Question: How can you ease your baby's constipation?

Answer: If he has soft, easy-to-pass stools every 4-5 days, he's probably OK. On the other hand, you should talk to your doctor if he: Has a hard time going or seems uncomfortable Has hard stools Has poops that are bloody or black Doesn't poop at least once every 5 to 10 days If you're bottle feeding, try a different brand of formula -- after you check with your doctor. Constipation should never be a reason to stop breastfeeding. Add a little dark fruit juice, like prune or pear, to your baby's bottle. Or just give her some extra water if she's older than 4 months -- no more than 1-2 ounces per day. But check with the doctor first. Remember that most babies who don't poop a lot are not truly "constipated" and don't need anything different from normal.


Question: What are symptoms of complete urea cycle disorders (UCDs)?

Answer: Symptoms are usually less severe than in babies with complete UCD. They include: Avoiding foods high in protein or a dislike of meat Loss of appetite Nausea or vomiting Behavior problems, including hyperactivity Mental problems (confusion, delusions, hallucinations, psychosis) Most newborns in the U. S. are tested for ASS1 and ASL, but how well the tests work is different in each state.


Question: What are the symptoms a baby may have from a partial urea cycle disorder (UCD)?

Answer: They include: Avoiding foods high in protein or a dislike of meat Loss of appetite Nausea or vomiting Behavior problems, including hyperactivity Mental problems (confusion, delusions, hallucinations, psychosis) Most newborns in the U. S. are tested for ASS1 and ASL, but how well the tests work is different in each state.


Question: How are most cases of urea cycle disorders (UCDs) managed?

Answer: In most cases, you can manage them with diet and medications.


Question: Who is more likely to have urea cycle disorders (UCDs)?

Answer: They are inherited diseases -- you pass them down to your child. We all inherit two copies of our genes, one from each parent. With most UCDs, you must get a defective gene from both parents to get the disease. The genes tell your child's body how to break down protein. One UCD, called ornithine transcarbamylase ( OTC) deficiency, is what doctors call a sex-linked disorder. Mothers carry the gene on their X chromosome, and they mostly pass it to their sons.


Question: What lesionectomy surgery for epilepsy?

Answer: This surgery removes brain lesions -- areas of injury or defect like a tumor or malformed blood vessel -- that cause seizures. Seizures usually stop once the lesion is removed.


Question: If I have to take my baby outdoors, how can I protect him?

Answer: Cover with clothes. Dress your baby so bugs don't have any access to skin. Loose-fitting long sleeves and pants Socks A hat Skip the bright, flowery prints. Bugs are attracted to those. Protect with a net. Use a fitted mesh net over carriers and strollers when you take your baby outdoors.


Question: Should I get rid of standing water to protect my baby from bug bites?

Answer: Look around your house for soggy sites, like: Planters Birdbaths Wading pools Drill holes in tire swings to keep water from collecting. Change your pets' water bowls regularly.


Question: Once my baby is over 2 months old, can I use bug repellents?

Answer: Once your baby is a little older, you can add repellent sprays and lotions to your bug-fighting kit. According to the CDC, insect repellent is the best way to protect your baby from mosquito bites -- as long as you use it correctly. Repellents also protect from other biting bugs like ticks, fleas, chiggers, and biting flies. But they don't work for stinging bugs, like wasps, bees, and hornets.


Question: Can avoiding bug hangout spots help protect your baby from bug bites?

Answer: Flower gardens, garbage cans, piles of dead leaves, and bushes are all popular places for bug parties, so steer clear.


Question: Can you use bug repellents on a baby under 2 months?

Answer: The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP) is clear: Bug repellents -- even the DEET-free ones -- are not safe for newborns. Since you can't use lotions and sprays on the very small, the best way to keep your baby from becoming a bug buffet is by avoiding bugs in the first place. Stay in. Bugs, especially mosquitoes, are most active at dawn and dusk. Keep your baby indoors during those hours to lower his bite risk. Defend your house. Make sure your windows and doors have screens to keep bugs from flying or crawling inside.


Question: What bug repellents work the best?

Answer: Research says repellents with these active ingredients work the longest: DEET I5353 Picaridin When you use DEET, choose products with less than 30%.


Question: Can I put both bug repellent and sunscreen on my baby?

Answer: If you want to put sunscreen on your baby, too, do that first. Don't use a bug repellent and sunscreen combo. You'll have to reapply it more often than repellent alone.


Question: How much DEET do I need to protect my baby from bug bites?

Answer: Research says repellents with these active ingredients work the longest: DEET I5353 Picaridin When you use DEET, choose products with less than 30%. And the less time your baby will be outside, the lower the concentration of DEET you should use.


Question: Are natural bug repellants safe for babies over 2 months old?

Answer: The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP) is clear: Bug repellents -- even the DEET-free ones -- are not safe for newborns. They aren't as long-lasting, though, and they can irritate your baby's skin.


Question: How should you apply bug repellent on your baby?

Answer: Since you can't use lotions and sprays on the very small, the best way to keep your baby from becoming a bug buffet is by avoiding bugs in the first place. Cover with clothes. Don't put it on your baby's hands or near his mouth and eyes. Skip skin that's cut, scraped, or has a rash.


Question: How is a needle biopsy or needle aspiration done to screen for lung cancer?

Answer: Your doctor numbs your skin and uses a needle to remove a sample of tissue. You may hear him talk about two different types. If he uses a thin needle it's called fine needle aspiration. A procedure that uses a slightly thicker, hollow needle to remove a piece of tissue along with the cells is called a core biopsy. Your doctor may use a CT scan or X-ray to guide the needle to the right spot.


Question: What are reasons besides smoking that I should get screened for lung cancer?

Answer: Besides smoking, there are other reasons you could have higher odds of lung cancer. Your doctor may suggest you get screened if you: Spent a lot of time around chemicals such as radon, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, silica, or asbestos Already had small-cell lung cancer, or cancer of the head or neck Had radiation therapy to the chest to treat cancer Had a parent, brother or sister, or child with lung cancer Have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis (scarring in the lungs) If you decide to get a screening test, you'll likely get something called low-dose computed tomography ( LDCT).


Question: Who should get screened for lung cancer?

Answer: Experts have different views. Several health organizations, including the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, and the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force, say you should do it if you're at least 55 and you are or were a long-term smoker.


Question: How is an open biopsy done to screen for lung cancer?

Answer: You need to be in a hospital operating room to get this done. A surgeon removes tissue through a cut in your chest. You'll get anesthesia that puts you to sleep while this is going on. However your biopsy is done, after it's over the cells that were removed are sent to a lab. A specialist called a pathologist looks at them under a microscope to check if any of them are cancer.


Question: How is a sputum cytology test used to screen for lung cancer?

Answer: This test looks for cancer cells in your mucus. To get a sample, you'll breathe deeply and then cough with enough force to bring some up from your lungs. Then you'll spit it out into a cup.


Question: What happens after you have been diagnosed with lung cancer?

Answer: But make sure you also get the emotional backing you need. Reach out to your family and friends. They can be a huge source of support while you manage and treat your condition. Also look into support groups, where you can talk to people who are going through the same things you are.


Question: How is a bronchoscopy used to diagnose lung cancer?

Answer: For this test, he removes a tissue sample through a thin tube that he places into your lungs.


Question: How does screening for lung cancer work?

Answer: Your doctor may suggest you get screened if you: Spent a lot of time around chemicals such as radon, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, silica, or asbestos Already had small-cell lung cancer, or cancer of the head or neck Had radiation therapy to the chest to treat cancer Had a parent, brother or sister, or child with lung cancer Have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis (scarring in the lungs) If you decide to get a screening test, you'll likely get something called low-dose computed tomography ( LDCT). It's a machine that uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of your lungs. It's a super-easy exam to take. You don't need any special prep, like fasting. You just need to hold your breath for about 6 seconds while a technician takes a scan. The whole thing takes about 10 minutes. One thing to keep in mind: Sometimes an LCDT can give a result that looks like cancer, but really isn't. Doctors call this situation a false-positive. You may need to take some other tests to double-check.


Question: What is an open biopsy?

Answer: You need to be in a hospital operating room to get this done. A surgeon removes tissue through a cut in your chest. You'll get anesthesia that puts you to sleep while this is going on. However your biopsy is done, after it's over the cells that were removed are sent to a lab. A specialist called a pathologist looks at them under a microscope to check if any of them are cancer.


Question: What is the difference between a needle biopsy or needle aspiration?

Answer: Your doctor numbs your skin and uses a needle to remove a sample of tissue. You may hear him talk about two different types. If he uses a thin needle it's called fine needle aspiration. A procedure that uses a slightly thicker, hollow needle to remove a piece of tissue along with the cells is called a core biopsy. Your doctor may use a CT scan or X-ray to guide the needle to the right spot.


Question: How are imaging tests used to diagnose lung cancer?

Answer: They look for growths that might be lung cancer. Your doctor will be able to figure out if the disease has spread, and if so, where in your body it is.


Question: What imaging tests are useful in diagnosing lung cancer?

Answer: They look for growths that might be lung cancer. Your doctor will be able to figure out if the disease has spread, and if so, where in your body it is. Some imaging tests that may be useful to make a diagnosis are: Chest X-ray. It uses radiation in low doses to make images of your lungs. CT (computed tomography). This powerful X-ray can show the size and shape of cancer, and where it is. You may get a scan of your chest and belly. If you have the disease, the doctor can see whether it has spread to places like your liver or adrenal glands. PET (positron emission tomography). It uses a special type of radiation that collects in cancer cells. A camera then takes pictures of these areas. Your doctor can use this exam to find out if a growth that showed up on an X-ray is really cancer, and to see if it's moved to other places.


Question: How is computed tomography (CT) used to screen for lung cancer?

Answer: This powerful X-ray can show the size and shape of cancer, and where it is. You may get a scan of your chest and belly. If you have the disease, the doctor can see whether it has spread to places like your liver or adrenal glands.


Question: What is an endoscopic ultrasound and how is it used to treat lung cancer?

Answer: When you get this test, he inserts a needle through a lighted tube called an endoscope.


Question: How does a screening test for lung cancer work?

Answer: Your doctor may suggest you get screened if you: Spent a lot of time around chemicals such as radon, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, silica, or asbestos Already had small-cell lung cancer, or cancer of the head or neck Had radiation therapy to the chest to treat cancer Had a parent, brother or sister, or child with lung cancer Have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis (scarring in the lungs) If you decide to get a screening test, you'll likely get something called low-dose computed tomography ( LDCT). It's a machine that uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of your lungs. It's a super-easy exam to take. You don't need any special prep, like fasting. You just need to hold your breath for about 6 seconds while a technician takes a scan. The whole thing takes about 10 minutes. One thing to keep in mind: Sometimes an LCDT can give a result that looks like cancer, but really isn't. Doctors call this situation a false-positive. You may need to take some other tests to double-check.


Question: How is a sputum cytology used to diagnose lung cancer?

Answer: This test looks for cancer cells in your mucus. To get a sample, you'll breathe deeply and then cough with enough force to bring some up from your lungs. Then you'll spit it out into a cup.


Question: How is a bronchoscopy done to screen for lung cancer?

Answer: For this test, he removes a tissue sample through a thin tube that he places into your lungs.


Question: How is an endoscopic ultrasound done to screen for lung cancer?

Answer: When you get this test, he inserts a needle through a lighted tube called an endoscope.


Question: How is a thoracentesis done to screen for lung cancer?

Answer: Your doctor puts a needle into the space between your lung and chest wall to remove fluid, which he checks for cancer cells.


Question: How is thoracentesis used to diagnose lung cancer?

Answer: Your doctor puts a needle into the space between your lung and chest wall to remove fluid, which he checks for cancer cells.


Question: What should I do as my doctor proposes a treatment plan for my lung cancer?

Answer: If you get a diagnosis of lung cancer, your doctor will discuss a treatment plan. But make sure you also get the emotional backing you need. Reach out to your family and friends. They can be a huge source of support while you manage and treat your condition. Also look into support groups, where you can talk to people who are going through the same things you are.


Question: How are imaging tests used to screen for lung cancer?

Answer: They look for growths that might be lung cancer. Your doctor will be able to figure out if the disease has spread, and if so, where in your body it is.


Question: How is a biopsy used to screen for lung cancer?

Answer: In this test, your doctor removes some cells from your lungs to check under a microscope for cancer, and to figure out which kind it is.


Question: How is a biopsy used to detect cancer?

Answer: In this test, your doctor removes some cells from your lungs to check under a microscope for cancer, and to figure out which kind it is.


Question: How is positron emission tomography (PET) used to screen for lung cancer?

Answer: It uses a special type of radiation that collects in cancer cells. A camera then takes pictures of these areas. Your doctor can use this exam to find out if a growth that showed up on an X-ray is really cancer, and to see if it's moved to other places.


Question: How is a chest x-ray used to screen for lung cancer?

Answer: If your doctor thinks you might have cancer because of your symptoms or your screening test, you may need to take some of these exams: Sputum Cytology. It uses radiation in low doses to make images of your lungs.


Question: What is the purpose of a screening test for lung cancer?

Answer: The heads up would let you start treatment early, when the condition is easier to fight. If your screening shows you may have lung cancer, your doctor will likely order up "diagnostic" tests. Those can pinpoint the type of the disease and whether it's spread to other places in the body. If your doctor thinks you might have cancer because of your symptoms or your screening test, you may need to take some of these exams: Sputum Cytology.


Question: When should you screen for lung cancer?

Answer: The heads up would let you start treatment early, when the condition is easier to fight. If your screening shows you may have lung cancer, your doctor will likely order up "diagnostic" tests. If your doctor thinks you might have cancer because of your symptoms or your screening test, you may need to take some of these exams: Sputum Cytology.


Question: What do your alkaline phosphatase test results mean?

Answer: Higher-than-normal ALP levels for your age and sex may not necessarily mean you have a problem. ( Children and teens naturally have higher levels than adults because their bones are still developing). If your ALP level is high, your doctor may have you take another test, called an ALP isoenzyme test, to determine whether the alkaline phosphatase in your blood is coming from your liver or your bones.


Question: How is an alkaline phosphatase test done?

Answer: Other conditions that can cause problems with your liver include: Liver cancer Cirrhosis Hepatitis Blockage in the bile ducts The test can also spot problems with your bones, including: Cancers that have spread to your bones Paget's disease, which affects how bones grow Issues caused by vitamin D deficiency The lab will need a small amount of blood to perform the test. The person in charge of taking your blood will start by placing a tight elastic band, called a tourniquet, around your upper arm. This makes your veins swell with blood. The lab tech will clean an area of your skin with a germ-killing solution. ( It might be a spot inside your elbow or the back of your hand). You'll feel a small stick when the needle goes into your vein. The blood flows into a small vial attached to the needle. When the test is done, the lab tech will take the tourniquet off, and you'll get a bandage on the spot where the needle went in. It takes only a few minutes.


Question: How is a kissing bug bite treated?

Answer: You usually don't need to do anything. You can wash the bitten area with soap and water. If it's itchy or uncomfortable you can use: An ice pack Antihistamine or steroid creams Over-the-counter antihistamine pills If you're in an area where Chagas disease is a serious health concern and you get a kissing bug bite, see your doctor if: You feel like you have a flu with a fever, nausea, or tiredness Your eyelids are swollen The bite looks infected (it's red, painful, and swollen) If you suddenly have trouble breathing, feel dizzy, or vomit, you may have a serious allergic reaction.


Question: Can kissing bugs cause Chagas disease?

Answer: Kissing bugs sometimes have a parasite in their poop that causes Chagas disease. In most people, that causes mild or no symptoms. But in some, the infection can lead to serious, long-term heart problems or disease in the intestines. Chagas disease from a kissing bug is very rare in humans in the U. S. But the number of cases is growing in southern parts of the country.


Question: What are kissing bugs?

Answer: They don't kiss. But they might bite you, probably while you sleep. Most bites are harmless. Sometimes, though, they can cause allergic reactions or spread disease. Very rarely, they can lead to heart disease or sudden deaths. If they live where you do, here's what you need to know. Like mosquitoes and ticks, kissing bugs need blood to live.


Question: Who is most likely to develop high blood pressure?

Answer: People with family members who have high blood pressure Smokers African- Americans Pregnant women Women who take birth control pills People over the age of 35 People who are overweight or obese People who are not active People who drink alcohol excessively People who eat too many fatty foods or foods with too much salt People who have sleep apnea


Question: How does diet and lifestyle influence essential hypertension?

Answer: Essential hypertension is also greatly influenced by diet and lifestyle. The link between salt and high blood pressure is especially compelling. People living on the northern islands of Japan eat more salt per capita than anyone else in the world and have the highest incidence of essential hypertension. By contrast, people who add no salt to their food show virtually no traces of essential hypertension.


Question: What causes high blood pressure?

Answer: The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known, but several things may play a role, including: Smoking Being overweight or obese Lack of physical activity Too much salt in the diet Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day) Stress Older age Genetics Family history of high blood pressure Chronic kidney disease Adrenal and thyroid disorders Sleep apnea Essential Hypertension In as many as 95% of high blood pressure cases in the U. S., the underlying cause can't be found.


Question: What other factors can raise the risk of having essential hypertension?

Answer: Most people with high blood pressure are "salt sensitive," meaning that anything more than the minimal bodily need for salt is too much for them and increases their blood pressure. Other factors that can raise the risk of having essential hypertension include obesity; diabetes; stress; insufficient intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium; lack of physical activity; and chronic alcohol consumption.


Question: What is "normal" blood pressure?

Answer: The top number is called the systolic, and bottom number is called the diastolic. The ranges are: Normal: Less than 120 over 80 (120/80) Elevated: 120-129/less than 80 Stage 1 high blood pressure: 130-139/80-89 Stage 2 high blood pressure: 140 and above/90 and above Hypertension crisis: higher than 180/higher than 120 -- See a doctor right away If your blood pressure is above the normal range, talk to your doctor about how to lower it.


Question: What is essential hypertension?

Answer: The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known, but several things may play a role, including: Smoking Being overweight or obese Lack of physical activity Too much salt in the diet Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day) Stress Older age Genetics Family history of high blood pressure Chronic kidney disease Adrenal and thyroid disorders Sleep apnea Essential Hypertension In as many as 95% of high blood pressure cases in the U. S., the underlying cause can't be found. This type of high blood pressure is called "essential hypertension."


Question: What is secondary hypertension?

Answer: Secondary Hypertension When a direct cause for high blood pressure can be identified, the condition is described as secondary hypertension. Among the known causes of secondary hypertension, kidney disease ranks highest. Hypertension can also be triggered by tumors or other abnormalities that cause the adrenal glands (small glands that sit atop the kidneys) to secrete excess amounts of the hormones that elevate blood pressure. Birth control pills -- specifically those containing estrogen -- and pregnancy can boost blood pressure, as can medications that constrict blood vessels.


Question: What is blood pressure?

Answer: The heart pumps blood into blood vessels, which carry the blood throughout the body. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood out to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, to stroke, kidney disease, and to heart failure.


Question: What risk factors are linked to essential hypertension?

Answer: High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood out to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, to stroke, kidney disease, and to heart failure. Age and race also play a role. In the United States, blacks are twice as likely as whites to have high blood pressure, although the gap begins to narrow around age 44. After age 65, black women have the highest incidence of high blood pressure.


Question: How do I wrap my ankle when it has been sprained?

Answer: RICE stands for ârest, ice, compress, and elevate.â Here's how it works: Rest the ankle (use crutches if needed) Ice the ankle for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for the first 2 days Compress (wrap) the ankle lightly -- not tightly -- with an elastic bandage or ankle brace For the first 48 hours, elevate (raise) the ankle higher than your heart whenever you're lying down Take the compression wrap out of the packaging and unroll it. Place a small section of the cloth just behind your toes and begin to wrap it in a spiral toward your heart. Each layer should cover about half the width of the previous one. Continue wrapping around the foot, heel, and ankle until every bit of skin -- up to several inches above the injury -- is covered.


Question: What is a heart CT scan?

Answer: A heart computerized tomography ( CT) scan, also called a calcium-score screening heart scan, is used to find calcium deposits in plaque of people with heart disease. They're the most effective way to spot atherosclerosis before symptoms develop. The more coronary calcium you have, the more coronary atherosclerosis you have. That gives you a higher chance of cardiovascular problems in the future. Some kinds of coronary disease don't show up in a CT scan, so it's important to remember that this test can't completely predict things like a heart attack.


Question: Can you keep taking medications before a heart CT scan?

Answer: You can continue to take your medications. But you should avoid caffeine and smoking for 4 hours before the test. CT scanners use X-rays, so this is not recommended if you are pregnant.


Question: What happens during a heart CT scan?

Answer: You'll lie on a special scanning table. The technologist will clean three small areas of your chest and place small, sticky electrode patches there. This will help your coronary arteries to show up. During the scan, you'll feel the table move inside a doughnut-shaped scanner. The high-speed CT scan gets many images, in sync with your heartbeat. The whole thing takes only a few minutes.


Question: Are biologic drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: They work on your immune system to ease inflammation and damage in your joints. Use this list to get to know the different types.


Question: How do you take abatacept?

Answer: You can get it by injection every week or by IV once a month.


Question: How do you take tocilizumab to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: How you take it: By injection or IV How often you take it: You can take it by IV once a month.


Question: How often do you take golimumab to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will call this type of drug a â TNF blocker.â How you take it: By shot or IV How often you take it: Monthly if by injection ( Simponi), every 8 weeks by IV ( Simponi Aria) ( Simponi Aria) Most common side effects: Runny nose; sore throat; hoarseness or laryngitis; pain, skin reactions, or tingling where you got the shot; and viral infections like flu and cold sores.


Question: What should your doctor look for after treatment with etancercept for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: What should my doctor look for in infliximab used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: How does tocilizumab treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Most common side effects: cold, sinus infection, headache, high blood pressure, liver problems Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets IL-6, a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation. Your doctor will call this type of drug an â IL-6 blocker.â


Question: How do you take anakinra for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: How you take it: By injection or IV How often you take it: You can take it by IV once a month.


Question: How do you take certolizumab to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: How you take it: By injection or IV How often you take it: You can take it by IV once a month.


Question: How often do you take anakinra to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will call this type of drug a â TNF blocker.â How you take it: By injection How often you take it: Daily Most common side effects: Pain or skin reactions in the area where you get the shot, colds, headache, and nausea Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets interleukin-1, a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: What should my doctor ask about rituximab to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: How often do you take adalimumab?

Answer: You can get it by injection every week or by IV once a month.


Question: What are the most common side effects of infliximab used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Most common side effects: Respiratory infections (like sinus infections and sore throat), headache, coughing, stomach pain Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take them Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take them How they work: They target tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: What should your doctor look for if you are treated with golimumab for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: How do you take etancercept to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: How you take it: By injection or IV How often you take it: You can take it by IV once a month.


Question: How do you take rituximab to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: How you take it: By injection or IV How often you take it: You can take it by IV once a month.


Question: How does abatacept work?

Answer: Most common side effects: Headache, cold, sore throat, and nausea Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It blocks the immune system's T cells to lower inflammation.


Question: How often do you take etancercept to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will call this type of drug a â TNF blocker.â How you take it: By injection How often you take it: 1-2 times each week Most common side effects: Skin reactions or pain where you get the shot, sinus infections, headache.


Question: What are the most common side effects of adalimumab?

Answer: How you take them: By injection How often you take them: Once every 2 weeks Most common side effects: Colds, sinus infection, headache, and rash Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take them Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take them How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: What are the most common side effects of tocilizumab used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Most common side effects: cold, sinus infection, headache, high blood pressure, liver problems Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets IL-6, a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: What are the most common side effects of golimumab used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will call this type of drug a â TNF blocker.â How you take it: By shot or IV How often you take it: Monthly if by injection ( Simponi), every 8 weeks by IV ( Simponi Aria) ( Simponi Aria) Most common side effects: Runny nose; sore throat; hoarseness or laryngitis; pain, skin reactions, or tingling where you got the shot; and viral infections like flu and cold sores.


Question: What should your doctor check for if you are taking anakinra to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: How often do you take certolizumamb to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: How you take it: By injection How often you take it: Usually every 2-4 weeks (your doctor will decide) Most common side effects: Flu or cold, rash, urinary tract infections Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: How often should I take infliximab to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will call this type of drug a â TNF blocker.â How you take them: By IV How often you take them: Your doctor will decide on the dose and how often you should take them.


Question: How do you take golimumab to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: How you take it: By injection or IV How often you take it: You can take it by IV once a month.


Question: What are the common side effects of anakinra used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will call this type of drug a â TNF blocker.â How you take it: By injection How often you take it: Daily Most common side effects: Pain or skin reactions in the area where you get the shot, colds, headache, and nausea Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets interleukin-1, a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: How often do you take rituximab to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will call this type of drug a â TNF blocker.â How you take it: By IV How often you take it: Your first two infusions with an IV are 2 weeks apart. You can repeat the infusions every 6 months.


Question: What are the most common side effects of etancercept to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will call this type of drug a â TNF blocker.â How you take it: By injection How often you take it: 1-2 times each week Most common side effects: Skin reactions or pain where you get the shot, sinus infections, headache.


Question: What should your doctor ask about tocilizumab used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: What are the most common side effects of certolizumab used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: How you take it: By injection How often you take it: Usually every 2-4 weeks (your doctor will decide) Most common side effects: Flu or cold, rash, urinary tract infections Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: How does etancercept treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will call this type of drug an " IL-1 blocker." Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: How does anakinra work to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will call this type of drug an " IL-1 blocker." Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: How does certolizumab treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor will call this type of drug an " IL-1 blocker." Your doctor should: Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it Check you for infections, including tuberculosis, while you take it How it works: It targets tumor necrosis factor ( TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.


Question: When do acid reflux symptoms most often happen?

Answer: Acid reflux symptoms most often occur: After eating a heavy meal When bending over or lifting an object When lying down, especially on your back People who have frequent acid reflux symptoms most often experience them at night.


Question: What is dyspepsia?

Answer: Many people with acid reflux disease also have a syndrome called dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is a general term for stomach discomfort. Symptoms of dyspepsia include: Burping Nausea after eating Stomach fullness or bloating Upper abdominal pain and discomfort Symptoms of acid reflux may be a sign that stomach acid has inflamed your esophagus.


Question: Is regurgitation a common acid reflux symptom?

Answer: Another common symptom of acid reflux is regurgitation -- or the sensation of acid backing up into your throat or mouth. Regurgitation can produce a sour or bitter taste, and you may experience "wet burps."


Question: Are heart attack symptoms and acid reflux symptoms similar?

Answer: Also call the doctor right away if you have any "alarm" acid reflux symptoms, such as these: Unexpected weight loss Blood in vomit Black, tarry, or maroon-colored stools Difficulty or pain with swallowing Other acid reflux symptoms that should prompt a call to your doctor include: Asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing or dry cough Hoarseness, especially in the morning Chronic sore throat Hiccups that don't let up Nausea that lasts for more than a day or two Sometimes, people confuse the symptoms of heart attack with symptoms of acid reflux disease. That's because pain in the chest can feel like heartburn. When in doubt, call your doctor.


Question: How common is heartburn among pregnant women?

Answer: More than half of all pregnant women experience heartburn during pregnancy. Increased hormones and pressure from a growing fetus can combine to produce this acid reflux symptom. In most cases, heartburn improves or completely goes away after delivery.


Question: Are there potential complications with acid reflux symptoms?

Answer: To lessen your symptoms, try avoiding: Citrus fruits Chocolate Caffeinated drinks or alcohol Spicy, fatty, or fried foods Garlic and onions Peppermint Tomatoes Usually, acid reflux symptoms cause no complications. In a few cases, continued esophageal damage can lead to scarring, which may cause the esophagus to narrow. The narrowing creates strictures and makes it difficult to swallow. You may have dysphagia, a sensation that food is stuck in your esophagus. In some cases, normal cells in the lining of the esophagus may be replaced by a different type of cell. This is called Barrett's esophagus, which can sometimes develop into cancer.


Question: When should you call 911 about possible symptoms of a heart attack?

Answer: Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms of heart attack: Chest pain, pressure, or fullness lasting more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back Pain or discomfort in your neck, shoulder, upper back, or jaw Shortness of breath, with or without chest pain Dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea Sweating along with chest pain


Question: What foods can make acid reflux symptoms worse?

Answer: Lots of people are intimately familiar with acid reflux symptoms. To lessen your symptoms, try avoiding: Citrus fruits Chocolate Caffeinated drinks or alcohol Spicy, fatty, or fried foods Garlic and onions Peppermint Tomatoes Usually, acid reflux symptoms cause no complications.


Question: How can bloodwork help to diagnose transverse myelitis?

Answer: Bloodwork: Your doctor will test your blood for signs of illnesses with similar symptoms, like lupus, HIV, or another form of myelitis. He'll try to find out if transverse myelitis is a sign of a related illness, like MS.


Question: How is transverse myelitis related to multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer: Infections: Bacterial infections like Lyme disease, tuberculosis, and syphilis Fungal infections of the spinal cord, like aspergillus, blastomyces, coccidioides, and cryptococcus Parasites such as toxoplasmosis, cysticercosis, schistosomiasis, and angtiostrongyloid Viral Infections like varicella zoster, which causes chickenpox and shingles; enterovirus; and West Nile virus Multiple sclerosis ( MS): Transverse myelitis can be the first sign of MS, which destroys myelin in your brain and spinal cord. It can also signal a relapse. If it's early MS, you'll probably have symptoms on one side of your body only.


Question: What happens when you get a spinal tap to help diagnose transverse myelitis?

Answer: Spinal tap: For this test, your doctor puts a needle in between two vertebrae (bones in your back) to take a sample of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. If it has more disease-fighting white blood cells or certain proteins than it should, you might have an infection.


Question: When can the symptoms of transverse myelitis get worse?

Answer: The first symptoms are usually: Pain in your lower back Sharp pain that moves down your legs and arms or around your chest and belly Weakness or paralysis in your legs or arms Sensitivity to touch, to the point where slight fingertip pressure causes pain Numbness or a pins-and-needles feeling in your toes, feet, or legs Muscle spasms Fever Loss of appetite Bladder and bowel control issues Once they start, symptoms can get worse within hours. Most of the time, they peak within 10 days. At that point, about half the people who get transverse myelitis lose control of their legs. Most have some numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in their back, belly, arms, or legs. Almost all lose some bladder control. How much of your body is affected depends on which part of your spinal cord has the problem. The higher it is, the more problems you'll have.


Question: What is the outlook on transverse myelitis?

Answer: About a third of people with transverse myelitis get better and don't have much permanent damage. They can walk normally and have only small lingering issues. Another third have problems walking. They also may have muscle spasms, a less sensitive sense of touch, or trouble controlling their bladder. Continue Reading Below The remaining third are no longer able to walk and need help with many everyday activities. Doctors don't know why transverse myelitis affects some people more than others. They do think that the faster your symptoms show up, the harder it may be for you to recover. Early treatment and physical therapy can help.


Question: How can steroids help with treating transverse myelitis?

Answer: Steroids: They'll ease inflammation in your spine. You might get pills or have it put directly into your veins.


Question: How can plasma exchange therapy help treat transverse myelitis?

Answer: Plasma exchange therapy: If steroids don't lower your inflammation, this treatment, also called plasmapheresis, might. The doctor will replace your blood plasma (the liquid part that holds the blood cells). This might get rid of something in it that's causing your immune system to attack your body and keep it from damaging other organs.


Question: How does magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnose transverse myelitis?

Answer: Your doctor will run tests to figure out if you have transverse myelitis or some other condition. Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) or computerized tomography ( CT) scan: These tests created detailed images of your insides. They'll show the doctor if something else is affecting your nerves, like a tumor, a slipped disk, or narrowing of the channel that holds your spinal cord.


Question: How does a spinal tap diagnose transverse myelitis?

Answer: Spinal tap: For this test, your doctor puts a needle in between two vertebrae (bones in your back) to take a sample of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. If it has more disease-fighting white blood cells or certain proteins than it should, you might have an infection.


Question: How many people get transverse myelitis?

Answer: Infections: Bacterial infections like Lyme disease, tuberculosis, and syphilis Fungal infections of the spinal cord, like aspergillus, blastomyces, coccidioides, and cryptococcus Parasites such as toxoplasmosis, cysticercosis, schistosomiasis, and angtiostrongyloid Viral Infections like varicella zoster, which causes chickenpox and shingles; enterovirus; and West Nile virus Multiple sclerosis ( MS): Transverse myelitis can be the first sign of MS, which destroys myelin in your brain and spinal cord. About 1,400 people a year get transverse myelitis, and about 33,000 people have some sort of disability as a result.


Question: What causes transverse myelitis?

Answer: More than half the time, doctors aren't sure what causes it. It's often linked to: Autoimmune conditions like lupus and Sjogren's syndrome that cause inflammation. Your doctor will run tests to figure out if you have transverse myelitis or some other condition.


Question: How can neuromyelitis optica cause transverse myelitis?

Answer: If you have this type, symptoms will show up on both sides of your body. Spinal tap: For this test, your doctor puts a needle in between two vertebrae (bones in your back) to take a sample of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord.


Question: What are common signs of high-output heart failure?

Answer: They can include: Shortness of breath Tiredness or weakness Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen Lasting cough or wheezing Fast or irregular heartbeat Dizziness Confusion Having to go to the bathroom more often at night Nausea Lack of appetite To figure out if you have heart failure, your doctor will: Examine you Ask about your medical history Run some tests Those tests might include: Blood tests: Abnormal levels of important substances can show strain to organs due to heart failure.


Question: How will your doctor figure out if you have high-output heart failure?

Answer: They can include: Shortness of breath Tiredness or weakness Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen Lasting cough or wheezing Fast or irregular heartbeat Dizziness Confusion Having to go to the bathroom more often at night Nausea Lack of appetite To figure out if you have heart failure, your doctor will: Examine you Ask about your medical history Run some tests Those tests might include: Blood tests: Abnormal levels of important substances can show strain to organs due to heart failure.


Question: What causes high-output heart failure?

Answer: The things that lead to high-output heart failure are different from what brings other types of the condition. Many disorders make you need more blood to keep your organs working well. They include: Obesity Liver disease Anemia Hyperthyroidism Pregnancy Lung disease Septic shock Paget's disease Arteriovenous fistula Beriberi heart disease Common signs of high-output heart failure are similar to those of other types.


Question: What tests might your doctor suggest to find out if you have high-output heart failure?

Answer: They can include: Shortness of breath Tiredness or weakness Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen Lasting cough or wheezing Fast or irregular heartbeat Dizziness Confusion Having to go to the bathroom more often at night Nausea Lack of appetite To figure out if you have heart failure, your doctor will: Examine you Ask about your medical history Run some tests Those tests might include: Blood tests: Abnormal levels of important substances can show strain to organs due to heart failure. Electrocardiogram ( EKG): This records the electrical activity of your heart. Chest X-ray: It will let your doctor know if you have an enlarged heart. It can also show congestion. Echocardiogram: This uses sound waves to make a video image of your heart. Exercise test: You may hear this called a stress test. It will show any blockages or weakened arteries.


Question: What is high-output heart failure?

Answer: Usually, if you have heart failure, your heart isn't pumping enough blood through your body to help it work the way it should. With the high-output version, it's pumping a normal amount of blood -- or even more than normal. Still, your body isn't getting enough to help it work well. The things that lead to high-output heart failure are different from what brings other types of the condition. Many of the causes of high-output heart failure are curable.


Question: How is high-output heart failure treated?

Answer: The things that lead to high-output heart failure are different from what brings other types of the condition. It's a good idea to treat the underlying cause first. Your doctor may suggest other treatments, including a diet low in salt and water. You may also take diuretics (water pills) to help ease swelling. Taking traditional heart failure drugs will often not help. They can make things worse. There are medicines called vasoconstrictor adrenergics that can help by making your blood vessels smaller.


Question: What is cystic acne?

Answer: You get a pimple when a pore in your skin gets clogged, usually with dead skin cells. Sometimes bacteria get trapped inside the pore, too, causing the area to become red and swollen. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Cystic acne happens when this infection goes deep into your skin, creating a red, tender bump that's full of pus. It may hurt or itch. If a cyst bursts, the infection can spread, causing more breakouts.


Question: How is cystic acne treated?

Answer: Over-the-counter medicines that work on milder acne often have little effect on cystic acne. A dermatologist will likely recommend one or more of the following: Oral antibiotics help control bacteria and lower inflammation. Sometimes your acne may not respond to antibiotics, though. Or you may find they don't work as well after a few years. Birth-control pills help some women by regulating their hormones. Prescription-strength creams, lotions, or gels with retinoid, a form of vitamin A, can help unplug your pores and help antibiotics do their job. Isotretinoin (formally known as Accutane but now available as the brands Claravis, Sotret, Myorisan, Amnesteem, and Absorica) attacks all causes of acne. The recommended dosage for most of these medications is to take a pill once or twice daily for about 5 months. For most people, this clears the skin completely and permanently. If it recurs, you can repeat the treatment. Women should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this drug. Spironolactone is a medication that helps you get rid of unneeded water, but also is effective for cystic acne in women.


Question: Who can get cystic acne and where does it appear?

Answer: But it can strike someone as young as 8 or as old as 50. Your face, chest, back, upper arms, or shoulders can be affected. Severe cystic acne is more common in men, but women get it, too. Women often have cysts on the lower half of the face.


Question: What should I know about cystic acne?

Answer: But if you have large, red, and painful breakouts deep in your skin, it could mean you've developed something called cystic acne. These breakouts can be treated. Don't try to wait them out. Cystic acne can linger for years. It can affect large areas of your skin and leave permanent scars. A dermatologist can help you with a treatment plan.


Question: How can I treat cystic acne at home?

Answer: See More: Birth Control for Acne Don't touch cysts or pick at these blemishes. You may push the infection deeper and make it spread. Try to relax. Stress can cause your body to release more hormones, which can make acne worse. Follow a healthy lifestyle. Get plenty of sleep and exercise. Some research suggests that a low-glycemic diet, which limits sugar, can help symptoms.


Question: What causes cystic acne?

Answer: When you're a teenager, androgens increase. This leads to changes in your skin that can result in clogged pores and acne. In women, hormone changes can be brought on by menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome. If one of your parents had severe cystic acne, you have a greater chance of getting it. Spironolactone is a medication that helps you get rid of unneeded water, but also is effective for cystic acne in women.


Question: What does a differential diagnosis mean for food allergies?

Answer: A differential diagnosis is the process of telling the difference between a food allergy, a food intolerance, and other illnesses. When you go to the doctor's office and say, " I think I have a food allergy," they have to consider a list of other things that could cause similar symptoms and be confused with a food allergy.


Question: Which food allergies are most common?

Answer: In adults, they include: Peanuts Tree nuts, such as walnuts Shellfish, including shrimp, crayfish, lobster, and crab For children, the food allergens that most often cause problems are: Eggs Milk Peanuts Adults usually don't lose their allergies, but children do sometimes. Kids are more likely to outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, and soy than to peanuts, fish, and shrimp. The foods that you'll react to are often those that you eat regularly. In Japan, for example, you'll find rice allergy. In Scandinavia, codfish allergy is common.


Question: How can food intolerances be tied to psychological triggers?

Answer: Some people may have a food intolerance with a psychological trigger. An unpleasant event, often during childhood, that's tied to eating a particular food can bring on a rush of unpleasant sensations when you eat that food later, even as an adult.


Question: How are patients with severe food allergies treated?

Answer: Even people who are very careful can make a mistake, so if you have severe food allergies, you must be prepared to treat an accidental exposure. If you've had anaphylactic reactions to a food, you should wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. And you should carry two auto-injectors of epinephrine ( Adrenaclick, Auvi- Q, Epi Pen) and be ready to use them if you think a reaction is starting. Mild symptoms such as tingling in your mouth and throat or an upset stomach might not be an allergic reaction, but you should still give yourself an injection. It won't hurt, and it could save your life. Then call 911 or get a ride to the emergency room.


Question: What are sensitive food allergies like?

Answer: For highly allergic people, even tiny amounts of an allergen (as little as 1/44,000 of a peanut kernel) can trigger a reaction. Less-sensitive people may be able to have small amounts of a food that they're allergic to.


Question: What are the benefits of breastfeeding relative to food allergies?

Answer: Doctors recommend only breastfeeding infants for the first 4-6 months, if possible, for many reasons, but there's no proof that it prevents food allergies later in life. While some pregnant women may hope limiting their diets while they're pregnant or breastfeeding may help their children avoid allergies, the experts disagree and don't suggest it. Soy formula isn't a good way to prevent allergies either.


Question: Can food allergies cause certain disorders?

Answer: Although some people think certain illnesses can be caused by food allergies, evidence doesn't back up such claims. Histamines in cheese or red wine, for example, can trigger migraines. But we can't say that food allergies actually cause migraines. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis aren't made worse by foods. Food allergies don't cause "allergic tension fatigue syndrome," where people get tired, nervous, and may have problems concentrating or headaches.


Question: What are food allergens?

Answer: And since some food allergens aren't broken down by the heat of cooking or by stomach acids or enzymes that digest food, they can cross into your bloodstream. From there, they can travel and cause allergic reactions throughout your body.


Question: How is a sublingual provocative challenge used to diagnose food allergies?

Answer: You may feel itching in your mouth. Some techniques can't effectively identify food allergies. A technician then checks the sample under the microscope to see if white cells in the blood "die." Sublingual or subcutaneous provocative challenge. It's similar to a skin test, but the sample of food allergen goes under your tongue or gets injected under your skin.


Question: What should I know about food allergies or food intolerances?

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(); }); } People often have an unpleasant reaction to something they ate and think they have a food allergy. A food allergy is caused by your immune system reacting to the food when it doesn't need to. With a food intolerance, your immune system isn't responsible. For example, being allergic to milk is different from not being able to digest it properly because of lactose intolerance. A differential diagnosis is the process of telling the difference between a food allergy, a food intolerance, and other illnesses. If you're extremely allergic and have severe reactions, skin testing could be dangerous. Some techniques can't effectively identify food allergies. At restaurants, you might have to ask about the ingredients that are in specific dishes or in the kitchen. Researchers have found that hyperactivity in children may be related to food additives, but only occasionally and only when the child has had a lot of them.


Question: What are non-approved treatments for food allergies?

Answer: The first time you eat a food you're allergic to, certain cells make a lot of Ig E for the part of the food that triggers your allergy, called an allergen. You regularly get small amounts of food extracts over a long period of time to help your body build up a kind of tolerance. But researchers haven't yet proven that allergy shots work for food allergies.


Question: When is an immune complex assay used to diagnose food allergies?

Answer: When both of your parents have allergies, you're more likely to have food allergies than if only one parent has allergies. Immune complex assay. But these clusters normally form as part of food digestion, and everyone, if tested with a sensitive enough measurement, has them.


Question: How do food allergies work?

Answer: Some people come from families where allergies are common -- not necessarily food allergies, but perhaps hay fever, asthma, or hives. When both of your parents have allergies, you're more likely to have food allergies than if only one parent has allergies. Food allergies involve two parts of your immune system. One is immunoglobulin E ( Ig E), a type of protein called an antibody that moves through the blood. The other is mast cells, which you have in all body tissues but especially in places like your nose, throat, lungs, skin, and digestive tract. The first time you eat a food you're allergic to, certain cells make a lot of Ig E for the part of the food that triggers your allergy, called an allergen. The Ig E gets released and attaches to the surface of mast cells. The next time you eat that food, the allergen interacts with that Ig E and triggers the mast cells to release chemicals such as histamine. Depending on the tissue they're in, these chemicals will cause various symptoms. You may feel itching in your mouth. Then you may have symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or belly pain. For highly allergic people, even tiny amounts of an allergen (as little as 1/44,000 of a peanut kernel) can trigger a reaction.


Question: What medications do doctors use to treat food allergies?

Answer: Your skin test may show an allergy to a food without you having allergic reactions when eating that food. Medications can help relieve food allergy symptoms that aren't part of an anaphylactic reaction: Antihistamines for digestive issues, hives, and sneezing and a runny nose Bronchodilators for tightened airways or asthma-like symptoms But these won't prevent an allergic reaction if you take them before eating the food. No medication can.


Question: What is an exercise-induced food allergy?

Answer: As your body temperature goes up, you'll begin to itch, get lightheaded, and could have hives or even anaphylaxis. Fortunately, the cure is simple: Don't eat that food for a couple of hours before you work out. How much did you eat before the reaction started?


Question: How is cytotoxicity testing used to diagnose food allergies?

Answer: So your doctor will diagnose a food allergy only when you have a positive skin test and a history of reactions to the same food. A food allergen is added to your blood sample. A technician then checks the sample under the microscope to see if white cells in the blood "die."


Question: What are some common food allergies in children?

Answer: A food challenge, or feeding test, is another way to confirm or rule out an allergy. Milk and soy allergies are particularly common in infants and young children, probably because their immune and digestive systems are still developing. These allergies can appear within days to months of birth. They may not show up as hives and asthma, but rather lead to colic and perhaps blood in poop or poor growth. Typically, the doctor sees a very unhappy colicky child who may not sleep well at night and diagnoses a food allergy partly by changing their diet, like switching from cow's milk to soy formula.


Question: Can food allergies cause hyperactivity in children?

Answer: In the lungs, they may cause wheezing. Researchers have found that hyperactivity in children may be related to food additives, but only occasionally and only when the child has had a lot of them. A food allergy won't directly affect a child's behavior, although their symptoms might make them cranky and difficult, and allergy medications can make them sleepy.


Question: How is a skin puncture test used to diagnose food allergies?

Answer: A food allergy is caused by your immune system reacting to the food when it doesn't need to. If your doctor thinks a specific food allergy is likely, you may get tests to measure your allergic response. One of these is a scratch puncture test. The doctor or technician puts a drop of a solution made with the food on your forearm or back. Then they'll prick your skin with a needle through the drop and watch for swelling or redness.


Question: What is a controversial food allergy treatment?

Answer: This type of testing is actually most common when the doctor believes that your reaction is not from a specific food. Putting a dilute solution of a food under your tongue about a half hour before you eat it as a way to "neutralize" your exposure doesn't work either.


Question: How is the IgG subclass assay used to diagnose food allergies?

Answer: Ig G subclass assay. No medication can.


Question: What affects food-related allergic reactions?

Answer: The digestion process affects the timing and the location. You may feel itching in your mouth. Then you may have symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or belly pain. Food allergens in your blood can cause a drop in blood pressure. As they reach your skin, they can trigger hives or eczema. This type of allergy tends to disappear within a few years.


Question: How is a double-blind food challenge done to diagnose food allergies?

Answer: Sometimes allergic reactions to food can be severe, even life-threatening. The digestion process affects the timing and the location. But sulfites are still used in some foods. Then you try eating that food again to see if the symptoms come back, which confirms the diagnosis. In a "double-blind" test, neither you or your doctor know if what you're eating has the allergen in it. This type of testing is actually most common when the doctor believes that your reaction is not from a specific food. It's also expensive because it takes a lot of time. A technician then checks the sample under the microscope to see if white cells in the blood "die."


Question: How are milk allergies treated in babies?

Answer: Sometimes allergic reactions to food can be severe, even life-threatening. Gluten intolerance is related to celiac disease. Typically, the doctor sees a very unhappy colicky child who may not sleep well at night and diagnoses a food allergy partly by changing their diet, like switching from cow's milk to soy formula. This type of allergy tends to disappear within a few years. Soy formula isn't a good way to prevent allergies either.


Question: What are the risk factors for restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Answer: Other medical conditions linked to RLS include: Parkinson's disease Varicose veins Some tumors Fibromyalgia Hyper- or hypothyroidism (over- or underactive thyroid glands) Pregnancy Cigarette smoking Vitamin and mineral deficiency, such as magnesium deficiency and vitamin B-12 deficiency Severe kidney disease and uremia (kidney failure causing build up of toxins within the body) Amyloidosis (build-up of a starch-like substance in the body's tissues and organs) Lyme disease Damage to spinal nerves Rheumatoid arthritis and SjÃ¶gren syndrome Certain medications or substances, such as: Alcohol Caffeine Anticonvulsant drugs (such as Dilantin) Antidepressant drugs (including amitriptyline, Paxil) Beta-blockers (drugs often used to treat high blood pressure) Antipsychotics Withdrawal from certain drugs, such as vasodilator drugs (for example, Apresoline), sedatives, or antidepressants (for example, Tofranil) In many cases, RLS seems to run in families. People with a genetic link to RLS tend to get the condition earlier in life.


Question: What medical conditions have been linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Answer: Many different medical conditions have been linked to RLS. The two most common conditions are iron-deficiency anemia (low blood count) and peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves of the arms and legs, often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes).


Question: What other medical conditions have been linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Answer: Many different medical conditions have been linked to RLS. The two most common conditions are iron-deficiency anemia (low blood count) and peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves of the arms and legs, often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes). Other medical conditions linked to RLS include: Parkinson's disease Varicose veins Some tumors Fibromyalgia Hyper- or hypothyroidism (over- or underactive thyroid glands) Pregnancy Cigarette smoking Vitamin and mineral deficiency, such as magnesium deficiency and vitamin B-12 deficiency Severe kidney disease and uremia (kidney failure causing build up of toxins within the body) Amyloidosis (build-up of a starch-like substance in the body's tissues and organs) Lyme disease Damage to spinal nerves Rheumatoid arthritis and SjÃ¶gren syndrome Certain medications or substances, such as: Alcohol Caffeine Anticonvulsant drugs (such as Dilantin) Antidepressant drugs (including amitriptyline, Paxil) Beta-blockers (drugs often used to treat high blood pressure) Antipsychotics Withdrawal from certain drugs, such as vasodilator drugs (for example, Apresoline), sedatives, or antidepressants (for example, Tofranil) In many cases, RLS seems to run in families.


Question: How should I protect my eye if I have an eye sore?

Answer: If the person wears contact lenses, take them out. Dark glasses may provide comfort. Do not flush, patch, rub, dab at, or place compresses on the eye.


Question: What happens when I go to the doctor for my eyesore?

Answer: The health care provider will examine the eye and test vision. Depending on the age of the person, the health care provider may also check the pressure within the eye and perform other tests. Depending on the cause, the health care provider may prescribe eye drops or oral medicines or both and may recommend consultation from an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). Follow up depends on the cause of pain but may require a visit to an ophthalmologist.


Question: When should I see a doctor about my eye sore?

Answer: See a health care provider for persistent pain, eye redness, change in vision, drainage from the eye, rashes around the eye, swelling of the eyelids, or fever.


Question: Can radiation therapy cause hypothyroidism?

Answer: This can damage cells that make thyroid hormone. You might get treated with radiation for: Overactive thyroid gland Cancer of the head or neck Hodgkin's disease or lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system) A bacterial or viral infection can make your thyroid gland swell.


Question: What can keep your thyroid gland from making the right amount of thyroid hormone?

Answer: You can get hypothyroidism if you've had a procedure to remove part or all of your thyroid gland.


Question: How can Hashimoto's disease cause your low thyroid levels?

Answer: It's an autoimmune disease. If you have one, your immune system attacks your body's healthy cells. If you have Hashimoto's disease, it destroys the cells that make thyroid hormone. This is congenital hypothyroidism.


Question: What are some other causes of hypothermia?

Answer: The risk of cold exposure increases as the winter months arrive.


Question: Who is at risk for hypothermia?

Answer: People at increased risk for hypothermia include: The elderly, infants, and children without adequate heating, clothing, or food People with mental illness People who are outdoors for extended periods People in cold weather whose judgment is impaired by alcohol or drugs Recognizing the symptoms is the first step in diagnosing hypothermia.


Question: How does cold exposure cause hypothermia?

Answer: During exposure to cold temperatures, most heat loss -- up to 90% -- escapes through your skin; the rest, you exhale from your lungs. Heat loss through the skin happens primarily through radiation and speeds up when skin is exposed to wind or moisture. If cold exposure is due to being immersed in cold water, heat loss can occur 25 times faster than it would if exposed to the same air temperature. The hypothalamus, the brain's temperature-control center, works to raise body temperature by triggering processes that heat and cool the body. During cold temperature exposure, shivering is a protective response to produce heat through muscle activity. In another heat-preserving response -- called vasoconstriction -- blood vessels temporarily narrow. Normally, the activity of the heart and liver produce most of your body heat. But as core body temperature cools, these organs produce less heat, in essence causing a protective "shut down" to preserve heat and protect the brain. Low body temperature can slow brain activity, breathing, and heart rate. Confusion and fatigue can set in, hampering a person's ability to understand what's happening and make intelligent choices to get to safety.


Question: What are the symptoms of uremia (uremic syndrome)?

Answer: As waste and fluid build up in your blood, you might: Feel nauseated Feel itchy Lose your appetite or taste for some foods Feel more tired than usual Lose weight Have trouble concentrating Feel pain, numbness, or cramps in your legs or feet (caused by damage to your nerves) If it's not treated, uremia can also cause other problems, like: High blood pressure Anemia (when you don't have enough red blood cells) Heart disease Brain damage If your doctor thinks you might have uremia, he may recommend that you see a kidney specialist, called a nephrologist.


Question: What problems may arise from untreated uremia (uremic syndrome)?

Answer: As waste and fluid build up in your blood, you might: Feel nauseated Feel itchy Lose your appetite or taste for some foods Feel more tired than usual Lose weight Have trouble concentrating Feel pain, numbness, or cramps in your legs or feet (caused by damage to your nerves) If it's not treated, uremia can also cause other problems, like: High blood pressure Anemia (when you don't have enough red blood cells) Heart disease Brain damage If your doctor thinks you might have uremia, he may recommend that you see a kidney specialist, called a nephrologist.


Question: What is the treatment for uremia (uremic syndrome)?

Answer: If your kidneys are damaged to the point that they're failing, you may need help getting waste out of your blood. One option is a process called dialysis. It usually involves pumping your blood through a machine that cleans it and sends it back into your body. About 10% of people who need dialysis use a different kind, called peritoneal dialysis. With this, the space around the organs in your belly is filled with a fluid that draws wastes out. The fluid is then drained out through a tube in your belly. It can take more than 3 years to get a transplant.


Question: What is the link between menopause and osteoporosis?

Answer: Although the drop in estrogen levels during menopause can result in dramatically thinning of bone and increases your risk of osteoporosis, it isn't the sole cause of the disease. Many other factors -- like your genes, some diseases and treatments, eating disorders, excessive exercising and weight loss , smoking, excess alcohol, and deficiencies of calcium and vitamin D -- can play an important role. Remember that men can get osteoporosis too, even though they don't go through menopause.


Question: How does vitamin D help prevent osteoporosis?

Answer: The Institute of Medicine recommends: 600 IU (international units) a day for adults through age 70 800 IU a day for adults ages 70 and older Vitamin D plays a vital role in getting calcium into the bloodstream from the intestines and the kidneys. Without enough vitamin D, a lot of the calcium you take in from food or supplements could pass out of the body as waste.


Question: How much calcium do I need to prevent osteoporosis?

Answer: The amount of calcium you need depends on your age. The Institute of Medicine recommends the following: Adolescents should get 1,300 milligrams of calcium a day. Adults from 19 to 50 years of age should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. Adult women over the age of 50 should get 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day. Adult men should receive 1,000 milligrams up to age 70 and 1,200 milligrams after age 70.


Question: What should you consider when taking antihistamines?

Answer: Some of the main side effects of antihistamines include: Dry mouth Drowsiness Dizziness Nausea and vomiting Restlessness or moodiness (in some children) Trouble peeing or not being able to pee Blurred vision Confusion If you take an antihistamine that causes drowsiness, do so before bedtime. Don't take it during the day before you drive or use machinery. Read the label before you take an allergy drug. Antihistamines may interact with other medications you are taking. Talk to your doctor first if you have an enlarged prostate, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, kidney or liver disease, a bladder obstruction, or glaucoma. Also check with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.


Question: Where can I find reliable information about alternative therapies for diabetes treatment?

Answer: Look for scientific-based sources of information. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse collects resource information for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases ( NIDDK) Reference Collection, a service of the National Institutes of Health. To learn more about alternative therapies for diabetes treatment, contact the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.


Question: What natural alternative therapies help with weight loss?

Answer: Since being overweight and having diabetes are linked, many people with diabetes turn to natural alternative therapies that claim to help with weight loss, including: Chitosan Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) Chromium Pyruvate Germander Momordica charantia ( Chinese bitter melon) Sauropus androgynus (sweet leaf bush) Aristolochic acid There are also skin patch (transdermal) systems as well as oral sprays that supposedly curb your appetite and make it easier to lose weight.


Question: Are complementary or alternative medicines for diabetes effective?

Answer: Although some may be effective, others aren't or can even be harmful. If you want to try complementary or alternative medicine, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons and what may be a good idea for you.


Question: What should you consider when deciding to use natural remedies for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: You should talk to your doctor about any drugs, herbal products, or alternative and complementary treatments to make sure they're not going to interfere with your treatment or cause other problems. Beware of claims that seem too good to be true. Look for scientific-based sources of information. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse collects resource information for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases ( NIDDK) Reference Collection, a service of the National Institutes of Health. To learn more about alternative therapies for diabetes treatment, contact the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.


Question: What is biofeedback?

Answer: Biofeedback is a technique that helps you become more aware of -- and learn to deal with -- your body's response to pain. This therapy emphasizes relaxation and stress-reduction techniques.


Question: Does Coenzyme Q10 help with diabetes?

Answer: Coenzyme Q10, often referred to as Co Q10 (other names include ubiquinone and ubiquinol), is a vitamin-like substance that's in meats and seafood. Co Q10 helps cells make energy and acts as an antioxidant. But it hasn't been shown to affect blood sugar control.


Question: What is acupuncture for diabetes?

Answer: Acupuncture is a procedure where a practitioner inserts very thin needles into specific points on your skin. Some scientists say that acupuncture triggers the release of the body's natural painkillers. Acupuncture has been shown to offer relief from chronic pain and is sometimes used by people with neuropathy, the painful nerve damage that can happen with diabetes.


Question: What is ephedrine?

Answer: In 2003, ephedrine -- also known as ma huang -- became the first herbal stimulant ever banned by the FDA. It was a popular component of over-the-counter weight loss drugs. Ephedrine had some benefits, but it could cause far more harm, especially in high doses: insomnia (difficulty falling and staying asleep), high blood pressure, glaucoma, and urinary retention. This herbal supplement has also been associated with numerous cases of stroke.


Question: What is guided imagery?

Answer: Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that some professionals who use biofeedback also practice. With guided imagery, you'll think of peaceful mental images, such as ocean waves, or perhaps images of controlling or curing your disease. People using this technique say these positive images can ease their condition.


Question: What should I do if alternative therapies for diabetes cause side effects?

Answer: Stop taking the product and call your doctor right away if you: Feel queasy or throw up Have a fast heartbeat Feel more anxious, worried, or unsettled than usual Can't sleep Get diarrhea Get skin rashes


Question: How can you treat type 2 diabetes?

Answer: To learn more about alternative therapies for diabetes treatment, contact the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.


Question: How does coenzyme Q10 help with type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Coenzyme Q10, often referred to as Co Q10 (other names include ubiquinone and ubiquinol), is a vitamin-like substance that's in meats and seafood. Co Q10 helps cells make energy and acts as an antioxidant. But it hasn't been shown to affect blood sugar control.


Question: Are all natural products okay for people with diabetes?

Answer: You should talk to your doctor about any drugs, herbal products, or alternative and complementary treatments to make sure they're not going to interfere with your treatment or cause other problems. Select brands of natural products carefully -- "natural" doesn't automatically mean it's good for you. Avoid products made with more than one herb. Read labels: Look for the herb's common and scientific name, the name and address of the manufacturer, a batch and lot number, expiration date, dosage guidelines, and potential side effects.


Question: Are garlic, ginger, ginseng, hawthorn, or nettle scientifically proven to help with diabetes?

Answer: Low magnesium may worsen blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. If you're considering eating or using any plant-based remedies, talk to your doctor first.


Question: Are alternative weight loss therapies effective?

Answer: If you want to try complementary or alternative medicine, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons and what may be a good idea for you. Check with your doctor, because many of these so-called "obesity remedies" haven't been studied, aren't effective, or just aren't safe. Select brands of natural products carefully -- "natural" doesn't automatically mean it's good for you.


Question: How does magnesium help with type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Although the relationship between magnesiumand diabetes has been studied for decades, we still don't fully understand it. Low magnesium may worsen blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. People who get more magnesium in their diet (by eating whole grains, nuts, and green leafy vegetables) have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.


Question: Does ginseng help with diabetes?

Answer: Several types of plants are referred to as ginseng, but most studies have used American ginseng. They've shown some sugar-lowering effects in fasting and after-meal blood sugar levels, as well as in A1c results (average blood sugar levels over a 3-month period). Vanadium is a compound found in tiny amounts in plants and animals. If you're considering eating or using any plant-based remedies, talk to your doctor first.


Question: How does vanadium help with type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Researchers also found that the amount of sugar-lowering compound in ginseng plants varies widely. Low magnesium may worsen blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. Scientists say that it interrupts insulin secretion in the pancreas and builds insulin resistance in the body's tissues. Researchers want to understand how vanadium works in the body, find potential side effects, and set safe dosages.


Question: What does "alternative therapy" mean for people with diabetes?

Answer: The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, defines complementary and alternative medicine as a "group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine." Complementary medicine is used with conventional treatments, whereas alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine. To learn more about alternative therapies for diabetes treatment, contact the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.


Question: What causes night vision problems?

Answer: Not enough zinc.


Question: How do you diagnose night vision problems?

Answer: A simple exam and conversation at an eye doctor's office can show the cause of your night blindness. The doctor will use drops to open your eyes up wide (he'll call this dilation).


Question: What can you do about night vision problems?

Answer: What you can do for night blindness depends on the cause. Cataracts are removed surgically. The doctor will replace your clouded natural lens with a clear artificial model known as an intraocular lens. One treatment uses a laser to destroy the tiny blood vessels that threaten your vision. But it won't hurt to eat foods rich in these nutrients if you have trouble seeing at night.


Question: What happens if heart failure is left untreated?

Answer: Left untreated, heart failure worsens and may prevent the heart from pumping enough blood to keep the person alive.


Question: How common is heart failure and how serious is it?

Answer: About 5.8 million Americans have heart failure, which contributes to about 282,000 deaths each year. Although treatment of heart failure has led to improved survival rates, as many as ten percent of patients with mild heart failure and more than 50% of patients with more severe heart failure die annually. Heart failure is the single most frequent cause of hospitalization for Americans ages 65 and older.


Question: What are the most common causes of heart failure?

Answer: The most common causes of heart failure are: Coronary artery disease (narrowing or hardening of arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, usually caused by a buildup of fats and cholesterol) High blood pressure (hypertension) Many people with heart failure have both coronary artery disease and hypertension. Heart failure may also be caused by other conditions that weaken or interfere with the heart's function, including: Previous heart attack Heart valve disease Dysfunction of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) Heart defects present at birth Infection of the heart valves or muscle (endocarditis or myocarditis) Diabetes Chronic kidney disease


Question: Who can get primary liver cancer?

Answer: Children and adults can both get primary liver cancer, but it's more common when you're older. There are different types and many ways to treat it.


Question: How is embolization therapy (reduced blood flow) used to treat liver cancer?

Answer: Embolization therapy (reduced blood flow): Your liver gets blood from two blood vessels. Most normal liver cells get it from one blood vessel and cancer cells get it from the other. With embolization therapy, your doctor cuts off the blood flow to the cancer cells to kill the tumor.


Question: How is chemotherapy used to treat liver cancer?

Answer: Chemotherapy: This uses medications to treat cancer. For liver cancer, it's usually done with a pump placed in your body so the medicine goes right to your liver, not your whole body. Chemotherapy that you take by mouth or injection isn't usually helpful for liver cancer.


Question: How is surgery used to treat primary liver cancer?

Answer: Surgery: If you have just one small tumor and your cancer hasn't spread, you may have surgery to remove it along with part of your liver. If you have liver disease though, that's not an option. You may get a liver transplant instead, but these aren't too common.


Question: What is the treatment for primary liver cancer?

Answer: These depend on your age, overall health, how advanced the cancer is, and what you prefer. Different treatments can have different side effects, and you may need more than one.


Question: What is the diagnosis for primary liver cancer?

Answer: When they do show up, you may have very general symptoms such as: Fever Feeling like you might throw up No desire to eat Weakness or feeling more tired than usual You may also have: A hard lump on the right side of your belly just below your ribcage Pain on the upper right side of your belly or in your right shoulder blade and back Swelling in your belly Weight loss for no reason White, chalky stool or dark urine Yellowish eyes and skin Typically, your doctor starts with a physical exam to check for lumps or anything else that seems unusual. You'll also talk about your health history. Your doctor may then do: Blood tests to look for certain substances that could be signs of cancer Imaging, such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound to see how many tumors you have and where they are located A biopsy, where cells or tissues are removed to see if they're cancerous.


Question: What is the most common type of liver cancer?

Answer: Hepatocellular cancer ( HCC) is by far the most common type of cancer that starts in the liver. Most people who get it also have an ongoing (or âchronicâ) liver disease, such as cirrhosis. It's found more often in men than women.


Question: What causes primary liver cancer?

Answer: It's often not clear what causes liver cancer, but you may be more likely to get it if you have: Chronic hepatitis B virus ( HBV) or chronic hepatitis C virus ( HCV) infection, both of which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer Cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis or years of heavy drinking Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease -- common with obese people, even if they don't drink Certain liver diseases, such as hemochromatosis (when your body absorbs too much iron) and Wilson's disease (when your body absorbs too much copper) Type 2 diabetes If you're very overweight or drink heavily for many years, you're more likely to get cirrhosis, which can make you more likely to get liver cancer. Also, if you've eaten foods with aflatoxins, you have a higher chance of getting this cancer. Aflatoxins are poisons made by a fungus that grows on some crops, such as corn and peanuts, when they aren't stored the right way.


Question: What are the symptoms of primary liver cancer?

Answer: It's all very orderly. When they do show up, you may have very general symptoms such as: Fever Feeling like you might throw up No desire to eat Weakness or feeling more tired than usual You may also have: A hard lump on the right side of your belly just below your ribcage Pain on the upper right side of your belly or in your right shoulder blade and back Swelling in your belly Weight loss for no reason White, chalky stool or dark urine Yellowish eyes and skin Typically, your doctor starts with a physical exam to check for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.


Question: What are treatments for benign rolandic epilepsy?

Answer: Often in benign rolandic epilepsy, no treatment is needed or recommended. Seizures in benign rolandic epilepsy are usually mild, harmless, and infrequent. Virtually all children outgrow the condition. Children might benefit from treatment if they're having any of these problems related to benign rolandic epilepsy: learning difficulties problems thinking or concentrating behavior problems daytime seizures frequent seizures Anti-seizure medications like Tegretol (carbamazepine), Trileptal (oxcarbazepine), or Neurontin (gabapentin) are most often prescribed to treat benign rolandic epilepsy.


Question: What causes benign rolandic epilepsy?

Answer: No one knows what causes benign rolandic epilepsy. Children who have close relatives with epilepsy are slightly more likely to develop the condition.


Question: What medications are used to treat benign rolandic epilepsy?

Answer: Children might benefit from treatment if they're having any of these problems related to benign rolandic epilepsy: learning difficulties problems thinking or concentrating behavior problems daytime seizures frequent seizures Anti-seizure medications like Tegretol (carbamazepine), Trileptal (oxcarbazepine), or Neurontin (gabapentin) are most often prescribed to treat benign rolandic epilepsy.


Question: Who gets benign rolandic epilepsy?

Answer: Benign rolandic epilepsy is one form of epilepsy. When seizures are mild and only occur during sleep, benign rolandic epilepsy can easily go undiagnosed.


Question: How can you keep the cat litter box clean?

Answer: 1 rule, and the only thing that will keep litter box odor at bay, is constant cleaning. That means scooping the box out at least twice a day, removing the solids and liquid clumps if you use clumping litter. For those who don’t use clumping litter, use a large, solid metal spoon (such as a large kitchen spoon) to lift out the most urine-soaked areas each time you clean. Add litter as needed to replace what is removed. Also wash the box weekly, or every other week if you are using clumping litter. Use a mild, unscented dish detergent or a mild bleach spray (20 parts water to one part bleach) and rinse well. Clean your scooper also. When dry, add 2 to 3 inches of litter. Cats don’t like a deep tray of litter and this allows you to add litter as you scoop.


Question: What types of cat litter box should you avoid?

Answer: And avoid covered boxes. Most cats don’t like them, and they can trap odors inside, making it unpleasant for your pet to enter. Many cats also don’t like plastic liners, which can snare cat’s claws when they dig. This also allows urine to seep under the liner, where it won’t be absorbed by the litter and can cause odors. As for self-cleaning litter boxes, it depends. Some cats, especially skittish and large cats, may dislike them. But if your cat doesn’t mind, it’s an option for people who are gone for long periods.


Question: How can you keep cat litter box smell fresher?

Answer: No wonder studies have found that at least 10% of cats stop using their litter boxes reliably at some point. Many believe that clumping litters, which allow for the easy removal of solids and liquids, keep boxes smelling fresher. But cats can be very particular about which litters they will use. So experiment to find the litter your cat likes best, then stick with it. If a cat is on the third floor, and the box is in the basement, he may decide not to make the long trek.


Question: Where should you put the cat litter box?

Answer: Clean your scooper also. Don’t put a box in a small, enclosed area, like a tiny bathroom or closet, which will concentrate litter box odors. A larger, well-ventilated area is best. But it needs to be in a quiet, low-traffic area, away from your cat’s food, other pets, and anything that can startle or scare your cat while he’s using the box. Yes, it takes a daily effort on your part to keep litter box odors at bay. But the result will be a happier cat and a better-smelling home.


Question: How can you avoid hotel germs when you travel?

Answer: Health experts point out that most hotel rooms are better cleaned than most homes. Towels and sheets are changed daily, and the room is cleaned somewhat every day. Still, experts suggest wiping down remote controls, light switches, telephones, doorknobs, toilet seat handles, faucet handles, and other high-touch areas as a precaution when traveling with children.


Question: How can you avoid germs on airplanes?

Answer: Consider these measures if you're concerned about airplane germs: Sanitize "high touch" areas. Germs linger longer on nonporous materials like plastic. Wipe down surfaces such as tray tables, seat armrests, and lavatory door handles with an alcohol-based wipe or gel before your child uses them. Then use another paper towel to dry hands and open the door. If someone near you isn't covering coughs or sneezes, ask him to, even if it makes you feel awkward to do so. And be sure you do the same.


Question: How can you help your child avoid swimming pool and water parks germs?

Answer: Swimming pools and water parks. Chlorination does not kill all bacteria. Also teach young children to avoid swallowing water in pools and water parks.


Question: How can you avoid germs when traveling with children?

Answer: If you are planning to travel with a newborn infant or a child with a compromised immune system, talk to your child's doctor first about special precautions. These three strategies can help protect them: Make sure your child is up to date on immunizations, even when traveling in the U. S. Be sure your child has had routine vaccinations for measles, whooping cough, and other serious illnesses on the normal CDC schedule. And anyone in your travel party who hasn't gotten a yearly flu shot should consider getting one before heading out. Washing hands often, especially before meals, is the No. Using warm soap and water, lather up and scrub all over for 20 seconds, then rinse and dry. While you're at it, encourage your kids not to put dirty hands -- or other things -- in their mouth. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.


Question: How many adults in the U.S. have anxiety disorder?

Answer: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 18% of adults in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder in any given year, and anxiety disorders are prevalent in 25% of children ages 13 to 18. Like depression, anxiety is thought to arise from a combination of both genetic and environmental factors.


Question: What is social anxiety disorder?

Answer: Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a psychological condition that causes an overwhelming fear of situations that require interacting with another person or performing in front of others. Unlike being shy around strangers or nervous before a performance, social anxiety is a fear that you might humiliate yourself with your actions or speech in public. Social phobia is common.