Question: How will a doctor treat a black widow spider bite?

Answer: If possible, kill and capture the spider (place it in a plastic bag or jar) and take it to your doctor appointment. Your doctor will review your symptoms and decide what more treatment, if any, is needed. If they're severe, you may need muscle relaxants or stronger pain medicine. You may have to stay in the hospital, though that's rarely the case. In the most severe cases, your doctor may inject you with antivenin. It's a drug made from substances in the blood of horses. Antivenin neutralizes the black widow's venom. Antivenin can cause a number of side effects, so if your doctor gives it to you, he'll have to monitor you for about 8 to 12 days afterward.


Question: Where can I find information on clinical trials for pancreatic cancer?

Answer: The following web sites offer information and services to help you find a pancreatic cancer clinical trial that is right for you. National Cancer Institute This web site lists more than 6,000 cancer clinical trials and explains what to do when you find one that you think is right for you. Clinical Trials.gov This web site offers up-to-date information for locating federally and privately supported clinical trials for cancer. Center Watch This web site lists industry-sponsored clinical trials that are actively recruiting patients. Pancreatic Cancer Action Network This web site offers free, personalized, confidential clinical trial searches.


Question: What are the risks and benefits of taking part in clinical trials for pancreatic cancer?

Answer: Through pancreatic cancer clinical trials, researchers test the effects of new drugs on a group of volunteers with pancreatic cancer. The drugs being tested may be more or less effective than the current pancreatic cancer treatment. The specifics of a particular clinical trial should be discussed with your doctor.


Question: How are new medications and treatments for pancreatic cancer tested?

Answer: Following a strict protocol and using carefully controlled conditions, researchers evaluate the investigational drugs under development and measure the ability of the new drug to treat pancreatic cancer, its safety, and any possible side effects. Patient and Liaison Services ( PALS) program staff can speak with you by phone, at no charge, to help find trials that might be right for you.


Question: Can music therapy help with depression?

Answer: Some people with depression prefer non-drug approaches to help them manage their condition and feel better.


Question: Can exercise help with depression?

Answer: Different forms of exercise can lower stress, relax you, and help lessensymptoms of depression. Exercise can also improve your energy, balance, and flexibility. In general, it's a safe, effective, and easy way to better your health. Check with your doctor before you take on something new or ramp up your activity level.


Question: Can meditation and yoga help with depression?

Answer: Meditation is sometimes described as an altered state of consciousness. It can help you relax, which helps with your depression. Yoga is part meditation, with specific body poses and breathing techniques. It also helps you relax. Practices vary, and some aren't recommended for people with certain medical conditions. Some evidence suggests yoga may be good for depression, too, but the evidence isn't conclusive.


Question: Can massage therapy help with depression?

Answer: Some people with depression prefer non-drug approaches to help them manage their condition and feel better. The belief is that when your body is relaxed, your mind can add to better health, less depression, and overall wellness. There are also reports that mind/body exercises, used with various types of bodywork, can boost feelings of calmness.


Question: What herbal supplements are used as alternative treatments for depression?

Answer: Talk to your doctor about which complementary and alternative treatments might work for you. These can be anything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes, including: Acupuncture Aromatherapy Biofeedback Chiropractic treatments Guided imagery Dietary supplements Hypnosis Massage therapy Meditation Relaxation Yoga St. John's wort is a common herbal supplement suggested for depression. It's been used for medical purposes in other parts of the world for thousands of years. They could interact with your medicines, and they can be dangerous for people with certain conditions.


Question: Can I try alternative treatments for depression?

Answer: Natural treatments and home remedies may be good for milder forms of depression. But there's no hard evidence that they're effective for moderate to severe depression. Talk to your doctor about which complementary and alternative treatments might work for you. Music therapy can be a useful and effective non-drug approach for people of all ages that may help to ease uncomfortable feelings such as fear, anxiety, stress, and grief.


Question: How can coenzyme Q10 help with cholesterol or triglycerides?

Answer: This powerful antioxidant can lower bad LDL cholesterol's ability to stick to the blood vessels of mice. However, scientists say that more research is needed to confirm whether it can work in humans. So, what about it does work? If you're taking a statin to lower your cholesterol and having muscle pain as a side effect, there is some proof that coenzyme Q10 can help ease it.


Question: How can niacin help with cholesterol or triglycerides?

Answer: This B vitamin can boost HDL âgood" cholesterol and lower LDL âbadâ cholesterol and triglycerides -- but only use it if your doctor advises you to. Only prescription-level doses impact cholesterol and triglycerides. Prescription-strength doses have side effects, which is one reason it should be taken under doctor supervision.


Question: How can soy protein supplements help with cholesterol or triglycerides?

Answer: Soy can lower total and LDL cholesterol levels a little. Eating soy protein instead of animal protein (like meat and full-fat dairy) will also help.


Question: How can garlic help with cholesterol or triglycerides?

Answer: Soy can lower total and LDL cholesterol levels a little. But overall, the evidence doesn't seem to support garlic as an effective way to lower cholesterol.


Question: When should you call your doctor about signs of worsening AFib while pregnant?

Answer: If you have AFib and are pregnant, you should watch for signs of blood clots, including: Swelling, redness, and pain in an arm or leg A fast heartbeat Lightheadedness Trouble or pain with breathing Chest pain or tightness Pain that extends to your shoulder, arm, back, or jaw Sudden weakness or numbness of your face, arm, or leg Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech Sudden changes in your vision You should also call your doctor if you have signs of a new or worsening arrhythmia. These include: Heart palpitations, rapid heartbeats, or fluttering or pounding in your chest Fatigue Dizziness or lightheadedness Fainting or near-fainting spells Shortness of breath Chest pain When you near the end of your pregnancy, your doctor might change your medications again so that you're not taking any blood thinners immediately before or during labor and delivery.


Question: What are the risks of taking medications for AFib while pregnant?

Answer: But bouts of atrial fibrillation can also be dangerous, potentially slowing the flow of blood going to your baby. You and your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits of different treatments for your individual case. You may switch medications or stop taking those for AFib completely during your pregnancy. In general, AFib medications that are avoided during pregnancy include: Blood-thinning medications including warfarin ( Coumadin, Jantoven), dabigatran ( Pradaxa), rivaroxaban ( Xarelto) and apixaban ( Eliquis) Antiarrhythmia drugs including amiodarone, which has been linked to babies being born with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) Verapamil and diltiazem may raise the odds of birth defects and heart problems.


Question: What are signs of blood clots if you have AFib and are pregnant?

Answer: If you have AFib and are pregnant, you should watch for signs of blood clots, including: Swelling, redness, and pain in an arm or leg A fast heartbeat Lightheadedness Trouble or pain with breathing Chest pain or tightness Pain that extends to your shoulder, arm, back, or jaw Sudden weakness or numbness of your face, arm, or leg Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech Sudden changes in your vision You should also call your doctor if you have signs of a new or worsening arrhythmia.


Question: How does pregnancy affect your heart?

Answer: During pregnancy, your body makes more blood than usual, changes the flow of blood to direct more to your uterus (womb), and makes extra hormones that can change how organs, including your heart, and blood vessels work. In turn, your heart actually grows and your heart rate speeds up.


Question: Can you get pregnant if you have AFib?

Answer: The most common medications that people take that cause the fetus to be at risk are blood thinners, medications to slow the heart down, or medications that try to maintain a normal rhythm. You should talk to your doctor about what AFib prescriptions you might need to stop before you get pregnant.


Question: What AFib medications should be avoided during pregnancy?

Answer: Many medications carry risks during pregnancy, including a higher rate of birth defects, miscarriages, or premature labor.


Question: How does AFib affect you during and after giving birth?

Answer: These include: Heart palpitations, rapid heartbeats, or fluttering or pounding in your chest Fatigue Dizziness or lightheadedness Fainting or near-fainting spells Shortness of breath Chest pain When you near the end of your pregnancy, your doctor might change your medications again so that you're not taking any blood thinners immediately before or during labor and delivery. During labor, your doctor will track how your heart is doing, to make sure the stress of giving birth doesn't cause a heart rhythm problem, or arrhythmia. After you deliver your baby, you will be able to take blood-thinning medicines again. Your doctor may need to adjust your medication plan if you plan to breastfeed your little one.


Question: What AFib medications may be safer for pregnant women?

Answer: Which AFib medications are right for you during pregnancy depends on your particular case and how severe your AFib is. So your doctor may recommend that you switch to a different drug. For instance, you could get aspirin (during the second and third trimesters) or heparin to thin your blood and reduce the risk of blood clots. Doctors often prefer the beta-blockers metoprolol and atenolol over other beta-blockers, which are drugs that lower blood pressure and slow your heart rate, to help control the atrial fibrillation.


Question: What doctors do you need to see regularly if you have Afib while you're pregnant?

Answer: But you'll need to work with your doctor to do that. So your doctor may recommend that you switch to a different drug.


Question: How do pregnancy and AFib affect your heart?

Answer: Many healthy women notice heart palpitations, flutters in their chest, or skipped heartbeats while pregnant. If you already had AFib, all these changes can make you more likely to have heart rhythm problems come back or get worse. And for some women, who never had AFib before, pregnancy can be when it first starts. Doctors often diagnose new cases of AFib during the third trimester of pregnancy. Because of these risks, you'll probably have extra appointments with your doctor to make sure your pregnancy goes well and to check on how your heart is doing.


Question: Are digoxin and quinidine safe to take for AFib while you're pregnant?

Answer: Which AFib medications are right for you during pregnancy depends on your particular case and how severe your AFib is. After you deliver your baby, you will be able to take blood-thinning medicines again.


Question: What is AFib and can it affect a pregnancy?

Answer: But you'll need to work with your doctor to do that. Digoxin, a common heart disease medication, is considered safe during pregnancy and is one of the preferred medications for pregnant women with AFib. If you have AFib and are pregnant, you should watch for signs of blood clots, including: Swelling, redness, and pain in an arm or leg A fast heartbeat Lightheadedness Trouble or pain with breathing Chest pain or tightness Pain that extends to your shoulder, arm, back, or jaw Sudden weakness or numbness of your face, arm, or leg Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech Sudden changes in your vision You should also call your doctor if you have signs of a new or worsening arrhythmia.


Question: What lifestyle changes can help prevent plaque buildup inside your arteries after you get a stent?

Answer: You can help prevent plaque buildup inside your arteries with a few changes to your lifestyle: Exercise more Drop some pounds if you're overweight Quit smoking if you've got the tobacco habit Reduce stress Take all medications your doctor prescribes You may be able to return to work in a week.


Question: What are the risks of getting a stent?

Answer: Risks may include: Bleeding at the spot on your skin where your doctor inserted the tube Damage to your blood vessel from the tube Infection Irregular heartbeat About 1% to 2% of people who have a stent may get a blood clot where the stent is placed.


Question: What can help you have a smooth recovery after getting a stent?

Answer: These simple steps can help you have a smooth recovery: Ask your doctor what medicines you should or shouldn't take before the procedure. Follow the instructions for taking your medicines and don't stop them before your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor if you notice any signs of infection such as pain, swelling, or redness at the spot where he put in the tube. Avoid intense exercise or lifting heavy objects afterward. Your doctor will tell you when it's OK to start exercising.


Question: What are stents that are used to treat heart disease made of?

Answer: Most stents are made out of wire mesh and are permanent. Some are made out of fabric. These are called stent grafts and are often used for larger arteries. Others are made of a material that dissolves and that your body absorbs over time. They're coated in medicine that slowly releases into your artery to prevent it from being blocked again.


Question: How can contact dermatitis be prevented?

Answer: For either type of contact dermatitis, antibiotics may be necessary. Avoiding future contact with the irritant or allergy trigger is also important. Wearing gloves can help protect the skin on the hands, which are often affected.


Question: How does atopic dermatitis affect you?

Answer: Most often, it affects skin on the: Face Hands Feet Inner elbows Back of the knees Over time, scratching the skin can cause it to become thick and red.


Question: What is dyshidrotic dermatitis?

Answer: This type of eczema affects the hands and feet. The cause is unknown.


Question: What are the symptoms of dyshidrotic dermatitis?

Answer: The first symptom may be severe itching. Blisters may then appear, which give way a few weeks later to scaly patches. Sometimes deep cracks can appear on the hands or fingers. This type of eczema may become chronic and painful.


Question: How does neurodermatitis develop?

Answer: However, factors that may raise the chance that an outbreak will strike include: Cold, dry air Exposure to chemicals such as formaldehyde Exposure to metals, including nickel Treatments for nummular dermatitis include: Protecting your skin from scratches and other injuries Taking a lukewarm bath or shower, then applying a moisturizer to your skin Applying a steroid ointment to the rash Taking a steroid medication by mouth or injection that goes to work throughout your body Taking antibiotics if an infection develops People with this type of eczema develop skin irritation in spots that they frequently scratch out of habit.


Question: How does stasis dermatitis develop?

Answer: The treatments include: Shampoo containing salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, or coal tar Antifungal treatments that are rubbed onto affected areas Steroid lotions This type of eczema can develop in people when the veins in their lower legs don't properly return blood to their heart. Stasis dermatitis can arise quickly, causing weeping and crusting of the skin. Over time, this type of eczema can cause the skin to develop brown stains.


Question: How is irritant contact dermatitis treated?

Answer: Treatments for irritant contact dermatitis include: Moisturizers for the skin Steroid medications Treatments for contact dermatitis from allergic triggers also include steroid drugs.


Question: What can make atopic dermatitis worse?

Answer: Most often, it affects skin on the: Face Hands Feet Inner elbows Back of the knees Over time, scratching the skin can cause it to become thick and red. Scratching can also create wounds that become infected. Irritants that can make symptoms of atopic dermatitis worse include: Soap Rough clothing Household chemicals Foods, dust mites, and other allergy triggers can also make symptoms worse.


Question: What happens if you have seborrheic dermatitis?

Answer: In adults, it also often affects these areas: Eyebrows Sides of the nose Area behind the ears Groin Center of chest Seborrheic dermatitis causes skin to fall off in flakes. The condition may be due to an overgrowth of a type of yeast that normally lives in these areas, as well as an overgrowth and rapid shedding of cells on the scalp. It may be especially hard to treat in people whose immune systems aren't working properly, including people with AIDS .


Question: What is atopic dermatitis?

Answer: Eczema is a common problem that causes the skin to become inflamed. People often also call it dermatitis.


Question: How is stasis dermatitis treated?

Answer: Treatments include: Steroid creams or ointments Creams or lotions that lubricate the skin Moist compresses Antibiotics to treat infections Elevating the legs Compression stockings


Question: Who can get nummular dermatitis?

Answer: Treatments include: Cool, wet compresses Steroid drugs that are rubbed onto the skin or taken by mouth Psoralen combined with ultraviolet A therapy This type of eczema more often affects men than women. Men usually don't get their first outbreak before their mid-50s. Women tend to get it in their teen years or early adulthood.


Question: How is seborrheic dermatitis treated?

Answer: Treatments vary between infants and people with the condition later in life. The treatments include: Shampoo containing salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, or coal tar Antifungal treatments that are rubbed onto affected areas Steroid lotions This type of eczema can develop in people when the veins in their lower legs don't properly return blood to their heart.


Question: How is neurodermatitis treated?

Answer: The main treatment for this type of eczema is to stop scratching it. In the meantime, steroid medicines that are rubbed onto the skin can help treat symptoms. When neurodermatitis affects the scalp, it can be harder to treat. In these cases, it may require the steroid medication prednisone, which is taken by mouth.


Question: How is dyshidrotic dermatitis treated?

Answer: Treatments include: Cool, wet compresses Steroid drugs that are rubbed onto the skin or taken by mouth Psoralen combined with ultraviolet A therapy This type of eczema more often affects men than women.


Question: How is allergic contact dermatitis treated?

Answer: Treatments for irritant contact dermatitis include: Moisturizers for the skin Steroid medications Treatments for contact dermatitis from allergic triggers also include steroid drugs. These are rubbed on the skin or taken as a pill.


Question: What happens if you have neurodermatitis?

Answer: Severely affected skin may develop painful, deep cracks, also called fissures. This type of eczema often affects these areas: Back Sides or back of the neck Genitals Scalp Wrists Ankles Inside and behind the ear People may scratch affected areas during the day without realizing it. They may also scratch while asleep. Usually, neurodermatitis causes a skin outbreak that doesn't get any bigger.


Question: How is atopic dermatitis treated?

Answer: Antibiotics to treat infections Ultraviolet light, alone or with a drug called psoralen There are two types of contact dermatitis: Irritant contact dermatitis Allergic contact dermatitis These types of eczema can develop after a substance damages the skin. Treatments include: Steroid creams or ointments Creams or lotions that lubricate the skin Moist compresses Antibiotics to treat infections Elevating the legs Compression stockings


Question: What can cause nummular dermatitis?

Answer: The cause is unknown. However, factors that may raise the chance that an outbreak will strike include: Cold, dry air Exposure to chemicals such as formaldehyde Exposure to metals, including nickel Treatments for nummular dermatitis include: Protecting your skin from scratches and other injuries Taking a lukewarm bath or shower, then applying a moisturizer to your skin Applying a steroid ointment to the rash Taking a steroid medication by mouth or injection that goes to work throughout your body Taking antibiotics if an infection develops People with this type of eczema develop skin irritation in spots that they frequently scratch out of habit.


Question: When is ablation considered for bone metastasis?

Answer: With this local treatment, a needle or probe is put into the tumor to destroy it. Though used more often for other types of metastasis, ablation can help if you have a problem with one or two bone tumors.


Question: What are possible side effects of bisphosphonate therapy for bone metastasis?

Answer: The most common ones include: Fatigue Fever Nausea or vomiting Anemia Bone or joint pain A rare and serious side effect is bone death (osteonecrosis) of the jaw. Ask your doctor about precautions to take before beginning this treatment. Osteonecrosis may cause: Jaw bone pain, swelling, or numbness Loss of gum tissue Loose teeth Infection Another available treatment is denosumab ( Prolia, Xgeva).


Question: How is nerve end ablation used to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: This noninvasive procedure uses ultrasound energy and imaging technology to provide pain relief by destroying nerve endings in the area of the tumor. Because there is no incision, and no probe is inserted, the procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic rather than general anesthesia. While complications are possible, they are rare.


Question: How do radiopharmaceuticals for bone metastasis work?

Answer: The doctor injects a single dose of the drug into a vein. It then travels to the areas of bone with cancer and gives off radiation to kill the cancer. This single dose may be effective against pain for several months. You can receive another treatment later.


Question: What does your treatment for bone metastasis depend on?

Answer: The treatment you get will depend upon: Where your cancer started, and the kind of primary tumor you have Which bones the cancer has invaded The extent of damage to the bones Which types of treatment you already have had Your overall health Let your doctor know if your treatment isn't easing your pain and other symptoms. You may find that other approaches work better for you.


Question: How does ablation work to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: Some methods of ablation use chemicals or alcohol to kill the tumor. Two common methods include: Radiofrequency ablation ( RFA). A needle delivers an electric current to heat the tumor. Cryoablation. A probe is used to freeze the tumor. Afterward, the doctor may fill the space created by ablation with bone cement to help stabilize the bone.


Question: What are possible side effects of ablation for bone metastasis?

Answer: Osteonecrosis may cause: Jaw bone pain, swelling, or numbness Loss of gum tissue Loose teeth Infection Another available treatment is denosumab ( Prolia, Xgeva).


Question: How is denosumab (Xgeva) used for bone metastasis?

Answer: Osteonecrosis may cause: Jaw bone pain, swelling, or numbness Loss of gum tissue Loose teeth Infection Another available treatment is denosumab ( Prolia, Xgeva). It's given by injection and may work as well as or better than bisphosphonates to prevent fractures. But it also can cause osteonecrosis, as well as low calcium levels in the blood.


Question: How does nerve end ablation work to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: A specialist uses imaging to target the specific area to be treated with ultrasound. Then, heat that's made when ultrasound penetrates the targeted tissue destroys nerve endings in the bone around the tumor. The destruction of nerve endings results in pain relief.


Question: How does nerve end ablation for bone metastasis work?

Answer: A specialist uses imaging to target the specific area to be treated with ultrasound. Then, heat that's made when ultrasound penetrates the targeted tissue destroys nerve endings in the bone around the tumor. The destruction of nerve endings results in pain relief.


Question: What are examples of immunotherapy for bone metastasis?

Answer: Examples of immunotherapy for cancer include: Cytokines -- substances secreted by the immune system that have an effect on other cells Monoclonal antibodies -- a class of antibodies made in the lab from a single population of cells Tumor vaccines -- vaccines using a substance that prompts the immune system to respond to a tumor Possible side effects.


Question: What are the possible side effects of chemotherapy for bone metastasis?

Answer: The side effects you might have will depend on: The type and amount of drugs you take The length of your treatment Common side effects of chemotherapy include: Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting Hair loss Mouth sores Infection Bleeding or bruising Weakness or fatigue Your doctor can help you prevent or manage these. Most side effects go away once you stop treatment.


Question: When is radiation therapy considered for bone metastasis?

Answer: They may include: Fever and chills Weakness Headache Nausea or diarrhea Rashes Radiation is a "local treatment" because it does not affect your entire body. It uses high-energy X-rays or particles to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells in the bone. It helps most if you have only one or two bone metastases. You may receive it alone or combined with other types of treatment.


Question: What are possible side effects of chemotherapy for bone metastasis?

Answer: Chemo can kill normal cells in addition to cancer cells. The side effects you might have will depend on: The type and amount of drugs you take The length of your treatment Common side effects of chemotherapy include: Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting Hair loss Mouth sores Infection Bleeding or bruising Weakness or fatigue Your doctor can help you prevent or manage these. Most side effects go away once you stop treatment.


Question: What is treatment for bone metastasis?

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(); }); } Many different treatments can help if your cancer has spread to bone, commonly called bone metastasis or bone "mets." Treatment can't cure bone metastasis, but it can relieve pain, help prevent complications, and improve your quality of life. Doctors use two types of treatments for metastatic cancer in the bones. Systemic treatments can reach cancer cells throughout the body. Local treatments directly target the cancer in the bone.


Question: What are possible side effects of surgery for bone metastasis?

Answer: These include the usual risks of any surgery, such as infection. If surgery is not an option, your doctor may use a cast or splint, or inject bone cement to help you move better and relieve pain.


Question: What are possible side effects of radiopharmaceuticals?

Answer: The most common ones include: Infections Bleeding Temporary increase in pain (flare reaction) This systemic treatment helps your immune system spot and more effectively kill cancer cells.


Question: How will my doctor decide the treatment I get for bone metastasis?

Answer: The treatment you get will depend upon: Where your cancer started, and the kind of primary tumor you have Which bones the cancer has invaded The extent of damage to the bones Which types of treatment you already have had Your overall health Let your doctor know if your treatment isn't easing your pain and other symptoms.


Question: When is nerve end ablation considered for bone metastasis?

Answer: This noninvasive procedure uses ultrasound energy and imaging technology to provide pain relief by destroying nerve endings in the area of the tumor. Because there is no incision, and no probe is inserted, the procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic rather than general anesthesia. While complications are possible, they are rare.


Question: How does ablation for bone metastasis work?

Answer: Some methods of ablation use chemicals or alcohol to kill the tumor. Two common methods include: Radiofrequency ablation ( RFA). A needle delivers an electric current to heat the tumor. Cryoablation. A probe is used to freeze the tumor. Afterward, the doctor may fill the space created by ablation with bone cement to help stabilize the bone.


Question: What are the side effects of radiation therapy for bone metastasis?

Answer: Possible side effects.


Question: How does radiation therapy work to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: A machine focuses a beam of radiation on the bone metastasis. This treatment, called external beam radiation, lasts only a few minutes. You may receive radiation in one large dose or in smaller amounts over several treatments.


Question: How does radiation therapy for bone metastasis work?

Answer: A machine focuses a beam of radiation on the bone metastasis. This treatment, called external beam radiation, lasts only a few minutes. You may receive radiation in one large dose or in smaller amounts over several treatments.


Question: What are the possible side effects of ablation for bone metastasis?

Answer: This procedure is generally safe but may cause some temporary soreness, swelling, and bruising.


Question: How does surgery work to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: If a bone is broken, surgery may help relieve pain quickly. Surgery can also help stabilize a weak bone to keep it from breaking. The surgeon may insert: Screws Rods Pins Plates Cages Possible side effects.


Question: What does surgery for bone metastasis consist of?

Answer: Early, temporary side effects depend on the location being treated, but may include: Fatigue Skin changes Surgery can often help relieve bone metastasis symptoms. How it works. If a bone is broken, surgery may help relieve pain quickly. Surgery can also help stabilize a weak bone to keep it from breaking. The surgeon may insert: Screws Rods Pins Plates Cages Possible side effects.


Question: How is immunotherapy used to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: The most common ones include: Infections Bleeding Temporary increase in pain (flare reaction) This systemic treatment helps your immune system spot and more effectively kill cancer cells. Some methods of immunotherapy have been used for a while, and some are still experimental.


Question: When is bisphosphonate therapy used for bone metastasis?

Answer: This group of drugs works best in cases where metastasis is weakening the bone.


Question: When are radiopharmaceuticals used to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: These drugs contain radioactive elements that target cancer cells. Doctors tend to use this systemic treatment when the metastasis is stimulating new bone growth. This is more common with prostate cancer. If your cancer has spread to many bones, these drugs may be a better option than standard radiation, which uses a beam to aim radiation at each bone metastasis. However, sometimes doctors combine radiopharmaceuticals and standard radiation.


Question: What are possible side effects of nerve end ablation for bone metastasis?

Answer: While complications are possible, they are rare.


Question: How does immunotherapy for bone metastasis work?

Answer: Immunotherapy works in one of two main ways: It boosts your body's immune system to fight the cancer. It uses a man-made version of proteins to kill cancer cells. Examples of immunotherapy for cancer include: Cytokines -- substances secreted by the immune system that have an effect on other cells Monoclonal antibodies -- a class of antibodies made in the lab from a single population of cells Tumor vaccines -- vaccines using a substance that prompts the immune system to respond to a tumor Possible side effects.


Question: What are the possible side effects of immunotherapy for bone metastasis?

Answer: They may include: Fever and chills Weakness Headache Nausea or diarrhea Rashes Radiation is a "local treatment" because it does not affect your entire body.


Question: How do radiopharmaceuticals work to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: The doctor injects a single dose of the drug into a vein. It then travels to the areas of bone with cancer and gives off radiation to kill the cancer. This single dose may be effective against pain for several months. You can receive another treatment later.


Question: How do bisphosphonates work to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: This group of drugs works best in cases where metastasis is weakening the bone. How it works. You receive bisphosphonates by mouth or IV infusion every 3 to 4 weeks. These drugs help with bone metastasis by: Slowing bone damage and reducing the risk of bone fractures Easing bone pain Reducing high levels of calcium in the blood Possible side effects.


Question: What are possible side effects of radiopharmaceuticals for bone metastasis?

Answer: The most common ones include: Infections Bleeding Temporary increase in pain (flare reaction) This systemic treatment helps your immune system spot and more effectively kill cancer cells.


Question: How does bisphosphonate therapy for bone metastasis work?

Answer: You receive bisphosphonates by mouth or IV infusion every 3 to 4 weeks. These drugs help with bone metastasis by: Slowing bone damage and reducing the risk of bone fractures Easing bone pain Reducing high levels of calcium in the blood Possible side effects.


Question: What are possible side effects of bisphosphonates for bone metastasis?

Answer: The most common ones include: Fatigue Fever Nausea or vomiting Anemia Bone or joint pain A rare and serious side effect is bone death (osteonecrosis) of the jaw. Ask your doctor about precautions to take before beginning this treatment. Osteonecrosis may cause: Jaw bone pain, swelling, or numbness Loss of gum tissue Loose teeth Infection Another available treatment is denosumab ( Prolia, Xgeva).


Question: What are the possible side effects of nerve end ablation for bone metastasis?

Answer: Possible complications include skin burns and damage to heat-sensitive organs that are next to the treated area.


Question: What is immunotherapy for bone metastasis?

Answer: The most common ones include: Infections Bleeding Temporary increase in pain (flare reaction) This systemic treatment helps your immune system spot and more effectively kill cancer cells. Some methods of immunotherapy have been used for a while, and some are still experimental.


Question: What are possible side effects of radiation therapy for bone metastasis?

Answer: Early, temporary side effects depend on the location being treated, but may include: Fatigue Skin changes Surgery can often help relieve bone metastasis symptoms.


Question: What treatment for bone metastasis is more effective than bisphosphonates?

Answer: Osteonecrosis may cause: Jaw bone pain, swelling, or numbness Loss of gum tissue Loose teeth Infection Another available treatment is denosumab ( Prolia, Xgeva). It's given by injection and may work as well as or better than bisphosphonates to prevent fractures. But it also can cause osteonecrosis, as well as low calcium levels in the blood.


Question: How is chemotherapy used to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: Your doctor will use a type of chemo that is effective against your primary tumor. So, if you have metastatic lung cancer, for example, your doctor will use drugs that are effective against lung cancer. Doctors tend to use this systemic treatment when the metastasis is stimulating new bone growth.


Question: What are possible side effects of immunotherapy for bone metastasis?

Answer: They may include: Fever and chills Weakness Headache Nausea or diarrhea Rashes Radiation is a "local treatment" because it does not affect your entire body. Possible side effects.


Question: How does chemotherapy for bone metastasis work?

Answer: In most cases, you take chemo by mouth or through a vein (by IV). This can often shrink the tumors, which will ease your pain and help you feel better. These drugs contain radioactive elements that target cancer cells.


Question: How does immunotherapy work to treat bone metastasis?

Answer: Chemo can kill normal cells in addition to cancer cells. Examples of immunotherapy for cancer include: Cytokines -- substances secreted by the immune system that have an effect on other cells Monoclonal antibodies -- a class of antibodies made in the lab from a single population of cells Tumor vaccines -- vaccines using a substance that prompts the immune system to respond to a tumor Possible side effects.


Question: How is bone metastasis treated?

Answer: Treatment can't cure bone metastasis, but it can relieve pain, help prevent complications, and improve your quality of life. Doctors use two types of treatments for metastatic cancer in the bones. Systemic treatments can reach cancer cells throughout the body. Local treatments directly target the cancer in the bone. If your cancer has spread to many bones, these drugs may be a better option than standard radiation, which uses a beam to aim radiation at each bone metastasis.


Question: Who gets cavities?

Answer: Many people think only children get cavities, but changes in your mouth as you age make them an adult problem, too. As you get older, your gums pull away from your teeth. They can also pull away because of gum disease. This exposes the roots of your teeth to plaque. And if you eat a lot of sugary or high-carb foods, you're more likely to get cavities. Older adults sometimes get decay around the edges of fillings. Seniors often have a lot of dental work because they didn't get fluoride or good oral care when they were kids. Over the years, these fillings can weaken teeth and break. Bacteria gather in the gaps and cause decay.


Question: How do I know if I have cavities?

Answer: He'll probe your teeth, looking for soft spots, or use X-rays to check between your teeth. If you've had a cavity for a while, you might get a toothache, especially after you eat or drink something sweet, hot, or cold. Sometimes you can see pits or holes in your teeth.


Question: What should you know about cavities?

Answer: Cavities are what you get from tooth decay -- damage to the tooth. Tooth decay can affect both the outer coating of a tooth (called enamel) and the inner layer (called dentin). When foods with carbohydrates like bread, cereal, milk, soda, fruit, cake, or candy stay on your teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel, creating holes called cavities. This exposes the roots of your teeth to plaque.


Question: How are cavities treated?

Answer: Sometimes you can see pits or holes in your teeth. He fills in the hole with a filling made of either silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or a composite resin. These materials are safe. Crowns are used when a tooth is so badly decayed that not much of it remains. Your dentist removes and repairs the damaged part. The dentist removes the nerve, blood vessels, and tissue along with the decayed portions of the tooth. You may need a crown over the filled tooth.


Question: How can knowing how to handle anger help me?

Answer: If you can react without hurting someone else, it can be a positive feeling. If you hold your anger inside, it can lead to passive-aggressive behavior like ''getting back'' at people without telling them why or being critical and hostile. Knowing how to recognize and express these feelings in appropriate ways can help you handle emergencies, solve problems, and hold on to meaningful relationships.


Question: What can help me control my anger?

Answer: A psychologist or other licensed mental health professional can work with you to learn techniques for changing your thinking and your behavior. A mental health professional can help you deal with your anger in an appropriate way. Ask your doctor if medicines could be helpful. Sometimes, antidepressants, certain anticonvulsants, and low-dose antipsychotics can help manage sudden attacks of rage or anger. Avoid alcohol, short-acting benzodiazepines like Xanax, or street drugs that can make you say or do things more impulsively. Choose your therapist carefully, and make sure to talk to a professional who is trained to teach anger management and assertiveness skills.


Question: How can I manage anger in the moment?

Answer: When you start feeling angry, try deep breathing, positive self-talk, or stopping your angry thoughts. Although expressing anger is better than keeping it in, there's a right way to do it. Talk through your feelings and try to work on changing your behaviors. Try to gain a different perspective by putting yourself in another's place. Learn to assert yourself, expressing your feelings calmly and directly without becoming defensive, hostile, or emotionally charged. Read self-help books or seek help from a professional therapist to learn how to use assertiveness and anger management skills.


Question: When should I call the doctor about a baby's diaper rash?

Answer: The rash gets worse or doesn't respond to treatment in 2 or 3 days. Your baby has a fever or seems sluggish. You see yellow, fluid-filled bumps (pustules) and honey-colored crusty areas. This might be a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. You notice symptoms of a yeast infection: A swollen red rash with white scales and lesions Small red pimples outside of the diaper area Redness in the folds of the baby's skin Your pediatrician can prescribe an antifungal medicine to clear it up.


Question: What changes can lead to fewer diaper rashes?

Answer: Some parents find these changes lead to fewer diaper rashes: Change the type of diaper. If you use cloth, try disposables. Or try a different brand of disposable diaper. If you wash your own cloth diapers, change your detergent. Choose a mild, hypoallergenic detergent.


Question: When do babies get a diaper rash more often?

Answer: Babies get a diaper rash more often when they: Get older -- especially between 9 and 12 months old Sleep in poopy diapers Have diarrhea Start eating solid foods Are taking antibiotics, or if you take antibiotics and are nursing Wash your hands before and after every diaper change.


Question: What should I know about diaper rash?

Answer: Learn how to treat diaper rash and prevent flare-ups. Your baby's little bottom will thank you! To avoid a mess, do it right after a bowel movement. These products aim to soothe a baby's sore skin or create a protective barrier -- or both.


Question: What products can help with a diaper rash?

Answer: Try a squirt bottle to wash the area well, without rubbing sore skin. Smooth on cream or ointment to your baby's clean, dry bottom before putting on a clean diaper. Look for zinc oxide or petrolatum (petroleum jelly) on the ingredients list. If you use baby powder, keep it away from your baby's face. The talc or cornstarch in the powder can cause breathing problems. Place it in your hand, then apply it to the diaper area.


Question: What causes nystagmus?

Answer: It may be a sign of another eye problem or medical condition. You may be born with it, or you might develop it later in life. Nystagmus is caused by many different things, including: Being passed down from your parents Other eye issues, like cataracts or strabismus Diseases like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Meniere's disease Head injuries Albinism (lack of skin pigment) Inner ear problems Certain medications, like lithium or drugs for seizures Alcohol or drug use Sometimes, your doctor may not know what causes it.


Question: What helps people with nystagmus see?

Answer: More lighting may help with vision, too. If your child has nystagmus, encourage her to use her eyes. Big and brightly colored toys are easiest to use. Choose toys that make noise and have unique textures. Let your child hold books close to her eyes with her head tilted. Let her wear a hat or tinted glasses -- even indoors -- to reduce glare. Talk to your child's teacher to make things easier at school.


Question: How is nystagmus diagnosed?

Answer: You might get other tests, including: Ear exam Neurological exam Brain MRI Brain CT scan Recording your eye movement Your doctor may ask you to spin around in the chair for about 30 seconds, stop, and then try to stare at an object. If you have nystagmus, your eyes will first move slowly in one direction. Then they'll move quickly the other way.


Question: How can eye muscle surgery help with nystagmus?

Answer: The goal is to help with the head tilt that often comes with nystagmus. Sometimes surgery improves vision, too.


Question: What are the symptoms of nystagmus?

Answer: Your eyes move without your control. It might be fast, then slow, then fast again. The movement might be in one eye, but it's usually in both eyes. You may notice that you nod your head or keep it in strange positions. You do that because it helps you focus when you can't hold your gaze steady. Things look clearer when you tilt or turn your head. Objects may seem a little blurry to children with nystagmus. But the world doesn't look shaky to them. It's different if you develop the condition as an adult. Then the world appears to move a little when you look around. Nystagmus may also affect your vision. You might have a hard time seeing in the dark, or you may be sensitive to bright light. You may have problems with balance and dizziness. These can be worse if you're tired or stressed.


Question: What is nystagmus?

Answer: It's a condition where you can't control your eye movements.


Question: How much fiber should you have to prevent diverticulosis?

Answer: The American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day. Every person, regardless of the presence of diverticula, should try to consume this much fiber every day. Fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods. High-fiber foods include whole grain breads, cereals, and crackers; berries; fruit; vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach, carrots, asparagus, squash, and beans; brown rice; bran products; and cooked dried peas and beans, among other foods.


Question: What can you do to prevent diverticulosis?

Answer: To prevent diverticular disease or reduce the complications from it, maintain good bowel habits.


Question: What does diverticular disease consist of?

Answer: Diverticular Bleeding Diverticular bleeding occurs with chronic injury to the small blood vessels that are next to the diverticula.


Question: How does diverticular bleeding occur?

Answer: Diverticular Bleeding Diverticular bleeding occurs with chronic injury to the small blood vessels that are next to the diverticula.


Question: How is diverticulosis diagnosed?

Answer: Symptoms of diverticulitis may include: Diarrhea and/or constipation Painful cramps or tenderness in the lower abdomen Chills or fever Because people with diverticulosis do not have any symptoms, it is usually found through tests ordered for an unrelated reason. They usually include barium enema, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.


Question: How do complications occur in diverticulosis?

Answer: Complications can occur in about 20% of people with diverticulosis. One of these complications is rectal bleeding, called diverticular bleeding, and another is diverticular infection, called diverticulitis.


Question: How does diverticulitis occur?

Answer: Diverticulitis Diverticulitis occurs when there is inflammation and infection in one or more diverticula. This usually happens when outpouchings become blocked with waste, allowing bacteria to build up, causing infection.


Question: What are symptoms of diverticulosis?

Answer: Diverticulosis does not cause any troublesome symptoms.


Question: How can diverticulosis be prevented?

Answer: Diverticula can form while straining during a bowel movement, such as with constipation. People who have diverticulosis without symptoms or complications do not need specific treatment, yet it is important to adopt a high-fiber diet to prevent the further formation of diverticula. Most of them are the result of the development of a tear or perforation of the intestinal wall.


Question: How common is diverticulosis?

Answer: Complications can occur in about 20% of people with diverticulosis. Symptoms of diverticulitis may include: Diarrhea and/or constipation Painful cramps or tenderness in the lower abdomen Chills or fever Because people with diverticulosis do not have any symptoms, it is usually found through tests ordered for an unrelated reason.


Question: Iâm considering taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and Iâm worried about side effects. What are things to tell my doctor about?

Answer: You have stomach ulcers or bleeding in your digestive system.


Question: What are some risks of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

Answer: Although aspirin taken in low doses with a doctor's supervision can help protect some people from a heart attack, some NSAIDs can raise your risk of heart disease and strokes, especially when you take high doses or take them for a long time. They can also interfere with blood pressure medicine, making it less effective. Children and teenagers under 18 years old shouldn't take aspirin unless directed by their doctor, due to the risk of a serious condition called Reye's syndrome.


Question: What will a doctor consider before recommending a specific non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)?

Answer: Before recommending a specific pain pill, your doctor will consider: Your medical history Your current health concerns Other medicines you take Allergies and past reactions to meds How well your liver and kidneys work Any surgeries you've had Your overall treatment plan and goals For most people, side effects from NSAIDs, if any, are minor.


Question: How does vitamin D help joint pain?

Answer: Research shows that people with low levels of vitamin D may have more joint pain.


Question: How do omega-3s help joint pain?

Answer: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and other foods, encourage the body to produce chemicals that help control inflammation. This supplement may help ease stiffness caused by inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis, but more research is needed.


Question: What supplements may help arthritis?

Answer: Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3, and green tea are just a few of them.


Question: How does glucosamine help joint pain?

Answer: Glucosamine Glucosamine helps keep the cartilage in joints healthy and may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Natural glucosamine levels drop as people age.


Question: How does green tea help joint pain?

Answer: Green tea Green tea contains compounds that have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may be helpful in combating join pain.


Question: What causes colic?

Answer: Colic's exact cause is unknown, and that's why there's not a clear way to help it. Some theories of what's behind it include: A growing digestive system with muscles that often spasm Gas Hormones that cause stomach pain or a fussy mood Oversensitivity or overstimulation by light, noise, etc. A moody baby A still-developing nervous system Remember, there are many things that can seem like colic but aren't.


Question: How is colic treated?

Answer: She could be irritable because of: An infection Acid reflux or stomach problems Pressure or inflammation of the brain and nervous system Eye trouble, like a scratch or increased pressure Irregular heartbeat Injury to bones, muscles, or fingers Based on your baby's needs for colic, your doctor can help. You'll likely have to try one thing at a time to see if it calms her. If it doesn't in a few days, move on to another one. You may find one you think works. Know that colic can get better on its own and you may just have to wait for the fussiness to improve on its own at 4 months or so.


Question: What is colic?

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(); }); } Colic is a bit of a mystery. The term applies to any healthy, well-fed infant who cries more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. Here's what we know about it: Colic is likely to start around age 2 weeks if your infant is full-term (or later if premature). It almost always goes away on its own by 3 or 4 months. Your baby's sex and birth order, and whether you breast- or bottle-feed, don't affect it. Kids who had colic as babies are no different from those who didn't.


Question: What could cause your baby to be fussy other than colic?

Answer: A moody baby A still-developing nervous system Remember, there are many things that can seem like colic but aren't. If you're concerned about your baby, your doctor can do a full exam to rule out a medical cause for why your baby cries and is fussy. She could be irritable because of: An infection Acid reflux or stomach problems Pressure or inflammation of the brain and nervous system Eye trouble, like a scratch or increased pressure Irregular heartbeat Injury to bones, muscles, or fingers Based on your baby's needs for colic, your doctor can help.


Question: What can you do when colic is stressing you out?

Answer: When you're a new mom or dad, it can be a huge challenge to parent a baby who's always cranky. You are not a bad parent to feel that way, so don't feel guilty. If you're at the end of the rope, remember it is OK to leave baby in his crib or play pen for a short time while you leave the room to collect yourself.


Question: How do genetic tests work for diagnosing heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)?

Answer: Changes in these other genes could also suggest you have He FH: Apolipoprotein B-100 PCSK9 LDLRAP1 You'll need to give a small sample of tissue for this test. You can swab the inside of your cheek to scrape off a few cells, which get sent to a lab to see what gene changes you may have. Babies can get a small skin prick on the heel to collect a little blood instead of a cheek swab.


Question: What are signs that you or your child has heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)?

Answer: Family history of high cholesterol You have male relatives who had a heart attack or heart disease before 60, or female relatives who had it before 70. Xanthomas, or bumps under the skin of your elbows, knees, or knuckles Swollen Achilles tendons just above your heels Sore, swollen feet Yellow or white patches on your eyes Chest pain Your doctor will ask about any medical problems that you or your relatives have.


Question: Why do you need an early diagnosis of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)?

Answer: It's important to get the right diagnosis as early as you can to start treatment to bring your cholesterol levels down. You'll learn your total cholesterol number and also find out your levels of HDL "good" cholesterol and LDL "bad cholesterol. If high cholesterol or heart attacks run in your family, everyone can be tested for these gene problems.


Question: What blood tests help diagnose heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)?

Answer: If you or your child has any of these signs, talk to your doctor to see if you need to get checked for He FH: High LDL cholesterol on a blood test that won't go down with changes in diet. You'll learn your total cholesterol number and also find out your levels of HDL "good" cholesterol and LDL "bad cholesterol. If your total cholesterol level is above 300 mg/d L, or your child's is above 250 mg/d L, it's one sign of He FH. LDL cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg/d L are another sign. Your doctor can also rule out other causes for your high cholesterol, like your diet, or give you blood tests to check for kidney, liver, or thyroid problems.


Question: What genetic changes may mean you have heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)?

Answer: There are some simple exams that can help your doctor figure out if you or your child has heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia ( He FH), a condition that sends your cholesterol numbers way up. He FH runs in families. If your total cholesterol level is above 300 mg/d L, or your child's is above 250 mg/d L, it's one sign of He FH.


Question: What is polyarthritis?

Answer: Polyarthritis, also called polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (p JIA), involves five or more joints in the first six months of the disease -- often the same joints on each side of the body. This type of arthritis can affect the joints in the jaw and neck as well as those in the hands and feet. This type also is also more common in girls than in boys and more closely resembles the adult form.


Question: Are there different types of juvenile arthritis?

Answer: There are five types of juvenile arthritis: Systemic arthritis, also called Still's disease, can affect the entire body or involve many systems of the body.


Question: How is juvenile arthritis diagnosed?

Answer: Persistent fever Rash Weight loss Fatigue Irritability Eye redness or eye pain Blurred vision Because a child may have no symptoms of juvenile arthritis, and because some of the symptoms can be associated with other diseases, a diagnosis may be difficult. Because there is no actual test for juvenile arthritis, the diagnosis is made by excluding other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as bone disorders or breaks, fibromyalgia, infection, Lyme disease, lupus, or cancer.


Question: What is psoriatic juvenile arthritis?

Answer: Psoriatic arthritis affects children who have both arthritis and the skin disorder psoriasis. The child might get either the psoriasis or the arthritis years before developing the other part of the disease. Children with this type of arthritis often have pitted fingernails.


Question: What are the goals of treatment for juvenile arthritis?

Answer: In general, though, treatment for juvenile arthritis has several main goals: To relieve pain To reduce swelling To increase joint mobility and strength To prevent joint damage and complications The following types of drugs may be used to treat juvenile arthritis: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) are used to treat pain and swelling.


Question: What tests are used to diagnose juvenile arthritis?

Answer: Some of the other tests that might be ordered include: Complete blood count (white cells, red cells, and platelets) Lab tests on blood or urine X-rays (to rule out breaks or damage to bones) Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) scans Blood culture to check for bacteria, which could indicate an infection in the bloodstream Tests for viruses Tests for Lyme disease Bone marrow exam, which is used to check for leukemia Erythrocyte sedimentation rate to see how quickly the red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube ( The rate is faster in most people who have a disease that causes inflammation.)


Question: How are corticosteroids used to treat juvenile arthritis?

Answer: Corticosteroids are also used to treat pain and swelling. Sometimes, before any other treatment is tried, steroids are given as an injection into the affected joint. In certain cases, the doctor might prescribe oral steroids (taken by mouth), but these are generally avoided in children because of adverse side effects, which may include poor growth and weight gain.


Question: What is systemic juvenile arthritis?

Answer: There are five types of juvenile arthritis: Systemic arthritis, also called Still's disease, can affect the entire body or involve many systems of the body. Systemic juvenile arthritis usually causes high fever and a rash. The rash is usually on the trunk, arms, and legs. Systemic juvenile arthritis can also affect internal organs, such as the heart, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, but usually not the eyes. Boys and girls are equally affected.


Question: How are antimetabolites used to treat juvenile arthritis?

Answer: Antimetabolites are a type of drug that is an aggressive therapy aimed at helping reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function. The new drug Xatmep is an oral form of methotrexate that can be used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in pediatric patients, usually when NSAIDs have been proven to be ineffective.


Question: What is enthesitis-related arthritis?

Answer: There are five types of juvenile arthritis: Systemic arthritis, also called Still's disease, can affect the entire body or involve many systems of the body. This type of arthritis is more common in girls than in boys, and many children will outgrow this disease by the time they become adults. Children with this type of arthritis often have pitted fingernails.


Question: What is a hydrogen breath test?

Answer: Raised hydrogen breath levels indicate the improper digestion of lactose, which could lead to a diagnosis of lactose intolerance or the presence of abnormal bacteria in the colon.


Question: What happens after hydrogen breath test?

Answer: You may resume your normal activities and diet after a hydrogen breath test. A health care provider will discuss the results of the test with you.


Question: What should my baby be able to do when they're 8-12 months old?

Answer: During this time, your baby will push himself into a sitting position, where he can reach for and explore toys, books, and new activities. Help him develop skills like clapping with patty-cake and other hand games.


Question: How can staying positive help ease osteoarthritis symptoms?

Answer: Your mental outlook can have a big impact on how you feel and how well you function. Every day, try to do something you enjoy. Spend time with friends. Develop hobbies that you can do even with arthritis. Focus on your abilities rather than your disabilities.


Question: How can splints, braces and other aids help ease osteoarthritis symptoms?

Answer: Devices that support painful joints, such as splints, braces, and canes can help ease your discomfort and prevent injury. Other items such as electric can openers and shower chairs can also help make your everyday life easier.


Question: How can using hot or cold packs help ease osteoarthritis symptoms?

Answer: By increasing blood flow, hot compresses can ease pain and stiffness. Cold compresses reduce swelling. You may want to experiment with heat versus cold packs to see what works best for you.


Question: How can seeking support help ease osteoarthritis symptoms?

Answer: Living with arthritis isn't easy. Finding other people you can talk to and share ideas with can help. Check out arthritis support groups online or in your area.


Question: How can sleeping well help ease osteoarthritis symptoms?

Answer: A good night's sleep will help you cope with the pain and stress of arthritis. To sleep better, try going to bed at the same time every night. Take distractions like television and computers out of your bedroom. If you're uncomfortable in bed because of arthritis, try using pillows to take the pressure off painful joints. If you have frequent sleep problems, talk to your doctor.


Question: How can eating a balanced diet help ease osteoarthritis symptoms?

Answer: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and fish oil, may also help relieve pain. Experts say it's best to focus on healthy foods rather than on single nutrients. You can get all the nutrients you need simply by following a balanced diet. Make sure your menu includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish, and lean meats such as turkey and pork tenderloin. Losing weight can ease symptoms of arthritis.


Question: What are tips to cut down the amount of salt in my diet?

Answer: Try these tips: Read labels. Look for "salt," "sodium," "sea salt," and "kosher salt." Rinse salty canned food such as tuna before using it. Substitute herbs and spices for sodium and salt when cooking. Avoid instant or flavored side dishes, which usually have a lot of added sodium. Instead, try cooking plain rice, pasta, or grains without adding salt. You can add other flavorings or a bit of salt when you serve them. Look for "low sodium" on food labels.


Question: How does exercise benefit my heart health?

Answer: This lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to do its work. Getting no more than 1,500 milligrams per day (about a quarter-teaspoon of table salt) helps the most. It helps with your blood pressure and weight, and it makes your heart stronger. Alcohol can: Raise your blood pressure Increase your chances of stroke Increase your risk of dying if you have a heart attack Damage your heart muscle and lead to heart failure On the other hand, moderate use of alcohol may have these two benefits: Lower your blood pressure two to four points Increase the levels of HDL good cholesterol in your blood " Moderate" drinking means the following: No more than two drinks per day for men No more than one drink per day for women If you don't drink now, health experts usually don't recommend that you start.


Question: How does a pulmonary function test help diagnose farmer's lung?

Answer: Other things your doctor can do to find out if you have farmer's lung include: Pulmonary function test: This measures how much air you inhale and exhale.


Question: Is there a cure for farmer's lung?

Answer: Lung biopsy: If your doctor thinks you might have farmer's lung but can't be sure, he may want to take a sample of your lung tissue and send it to a lab for tests. You'll probably be given medicine to sleep through this as well. There's no cure for farmer's lung, but you can control it by staying away from the allergen that causes your symptoms. You might: Work outside as much as possible Avoid dusty work Wear a mask or other protective equipment Use fans, filters, or exhaust blowers wherever you can Steroid drugs like prednisone ( Deltasone, Orasone, Meticorten) can help with your symptoms because they can slow down your immune system and help with inflammation.


Question: How does a bronchoscopy help diagnose farmer's lung?

Answer: Bronchoscopy: Your doctor uses a device called a bronchoscope to look at your airways and lungs and collect a sample of fluid for testing. You'll be given medicine to make you sleep through this.


Question: How is farmer's lung diagnosed?

Answer: Your doctor can give you a blood test to look for certain things that trigger your immune system (called antigens) or order a chest X-ray to look for signs that you've had acute attacks. Other things your doctor can do to find out if you have farmer's lung include: Pulmonary function test: This measures how much air you inhale and exhale.


Question: How can oxygen therapy treat farmer's lung?

Answer: In addition to recommending that you avoid your triggers, your doctor may also recommend bed rest or oxygen therapy, which involves getting extra oxygen through tubes in your nose or a mask, to help you feel better.


Question: How can steroids help treat farmer's lung?

Answer: You might: Work outside as much as possible Avoid dusty work Wear a mask or other protective equipment Use fans, filters, or exhaust blowers wherever you can Steroid drugs like prednisone ( Deltasone, Orasone, Meticorten) can help with your symptoms because they can slow down your immune system and help with inflammation. Your doctor may only prescribe these if you have a chronic case, though.


Question: What is a sub-acute attack of a farmer's lung?

Answer: Symptoms include: Dry irritating cough Fever and chills Rapid breathing Rapid heart rate Shortness of breath Sudden feeling that you're sick A sub-acute attack is less intense and comes on more slowly than an acute attack. Symptoms include: Achy muscles and joints Coughing Mild fever with some chills No appetite Shortness of breath Weight loss You may mistake acute or sub-acute farmer's lung for the flu, because many of the symptoms are the same.


Question: What is farmer's lung?

Answer: An acute attack is an intense reaction that happens 4 to 8 hours after you breathe in mold. Storing animal feed like hay, grass, or grain inside makes mold more likely to grow.


Question: What is an acute attack of farmer's lung?

Answer: An acute attack is an intense reaction that happens 4 to 8 hours after you breathe in mold. Symptoms include: Dry irritating cough Fever and chills Rapid breathing Rapid heart rate Shortness of breath Sudden feeling that you're sick A sub-acute attack is less intense and comes on more slowly than an acute attack. Lung biopsy: If your doctor thinks you might have farmer's lung but can't be sure, he may want to take a sample of your lung tissue and send it to a lab for tests.


Question: What is chronic farmer's lung?

Answer: Symptoms include: Achy muscles and joints Coughing Mild fever with some chills No appetite Shortness of breath Weight loss You may mistake acute or sub-acute farmer's lung for the flu, because many of the symptoms are the same. Symptoms include: Cough that won't go away Depression General aches and pains Night sweats No appetite and gradual weight loss Occasional fever Shortness of breath that gets worse over time Weakness and loss of energy Most people with acute or subacute farmer's lung get better; only a small percentage of people develop chronic farmer's lung. Your lungs then try to get rid of the dust, and your symptoms start when your immune system reacts to that.


Question: How often should women be screened for HPV?

Answer: You can get an HPV test alone or with your Pap test, known as co-testing, every five years starting after age 30. Human papilloma virus is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, and the high-risk types of the virus cause almost all cervical cancers. If you test positive for HPV, that doesn't mean you'll get cervical cancer.


Question: What happens next if my cervical biopsy shows that I have cervical cancer?

Answer: If your biopsy shows you have cervical cancer, the next step is to see if it has spread, and where.


Question: What do cervical biopsies consist of?

Answer: Your doctor might also remove a small piece of tissue during your colposcopy to check for cancer. This is known as a colposcopic biopsy. Other types of biopsies include: Endocervical curettage uses a thin instrument called a curette to scrape away cells Loop electro-surgical excision procedure ( LEEP) uses a thin wire heated by an electric current to remove cells Punch biopsy uses a tool called biopsy forceps to remove tissue Cone biopsy is another, more invasive, way for your doctor to take a tissue sample, so it's usually performed in a hospital.


Question: What is stage IV cervical cancer?

Answer: This is the most advanced stage. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, like the bladder, rectum, lungs, liver, or distant lymph nodes.


Question: What do the stages of cervical cancer mean?

Answer: After all of the tests results are back, your doctor will use them to determine if and how far your cancer has spread, which will show them what stage it is in. Staging classifies the cancer by how much is in your body and where it has spread when it's diagnosed. Knowing the stage can help your medical team plan the right treatment for you.


Question: When happens if I have an abnormal Pap test?

Answer: If you have an abnormal Pap test and other symptoms of cervical cancer, your gynecologist will want find out more about your medical history and your family's. She'll likely run more tests to find out if you have cancer cells in your cervix, and check your lymph nodes to see if cancer has spread.


Question: When should you get tested for the human papillomavirus (HPV) relative to cervical cancer screening?

Answer: You can get an HPV test alone or with your Pap test, known as co-testing, every five years starting after age 30. Human papilloma virus is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, and the high-risk types of the virus cause almost all cervical cancers. If you test positive for HPV, that doesn't mean you'll get cervical cancer. If you're over age 30, doctors recommend you get both tests every 3-5 years.


Question: What should you know about screening for cervical cancer?

Answer: But if you're diagnosed with cervical cancer, know it's very treatable when your doctor finds it early. It's also one of the most preventable cancers in women because of available screenings and vaccinations. While regular screenings are the most important thing you can do to detect precancerous cells, there are other things you also need to know to spot symptoms early.


Question: What is stage II cervical cancer?

Answer: The cancer has spread outside of the cervix and uterus. It may have reached the upper part of the vagina. It may involve local lymph nodes but has not spread to distant sites.


Question: What is stage III cervical cancer?

Answer: The cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina or the walls of the pelvis. It may or may not involve the nearby lymph nodes but has not spread to distant sites.


Question: How are CT scans used to test for cervical cancer?

Answer: This powerful X-ray can show your doctor if your cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, liver, lungs, or other parts of your body.


Question: What is a cone biopsy for cervical cancer?

Answer: Other types of biopsies include: Endocervical curettage uses a thin instrument called a curette to scrape away cells Loop electro-surgical excision procedure ( LEEP) uses a thin wire heated by an electric current to remove cells Punch biopsy uses a tool called biopsy forceps to remove tissue Cone biopsy is another, more invasive, way for your doctor to take a tissue sample, so it's usually performed in a hospital. It can also treat some early-stage cervical cancers. Your doctor removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from your cervix with either a LEEP, scalpel or laser.


Question: How is cystoscopy and proctoscopy used in cervical cancer tests?

Answer: These tests both use a lighted tube to see if the cancer has spread into your bladder and rectum.


Question: How are chest X-rays used to test for cervical cancer?

Answer: A chest X-ray will look to see if cancer has spread to your lungs.


Question: What is stage 0 cervical cancer?

Answer: Cancer is only on the surface of the cervix and have not grown into deeper tissues.


Question: What happens during a colposcopy?

Answer: During this test, your doctor will use an instrument called a colposcope, which looks a lot like a microscope, to get an up close look at your cervix. You'll lie on an exam table and she'll use a speculum to keep your vagina open. Next she'll rub a solution of acetic acid (similar to vinegar) on your cervix. This liquid helps her see any abnormal cells. It might burn a little.


Question: What is stage I cervical cancer?

Answer: The cancer has grown into the cervix and may be growing into the body of the uterus. It may also have spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not spread distantly.


Question: How is a Pap test done?

Answer: Your gynecologist will perform a Pap test during your routine pelvic exam. It's quick and painless. You lie on an exam table and your doctor will use a speculum to keep your vagina open. It also lets her see your cervix. Next, she'll use a small brush to swab some cells from your cervix. The cells are sent a lab where they're checked for signs of cancer.


Question: Is cervical cancer treatable?

Answer: But if you're diagnosed with cervical cancer, know it's very treatable when your doctor finds it early. It's also one of the most preventable cancers in women because of available screenings and vaccinations.


Question: What tests do doctors use once you've been diagnosed with cervical cancer?

Answer: If your biopsy shows you have cervical cancer, the next step is to see if it has spread, and where. Your doctor might order one or more of these tests: Cystoscopy and proctoscopy. These tests both use a lighted tube to see if the cancer has spread into your bladder and rectum. CT scan. This powerful X-ray can show your doctor if your cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, liver, lungs, or other parts of your body. MRI. Your doctor might use an MRI to get very detailed images of inside your body. An MRI can find cancer that has spread to your pelvis, brain, or spinal cord. Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray will look to see if cancer has spread to your lungs. Positron emission tomography ( PET). Your doctor might order a PET scan if she thinks your cancer has spread but isn't sure where. It uses a type of radioactive sugar that cancer cells absorb. A special camera can spot the cells that have absorbed the sugar.


Question: What are symptoms of cervical cancer?

Answer: Most women in the early stages of cervical cancer don't have any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you might notice: Abnormal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause) Heavier than normal periods Pain during sex Unusual vaginal discharge that might contain blood These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have cancer.


Question: What should you expect in a screening test for cervical cancer?

Answer: It's quick and painless. You lie on an exam table and your doctor will use a speculum to keep your vagina open. It also lets her see your cervix. Next, she'll use a small brush to swab some cells from your cervix. The cells are sent a lab where they're checked for signs of cancer. That's why Pap and HPV screening tests are so important. If you have an abnormal Pap test and other symptoms of cervical cancer, your gynecologist will want find out more about your medical history and your family's.


Question: What do different stages of cervical cancer mean?

Answer: After all of the tests results are back, your doctor will use them to determine if and how far your cancer has spread, which will show them what stage it is in. Staging classifies the cancer by how much is in your body and where it has spread when it's diagnosed. Knowing the stage can help your medical team plan the right treatment for you. Stages of cervical cancer are: Stage 0. Cancer is only on the surface of the cervix and have not grown into deeper tissues. Stage I. The cancer has grown into the cervix and may be growing into the body of the uterus. It may also have spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not spread distantly. Stage II. The cancer has spread outside of the cervix and uterus. It may have reached the upper part of the vagina. The cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina or the walls of the pelvis. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, like the bladder, rectum, lungs, liver, or distant lymph nodes.


Question: How is a colposcopy used to diagnose cervical cancer?

Answer: You'll lie on an exam table and she'll use a speculum to keep your vagina open. Next she'll rub a solution of acetic acid (similar to vinegar) on your cervix. This liquid helps her see any abnormal cells. It might burn a little. Your doctor might use an MRI to get very detailed images of inside your body.


Question: Who needs to be screened for cervical cancer?

Answer: It can be scary to learn that you have cancer. The most important step to find precancerous cervical cells is getting screened. Tests can pick up changes in cervical cells before they become cancer. Most women ages 21 to 65 need to be screened for cervical cancer with a Pap test every 3 years. If you have an abnormal Pap test and other symptoms of cervical cancer, your gynecologist will want find out more about your medical history and your family's.


Question: How often should women be screened for cervical cancer?

Answer: It can be scary to learn that you have cancer. Most women ages 21 to 65 need to be screened for cervical cancer with a Pap test every 3 years. If you have an abnormal Pap test and other symptoms of cervical cancer, your gynecologist will want find out more about your medical history and your family's.


Question: Will my cancer stage change?

Answer: This powerful X-ray can show your doctor if your cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, liver, lungs, or other parts of your body. Staging classifies the cancer by how much is in your body and where it has spread when it's diagnosed.


Question: How can I practice deep breathing?

Answer: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Then close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, filling up your lungs. Hold for a few seconds. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Let all the air out of your lungs like you're letting air out of a balloon. Repeat many times.


Question: How can hobbies help alleviate stress for people with diabetes?

Answer: Fight stress by forgetting about it. Lose yourself in a favorite pastime. Do something that relaxes you, like reading or painting.


Question: How can exercise help alleviate stress for people with diabetes?

Answer: Exercise. Think about what kinds of exercise help you relieve stress. For some people, running and hard-hitting sports push away their worries. For others, taking a quiet walk or a bike ride is calming. Exercise doesn't just help you fight stress. It can lower your blood pressure and help you lose any extra pounds. Talk with your doctor before you start a new exercise program. Ask what type of exercise might be best for you.


Question: Can stress affect my diabetes?

Answer: Manage Diabetes With Stress Reduction If you try different relaxation methods you can learn how to ease and prevent stress. That can help you take care of your health. Stress hormones can raise your blood sugar. When you can take care of stress, you can lower your blood sugar. Plus, with less stress you can have the energy you need to eat right, exercise, and check your blood sugar. Having ways to bust stress can also help you sleep better.


Question: How can yoga help alleviate stress for people with diabetes?

Answer: Slowly relax into a downward dog pose or a warrior's pose. This forces you to focus on your breathing, stretching, and how you place your body. It loosens tight muscles and turns your thoughts away from the stresses in your life. Consider taking a yoga class at a gym or a local community center. Or, do a yoga routine through an active video game on a system like the Wii. If you don't have time for a full class, even 5 or 10 minutes of yoga posing or breathing can help ease stress.


Question: When should I seek medical care for what might be an adhesion?

Answer: See a doctor any time you experience abdominal pain, pelvic pain, or unexplained fever. If you have undergone surgery or have a history of medical illness, discuss any changes in your recovery or condition with your doctor. Call 911 and go to the nearest emergency department if chest pain occurs.


Question: What causes adhesions?

Answer: The tissue develops when the body's repair mechanisms respond to any tissue disturbance, such as surgery, infection, trauma, or radiation. This normal response can occur after surgery, infection, trauma, or radiation. Repair cells within the body cannot tell the difference between one organ and another. If an organ undergoes repair and comes into contact with another part of itself, or another organ, scar tissue may form to connect the 2 surfaces.


Question: What surgeries help treat adhesions?

Answer: Abdominal adhesions: Abdominal adhesions are a common complication of surgery, occurring in up to 93% of people who undergo abdominal or pelvic surgery. With laparoscopy, a doctor places a camera into your body through a small hole in the skin to confirm that adhesions exist. The adhesions then are cut and released (adhesiolysis). In laparotomy, a doctor makes a larger incision to directly see adhesions and treat them. The technique varies depending on specific circumstances.


Question: How can you recognize mania in bipolar disorder?

Answer: If you have bipolar disorder and are having a manic episode, you might be very energetic, get very little sleep because you're so wired, and find yourself talking faster because your thoughts are racing. You might feel like the world's best multitasker. You might also take risks that you normally wouldn't take. Examples could include going on a spending spree or driving recklessly. Sometimes this kind of behavior is easy to spot, but not always. That's especially true if you have a milder form of a high, called hypomania. You might feel good, be happy that you're extra energetic, and think that you're just being productive. Friends and family members may be better able to notice that you're acting out of character.


Question: What conditions can contribute to memory loss?

Answer: In most cases, there's no great cause for worry. Just because you lose your keys or forget someone's name doesn't mean you have Alzheimer's. You could have memory loss due to the normal aging process. Conditions that contribute to memory loss include: Depression Medication side effects Alcohol abuse Not enough vitamin B12 or a low thyroid level Stress and worry of any kind, such as from the death of a spouse or loved one, or from retirement Illness One symptom of more serious memory loss is that you're not aware there's a problem.


Question: What is one symptom of more serious memory loss?

Answer: Conditions that contribute to memory loss include: Depression Medication side effects Alcohol abuse Not enough vitamin B12 or a low thyroid level Stress and worry of any kind, such as from the death of a spouse or loved one, or from retirement Illness One symptom of more serious memory loss is that you're not aware there's a problem. Family members might seem more worried than you are. If loved ones are talking to you about your memory, take their concerns to heart and see a doctor.


Question: What can you do if you tend to forget?

Answer: Play word games or do crossword puzzles. Just because you lose your keys or forget someone's name doesn't mean you have Alzheimer's. You could have memory loss due to the normal aging process. Cause for concern: You find yourself in a place and don't know how you got there. Normal: You have age-related vision changes.


Question: How can exposure and response prevention (ERP) help with treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Answer: Exposure and response prevention ( ERP). This is a specific form of CBT. As the name suggests, you'll be exposed to the things that trigger your anxiety, a little at a time. You'll learn new ways to respond to them in place of your repetitive rituals. ERP is a process you may do one-on-one with your mental health professional or in group therapy, either by yourself or with your family there.


Question: What medications can help with treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Answer: The first step is to see your doctor. Your doctor may have you try clomipramine ( Anafranil), fluoxetine ( Prozac), fluvoxamine ( Luvox), paroxetine ( Paxil), sertraline ( Zoloft), or another antidepressant, depending on your age, health, and symptoms. It can take a couple of months for OCD drugs to start to work. They also can give you side effects, like dry mouth, nausea, and thoughts of suicide. Call your doctor or 911 right away if you have thoughts about killing yourself.


Question: What are treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Answer: An exam will show if your symptoms are the result of a physical issue. If they're not, your doctor can recommend a mental illness specialist, like a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker, who can create a plan for you. For many people, combining talk therapy and medication works best. OCD has a cycle: obsessions, anxiety, compulsions, and relief. CBT, a type of psychotherapy, gives you tools to think, act, and react to your unhealthy thoughts and habits. Your treatment goals for OCD are to retrain you brain and to control your symptoms with the least amount of medication possible.


Question: What happens when you get a cortisone injection?

Answer: The doctor, nurse, or other health professional will use an alcohol or iodine-based cleaning solution to clean the area of your skin where you'll get the shot. After that, they will put a numbing lotion or spray on that spot. Then you'll get the shot. Afterward, you'll wear a bandage over the injection site. If the shot is going into a joint that has too much fluid, your doctor will first use a separate syringe and needle to draw out the extra fluid.


Question: What are the long-term side effects of cortisone shots?

Answer: Long-term side effects depend on the dose and how often you get this treatment. With higher doses and frequent shots, potential side effects include: Thinning of the skin Easy bruising Weight gain Puffiness of the face Higher blood pressure Cataract formation Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) Rare but serious damage to the bones of the large joints (called âavascular necrosisâ).


Question: How can I get more protein after getting breast cancer surgery?

Answer: Your body needs more of it than usual after your operation. It needs it to repair cells, fight infection, and heal incisions. Here's what you can do to get more: Add protein powder or dry milk to meals. Add grated cheese to vegetables, potatoes, rice, and salads. Eat high-protein snacks such as almonds, peanuts, and cheese. Right after surgery, boost your protein without worrying about calories. It will help you heal and get your strength back. If you need to lose weight, you can focus on that later.


Question: What are common symptoms after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: Nausea and vomiting are common after surgery, and you're even more likely to have these symptoms if you've also had chemotherapy or radiation. Other symptoms include a loss of appetite or desire to eat, and "wasting syndrome," when your body wastes away from lack of nutrition. It's often accompanied by weight loss and weakness.


Question: Why is lycopene necessary after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: This is one type of antioxidant. It puts the red in tomatoes and the pink in pink grapefruit. It might help fight breast cancer.


Question: Why is exercise necessary after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: A good cardio workout improves your self-esteem, mood, and health. And after breast cancer surgery, you'll need to be active. Being overweight is linked to breast cancer coming back. Losing extra pounds through exercise may help you restore your health and improve your chances of avoiding more cancer. Fatigue often lingers after surgery. It may be worse if you've also had chemotherapy and radiation. Exercise can boost your energy. Most experts say some form of regular exercise is good, even if you start with short walks around the block.


Question: Why is soy necessary after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: These are nutrients similar to the estrogen in your body. Sources of them include soybeans (edamame), tofu, soy milk, and miso soup. Some researchers think they can help protect against the kind of breast cancer that needs estrogen for its growth, but others don't. Ask your doctor whether eating one to three servings of soy a day would help you. It's possible it may interfere with hormone therapy or some other treatment.


Question: What are some dietary guidelines to follow after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: Eat low-fat protein, such as roasted chicken and baked fish, rather than steak, sausages, or other high-fat meats. Try to have five servings of a wide variety of vegetables and fruits each day. Avoid processed meats linked to cancer. These include bacon, bologna, hot dogs, ham, and smoked meats. Choose whole-grain bread and brown rice, rather than white bread and white rice. Cut back on alcohol. Limit yourself to one drink a day if you're a woman or two if you're a man. Talk to your doctor about any diet changes you're making, especially when recovering from surgery or when getting chemotherapy. You don't want to starve your body of important nutrients that it needs to recover.


Question: Why are antioxidants necessary after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: Many vegetables, fruits, nuts, and other foods have them. Good choices include broccoli, liver, carrots, blueberries, and mangoes. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage. Dietitians say you should eat a balanced diet with a variety of fresh foods to get them. It's better for you than taking supplements.


Question: How often should someone exercise after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: Aim to get 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week -- unless your doctor says not to. Go slowly and safely in the months after your surgery.


Question: How do soy help patients recover from breast cancer surgery?

Answer: Soybeans contain phytoestrogens. These are nutrients similar to the estrogen in your body. Sources of them include soybeans (edamame), tofu, soy milk, and miso soup. Some researchers think they can help protect against the kind of breast cancer that needs estrogen for its growth, but others don't. Ask your doctor whether eating one to three servings of soy a day would help you. It's possible it may interfere with hormone therapy or some other treatment.


Question: How can beta-carotene help with recover from breast cancer surgery?

Answer: Carrots, apricots, yams, and other vegetables and fruits get their orange color from beta-carotene. Eating foods that have a lot of it may lower the risk of breast cancer returning, some studies suggest.


Question: Why is protecting yourself necessary after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: For the first days and weeks after your surgery, you'll need to focus on protecting your incision and any other tender areas. Don't carry heavy things like children or groceries.


Question: What's the best diet to follow after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: It will help you heal and get your strength back. Eat low-fat protein, such as roasted chicken and baked fish, rather than steak, sausages, or other high-fat meats. Avoid processed meats linked to cancer. These include bacon, bologna, hot dogs, ham, and smoked meats. Choose whole-grain bread and brown rice, rather than white bread and white rice. Cut back on alcohol. Limit yourself to one drink a day if you're a woman or two if you're a man.


Question: Which exercises are safe to do after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: This is one type of antioxidant. Or use a stationary bike so you can sit upright without leaning on your arms. Other exercises that don't require you to put weight on your arms include tai chi, qigong, and gentle yoga. Later, add more vigorous exercise that uses your arms more. You might opt to run, swim, cycle, hike, do more intense yoga, and other aerobic exercises.


Question: Why are phytochemicals necessary after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: These are nutrients similar to the estrogen in your body. Being overweight is linked to breast cancer coming back.


Question: Which exercises are unsafe to do after breast cancer surgery if you have lymphedema?

Answer: Nausea and vomiting are common after surgery, and you're even more likely to have these symptoms if you've also had chemotherapy or radiation. This is one type of antioxidant. If you had a lumpectomy to remove a breast lump, or surgery to remove part of your breast (a partial mastectomy), you can get back to exercise fairly quickly with your doctor's OK. If you had surgery to remove the lymph nodes under your arm, you're at higher risk of swelling of the arm, called lymphedema. You'll need to protect your arm from injury, so you may need to avoid things like tennis, running, and some styles of yoga for some time. If you choose to have breast reconstruction, you may have several surgeries ahead of you. That may mean you'll have to put off exercise for longer.


Question: What is remission in migraines?

Answer: If you have them at least 15 days a month, you have chronic migraine. If you have fewer than 15 a month but more than one a year, you have occasional migraine. For some, these attacks can go into either partial or full remission: Partial remission happens when people with chronic migraine suddenly get fewer of them. If you have one 10 days or less a month instead of 15 days, your doctor may say your chronic migraine has gone into remission. Full remission happens when people with occasional migraine go an entire year without one.


Question: What causes remission in migraines?

Answer: Doctors don't know why some people with migraines go into remission. But research shows that certain things can make it more likely: Age: The number of migraine attacks you have each month is likely to drop over time. This is true for people 40 and older. Among women, a drop in hormone levels after menopause may be a factor. Being a man: Men are less likely to have migraines overall. But men who get them are more likely than women to go into remission. Your reaction to touch: Some people who get migraines become so sensitive to touch during an attack that feeling their clothing against their skin or someone lightly brushing against their shoulder is uncomfortable or even painful. If this doesn't happen when you have a migraine, you're more likely to go into remission. Number of headaches per month: Studies show that if you have chronic migraine, you're more likely to go into partial remission if you have fewer attacks. That means closer to 15 a month than to 30.


Question: Are migraine remissions possible?

Answer: Doctors don't fully understand what causes migraines, so there's no step-by-step plan to make them stop. But it is possible to go into remission (stop having migraines). If you have them at least 15 days a month, you have chronic migraine. Your reaction to touch: Some people who get migraines become so sensitive to touch during an attack that feeling their clothing against their skin or someone lightly brushing against their shoulder is uncomfortable or even painful.