Question: What are questions about medication and health care in assisted living facilities?

Answer: What is the residence policy regarding storage of medication, assistance with medications, and medication record-keeping? Is self-administration of medication allowed? Who coordinates visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or other specialist if needed? Does a doctor or nurse visit the resident regularly to provide medical checkups?


Question: What are general questions about assisted living contracts, costs, and finances?

Answer: Is a contract agreement available to include accommodations, personal care, health care, and support services? When may a contract be terminated and what is the refund policy? Are additional services available if the residents needs change? How do you pay for additional services that are needed on a temporary basis (such as nursing care)? Are there different costs for various levels or categories of services? Are there any government, private, or corporate programs available to help cover the cost of services to the resident? What are the billing, payment, and credit policies? May a resident handle his or her own finances with staff assistance (if able), or should a family member or outside party be designated to do so?


Question: Can you live with essential tremor nerve disorder?

Answer: Essential Tremor is not a life-threatening disorder, unless it prevents a patient from caring for him/herself. Most people are able to live normal lives with this condition -- although they may find everyday activities like eating, dressing, or writing difficult, which leads them to withdraw socially. But it is only when the tremors become severe that they actually cause disability.


Question: What does essential tremor nerve disorder (ET) affect?

Answer: Essential Tremor, sometimes referred to as ET, is a nerve disorder characterized by uncontrollable shaking -- or "tremors" -- in different parts and on different sides of the body. Areas affected often include the hands, arms, head, larynx, or voice box (making the voice sound shaky), tongue, chin, and other areas. The lower body is rarely affected.


Question: If I have tremors, does that mean I have essential tremor nerve disorder?

Answer: The term "tremor" is used to describe the uncontrollable shaking associated with ET, but that's a symptom that can be caused by a multitude of different factors and diseases -- including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, fatigue after exercise, extreme emotional distress, brain tumors, some prescription drugs, metabolic abnormalities, and alcohol or drug withdrawal.


Question: How is schizoaffective disorder related to schizophrenia?

Answer: Schizoaffective disorder: You'll have a combination of psychotic symptoms along with depression (major depressive disorder) or bipolar disorder. You could feel very down, or swing between super high-energy or highly irritable and very low, too. Psychotic symptoms have to sometimes happen even when your mood is OK for you to have schizoaffective disorder. This is a rare, serious, lifelong illness.


Question: How is schizophrenia categorized?

Answer: Doctors may categorize your schizophrenia according to your main symptom to make a diagnosis clearer. But rather than saying you have "paranoid schizophrenia," they would say you have "schizophrenia with paranoia,â for example.


Question: What makes schizophrenia different from other similar disorders?

Answer: What makes schizophrenia different from some similar disorders in the spectrum is how long you've had symptoms and whether you also have signs of a mood disorder.


Question: What is the most effect pain reliever during labor?

Answer: Pain relief in labor: Epidurals are most effective, but other methods like immersion in a warm bath and acupuncture can be effective. A high-tech nerve stimulator called TENS may also be effective if used in conjunction with other pain control treatments. Relaxation techniques, patterned breathing, emotional support, and self-hypnosis are already widely used alternative therapies in labor.


Question: What are alternative therapies for treating nausea in pregnancy?

Answer: The following alternative treatments can safely be used during pregnancy: Nausea: Acupuncture, acupressure, ginger root (250mg capsules 4 times a day), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, 25mg two or three times a day) work well and are considered safe for pregnant women.


Question: What are alternative therapies for treating backache in pregnancy?

Answer: Backache: Chiropractic manipulation and massage may help.


Question: What herbal medicines should you avoid when pregnant?

Answer: Avoid these oral supplements: Arborvitae Beth root Black cohosh Blue cohosh Cascara Chaste tree berry Chinese angelica ( Dong Quai) Cinchona Cotton root bark Feverfew Ginseng Golden seal Juniper Kava kava Licorice Meadow saffron Pennyroyal Poke root Rue Sage Saint Johns wort Senna Tansy White peony Wormwood Yarrow Yellow dock Large doses of vitamin A can cause birth defects. Avoid these aromatherapy essential oils: Calamus Mugwort Pennyroyal Sage Wintergreen Basil Hyssop Myrrh Marjoram Thyme If you have a question about the safety of an alternative therapy, always ask your health care provider before using it.


Question: What are some tips to help you choose the right treatment for breast cancer?

Answer: Talk with your doctor about all the risks and benefits of each treatment option and how they will affect your lifestyle. Think about joining a support group. Other people with breast cancer know what you're going through and can give you advice and understanding. They might help you decide on a treatment, too. Ask your doctor if you should join a clinical trial, a research study that tests new treatments before they're available to everyone.


Question: What are the types of breast cancer treatment?

Answer: Some treatments remove or destroy the disease within the breast and nearby tissues, such as lymph nodes. These include: Surgery to remove the whole breast, called a mastectomy, or to remove just the tumor and tissues around it, called a lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery. There are different types of mastectomies and lumpectomies. Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells.


Question: How do you know which breast cancer treatment to choose?

Answer: No matter which ones you choose, all breast cancer treatments have two main goals: To rid the body of as much of the cancer as possible To prevent the disease from coming back Your doctor will think about a few things before she recommends a treatment for you: The type of breast cancer you have The size of your tumor and how far the cancer has spread in your body, called the stage of your disease If your tumor has things called "receptors" for HER2 protein, estrogen, and progesterone, or other specific features. Your age, if you've gone through menopause, other health conditions you have, and your personal preferences also play a role in this decision-making process.


Question: What medications can I use to lessen my child's teething pain?

Answer: Use baby acetaminophen ( Tylenol) to dull pain. Do not use ibuprofen unless the baby is at least 6 months old. Do not use topical pain medicine that contains benzocaine. They could cause dangerous side effects. Benzocaine can be found in over-the-counter products such as Baby Orajel.


Question: Should I tell my doctor if I am taking tribulus?

Answer: Be sure to tell your doctor about any you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications, foods, or other herbs and supplements. He or she can let you know if the supplement may be risky for you. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) does regulate dietary supplements; however, it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don't have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.


Question: What medicines should you not take with tribulus?

Answer: But tribulus has been known to interact with certain medications. Do not take if you are taking heart and blood pressure medicines. such as: Beta-blockers Digoxin Calcium channel blockers Diuretics ACE inhibitors Nitrates If you are taking diabetes medications, tribulus might decrease your blood sugars to dangerously low levels. It may also increase the effect that steroids have on your body.


Question: How long does head-up tilt table test take?

Answer: It usually takes an hour or two to complete. That may vary, depending on how your blood pressure and heart rate change and what symptoms you have during it. Before the test begins, a nurse will start an IV. This is so the doctors and nurses may give you medications and fluids during the procedure if necessary. You'll be awake during the test. They'll ask you to lie quietly and keep your legs still.


Question: What do I need to know about iodine?

Answer: Iodine is essential for everyone. Supplements may be needed if you don't get enough in your diet. But most people in the U. S. get enough iodine through their normal diet. In other parts of the world, though, low iodine levels are a serious cause of health problems.


Question: What are side effects of iodine?

Answer: More than 1,100 micrograms of iodine a day for adults can be dangerous. It could cause thyroid problems and other issues. Iodine supplements can also cause: Upset stomach Stomach pain Headache Runny nose Diarrhea Metallic taste in the mouth Risks.


Question: Where can you get iodine?

Answer: Most people get more than enough iodine in their diets. One teaspoon of iodized salt contains 400 micrograms of iodine. That's more than twice as much as most adults need each day. For other uses of iodine for specific medical conditions, ask your doctor about the amount you need.


Question: Why should you tell your doctor if you're taking iodine supplements?

Answer: Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications.


Question: Does iodine affect your thyroid?

Answer: As a treatment, iodine helps with goiters (enlargements of the thyroid gland) and high thyroid levels such as in thyroid storm. After exposure to radiation, iodine can provide some protection against thyroid damage.


Question: What foods contain iodine?

Answer: Other seafood sources include: Tuna Sardines Salmon Lobster Shrimp Iodine is also in foods such as: Dairy products Grains Eggs Vegetables Iodine is in breast milk and added to baby formula. It's also added to many brands of table salt.


Question: When should you call a doctor about a nosebleed?

Answer: See a health care provider immediately if: Nosebleed doesn't stop after 10 minutes of home treatment. There is so much bleeding that it is hard to breathe. The person is taking blood thinners, such as warfarin ( Coumadin), dabigatran ( Pradaxa), rivaroxaban ( Xarelto), fondaparinux sodium ( Arixtra), or aspirin, or has a bleeding disorder. Nosebleed happens after a severe head injury or a blow to the face.


Question: How can you stop a nosebleed?

Answer: Don't have the person lie down or tilt the head backward. With thumb and index finger, firmly pinch the nose just below the bone up against the face. Apply pressure for 5 minutes. Time yourself with a clock. If bleeding continues after 5 minutes, repeat the process.


Question: What is the darker area of skin in the breast called?

Answer: The nipple is in the center of a darker area of skin called the areola. The areola contains small glands, called Montgomery glands, which lubricate the nipple during breast-feeding. Fat fills the spaces between the lobes and ducts. There are no muscles in the breasts, but the pectoral or chest muscles lie under each breast and cover the ribs.


Question: What is intertrigo?

Answer: Intertrigo is a fancy name for a rash that shows up between the folds of skin. It is a very common skin rash that can crop up throughout life. The most common areas affected include larger skin-fold areas such as: Armpits Beneath the breasts Genital area Abdomen What does intertrigo look like?


Question: How can I prevent intertrigo?

Answer: Some simple steps may help lower your risk in the future, such as: Shower and dry off thoroughly each day. Keep your skin as dry and cool as you can. Avoid wearing tight shoes or clothing. Wear a bra with good support. If the areas between the toes are affected, consider wearing open-toed shoes. For infants with diaper rash, change diapers more frequently. If you are overweight, do what you can to lose weight.


Question: What are some household cleaning shortcuts?

Answer: For super speedy cleanups, try these shortcuts: Keep cleaning products together in a pail or basket so they're ready when you are and can be carried from room to room. While a disinfectant is sitting, tackle another chore. Use a plastic can liner to help control trash spills and leaking and to cut down on wastebasket and garbage can cleaning. To keep spills in the refrigerator and on floors from turning into bigger messes, clean and sanitize them as they happen.


Question: What are the treatments for stage IV prostate cancer?

Answer: In this stage, you should consider the following treatments: Hormone therapy, which is often combined with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy Surgery to relieve symptoms such as bleeding or urinary obstruction and to remove cancerous lymph nodes External radiation with or without hormone therapy Chemotherapy, if standard treatments don't relieve symptoms and the cancer continues to grow. The drugs will shrink cancer cells and slow their growth. Bisphosphonate drugs, which can help slow the growth of cancer in the bone and help prevent fractures The vaccine sipuleucel- T ( Provenge), which boosts your immune system so it will attack the cancer cells. This might be used when hormone therapy doesn't work. Palliative care, which offers you relief from symptoms like pain and trouble peeing Clinical trials are testing new treatments. They can give you state-of-the-art cancer treatments or newer ones that aren't available yet. Ask your doctor if a clinical trial might be right for you.


Question: What is stage I prostate cancer?

Answer: The cancer is small, and it hasn't grown outside your prostate. Slow-growing cancers might never cause symptoms or other health problems. In this stage, your PSA levels and Gleason scores are low, and that's good. When they're higher, your cancer is more aggressive. It's also more likely to come back and require more intensive treatment.


Question: What is stage II prostate cancer?

Answer: The cancer is much larger, but it hasn't spread outside your prostate. Your PSA levels and Gleason scores are also higher. Surgery or radiation is often needed to keep it from spreading.


Question: What is stage III prostate cancer?

Answer: Radical prostatectomy The cancer has spread beyond your prostate, but it hasn't reached your bladder, rectum, lymph nodes, or nearby organs.


Question: How does a radical prostatectomy treat prostate cancer?

Answer: This is a surgery to remove your prostate and some of the surrounding tissue.


Question: How does active surveillance treat prostate cancer?

Answer: Your doctor tracks your PSA levels. If those levels rise, it might mean your cancer is growing or spreading. Your doctor can then change your treatment. He might also do tests like rectal exams and ultrasounds.


Question: How does watchful waiting treat prostate cancer?

Answer: This involves fewer tests than active surveillance. Your doctor keeps a close watch on your symptoms. If you're an older man, or you have other serious health problems, your doctor might opt for this method.


Question: How do PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels determine the stage of prostate cancer?

Answer: Your doctor tracks your PSA levels. If those levels rise, it might mean your cancer is growing or spreading. Your doctor can then change your treatment.


Question: What is stage IV prostate cancer?

Answer: This happens when your cancer has spread to the bladder, rectum, lymph nodes, organs, or bones. Cases of stage IV are rarely cured. Still, treatments can extend your life and ease your pain.


Question: What are the treatments for stage III prostate cancer?

Answer: With stage III, you should consider the following treatments: External radiation plus hormone therapy External radiation plus brachytherapy and possible hormone therapy Radical prostatectomy, often combined with removal of your pelvic lymph nodes. Your doctor might recommend radiation after surgery.


Question: What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)?

Answer: Actually a group of more than 10 disorders, EDS is characterized by over-flexible joints, stretchy skin, and abnormal growth of scar tissue. Symptoms can range from mild to disabling. Depending on the specific form of EDS, other symptoms may include: A curved spine Weak blood vessels Bleeding gums Problems with the lungs, heart valves, or digestion Epidermolysis bullosa ( EB).


Question: What are inherited disorders of connective tissue?

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Question: What is epidermolysis bullosa (EB)?

Answer: People with EB have skin that is so fragile that it tears or blisters as a result of a minor bump, stumble, or even friction from clothing. Some forms of EB may involve the digestive tract, the respiratory tract, the muscles, or the bladder. Caused by defects of several proteins in the skin, EB is usually evident at birth.


Question: what is osteogenesis imperfecta?

Answer: Osteogenesis imperfecta is a condition of brittle bones, low muscle mass, and lax joints and ligaments. There are several types of this condition. Specific symptoms depend on the specific type and may include: Blue or gray tint to the whites of the eyes Thin skin Curved spine Breathing problems Hearing loss Teeth that break easily The disease occurs when a mutation in two genes responsible for type 1 collagen reduces the amount or quality of the protein. Type 1 collagen is important to the structure of bone and skin.


Question: What is mixed connective tissue disease?

Answer: People with MCTD have some features characteristic of several diseases, including lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis or dermatomyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis. When this occurs, doctors often make the diagnosis of mixed connective tissue disease. While many people with mixed connective tissue disease have mild symptoms, others may experience life-threatening complications.


Question: What is vasculitis?

Answer: Vasculitis is a general term for more than 20 different conditions characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels. These can affect blood flow to the organs and other body tissues. Vasculitis can involve any of the blood vessels.


Question: What are the symptoms of pudendal neuralgia?

Answer: You usually feel pudendal neuralgia symptoms in your lower body, genitals, or perineum (the area between your genitals and anus). These may include: A sharp or burning pain More sensitivity Numbness or a pins-and-needles feeling, like when your leg falls asleep A swollen feeling These feelings might be worse when you sit down. Or you may have symptoms on both sides of your body, and they might go into your belly, buttocks, or legs. You also may have problems such as: A sudden or frequent need to go to the bathroom Trouble or pain during sex For men, problems getting an erection If you have pelvic pain, tell your doctor.


Question: How is pudendal neuralgia diagnosed?

Answer: You also may have problems such as: A sudden or frequent need to go to the bathroom Trouble or pain during sex For men, problems getting an erection If you have pelvic pain, tell your doctor. At your appointment, you'll answer questions about your symptoms and get a physical examination. Your doctor will put a finger into your vagina or rectum and put pressure on the nerve to check on it. You might also get an imaging test with an MRI machine. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to take a picture of your body's internal organs. Your doctor may also give you a pudendal nerve block. This is a shot you get in your pelvis to numb the nerve and see if your symptoms go away.


Question: What is the most common food intolerance?

Answer: These triggers cause about 90% of food allergies: Peanuts Tree nuts (such as walnuts, pecans and almonds) Fish Shellfish Milk Eggs Soy Wheat The most common food intolerance is lactose intolerance. It happens when people can't digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy.


Question: What are the symptoms of food allergy?

Answer: You may have these symptoms: Gas, cramps, or bloating Heartburn Headaches Irritability or nervousness A food allergy happens when your immune system mistakes something in food as harmful and attacks it. It can affect your whole body, not just your stomach. Symptoms may include: Rash, hives, or itchy skin Shortness of breath Chest pain Sudden drop in blood pressure, trouble swallowing or breathing -- this is life-threatening. Call 911 immediately.


Question: What are the symptoms of food intolerance?

Answer: Food Allergy: Usually comes on suddenly Small amount of food can trigger Happens every time you eat the food Can be life-threatening Food Intolerance: Usually comes on gradually May only happen when you eat a lot of the food May only happen if you eat the food often Is not life-threatening A food allergy and an intolerance both can cause: Nausea Stomach pain Diarrhea Vomiting When a food irritates your stomach or your body can't properly digest it, that's an intolerance. You may have these symptoms: Gas, cramps, or bloating Heartburn Headaches Irritability or nervousness A food allergy happens when your immune system mistakes something in food as harmful and attacks it.


Question: What are common triggers of food allergies?

Answer: These triggers cause about 90% of food allergies: Peanuts Tree nuts (such as walnuts, pecans and almonds) Fish Shellfish Milk Eggs Soy Wheat The most common food intolerance is lactose intolerance.


Question: What are the symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

Answer: SJS usually starts with a fever and feeling like you have the flu. A few days later, other symptoms appear, including: Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off Blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals Red, painful, watery eyes SJS is dangerous. If you have these symptoms, go to the emergency room.


Question: When are you more likely to get Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

Answer: Some of the most common are: Medicines for gout, a painful form of arthritis -- especially allopurinol ( Aloprim, Zyloprim) Pain relievers such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol), ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin), and naproxen sodium ( Aleve) Sulfa antibiotics, a kind of drug that fights infections (including Bactrim and Septra) Medicines that treat seizures or mental illness The medicines most likely to cause problems in kids are sulfa antibiotics, Tylenol, and drugs that treat seizures, especially carbamazepine ( Carbatrol, Tegretol). If you're going to get SJS, it will most likely happen in the first 2 months you're taking a drug. An infection, like pneumonia or the herpes virus that causes cold sores, can also trigger SJS. This happens more often with kids than adults. You're more likely to get SJS if you have: HIV or other problems with your immune system Had SJS before Certain genes you inherit from your parents Radiation treatments You'll be treated for SJS in the hospital by a special team of doctors and nurses.


Question: What is recovery like after treatment for Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

Answer: You could be in the hospital from 2 to 4 weeks. It takes time to recover from SJS, and most people do. Severe cases can be fatal, though, especially during the 3 months after it started. The most common complications tend to be sepsis (an inflammatory reaction in your whole body), trouble breathing because fluid builds up in your lungs, or many organs that stop working. Your chances are better if you're young and otherwise healthy, but you're still at greater risk for up to a year. Sometimes SJS has effects that will show up years after you heal, including: Scars where your skin peeled Dry eyes that hurt in bright light Trouble seeing Infections in your gums or mouth Lung problems such as bronchitis, which causes a bad cough and trouble breathing There's often no way to know how you'll react to certain medicines -- even ones your doctor prescribes.


Question: What foods have high amounts of isoflavones?

Answer: The following foods are high in isoflavone and may help symptoms of menopause: Isoflavone Amount ( Mg) In Food (100g) Soybeans, green, raw 151.17 Soy flour (textured) 148.61 Soybeans, dry roasted 128.35 Instant beverage soy, powder, not reconstituted 109.51 Miso soup mix, dry 60.39 Soybean chips 54.16 Tempeh, cooked 53.00 Soybean curd cheese 28.20 Tofu, silken 27.91 Tofu, yogurt 16.30 Soymilk 9.65 While safe when taken in moderate amounts through diet, there remains some questions about the safety of consuming extraordinary amounts of soy and isoflavone supplements in women with a history of estrogen-dependent cancer, like breast cancer.


Question: How can nutritional supplements help treat menopause symptoms?

Answer: Many women going through menopause try to get relief from their symptoms by including phytoestrogens, or natural estrogens, in their diet. There are also other nutritional supplements that are touted to help relieve menopausal symptoms, such as black cohosh and flaxseed.


Question: What questions should I ask my doctor about alternative therapies for menopause?

Answer: Ask yourself the following questions about alternative therapies: What is the treatment? What does it involve? How does it work? Why does it work? Are there any risks? What are the side effects? Is it effective? ( Ask for evidence or proof) How much does it cost?


Question: How can my doctor help me find the right alternative therapy for menopause?

Answer: Once you answer these questions, discuss the therapy with your doctor. Make sure your doctor knows what therapy you are considering in order to discuss possible interactions or side effects with your current treatment.


Question: What's the difference between alternative therapies and complementary therapies?

Answer: Alternative treatments are often used alone, while complementary treatments are alternative treatments that are used in combination with traditional treatments, such as medication or surgery.


Question: Can botanicals relieve menopause symptoms?

Answer: Some botanicals, such as phytoestrogens, may help relieve menopause symptoms, although research findings are contradictory and women who have their uterus or have had breast cancer should exercise caution.


Question: What are alternative therapies?

Answer: Complementary and alternative therapies are treatments that are considered nontraditional. They include dietary and herbal supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy, biofeedback, homeopathy, and eating certain foods that are thought to prevent disease or heal.


Question: How can black cohosh help ease menopause symptoms?

Answer: The North American Menopause Society reports that black cohosh may be helpful in the very short term (six months or less) for treatment of hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, but the evidence of its effectiveness is mixed. Safety beyond six months of use is not known.


Question: Can evening primrose oil help menopause symptoms?

Answer: Evening primrose oil is another botanical that is often used to treat hot flashes, although there is no scientific evidence to support this. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, problems with the immune system, and blood clotting . Many women with other conditions, or those who take certain medications, should not take evening primrose oil.


Question: What botanicals are safe to take during menopause?

Answer: The following foods are high in isoflavone and may help symptoms of menopause: Isoflavone Amount ( Mg) In Food (100g) Soybeans, green, raw 151.17 Soy flour (textured) 148.61 Soybeans, dry roasted 128.35 Instant beverage soy, powder, not reconstituted 109.51 Miso soup mix, dry 60.39 Soybean chips 54.16 Tempeh, cooked 53.00 Soybean curd cheese 28.20 Tofu, silken 27.91 Tofu, yogurt 16.30 Soymilk 9.65 While safe when taken in moderate amounts through diet, there remains some questions about the safety of consuming extraordinary amounts of soy and isoflavone supplements in women with a history of estrogen-dependent cancer, like breast cancer. Clinical trials are underway to answer these questions. Because little is known about many botanicals, the best way to evaluate their safety and effectiveness is to become an educated consumer.


Question: What should you expect in a dilated eye exam for vitreomacular adhesion?

Answer: Dilated eye exam: Drops will be put on your eye to enlarge your pupil. That'll give your doctor a look at your retina, macula, and optic nerve at the back of your eye. It's a good way to find things like a macula hole or detached retina. VMA can cause both of those. This painless procedure also shows problems with blood vessels, like swelling or leaking. Because your pupils are dilated, your vision will be blurry for several hours afterward. You may need someone to drive you home from your appointment. If you wear contact lenses, you'll need to remove them before the test.


Question: What should you expect in an optical coherence tomography for vitreomacular adhesion?

Answer: Optical coherence tomography: This gives your doctor a 3- D view of the cell layers inside the retina. It uses light to take pictures of the back of your eye. It shows the thickness of the retina and can also show swelling in the macula. This test can also see how well you are healing after treatment for VMA. Like with the fluorescein angiogram, you may have your pupils dilated and will sit with your head motionless on a special chin rest.


Question: What should you expect in an Amsler grid for vitreomacular adhesion?

Answer: Amsler grid: This examines your central vision. You'll be asked to look at a dot in the middle of a grid. If you have blurred or distorted central vision, the grid will appear fuzzy or misshapen. If it does, that means there's a problem with your macula, a tiny portion of the retina that picks up details. Vitreomacular adhesion can cause swelling or a change in the shape of your macula. All of these can affect your vision.


Question: What should you expect in a fluorescein angiogram for vitreomacular adhesion?

Answer: Fluorescein angiogram: Your eye doctor may want to give you this after a dilated eye exam. It's a more detailed look at the blood vessels in your eyes. You'll be given eye drops to dilate your pupil in this test. You'll put your head on a chin rest so it stays still. Dye that glows green under a fluorescent light will be injected in your arm. A camera takes pictures as the dye travels through the blood vessels in your retina. It shows the doctor any damage there. The test can be done in your eye doctor's office. It can also rule out things like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The test is safe, but you may have nausea and a warm feeling when the dye is put in. You should also expect your skin to turn a bit yellow. Your pee may become a darker, orange color for a day or two after the test. Like what happened with the dilated eye exam, your vision will be blurry for hours afterward. You'll need to someone to drive you home.


Question: What should you expect in a visual acuity test for vitreomacular adhesion?

Answer: Visual acuity test: This will happen first. It's the standard eye chart with letters that get smaller as you go down the rows. You'll be asked to read the smallest line of letters you can see with one eye, then the other. This will tell your doctor how much vision you've lost since your last eye exam.


Question: When do eye freckles form?

Answer: There are two types of eye freckles.


Question: What causes eye freckles?

Answer: Doctors don't know why some people have them and others don't, but a couple of things may affect your chances: Race: Choroidal nevi -- in the back of your eye -- are much more common in white people or people with lighter skin tones than in black people. Sun exposure: It's possible that sun damage might raise your chances of nevi, and there's evidence that iris freckles are related to being out in the sun. A 2017 study found that people who spent more time in the sun had more iris freckles.


Question: What are iris freckles?

Answer: The other type of eye freckles are called iris freckles. These are tiny flecks in the colored part of your eye. They're more like the freckles on your skin than moles -- they're only on the surface of your eye and don't affect its shape. About half of all people have iris freckles.


Question: What are other reasons to see an eye doctor for eye freckles?

Answer: Other reasons to see an eye doctor include: A freckle in your eye that's grown or changed its shape or color Eye pain You see flashing lights Other changes in your vision To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays when you're outside.


Question: Do eye freckles need treatment?

Answer: Most don't -- they're harmless, just like most moles and freckles on your skin. They're not likely to affect your vision or cause any problems. The only reason you might need treatment for an eye freckle is if your doctor thinks it might be a melanoma.


Question: How can eye freckles vary by color?

Answer: They have different names depending on where they are: Conjunctival nevus: On the surface of your eye Iris nevus: In the colored part of your eye Choroidal nevus: Under your retina (in back of your eye) Nevi can be yellow, brown, gray, or a combination of colors. They're made by special cells called melanocytes, which give your skin and your eyes their color. Those cells are usually spread out, but if enough of them clump together, they form a nevus.


Question: How can I protect my eyes from eye freckles?

Answer: Other reasons to see an eye doctor include: A freckle in your eye that's grown or changed its shape or color Eye pain You see flashing lights Other changes in your vision To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays when you're outside. While we don't know for sure, sunglasses might lower of the chances that a harmless nevus will turn into melanoma.


Question: What are the different names for eye freckles?

Answer: But others are hidden in the back of your eye, where no one but your eye doctor will ever see them. They have different names depending on where they are: Conjunctival nevus: On the surface of your eye Iris nevus: In the colored part of your eye Choroidal nevus: Under your retina (in back of your eye) Nevi can be yellow, brown, gray, or a combination of colors.


Question: What medical tests or exams may a doctor ask for during an ADHD diagnosis?

Answer: To rule out other conditions, a doctor may ask for tests, including: Hearing and eyesight A blood test for lead levels A blood test for diseases such as thyroid disease A test to measure electrical activity in the brain A CT scan or MRI to check for brain abnormalities To diagnose ADHD, doctors most often use guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association.


Question: What is the Behavior Assessment System for Children?

Answer: This test looks for things like hyperactivity, aggression, and conduct problems. It also looks for anxiety, depression, attention and learning problems, and lack of certain essential skills.


Question: What is the Child Behavior Checklist/Teacher Report Form?

Answer: Among other things, this scale looks at physical complaints, aggressive or delinquent behavior, and withdrawal.


Question: What do doctors look for to diagnose ADHD?

Answer: Instead, doctors rely on several things, including: Interviews with the parents, relatives, teachers, or other adults Personally watching the child or adult Questionnaires or rating scales that measure symptoms of ADHD Psychological tests The doctor needs to see how much a person's symptoms are affecting his daily moods, behavior, productivity, and lifestyle habits. And he needs to rule out other conditions.


Question: What ratings scales do doctors use to evaluate and track ADHD symptoms?

Answer: Along with these APA guidelines, doctors may also use rating scales to help them evaluate and track ADHD symptoms. A few examples are The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale. This 55-question assessment tool reviews symptoms of ADHD. It also looks for other conditions such as conduct disorder, oppositional-defiant disorder, anxiety, and depression. The Child Attention Profile ( CAP). This scale is generally filled out by teachers and tracks common ADHD symptoms. Behavior Assessment System for Children ( BASC). This test looks for things like hyperactivity, aggression, and conduct problems. It also looks for anxiety, depression, attention and learning problems, and lack of certain essential skills. Child Behavior Checklist/ Teacher Report Form ( CBCL). Among other things, this scale looks at physical complaints, aggressive or delinquent behavior, and withdrawal.


Question: How is hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD diagnosed?

Answer: Hyperactive- Impulsive Type: A person must have at least 6 out these 9 symptoms, and few symptoms of inattentive type: Fidgets or squirms a lot Gets up from his seat a lot Runs or climbs at inappropriate times Has trouble playing quietly Always âon the goâ as if âdriven by a motor" Talks excessively Blurts an answer before the question has been completed Trouble waiting his turn Interrupts others 3.


Question: Where on food labels should I check for trans fats?

Answer: Check the Nutrition Facts label and the ingredient list. If the Nutrition Facts label says the product has "0 g trans fat," that doesn't necessarily mean it has no trans fats. It could have up to half a gram of trans fats per serving. So check the ingredient label to see if "partially hydrogenated oils" is on the list. Those are trans fats.


Question: Why do I need to check food labels for trans fats?

Answer: You might have seen those trans fats listed as "partially hydrogenated oils." While food companies slowly remove trans fats from their products, you still need to check labels.


Question: What are the kinds of chest retractions?

Answer: In adults, they're also caused by: Asthma Pneumonia A bad allergic reaction Epiglottitis, when the tissue that covers your windpipe swells up The kind of chest retractions you have depends on their location. Subcostal retractions: When your belly pulls in beneath your rib cage Substernal retractions: If your belly pulls beneath your breastbone Suprasternal retractions: When the skin in the middle of your neck sucks in. It's also called a tracheal tug. Superclavical retractions: Happen on the part of your neck above your collarbone Intercostal retractions: Happen between each rib Wherever they're happening, chest retractions mean your body's not getting enough air.


Question: What should you expect during laser resurfacing?

Answer: Generally, laser resurfacing is an outpatient procedure, meaning there is no overnight stay. The doctor may treat individual wrinkles around your eyes, mouth, or forehead or treat your entire face. For small areas, the doctor will numb the areas to be treated with a local anesthetic. The doctor may also sedate you. You may get general anesthesia if your whole face is being treated. If the doctor is just treating parts of your face, the procedure will take about 30 to 45 minutes. A full-face treatment takes up to two hours.


Question: What types of makeup can you wear after laser resurfacing?

Answer: Once the treated areas have healed, you can wear makeup to hide the pink to red color that is typically seen after laser skin resurfacing. Green-based make-ups are particularly suitable for this camouflage since they neutralize the red color. Oil-free make-ups are recommended after laser resurfacing.


Question: How can you prepare for laser resurfacing?

Answer: Start by consulting a plastic surgeon or dermatologist to find out if you're a good candidate. Be sure to choose a doctor who has documented training and experience in laser skin resurfacing. The doctor will determine which laser treatment is best for you after considering your medical history, current health, and desired results. Tell the doctor if you get cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth. Laser skin resurfacing can trigger breakouts in people who are at risk. If you decide to go ahead with laser skin resurfacing, your doctor will ask you to avoid taking any medications or supplements that can affect clotting -- such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E -- for 10 days before surgery. If you smoke, you should stop for two weeks before and after the procedure. Smoking can prolong healing. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic beforehand to prevent bacterial infections and also an antiviral medication if you are prone to cold sores or fever blisters.


Question: Who is a good candidate for laser resurfacing?

Answer: If you have acne or if you have very dark skin, you may not be a candidate. This technique is also not recommended for stretch marks. You should discuss whether laser resurfacing is right for you by consulting with the doctor before having the procedure done.


Question: What is CO2 laser resurfacing?

Answer: This method has been used for years to treat different skin issues, including wrinkles, scars, warts, enlarged oil glands on the nose, and other conditions. The newest version of CO2 laser resurfacing (fractionated CO2) uses very short pulsed light energy (known as ultrapulse) or continuous light beams that are delivered in a scanning pattern to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage. Recovery takes up to two weeks.


Question: Who is more likely to get hyponatremia?

Answer: But at any age, you're more likely to get it if you have a condition like kidney disease, SIADH, or heart failure. It can also happen if you take the drugs that make the condition more likely. If you drink too much water when you do something that's physically very hard -- like a marathon -- you may be more likely to develop hyponatremia.


Question: What causes of infertility can in vitro fertilization treat?

Answer: When it comes to infertility, IVF may be an option if you or your partner have been diagnosed with: Endometriosis Low sperm counts Problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes Problems with ovulation Antibody problems that harm sperm or eggs The inability of sperm to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucus Poor egg quality Genetic disease of mother or father An unexplained fertility problem IVF is never the first step in the treatment of infertility except in cases of complete tubal blockage. Instead, it's reserved for cases in which other methods such as fertility drugs, surgery, and artificial insemination haven't worked.


Question: What are the success rates for in vitro fertilization?

Answer: Success rates for IVF depend on a number of factors, including the reason for infertility, where you're having the procedure done, and your age. The CDC compiles national statistics for all assisted reproductive technology ( ART) procedures performed in the U. S., including IVF, GIFT, and ZIFT, although IVF is by far the most common; it accounts for 99% of the procedures. The most recent report from 2016 found: Pregnancy was achieved in an average of 27.3% of all cycles (higher or lower depending on the age of the woman).


Question: What can be combined with in vitro fertilization to help with infertility in a man?

Answer: In cases where the man's sperm count is extremely low or there is poor motility (movement of the sperm), doctors may combine IVF with a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In this procedure, a sperm is taken from semen -- or in some cases right from the testicles -- and inserted directly into the egg. Once a viable embryo is produced, it is transferred to the uterus using the usual IVF procedure.


Question: What are some questions to ask at the in vitro fertilization clinic?

Answer: If you think that IVF might make sense for you, carefully assess any treatment center before undergoing the procedure. Here are some questions to ask the staff at the fertility clinic: What is your pregnancy ratio per embryo transfer? What is your pregnancy rate for couples in our age group and with our fertility problem? What is the live birth rate for all couples who undergo this procedure each year at your facility? How many of those deliveries are twins or other multiple births? How much will the procedure cost, including the cost of the hormone treatments? How much does it cost to store embryos and how long can we store them? Do you participate in an egg donation program?


Question: How can shingles cause chest pain?

Answer: Caused by the varicella zoster virus, shingles may prompt a sharp, band-like pain before a telltale rash appears several days later.


Question: How can pneumonia or lung abscess cause chest pain?

Answer: These lung infections can cause pleuritic and other types of chest pain, such as a deep chest ache. Pneumonia often comes on suddenly, causing fever, chills, cough, and pus coughed up from the respiratory tract.


Question: How do anxiety and panic attacks cause chest pain?

Answer: Another potential cause of chest pain is anxiety and panic attacks. Some associated symptoms can include dizziness, sensation of shortness of breath, palpitations, tingling sensations, and trembling.


Question: How can pancreatitis cause chest pain?

Answer: You may have pancreatitis if you have pain in the lower chest that is often worse when you lie flat and better when you lean forward.


Question: How can gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cause chest pain?

Answer: Also known as acid reflux, GERD occurs when stomach contents move back into the throat. This may cause a sour taste in the mouth and a burning sensation in the chest or throat, known as heartburn. Factors that may trigger acid reflux include obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and spicy or fatty foods. Heart pain and heartburn from acid reflux feel similar partly because the heart and esophagus are located close to each other and share a nerve network.


Question: How can esophageal rupture or perforation cause chest pain?

Answer: A sudden, severe chest pain following vomiting or a procedure involving the esophagus may be the sign of a rupture in the esophagus.


Question: How can pulmonary hypertension cause chest pain?

Answer: With chest pain resembling that of angina, this abnormally high blood pressure in the lung arteries makes the right side of the heart work too hard.


Question: When should you see the doctor for chest pain?

Answer: When in doubt, call your doctor about any chest pain you have, especially if it comes on suddenly or is not relieved by anti-inflammatory medications or other self-care steps, such as changing your diet. Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms along with chest pain: A sudden feeling of pressure, squeezing, tightness, or crushing under your breastbone Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back Sudden sharp chest pain with shortness of breath, especially after a long period of inactivity Nausea, dizziness, rapid heart rate or rapid breathing, confusion, ashen color, or excessive sweating Very low blood pressure or very low heart rate Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms: Fever, chills, or coughing up yellow-green mucus Problems swallowing Severe chest pain that does not go away


Question: How can hypertrophic cardiomyopathy cause chest pain?

Answer: This genetic disease causes the heart muscle to grow abnormally thick. Sometimes this leads to problems with blood flow out of the heart. Chest pain and shortness of breath often occur with exercise. Over time, heart failure may occur when the heart muscle becomes very thickened. This makes the heart work harder to pump blood. Along with chest pain, this type of cardiomyopathy may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and other symptoms.


Question: How can esophageal contraction disorders cause chest pain?

Answer: Uncoordinated muscle contractions (spasms) and high-pressure contractions (nutcracker esophagus) are problems in the esophagus that can cause chest pain.


Question: How can hiatal hernia cause chest pain?

Answer: This common problem occurs when the top of the stomach pushes into the lower chest after eating. This often causes reflux symptoms, including heartburn or chest pain. The pain tends to get worse when you lie down.


Question: How can myocarditis cause chest pain?

Answer: In addition to chest pain, this heart muscle inflammation may cause fever, fatigue, fast heart beat, and trouble breathing. Although no blockage exists, myocarditis symptoms can resemble those of a heart attack.


Question: What can I do to make my shopping with rheumatoid arthritis easier?

Answer: Reachers. Take yours with you to help retrieve items from high shelves at the store. For heavy or breakable items, though, ask a store employee or another shopper for help. Motorized shopping carts. Many stores have them. You can sit while you cruise the aisles. If the store doesn't have them, use a shopping cart, even if you only need a few things, to spare your hands and energy. You'll have something to lean on, too. Shopping bags. Reusable ones can be easier on your hands and wrists than plastic grocery bags. Have the bagger fill them halfway. To carry the bags, slide them over your forearms so your hands are free. Cross your arms and hold them close to your body to lighten the load on your shoulder and elbows.


Question: Are there ways to make life easier with rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: With rheumatoid arthritis, you can still lead an active life, look great, and do the things you enjoy. There are gadgets, which your doctor may call âassistive devices,â that can help you regain your independence and make daily tasks easier. Some are specially designed for people with conditions like RA, to make it easier to bend, reach, or grip. You might find them at a pharmacy or medical supply store, or you can search online for some devices.


Question: How can I modify certain products to make them more convenient for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Some to consider: Leather seats, which are easier to slide in and out of than upholstered seats Power window and seat controls Heated seats, which can soothe sore hips and lower backs Running boards, which make it easier to climb in and out Larger, easier-to-grip steering wheels With a little effort and craftiness, you can find or modify products that can help you keep doing your favorite hobbies and activities. Assistive devices like these can help: Kneelers and lightweight hoses for gardening Book stands for hands-free reading Large, easy-to-hold playing cards and electric shufflers for card games Equipment such as automated ball-teeing devices and ball retrieval aids for golf Light-weight spring-operated scissors for crafts Automatic needle threaders for needle work


Question: What are the most common types of arrhythmia?

Answer: The most common types of arrhythmia include: Premature atrial contractions.


Question: What is the sinoatrial (SA) or sinus node?

Answer: There's a node in the upper right section of your heart that monitors your body's need for blood. It's called the sinoatrial ( SA) or sinus node, and it acts like a natural pacemaker. It's the main control and source of each heartbeat. It can speed up your heart rate when you need it, like when you exercise or get sick, or even when you feel happy.


Question: What are ventricular and supraventricular heart arrhythmias?

Answer: Heart arrhythmias fall into two categories. One starts from inside the heart's lower chambers. Doctors call this kind "ventricular" because the lower chambers of the heart are the ventricles. The other kind starts outside or above the ventricles. You may hear these called "supraventricular" arrhythmias.


Question: What are symptoms of a heart rhythm disorder?

Answer: Common symptoms include: Palpitations, or "skipped beats" Thumping or fluttering in the chest Sensation of the heart racing Other things that might happen: Feeling faint or tired Light-headedness or passing out Shortness of breath Chest pain or discomfort You may have these sensations and have no arrhythmias.


Question: Can a a vagus nerve stimulator help treat complex partial seizures?

Answer: Devices: A vagus nerve stimulator is like a pacemaker for your brain -- it sends mild electrical pulses to a nerve in your neck. Your doctor might recommend this if other treatments haven't worked for you.


Question: Are there foods that can help prevent complex partial seizures?

Answer: Changes to your diet: A special diet -- like the high-fat and low-carb ketogenic diet -- may help prevent seizures in some people.


Question: What kind of tests do you get in an ER for a possible heart attack?

Answer: At the hospital, an emergency department doctor will examine the person and run tests to see if chest pain stems from a heart attack or another cause. Tests may include an electrocardiogram ( ECG), chest X-ray, and blood tests.


Question: What are symptoms of a heart attack?

Answer: Chest discomfort that may last more than a few minutes or go away and come back; it may feel like squeezing, fullness, pressure, or pain. Pain or discomfort in the upper body, including arm, left shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or below the breastbone Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (with or without chest pain) Sweating or "cold sweat" Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting Light-headedness, dizziness, or extreme weakness Anxiety or rapid or irregular heartbeats Do not drive to the hospital unless you have no other option.


Question: When should you seek immediate medical care if you think you have glaucoma?

Answer: If you have any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical care: Seeing halos around lights Vision loss Redness in the eye Eye that looks hazy (particularly in infants) Nausea or vomiting Eye pain Narrowed vision (tunnel vision) Your eye doctor will use drops to open (he'll call it dilate) your pupils.


Question: How is laser surgery used for treating glaucoma?

Answer: This procedure can slightly increase the flow of the fluid from the eye for people with open-angle glaucoma. It can stop fluid blockage if you have angle-closure glaucoma. Procedures include: Trabeculoplasty: Opens the drainage area Iridotomy: Makes a tiny hole in the iris to let fluid flow more freely Cyclophotocoagulation: Treats areas of the middle layer of your eye to reduce fluid production Microsurgery.


Question: How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Answer: If you have any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical care: Seeing halos around lights Vision loss Redness in the eye Eye that looks hazy (particularly in infants) Nausea or vomiting Eye pain Narrowed vision (tunnel vision) Your eye doctor will use drops to open (he'll call it dilate) your pupils. Then he'll test your vision and examine your eyes. He'll check your optic nerve, and if you have glaucoma, it will look a certain way. He may take photographs of the nerve to help him track your disease over time. He'll do a test called tonometry to check your eye pressure. He'll also do a visual field test, if necessary, to figure out if you've lost your side, or peripheral, vision. Glaucoma tests are painless and take very little time.


Question: What is angle-closure glaucoma?

Answer: It's less common in the West than in Asia. You may also hear it called acute or chronic angle-closure or narrow-angle glaucoma. Your eye doesn't drain right because the drain space between your iris and cornea becomes too narrow. This can cause a sudden buildup of pressure in your eye. It's also linked to farsightedness and cataracts, a clouding of the lens inside your eye.


Question: How often should you get an eye exam if you have a family history of glaucoma?

Answer: If you're over age 40 and have a family history of the disease, you should get a complete eye exam from an eye doctor every 1 to 2 years. If you have health problems like diabetes or a family history of glaucoma or are at risk for other eye diseases, you may need to go more often.


Question: What is open-angle glaucoma?

Answer: It's the most common type. Your doctor may also call it wide-angle glaucoma. The drain structure in your eye -- it's called the trabecular meshwork -- looks normal, but fluid doesn't flow out like it should.


Question: Can you prevent glaucoma?

Answer: But if you diagnose and treat it early, you can control the disease.


Question: How do you know if you have glaucoma?

Answer: Most people with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain. You need to see your eye doctor regularly so she can diagnose and treat glaucoma before long-term visual loss happens.


Question: How is microsurgery used for treating glaucoma?

Answer: In a procedure called a trabeculectomy, the doctor creates a new channel to drain the fluid and ease eye pressure. Sometimes this form of glaucoma surgery fails and has to be redone. Your doctor might implant a tube to help drain fluid. Surgery can cause temporary or permanent vision loss, as well as bleeding or infection.


Question: How is infant or congenital glaucoma treated?

Answer: Open-angle glaucoma is most often treated with various combinations of eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, and microsurgery.


Question: What is the outlook of glaucoma?

Answer: At this time, lost vision can't be restored. However, lowering eye pressure can help preserve the sight you have. Most people with glaucoma who follow their treatment plan and have regular eye exams don't go blind.


Question: Why should you get an eye exam if you think you have glaucoma?

Answer: Detecting glaucoma early is one reason you should have a complete exam with an eye specialist every 1 to 2 years. Occasionally, pressure inside the eye can rise to severe levels. In these cases, you may have sudden eye pain, headache, blurred vision, or the appearance of halos around lights.


Question: How is glaucoma treated?

Answer: Your doctor may use prescription eye drops, laser surgery, or microsurgery to lower pressure in the eye.


Question: How is open-angle glaucoma treated?

Answer: Open-angle glaucoma is most often treated with various combinations of eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, and microsurgery. Doctors in the U. S. tend to start with medications, but there's evidence that early laser surgery or microsurgery could work better for some people.


Question: How are eye drops used for treating glaucoma?

Answer: These either reduce the formation of fluid in the eye or increase its outflow, thereby lowering eye pressure. Side effects may include allergies, redness, stinging, blurred vision, and irritated eyes.


Question: What are the warning signs of glaucoma?

Answer: If you have any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical care: Seeing halos around lights Vision loss Redness in the eye Eye that looks hazy (particularly in infants) Nausea or vomiting Eye pain Narrowed vision (tunnel vision) Your eye doctor will use drops to open (he'll call it dilate) your pupils.


Question: How is glaucoma treated in infants?

Answer: Infant or congenital glaucoma -- meaning you are born with it -- is primarily treated with surgery, because the cause of the problem is a very distorted drainage system.


Question: What is microsurgery for glaucoma?

Answer: In a procedure called a trabeculectomy, the doctor creates a new channel to drain the fluid and ease eye pressure. Sometimes this form of glaucoma surgery fails and has to be redone. Your doctor might implant a tube to help drain fluid. Surgery can cause temporary or permanent vision loss, as well as bleeding or infection.


Question: Are there any less-common causes of glaucoma?

Answer: Less common causes include a blunt or chemical injury to your eye, severe eye infection, blocked blood vessels inside the eye, and inflammatory conditions. It's rare, but sometimes eye surgery to correct another condition can bring it on. It usually affects both eyes, but it may be worse in one than the other.


Question: How do you know if you have an infection from breast cancer surgery?

Answer: You may have a fever. Usually, antibiotics can treat these infections. Lymphedema. Look for swelling of the arm or hand on the side of the surgery.


Question: What are the complications of reconstructive surgery for breast cancer?

Answer: Many women opt to get their breast reconstructed right after their cancer is removed. Problems can stem from that operation, too. They include: Infection Poor healing A leak or rupture of your breast implant Scar tissue around your implant Before any surgery, your doctor should give you information about the procedure, recovery, and follow-up care.


Question: How do you know if you have lymphoedema from breast cancer surgery?

Answer: Look for swelling of the arm or hand on the side of the surgery. This happens to some women after the lymph nodes under the arm are removed. It may go away on its own, but you may need to see a physical or occupational therapist.


Question: What are the symptoms of Bell's palsy?

Answer: You may go to bed one night feeling fine. But when you look in the mirror the next morning, you see that part of your face seems to be drooping. Some people feel pain behind their ear 1-2 days before they notice any weakness. Others say that sounds seem much louder than normal in the days before they see any other symptoms. You might also notice the following things before the onset of Bell's palsy (remember that these symptoms will probably only happen on one side of your face): You're unable to close your eyelid or blink Your eye waters more or less than usual Drooling Difficulty chewing Decreased sense of taste Your facial muscles twitch Pain or numbness behind your ear Facial weakness and drooping typically reach their peak within a day or two.


Question: What might you notice before the onset of Bell's palsy?

Answer: You might also notice the following things before the onset of Bell's palsy (remember that these symptoms will probably only happen on one side of your face): You're unable to close your eyelid or blink Your eye waters more or less than usual Drooling Difficulty chewing Decreased sense of taste Your facial muscles twitch Pain or numbness behind your ear Facial weakness and drooping typically reach their peak within a day or two.


Question: How can I be prepared for a drug allergy?

Answer: If you know you have a drug allergy, tell all your health care providers before you get any type of treatment, including dental care. It's also good idea to carry a card or wear a special bracelet or pendant that identifies your allergy, in case of emergency.


Question: What are symptoms of being allergic to medicine?

Answer: But during an allergic reaction, the release of histamine can cause symptoms like hives, a skin rash, itchy skin or eyes, congestion, and swelling in the mouth and throat.


Question: What changes in my sleeping schedule show I'm headed for menopause?

Answer: Waking up during the night or having trouble going to sleep can happen for lots of reasons, but if you don't typically have problems sleeping, it may be a sign you're approaching menopause. Sometimes it's caused by other menopausal symptoms like night sweats. If sleep problems hang on for a while, and you can't pinpoint why, it may be time to tell your doctor.


Question: How can changes in my sex drive be a sign of menopause?

Answer: Some women say they are less interested in sex or have trouble getting aroused when they are in menopause. Other women say they enjoy sex more and feel freer because they don't have to worry about things like getting pregnant. During menopause, the skin around your vagina may become drier. This can make sex hurt. Gels called "personal lubricants" can help.


Question: How can memory lapses be a sign of menopause?

Answer: Both men and women can have some minor memory lapses during middle age: not being able to think of a word or losing the car keys. Usually it's no big deal. Forgetfulness can stem from not only menopause but also from stress. If you're worried that you're forgetting too much, let your doctor know.


Question: How do you know if I'm headed for menopause?

Answer: You may start to notice changes months or years before you are in menopause. You may have hot flashes and irregular periods. This time is called perimenopause. You won't know exactly when your menopause will hit. All you can do is pay attention to how you're feeling and notice changes. Keep in mind that symptoms vary greatly from woman to woman. Some women have no symptoms at all.


Question: What changes in my body temperature show I'm headed for menopause?

Answer: Hot flashes can make you feel warm or hot suddenly for no apparent reason. Your skin may flush red and your heart may beat faster. Then you may feel suddenly cold. Night sweats are hot flashes that happen during sleep. They can be so intense they wake you up. Like so many symptoms of menopause, hot flashes and night sweats can vary a lot from woman to woman. They can last 1 minute or 5 minutes. They can be mild or severe. You can have several an hour, one a week, or never have them. For some women, these symptoms go on for years or decades after they've stopped their periods -- into the time called postmenopause. If you have hot flashes but aren't sure it's related to menopause, talk to your doctor. There are medical conditions and even medications that can bring them on, too.


Question: Does sleep help if you have summertime depression?

Answer: Vacations, summer barbecues, the short nights â they can all encourage you to stay up later than usual. But not getting enough sleep is a common trigger for depression. So make a concerted effort to get to bed on time.


Question: Who can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy?

Answer: It can be effective if your depression is mild or moderate. It also can help with more severe cases if your therapist is highly skilled. In some cases, CBT can help you the most if you combine it with other treatments, like antidepressants or other drugs.


Question: Who is likely to get the most benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy?

Answer: Most people who get CBT for depression or anxiety continue to keep using the skills they learned in therapy a year later.


Question: What is elastin?

Answer: When you hear the word elastin, think elastic. This protein is found with collagen in the dermis, and is responsible for giving structure and support to your skin and organs. As with collagen, elastin is affected by time and the elements. Diminished levels of this protein cause your skin to wrinkle and sag.


Question: How is a Meniett device used to treat MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: Meniett device: Another approach uses this device to apply pressure to your ear canal through a tube. This improves how fluid moves through your ear. You can do these treatments at home.


Question: How is MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease treated?

Answer: Drug treatment deals with reducing both your vertigo and the fluid in your ear. Medication for motion sickness might help with your vertigo, and an anti-nausea drug might reduce vomiting if that's a side effect of your dizziness.


Question: When should you call a doctor about MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: If you are dizzy, you should sit or lie down at once. Avoid any type of movement that might make your vertigo worse. Don't try to drive. If you think you have symptoms, call your doctor for an appointment. It is hard to predict the course of the disease, and you should not assume it will get better on its own.


Question: How can symptoms of MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease change?

Answer: As your MÃ©niÃ¨re's progresses, your symptoms may change. Your hearing loss and tinnitus may become constant. You might struggle all the time with balance and vision issues instead of having occasional bouts of vertigo.


Question: What is MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: MÃ©niÃ¨re's disease is an inner-ear condition that can cause vertigo, a specific type of dizziness in which you feel as though you're spinning. It also can cause ringing in your ear (tinnitus), hearing loss that comes and goes, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear. Usually, only one ear is affected. The hearing loss eventually can be permanent. The disorder takes its name from a French doctor, Prosper MÃ©niÃ¨re, who suggested in the 1860s that the symptoms came from the inner ear and not the brain, as most people believed.


Question: Why do people get MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: Why people get MÃ©niÃ¨re's isn't clear. Researchers have several theories about what might affect the fluid in the inner ear, though: Poor drainage (because of blockage or an abnormal structure in your ear) Autoimmune response (when your body's defense system misfires and attacks healthy cells) Allergic reaction Viral infection Inherited tendency Blow to the head Migraine headaches It's possible that a combination of issues come together to cause MÃ©niÃ¨re's.


Question: What causes MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: Doctors think they understand how the symptoms of MÃ©niÃ¨re's develop. Fluid builds up inside a part of your inner ear called the labyrinth, which holds structures that help with hearing and balance. The extra fluid interferes with the signals your brain receives, causing vertigo and hearing problems.


Question: How is a vestibular nerve sectioning used to treat MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: Vestibular nerve sectioning: A neurosurgeon does this procedure, and you need a longer hospital stay, up to 5 days. The surgeon will destroy the nerve that sends signals about balance to the brain to stop the messages that are causing your vertigo.


Question: How are diuretics used to treat MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: Other possible treatments include: Diuretics: To reduce fluid in your ear, your doctor might prescribe a diuretic -- medicine that keeps your body from retaining fluids. If you take a diuretic, your doctor probably also will ask you to cut the amount of salt in your diet.


Question: How is a labyrinthectomy used to treat MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: Labyrinthectomy: Your surgeon destroys the parts of the ear that control balance. You aren't awake during this procedure, and you stay in the hospital a few days. You will have hearing loss afterward, so it's for people who have really bad vertigo and already don't hear well.


Question: When is therapy or a hearing aid used to treat MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: Therapy or hearing aid: In addition to medication, you might try therapy targeted to help with balance issues. A hearing aid could improve your affected ear.


Question: How is a cochleosacculotomy used to treat MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: Cochleosacculotomy: This is another procedure aimed at draining fluid. You're given something to numb any pain, and it takes about 30 minutes. It can cause hearing loss, though.


Question: What triggers MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease attacks?

Answer: Some people with MÃ©niÃ¨re's find that certain things trigger attacks. Those might include: Stress Overwork Fatigue Sharp changes in weather, specifically air pressure Underlying illness You can take steps to identify and avoid your triggers and also to reduce stress in your life.


Question: What can you do to prevent MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: It's not clear you can do anything to prevent MÃ©niÃ¨re's disease. However, there are many things you can do the help manage your symptoms. In addition to eating a low-salt diet, you may want to cut down on alcohol and caffeine. Some people think such diet changes lessen the effects of the disease.


Question: How is an endolymphatic sac shunt surgery done to treat MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease?

Answer: They include: Endolymphatic sac shunt surgery: The part of your ear that is responsible for reabsorbing fluid is opened and drained. You'll be given anesthesia so that you won't be awake or feel pain during the operation. You will probably spend the night in the hospital.


Question: How long do symptoms of MÃ©niÃ¨reâs disease last?

Answer: Along with the main symptoms, some people may have: Anxiety Blurry vision Nausea or diarrhea Trembling Cold sweat and rapid pulse Attacks are as brief as 20 minutes or last as long as 24 hours. You might get several in a week, or they might come months or even years apart. Afterward, you may feel tired and need to rest.


Question: What are anti-inflammatory inhalers?

Answer: Anti-inflammatory asthma inhalers prevent asthma attacks and reduce swelling and mucus in your airways. They include: Steroids ( Aerospan, Alvesco, Asmanex, Flovent, Pulmicort, and Qvar) Mast cell stabilizers (cromolyn sodium) For in-depth information, see Web MD's article on Asthma, Steroids, and Other Anti- Inflammatory Drugs.


Question: What drugs are in the inhaler?

Answer: Many inhalers contain steroids, like prednisone, to treat inflammation. Others have a type of drug called a bronchodilator to open up your airways. Some have both -- this is known as a combination inhaler.


Question: What is an asthma inhaler?

Answer: An asthma inhaler is a handheld device that delivers medication straight into your lungs. You get the drugs faster -- and with fewer side effects -- than you would if you took it by pill or IV.


Question: What are the pros and cons of using sucralose as a sugar substitute?

Answer: It's 600 times sweeter than sugar. The Scoop: The FDA says it reviewed more than 100 safety studies before approving sucralose as a general-purpose sweetener for foods. Because it's heat-stable, you can use it for baking.


Question: What are pros and cons of using sugar alcohols as a sugar substitute?

Answer: What They Are: They don't contain the kind of alcohol you drink. These sweeteners, found in some fruit spreads, chocolate, baked goods, and even mouthwash, have names like xylitol and sorbitol. They're made from plant products. They have fewer calories than sugar. The Scoop: If you have diabetes, be aware that sugar alcohols are carbohydrates and can still raise your blood sugar. They can also act like laxatives or have other digestive symptoms in some people.


Question: What are the pros and cons of using saccharin as a sugar substitute?

Answer: What It Is: Saccharin has been around since the late 1800s, when a researcher spilled the chemical compound on his hand and realized it tasted sweet. It's between 300 and 500 times sweeter than table sugar and best known as Sweet' N Low. The Scoop: In the 1970s, saccharin got a warning label after lab tests in rats suggested a possible link to bladder cancer. " Since then, more than 30 studies demonstrated that the results found in rats were not relevant to humans, and that saccharin is safe for human consumption," the FDA's web site states.


Question: What can doctors prescribe to ease and prevent eczema flare-ups?

Answer: Your doctor can prescribe a steroid cream to stop the itch and clear your rash, or topical creams called calcineurin inhibitors like pimecolimus ( Elidel) or tacrolimus ( Protopic) that protect your skin and prevent eczema outbreaks. Hydrocortisone cream is available over the counter ( OTC) and eases mild itching. Eucrisa ointment is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory topical treatment that may help reduce redness and itchiness in mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.


Question: How can someone with eczema prevent flares to feel better?

Answer: There are many things that could set off an eczema flare. You may not have the same triggers as someone else. It pays to figure out what causes your skin to react. Dry skin. If your skin gets too dry, it can become rough and itchy. It might even crack. That can let bacteria or allergens inside. Dry skin is a common eczema trigger for many people. Extreme changes in temperature can stress your skin, too. Tips: Keep your skin moist -- especially in winter, when the air can be very dry. Use a humidifier to moisten the air in your bedroom when you sleep. Apply body lotion after you get out of a shower or bath. Soak in a warm bath with small amounts of bath oil, or colloidal oatmeal added to ease eczema itching and moisten your skin.


Question: What are some irritants that could trigger eczema rashes?

Answer: Products you use every day may bother your skin. Soap, cleansers, body wash, laundry detergent, lotions, or even some foods you touch can trigger eczema rashes. Tips: Talk to your doctor to pinpoint what may irritate your skin. She can test how your skin reacts to certain products. Keep track of anything you use that seems to trigger a flare after you touch it. Choose soaps, cleansers, or laundry detergent without added perfumes or dyes. These are common eczema triggers.


Question: What can raise your chances of heart disease and other complications?

Answer: Your chances of heart disease and other complications are higher if you: Are older than 35 Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol Smoke Have ever had a stroke, heart attack, or blood clots Get migraines with aura Even if you're in one of those situations that raise your risk for heart disease, you may still be able to use birth control with hormones.


Question: How can you lower your chances of heart disease while taking birth control pills?

Answer: The most important thing you can do is talk with your doctor. He'll help you weigh the pros and cons of your different options. For example, research shows that women with medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, as long as they're well controlled, may be able to safely take birth control pills. If you're over 35, healthy, and don't smoke, you can keep using hormonal birth control.


Question: How can the pill affect your blood pressure?

Answer: They may raise your blood pressure, for instance. So if you take birth control pills, get your blood pressure checked every 6 months to make sure it stays in a healthy range. If you already have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor to see if another way to prevent pregnancy would be better for you.


Question: What does metastasis mean?

Answer: Benign, or noncancerous, tumors do not spread to other parts of the body, and do not create new tumors.


Question: What are the major types of cancer?

Answer: Carcinomas -- the most commonly diagnosed cancers -- originate in the skin, lungs, breasts, pancreas, and other organs and glands. Lymphomas are cancers of lymphocytes. Leukemia is cancer of the blood. It does not usually form solid tumors. Sarcomas arise in bone, muscle, fat, bloodvessels, cartilage, or other soft or connective tissues of the body.


Question: What are noncancerous tumors?

Answer: Most cancers form tumors, but not all tumors are cancerous. Benign, or noncancerous, tumors do not spread to other parts of the body, and do not create new tumors. Malignant, or cancerous, tumors crowd out healthy cells, interfere with body functions, and draw nutrients from body tissues.


Question: Why are gentle sponges recommended for baby's first bath?

Answer: Gentle sponge baths are perfect for the first few weeks until the umbilical cord falls off, the circumcision heals, and the navel heals completely.


Question: How do a prepare for my baby's first tub bath?

Answer: To prepare: Find a baby bathtub made of thick plastic that is the right size for your baby. An insert for young babies is ideal -- and keeps the baby's head out of the water. A slip-resistant backing on the tub will keep it from moving during bath time. Don't try to use bath seats or bath rings. These are for older babies who can sit up on their own -- not for newborns.


Question: How should I prepare for my baby's first bath?

Answer: The first bath will be a sponge bath. Pick a warm room with a flat surface, like a bathroom or kitchen counter, a changing table, or a bed. Cover the surface with a thick towel. Make sure the room temperature is at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit, because babies chill easily. Assemble all the baby bath products you will need: Baby bath sponge or clean wash cloth (double-rinsed) Clean blanket or bath towel (a hooded one is nice) Clean diaper Clean clothes Vaseline and gauze (if you have a circumcised boy) Warm water (not hot) Important: Never leave your baby alone in a bath -- not even for a moment. If you must get to the phone, the stove, or whatever, take baby with you.


Question: What should I do to my baby after his tub bath?

Answer: Bath time is over, and your fresh little baby is ready for a clean diaper and clothes!


Question: When can I begin giving my baby tub baths?

Answer: Once the umbilical cord falls off, and the circumcision and the navel are completely healed, it's time to try a tub bath. Not all babies like the transition, so if your baby gets fussy, go back to sponge baths for a week or so, then try again.


Question: What bath products do I need for my baby's first bath?

Answer: Assemble all the baby bath products you will need: Baby bath sponge or clean wash cloth (double-rinsed) Clean blanket or bath towel (a hooded one is nice) Clean diaper Clean clothes Vaseline and gauze (if you have a circumcised boy) Warm water (not hot) Important: Never leave your baby alone in a bath -- not even for a moment.


Question: Can keeping a food diary help your doctor determine if you have a food allergy?

Answer: This simple task can help you help your doctor figure out what's going on. For 1 or 2 weeks, write down in a notebook: Everything you eat Any symptoms you have How long the symptoms happen after you eat certain foods Let's say you had a reaction after eating prawns or shrimp with peanut sauce.


Question: How can a skin test help your doctor diagnose a suspected food allergy?

Answer: The doctor may also do a skin test to see if your body reacts to a tiny amount of the suspected allergen or allergy trigger.


Question: What symptoms can bacterial and viral infections cause?

Answer: Bacterial and viral infections can cause similar symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, fever, inflammation, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and cramping -- all of which are ways the immune system tries to rid the body of infectious organisms. But bacterial and viral infections are dissimilar in many other important respects, most of them due to the organisms' structural differences and the way they respond to medications.


Question: How are bacterial infections treated?

Answer: The discovery of antibiotics for bacterial infections is considered one of the most important breakthroughs in medical history. Unfortunately, bacteria are very adaptable, and the overuse of antibiotics has made many of them resistant to antibiotics. This has created serious problems, especially in hospital settings. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and many leading organizations now recommend against using antibiotics unless there is clear evidence of a bacterial infection.


Question: What can microbes cause?

Answer: Microbes can also cause: Acute infections, which are short-lived. Chronic infections, which can last for weeks, months, or a lifetime. Latent infections, which may not cause symptoms at first but can reactivate over a period of months and years. Most importantly, bacterial and viral infections, can cause mild, moderate, and severe diseases.


Question: What is the historical importance of bacterial and viral infections?

Answer: Throughout history, millions of people have died of diseases such as bubonic plague or the Black Death, which is caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria, and smallpox, which is caused by the variola virus. In recent times, viral infections have been responsible for two major pandemics: the 1918-1919 â Spanish fluâ epidemic that killed 20-40 million people, and the ongoing HIV/ AIDS epidemic that killed an estimated 1.5 million people worldwide in 2013 alone.


Question: How do viruses differ from bacteria?

Answer: Viruses are tinier: the largest of them are smaller than the smallest bacteria. All they have is a protein coat and a core of genetic material, either RNA or DNA. Unlike bacteria, viruses can't survive without a host. They can only reproduce by attaching themselves to cells. In most cases, they reprogram the cells to make new viruses until the cells burst and die. In other cases, they turn normal cells into malignant or cancerous cells. Also unlike bacteria, most viruses do cause disease, and they're quite specific about the cells they attack. For example, certain viruses attack cells in the liver, respiratory system, or blood. In some cases, viruses target bacteria.


Question: How are bacterial and viral infections spread?

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(); }); } Bacterial and viral infections have many things in common. Both types of infections are caused by microbes -- bacteria and viruses, respectively -- and spread by things such as: Coughing and sneezing.


Question: How are viral infections treated?

Answer: Vaccines have drastically reduced the number of new cases of viral diseases such as polio, measles, and chickenpox. In addition, vaccines can prevent such infections such as the flu, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus ( HPV), and others. But the treatment of viral infections has proved more challenging, primarily because viruses are relatively tiny and reproduce inside cells. For some viral diseases, such as herpes simplex virus infections, HIV/ AIDS, and influenza, antiviral medications have become available. But the use of antiviral medications has been associated with the development of drug-resistant microbes.


Question: How can your doctor know the origin of bacterial and viral infections?

Answer: In some cases, it's difficult to determine whether an illness is viral or bacterial because many ailments -- including pneumonia, meningitis, and diarrhea -- can be caused by either. But your doctor may be able to determine the cause by listening to your medical history and doing a physical exam. If necessary, he or she also can order a blood or urine test to help confirm a diagnosis, or a "culture test" of tissue to identify bacteria or viruses. Occasionally, a biopsy of affected tissue may be required.


Question: What monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used for bipolar depression?

Answer: Antidepressants in this class of drugs that can be used for bipolar depression include: Isocarboxazid ( Marplan) Phenelzine ( Nardil) Selegiline ( Emsam) Tranylcypromine ( Parnate) Among these, Parnate has been the most extensively studied specifically in bipolar depression, leading in one randomized trial to improvement in over 80% of subjects.


Question: How is scleritis treated?

Answer: Because it's usually related to autoimmune disorders, your doctor may suggest that you see a rheumatologist (a doctor who specializes in autoimmune conditions). For very mild cases of scleritis, an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID) like ibuprofen may be enough to ease your eye inflammation and pain. Most of the time, though, a prescription medication called a corticosteroid is needed to treat the inflammation. It also can help with eye pain and may help protect your vision. It's rare, but if the sclera is torn or in danger of tearing, surgery may be needed to reinforce it.


Question: What are symptoms of anterior and posterior scleritis?

Answer: Both anterior and posterior scleritis tend to cause eye pain that can feel like a deep, severe ache. You also might feel tenderness in your eye, along with pain that goes from your eye to your jaw, face, or head. And you may have blurry vision, unexplained tears, or notice that your eyes are especially sensitive to light. Anterior scleritis also may make the white of your eye look red, and you may see small bumps there. With posterior scleritis, you can't usually see these kinds of issues because they're on the back of the white of your eye.


Question: What are the risks of taking biotin?

Answer: If you have any medical conditions -- or are pregnant or breastfeeding -- check with a doctor before using biotin supplements. Don't give biotin to a child unless a pediatrician recommends it.


Question: What is biotin used for?

Answer: Other uses of biotin -- for conditions like cradle cap, hepatitis, hair loss, and depression -- are unsupported or untested.


Question: Can you get biotin naturally from foods?

Answer: Biotin occurs naturally in many foods. Wheat germ, whole-grain cereals, whole wheat bread, eggs, dairy products, peanuts, soya nuts, Swiss chard, salmon, and chicken are all sources of biotin.


Question: What does biotin do to the body?

Answer: Biotin plays a key role in the body. It supports the health of the skin, nerves, digestive tract, metabolism, and cells. One small study suggested that biotin and other micronutrients helped treat peripheral neuropathy, nerve pain in the extremities that can result from kidney failure or diabetes.


Question: What are the treatment options for stage IV breast cancer?

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(); }); } With stage IV, the breast cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Often the bones, brain, lungs, or liver are affected. Because multiple areas may be involved, focused treatments like surgery or radiation alone may not be enough. Treatment of stage IV doesn't cure the disease. But by shrinking the cancer, it can often slow it down, help you feel better, and let you live longer. Patients with stage IV breast cancer may live for years, but it's usually life-threatening at some point.


Question: How can other drugs help with stage IV breast cancer?

Answer: These treatments may help treat pain and other symptoms in areas where the cancer has spread.


Question: How can I tell if my child's anxiety is more than just normal worry?

Answer: Here are some questions to ask yourself: Is she expressing worry or showing anxiety on most days, for weeks at a time? Does he have trouble sleeping at night? If you aren't sure (he might not tell you), do you notice that he seems unusually sleepy or tired during the day? Is she having trouble concentrating? Does he seem unusually irritable or easy to upset?


Question: How can my child's anxiety disorder at home?

Answer: You can also help your child at home by being supportive and understanding. If your child becomes upset and anxious, stay calm as you talk him through it. Don't punish your child for things like mistakes on schoolwork or lack of progress. " Catch" him doing well: Praise even small accomplishments, and be specific. Plan for transitions. If your child's anxiety means going to school in the morning is very stressful, allow plenty of extra time. While respecting your child's privacy, do give her teachers and coaches information they need to help them understand what's going on. Above all, be available to listen when your child wants to talk to you about his anxiety.


Question: What is panic disorder and how can it affect your child?

Answer: A panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of anxiety with no apparent outside cause. Your child's heart pounds, and he or she may feel short of breath. Your child may tremble or feel dizzy or numb. ( If your child is hyperventilating, try to have him breathe slowly with nice deep breaths. Breathing in a brown paper bag can help.). When your child has had two or more of these episodes, and is preoccupied with worries about them happening again, it is considered panic disorder.


Question: How can talk therapy help treat depression and chronic pain?

Answer: In cognitive therapy, a person learns to notice the negative "automatic thoughts" that surround chronic pain. These often are distortions of reality. Some time with a therapist can teach you how to change these thought patterns and make you feel better. It's also a proven treatment for depression and can reduce symptoms of anxiety in those with chronic pain.


Question: How can antidepressants help with treating depression and chronic pain?

Answer: Because chronic pain and depression can involve the same nerves and neurotransmitters, certain antidepressants are often used to treat both. Some antidepressants can reduce the perception of pain. There is abundant evidence of the effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline HCL ( Elavil) and nortriptyline ( Pamelor). They can be highly effective for forms of neurologically-based pain (neuropathic pain) such as migraine headaches, herniated disks, and other spinal nerve root problems.


Question: What happens the evening before laparoscopic surgery?

Answer: Finally, you will meet with an anesthesiologist, who will discuss the type of pain medication (anesthesia) you will be given for surgery, and you will learn about pain control after the operation. The evening before surgery you will need to take the prescribed laxative medicine. It is important to follow the directions carefully and drink all of the laxative. This step will decrease your risk of developing an infection from bacteria normally present in the intestine. Do not eat or drink anything by mouth after midnight the evening before surgery.


Question: How does someone prepare for laparoscopic surgery?

Answer: Before laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon will meet with you to answer any questions you may have. You will be asked questions about your health history and a general physical examination will be performed. Your intestine will require cleaning and you will be given a prescription for a laxative medicine to take the evening before the surgery. All patients are generally asked to provide a blood sample. Depending on your age and general health, you may also have an ECG (electrocardiogram), a chest X-ray, lung function tests, or other tests. You may also need to meet with other doctors before surgery.


Question: What happens after laparoscopic surgery?

Answer: After your operation, the nurses will begin to document all the fluids that you drink and measure and collect any urine or fluids you produce, including those from tubes or drains placed during the operation. The tube that was passed from a nostril into your stomach (a nasogastric tube) during surgery will be removed in the recovery room, if it has not been removed already. You may begin to drink liquids the evening of the operation and may resume a solid diet the next morning. If you become nauseated or begin to vomit, your nasogastric tube may be reinserted. If this happens, don't be alarmed. Nausea and vomiting happen in approximately 5%-10% of people and occur because your intestines are temporarily disabled from the operation. In addition, anesthesia makes many people nauseous. For this reason, food and drink are given slowly for the first few days.


Question: How is laparoscopic surgery for digestive problems performed?

Answer: Laparoscopic surgery can be used to treat complications of conditions including: Crohn's disease Colorectal cancer Diverticulitis Familial polyposis, a condition causing multiple colon polyps that puts you at higher risk of colorectal cancer Bowel incontinence Rectal prolapse, a protrusion of the rectum through the anus Ulcerative colitis Colon polyps that are too large to remove by colonoscopy Chronic severe constipation that is not successfully treated with medication For laparoscopic surgery, three or more small (5-10 mm) incisions are made in the abdomen to allow access ports to be inserted. The laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through these ports. The surgeon then uses the laparoscope, which transmits a picture of the abdominal organs on a video monitor, allowing the operation to be performed.


Question: What happens the day of laparoscopic surgery?

Answer: Your surgeon will place a small port just below your bellybutton and advance the port into your abdominal cavity. This port is connected to sterile tubing and carbon dioxide is passed into the abdominal cavity through the tubing. The gas lifts the wall of your abdomen away from the organs below. This space will give your surgeon a better view of your abdominal cavity once the laparoscope is in place. The laparoscope is placed through the port and is connected to a video camera. The image your surgeon sees on the laparoscope is projected onto video monitors placed near the operating table. Before starting the surgery, your surgeon will take a thorough look at your abdominal cavity to make sure that laparoscopy will be safe for you. Some reasons why laparoscopy may not be done include multiple adhesions (scar tissue from previous surgery), infection, or other abdominal diseases.


Question: How does laparoscopic surgery perform a right colectomy or ileocolectomy?

Answer: During a right colectomy, the right side of the colon is removed. During an ileocolectomy, the last segment of the small intestine, which is attached to the right side of the colon, called the ileum, is also removed. This surgery is used to remove cancers, noncancerous growths or polyps, and inflammation from Crohn's disease.


Question: How does laparoscopic surgery perform a fecal diversion?

Answer: Surgical creation of either a temporary or permanent ileostomy (opening between the surface of the skin and the small intestine) or colostomy (opening between the surface of the skin and the colon). The surgery treats complex rectal and anal problems, including poor bowel control.