Question: Does sunlight help treat psoriasis?

Answer: Scientists aren't sure how it helps, but many people say their symptoms get better when they get a little sun on a regular basis. Just don't overdo it. Sunburns can make patches worse. Ask your doctor how much time you should spend catching rays. And when you go out, put sunscreen on areas that don't have psoriasis. Make sure the screen is SPF 30 or higher and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Ones with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less likely to bother your skin.


Question: How can I ease my stress if I have psoriasis?

Answer: Stress can trigger a new outbreak and make an existing one worse. These techniques won't replace your medicines, but they might make them work better: Meditation: This focuses your attention to quiet your mind.


Question: Should I check with the doctor before taking alternative medicine for psoriasis?

Answer: So check with your doctor before you give them a try. She can let you know if they're safe and explain how they might affect the other drugs you take.


Question: Which supplements treat psoriasis?

Answer: Some people have found that supplements, including fish oil, vitamin D, and oregano oil, can help. There's not much evidence, however, that these work. And, the FDA doesn't regulate supplements as closely as they do medications. So check with your doctor before you give them a try. She can let you know if they're safe and explain how they might affect the other drugs you take.


Question: How does meditation treat psoriasis?

Answer: These techniques won't replace your medicines, but they might make them work better: Meditation: This focuses your attention to quiet your mind. A few studies suggest it can help with psoriasis when practiced along with traditional treatments.


Question: How does sunlight treat psoriasis?

Answer: Scientists aren't sure how it helps, but many people say their symptoms get better when they get a little sun on a regular basis. Just don't overdo it. Sunburns can make patches worse. Ask your doctor how much time you should spend catching rays. And when you go out, put sunscreen on areas that don't have psoriasis. Make sure the screen is SPF 30 or higher and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Ones with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less likely to bother your skin.


Question: How do oat extracts help psoriasis?

Answer: Oat extracts: These can be found in many skin care products. They may ease itching and cut redness. Soaking in an oatmeal bath may also help.


Question: How does yoga treat psoriasis?

Answer: Yoga: People have used yoga to improve their health and relieve stress for thousands of years. If it helps you relax, it's worth a shot.


Question: What causes post-concussion syndrome?

Answer: In general, post-concussion syndrome follows the occurrence of an injury or trauma to the head. Not all people who suffer mild traumatic head injury experience post-concussion syndrome. This syndrome may be worse in people who have had previous concussions or head trauma. It may also be more severe in those who have early symptoms of headache after injury, or who have mental changes such as amnesia, fogginess or fatigue. Other risk factors include younger age and prior history of headaches. Women and older patients appear to be more susceptible to the development of post-concussion symptoms.


Question: What are the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome?

Answer: Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are often vague and non-specific. Commonly reported symptoms include: Headache Dizziness Sleep problems Psychological symptoms such as depressed mood, irritability, and anxiety Cognitive problems involving memory, concentration, and thinking Such symptoms can affect day-to-day life, and inhibit the ability to perform in situations like work.


Question: How is post-concussion syndrome treated?

Answer: Most people with post-concussion syndrome are able to recover with rest and by minimizing stress. Most health care providers will also treat symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. For example, migraine or pain medications may be prescribed for those with headache. A specialist such as a neurologist and/or psychiatrist may also be involved to treat mental health symptoms associated with post-concussion syndrome. Antidepressants and psychotherapy may be recommended.


Question: What should I tell my dentist regarding my general health?

Answer: Here's what you should consider: Talk with your dentist, other oral health care specialist, or hygienist about any special conditions in your mouth and any ways in which your medical/health conditions affect your teeth or oral health. For example, cancer treatments, pregnancy, heart diseases, diabetes, dental appliances (dentures, braces) can all impact your oral health and may necessitate a change in the care of your mouth and/or teeth. Be sure to tell your dentist if you have experienced a change in your general health or in any medications you are taking since your last dental visit.


Question: How often should I visit my dentist for my oral health?

Answer: Talk with your dentist about the frequency that is best for you.


Question: What questions should I ask my dentist about oral health care?

Answer: Here are questions you may want to ask: What are the treatment options for a particular dental condition? How do these options differ in cost and durability? Do all the options solve the problem? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each option? Of the dental treatments being recommended, which are absolutely necessary, which are less urgent, which are elective, and which are merely cosmetic? What are the consequences of delaying treatment? How much will the treatment cost? When is payment due? What method of payment does your dentist expect?


Question: How can I examine my mouth regularly for my oral health?

Answer: Become familiar with the appearance of your own mouth and teeth through frequent examination. This way, you will be able to catch any changes at an early stage and have these changes examined by a dentist. Look for the development of any spots, lesions, cuts, swellings, or growths on your gums, tongue, cheeks, inside of your lips, and floor and roof of your mouth. Examine your teeth for any signs of chipping or cracking, discoloration, and looseness. If you experience a change in your bite or develop pain, call your dentist as soon as possible. An oral exam is particularly important to conduct if you are a tobacco user, since you are at an increased risk of developing oral cancer.


Question: What are foods to avoid when managing osteoporosis?

Answer: Don't get too much phosphorus from your diet, because it can promote bone loss. High-phosphorus foods include red meats, soft drinks, and those with phosphate food additives. Also, don't drink too much alcohol or get too much caffeine. They cut down on how much calcium your body absorbs. To help keep estrogen levels from dropping sharply after menopause, and thus help prevent osteoporosis, some health care professionals tell postmenopausal women to eat more foods that have plant estrogens, especially tofu, soybean milk, and other soy products. However, there is no proof that these foods help prevent or delay osteoporosis.


Question: How can hormone replacement therapy help manage osteoporosis?

Answer: Menopausal hormone replacement therapy -- either estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin -- is known to help preserve bone and prevent fractures. The drug Duavee (estrogen and bazedoxifene) is a type of HRT approved to treat menopause-related hot flashes. It may also prevent osteoporosis in high-risk women who have already tried treatment that doesn't include estrogen. But doctors don't prescribe hormone replacement therapy to only prevent osteoporosis, due to potential health risks. In women who have been on hormone replacement therapy in the past and then stopped it, their bones start to thin again, at the same pace as during menopause.


Question: How often should I get a Pap smear now that I'm menopausal?

Answer: You have no history of a precancerous Pap test result, no HIV infection, no weakened immune system, and no history of in utero exposure to diethystilbestrol.


Question: What symptoms should I look for between Pap smears?

Answer: When cancer is present in the cervix, the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding. Bleeding may start and stop between regular menstrual periods, or it may occur after sexual intercourse or douching (although douching is not recommended). Abnormal vaginal discharge is another symptom. Pain is NOT an early warning sign of the disease.


Question: How can you get retinopathy if you have type 2 diabetes?

Answer: People with type 2 diabetes may already have abnormalities in the eyes related to the development of diabetes. Over time more and more people who initially do not have eye problems related to the disease will develop some form of eye problem. It is important to control not only sugars but blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent progression of eye disease. Fortunately, the vision loss isn't significant in most.


Question: Who gets type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Anyone can get type 2 diabetes. However, those at highest risk for the disease are those who are obese or overweight, people with family members who have type 2 diabetes and people who have metabolic syndrome (a cluster of problems that include high cholesterol, high triglycerides, low good ' HDL' cholesterol and a high bad ' LDL' cholesterol, and high blood pressure). In addition, older people are more susceptible to developing the disease since aging makes the body less tolerant of sugars.


Question: What is the difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin; however, the insulin their pancreas secretes is either not enough or the body is unable to recognize the insulin and use it properly. This is called insulin resistance. When there isn't enough insulin or the insulin is not used as it should be, sugar (glucose) can't get into the body's cells to be used for fuel. When sugar builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, the body's cells are not able to function properly.


Question: How is poor blood circulation and nerve damage related to type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Poor blood circulation and nerve damage. Damage to nerves and hardening of the arteries leads to decreased sensation and poor blood circulation in the feet. This can lead to increased infections and an increased risk of ulcers which heal poorly and can in turn significantly raises the risk of amputation. Damage to nerves may also lead to digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.


Question: How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?

Answer: If your health care provider suspects type 2 diabetes, he or she will first check for abnormalities in your blood (high blood sugar levels). In addition, he or she may look for sugar or ketone bodies in your urine. Tests used to diagnose type 2 diabetes include a fasting plasma glucose test or a casual plasma glucose test.


Question: What problems are associated with the build up of sugar in blood?

Answer: Other problems associated with the build up of sugar in the blood include: Dehydration. The build up of sugar in the blood can cause an increase in urination (to try to clear the sugar from the body). When the kidneys lose the sugar through the urine, a large amount of water is also lost, causing dehydration. Hyperosmolar nonketotic diabetic coma . When a person with type 2 diabetes becomes severely dehydrated and is not able to drink enough fluids to make up for the fluid losses, they may develop this life-threatening complication. Damage to the body. Over time, high sugar levels in the blood may damage the nerves and small blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys, and heart and predispose a person to atherosclerosis (hardening) of the large arteries that can cause heart attack and stroke.


Question: How is kidney damage related to type 2 diabetes?

Answer: The risk of kidney disease increases over time, meaning the longer you have diabetes the greater your risk. This complication carries significant risk of serious illness -- such as kidney failure and heart disease.


Question: How is psoriasis treated if you have liver disease?

Answer: Some drugs that treat psoriasis can be hard on your liver. Methotrexate can cause scarring, but that usually goes away when you stop taking it. If you have liver disease like cirrhosis or hepatitis or if you drink heavily, you should avoid methotrexate. Acitretin is also not recommended for people with serious liver disease.


Question: How is psoriasis treated if you have heart disease?

Answer: Treating it can lower your risk, but some medications can hurt more than they help. Both cyclosporine and acitretin ( Soriatane) can raise your cholesterol levels. Cyclosporine can also raise your blood pressure. People with congestive heart failure shouldn't take certain biologics, including etanercept ( Enbrel), adalimumab ( Humira), adalimumab-adbm ( Cyltezo) or adalimumab-atto ( Amjevita), both biosimilars, and certolizumab ( Cimzia), infliximab ( Remicade), infliximab-abda ( Renflexis) or infliximab-dyyb ( Inflectra), biosimilar to Remicade. Psoriasis can make you more likely to get type 2 diabetes, especially if your skin disease is serious.


Question: How is psoriasis treated if you have diabetes?

Answer: Psoriasis can make you more likely to get type 2 diabetes, especially if your skin disease is serious. There's some evidence that taking biologic drugs for psoriasis may help your body respond to insulin. And certain drugs that treat diabetes -- thiazolidinedione ( Actos, Avandia) and GLP-1 receptor agonists ( Trulicity, Victoza) -- may also help your psoriasis. But steroids can raise your blood sugar and even lead to type 2 diabetes if you take them for a long time. People with psoriatic arthritis sometimes get steroid injections to ease painful swollen joints, but be careful about that if you have diabetes or are at risk for it. In some cases, topical steroid medicine also may cause blood sugar problems. Follow your doctor's instructions about how much to use and for how long.


Question: How does the cabbage soup diet affect certain conditions?

Answer: Because it includes so few carbs, this diet could wreak havoc with any diabetes treatment plan. Salt is not addressed on the plan, so if you've been told to cut back on the sodium, you'll have to hold back on using the salt shaker and bouillon when making the soup or cooking your food. Since you'll likely regain any weight that you lose, the diet won't have a lasting positive impact on heart disease, cholesterol, or high blood pressure.


Question: How effective is the cabbage soup diet?

Answer: This is strictly a lose-weight quick scheme. You'll likely get less than 1,000 calories a day on the limited menu. That's far fewer than the 2,000 daily calories recommended for most adults. Since you're getting so few calories, the pounds come off quickly, but mostly you'll lose water weight. And chances are, you'll gain it all back as soon as you start eating a normal diet again. Health experts don't recommend following very low-calorie diets unless you're under a doctor's care. A better bet is to aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds each week on a healthy, well-balanced diet.


Question: How much does the cabbage soup diet cost?

Answer: Cost: The only cost is for the ingredients, which you buy yourself. Some websites promoting the diet say you should take a supplement to make up for the nutrients you'll be missing from food.


Question: What is childbirth like if you have HPV?

Answer: The risk of HPV transmission to the baby during childbirth is very low. Even if babies do get the HPV virus, their bodies usually clear the virus on their own. Most of the time, a baby born to a woman with genital warts does not have HPV-related complications. In very rare cases, a baby born to a woman who has genital warts will develop warts in the throat. This serious condition is called respiratory papillomatosis and requires frequent laser surgery to prevent the warts from blocking the baby's breathing passages. And even if the mother has a type of HPV virus that has caused cervical cancer, the baby can be delivered safely.


Question: How can you manage HPV after childbirth?

Answer: If a Pap test was abnormal during pregnancy, the doctor will likely do another Pap test a few weeks after childbirth. Sometimes, the cervical cell changes go away after childbirth and no treatment is needed. Sometimes, genital warts also go away. If not, the doctor may recommend treatment after childbirth.


Question: How is a colonoscopy used to diagnose blood in stool?

Answer: A procedure similar to an EGD except that the scope is inserted through the rectum to view the colon. As with an EGD, colonoscopy can be used to collect tissue samples to biopsy.


Question: How is a barium X-ray used to diagnose blood in stool?

Answer: A procedure that uses a contrast material called barium to make the digestive tract show up on an X-ray. The barium may either be swallowed or inserted into the rectum.


Question: How can colitis cause blood in the stool?

Answer: Inflammation of the colon. Among the more common causes are infections or inflammatory bowel disease.


Question: How is a nasogastric lavage used to diagnose blood in stool?

Answer: A test that may tell your doctor whether bleeding is in the upper or lower digestive tract. The procedure involves removing the contents of the stomach through a tube inserted into the stomach through the nose. If the stomach does not contain evidence of blood, the bleeding may have stopped or is more likely in the lower digestive tract.


Question: How is blood in stool diagnosed?

Answer: It is important to have a doctor evaluate any bleeding in the stool. Any details you can give about the bleeding will help your doctor locate the site of bleeding. For example, a black, tarry stool is likely an ulcer or other problem in the upper part of the digestive tract. Bright red blood or maroon-colored stools usually indicate a problem in the lower part of the digestive tract such as hemorrhoids or diverticulitis.


Question: How can an anal fissure cause blood in the stool?

Answer: A small cut or tear in the tissue lining the anus similar to the cracks that occur in chapped lips or a paper cut. Fissures are often caused by passing a large, hard stool and can be painful.


Question: How can esophageal problems cause blood in the stool?

Answer: Varicose veins of the esophagus or tears in the esophagus can lead to severe blood loss.


Question: How does biology explain the overlap between depression and chronic pain?

Answer: Depression and chronic pain share some of the same neurotransmitters -- the chemical messengers traveling between nerves. They also share some of the same nerve pathways. In people who are biologically vulnerable to clinical depression, losses (such as a job, or sense of respect as a functional person, or of sexual relations) can contribute to the development of depression. Once depression sets in, it magnifies the pain that is already there. "


Question: Why is it important to treat both chronic pain and depression in a person affected?

Answer: Chronic pain and depression can affect a person's entire life. Consequently, an ideal treatment approach addresses all the areas of one's life affected by chronic pain and depression. Because of the connection between chronic pain and depression, it makes sense that their treatments overlap.


Question: Why does depression usually go untreated in people with chronic pain?

Answer: Because depression in patients with chronic pain frequently goes undiagnosed, it often goes untreated. Pain symptoms and complaints take center stage on most doctors' visits. The result is depression, along with sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, lack of energy, and decreased physical activity -- all of which may make pain much worse. "


Question: When should I call my doctor about a sore throat?

Answer: You may also have: Sneezing and coughing Hoarseness Runny nose Mild fever General fatigue Swollen glands in the neck Belly pain Rash You also have a fever higher than 101 degrees F without other cold symptoms. This could mean you have strep throat. It's a bacterial infection that needs to get treated. You also have flu-like symptoms that don't get better after a few days. This could be infectious mononucleosis or other viral infections. Your child or teen has flu-like symptoms. Influenza can also lead to problems if you're pregnant, extremely obese, or have an ongoing illness such as COPD, asthma, or diabetes. Extreme obesity with a BMI of 40 or greater is a risk factor for flu complications. You've got any pain or hoarseness that lasts longer than 2 weeks. There's a chance that this could be a warning sign of throat cancer or oral cancer if you have other risk factors for cancer such as smoking. Your sore throat lingers for more than a week and you also have postnasal drip, sneezing, and itchy eyes. You might have allergies. Your sore throat comes with drooling, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing. This might mean your epiglottis, the structure that overhangs the opening to your throat, is inflamed. You could also have an abscess in the back of your throat. You need to get treated ASAP for these two rare conditions. You have a sore throat and pain that moves to your ear. This may be a sign of an ear infection or a more serious problem.


Question: I have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Should I increase the dose of my antidepressant?

Answer: An increase in medication may help, but consult your doctor about it. Don't increase the dose on your own; instead ask your doctor to evaluate your condition and tell you if you need more medication, or perhaps a different antidepressant.


Question: What are symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and who tends to get it?

Answer: They found this tendency to have seasonal mood and behavior changes occurs in different degrees, sometimes with mild changes and other times severe mood shifts. Symptoms of SAD can include: Sleeping too much Experiencing fatigue in the daytime Gaining weight Having decreased interest in social activities and sex SAD is more common for residents in northern latitudes. It's less likely in Florida, for instance, than in New Hampshire.


Question: Is smoking the only cause of lung cancer?

Answer: Smoking isn't the only cause of lung cancer. If you work with cancer-causing chemicals, follow all the safety rules to protect yourself.


Question: What health history affects your risk for uveitis?

Answer: If you've had trauma to your eye or surgery on it, you may be more likely to get uveitis. You're also at greater risk if you have: AIDS Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis Lupus Multiple sclerosis Psoriasis Rheumatoid arthritis Shingles Tuberculosis Ulcerative colitis Your doctor may: Put special drops in your eyes to make your pupils bigger (they may say âdilateâ).


Question: What happens in an eye pressure check for uveitis?

Answer: Ask you to use your eyes to follow an object that moves up and down, left and right, without turning your head Have you read an eye chart Test your peripheral (side) vision Your doctor may use special tools to check that the pressure within your eye is healthy and that fluids are able to drain out of your eyes well. You may hear them call it a âtonometry test.â Eyes with uveitis become inflamed.


Question: How is a special dye used to treat uveitis?

Answer: They might want to look at the blood vessels in your uvea, since they may be inflamed. Your doctor may inject you with a special dye that glows green in fluorescent light. The dye goes into a vein in your arm. Once it reaches your eye, the doctor can take a picture of your lit-up blood vessels. If they're damaged or inflamed, your doctor will see it.


Question: What other tests are used to treat uveitis?

Answer: In some cases, your doctor may order tests like an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or even a skin test to find the cause of your uveitis. If these tests find that another disease is causing it, your eye doctor should send you to a specialist for a follow-up.


Question: Are premature babies at risk for eye problems?

Answer: Complications: Children who've had ROP are more likely to get other problems later on: Myopia (nearsightedness) Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) Amblyopia (lazy eye) Glaucoma Retinal detachment Your child will need regular eye exams by a specialist as often as he recommends.


Question: What vision problems could children with retinopathy of prematurity have?

Answer: Complications: Children who've had ROP are more likely to get other problems later on: Myopia (nearsightedness) Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) Amblyopia (lazy eye) Glaucoma Retinal detachment Your child will need regular eye exams by a specialist as often as he recommends. If the doctor catches them early on, he can treat most of these conditions without any vision loss.


Question: How is retinopathy of prematurity treated?

Answer: Medications placed inside the eye. Studies are ongoing to see if the medications that treat adult age-related macular degeneration can be used. Early treatment can help preserve central vision, which lets your child see straight ahead, read, see colors, and drive. Some of these procedures can lead to a loss of side vision.


Question: What vision problems could babies with strabismus have?

Answer: Complications: Because the eyes focus in two different areas, the brain receives two different images. To make up for this, your baby's brain ignores the image from the crossed eye and processes only the image from the stronger eye. This can affect her depth perception. It can also lead to amblyopia, or lazy eye. This happens when the crossed eye doesn't develop good eyesight or even loses vision. About one-third of children with strabismus get amblyopia.


Question: When should you see your doctor about brain tumors?

Answer: Other symptoms related to bone tumors may include: Fevers Night sweats Swelling around a bone Limping If you think you might have a bone tumor, see your doctor right way. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history and do a physical exam. You may need blood and imaging tests. To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor may remove tissue with a needle or through a cut and have it examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. This is called a biopsy.


Question: What are the most common type of bone cancer?

Answer: These are some of the most common types of primary bone cancer: Osteosarcoma is most common around the knee and upper arm.


Question: What are the symptoms of bone tumors?

Answer: You may have no symptoms of a bone tumor, whether it's cancer or not. This is common. Your doctor may find a tumor when looking at an X-ray of another problem, such as a sprain. But symptoms may include pain that: Is in the area of the tumor Is dull or achy May get worse with activity Wakes you at night Trauma does not cause a bone tumor, but a bone that is weakened by a tumor may break more easily. This can cause severe pain. Other symptoms related to bone tumors may include: Fevers Night sweats Swelling around a bone Limping If you think you might have a bone tumor, see your doctor right way.


Question: How are benign bone tumors treated?

Answer: Benign tumors are watched or may be treated with medication. Your doctor may remove benign tumors that are more likely to spread or become cancer. In some cases, tumors come back, even after treatment.


Question: Is multiple myeloma a primary bone cancer?

Answer: Although almost always found in bone, multiple myelomais not a primary bone cancer. It is a bone marrow cancer. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones.


Question: Which cancers most commonly spread to the bone?

Answer: Cancers that commonly spread to bone include: Breast cancer Prostate cancer Lung cancer Primary bone cancer, or bone sarcoma, is a cancerous tumor that starts in the bone.


Question: How is radiation therapy used to treat bone cancer?

Answer: Chemotherapy kills tumor cells with cancer drugs. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery, after surgery, or for metastatic disease.


Question: How do you treat a poison ivy rash?

Answer: Use a cold compress, calamine lotion, non-prescription hydrocortisone cream, or an antihistamine to ease itching. Call your doctor if the rash is near your eyes or covers a large part of your body. Get emergency medical help or call 911 if you have a severe reaction.


Question: What fears do people with social anxiety disorder have?

Answer: But in general, it's an overwhelming fear of: Being judged by others in social situations Being embarrassed or humiliated -- and showing it by blushing, sweating, or shaking Accidentally offending someone Being the center of attention Again, the experience may be different for everyone, but if you have social anxiety and you're in a stressful situation, you might have physical symptoms like: Rapid heartbeat Muscle tension Dizziness and lightheadedness Stomach trouble and diarrhea Inability to catch breath â Out-of-bodyâ sensation You may start having symptoms and getting anxious immediately before an event, or you might spend weeks worrying about it.


Question: When does social anxiety occur?

Answer: Anyone with social anxiety disorder can experience it in different ways. But here are some common situations that people tend to have trouble with: Talking to strangers Speaking in public Dating Making eye contact Entering rooms Using public restrooms Going to parties Eating in front of other people Going to school or work Starting conversations Some of these situations might not cause a problem for you. For example, giving a speech may be easy, but going to a party might be a nightmare. Or you could be great at one-on-one conversations but not at stepping into a crowded classroom.


Question: What does social anxiety disorder feel like?

Answer: But in general, it's an overwhelming fear of: Being judged by others in social situations Being embarrassed or humiliated -- and showing it by blushing, sweating, or shaking Accidentally offending someone Being the center of attention Again, the experience may be different for everyone, but if you have social anxiety and you're in a stressful situation, you might have physical symptoms like: Rapid heartbeat Muscle tension Dizziness and lightheadedness Stomach trouble and diarrhea Inability to catch breath â Out-of-bodyâ sensation You may start having symptoms and getting anxious immediately before an event, or you might spend weeks worrying about it. Afterward, you could spend a lot of time and mental energy worrying about how you acted.


Question: How does social anxiety disorder affect my life?

Answer: Social anxiety disorder prevents you from living your life. You'll avoid situations that most people consider ânormal.â You might even have a hard time understanding how others can handle them so easily. When you avoid all or most social situations, it affects your personal relationships. It can also lead to: Low self-esteem Negative thoughts Depression Sensitivity to criticism Poor social skills that don't improve


Question: How does having a cold affect you if you have diabetes?

Answer: It makes it harder for you to ward off a cold virus. Also, when you get sick, it adds extra stress to your body. This can affect your blood sugar levels, so it's important to take steps to keep them in a good range.


Question: When should you call your doctor if you have a cold with another medical condition?

Answer: Talk to your doctor before you get sick so you can make an action plan for a cold. It can lay out what to do if: Your cold symptoms get worse after 3 to 4 days. You get nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, shaking, chills, or coughing with thick, yellow-green mucus.


Question: Should I take supplements if I have ulcerative colitis?

Answer: If your doctor has recommended a low-fiber diet, you may miss out on the vitamins and minerals that are naturally in many high-fiber foods. Ask your doctor or dietitian if you should take a supplement.


Question: Why is malnutrition not likely with ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Answer: Your small intestine is where you absorb vitamins, minerals, and proteins. And UC usually doesn't affect that part of your body.


Question: How can keeping a food diary help me manage my ulcerative colitis?

Answer: This should include a variety of foods: Lean meat, fish, and poultry Low-fat dairy products Bread, cereal, and whole grains Fruits and vegetables Healthy fats such as vegetable oils Keep a food diary to help you figure out which foods cause problems for you and whether or not you're getting enough nutrients.


Question: How often should I eat if I lose weight because of ulcerative colitis?

Answer: And loss of appetite or fear of eating can cause you to lose weight or miss out on nutrients.


Question: How many grams of fiber should I get per day to help treat ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Answer: Steaming, baking, or stewing fruits and vegetables before eating them may be easier on your digestive tract than eating them raw.


Question: What other conditions besides multiple sclerosis can cause Lhermitte's sign?

Answer: MS is not the only condition that can cause Lhermitte's. It can also happen to people with other disorders involving the upper part of the spinal cord, and to people with a severe lack of vitamin B12. Your doctor will want to test you to see if MS or another health problem is causing your symptoms.


Question: How are symptoms of Lhermitteâs sign treated?

Answer: Your doctor may prescribe a few treatments to help relieve your pain: Electrical stimulating devices. These machines ease pain by sending low-voltage electricity to your nerves. Some work from outside your body, such as TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). Others your doctor can implant inside you. A soft neck brace or collar to limit movement Massage and muscle relaxation techniques Deep breathing Stretching There are also medications that can combat Lhermitte's sign: Antiseizure drugs Muscle relaxers Antidepressants Sodium channel blockers Steroids Talk to your health care team about the mix of treatments that will help you the most.


Question: How is Lhermitte's sign related to multiple sclerosis?

Answer: When you have MS, your immune system begins to attack the fatty coating, called myelin, that protects your nerves. Without it, scar tissue forms and begins to block the messages traveling in your brain and spinal cord. Lhermitte's sign is one of the symptoms that happens when those signals don't move like they should.


Question: What treatments can relieve pain from Lhermitte's sign?

Answer: Your doctor may prescribe a few treatments to help relieve your pain: Electrical stimulating devices. These machines ease pain by sending low-voltage electricity to your nerves. Some work from outside your body, such as TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). Others your doctor can implant inside you. A soft neck brace or collar to limit movement Massage and muscle relaxation techniques Deep breathing Stretching There are also medications that can combat Lhermitte's sign: Antiseizure drugs Muscle relaxers Antidepressants Sodium channel blockers Steroids Talk to your health care team about the mix of treatments that will help you the most.


Question: Is Lhermitte's sign life-threatening?

Answer: The problem can be painful, but it's not life-threatening. With time or with treatment, some people stop having Lhermitte's sign.


Question: What medications are used to treat Lhermitteâs sign?

Answer: A soft neck brace or collar to limit movement Massage and muscle relaxation techniques Deep breathing Stretching There are also medications that can combat Lhermitte's sign: Antiseizure drugs Muscle relaxers Antidepressants Sodium channel blockers Steroids Talk to your health care team about the mix of treatments that will help you the most.


Question: What medications can I take to combat Lhermitte's sign?

Answer: A soft neck brace or collar to limit movement Massage and muscle relaxation techniques Deep breathing Stretching There are also medications that can combat Lhermitte's sign: Antiseizure drugs Muscle relaxers Antidepressants Sodium channel blockers Steroids Talk to your health care team about the mix of treatments that will help you the most.


Question: How can you trigger Lhermitteâs sign?

Answer: Like a lot of MS symptoms, you're more likely to trigger Lhermitte's sign if you're tired or overheated. It can also happen if you move your head the wrong way, often when your chin hits your chest.


Question: What does it mean when you get Lhermitteâs sign?

Answer: When you have MS, your immune system begins to attack the fatty coating, called myelin, that protects your nerves. Without it, scar tissue forms and begins to block the messages traveling in your brain and spinal cord. Lhermitte's sign is one of the symptoms that happens when those signals don't move like they should. MS is not the only condition that can cause Lhermitte's. It can also happen to people with other disorders involving the upper part of the spinal cord, and to people with a severe lack of vitamin B12. Your doctor will want to test you to see if MS or another health problem is causing your symptoms.


Question: How is depression relative to excessive sleepiness treated?

Answer: Treatment for Depression These are some of the most effective treatments for depression: Cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT). This involves targeting thoughts that lead to depressive feelings and changing behaviors that make depression worse. Medications. These include antidepressants, and mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants or lithium for depression associated with bipolar disorder. Exercise and diet changes. This includes limiting caffeine and alcohol.


Question: What conditions can cause sleepiness?

Answer: Not getting enough sleep -- sometimes by choice -- is the most common cause of excessive sleepiness. Working at night and sleeping during the day is another. Other causes include drug, alcohol, or cigarette use, lack of physical activity, obesity, and the use of certain medications. But nodding off when you want or need to be awake may also be caused by an underlying condition. Depression or a sleep disorder -- such as restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, or narcolepsy -- are common causes of problem sleepiness.


Question: What can you do to help with excessive sleepiness?

Answer: In addition to steps above, try these strategies for excessive sleepiness: Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Do relaxing things at bedtime. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex.


Question: How does sleep apnea lead to excessive sleepiness?

Answer: Sleep apnea is becoming a more common cause of sleepiness in children and adults. Sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway collapses for at least 10 seconds during sleep -- and does so up to hundreds of times each night. Obstructive sleep apnea is the result of a blockage in the airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. Snoring and gasping for air as the airway reopens occur often with sleep apnea. But you may not be aware you have sleep apnea unless your bed partner tells you about the ruckus you're making. Because your breathing is interrupted, so is your sleep, leading to sleepiness during school, work, or other activities. You might mistake yourself as a âgood sleeperâ because you can sleep anytime, anywhere. But falling asleep in traffic or at work is obviously less than ideal. People with sleep apnea have many more auto accidents than people who don't have the condition.


Question: What other problems can sleep apnea cause relative to excessive sleepiness?

Answer: Sleep apnea can cause other problems, too: wide swings in heart rate as well as a decrease in oxygen levels. It is associated with and the possible cause of other medical conditions such as: High blood pressure Heart disease Diabetes Depression Elevated hemoglobin, or thickened blood Fatigue The most common treatments for sleep apnea include: Continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP).


Question: How is restless legs syndrome treated relative to excessive sleepiness?

Answer: Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome Moving your legs lessens RLS symptoms. These steps may also be enough to relieve symptoms of RLS: Take iron or vitamin B12 or folate supplements if your doctor says your levels are low and recommends them. Talk to your doctor about whether a medication or herbal remedy that you're taking may be making symptoms worse. These could include medication that treats high blood pressure, nausea, colds, allergies, heart conditions, or depression. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and try relaxation techniques such as hot baths and massage.


Question: How can restless legs syndrome cause excessive sleepiness?

Answer: RLS may also cause jerky leg movements every 20 to 30 seconds throughout the night. Sometimes RLS can affect other parts of the body, too. RLS symptoms may occur or get worse while you're at rest or sleeping. Because the symptoms are usually worse at night, they can greatly interrupt your sleep and lead to sleepiness when you need to be awake. RLS can be so bad, it is mistaken for insomnia. Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome Moving your legs lessens RLS symptoms.


Question: When is sleepiness a problem?

Answer: Sleepiness is likely a problem for you if: You have trouble waking in the morning.


Question: What medications are useful for treating restless legs syndrome relative to excessive sleepiness?

Answer: If these steps are not enough, several types of medication are useful for treating the symptoms of restless legs syndrome or for inducing deep sleep. They include: Anti-seizure drugs such as carbamazepine ( Tegretol), gabapentin ( Neurontin), and valproate. Gabapentin enacarbil ( Horizant) is a newer drug that is used in restless legs syndrome treatment. It was not developed as a seizure medicine. Anti-parkinsonian drugs such as carbidopa/levodopa ( Sinemet), pergolide, pramipexole ( Mirapex), and ropinirole ( Requip XL) Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam ( Klonopin), diazepam ( Valium), lorazepam ( Ativan), and temazepam ( Restoril) Opiates such as codeine, methadone, and oxycodone for severe RLS Because these drugs have not been compared thoroughly in studies, the best approach is to start with one and see how it works. If it's ineffective, work with your doctor to find an alternative. In severe cases, a combination of drugs may work best.


Question: How is sleep apnea treated relative to excessive sleepiness?

Answer: It is associated with and the possible cause of other medical conditions such as: High blood pressure Heart disease Diabetes Depression Elevated hemoglobin, or thickened blood Fatigue The most common treatments for sleep apnea include: Continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP). In this treatment, a nasal device attached to a machine with a blower unit helps keep the airway open. CPAP is the most common treatment used for obstructive sleep apnea. Armodafinil ( Nuvigil) and modafinil ( Provigal). These stimulant medications can help relieve sleepiness in people who do not respond well enough to CPAP alone. Solriamfetol ( Sunosi) iths medication can be used to improve wakefulness in people who have excessive sleepiness due to sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy. Devices move the tongue, lower jaw, or soft palate forward, which opens the airway. Weight loss. If you are obese, losing weight can decrease risk for sleep apnea by reducing fat deposits in the neck. It also reduces many of the other risks associated with sleep apnea, such as heart disease. Surgery. This may be an option if other treatments don't work. In addition to treatments for sleep apnea, it is important to manage other conditions, such as high blood pressure, that often exist along with it.


Question: What medications are used to treat narcolepsy relative to excessive sleepiness?

Answer: Treatment for Narcolepsy Your doctor may prescribe these medications: Stimulants such as armodafinil, modafinil, methylphenidate, or dextroamphetamine are most commonly used to help people stay awake. Antidepressants such as tricyclics or serotonin reuptake inhibitors can help with cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Sodium oxybate ( Xyrem), a central nervous system depressant, helps control cataplexy, when a person suddenly feels weak or collapses. Solriamfetrol ( Sunosi), a dual-acting dopamine and norepinephromere uptake inhibitor helps patients stay awake longer.


Question: How does narcolepsy cause excessive sleepiness?

Answer: Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes disabling daytime sleepiness and other symptoms. Narcolepsy is related to the dreaming period of sleep called REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. With narcolepsy, though, REM periods can occur throughout the day. In addition to drowsiness that doesn't improve, narcolepsy may cause brief uncontrollable moments of sleep, or âsleep attacks,â without warning. Another daytime hallmark of narcolepsy is sudden loss of muscle control, or cataplexy. This can be a slight feeling of weakness or total body collapse. It can last from seconds up to a minute. Cataplexy is related to the muscle immobility, or âparalysis,â that is part of REM sleep. It is often triggered by emotions or fatigue.


Question: What should I do if a child has iron poisoning?

Answer: Get Help Call the National Poison Control Hotline and follow their recommendations: 1-800-222-1222. Go to the emergency room. Bring the bottle of iron supplements with you for the doctor to see.


Question: What happens when you take your child to the hospital because of iron poisoning?

Answer: Follow- Up Once your child is at the hospital, the next steps depend on the particular case. The doctor will test iron levels in the body. Pumping the stomach might help, but only within an hour of swallowing the pills. Chelation is treatment with intravenous chemicals that draw iron out of the body. Laxatives can help clear out the iron from the intestines.


Question: How should you decide to put nutritional bedwetting strategies to work?

Answer: If you make the decision to have your child avoid certain foods in the evenings in an attempt to control your child's bed-wetting problem, make sure the dietary changes don't come across as punishment for bad behavior. Many children who wet the bed, especially older kids, are embarrassed and ashamed by their nocturnal enuresis. And often, parents become increasingly frustrated and angry over the seemingly never-ending cleanup. This can cause anxiety in the children, which can be psychologically distressing and may make them even more likely to wet the bed.


Question: Can you prevent gum disease if you have diabetes?

Answer: If you control your blood sugars well, you're less likely to have these problems. Studies show that people who have good control of their diabetes are less likely to have gum disease than those who don't control their diabetes well. They also tend to lose fewer teeth from gum disease. What's more, recent research shows that having gum disease may make your blood sugars worse. But prompt help for gum disease can improve your blood sugar levels.


Question: Is gum disease the only mouth complication of diabetes?

Answer: Schedule a visit right away if you have any of these signs of gum disease: Gums that are red, swollen, sore, or bleed easily Gums that pull away from your teeth Sensitive or loose teeth Changes in the way your bite feels Dentures that don't fit right Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth Diabetes and Mouth Problems Gum disease is the most common mouth problem for people with diabetes. But diabetes raises your chances of other mouth problems, too. You can't fight infections as well, and high blood sugar makes it easier for germs and bacteria to grow in your mouth.


Question: What can you do if your diabetes causes dry mouth?

Answer: Diabetes also makes dry mouth and problems with healing more likely. A dry mouth can cause soreness and ulcers and lead to cavities and salivary gland infections. If your mouth is dry, try drinking more water or chewing sugar-free gum. You can also use a saliva substitute, which is sold in most drugstores.


Question: How do I know if my child has diabetic ketoacidosis with their type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Signs of DKA include: Fruity-smelling breath Nausea or vomiting Dry mouth Shortness of breath Abdominal pain You can prevent DKA by keeping close tabs on your child's glucose levels.


Question: How can I know if my child has celiac disease?

Answer: Children with celiac disease tend to have digestion problems like: Pain Bloating Gas Vomiting Constipation Symptoms for adults are different and usually don't show up in their digestive system.


Question: What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy in a child with type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Symptoms include: Spots floating across their vision Blurry vision Dark or empty patches in the center of their vision Trouble seeing at night Blindness Treatments for retinopathy may include medication, laser treatment, or surgery.


Question: What treatments are available for nerve damage from diabetes?

Answer: A doctor can prescribe medication for specific pain or suggest lifestyle changes, acupuncture, or physical therapy to help manage the symptoms. He may also suggest certain vitamin or fatty acid supplements.


Question: How likely can you get kidney disease with type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Diabetes can cause problems with the blood vessels that deliver blood to the kidneys. About 30% of people with type 1 will have kidney failure at some point in their lives.


Question: What can happen the longer celiac disease blocks my child from getting nutrition?

Answer: The longer celiac disease blocks your child from getting proper nutrition, the higher their chances of having other problems, like: Weight loss Mood changes Late puberty Tooth damage Stunted height If your child has celiac disease, a doctor will likely recommend switching him to a gluten-free diet.


Question: What nerve problems can you get if you have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: When diabetes causes high levels of sugar along with high blood pressure for years, it can raise the risk of nerve damage. It might cause problems in areas like: Feet, hands, arms, and legs. They may lose feeling in their limbs, or they might become weak or have burning, tingling, or cold sensations. They might get sores on their feet. Bladder. It may be hard for your child to know when to go to the bathroom, or they may leak urine. Digestive system. They can have trouble swallowing, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. Sweat glands. They may sweat a lot while sleeping or eating. Eyes. It may be hard to see changes in light. Heart. Heart rate and blood pressure are both controlled by nerves. Your child may become dizzy, short of breath, or even faint because of nerve damage.


Question: What can happen if my child has type 1 diabetes and I don't treat their low blood sugar levels?

Answer: If you don't treat low glucose levels, your child can pass out or even slip into a coma. Glucagon is a hormone that makes your liver release glucose. You or someone else may need to inject it into your child's bloodstream to wake them up. Check with your child's doctor about this.


Question: What can happen if you have injured nerves and type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Injured nerves can also mask symptoms of low blood sugar. This is more likely to happen in people who have had type 1 for a long time.


Question: Is there a cure for a child's nerve damage that's caused by type 1 diabetes?

Answer: A doctor can prescribe medication for specific pain or suggest lifestyle changes, acupuncture, or physical therapy to help manage the symptoms. He may also suggest certain vitamin or fatty acid supplements.


Question: What happens when there is too much blood sugar for my child with type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Hyperglycemia happens when there's too much glucose in the bloodstream. Your child might feel thirsty and take more trips to the bathroom than usual. In severe cases, it can cause a serious problem called diabetic ketoacidosis ( DKA). DKA happens when the body can't use glucose properly, and it releases chemicals into the blood called ketones. When ketones build up, it can cause coma or even death.


Question: What are the treatments of retinopathy in a child with type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Symptoms include: Spots floating across their vision Blurry vision Dark or empty patches in the center of their vision Trouble seeing at night Blindness Treatments for retinopathy may include medication, laser treatment, or surgery.


Question: How likely are you to get cardiovascular disease if you have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Diabetes is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease like heart problems and stroke. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have cardiovascular disease than non-diabetic adults.


Question: What happens if low glucose levels in my child with type 1 diabetes don't get treated?

Answer: If you don't treat low glucose levels, your child can pass out or even slip into a coma. Glucagon is a hormone that makes your liver release glucose. You or someone else may need to inject it into your child's bloodstream to wake them up. Check with your child's doctor about this.


Question: Are there treatments for diabetic retinopathy?

Answer: Symptoms include: Spots floating across their vision Blurry vision Dark or empty patches in the center of their vision Trouble seeing at night Blindness Treatments for retinopathy may include medication, laser treatment, or surgery.


Question: What does the A1c measure for my child's type 1 diabetes?

Answer: A1c The A1c gives you a good idea of how well your child's diabetes treatment plan is working. It measures his average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months. The glucose levels can change from day to day, so having this average gives you the best sense of what's really going on. The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1c level of lower than 7.5% for children.


Question: What will my doctor recommend if my child has celiac disease and diabetes?

Answer: The longer celiac disease blocks your child from getting proper nutrition, the higher their chances of having other problems, like: Weight loss Mood changes Late puberty Tooth damage Stunted height If your child has celiac disease, a doctor will likely recommend switching him to a gluten-free diet. Symptoms usually improve once you make that change.


Question: How can you treat kidney disease?

Answer: The disease can cause: Weight gain Swollen ankles High blood pressure Many trips to the bathroom at night Protein in the urine A doctor may use medications called ACE inhibitors to slow down kidney disease.


Question: How can I know if my child has nerve damage due to type 1 diabetes?

Answer: It might cause problems in areas like: Feet, hands, arms, and legs. They may lose feeling in their limbs, or they might become weak or have burning, tingling, or cold sensations. They might get sores on their feet.


Question: What is hyperglycemia in a child who has type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Hyperglycemia happens when there's too much glucose in the bloodstream. Your child might feel thirsty and take more trips to the bathroom than usual. In severe cases, it can cause a serious problem called diabetic ketoacidosis ( DKA).


Question: What problems do children with celiac disease have if they have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Digestive system.


Question: When should my child with type 1 diabetes be checked for kidney disease?

Answer: Diabetes can cause problems with the blood vessels that deliver blood to the kidneys. About 30% of people with type 1 will have kidney failure at some point in their lives. Children are typically checked 3-5 years after being diagnosed with type 1.


Question: How can I prevent diabetic ketoacidosis in my child if they have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Signs of DKA include: Fruity-smelling breath Nausea or vomiting Dry mouth Shortness of breath Abdominal pain You can prevent DKA by keeping close tabs on your child's glucose levels. If you see signs of DKA, see a doctor right away.


Question: What are my child's chances of having celiac disease due to type 1 diabetes?

Answer: The risk of having celiac disease is 10 times greater when you have diabetes. With celiac disease, the body reacts to gluten -- a protein in wheat, rye, and barley -- by attacking the small intestine. The damage can keep your child from getting the nutrients he needs.


Question: How does diabetic ketoacidosis happen in a child with type 1 diabetes?

Answer: DKA happens when the body can't use glucose properly, and it releases chemicals into the blood called ketones.


Question: How can I treat my child's low blood sugar levels if they have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Symptoms vary but might include: Feeling shaky Sweating Chills Fatigue Dizziness, confusion, irritability Headache Hunger Fast heartbeat You can treat hypoglycemia by having your child eat or drink 15-20 grams of glucose, which is equal to a handful of raisins or a half cup of juice. Repeat these steps until the blood glucose gets back to normal.


Question: What is interstitial lung disease?

Answer: All interstitial lung diseases affect the interstitium, a part of the lungs' anatomic structure. The interstitium is a lace-like network of tissue that extends throughout both lungs. The interstitium provides support to the lungs' microscopic air sacs (alveoli). Tiny blood vessels travel through the interstitium, allowing gas exchange between blood and the air in the lungs. Normally, the interstitium is so thin it can't be seen on chest X-rays or CT scans.


Question: How does inhaled oxygen treat interstitial lung disease?

Answer: Inhaled oxygen: In people with low oxygen blood levels due to interstitial lung disease, inhaled oxygen may improve symptoms. Regular use of oxygen might also protect the heart from damage caused by low oxygen levels.


Question: What causes interstitial lung disease?

Answer: Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are known to cause interstitial pneumonias. Regular exposures to inhaled irritants at work or during hobbies can also cause some interstitial lung disease. These irritants include: Asbestos Silica dust Talc Coal dust, or various other metal dusts from working in mining Grain dust from farming Bird proteins (such as from exotic birds, chickens, or pigeons) Drugs such as nitrofurantoin, amiodarone, bleomycin, and many others can rarely cause interstitial lung disease. All told, these factors cause a small percentage of interstitial lung disease. The cause of most interstitial lung disease is unknown.


Question: What are the symptoms of interstitial lung disease?

Answer: The most common symptom of all forms of interstitial lung disease is shortness of breath. Nearly all people with interstitial lung disease will experience breathlessness, which may get worse over time. Other symptoms of interstitial lung disease include: Cough, which is usually dry and nonproductive. Weight loss, most often in people with COP or BOOP.


Question: Is shortness of breath a symptom of interstitial lung disease?

Answer: In most forms of interstitial lung disease, the shortness of breath develops slowly (over months). In interstitial pneumonias or acute interstitial pneumonitis, symptoms come on more rapidly (in hours or days).


Question: Can a lung transplant treat interstitial lung disease?

Answer: Lung transplant : In advanced interstitial lung disease causing severe impairment, a lung transplant may be the best option. Most people undergoing lung transplant for interstitial lung disease make large gains in quality of life and their ability to exercise.


Question: What are probiotics?

Answer: These "good bacteria" live in your gut, where they help keep you healthy. You can also find them in supplements and some foods.


Question: Who is at risk for addiction to pain medication?

Answer: They include: Codeine Fentanyl (including brand name Duragesic) Oxycodone (including brand name Oxy Contin, Percocet, Percodan, Tylox, and Roxicet)) Morphine (including brand name MS Contin) Meperidine (including brand name Demerol) Hydrocodone (including brand name Vicodin and Lortab) Hydromorphone (including brand name Dilaudid) Most people who take their pain medicine as directed by their doctor do not become addicted, even if they take the medicine for a long time. However, some people may be at a higher risk of becoming addicted than others. People who have been addicted to substances in the past or those with a family member who is or has been addicted to drugs or alcohol may be at increased risk of becoming addicted to narcotics.


Question: Does the amount of monacolin vary in red yeast rice extract (RYRE)?

Answer: Keep in mind that the amount of monacolin -- perhaps the most important ingredient -- in a red yeast rice extract can vary a lot. There are many different strains of the yeast. Different types of fermentation are used. One study of different brands of red yeast rice supplements showed that the amount of monacolin ranged from 0% to 0.58%. So even though studies have shown that RYRE can lower cholesterol, you can't really know if the supplement brand you're using will have that effect.


Question: How well does red yeast rice lower cholesterol?

Answer: Studies have shown that certain red yeast rice products that contain statin can significantly lower levels of total cholesterol and specifically LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. One showed that taking 2.4 grams per day reduced LDL levels by 22% and total cholesterol by 16% in 12 weeks. Another study showed that taking 1.2 grams per day lowered LDL levels by 26% in just eight weeks. However, the results of these studies depend on the amount of statin that is in the extract, and it can vary widely. The FDA considers extracts that contain statins to be illegal in the U. S., but many are still available.


Question: What is red yeast rice extract (RYRE)?

Answer: RYRE is a substance that's extracted from rice that's been fermented with a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. It's been used in China and other Asian countries for centuries as a traditional medicine. It's also used as a food coloring, additive, and preservative. RYRE naturally contains several ingredients that may help control cholesterol levels. These include a number of monacolins, most importantly monacolin K. It also contains sterols, isoflavones, and monounsaturated fatty acids, or "healthy fats."


Question: Should you talk to your doctor before using red yeast rice extract (RYRE)?

Answer: Whatever the state of your health, always talk to your doctor before you start using red yeast rice or any other supplement. Remember that not all brands are equal, and that RYRE isn't safe for everyone. Though red yeast rice extract looks like a promising treatment, more research needs to be done. For now, you should be cautious.


Question: Is red yeast rice extract (RYRE) a drug or a supplement?

Answer: One of the most important ingredients in RYRE is monacolin K. It's also known as lovastatin, the active ingredient in the prescription drug Mevacor. So on one hand, the extract is a traditional remedy that helps lower cholesterol. On the other, the pharmaceutical manufacturer of Mevacor argues that it owns the rights to the ingredient lovastatin.


Question: Do genetics cause generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Answer: Genetics: Some research suggests that family history plays a part in increasing the likelihood that a person will develop GAD. This means that the tendency to develop GAD may be passed on in families.


Question: Does brain chemistry cause generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Answer: Brain chemistry: GAD has been associated with abnormal functioning of certain nerve cell pathways that connect particular brain regions involved in thinking and emotion. These nerve cell connections depend on chemicals called neurotransmitters that transmit information from one nerve cell to the next. If the pathways that connect particular brain regions do not run efficiently, problems related to mood or anxiety may result.


Question: What are the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } GAD affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Symptoms of GAD can include: Excessive, ongoing worry and tension An unrealistic view of problems Restlessness or a feeling of being "edgy" Irritability Muscle tension Headaches Sweating Difficulty concentrating Nausea The need to go to the bathroom frequently Tiredness Trouble falling or staying asleep Trembling Being easily startled In addition, people with GAD often have other anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder or phobias), obsessive-compulsive disorder, clinical depression, or additional problems with drug or alcohol misuse.


Question: Can people with generalized anxiety disorders have other disorders?

Answer: Symptoms of GAD can include: Excessive, ongoing worry and tension An unrealistic view of problems Restlessness or a feeling of being "edgy" Irritability Muscle tension Headaches Sweating Difficulty concentrating Nausea The need to go to the bathroom frequently Tiredness Trouble falling or staying asleep Trembling Being easily startled In addition, people with GAD often have other anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder or phobias), obsessive-compulsive disorder, clinical depression, or additional problems with drug or alcohol misuse.


Question: Are there side effects of generalized anxiety disorder treatment?

Answer: Dependency on sedative-hypnotic medications (benzodiazepines) is a potential complication of treatment if those medications are used on an ongoing basis. Side effects of antidepressants that treat GAD vary by specific drug and the person taking them. Common side effects can include sleepiness, weight gain, nausea, and sexual problems.


Question: Do environmental factors cause generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer: Environmental factors: Trauma and stressful events, such as abuse, the death of a loved one, divorce, changing jobs or schools, may contribute to GAD. GAD also may become worse during periods of stress. The use of and withdrawal from addictive substances, including alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, can also worsen anxiety.


Question: How does cognitive-behavioral therapy treat generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer: Cognitive-behavioral therapy: People suffering from anxiety disorders often participate in this type of therapy, in which you learn to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to anxious feelings. This type of therapy helps limit distorted thinking by looking at worries more realistically.


Question: What are the symptoms of renal artery stenosis?

Answer: Risk factors include: Older age Being female Having hypertension Having other vascular disease (such as coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease) Having chronic kidney disease Having diabetes Using tobacco Having an abnormal cholesterol level Renal artery stenosis usually does not cause any specific symptoms. Sometimes, the first sign of renal artery stenosis is high blood pressure that is extremely hard to control, along with worsening of previously well-controlled high blood pressure, or elevated blood pressure that affects other organs in the body.


Question: What causes renal artery stenosis?

Answer: More than 90% of the time, renal artery stenosis is caused by atherosclerosis, a process in which plaque made up of fats, cholesterol, and other materials builds up on the walls of the blood vessels, including those leading to the kidneys. More rarely, renal artery stenosis can be caused by a condition called fibromuscular dyplasia, in which the cells in the walls of the arteries undergo abnormal growth.


Question: What are the risk factors for renal artery stenosis?

Answer: Renal artery stenosis is often found by accident in patients who are undergoing tests for another reason. Risk factors include: Older age Being female Having hypertension Having other vascular disease (such as coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease) Having chronic kidney disease Having diabetes Using tobacco Having an abnormal cholesterol level Renal artery stenosis usually does not cause any specific symptoms.


Question: Why does nicotine lower blood sugar?

Answer: When they can't, the glucose stays in your blood, and your blood sugar level goes up.


Question: Does quitting smoking help insulin resistance?

Answer: Other ways of getting nicotine can raise your blood glucose, too: Passive smoking, or secondhand smoke (breathing in smoke from other people's cigarettes) Chewing tobacco (dip, pinch, chew) Nicotine gum Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs, vaping) Your insulin resistance might get a little bit worse if you gain weight in the first few weeks after you stop using nicotine -- but stick with it. By the end of the second month, insulin will begin to work better. If you don't already have diabetes, you may be more likely to get type 2 after you quit. The chance of getting it is highest for the first 2 years. That's usually because you've gained weight, so talk to your doctor about ways to avoid putting on pounds. After 2 years, the chances begins to drop, and by 12 years, you'll be on a level playing field with someone who never smoked.


Question: What are other ways of getting nicotine?

Answer: Other ways of getting nicotine can raise your blood glucose, too: Passive smoking, or secondhand smoke (breathing in smoke from other people's cigarettes) Chewing tobacco (dip, pinch, chew) Nicotine gum Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs, vaping) Your insulin resistance might get a little bit worse if you gain weight in the first few weeks after you stop using nicotine -- but stick with it.


Question: How can lung function test help in the diagnosis of shortness of breath?

Answer: This measures how well your lungs work and lets your doctor know if something is blocking or keeping them from using air properly. It can also show how well your lungs can transport and use oxygen. One type of lung function test is called spirometry. You breathe into a mouthpiece that connects to a machine and measures your lung capacity and air flow. Your doctor may also have you stand in a box that looks like a telephone booth to check your lung capacity. This is called plethysmography.


Question: When should you see a doctor because of shortness of breath?

Answer: Your doctor can do some basic tests to help you get to the bottom of your shortness of breath. If shortness of breath keeps you from doing your regular daily activities, that's reason enough to call the doctor. But definitely schedule an appointment if you have trouble breathing along with any of these symptoms: Shortness of breath when you're resting or lying down Fever, chills, night sweats Fast, fluttering heartbeats Wheezing At your appointment, your doctor will ask a few questions about your medical history and do a physical exam.


Question: How can oxygen test help in the diagnosis of shortness of breath?

Answer: Also called pulse oximetry, this helps your doctor measure how much oxygen is in your blood. She'll place a clothespin-like sensor on your finger, which uses light to detect oxygen. Other than the pressure of the sensor, you won't feel anything.


Question: What tests are done to diagnose shortness of breathing?

Answer: But definitely schedule an appointment if you have trouble breathing along with any of these symptoms: Shortness of breath when you're resting or lying down Fever, chills, night sweats Fast, fluttering heartbeats Wheezing At your appointment, your doctor will ask a few questions about your medical history and do a physical exam. This might include listening to your heart and lungs for signs of congestion, murmur, or anything else unusual. The results of the exam may lead her to order a few tests to help figure out what else might be causing your breathing problems.


Question: Why does depression affect sex?

Answer: Both depression and some depression medications can cause sexual problems. Depression has a tendency to reduce the sex drive and affect personal relationships. On top of that, some depression medications have been shown to also reduce libido or sexual functioning.


Question: What are some examples of natural birth control?

Answer: For comparison, those same odds are: 18% if you use only the male condom 12% with a diaphragm 9% if you take birth control pills or use a contraceptive patch or vaginal ring Less than 1% if you get an implant or use an IUD Examples include the rhythm method, the standard-days method, checking your cervical mucus, and using your basal body temperature.


Question: What are the odds of getting pregnant if you use natural birth control method?

Answer: The odds of getting pregnant can be as high as 24% unless you use your fertility awareness method perfectly every time. For comparison, those same odds are: 18% if you use only the male condom 12% with a diaphragm 9% if you take birth control pills or use a contraceptive patch or vaginal ring Less than 1% if you get an implant or use an IUD Examples include the rhythm method, the standard-days method, checking your cervical mucus, and using your basal body temperature.


Question: Do kids get stretch marks?

Answer: Kids might get them if they suddenly get taller or gain weight, like during puberty. Make sure they know this is normal. Childhood marks may fade as kids get older.


Question: Can microdermabrasion help get rid of stretch marks?

Answer: Fractional CO2 laser therapy is a new treatment that may smooth out old, white stretch marks.


Question: Can pulsed dye laser therapy help get rid of stretch marks?

Answer: It may help your skin make more collagen: Pulsed dye laser therapy is a painless blast of light used on new, red stretch marks. The light's energy calms blood vessels under your skin that could cause the marks.


Question: What products help with stretch marks?

Answer: You'll find many creams, salves, oils, and other skin ointments that claim to either prevent or treat them. But there's little proof that any of these products really work. Tretinoin: Creams with tretinoin ( Retin- A) contain retinoid, a compound related to Vitamin A. Retinoids increase collagen production. They may help fade newer stretch marks, but they can cause your skin to become red, irritated, or scaly.


Question: Can tretinoin help with stretch marks?

Answer: Tretinoin: Creams with tretinoin ( Retin- A) contain retinoid, a compound related to Vitamin A. Retinoids increase collagen production. They may help fade newer stretch marks, but they can cause your skin to become red, irritated, or scaly. They're also used to treat wrinkles.


Question: What procedures get rid of stretch marks?

Answer: A skin doctor or plastic surgeon can use lasers or other treatments to help fade the marks.


Question: Can you get rid of stretch marks?

Answer: And even though they'll never really go away, they might fade over time or with help from certain products and procedures.


Question: Can bitter almond oil help with stretch marks?

Answer: Bitter almond oil: One study showed that women who massaged bitter almond oil into the skin on their bellies during pregnancy did have fewer stretch marks than others who just used oil without massage.


Question: Can cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, vitamin E oil, and other moisturizers help with stretch marks?

Answer: Cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, vitamin E oil, and other moisturizers: These natural creams may help make your skin feel softer, but it isn't clear if they help or prevent stretch marks.


Question: Can Centella asiatica help with stretch marks?

Answer: Centella asiatica : This herbal oil boosts cells in your body that make collagen and build up skin tissue. Some peoples use it to help heal wounds. Centella asiatica is in a number of over-the-counter skin creams for stretch marks, but there's little proof it helps to fade them.


Question: Can collagen boosters help with stretch marks?

Answer: Collagen boosters: Stri Vectin- SD and lupin seed extracts are both supposed to increase collagen in your skin, but it's hard to say if they'll fade or prevent stretch marks.


Question: Will my dog need surgery for a sprain or a strain?

Answer: Surgery is in order for otherwise-healthy dogs that don’t get better, keep injuring themselves, or have a torn tendon or ligament.


Question: Can dogs get sprains or strains?

Answer: The words sound alike, but they mean different things. Strains injure tendons that link muscles and bones. This can happen if your dog stretches too far, too much, or too often. Athletic dogs get strains, but this injury also can happen when a dog slips, falls, or jumps during normal play. In dogs, strains are common in the hips and thighs. Sprains harm the ligaments that connect bones, which causes joint damage. Sprains can happen to hunting dogs who jump hurdles, as well as to the average dog who may hurt himself taking a hard landing off the couch, or even by something as simple as stepping in a hole. The wrist and knee are common joints for dogs to sprain. One of the most serious injuries is a torn cranial cruciate ligament ( CCL), which connects the bones of the knee.


Question: How do you know your dog has a strain or sprain?

Answer: The first warning sign of strains or sprains may be that your dog starts to limp or is suddenly lame, meaning he can’t use his leg. If this lasts more than a day or so, or if it happens again and again, it’s time for a visit to the vet.


Question: What happens during permanent makeup application?

Answer: The technician will then use a sterile surgical pen to sketch the area to be tattooed and then put an anesthetic gel on your skin. Using a hollow, vibrating needle, the technician will apply the pigment into the top layer of the skin. Each time the needle penetrates the skin, a droplet of pigment is released into the hole the needle makes. You will feel a slight stinging.


Question: How is permanent makeup done?

Answer: The process is just like getting a tattoo. The person applying permanent makeup uses a needle that penetrates your skin and releases pigment. Proper sterilization, techniques, and licensing are key.


Question: What happens during a viral culture test for herpes?

Answer: For this test, your doctor scrapes or swabs one of your sores to take a sample. A lab then checks the sample for the herpes virus. It can take up to 7 days to get your results. This test is best used within 48 hours of when you first see symptoms. After that time, the level of herpes virus starts to drop. That means there's a higher chance the test could say you don't have herpes when you really do.


Question: How can diabetes cause infections to develop quickly?

Answer: Diabetes can slow down your body's ability to fight infection. The high sugar levels in your blood and tissues allow bacteria to grow and help infections develop more quickly. Common sites for these problems are your bladder, kidneys, vagina, gums, feet, and skin. Early treatment can prevent more serious issues later on.


Question: If I have an infections caused by diabetes, what symptoms should I tell my doctor about?

Answer: Most infections in people with diabetes can be treated. But you have to be able to spot the symptoms.


Question: What are symptoms of infections in people with diabetes?

Answer: But you have to be able to spot the symptoms. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following: Fever over 101 FSweating or chills Skin rash Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling Wound or cut that won't heal Red, warm, or draining sore Sore throat, scratchy throat, or pain when you swallow Sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches, or tenderness along upper cheekbones Dry or moist cough that lasts more than 2 days White patches in your mouth or on your tongue Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Flu-like symptoms (chills, aches, headache, or fatigue) or generally feeling "lousy" Vaginal itching Painful or frequent peeing or a constant urge to go Bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling pee


Question: How can how I sit make chewing and swallowing easier if I have Parkinson's disease?

Answer: The way you sit, the foods you eat, and how you eat can affect your ability to swallow. To use your posture to make chewing and swallowing easier, you can: Sit upright at a 90-degree angle. Tilt your head slightly forward. Stay seated or standing for 15-20 minutes after you eat a meal.


Question: How should I change how I eat to make swallowing easier?

Answer: When you eat: Lessen distractions. Stay focused on eating and drinking. Don't talk with food in your mouth. Eat slowly. Cut your food into small pieces, and chew it thoroughly. Don't try to eat more than 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Keep in mind that you may need to swallow two or three times per bite or sip. If food or liquid catches in your throat, cough gently or clear your throat, and swallow again before you take a breath. Do it over, if you need to. Concentrate on swallowing frequently.


Question: How can I make eating easier if chewing is difficult and tiring?

Answer: If chewing is difficult or tiring: Cut back on or stop eating foods you have to chew, and eat more soft things. Puree your food in a blender. If thin liquids make you cough, thicken them with a liquid thickener. ( Your speech pathologist can recommend one.) You can also use thicker liquids instead of thin ones, like nectars instead of juices and cream soups instead of plain broths.


Question: How can you take medicine for Parkinson's disease if swallowing is difficult?

Answer: But crushing some drugs, like Sinemet CR, can affect how the drugs work. Ask your pharmacist which meds you can crush and which you can get as a liquid.


Question: How is type 2 diabetes treated?

Answer: People with type 1 diabetes produce no insulin and must use insulin injections to control their blood sugar.


Question: What are symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Answer: Most often, there are no symptoms or a very gradual development of the above symptoms. Other symptoms may include: Slow-healing sores or cuts Itching of the skin (usually in the vaginal or groin area) Yeast infections Recent weight gain Numbness or tingling of the hands and feet Impotence or erectile dysfunction With gestational diabetes, there are often no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they might include: Increased thirst Increased urination Increased hunger Blurred vision Pregnancy causes most women to have to urinate more often and to feel hungrier, so having these symptoms does not always mean that you have gestational diabetes. But it is important to get tested, because high blood sugar can cause problems for both you and your baby.


Question: Who is at risk for gestational diabetes?

Answer: However, women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.


Question: How common is type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Approximately 30.3 million people in the U. S. have diabetes, and the great majority of them have type 2 diabetes. While most of these cases can be prevented, it remains for adults the leading cause of diabetes-related complications such as blindness, non-traumatic amputations, and chronic kidney failure. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in people over age 40 who are overweight, but it can occur in people who are not overweight. In the past, it was referred to as "adult-onset diabetes," but now it has started to appear more often in children because of the rise in obesity in young people.


Question: How common is prediabetes?

Answer: In the U. S., 84.1 million adults have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. This is known as prediabetes, or impaired glucose tolerance. While people with prediabetes usually have no symptoms, it's almost always present before a person develops type 2 diabetes. However, complications normally associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, can begin to develop even when a person has only pre-diabetes.


Question: What is a female condom?

Answer: It goes inside your body during sex. Flexible rings at both ends hold it in place. The condom lines the walls of your vagina and collects semen and other fluids.


Question: How can biologic response modifiers (biologics) help with treating arthritis?

Answer: Approved to treat certain forms of inflammatory arthritis such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, biologic response modifiers (biologics) work by altering the function of the immune system that attacks the joints. These drugs must be administered by intravenous (by vein) infusion or by an injection, and they are more expensive than other arthritis drugs.


Question: How do DMARDs help treat arthritis?

Answer: These drugs are often able to alter the course of some forms of inflammatory arthritis -- diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis -- that can destroy the joints. Often these drugs are the first ones used for these diseases. DMARDs work by interfering with or suppressing the immune system that attacks the joints in people with certain forms of inflammatory arthritis. Aggressive treatment of arthritis often involves using one or more DMARDs.


Question: How can hyaluronan injections help with treating knee osteoarthritis?

Answer: There are several versions of hyaluronan injections, also called viscosupplementation, that are used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. They are injected directly into the joint. Some studies have shown some benefit for reducing pain for periods of up to six months, but others have shown more limited results.


Question: How can medicines help treat gout?

Answer: DMARDs work by interfering with or suppressing the immune system that attacks the joints in people with certain forms of inflammatory arthritis.


Question: When are topical pain relievers helpful for arthritis?

Answer: Your doctor can help you choose what drugs are best for your particular disease. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } These topical drugs can help provide pain relief for people with arthritis that is in just a few joints, such as a hand, or for people whose pain isn't severe.


Question: How can nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) help with treating arthritis?

Answer: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Almost everyone with arthritis has taken or is taking one of these drugs. Prescription doses can help curb joint inflammation.


Question: How soon will I notice the benefits of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) when treating arthritis?

Answer: It also often takes weeks for you to notice the benefits of taking a DMARD. Therefore, they are often combined with a faster-working drug such as an NSAID, another painkiller, or steroids to help relieve some arthritis symptoms.


Question: What are nonsurgical treatments for rectal cancer?

Answer: Other nonsurgical treatments include giving chemotherapy directly into the liver using radioactive isotopes (radioembolization) or cutting off the blood supply to the tumor in the liver (embolization). Often, doctors give chemotherapy directly into the liver along with embolization. You may hear this called chemoembolization.


Question: What are symptoms of mild altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness?

Answer: Mild altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness: Symptoms may include: Fatigue Headache Loss of appetite Nausea Sleep problems Swelling of arms and legs Vomiting Weakness Severe altitude sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema ( HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema ( HACE): Symptoms may also include: Shortness of breath at rest, fast heart beat, dry cough, pink frothy phlegm or sputum, or crackling sound in lungs ( HAPE) Severe headache, altered vision, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures, and coma ( HACE) For mild acute mountain sickness, the person may be able to stay at current altitude to see if his or her body adjusts.


Question: How can I treat mountain sickness?

Answer: If symptoms don't get better in 24 to 48 hours or if they get worse, the person should go down to a lower altitude and seek immediate medical care. For severe symptoms, the person should immediately be taken down 1,500 to 2,000 feet with as little exertion as possible. Keep going down until symptoms go away. Get medical help right away as waiting could cause serious problems or even death. Even if symptoms are mild, the person should not go any higher in altitude until symptoms are completely gone.


Question: When should I see a health care provider about altitude or mountain sickness?

Answer: If mild symptoms persist after descent, call a health care provider. For severe symptoms, the person should see a doctor as soon as possible, even if symptoms go away after descent.


Question: How can I treat the symptoms of altitude or mountain sickness?

Answer: Give oxygen, if available. Keep the person warm and have him or her rest. Give plenty of liquids. Give acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) for headache. Avoid alcohol and sleeping medications.


Question: Why are blood tests for epilepsy performed?

Answer: In the case of epilepsy, blood tests such as a CBC and chemistry panel help your doctor assess your overall health and identify conditions such as infections, anemia, or diabetes that may be triggering the seizures. Blood tests may also help identify conditions such as kidney or liver damage that may affect your treatment and to monitor for the possible occurrence of medication-induced side effects.


Question: How can a chemistry panel help in the diagnosis of epilepsy?

Answer: This test includes an evaluation of sodium, potassium, and blood sugar levels. Kidney and liver function tests are also often included, in what is known as a complete metabolic panel. This test will help your doctor identify conditions such as electrolyte (such as sodium) imbalances, kidney or liver damage, and diabetes, which may either be causing your seizures or may affect the choice of the appropriate anticonvulsant medications prescribed for you (including the doses needed). Your doctor may decide to run various other blood tests, including blood levels of medications you may be taking for seizure control.


Question: What does a complete blood count (CBC) do for epilepsy?

Answer: The CBC measures (among other things): The number of red blood cells (which carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body) The number of white blood cells (which fight infection) Platelets (which help the blood clot in case of a injury or bleeding) Hemoglobin (the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen) Hematocrit (the percentage of blood that is made up of red blood cells) Mean corpuscular volume (size of the red blood cells) Another important blood test is known as a chemistry panel.


Question: What conditions do people believe oolong tea can help?

Answer: Some people drink oolong tea because of a belief that it helps with other conditions, such as: Heart disease Hyperlipidemia Osteoporosis Dermatitis Atherosclerosis High blood pressure Tooth decay But studies done in these areas have been inconsistent and not conclusive.


Question: How can you raise your blood sugar level if you have low blood sugar (hyperglycemia)?

Answer: Give the person a high-sugar food such as: ½ cup fruit juice ½ cup regular (non diet) soda pop 3 glucose tablets Then follow with a more substantial food like a sandwich that offers protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates. If non-diabetic hypoglycemia is recurrent, see a health care provider.


Question: When should I call 911 for low blood sugar?

Answer: A person who has low blood sugar not related to diabetes loses consciousness.


Question: Is there a medical difference between fatigue and tiredness?

Answer: Tiredness happens to everyone -- it is an expected feeling after certain activities or at the end of the day. Usually you know why you are tired and a good night's sleep solves the problem. Fatigue is a daily lack of energy; unusual or excessive whole-body tiredness not relieved by sleep.


Question: How can I be alert to my personal warnings signs of fatigue from multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Fatigue is a daily lack of energy; unusual or excessive whole-body tiredness not relieved by sleep.


Question: What can I do about multiple sclerosis and fatigue?

Answer: The best way to combat fatigue related to your MS is to treat the underlying medical cause. Unfortunately, the exact cause of MS-related fatigue is often unknown, or there may be multiple causes.


Question: Should I schedule rest to help deal with fatigue from multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Schedule rest.


Question: Should I decrease physical activity in order to deal with fatigue from multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Decreased physical activity, which may be the result of illness or of treatment, can lead to tiredness and lack of energy. Scientists have found that even healthy athletes forced to spend extended periods in bed or sitting in chairs develop feelings of anxiety, depression, weakness, fatigue, and nausea. Regular, moderate exercise can decrease these feelings, help you stay active, and increase your energy.


Question: How can I limit work that requires reaching over your head in order to help fatigue from muscle sclerosis?

Answer: Limit work that requires reaching over your head. For example, use long-handled tools, store items lower, and delegate activities whenever possible.


Question: How should I practice proper body mechanics to help deal with multiple sclerosis?

Answer: When sitting, use a chair with good back support. Sit up with your back straight and your shoulders back. Adjust the level of your work. Work without bending over. When bending to lift something, bend your knees and use your leg muscles to lift, not your back. Do not bend forward at the waist with your knees straight. Also, try carrying several small loads instead of one large one, or use a cart.


Question: How can I learn how to manage stress to deal with fatigue from multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Here are tips to help keep stress in check: Adjust your expectations. For example, if you have a list of 10 things you want to accomplish today, pare it down to two and leave the rest for other days. A sense of accomplishment goes a long way to reducing stress. Help others understand and support you. Family and friends can be helpful if they can "put themselves in your shoes" and understand what fatigue means to you. Support groups can be a source of comfort as well. Other people with MS understand what you are going through. Relaxation techniques. Audiotapes that teach deep breathing or visualization can help reduce stress. Participate in activities that divert your attention away from fatigue. For example, activities such as knitting, reading, or listening to music require little physical energy but require attention. If your stress seems out of control, talk to your doctor. They are there to help.


Question: What is the difference between tiredness and fatigue?

Answer: Tiredness happens to everyone -- it is an expected feeling after certain activities or at the end of the day. Usually you know why you are tired and a good night's sleep solves the problem. Fatigue is a daily lack of energy; unusual or excessive whole-body tiredness not relieved by sleep.


Question: When should I tell my doctor about my fatigue?

Answer: Although fatigue is a common and often expected symptom of MS, you should feel free to mention your concerns to your doctors. There are times when fatigue may be a clue to some other underlying medical problem. Other times, there may be medical interventions that can prevent fatigue.


Question: How can I plan ahead and organize my work to help treat my fatigue from multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Plan ahead and organize your work. For example, change storage of items to reduce trips or reaching, delegate tasks when needed, and combine activities and simplify details.


Question: When should I tell my doctor about my fatigue from multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Although fatigue is a common and often expected symptom of MS, you should feel free to mention your concerns to your doctors. There are times when fatigue may be a clue to some other underlying medical problem. Other times, there may be medical interventions that can prevent fatigue.


Question: What conditions are caused by syphilis?

Answer: It's easily treated with antibiotics. If you have syphilis and don't get treated, the infection can lead to a number of serious -- even life-threatening -- conditions. They develop over many years and may include: Heart disease Nervous system disorders Mental disorders Blindness Aortic aneurysms If you have syphilis and are pregnant, you can pass it on to your unborn child.


Question: Can having syphilis raise your chances of getting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

Answer: That's because syphilis sores can be open, making it easy for HIV to get into your body while you're having sex.


Question: What are gummas, and how are they related to syphilis?

Answer: These are small bumps of dead tissue and fiber. They can form throughout your body if you don't get treated. You can get them in your internal organs and on bones or skin in the late stages. They typically go away with treatment.


Question: What are the different types of posttraumatic stress disorder triggers?

Answer: Anything that reminds you of what happened right before or during a trauma is a potential trigger. They're usually tied to your senses. You may see, feel, smell, touch, or taste something that brings on your symptoms.