Answer: The rotator cuff tendon is one of the most common areas in the body affected by tendon injury. Some studies of people after death have shown that 8% to 20% have rotator cuff tears. Biceps The biceps muscle of the arm functions as a flexor of the elbow. This muscle brings the hand toward the shoulder by bending at the elbow. Ruptures of the biceps are classified as proximal (close) or distal (far). Distal ruptures are extremely rare. The proximal rupture occurs where the biceps attaches at the top of your shoulder.


Question: What tests can be done to diagnose a quadricep tendon rupture?

Answer: Tendon rupture is usually diagnosed using a physical examination. Any imaging is done to confirm the diagnosis and decide the severity of the rupture Quadriceps X-rays often show that your patella (kneecap) is lower than its normal position on a side view of the knee. Using an MRI, your doctor can tell whether your rupture is partial or complete.


Question: What are general causes of tendon rupture?

Answer: General causes of tendon rupture include: Direct trauma Advanced age. When your muscle contracts while it is being stretched in the opposite direction, increased stress is placed on the involved tendon. Antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones increase the risk for tendon rupture, particularly the Achilles tendon. The drawback of nonoperative treatment is that strength is not as reliably returned to baseline with this type of treatment.


Question: What are the self-care guidelines for ruptured tendons?

Answer: Self- Care at Home For all ruptured tendons, regardless of the site, follow the standard RICE ( Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) home therapy procedure as you seek medical attention. Compression of the affected area to minimize swelling Apply compression by loosely wrapping the affected area with an ACE bandage. Be sure that the bandage does not cut off blood flow to the area in question. Elevation of the extremity if possible Try to keep the area above the level of your heart to minimize swelling.


Question: What is the outlook for a ruptured tendon?

Answer: The proximal rupture occurs where the biceps attaches at the top of your shoulder. Because you know your body the best, if something appears to be serious to you, it is usually the best course to be conservative and have an evaluation. Surgical repair, in concert with additional physical therapy, can result in return to normal strength. The drawback of nonoperative treatment is that strength is not as reliably returned to baseline with this type of treatment. The benefits include a decreased risk of infection and generally shorter recovery time.


Question: What may cause quadriceps tendon rupture?

Answer: The 4 most common areas of tendon rupture include: Quadriceps A group of 4 muscles that come together just above your kneecap (patella) to form the patellar tendon. When your muscle contracts while it is being stretched in the opposite direction, increased stress is placed on the involved tendon. Quadriceps tendon rupture may be caused by: Direct trauma to the knee just above the patella (kneecap) Advanced age resulting in decreased blood supply to the inside of the tendon Combination of quadriceps contraction and stretching of the muscle (eccentric loading) Achilles tendon rupture may result from: Advanced age resulting in decreased blood supply to the inside of the tendon Strenuous physical activity by those who are not well conditioned Direct trauma Unexpected forcing of the sole of your foot upward as in landing on your feet after jumping from a height Excessive strain while pushing off with the weight-bearing foot Having group O blood type ( This is a controversial cause-and-effect relationship.)


Question: What may cause a rotator cuff rupture?

Answer: General causes of tendon rupture include: Direct trauma Advanced age. You may have a tendon rupture.


Question: What is medical treatment for a quadricep or achilles tendon rupture?

Answer: Medical Treatment Quadriceps Partial tears may be treated without surgery by placing your straight leg in a cast or immobilizer for 4-6 weeks. Achilles tendon Treatment without surgery involves immobilizing your foot so that the sole of the foot is pointed downward for 4-8 weeks. medical problems. An additional advantage with surgical correction is a lower rerupture rate of the tendon.


Question: What may cause biceps tendon rupture?

Answer: As you age, your blood supply decreases. You may have a tendon rupture. patellar tendon rupture, Achilles tendon rupture, rotator cuff rupture, biceps tendon rupture, ruptured tendon


Question: What is the quadriceps tendon?

Answer: The 4 most common areas of tendon rupture include: Quadriceps A group of 4 muscles that come together just above your kneecap (patella) to form the patellar tendon. Often called the quads, this group of muscles is used to extend the leg at the knee and aids in walking, running, and jumping. The rotator cuff tendon is one of the most common areas in the body affected by tendon injury.


Question: Will I develop any other problems if I have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Some of the most common complications are: Kidney disease (nephropathy) Heart disease Stroke High blood pressure Nerve disease (neuropathy) Foot problems, including ulcers Eye disease (retinopathy) Skin infections Gum disease (inflammation and infection) You can't completely erase your chances of developing these conditions, but you can lower the odds.


Question: Do I need to keep track of my cholesterol if I have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: You're much more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people without diabetes are, but you can lower your risk. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in the healthy range. High numbers for both are common with diabetes, so remember to get them checked.


Question: Can I smoke if I have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: If you smoke, quit. Seriously, smoking is one of the worst things you can do when you have diabetes. It raises your chances of getting almost every complication of the disease. Having trouble quitting?


Question: Do I need an A1c test if I have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Ask your doctor about getting an A1c test. This tracks your average blood sugar over a period of a few months. It gives you a better, bigger picture of how well you're managing your diabetes.


Question: Do I need to check my blood sugar every day if I have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: High blood sugar levels can cause real damage to your body. That's why it's important to keep your numbers in check every day.


Question: How can I protect my feet from nerve damage?

Answer: Keep your feet clean and moisturized, and your nails trimmed. Wear socks and shoes that fit well. Going barefoot or wearing ill-fitting shoes that pinch could cause trouble.


Question: What checkups do I need if I have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: You'll also need to have your feet examined. Get screened for kidney disease every year, too.


Question: How do I know if I have gum disease?

Answer: Brush and floss every day, as well as a daily rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. Check your gums for redness, tenderness, or bleeding, which can point to gingivitis, an inflammation of your gums that's the start of gum disease.


Question: What does it mean to have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: That can damage your nerves and blood vessels, leading to serious health problems. You're much more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people without diabetes are, but you can lower your risk. Type 1 diabetes can take a toll on your feet.


Question: How can type 1 diabetes affect my feet?

Answer: Having type 1 diabetes means your body doesn't make insulin. Infections and ulcers are more likely. Every day, give your feet a thorough once-over, looking for cuts, blisters, sores, red spots, nail infections, and numb areas.


Question: How can type 1 diabetes affect my teeth?

Answer: High blood sugar levels can cause real damage to your body. This can lead to plaque build-up and, eventually, gum disease.


Question: Should I exercise if I have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Some of the most common complications are: Kidney disease (nephropathy) Heart disease Stroke High blood pressure Nerve disease (neuropathy) Foot problems, including ulcers Eye disease (retinopathy) Skin infections Gum disease (inflammation and infection) You can't completely erase your chances of developing these conditions, but you can lower the odds. It's also good for your blood pressure and cholesterol. Talk with your doctor before you get started, though. They might warn you against some workouts with high-impact moves and heavy lifting. These can raise blood sugar.


Question: When should you call your doctor about anemia?

Answer: People with an iron deficiency may experience these symptoms: A hunger for strange substances such as paper, ice, or dirt (a condition called pica) Upward curvature of the nails, referred to as koilonychias Soreness of the mouth with cracks at the corners People whose anemia is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B12 may have these symptoms: A tingling, "pins and needles" sensation in the hands or feet Lost sense of touch A wobbly gait and difficulty walking Clumsiness and stiffness of the arms and legs Dementia Chronic lead poisoning may lead to these symptoms: A blue-black line on the gums referred to as a lead line Abdominal pain Constipation Vomiting Anemia caused by chronic red blood cell destruction may include these symptoms: Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) Brown or red urine Leg ulcers Failure to thrive in infancy Symptoms of gallstones Symptoms of sickle cell anemia may include: Fatigue Susceptibility to infection Delayed growth and development in children Episodes of severe pain, especially in the joints, abdomen, and limbs Symptoms of anemia caused by sudden red blood cell destruction may include: Abdominal pain Brown or red urine Jaundice (yellow skin) Small bruises under the skin Seizures Symptoms of kidney failure Talk to your doctor if you have risk factors for anemia or notice any signs or symptoms of anemia including: Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, pale skin, or any other symptoms of anemia; seek emergency care for any trouble breathing or change in your heart beat. Poor diet or inadequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals Very heavy menstrual periods Symptoms of an ulcer, gastritis, hemorrhoids, bloody or tarry stools, or colorectal cancer Concern about environmental exposure to lead A hereditary anemia runs in your family and you would like genetic counseling before having a child For women considering pregnancy, your doctor will likely recommend that you begin taking supplements, especially folate, even before conception. These supplements benefit both mother and baby.


Question: What are the symptoms of anemia caused by chronic lead poisoning?

Answer: People with an iron deficiency may experience these symptoms: A hunger for strange substances such as paper, ice, or dirt (a condition called pica) Upward curvature of the nails, referred to as koilonychias Soreness of the mouth with cracks at the corners People whose anemia is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B12 may have these symptoms: A tingling, "pins and needles" sensation in the hands or feet Lost sense of touch A wobbly gait and difficulty walking Clumsiness and stiffness of the arms and legs Dementia Chronic lead poisoning may lead to these symptoms: A blue-black line on the gums referred to as a lead line Abdominal pain Constipation Vomiting Anemia caused by chronic red blood cell destruction may include these symptoms: Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) Brown or red urine Leg ulcers Failure to thrive in infancy Symptoms of gallstones Symptoms of sickle cell anemia may include: Fatigue Susceptibility to infection Delayed growth and development in children Episodes of severe pain, especially in the joints, abdomen, and limbs Symptoms of anemia caused by sudden red blood cell destruction may include: Abdominal pain Brown or red urine Jaundice (yellow skin) Small bruises under the skin Seizures Symptoms of kidney failure Talk to your doctor if you have risk factors for anemia or notice any signs or symptoms of anemia including: Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, pale skin, or any other symptoms of anemia; seek emergency care for any trouble breathing or change in your heart beat.