Question: What causes mad cow disease?

Answer: Researchers believe that the infectious agent that causes mad cow disease is an abnormal version of a protein normally found on cell surfaces, called a prion. For reasons still unknown, this protein becomes altered and destroys nervous system tissue -- the brain and spinal cord.


Question: When was the first case of mad cow disease?

Answer: Mad cow disease has been of great concern since 1986, when it was first reported among cattle in the U. K. At its peak in January 1993, almost 1,000 new cases per week were identified. Concern about this disease grew significantly in 1996 when an association between mad cow disease and v CJD in humans was discovered.


Question: What are the symptoms of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), also known as the human version of mad cow disease?

Answer: According to the CDC, four deaths from v CJD have been identified in the U. S. However, it's believed those cases were caused by consumption of meat outside the U. S. It is important to clarify the differences between variant CJD and another form of the disease, referred to as classic or sporadic CJD. But only in advanced stages of the disease can brain abnormalities be detected by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). v CJD is fatal, usually within 13 months of the onset of symptoms.


Question: What happens during a mammogram?

Answer: Most mammography technologists are women. A doctor specialized in interpreting imaging studies (radiologist) will interpret the X-rays. You will be asked to stand in front of an X-ray machine. The mammography technologist will place your breast between two radiographic breast supports. The supports will be pressed together, gently flattening the breast. Compression is necessary to obtain the clearest possible picture with the least amount of radiation. You may feel some discomfort or slight pain from this pressure, but it will only last for a few seconds while the X-ray is being taken. Your cooperation for these few seconds is important to get a clear picture. If you feel that the pressure on your breast is too great, tell the technologist performing the exam. To minimize discomfort during compression, you may want to consider scheduling your appointment seven to 10 days after the start of your period, when your breast are least likely to be tender. The breast will be imaged in several positions to enable the radiologist to see all breast tissue adequately. For a routine breast screening, two pictures are taken of each breast. This exam takes about 20 minutes. Many centers also do 3- D mammography. This is similar to regular mammograms but many more pictures of the breast are taken at various angles to produce a 3- D picture for the radiologist to check. After examining the digital images, the radiologist may ask the technologist to obtain additional images or a breast ultrasound for a more precise diagnosis. This is a routine measure.


Question: What is a mammogram?

Answer: Using a digital X-ray machine made especially for breast tissue, a technician compresses the breast and takes pictures from at least two different angles, creating a set of images for each of your breasts. This set of images is called a mammogram. Breast tissue appears white and opaque and fatty tissue appears darker and translucent. In a screening mammogram, the breast is X-rayed from top to bottom and from side to side. A diagnostic mammogram focuses in on a particular lump or area of abnormal tissue.


Question: Why should you get a mammogram?

Answer: Mammography can be your best defense against breast cancer because it can frequently detect the disease in its early stages, often before it can be felt during a breast exam. Research has clearly shown that mammography can increase breast cancer survival.


Question: What happens after a mammogram?

Answer: A diagnostic mammogram focuses in on a particular lump or area of abnormal tissue. You may take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort. Generally, you will be able to resume your usual activities immediately. The results of your mammogram will be given to your doctor, who will discuss with you what the test results could mean and what further tests might be recommended. All mammography facilities are now required to send your results by mail to you within 30 days. You will be contacted within five working days if there is a problem with your mammogram. If you do not hear about your test findings within 10 working days, don't assume your results are normal -- call your doctor to make sure. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one to two mammograms out of every 1,000 lead to a diagnosis of cancer. Approximately 10% of women will require additional mammography. Don't be alarmed if this happens to you. Only 8% to 10% of those women will need a biopsy, and 80% of those biopsies won't be cancer. Those odds may improve with more widespread use of three-dimensional mammography.


Question: How should you prepare for a mammogram?

Answer: No dietary changes are necessary. Take your medicines as usual. Do not wear body powder, cream, deodorant, or lotion on your chest the day of the test. These substances may interfere with the X-rays. At the time of the mammogram, you will be asked to remove all clothing above the waist and you will be given a hospital gown to wear. You may want to wear a two-piece outfit the day of the test. You will be asked to remove all jewelry. If you feel that the pressure on your breast is too great, tell the technologist performing the exam.


Question: How can you treat night sweats related to HIV?

Answer: Night sweats: Do you wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat? It can be a symptom of HIV itself or other infections (like TB). The sweating will stop when your doctor figures out what's causing the problem and treats it. What else can you do in the meantime?


Question: How can you treat a fever related to HIV?

Answer: Other treatments include: Pain medicine Calamine lotion, colloidal oatmeal baths, or wet compresses to relieve itching Fever: Running a temperature usually means your body is fighting an infection. Your doctor may do some tests to figure out what's causing your fever so he or she can decide how to treat the problem. In addition to following your doctor's advice, do these things to bring down a fever: Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen Use cold compresses Nagging cough: A cough isn't always a sign of something serious.


Question: What's the outlook for treatments of HIV symptoms?

Answer: The symptoms and illnesses described above are likely the result of advanced HIV, which means that the virus has been growing unchecked in your body for months to years. If you're not on ART or you're not taking it exactly as you're supposed to, now is the time to start taking it correctly. These medications will lower the amount of the virus in your blood so your immune system can recover. Even people with uncontrolled HIV can get the right treatment and go on to live a healthy life. Make sure to follow your doctor's advice regarding your HIV medicine and other medicines prescribed for your specific conditions. You may need to change your meds if you can't stand the side effects or if they're not controlling your disease well. But don't stop taking them before you talk to your doctor.


Question: How can you treat weight loss from HIV?

Answer: Weight loss: Shedding pounds without trying is an obvious sign that your HIV may be going in the wrong direction. Untreated HIV itself or infections you get because of it can make you lose weight. Plus, if you're sick, you may not feel like eating. If you lose 10% or more of your body weight (like 15 pounds if you weigh 150 pounds), you could have what's called wasting syndrome. You also have diarrhea, weakness, and fever for about a month. This mostly affects people with advanced HIV. It's important to try to put weight back on. In addition to taking your HIV medications, a few things can help: Talk to a dietitian to make sure your diet is balanced and gives you the calories you need. Build up your muscle mass with workouts like weightlifting or resistance exercises, like pushups, planks, and squats. Try high-protein supplements. ( First, ask your doctor or dietitian if you need them.) Treat infections that may cause diarrhea or loss of appetite. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help with wasting syndrome, called megestrol acetate ( Megace) and dronabinol ( Marinol).


Question: What should you know about treating HIV symptoms?

Answer: It's possible your HIV isn't under control. That's most likely to happen if you're not on antiretroviral therapy ( ART), medicines that fight the virus. However, it can also happen if you aren't taking ART correctly, or if the drugs aren't working for you. When HIV grows uncontrollably, the amount of virus in your blood goes up and hurts your immune system. It destroys cells called CD4s. Without enough of these, your body has a hard time fighting common infections and other health problems that it could normally handle easily. Call your doctor if you get new symptoms. She can get to the bottom of what's wrong and find ways to help you feel better.


Question: How can you treat painful, blistering rashes related to HIV?

Answer: Painful, blistering rash: It could be shingles if you've ever had chickenpox -- the same virus causes both. Usually, shingles affects people over age 60. But if you have HIV, you can get it even if you're younger. It's important to see your doctor if you think you have shingles. Antiviral medicines can help you get over it more quickly -- but you need to start taking them as soon as possible. Other treatments include: Pain medicine Calamine lotion, colloidal oatmeal baths, or wet compresses to relieve itching Fever: Running a temperature usually means your body is fighting an infection.


Question: How can you treat skin problems related to HIV?

Answer: Skin problems: Dry, itchy skin is a common issue for people whose immune systems are damaged from HIV. Skin infections like impetigo or tinea can be a problem, too. Treatments include: Antifungal or antibacterial creams Steroids and antihistamines Moisturizers Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes small, flesh-colored bumps on the skin. The virus can grow out of control in people with HIV, so see a dermatologist for treatment right away.


Question: How can you treat long-lasting diarrhea related to HIV?

Answer: Long-lasting diarrhea: People with weak immune systems can get infections that cause diarrhea. It can last for a few weeks. Your doctor will do a thorough workup to figure out the problem. To control symptoms, your doctor may suggest: Anti-diarrhea meds to slow down the waste in your intestines and keep you from going as often Soft, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, and potatoes Plenty of water, tea, and other healthy drinks to stay hydrated Let your doctor know if your diarrhea gets worse or you get a fever, vomiting, or pain.


Question: How can you treat a nagging cough related to HIV?

Answer: It's important to see your doctor if you think you have shingles. In addition to following your doctor's advice, do these things to bring down a fever: Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen Use cold compresses Nagging cough: A cough isn't always a sign of something serious. But one that hangs around for weeks can be. People with low CD4 counts are more likely to get a lung infection called pneumocystis pneumonia ( PCP). It can cause a dry cough, shortness of breath, and make you feel very tired. People with weak immune systems are more likely to get tuberculosis ( TB). You may bring up lots of phlegm when you cough and have chest pain, fever, and weight loss, too. If tests show that you have TB, you'll need to take antibiotics for several months.


Question: What is the BRAT diet?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } The BRAT diet ( Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)was once a staple of most pediatricians' recommendations for children with an upset stomach. The idea was that it gave the gut a chance to rest and reduced the amount of stool produced. Experts now say the BRAT diet may not be the best option for children who are ill. Because BRAT diet foods are low in fiber, protein, and fat, the diet lacks enough nutrition to help a child's gastrointestinal tract recover.


Question: How is sudden confusion treated?

Answer: Doctors will need to figure out the health problem that's causing the symptoms. They'll do an exam and may run blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. They'll also ask questions about the person's: Specific symptoms Daily medications Alcohol and drug use Once doctors can get the cause under control, the confusion usually goes away. It can take hours or days to recover, sometimes longer. In the meantime, some people may need medication to keep them calm and help with their confusion.


Question: How is skier's thumb symptoms treated?

Answer: Apply ice to reduce swelling. Immobilize the thumb with an elastic bandage or brace. Give acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) for pain. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 19. The health care provider will likely X-ray the person's thumb. A partially torn ligament will typically be immobilized with a splint or cast. A fully torn ligament may require surgery.


Question: How can Kegel exercises help in dealing with urge incontinence?

Answer: Kegel exercises: Kegel exercises, also called pelvic floor exercises, help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowels. By strengthening these muscles, you can reduce or prevent problems such as leaking urine.


Question: What is sacral nerve stimulation for urge incontinence?

Answer: Electrical stimulation: Sacral nerve stimulation: An electronic device is implanted in the back through a minimally invasive procedure. The device delivers an electric signal to the sacral nerve. This signal helps to control the bladder muscles and decrease the number of abnormal contractions.


Question: What is hormone therapy for urge incontinence treatment?

Answer: Another drug treatment that may be helpful for some women is hormone therapy, which uses estrogen alone or in combination with progesterone. However, evidence of benefit for urge incontinence has been mixed. In addition, because of the possible risks of hormone therapy -- including a potential increased risk of blood clots and breast cancer -- you should discuss this therapy with your doctor.


Question: What is biofeedback for urge incontinence?

Answer: Here are some techniques that may be helpful: Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a practice that helps you learn how your body normally behaves. When you do, you will know when it is not functioning properly. In the case of urge incontinence, biofeedback can help you recognize when your bladder is overactive.


Question: How do you do Kegels?

Answer: To do Kegel exercises, pretend you are trying to stop the flow of urine (although not when you are urinating, as this may hurt the bladder muscle) or trying not to pass gas. When you do this, you are contracting the muscles of the pelvic floor. While doing these exercises, try not to move your leg, buttock, or abdominal muscles. In fact, no one should be able to tell that you are doing Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises should be done every day, five sets a day. Each time you contract the muscles of the pelvic floor, hold for a slow count of five and then relax. Repeat this 10 times for one set of Kegels.


Question: Why might your bladder have abnormal contractions if you have urge incontinence?

Answer: The bladder may experience abnormal contractions for the following reasons: The bladder may not be functioning properly because its nerves are damaged by various diseases -- for example, diabetes,stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease. The spinal cord may be damaged. The bladder maybe irritated. In many cases, the cause of urge incontinence cannot be identified.


Question: What medications can help control bladder spasms to treat urge incontinence?

Answer: Your health care provider may also recommend other medications that may help control bladder spasms. They include hyoscyamine ( Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Hyosol, Hyospaz, Levbid, Levsin) or dicyclomine ( Antispas, Bentyl, Byclomine, Di- Spaz, Dibent, Or- Tyl, Spasmoject).


Question: Who are at risk for urge incontinence?

Answer: People at greater risk for urge incontinence include: Older adults Women who have had a C-section or other pelvic surgery People who are obese Men who have had prostate surgery or prostate conditions, such as enlarged prostate or prostatitis People who have nerve damage from conditions such as diabetes, stroke, or injury People with certain cancers, including the bladder and prostate People who are suffering from urinary tract infections Being constipated may also put you at risk for urge incontinence.


Question: What are weighted cones for urge incontinence?

Answer: Weighted cones: Another technique that can strengthen the pelvis and bladder muscles is the use of weighted cones. You insert the tampon-shaped cone into the vagina and hold it there by contracting your pelvic muscles. As you do this exercise and these muscles strengthen, the weight of the cone is gradually increased. This will improve your ability to hold urine until you get to a bathroom.


Question: What is the main symptom of urge incontinence?

Answer: The main symptom of urge incontinence is thesudden urge to urinate and the involuntary loss of urine at inappropriate times. For instance, you may leak urine in public or while you are sleeping.


Question: What causes urge incontinence?

Answer: Urge incontinence is caused by abnormal bladder contractions. Normally, strong muscles called sphincters control the flow of urine from the bladder. With urge incontinence, the muscles of an "overactive" bladder contract with enough force to override the sphincter muscles of the urethra, which is the tube that takes urine out of the body.


Question: What is percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for treating urge incontinence?

Answer: Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation: An electric current is applied to the tibial nerve in the region of the patient's ankle. This nerve is thought to affect bladder contraction.


Question: What is bladder training?

Answer: With bladder training, you "stretch out" the intervals at which you go to the bathroom. You do this by waiting a little longer before you go. For instance, to start, you can plan to go to the bathroom once an hour. You follow this pattern for a period of time, and then you change the schedule so that you are going to the bathroom every 90 minutes. Then eventually, you lengthen the interval to every two hours, and so on, until you are up to three or four hours between bathroom visits.


Question: What is urge incontinence?

Answer: While urge incontinence is sometimes referred to as "overactive bladder," that condition is slightly different; people with an overactive bladder feel an urge to urinate but don't necessarily leak urine. To practice timed voiding, you use a chart to record the times that you urinate and when you leak urine.


Question: How can you prevent  the dehydration that rotavirus can bring to your child?

Answer: During that time, give your child plenty of fluids to offset dehydration, including: Water Broth Ginger ale, or clear sodas Ice chips Bland foods, such as crackers, are best.


Question: Is there a cure for rotavirus?

Answer: While there are medications to help with the symptoms, there is no medicine that can cure rotavirus.


Question: What foods should my child avoid if they have rotavirus?

Answer: During that time, give your child plenty of fluids to offset dehydration, including: Water Broth Ginger ale, or clear sodas Ice chips Bland foods, such as crackers, are best. Steer clear of apple juice, milk, cheese, sugary foods, and anything else that might increase vomiting or diarrhea.


Question: What are symptoms of rotavirus?

Answer: It usually starts with a fever, vomiting, and stomach pain, which fades just as diarrhea begins. As the virus works its way through your child's system, the diarrhea can hang on for 5 to 7 days. Adults often have similar symptoms, but they tend to be less severe.


Question: How can rotavirus cause dehydration?

Answer: Check in with your doctor if your child has the following symptoms: Lethargy and drinking less fluids Frequent vomiting Stools that are black or contain blood or pus Any temperature in a baby younger than 6 months A temperature for more than 24 hours, if your child is older than 6 months With all the vomiting and diarrhea, your child may not feel like eating or drinking. This can cause your child to get dehydrated, which might even become life-threatening and require him being put in the hospital. Older adults, especially those with other illnesses or conditions, might also get dehydrated.


Question: How does rotavirus spread?

Answer: If your child has rotavirus, it's present in their poop before symptoms start and up to 10 days after they taper off. During that time, when your child wipes after using the toilet, rotavirus can spread to his hands. If he doesn't wash his hands, the virus can spread to everything he touches, including things such as: Crayons and markers Food Surfaces such as sinks and kitchen counters Toys, including shared electronics such as i Pads and remote controls Utensils Water If you touch your child's unwashed hands or any object he's contaminated and then touch your mouth, you can be infected as well.


Question: How much protein should you get if you have prostate cancer?

Answer: The side effects of cancer treatment are often made worse if you are not eating enough or if you are not eating the right foods. The current recommended daily allowance ( RDA) for protein needs are 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weigh. Example: A 150-pound person needs 54 grams of protein per day. Cancer stresses the body and you may need more protein while undergoing treatment.


Question: How can a dietitian help if you have prostate cancer?

Answer: Make sure you are getting enough vitamins. A registered dietitian can provide suggestions to work around any eating problems that may be interfering with proper nutrition (such as early feeling of fullness, swallowing difficulty, or taste changes).


Question: What serious side effects of fluoroquinolones have been reported?

Answer: Serious side effects reported to the FDA include an increase in ruptures or tears in the aorta, which is the main artery in the body, significant drops in blood sugar levels, ruptured tendons, pain, âpins and needlesâ sensations, and depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide and other mental health issues. About half of the patients who had serious side effects from fluoroquinolones said the side effects began after the first or second dose. Most patients reported: Long-term pain Pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness Symptoms affecting tendons, muscles, and joints, including swelling, pain, and tendon rupture Symptoms that lasted longer than a year Depression, anxiety or other changes in mental health Sensation changes or nerve damage in hands, feet, arms, or legs Dramatic impact on quality of life such as job loss, financial problems, and increased family tension Since most patients reported symptoms lasting longer than a year, it is possible that some of these effects will be permanent.


Question: What are the risks of fluoroquinolones and when are they not worth the benefit?

Answer: However, some people who take these medicines may develop disabling and potentially permanent side effects of the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system. A person can experience more than one of these side effects at the same time. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) advises against using fluoroquinolone antibiotics for the treatment of three common infections: acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and urinary tract infections ( UTI) without complications. The agency made this decision because the chances of serious side effects outweigh the benefits for most people.


Question: How long do side effects of fluoroquinolones last?

Answer: Most patients reported: Long-term pain Pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness Symptoms affecting tendons, muscles, and joints, including swelling, pain, and tendon rupture Symptoms that lasted longer than a year Depression, anxiety or other changes in mental health Sensation changes or nerve damage in hands, feet, arms, or legs Dramatic impact on quality of life such as job loss, financial problems, and increased family tension Since most patients reported symptoms lasting longer than a year, it is possible that some of these effects will be permanent. If you have side effects while on a medication, you can file a report with the FDA's Med Watch program.


Question: When is it okay to use fluoroquinolones, according to the FDA?

Answer: The FDA says it's OK use fluoroquinolones for other serious infections or for patients who have no other choice of treatment. This might include patients with allergies to other antibiotics or infections caused by hard-to treat, resistant bacteria.


Question: Have changes been made to warnings on fluoroquinolones labels?

Answer: The FDA approved changes to the labels and medication guides of fluoroquinolones taken by mouth or by injection based on patient reports of side effects. The FDA revised the boxed warning, the agency's strongest, to address these serious safety issues, and updated the patient medication guide. The medication guide is a paper handout that comes with many prescription medicines.


Question: What are fluoroquinolones?

Answer: The fluoroquinolone antibiotics include ciprofloxacin ( Cipro), gemifloxacin ( Factive), levofloxacin ( Levaquin), moxifloxacin ( Avelox), and ofloxacin ( Floxin). This might include patients with allergies to other antibiotics or infections caused by hard-to treat, resistant bacteria.


Question: When do foods help fight the flu?

Answer: Even when you aren't sick, you need protein to keep your body strong. Your body uses it to build strength and keep what you already have. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds are good sources. The FDA says adults should eat 50 grams of protein a day (but can vary depending on an individual's caloric needs). Pregnant and nursing women need more. Foods that have it provide nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, both of which keep your immune system working like it should.


Question: What should you eat if you are nauseous?

Answer: Bland foods -- like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce -- are good. Experts say you can go back to a normal diet within 24 hours if you feel like it.


Question: Is chicken soup good for the flu?

Answer: It's a must for cold-like symptoms. One lab study suggested that chicken soup has properties that can ease flu symptoms in your chest and head. A well-nourished immune system is better able to fight infections.


Question: Does food make congestion better or worse?

Answer: If this happens to you, avoid dairy for a few days. They may also make nausea and vomiting worse.


Question: What foods have vitamin B6 and vitamin B12?

Answer: These minerals are found in protein-rich foods like beans, nuts, meat, and poultry.


Question: What are flavonoids and do they help if you are sick?

Answer: Research shows that flavonoids found in the soft white skin of citrus fruits -- like grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and limes -- may boost your immune system.


Question: What is glutathione and does it help if you are sick?

Answer: Glutathione may strengthen your immune system so it can fight off infections. You'll find this powerful antioxidant in the red, pulpy area of a watermelon near the rind. It's also in kale, collard greens, broccoli, and cabbage.


Question: What minerals are good to ingest when you are sick?

Answer: Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds are good sources. Foods that have it provide nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, both of which keep your immune system working like it should.


Question: What should you drink if you have nausea?

Answer: Your body uses it to build strength and keep what you already have. You can try chipped ice, juices, sports drinks, ginger ale, clear broths, gelatin, and ice pops. Start with small amounts, like 4 to 8 ounces at a time for adults and 1 ounce or less at a time for children. Only use clear liquids (clear broth, juice, lemon-lime soda). If you're not sure if it's clear, pour it in a clear glass bowl and try to read something through it. If you can't see the letters, it isn't clear.


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: Can nicotine lead to insulin resistance?

Answer: Nicotine changes chemical processes in your cells so they don't respond to insulin and let it in, a condition called insulin resistance. Nicotine can also trigger your body to make more triglycerides, a type of fat linked to insulin resistance. And nicotine raises levels of hormones that fight insulin.


Question: Why is low blood sugar bad for you?

Answer: Nicotine can make your blood sugar level go up or down. That's a problem because when your blood glucose is too high for a few years, it could lead to heart disease and damage to your kidneys, nerves, and eyes.


Question: How does smoking affect insulin resistance?

Answer: Your cells need insulin so they can take glucose out of your blood and use it for energy. You could have signs of insulin resistance just an hour later. Studies show that people who have diabetes and smoke need larger doses of insulin to control their blood glucose. That's a problem because when your blood glucose is too high for a few years, it could lead to heart disease and damage to your kidneys, nerves, and eyes.


Question: Can nicotine affect blood sugar?

Answer: The chemical alters the way your body can use glucose, the sugar in your blood that fuels your cells. It could raise your odds of getting type 2 diabetes, and it can make your diabetes worse. On the flip side, nicotine may cause severe low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) for people who have diabetes and take insulin. When they can't, the glucose stays in your blood, and your blood sugar level goes up.


Question: Who has high HDL cholesterol levels?

Answer: On the positive side, vigorous exercisers -- such as long-distance runners -- tend to have high HDL cholesterol levels. Before menopause, women tend to have higher HDL cholesterol than men their age.


Question: Why is the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream important?

Answer: There are four different types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the blood: High density lipoprotein ( HDL) or "good cholesterol" Low density lipoprotein ( LDL) or "bad cholesterol" Very low density lipoproteins ( VLDL), which are very bad forms of cholesterol Chylomicrons, which carry very little cholesterol but a lot of another fat called triglycerides The amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream is important because of its role in various cardiovascular diseases. The risk of getting these conditions is complex and depends not only on how much cholesterol but also what kind of cholesterol you have in your blood. Generally speaking, high levels of LDL -- the "bad cholesterol" -- are associated with a higher chance of coronary heart disease; high levels of HDL -- or "good cholesterol" -- are associated with a lower chance.


Question: Why is LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol bad?

Answer: LDL cholesterol collects in the walls of arteries, leading to "hardening of the arteries" or atherosclerosis. People with atherosclerosis are in turn vulnerable to heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and other problems caused by clogged blood vessels. Even so, some people who have high LDL cholesterol never get heart disease, and many heart attack patients do not have high cholesterol levels.


Question: What causes cholesterol levels to increase?

Answer: Cholesterol levels can increase with: Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and sugar Obesity A sedentary lifestyle Since no one can predict which people with high cholesterol will develop heart disease, play it safe and keep your cholesterol levels in check.


Question: Who develops cholesterol problems?

Answer: Most of your body's fat is triglycerides. Some families are genetically blessed with low total cholesterol or high levels of HDL ("good cholesterol"), regardless of diet or lifestyle. Other families inherit genes that increase their risk for high cholesterol. In these people, eating a diet high in saturated fat can significantly raise cholesterol levels. Stress can also raise blood cholesterol levels, especially since stress can lead to poor eating habits that may increase cholesterol intake.


Question: What are anti-angiogenesis drugs for stage IV colon cancer patients?

Answer: Cancer cells need blood vessels to "feed" them oxygen-rich blood so they can grow and survive. Bevacizumab ( Avastin), ramucirumab ( Cyramza), and ziv-aflibercept ( Zaltrap) block a protein called VEGF, which helps blood vessels grow. Without a blood supply, the tumors "starve." You may get these drugs along with chemo.


Question: What are EGFR inhibitors in stage IV colon cancer patients?

Answer: Cetuximab ( Erbitux) and panitumumab ( Vectibix) slow cancer growth by blocking a protein called EGFR that helps cancer cells grow. These drugs don't work well in cancers that have changes (mutations) to a gene called RAS. Your doctor will test you to make sure you don't have the RAS gene change before you get one of these drugs.


Question: What are the side effects of targeted therapy for stage IV colon cancer patients?

Answer: Side effects depend on which drug you get. They can include: Loss of appetite Fatigue Diarrhea Weight loss Dry mouth Sores in the mouth or throat Rash Weakness Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs Serious side effects are rare.


Question: What are immune checkpoint inhibitors for stage IV colon cancer patients?

Answer: Nivolumab ( Opdivo) and pembrolizumab ( Keytruda) block PD-1 protein on immune cells called T cells. They help shrink and stop the growth of tumors.


Question: What are the side effects of chemotherapy for stage IV colon cancer patients?

Answer: There are several kinds of chemo drugs used to treat stage IV colon cancer. You may get more than one of them. Sometimes, doctors combine chemo with targeted therapy (see below). Chemo drugs can cause side effects like: Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Numbness, tingling, and weakness from nerve damage in your feet and hands Mouth sores More infections than usual You've probably heard of people losing their hair when they get chemotherapy.


Question: When would stage IV colon cancer patients get chemotherapy?

Answer: You may get chemotherapy before surgery to shrink tumors so they're easier to remove. Chemo is sometimes given after surgery to destroy any cancer cells left behind. You might get only chemo if you can't have surgery.


Question: What are the side effects of ablation or cryotherapy for stage IV colon cancer patients?

Answer: Side effects from these treatments are usually mild and can include: Fever Infection Bleeding Targeted therapies block substances that cancer cells need to grow and spread.


Question: What are targeted therapies for stage IV colon cancer patients?

Answer: Side effects from these treatments are usually mild and can include: Fever Infection Bleeding Targeted therapies block substances that cancer cells need to grow and spread. They slow or stop cancer growth while sparing healthy cells. This means you may have fewer side effects than you would with chemo drugs.


Question: What are the side effects of radiation?

Answer: Radiation can have side effects such as: Fatigue Skin redness Diarrhea Bloody stools These side effects should stop once your treatment ends.


Question: What happens after the cancerous part of the colon is removed?

Answer: After removing the part of your colon that has cancer, your surgeon may sew the ends of your intestines together so that stool can continue to pass through. You might get a colostomy, which attaches the end of your colon to an opening in your belly, where waste will leave your body. Some people only need to use a pouch while they heal from surgery. Once the colostomy is removed, you can use the bathroom normally again.


Question: How soon can someone go home after receiving ablation or cryotherapy?

Answer: Either way, you'll wear a pouch on the outside of your body to collect waste.


Question: What treatments are best for stage IV colon cancer?

Answer: Which treatment you get depends on where in your body the cancer has spread. It often spreads to the liver. It also can reach the lungs, lining of the abdomen, or lymph nodes in other parts of your body. You'll get the treatment that's most likely to work for you.


Question: How often does chemotherapy make the hair of stage IV colon cancer patients fall out?

Answer: But the types of chemo drugs used to treat stage IV colon cancer usually don't make hair fall out. Your doctor has ways to help you manage chemo side effects and feel better during treatment. Side effects should improve once you finish treatment.


Question: What are the serious side effects of targeted therapy for stage IV colon cancer patients?

Answer: They can include: Slow wound healing Severe bleeding or bruising A hole in the wall of the stomach or intestine Your doctor may suggest you try: Immune checkpoint inhibitors.


Question: How often do stage IV colon cancer patients receive radiation?

Answer: You'll get radiation therapy 5 days a week for a certain number of weeks. For this treatment, you'll visit your doctor's office or a hospital. A machine will aim the X-rays at your body. This is called external-beam radiation therapy. There are other types of radiation: Stereotactic radiation therapy comes from a machine outside your body.


Question: What is stereotactic radiation therapy?

Answer: There are other types of radiation: Stereotactic radiation therapy comes from a machine outside your body. It targets a small area, like an area in the lung or liver where the disease has spread.


Question: What happens after surgery for stage IV colon cancer patients?

Answer: If there isn't enough colon left, the end of your small intestine will be attached to the opening. This is called an ileostomy. Either way, you'll wear a pouch on the outside of your body to collect waste. After surgery, you might be in some pain. Some people have bowel problems like constipation or diarrhea. These side effects often go away. It might take a few weeks or months for your bowel habits to get back to normal after surgery. If the tumor blocks your colon, the surgeon could put in a tube called a stent to keep the bowel open. You'll get that stent put in during a colonoscopy.


Question: What is brachytherapy?

Answer: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.


Question: What will the surgeon remove during stage IV colon cancer surgery?

Answer: Your surgeon will remove the part of your colon, liver, or lungs where the cancer is. She will also remove nearby lymph nodes, because cancer can spread through them to other parts of your body.


Question: When is surgery used for stage IV colon cancer?

Answer: But in others, it may only ease symptoms. These treatments often can be used if your cancer has spread to the liver.


Question: What is radiation?

Answer: But in others, it may only ease symptoms. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.


Question: What are kinase inhibitors for stage IV colon cancer patients?

Answer: Kinase inhibitors. To get a targeted therapy, you will visit a hospital or medical center once every 2 to 3 weeks. You take some of these drugs through your vein, but one comes in the form of a pill.


Question: What are clinical trials for stage IV colon cancer patients?

Answer: There are several kinds of chemo drugs used to treat stage IV colon cancer. They often are a way for people to try new medicine that isn't available to everyone. Your doctor can tell you if one of these trials might be a good fit for you.


Question: What is hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy?

Answer: You might get only chemo if you can't have surgery. Your doctor places a pump that delivers the chemo drug straight into your liver through an artery. Because the medicine doesn't go through your whole body -- just into your liver -- you can get a higher dose without having more side effects.


Question: What is the difference between ablation and cryotherapy?

Answer: Surgery sometimes can be used if the cancer has spread to your liver or lungs. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. A CT or ultrasound scan will help your surgeon guide a thin probe to the tumor. The probe delivers high-energy radio waves to heat the tumor or very cold gas to freeze it.


Question: What can nasal polyps lead to?

Answer: Nasal polyps make you more likely to have long-term (chronic) sinusitis. Large ones can even change the shape of your nose.


Question: Who typically gets nasal polyps?

Answer: Anyone can, but they're most common in adults over age 40 and are twice as likely to affect men as women. Children under age 10 rarely get them. If they do, a doctor will check for signs of cystic fibrosis. Nasal polyps are linked to allergic rhinitis, asthma, aspirin allergy, sinus infections, acute and chronic infections, something stuck in the nose, and cystic fibrosis. But many times the cause is unknown. Sometimes, people get them before they develop asthma or sinusitis. Some experts think that symptoms of allergies -- including runny nose, sneezing, and itching -- make some people more likely to get nasal polyps.


Question: What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Answer: If you have any symptoms, they may include: Stuffy or blocked nose Sneezing Postnasal drip Runny nose Facial pain Trouble with sense of smell Loss of taste Itching around the eyes Infections Most people with nasal polyps have a runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip. About 75% have problems with their sense of smell. Many people also have wheezing, sinus infections, and sensitivity to fumes, odors, dusts, and chemicals. It's less common, but some people with nasal polyps also have a severe allergy to aspirin and reaction to yellow dyes. If you know you have that allergy, ask your doctor to check for nasal polyps.


Question: When is surgery needed for nasal polyps?

Answer: Sometimes, nasal polyps are so large that corticosteroid nasal sprays don't work. In such cases, surgery may be an option. The doctor would likely use a small nasal telescope that removes nasal polyps. You can go home the same day as the surgery. Surgery helps in most cases. It may be less effective if you have nasal polyps, asthma, and aspirin sensitivity. If that's you, medication may be more helpful.


Question: What should I know about nasal polyps?

Answer: Nasal polyps are common, noncancerous, teardrop-shaped growths that form in the nose or sinuses. They're usually found around the area where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity. Mature ones look like peeled grapes. 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(); }); } Often linked to allergies or asthma, they may cause no symptoms, especially if they're small and don't need treatment. Larger ones can block normal drainage from the sinuses. When too much mucus builds up in the sinuses, it can become infected. Unlike polyps that form in the colon or bladder, nasal ones are rarely cancer. Experts think that long-term inflammation causes them or that they run in families. Nasal polyps aren't painful to the touch. Medications or surgery can treat most.


Question: How are nasal polyps treated?

Answer: They may come back, though. If you know you have that allergy, ask your doctor to check for nasal polyps. She'll use a nasal endoscope, which is a tool with a magnifying lens or camera that provides a detailed view of your nose and sinuses. In some cases, your doctor may order more tests or take a small sample (a biopsy) of the polyp. If you need treatment, you'll probably start with a nasal corticosteroid spray. In many cases, that can shrink or even get rid of nasal polyps. So you may need to keep using a corticosteroid spray and get checkups with a nasal endoscope every now and then. In general, medications such as antihistamines and decongestants aren't great at managing nasal polyps.


Question: Is there a supplement that can cure diabetes?

Answer: Supplements don't cure diabetes, either. Some natural supplements may interact dangerously with your diabetes medication. Others have been shown to help improve your diabetes, but always check with your doctor before taking any supplement. Be skeptical about claims of a diabetes cure. A genuine cure will have been tested repeatedly in clinical trials with clear success.


Question: Is there a cure for diabetes?

Answer: But the reality is that there is no cure for diabetes -- neither type 1 diabetes nor type 2 diabetes. ( Although lifestyle changes can achieve remission in type 2 diabetes in some cases.) However, there are treatments, including simple things you can do daily, that make a big difference.


Question: Can islet cell transplantation be a cure for diabetes?

Answer: Islet cells sense blood sugar levels and make insulin. The cells come from a donor. Once transplanted successfully, the donor cells begin to make and release insulin in response to blood sugar levels. This procedure can provide more flexibility with meal planning and help protect against serious long-term diabetes complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve and eye damage. The person receiving the transplant must take medicine for the rest of their life to prevent their body from rejecting the donor's cells.


Question: How can I manage blood sugar levels effectively?

Answer: To manage diabetes effectively, you need to do the following: Manage your blood sugar levels. Know what to do to help keep them as near to normal as possible every day: Check your glucose levels frequently. Take your diabetes medicine regularly. And balance your food intake with medication, exercise, stress management, and good sleep habits.


Question: How effective are treatments for diabetes?

Answer: Even though there's no diabetes cure, diabetes can be treated and controlled, and some people may go into remission.


Question: Could a pancreas transplantation cure diabetes?

Answer: Getting a transplanted pancreas is a possibility for some people with type 1 diabetes. It's usually done in those who also have end-stage kidney (renal) disease. A pancreatic transplant would help restore blood sugar control. Like anyone else who gets a transplant, the patient would need to take medicine for the rest of their life to help their body accept their new pancreas.


Question: Can diabetes go into remission?

Answer: Even though there's no diabetes cure, diabetes can be treated and controlled, and some people may go into remission.


Question: How can you manage your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes?

Answer: To manage diabetes effectively, you need to do the following: Manage your blood sugar levels. Know what to do to help keep them as near to normal as possible every day: Check your glucose levels frequently. Take your diabetes medicine regularly. And balance your food intake with medication, exercise, stress management, and good sleep habits.


Question: What is an islet cell transplantation for diabetes?

Answer: Islet cells sense blood sugar levels and make insulin. The cells come from a donor. Once transplanted successfully, the donor cells begin to make and release insulin in response to blood sugar levels. This procedure can provide more flexibility with meal planning and help protect against serious long-term diabetes complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve and eye damage. The person receiving the transplant must take medicine for the rest of their life to prevent their body from rejecting the donor's cells.


Question: Is there a natural therapy that can cure diabetes?

Answer: Natural therapies such as deep abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback can help relieve stress. And emotional stress affects your blood sugar levels.


Question: How does weight loss surgery help treat diabetes?

Answer: Weight Loss Surgery After weight loss surgery, many people with type 2 diabetes see their blood sugar levels return to near normal. Some experts call this a remission. It's not unusual for people to no longer need diabetes medicines after weight loss surgery. The more weight a person loses after surgery, the greater improvement in blood sugar control. After surgery, if extra weight returns, your diabetes can return too.


Question: What lifestyle changes can help me manage my diabetes?

Answer: Plan what you eat at each meal. Stick to your diabetes eating plan as often as possible. Bring healthy snacks with you. You'll be less likely to snack on empty calories. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps you keep you fit, burns calories, and helps normalize your blood glucose levels. Keep up with your medical appointments. That includes your doctor, diabetes educator, ophthalmologist, dentist, podiatrist, and other health care professionals.


Question: Are stem cells a cure for diabetes?

Answer: Stem cells are cells that can develop into other types of cells. Scientists have had some success with stem cells in type 1 diabetes.


Question: How can food and exercise help me manage diabetes effectively?

Answer: Plan what you eat at each meal. Stick to your diabetes eating plan as often as possible. Bring healthy snacks with you. You'll be less likely to snack on empty calories. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps you keep you fit, burns calories, and helps normalize your blood glucose levels.


Question: What can you do to keep a healthy weight to manage diabetes?

Answer: So learning to relax is important in managing your diabetes. Exercise regularly.


Question: Can a pancreas transplantation cure diabetes?

Answer: But the reality is that there is no cure for diabetes -- neither type 1 diabetes nor type 2 diabetes. The more weight a person loses after surgery, the greater improvement in blood sugar control. Like anyone else who gets a transplant, the patient would need to take medicine for the rest of their life to help their body accept their new pancreas.


Question: What are the symptoms of  juvenile X-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Symptoms XJR starts at birth and usually affects both eyes. Symptoms can appear in the first few months of life. Some boys, though, aren't diagnosed until they start school and have trouble reading. Their vision often gets worse during childhood and then levels off for a while. When a man reaches his 50s and 60s, his vision might start to worsen again. Some people lose a lot of their vision by adulthood, but it's rare for retinoschisis to cause blindness. Other symptoms include: Eyes that look in different directions (strabismus) Poor close-up vision (farsightedness) Bleeding in your eye caused by damaged blood vessels In rare cases, the retina will pull away from the eye completely. This is called retinal detachment, and it can lead to serious vision loss. People who have retinal detachment will need surgery to fix it.


Question: What is the treatment for juvenile x-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Treatment No medicine or surgery can treat a divided retina. Glasses can't do much if your vision is bad because of nerve damage, but they can help if you're nearsighted (can't see far away) or farsighted. Large-print textbooks, computer screens, and other low-vision tools can help children in school. Bleeding in your eye is treated with a laser or with cold (cryotherapy) to close damaged blood vessels in the retina. Surgery can fix a detached retina. Researchers are testing new treatments for retinoschisis. One of these replaces the damaged gene with a copy of a healthy gene. Stem cell treatments are also being studied.


Question: What are the symptoms of senile retinoschisis?

Answer: Symptoms SR doesn't usually cause vision loss or other symptoms and, typically, is only found during an eye exam. Over time, some people lose a little of their side vision. In rare cases, the retina can become detached.


Question: What are the symptoms of juvenile x-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Symptoms XJR starts at birth and usually affects both eyes. Symptoms can appear in the first few months of life. Some boys, though, aren't diagnosed until they start school and have trouble reading. Their vision often gets worse during childhood and then levels off for a while. When a man reaches his 50s and 60s, his vision might start to worsen again. Some people lose a lot of their vision by adulthood, but it's rare for retinoschisis to cause blindness. Other symptoms include: Eyes that look in different directions (strabismus) Poor close-up vision (farsightedness) Bleeding in your eye caused by damaged blood vessels In rare cases, the retina will pull away from the eye completely. This is called retinal detachment, and it can lead to serious vision loss. People who have retinal detachment will need surgery to fix it.


Question: What are the causes of juvenile x-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Causes XJR is caused by a change -- or mutation -- to a gene. If a girl gets the problem gene from a parent, she'll carry the disorder but won't have symptoms. If a boy gets the gene, he'll have the disorder. If a mother has the gene, her female children have a 50% chance of being a carrier. Her male children have a 50% chance of having the disorder. Men who have the gene can't pass it to their sons, but their daughters will be carriers.


Question: What is the treatment for degenerative (senile) retinoschisis?

Answer: Diagnosis Tests your eye doctor might recommend include: Visual acuity test to check how well you can focus Field of vision test to measure your central and side vision Ophthalmoscopy to look at the back of your eye, including the retina Slit lamp exam to get a large, three-dimensional (3- D) view of the different parts of your eye Treatment People with degenerative retinoschisis usually don't need treatment. See your eye doctor for regular checkups to make sure you don't have any vision loss. If the retina detaches, your doctor will treat it with surgery.


Question: What are the symptoms of degenerative (senile) retinoschisis?

Answer: Symptoms SR doesn't usually cause vision loss or other symptoms and, typically, is only found during an eye exam. Over time, some people lose a little of their side vision. In rare cases, the retina can become detached.


Question: What causes juvenile X-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Causes XJR is caused by a change -- or mutation -- to a gene. If a girl gets the problem gene from a parent, she'll carry the disorder but won't have symptoms. If a boy gets the gene, he'll have the disorder. If a mother has the gene, her female children have a 50% chance of being a carrier. Her male children have a 50% chance of having the disorder. Men who have the gene can't pass it to their sons, but their daughters will be carriers.


Question: What is juvenile x-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: There are two forms of this condition: Juvenile X-linked retinoschisis Degenerative (senile) retinoschisis This rare condition, sometimes called XJR, mainly affects boys and men. It damages an area in the middle of the retina called the macula. The macula gives you clear central vision, and lets you focus on things in front of you, like a book or computer. Sometimes the condition also can affect your side, or peripheral, vision.


Question: What tests are used to diagnose juvenile X-linked retinoschisis?

Answer: Diagnosis Your eye doctor will look for splits or tears in your retina. Tests for juvenile X-linked retinoschisis include: Optical coherence tomography ( OCT): Light waves make pictures of the retina. Ultrasound : Sound waves create pictures of the eyes. This can show bleeding in the eye. Electroretinogram ( ERG): This measures electrical activity in the retina. A special sensor is placed in each eye. While you look at a flashing light, the doctor will see how your retinas respond. Gene tests: Theselook for the RS1 gene that causes juvenile X-linked retinoschisis. People with juvenile retinoschisis should get regular eye exams to check for vision loss.


Question: How is degenerative (senile) retinoschisis diagnosed?

Answer: Diagnosis Tests your eye doctor might recommend include: Visual acuity test to check how well you can focus Field of vision test to measure your central and side vision Ophthalmoscopy to look at the back of your eye, including the retina Slit lamp exam to get a large, three-dimensional (3- D) view of the different parts of your eye Treatment People with degenerative retinoschisis usually don't need treatment.


Question: What causes degenerative (senile) retinoschisis?

Answer: Causes SR isn't caused by a problem gene, and it's not passed down through families. Doctors don't know exactly why the retina becomes damaged as some people get older.


Question: What is degenerative (senile) retinoschisis?

Answer: This form, sometimes called SR, usually affects men and women in their 50s to 70s, but it can start earlier in life. It's not as serious as the juvenile form and rarely causes vision loss.


Question: What are the causes of senile retinoschisis?

Answer: Causes SR isn't caused by a problem gene, and it's not passed down through families. Doctors don't know exactly why the retina becomes damaged as some people get older.


Question: What is the treatment for senile retinoschisis?

Answer: Diagnosis Tests your eye doctor might recommend include: Visual acuity test to check how well you can focus Field of vision test to measure your central and side vision Ophthalmoscopy to look at the back of your eye, including the retina Slit lamp exam to get a large, three-dimensional (3- D) view of the different parts of your eye Treatment People with degenerative retinoschisis usually don't need treatment. See your eye doctor for regular checkups to make sure you don't have any vision loss. If the retina detaches, your doctor will treat it with surgery.


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 do you need to know about the cabbage soup diet?

Answer: But before you stock up on cabbage, know that this crash diet won't help you in the long run, and it doesn't give your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. A better bet is to aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds each week on a healthy, well-balanced diet. And if you follow the Cabbage Soup Diet for more than a week, you could run short on key nutrients.


Question: What are some drawbacks of the cabbage soup diet?

Answer: Limitations: Your menu options are severely limited on this diet. It gets very boring, very quickly. If you want to try it again, it's recommended that you wait 2 weeks first. You will need to make the cabbage soup and cook some of the vegetables recommended in the plan. Exercise: The cabbage soup diet doesn't include exercise, and working out at high levels isn't a great idea on such a low-calorie diet. Your body just won't have enough gas in the tank for exercise.


Question: What does the A1c blood test do?

Answer: An A1 C test is a blood test that estimates average glucose levels in your blood over the previous three months. Periodic A1 C testing may be advised to see how well diet, exercise, and medications are working to control blood sugar and prevent organ damage.


Question: Is type 2 more or less aggressive than type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Type 2 diabetes is often a milder form of diabetes than type 1. Nevertheless, type 2 diabetes can still cause major health complications, particularly in the smallest blood vessels in the body that nourish the kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Type 2 diabetes also increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.


Question: How do people with type 1 diabetes take insulin?

Answer: Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves taking insulin, which needs to be injected through the skin into the fatty tissue below. The methods of injecting insulin include: Syringes Insulin pens that use pre-filled cartridges and a fine needle Jet injectors that use high pressure air to send a spray of insulin through the skin Insulin pumps that dispense insulin through flexible tubing to a catheter under the skin of the abdomen A periodic test called the A1 C blood test estimates glucose levels in your blood over the previous three months.


Question: What risks to the mother are caused by gestational diabetes?

Answer: Risks to the mother include needing a cesarean section due to an overly large baby, as well as damage to heart, kidney, nerves, and eye.


Question: What causes a lack of insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes?

Answer: With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually produces some insulin. But either the amount produced is not enough for the body's needs, or the body's cells are resistant to it. Insulin resistance, or lack of sensitivity to insulin, happens primarily in fat, liver, and muscle cells.


Question: Is type 2 diabetes curable?

Answer: But even then, there is not enough insulin to keep sugars normal. There is no cure for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can, however, be controlled with weight management, nutrition, and exercise. Unfortunately, type 2 diabetes tends to progress, and diabetes medications are often needed.


Question: What lifestyle changes are necessary for people with type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Having type 1 diabetes does require significant lifestyle changes that include: Frequent testing of your blood sugar levels Careful meal planning Daily exercise Taking insulin and other medications as needed People with type 1 diabetes can lead long, active lives if they carefully monitor their glucose, make the needed lifestyle changes, and adhere to the treatment plan.


Question: What risks to the unborn baby are caused by gestational diabetes?

Answer: With gestational diabetes, risks to the unborn baby are even greater than risks to the mother. Risks to the baby include abnormal weight gain before birth, breathing problems at birth, and higher obesity and diabetes risk later in life.


Question: What is an A1c test for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: An A1 C test is a blood test that estimates average glucose levels in your blood over the previous three months. Periodic A1 C testing may be advised to see how well diet, exercise, and medications are working to control blood sugar and prevent organ damage. The A1 C test is typically done a few times a year.


Question: What is the treatment for gestational diabetes?

Answer: Treatment during pregnancy includes working closely with your health care team and: Careful meal planning to ensure adequate pregnancy nutrients without excess fat and calories Daily exercise Controlling pregnancy weight gain Taking diabetes insulin to control blood sugar levels if needed A few rare kinds of diabetes can result from specific conditions.


Question: What causes type 2 diabetes?

Answer: This type of diabetes may be caused by a genetic predisposition. It could also be the result of faulty beta cells in the pancreas that normally produce insulin.


Question: What specific types of diabetes exist other than type 1, type 2, and gestational?

Answer: Treatment during pregnancy includes working closely with your health care team and: Careful meal planning to ensure adequate pregnancy nutrients without excess fat and calories Daily exercise Controlling pregnancy weight gain Taking diabetes insulin to control blood sugar levels if needed A few rare kinds of diabetes can result from specific conditions. For example, diseases of the pancreas, certain surgeries and medications, or infections can cause diabetes. These types of diabetes account for only 1% to 5% of all cases of diabetes.


Question: Is gestational diabetes common?

Answer: According to the National Institutes of Health, the reported rate of gestational diabetes is between 2% to 10% of pregnancies.


Question: What are other forms of diabetes?

Answer: Treatment during pregnancy includes working closely with your health care team and: Careful meal planning to ensure adequate pregnancy nutrients without excess fat and calories Daily exercise Controlling pregnancy weight gain Taking diabetes insulin to control blood sugar levels if needed A few rare kinds of diabetes can result from specific conditions. For example, diseases of the pancreas, certain surgeries and medications, or infections can cause diabetes. These types of diabetes account for only 1% to 5% of all cases of diabetes.


Question: How can you treat type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves taking insulin, which needs to be injected through the skin into the fatty tissue below. The methods of injecting insulin include: Syringes Insulin pens that use pre-filled cartridges and a fine needle Jet injectors that use high pressure air to send a spray of insulin through the skin Insulin pumps that dispense insulin through flexible tubing to a catheter under the skin of the abdomen A periodic test called the A1 C blood test estimates glucose levels in your blood over the previous three months.


Question: How can you treat gestational diabetes?

Answer: Treatment during pregnancy includes working closely with your health care team and: Careful meal planning to ensure adequate pregnancy nutrients without excess fat and calories Daily exercise Controlling pregnancy weight gain Taking diabetes insulin to control blood sugar levels if needed A few rare kinds of diabetes can result from specific conditions.


Question: What lifestyle changes are required if you have type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Having type 1 diabetes does require significant lifestyle changes that include: Frequent testing of your blood sugar levels Careful meal planning Daily exercise Taking insulin and other medications as needed People with type 1 diabetes can lead long, active lives if they carefully monitor their glucose, make the needed lifestyle changes, and adhere to the treatment plan.


Question: What happens to your body if you have type 2 diabetes?

Answer: With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually produces some insulin. But either the amount produced is not enough for the body's needs, or the body's cells are resistant to it. Insulin resistance, or lack of sensitivity to insulin, happens primarily in fat, liver, and muscle cells.


Question: What is diabetes and what are the different types?

Answer: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. Type 2 diabetes is often a milder form of diabetes than type 1.


Question: What is the result of diabetes?

Answer: Nevertheless, type 2 diabetes can still cause major health complications, particularly in the smallest blood vessels in the body that nourish the kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Type 2 diabetes also increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Because high blood sugar levels in a mother are circulated through the placenta to the baby, gestational diabetes must be controlled to protect the baby's growth and development.


Question: What medical risks are associated with type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Many of them stem from damage to the tiny blood vessels in your eyes (called diabetic retinopathy), nerves (diabetic neuropathy), and kidneys (diabetic nephropathy). Even more serious is the increased risk of heart disease and stroke. With gestational diabetes, risks to the unborn baby are even greater than risks to the mother.


Question: What do all types of diabetes have in common?

Answer: In people with type 1 diabetes, the damaged pancreas doesn't make insulin. The methods of injecting insulin include: Syringes Insulin pens that use pre-filled cartridges and a fine needle Jet injectors that use high pressure air to send a spray of insulin through the skin Insulin pumps that dispense insulin through flexible tubing to a catheter under the skin of the abdomen A periodic test called the A1 C blood test estimates glucose levels in your blood over the previous three months.


Question: What are other names for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: It used to be called juvenile-onset diabetes, because it often begins in childhood. Type 2 diabetes was also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes.


Question: Who is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes, but with the epidemic of obese and overweight kids, more teenagers are now developing type 2 diabetes. Obese people have insulin resistance. With insulin resistance, the pancreas has to work overly hard to produce more insulin. But even then, there is not enough insulin to keep sugars normal.


Question: Does gestational diabetes lead to other types of diabetes after pregnancy?

Answer: Diabetes that's triggered by pregnancy is called gestational diabetes (pregnancy, to some degree, leads to insulin resistance). Having gestational diabetes does, however, put mothers at risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Up to 10% of women with gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes. It can occur anywhere from a few weeks after delivery to months or years later.


Question: What do all types of diabetes mellitus have in common?

Answer: But either the amount made isn't enough for the body's needs, or the body's cells resist it. In people with type 1 diabetes, the damaged pancreas doesn't make insulin. But either the amount produced is not enough for the body's needs, or the body's cells are resistant to it. These types of diabetes account for only 1% to 5% of all cases of diabetes.


Question: What is diabetes mellitus?

Answer: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. Type 2 diabetes is often a milder form of diabetes than type 1.


Question: How does the body fight free radicals to prevent cancer?

Answer: Antioxidants work by bolstering the body's defenses against potentially dangerous substances called free radicals. However antioxidants, such as selenium and beta-carotene, may help reinforce this protection. However, in clinical trials, neither of these agents has been shown to reduce cancer development. Studies have shown that antioxidants are best taken as foods as opposed to supplements. Some examples of antioxidants are carotene, beta-carotene, and lutein. Foods that are good sources of antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, and certain types of tea.


Question: What has been shown about changing the ingredients of vision supplements for eye health?

Answer: This study sought to see if adding other vitamins and mineral to the supplement would improve results of the AREDS. The first addition was omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), and the second was a combination of two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are found in leafy green vegetables and highly colored fruits and vegetables. The research showed: Beta-carotene did not lower the risk of progression of AMD. Adding omega-3 to the AREDS formula did not lower the risk of progression of AMD. The AREDS formula was still found to be protective with less zinc added. People who took a formula with lutein and zeaxanthin (and who may not have been taking enough in their diet) showed further improvement with the new AREDS formula. In general, people who took lutein and zeaxanthin instead of beta-carotene had more of a benefit. This supplement regimen, however, was not shown to prevent the onset of AMD, slow its progression in early stages, or improve vision already lost. If you or someone you care about has AMD in one of the two categories listed, an eye doctor may recommend taking a vision supplement.


Question: What has been shown to contribute to chronic dry eye syndrome in vision supplements for healthy eyes?

Answer: In another example, studies have shown that deficiencies of antioxidants contribute to the development of chronic dry eye syndrome. Nutritional supplements containing the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are available to help restore and maintain tear formation and eye lubrication. Again, check with your doctor first.


Question: What are good multivitamins and vitamin supplements to help my vision?

Answer: Lutein: None Calcium: 1000 mg- men and women : 1200 mg- women over 51 and men over 71 Thiamin: men - 1.2 mg, women - 1.1 mg. (1.4 mg if pregnant or nursing) Folic acid: Adult: 400 mcg Dietary Folate Equivalents (600 mcg DFE is pregnant, 500 mcg DFE if breat feeding) Omega-3 essential fatty acids (including flaxseed oil): None; but for cardiovascular benefits, the American Heart Association recommends approximately 1,000 mg daily.


Question: What can you do to protect your eye health and eyesight using vision supplements?

Answer: Important: Your doctor is your first resource for information about your health. Regardless of dosage, supplements are not a cure for health problems or a substitute for medication your doctor has recommended. Always check with your doctor before beginning to take any dietary supplement, including vision supplements.


Question: Should I pay attention to the labels when I buy food?

Answer: As with any prepared food you buy, read the labels on supplements to be sure you're getting what you want. Here are some tips: Be sure the product you buy is fresh: Check expiration dates. The bottle should be sealed for your protection. If it isn't, or if the seal is broken, don't buy it. Look for a reputable manufacturer as quality can vary widely. If you're prone to stomach upset, capsules may be a better choice than tablets, which are harder for your system to absorb. Avoid supplements containing fillers, ingredients used to bulk up products so they "look like more." These include wheat, corn, and dairy products, which could cause digestive or allergic problems for some people. If fish oil is listed as a source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, the label should state that it has been produced in a manner that eliminates contaminants, particularly mercury. The FDA does regulate dietary supplements, but treats them like food rather than medications; unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don't have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them. The FDA can get a supplement removed from the market, though. And supplement manufacturers must maintain certain standards (called GMP) that are similar to those for pharmaceutical makers.


Question: What are the grades of prostate cancer?

Answer: Grade 1. The cancerous tissue looks very much like normal prostate cells. Grades 2 to 4. Some cells do look like normal prostate cells, others do not. Patterns of cells in these grades vary. Grade 5. The cells appear abnormal and do not look like normal prostate cells. They appear to be scattered haphazardly throughout the prostate.


Question: What is grading in prostate cancer?

Answer: The grade refers to the cancer's appearance and indicates how quickly a cancer is growing. Most pathologists assign a grade from 1 to 5 based on how the cancerous cells look compared to normal prostate cells. There is a 30% to 50% likelihood of finding prostate cancer in a later biopsy when high-grade PIN is initially discovered.


Question: What do other test results in prostate cancer mean?

Answer: The cancerous tissue looks very much like normal prostate cells. These results are often reported as "suspicious" and fall into one of two categories, either atypical or prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia ( PIN). PIN is often further divided into low grade and high grade. The significance of low-grade PIN in relation to prostate cancer remains unclear. Many men have it when they are young and never develop prostate cancer. Biopsy results that fall into either atypical or high-grade PIN are suspicious for the presence of prostate cancer in another portion of the gland. There is a 30% to 50% likelihood of finding prostate cancer in a later biopsy when high-grade PIN is initially discovered. For this reason, repeat biopsies are generally recommended.


Question: If you have diverticulitis, when should you call your doctor?

Answer: The symptoms of diverticulitis are: Severe abdominal pain and cramping that is usually worse on the left side and increases when the area is touched Nausea Chills or fever Bloating Constipation, thin stools, or diarrhea Rectal bleeding (rare) You have a fever, chills, abdominal swelling, or are vomiting. You have blood in your stool. Your abdomen becomes rigid and you experience pain when you move; you could have peritonitis, an infection of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. If you continue to have severe pain, despite treatment, you may need further evaluation. Call your doctor.


Question: How can I treat insect stings or bites?

Answer: To treat insect stings or bites: For a severe allergic reaction, use an epinephrine shot if you have it, and call 911 immediately. Always carry two doses with you if you're at risk for a severe allergic reaction. For mild reactions, apply ice to the bite area to ease the swelling. If you got stung, remove the stinger. Try a pain reliever, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Use a topical cream like hydrocortisone to ease pain and itching. Calamine creams also help. Use oral antihistamines for itching.


Question: How are summer allergies diagnosed?

Answer: They're pretty much the same as those that troubled you in the spring: Runny nose Watery eyes Sneezing Coughing Itchy eyes and nose Dark circles under your eyes Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and allergy history. He may suggest treatments. Or he might refer you to doctor who specializes in treating allergies for a skin test. This allergist will expose a small spot on your arm or back to a tiny sample of allergen. If you react, a small red bump will form. A blood test can also diagnose allergies.


Question: How can I avoid my summer allergy triggers?

Answer: Stay inside when the pollen count and smog levels are high. Keep your doors and windows closed. Run your air conditioner to keep allergens out. Use an air purifier. Clean air filters in your home often. Also clean bookshelves, vents, and other places where pollen collects. Wash bedding and rugs in hot water to get rid of dust mites and other allergens. Wash your hair, shower, and change your clothes after you go outside. Vacuum often and wear a mask. The process can kick up pollen, mold, and dust trapped in your carpet. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Wear a mask when you mow your lawn to avoid grass pollen.


Question: What type of grass can trigger summer allergies?

Answer: Those most likely to make you sneeze or sniffle include: Weeds Ragweed Cockleweed Pigweed Russian thistle Sagebrush Tumbleweed Grasses Bermuda Blue grasses Orchard Red top Sweet vernal Timothy Ragweed is one of the most common summer allergy triggers. It can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind. So even if it doesn't grow where you live, it can make you feel bad if you're allergic to it.


Question: What type of weeds can trigger summer allergies?

Answer: Those most likely to make you sneeze or sniffle include: Weeds Ragweed Cockleweed Pigweed Russian thistle Sagebrush Tumbleweed Grasses Bermuda Blue grasses Orchard Red top Sweet vernal Timothy Ragweed is one of the most common summer allergy triggers.


Question: Can you prevent breast cancer?

Answer: While there is no definitive way to prevent breast cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk: Maintain a healthy weight. Be physically active and get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise five or more days per week. Eat a healthy diet with at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily; limit the amount of processed meat and red meat eaten. Women should drink no more than one alcoholic beverage daily (men should drink no more than two alcoholic beverages daily).


Question: Does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase the risk of breast cancer?

Answer: Other risk factors include: Having cancer in one breast (may recur or develop in other) Having a history of ovarian, uterine, or colon cancer Having a genetic abnormality such as a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation Late menopause (after age 55) Starting menstruation early in life (before age 12) Having a first child after age 30 Never having children Being overweight or obese after menopause Evidence suggests that the longer a woman is exposed to female hormones (either made by the body, taken as a drug, or delivered by a patch), the more likely she is to develop breast cancer. Hormone replacement therapy may be given to postmenopausal women who have menopausal symptoms. The longer a woman is on HRT with a combination of estrogen and progestin, the greater her chances may be of being diagnosed with breast cancer. It is unclear if HRT with estrogen alone, which is sometimes prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy, increases the risk of breast cancer.


Question: What are the the risk factors associated with breast cancer?

Answer: Certain factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer. However, having many risk factors does not mean a woman will develop breast cancer, and having no risk factors does not mean she will not develop the disease. Age is the single-most important risk factor for breast cancer. The chances of developing the disease increase with age. About 95% of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year are over age 40, and about half are age 61 and older. Personal risk is also greater if an immediate family member (mother, sister, or daughter) has had breast cancer, particularly if it was at an early age. Also, women who have had a breast biopsy (removal of breast tissue) that shows certain types of benign disease, such as atypical hyperplasia, are more likely to get breast cancer.


Question: What are some other risk factors for breast cancer?

Answer: Other risk factors include: Having cancer in one breast (may recur or develop in other) Having a history of ovarian, uterine, or colon cancer Having a genetic abnormality such as a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation Late menopause (after age 55) Starting menstruation early in life (before age 12) Having a first child after age 30 Never having children Being overweight or obese after menopause Evidence suggests that the longer a woman is exposed to female hormones (either made by the body, taken as a drug, or delivered by a patch), the more likely she is to develop breast cancer.


Question: What is the link between menopause and breast cancer?

Answer: However, the rates of many cancers, including breast cancer, do increase with age. In addition, some of the drugs used to manage menopausal symptoms may increase or decrease a person's cancer risk. Certain factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer.


Question: How often should you get a breast exam?

Answer: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG) recommends that women in their 20s and 30s have a health care provider perform a breast exam every one to three years and then every year once they turn 40. The ACS states that research has not shown a clear benefit of performing regular breast self-exams. Women who choose to perform breast self-exams should have their technique reviewed during an exam by a healthcare provider. Any change in their breasts noted on breast self-exams should be reported promptly to a doctor. Women who are considered to have an increased risk for breast cancer may benefit from getting a yearly MRI of their breasts along with their yearly mammogram. Three-dimensional mammography may also be an option for some women. To find out if you are at increased risk for breast cancer, consult your doctor.


Question: How is breast cancer detected and diagnosed?

Answer: The chances of developing the disease increase with age. Many breast cancer experts, including the American Cancer Society, recommend beginning routine screening for breast cancer with a mammogram at age 45. Others suggest waiting till age 50. Your doctor may recommend starting earlier than age 45, depending on your individual risk factors. The purpose of a mammogram is to find abnormalities that are too small to be seen or felt. However, mammograms will not detect all breast cancers, which is why physical breast exams are very important.


Question: How can dopaminergic agents help with treating periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)?

Answer: Dopaminergic agents: These drugs increased the levels of an important neurotransmitter (brain chemical) called dopamine, which is important in regulating muscle movements. These medications seem to improve the condition in some people but not in others. Widely used examples are a levodopa/carbidopa combination ( Sinemet) and pergolide ( Permax).


Question: How can gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists help with treating periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)?

Answer: GABA agonists: These agents inhibit release of certain neurotransmitters that stimulate muscle contractions. The result is relaxation of contractions. The most widely used of these agents in PLMD is baclofen ( Lioresal).


Question: How can you tell if you have fatty acid imbalance relative to breast pain?

Answer: These acids are found in vegetable and animals oils. If there's an imbalance of them in your cells, your breasts can be more sensitive to hormones. To reduce your symptoms, try cutting down the fat in your diet. Your doctor might also recommend a diet high in complex carbs. Some doctors think taking evening primrose oil helps correct fatty acid imbalances, too.


Question: How can you tell if you have extramammary breast pain?

Answer: Yours might be linked to another issue if: Your pain feels like soreness, burning, or tightness Discomfort is constant (or unpredictable) Pain seems to affect one breast in a particular area You've passed menopause This pain feels like it's coming from your breasts. But it's actually radiating from somewhere else, often the chest wall. Usually, the pain gets better with rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds ( NSAIDs), and sometimes cortisone injections. If you strain your pectoralis major muscle (that's located beneath and around your breasts) it also can feel like your breasts are the source of the pain. This can result from activities like lifting, raking, and shoveling.


Question: What are the signs of cyclical breast pain?

Answer: Your breast pain is likely cyclical -- meaning it's linked to your reproductive cycle -- if you have some of these signs: The pain feels achy and heavy Your breasts swell or seem lumpy Both breasts are affected, mainly the upper and outer areas. Sometimes, the pain can radiate to your armpits Symptoms get worse during the 2 weeks before your period, then improve afterward You're in your childbearing years (around your 20s and 30s), or you're approaching menopause To help ease cyclical breast pain, your doctor might recommend you take oral contraceptives, or she may tweak the dosage you already take. She might also suggest you cut back on caffeine, or try over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium.


Question: How can you tell if you have noncyclical breast pain?

Answer: Breast pain also can be triggered by reasons other than hormones. Yours might be linked to another issue if: Your pain feels like soreness, burning, or tightness Discomfort is constant (or unpredictable) Pain seems to affect one breast in a particular area You've passed menopause This pain feels like it's coming from your breasts.


Question: Why do my breasts hurt?

Answer: It can be troubling, too -- it's very common to wonder if what you're feeling might be a sign of breast cancer. Doctors call breast pain âmastalgia.â It's important to track the cause of it. But know that pain in either or both of your breasts in itself isn't a sign of breast cancer. Breast tenderness and other discomfort can happen for lots of different reasons. Yours might be linked to another issue if: Your pain feels like soreness, burning, or tightness Discomfort is constant (or unpredictable) Pain seems to affect one breast in a particular area You've passed menopause This pain feels like it's coming from your breasts.


Question: How can you tell if you have support issues relative to breast pain?

Answer: Fibrous tissue (breast tissue that's scar-like or ropey) and cysts (fluid-filled sacs) form in your breasts. Certain prescription meds, as well as hormone medications, can cause breast pain. Reduction surgery can help, but it, too, can cause pain if tissue is damaged during the operation. A supportive, sturdy bra can help keep your breasts in place. Wearing a sports bra to bed and when exercising can also help.


Question: What hormone levels trigger breast pain?

Answer: Doctors aren't sure what triggers breast pain. It can happen at different times in your reproductive life, such as during: Puberty Your monthly period or when you have premenstrual syndrome ( PMS) Pregnancy, usually in the first trimester Breastfeeding. Sometimes a blocked milk duct can get infected, a painful condition called mastitis. It needs to be treated immediately, usually with antibiotics. Menopause This is likely linked to hormones, as well. If there's an imbalance of them in your cells, your breasts can be more sensitive to hormones.


Question: How can trauma and infection affect the body?

Answer: Infections tend to become walled off from surrounding tissue, producing small abscesses. This may give them the appearance of cysts. If you think you have an infection, see your doctor. Your doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics, although many times the infection will come back and may require the removal of the infected tissue. Cysts may produce pain, but breast cancer rarely does -- although pain does not rule out the possibility of cancer.


Question: What are breast lumps?

Answer: Breast lumps come in many forms, including cysts, adenomas, and papillomas. They differ in size, shape, and location, as well as in causes and treatment. About half of all women have lumpy breasts, or fibrocystic change. They are more common during the premenstrual period and usually disappear after menopause. Most lumps are benign and do not signal cancer; however, any time you find a new or unusual lump, have your doctor check it to make sure it is not precancerous or cancerous.


Question: How does sarcoidosis usually progress?

Answer: Usually, patients who experience more generalized symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, develop a mild form of the disease. Patients suffering from shortness of breath and skin rashes may develop more chronic, severe sarcoidosis. Race also seems to play a role; Caucasians are more likely to develop a mild form of the disease, while African- Americans tend to develop the more chronic, severe form.


Question: When should I call my doctor about sarcoidosis?

Answer: You have a cough that won't go away You develop a sudden, unexplained skin rash You experience sudden, unexplained weight loss You experience chronic fatigue or don't feel well


Question: What is a VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery) lobectomy?

Answer: Your surgeon does this operation through two to four small cuts in the side of your chest, one about 2 ½ inches long, and the others about a half-inch long. He uses a tube with a tiny video camera to see inside and guide his tools. Unlike open surgery, you don't get a big cut in your chest, so you're likely to heal faster with less pain.


Question: What is a robotic surgery lobectomy?

Answer: Your surgeon sits at a console next to you and controls robotic arms that do the operation. The procedure uses three or four half-inch cuts between your ribs, so you may have less bleeding, a lower chance of infection, and a faster recovery.


Question: How do I prepare for a lobectomy?

Answer: Your doctor will ask you to take tests that check the health of your lungs. Based on the results, he may suggest a program to improve your breathing, called pulmonary rehabilitation, before your operation. You may have more of this rehab or physical therapy after your surgery, too. Your doctor will also ask you to: Stop smoking at least a month before surgery. If you smoke, you won't heal quickly, and you'll be more likely to have problems after the operation. Exercise every day. It helps your lungs work better. Stop taking medicines that thin your blood, like aspirin.


Question: What happens in a lobectomy?

Answer: Doctors can do the surgery in a few different ways. The one that's right for you depends on the type and location of your lung problem as well as your overall health.


Question: What are the risks of lobectomy?

Answer: A lobectomy is a major surgery and it has some risks, such as: Infection A collapsed lung, which prevents your lung from filling with air when you breathe in Air or fluid leaking into your chest Pus that forms in the space between your lungs and the wall of your chest Your chances of having problems after a lobectomy depend on how healthy you are overall, among other things.


Question: What is an open surgery lobectomy?

Answer: The types include: Open surgery, called a thoracotomy. Your surgeon makes a long cut along the side of your chest. He spreads your ribs apart so he can easily see and remove the affected lobe of your lung.


Question: What are the risks of a lobectomy?

Answer: A lobectomy is a major surgery and it has some risks, such as: Infection A collapsed lung, which prevents your lung from filling with air when you breathe in Air or fluid leaking into your chest Pus that forms in the space between your lungs and the wall of your chest Your chances of having problems after a lobectomy depend on how healthy you are overall, among other things. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks that might affect you.


Question: How do you prepare for a lobectomy?

Answer: Your doctor will ask you to take tests that check the health of your lungs. Based on the results, he may suggest a program to improve your breathing, called pulmonary rehabilitation, before your operation. You may have more of this rehab or physical therapy after your surgery, too. Your doctor will also ask you to: Stop smoking at least a month before surgery. If you smoke, you won't heal quickly, and you'll be more likely to have problems after the operation. Exercise every day. It helps your lungs work better. Stop taking medicines that thin your blood, like aspirin.


Question: What does a lobectomy accomplish?

Answer: The surgery may also help people who have other diseases in one part of their lungs, like: Tuberculosis Emphysema Tumors that aren't cancer Fungal infections Pus that fills one area, called an abscess When you have the damaged lobe removed, other parts of your lungs expand, making it easier to breathe.


Question: What are the chances of complications after a lobectomy?

Answer: A lobectomy is a major surgery and it has some risks, such as: Infection A collapsed lung, which prevents your lung from filling with air when you breathe in Air or fluid leaking into your chest Pus that forms in the space between your lungs and the wall of your chest Your chances of having problems after a lobectomy depend on how healthy you are overall, among other things. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks that might affect you.