Question: How does radiation cause breast cancer fatigue?

Answer: Radiation can give you fatigue that tends to get worse over time. It usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks after your treatment stops, but it can continue for up to 3 months.


Question: How does getting enough calories affect breast cancer-related fatigue?

Answer: If you have cancer, you need about 15 calories per pound of weight if your weight has been stable. Add 500 calories per day if you've lost weight. For example, a person who weighs 150 pounds needs about 2,250 calories per day to maintain his or her weight.


Question: How does hormone therapy cause breast cancer fatigue?

Answer: Hormone therapy deprives the body of estrogen, and that can lead to fatigue that may last throughout your treatment or longer.


Question: What are the treatments for patellar tendon tear?

Answer: The patellar tendon starts in your thigh muscles, wraps around your kneecap, and connects to the top of your shinbone. If you completely tear the tendon above the kneecap (the quadriceps tendon) or below it (the patellar tendon), you won't be able to straighten your knee. Small tears. For small tears, you typically wear a brace and have crutches for 3 to 6 weeks. The brace keeps your knee straight while your tendon heals. You'll also get physical therapy to help with leg strength and range of motion. Large tears. Most people need surgery for a large patellar tendon tear. It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks for the tendon to heal after surgery, but it can take up to a year for a full recovery.


Question: What are the treatments for an unstable kneecap?

Answer: Your kneecap moves through a V-shaped groove in your thighbone. If that groove is uneven or isn't deep enough, your kneecap can slide partly or totally out of place. If it's only part of the way out, you'll get a brace to keep you from moving your knee. Within 1-2 weeks, you'll start physical therapy to strengthen your thigh muscles. You can expect about 1-3 months for recovery. If it pops totally out, your doctor will first gently push it back into place. In some cases, you might also need surgery to repair damage to your thighbone or the cartilage behind your knee. If it keeps happening, you may need surgery to tighten the tendons and help keep your kneecap on track.


Question: How can physical therapy help with treating chondromalacia patellae?

Answer: Again, you'll start with self-care: Avoiding activities that cause pain Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes, four times a day for several days Over-the-counter pain meds You might also see a physical therapist for help with: Changes in how you exercise -- you'll need to avoid high-impact activities as well as kneeling and squatting Choosing the best footwear for your activities Safe exercises to stretch and strengthen your thigh and hamstring Shoe inserts, if you need them Tape, brace, or a sleeve to keep your kneecap aligned If these treatments don't work, you may need surgery to remove damaged cartilage and correct kneecap alignment.


Question: What's the treatment for a kneecap fracture?

Answer: If the broken pieces are still lined up, you'll get an immobilizer brace to hold everything in place as you heal. Sometimes, you can still put weight on your knee. In other cases, you might be off your feet for 6 to 8 weeks. For a more serious fracture, you typically need surgery. Your doctor may use screws, pins, or wires to hold the bone pieces in place. In either case, you'll need physical therapy to work through stiffness, get your range of motion back, and build leg strength.


Question: What are the treatments for fractured kneecap?

Answer: This is a serious injury where you break your kneecap, usually in a fall. If the broken pieces are still lined up, you'll get an immobilizer brace to hold everything in place as you heal. Sometimes, you can still put weight on your knee. In other cases, you might be off your feet for 6 to 8 weeks. For a more serious fracture, you typically need surgery. Your doctor may use screws, pins, or wires to hold the bone pieces in place. In either case, you'll need physical therapy to work through stiffness, get your range of motion back, and build leg strength.


Question: Can posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) be prevented?

Answer: Avoiding: The person may avoid people, places, thoughts, or situations that may remind him or her of the trauma.


Question: How does group therapy help posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Answer: Group therapy may be helpful by allowing the person to share thoughts, fears, and feelings with other people who have experienced traumatic events.


Question: How does posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affect children?

Answer: Young children with PTSD may suffer from delayed development in areas such as toilet training, motor skills, and language.


Question: What is psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Answer: Psychotherapy Psychotherapy for PTSD involves helping the person learn skills to manage symptoms and develop ways of coping. Therapy also aims to teach the person and his or her family about the disorder, and help the person work through the fears associated with the traumatic event.


Question: When do symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occur?

Answer: Symptoms of PTSD most often begin within three months of the event. In some cases, however, they do not begin until years later. The severity and duration of the illness vary. Some people recover within six months, while others suffer much longer.


Question: How does family therapy help posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Answer: Family therapy may be useful because the behavior of the person with PTSD can have an affect on other family members.


Question: What is exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Answer: Prolonged exposure therapy, a type of behavioral therapy that involves having the person re-live the traumatic experience, or exposing the person to objects or situations that cause anxiety. This is done in a well-controlled and safe environment. Prolonged exposure therapy helps the person confront the fear and gradually become more comfortable with situations that are frightening and cause anxiety. This has been very successful at treating PTSD.


Question: What is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Answer: A variety of psychotherapy approaches are used to treat people with PTSD, including: Cognitive behavioral therapy, which involves learning to recognize and change thought patterns that lead to troublesome emotions, feelings, and behavior.


Question: What medications are used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Answer: Medication Doctors use certain antidepressant medications to treat PTSD -- and to control the feelings of anxiety and its associated symptoms -- including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs) such as Paxil, Celexa, Luvox, Prozac, and Zoloft; and tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Doxepin. Mood stabilizers such as Depakote and Lamictal and atypical antipsychotics such as Seroquel and Abilify are sometimes used. Certain blood pressure medicines are also sometimes used to control particular symptoms. For example prazosin may be used for nightmares, or propranolol may be used to help minimize the formation of traumatic memories. "


Question: Who gets posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Answer: Everyone reacts to traumatic events differently. Each person is unique in his or her ability to manage fear and stress and to cope with the threat posed by a traumatic event or situation. For that reason, not everyone who experiences or witnesses a trauma will develop PTSD. Further, the type of help and support a person receives from friends, family members and professionals following the trauma may influence the development of PTSD or the severity of symptoms. PTSD was first brought to the attention of the medical community by war veterans; hence the names shell shock and battle fatigue syndrome. However, PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced a traumatic event that threatens death or violence. People who have been abused as children or who have been repeatedly exposed to life-threatening situations are at greater risk for developing PTSD. Victims of trauma related to physical and sexual assault face the greatest risk for PTSD.


Question: What inflammatory conditions are commonly linked to mesenteric lymphadenitis?

Answer: Inflammatory conditions commonly linked to mesenteric lymphadenitis are: Appendicitis, inflammation of the appendix Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis Connective tissue diseases such as lupus, sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis Diverticulitis, inflammation of the lining of the large intestine Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas With mesenteric lymphadenitis, an upper respiratory tract infection may occur right before any other symptoms appear.


Question: What are the signs and symptoms of mesenteric lymphadenitis?

Answer: Inflammatory conditions commonly linked to mesenteric lymphadenitis are: Appendicitis, inflammation of the appendix Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis Connective tissue diseases such as lupus, sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis Diverticulitis, inflammation of the lining of the large intestine Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas With mesenteric lymphadenitis, an upper respiratory tract infection may occur right before any other symptoms appear. This may cause symptoms such as a sore throat. Common symptoms of mesenteric lymphadenitis are: Tenderness or pain, often in the center or lower right side of the abdomen High fever Mesenteric lymphadenitis often causes symptoms in the lower right abdomen. So people often mistake it for appendicitis. You may have other signs and symptoms as well. This depends upon the cause of the inflammation. Signs and symptoms include: Feeling ill Loss of appetite Fatigue or lack of energy Raised white blood cell count Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Call your doctor right away if you or your child has severe or sudden abdominal pain.


Question: What causes infections that lead to mesenteric lymphadenitis?

Answer: Much less often, inflamed mesenteric lymph nodes result from cancer, including: Lymphoma Breast cancer Lung cancer Pancreatic cancer Gastrointestinal cancer Infections that cause mesenteric lymphadenitis may be located in one place (local) or throughout the body (systemic). The infections may be caused by: Viruses Bacteria Parasites Common infections that cause mesenteric lymphadenitis include: Gastroenteritis.


Question: Are there different kinds of learning disabilities?

Answer: There are many different kinds of learning disabilities, and they can affect people differently. It's important to note that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders are not the same as learning disabilities.


Question: What is the most common treatment for learning disabilities?

Answer: Special education is the most common treatment for learning disorders. Under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act ( IDEA), all U. S. children with learning disorders are entitled to receive special education services for free in public schools. After doing an evaluation to pinpoint where your child is having problems, a team of special educators will create an individualized education program ( IEP) for your child that outlines what special services he needs to thrive at school. Special educators will then help your child build on his strengths and teach him ways to compensate for his weaknesses.


Question: What is dyspraxia?

Answer: Dyspraxia affects a person's motor skills. Motor skills help us with movement and coordination. A young child with dyspraxia may bump into things or have trouble holding a spoon or tying his shoelaces. Later, he may struggle with things like writing and typing. Other problems associated with dyspraxia include: Speech difficulties Sensitivity to light, touch, taste, or smell Difficulty with eye movements Dyslexia.


Question: How common are learning disabilities?

Answer: People with learning disabilities may have trouble with any of the following: Reading Writing Doing math Understanding directions Learning disabilities are common. Between 8% and 10% of children under age 18 in the U. S. may have some type of learning disability.


Question: What are some resources for the treatment of learning disabilities?

Answer: Many resources are also available outside of the public school system, including: Private schools that specialize in treating children with learning disabilities After-school programs designed for children with learning disabilities At-home tutoring and therapy services A learning disability doesn't have to be a roadblock to success. With the right tools, people with learning disabilities can overcome any challenge.


Question: What is dysgraphia?

Answer: Dysgraphia. Dysgraphia affects a person's writing abilities. People with dysgraphia may have a variety of problems, including: Bad handwriting Trouble with spelling Difficulty putting thoughts down on paper Dyscalculia.


Question: What is a visual processing disorder?

Answer: He or she may have a hard time with reading or telling the difference between two objects that look similar. People with a visual processing disorder often have trouble with hand-eye coordination.


Question: What are signs of a learning disorder?

Answer: However, the following may be signs of a learning disorder: Lack of enthusiasm for reading or writing Trouble memorizing things Working at a slow pace Trouble following directions Trouble staying focused on a task Difficulty understanding abstract ideas Lack of attention to detail, or too much attention to detail Poor social skills Disruptiveness If you suspect a learning disorder, talk to your child's pediatrician or teacher about having your child evaluated.


Question: What is dyslexia?

Answer: Dyslexia affects how a person processes language, and it can make reading and writing difficult. It can also cause problems with grammar and reading comprehension. Children may also have trouble expressing themselves verbally and putting together thoughts during conversation.


Question: What is dyscalculia?

Answer: Dyscalculia affects a person's ability to do math. Math disorders can take many forms and have different symptoms from person to person. In young children, dyscalculia may affect learning to count and recognize numbers. As a child gets older, he or she may have trouble solving basic math problems or memorizing things like multiplication tables.


Question: What should you do if you suspect a learning disorder?

Answer: However, the following may be signs of a learning disorder: Lack of enthusiasm for reading or writing Trouble memorizing things Working at a slow pace Trouble following directions Trouble staying focused on a task Difficulty understanding abstract ideas Lack of attention to detail, or too much attention to detail Poor social skills Disruptiveness If you suspect a learning disorder, talk to your child's pediatrician or teacher about having your child evaluated. It may be necessary to see several specialists before you get a definitive diagnosis. These specialists might include a clinical psychologist, a school psychologist, a developmental psychologist, an occupational therapist, or a speech and language therapist, depending on the problems your child is having. They will perform a variety of tests and assessments to get to the bottom of the problem.


Question: How is Lewy body dementia (LBD) treated with drugs?

Answer: CT scan or MRI scan of your brain to spot changes caused by other dementias Tests to measure your memory, language skills, or thinking ability Right now, there aren't any drugs that can stop or reverse Lewy body dementia. But medications can help relieve your symptoms for a few months. These drugs include: Drugs that treat thinking problems, including donepezil ( Aricept) and rivastigmine ( Exelon). People with Alzheimer's often take these meds, too. Levodopa ( Dopar, Laradopa) can improve movement problems or rigid limbs. Melatonin or clonazepam ( Klonopin) can ease sleep problems. Some drugs, called neuroleptic or antipsychotic medicines, can treat severe hallucinations or behavior problems for people with Alzheimer's, but they're often not good for people with LBD. They can make some symptoms, such as hallucinations, trouble moving, or thinking problems, much worse. If you need these drugs, your doctor will have to watch you very carefully for bad side effects.


Question: Is there a cure for Lewy body dementia (LBD)?

Answer: Right now, there's no cure for Lewy body dementia. But there are ways to ease symptoms for a while. Scientists are also getting better at understanding the differences between LBD and other conditions.


Question: How can Lewy body dementia (LBD) symptoms be treated other than with medication?

Answer: Besides medications, you can do other things to ease your LBD symptoms: Physical therapy can guide you through exercises that can improve your movements and balance. If you're depressed, anxious, or have other mood problems, consider counseling or psychotherapy. They can help you find ways to handle your emotions. Support groups also are great ways to connect with others who live with LBD. Occupational therapy can help you learn easier ways to handle tasks that are hard to do with LBD. Organizations like the Lewy Body Dementia Association or the Alzheimer's Association can give you more information about dementia and direct you to resources in your area, too.


Question: What are the symptoms of Lewy body dementia (LBD)?

Answer: Not everyone will have the same warning signs. They often depend on the type of LBD you have. They might be mild or get worse at times. Like other types of dementia, LBD causes changes in your thinking, mood, behavior, movement, and sleep. Symptoms include: Thinking Skills: Trouble making decisions, judging distances, multitasking, planning, organizing, or remembering Losing concentration Staring into space Hallucinations Movement: Shuffling or slow walk Balance problems or falling a lot Stiff muscles Tremors or shaking hands Stooped posture Sleep: REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams, including making violent movements during sleep or falling out of bed) Sleeping a lot during the daytime (as much as 2 hours every day) Trouble falling or staying asleep The urge to move your legs when you're at rest, called restless legs syndrome Mood: Depression or lack of interest Anxiety Delusions, such as thinking a relative or friend is an imposter There is no one test that can diagnose LBD.


Question: What are Lewy bodies and how do they cause dementia?

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(); }); } Lewy bodies are clumps of protein that can form in the brain. When they build up, they can cause problems with the way your brain works, including your memory, movement, thinking skills, mood, and behavior. These problems can keep you from doing everyday tasks or taking care of yourself, a condition called dementia.


Question: How is Lewy body dementia (LBD) different from Parkinson's or Alzheimer's?

Answer: LBD may not cause short-term memory loss like Alzheimer's. People with both conditions have trouble with thinking, alertness, and paying attention. But in LBD, those problems come and go. The disease can also cause hallucinations, often in the first few years someone has LBD. People with Alzheimer's usually don't have hallucinations until the later stages. People with LBD also often act out their dreams and make violent movements when they're asleep. It's called REM sleep behavior disorder. Sometimes, it's the first sign that someone has LBD. LBD and Parkinson's disease both cause movement problems, like stiff muscles and tremors. But most people with Parkinson's don't have problems with their thinking and memory (dementia) until the very later stages of their disease. Sometimes, they don't have it at all. In the type of LBD known as Parkinson's disease with dementia, these problems begin much sooner. People with LBD also need different drugs for their condition than the ones that treat Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.


Question: How can you control the swelling of your injured wrist?

Answer: Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times the first day. You may apply a compression wrap such as an Ace bandage. Elevate the wrist above heart level.


Question: What follow-up care can you expect for wrist injury?

Answer: If pain and swelling get worse in 24 hours, see a doctor. The doctor may need to order X-rays to rule out a fracture that was not obvious at first and examine the wrist to look for signs of tendonitis, arthritis, gout, infection, or other conditions.


Question: What areas of the body can inverse psoriasis affect?

Answer: Inverse psoriasis is a skin condition that affects the folds of your skin. If you have inverse psoriasis, you'll notice red, shiny patches in certain places, like: Your armpits The skin folds around your genitals and between your buttocks Under your breasts Your groin The skin in these areas is more sensitive, so the condition is often a challenge to manage and treat.


Question: How is Castellani's Paint used to treat inverse psoriasis?

Answer: This product is "painted" onto your skin to dry the moist psoriasis lesions in skin folds. Doctors prescribe it when they think you also have a bacterial or fungal infection. If you need to keep moist areas dry, you can also try baby powder, baking soda, and zinc oxide powder.


Question: How is Calcipotriene used to treat inverse psoriasis?

Answer: This drug slows the growth of skin cells and reduces inflammation. It may make your skin sting or burn. If it does, talk to your doctor.


Question: How do I use coal tar or anthralin to treat inverse psoriasis?

Answer: Treatments such as anthralin and coal tar can irritate skin folds. Your doctor may recommend diluting the creams with a moisturizer, or you can apply them for a short time and then wash them off. You can use these products alone or with a topical corticosteroid, but talk to your doctor about the best approach.


Question: How does tobacco smoke trigger asthma?

Answer: When a person inhales tobacco smoke, irritating substances settle in the moist lining of the airways. These substances can cause an attack in a person who has asthma. In addition, tobacco smoke damages tiny hair-like structures in the airways called cilia. Normally, cilia sweep dust and mucus out of the airways. Tobacco smoke damages cilia so they are unable to work, allowing dust and mucus to accumulate in the airways. Smoke also causes the lungs to make more mucus than normal. As a result, even more mucus can build up in the airways, triggering an attack.


Question: How can I reduce my exposure to tobacco smoke if I have asthma?

Answer: Ways to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke include: If you smoke, quit. Quitting isn't always easy, but there are many programs and methods to help. Ask your health care provider to help you find the one that is best for you. If your spouse or other family members smoke, help them understand the dangers of smoking and encourage them to quit. Do not allow smoking in your home or your car. Do not let anyone smoke around you or your child. Avoid restaurants and public places that permit smoking.


Question: How harmful is secondhand smoke if you have asthma?

Answer: Inhaling secondhand smoke, also called "passive smoke" or "environmental tobacco smoke," may be even more harmful than actually smoking. That's because the smoke that burns off the end of a cigar or cigarette contains more harmful substances (tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine, and others) than the smoke inhaled by the smoker. Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to people who already have asthma. When a person with asthma is exposed to secondhand smoke, he or she is more likely to experience the wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath associated with asthma.


Question: What is secondhand smoke?

Answer: Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from a burning cigar or cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker.


Question: Should my insulin intake change throughout the day?

Answer: Your body can also be more sensitive to insulin changes throughout the day. Stress or how much you exercise also has an impact. It's important to work out a plan with your doctor for how to change your treatment if you need to.


Question: How can I use nutrition levels to control my carb intake if I have diabetes?

Answer: Look at labels. They make counting carbs easy. Find the " Total Carbohydrate" number listed on a package's " Nutrition Facts" panel. Then, check the serving size and confirm the amount you can eat. Repeat this step with other foods you plan to eat. When you add all the grams of carbs, the total should stay within your meal budget.


Question: Do children grind their teeth?

Answer: The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. Approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times -- when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully. Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why children grind their teeth but considerations include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies, pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors including anxiety and stress.


Question: Why do people grind their teeth?

Answer: It can also be caused by a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.


Question: What problems can result from grinding baby teeth?

Answer: Grinding of the baby teeth rarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMD. Consult your dentist if your child's teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain.


Question: Is teeth grinding (bruxism) harmful?

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(); }); } Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.


Question: What are specific tips to help a child stop grinding his or her teeth?

Answer: Specific tips to help a child stop grinding his or her teeth include: Decrease your child's stress, especially just before bed. Try massage and stretching exercises to relax the muscles. Make sure your child's diet includes plenty of water. Dehydration may be linked to teeth grinding. Ask your dentist to monitor your child's teeth if he or she is a grinder. No intervention is usually required with preschool-age children. However, older children may need temporary crowns or other methods, such as a night guard, to prevent the grinding.


Question: What are some other tips to stop grinding my teeth?

Answer: Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding include: Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee. Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption. Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food. Avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth. Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax. Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.


Question: What is Forteo and how is it used to treat spinal compression fractures?

Answer: Teriparatide ( Forteo), an injectable synthetic hormone that stimulates bone growth and reduces spinal fractures for women with severe osteoporosis Raloxifene ( Evista), an estrogen-like drug that slows bone loss and helps increase bone thickness Zoledronic acid ( Reclast), which is given as a once-yearly 15-minute infusion in a vein; Reclast is said to increase bone strength and reduce fractures in the hip, spine and wrist, arm, leg, or rib Duavee (a combination of estrogen and bazedoxifene), a type of hormone replacement therapy approved to treat menopause-related hot flashes; Duavee may also prevent osteoporosis in high-risk women who have already tried non-estrogen treatment.


Question: What bisphosphonate drugs are used to treat spinal compression fractures?

Answer: Alendronate ( Binosto, Fosamax), ibandronate ( Boniva), and risedronate ( Actonel, Atelvia) can slow bone loss, improve bone density and help prevent fractures. Bisphosphonates can cause bone loss in the jaw, known as osteonecrosis of the jaw. This complication has been linked to the use of these medications for the treatment of osteoporosis. The risk of this occurring is very low; however, people with cancer or people who receive these medications intravenously are at higher risk. Some people complain of numbness, heaviness, and pain in the jaw, usually where a tooth has been extracted. If you have concerns, speak with your dentist.


Question: What is Duavee and how is it used to treat spinal compression fractures?

Answer: Teriparatide ( Forteo), an injectable synthetic hormone that stimulates bone growth and reduces spinal fractures for women with severe osteoporosis Raloxifene ( Evista), an estrogen-like drug that slows bone loss and helps increase bone thickness Zoledronic acid ( Reclast), which is given as a once-yearly 15-minute infusion in a vein; Reclast is said to increase bone strength and reduce fractures in the hip, spine and wrist, arm, leg, or rib Duavee (a combination of estrogen and bazedoxifene), a type of hormone replacement therapy approved to treat menopause-related hot flashes; Duavee may also prevent osteoporosis in high-risk women who have already tried non-estrogen treatment.


Question: What is Reclast and how is it used to treat spinal compression fractures?

Answer: Teriparatide ( Forteo), an injectable synthetic hormone that stimulates bone growth and reduces spinal fractures for women with severe osteoporosis Raloxifene ( Evista), an estrogen-like drug that slows bone loss and helps increase bone thickness Zoledronic acid ( Reclast), which is given as a once-yearly 15-minute infusion in a vein; Reclast is said to increase bone strength and reduce fractures in the hip, spine and wrist, arm, leg, or rib Duavee (a combination of estrogen and bazedoxifene), a type of hormone replacement therapy approved to treat menopause-related hot flashes; Duavee may also prevent osteoporosis in high-risk women who have already tried non-estrogen treatment.


Question: What are natural ways to prevent spinal compression fractures?

Answer: Natural ways to prevent spinal compression fractures include taking calcium supplements, getting more vitamin D, quitting smoking, preventing falls, and doing weight-bearing and strength-building exercises. You can also take medications to halt or slow osteoporosis, including: Bisphosphonate drugs.


Question: What is Evista and how is it used to treat spinal compression fractures?

Answer: Teriparatide ( Forteo), an injectable synthetic hormone that stimulates bone growth and reduces spinal fractures for women with severe osteoporosis Raloxifene ( Evista), an estrogen-like drug that slows bone loss and helps increase bone thickness Zoledronic acid ( Reclast), which is given as a once-yearly 15-minute infusion in a vein; Reclast is said to increase bone strength and reduce fractures in the hip, spine and wrist, arm, leg, or rib Duavee (a combination of estrogen and bazedoxifene), a type of hormone replacement therapy approved to treat menopause-related hot flashes; Duavee may also prevent osteoporosis in high-risk women who have already tried non-estrogen treatment.


Question: How can I prevent future spinal compression fractures?

Answer: To prevent future spinal compression fractures, it's also important to treat the osteoporosis that likely caused your fracture and begin building stronger bones.


Question: What do probiotics do?

Answer: Among other things, probiotics help send food through your gut by affecting nerves that control gut movement. Researchers are still trying to figure out which are best for certain health problems. Some common conditions they treat are: Irritable bowel syndrome Inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD) Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites) Diarrhea caused by antibiotics There is also some research that shows they're useful for problems in other parts of your body. For example, some people say they have helped with: Skin conditions, like eczema Urinary and vaginal health Preventing allergies and colds Oral health The FDA regulates probiotics like foods, not like medications.


Question: How can you use probiotics safely?

Answer: For example, some people say they have helped with: Skin conditions, like eczema Urinary and vaginal health Preventing allergies and colds Oral health The FDA regulates probiotics like foods, not like medications. Unlike drug companies, makers of probiotic supplements don't have to show their products are safe or that they work. Ask your doctor if taking probiotics is a good idea for you. In general, probiotic foods and supplements are thought to be safe for most people, though some people with immune system problems or other serious health conditions shouldn't take them. In some cases, mild side effects might include an upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, and bloating for the first couple of days after you start taking them. They may also trigger allergic reactions. Stop taking them and talk to your doctor if you have problems.


Question: What are the warning signs of a potential asthma attack?

Answer: Warning signs of a potential asthma attack include: Needing more rescue inhaler medication (such as albuterol). A cough that gets worse. Feeling like you can't breathe or like someone's sitting on your chest. Waking up at night feeling like you can't breathe. Not being able to be active or exercise without getting winded or wheezing.


Question: How do you know if you have an H. pylori infection?

Answer: They could be signs of an ulcer: Severe stomach pain that doesn't go away Inability to swallow Bloody, tar-like stool Vomit that's bloody or looks like dark coffee grounds If your doctor thinks you may have an H. pylori infection, some tests can tell you for sure: Endoscopy: The best way to test for H. pylori infection is to check your stomach lining. Your doctor will give you medicine to relax you. Then she'll send a long, thin tube with a camera on the end down your throat and into your stomach. She'll look for signs of infection and take a small sample of tissue from the lining. The sample will be tested in a lab to see if there's an infection. Blood tests: A simple blood test can show signs of H. pylori. But that doesn't mean the infection is active and causing problems or symptoms. Stool tests: Your doctor can test your poop for proteins that are a sign of H. pylori.


Question: Which antibiotics can help with treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)?

Answer: You'll take them for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to take all the pills in your prescription, even if you start to feel better. Your doctor also will prescribe medicine to help with stomach acid. It might include proton-pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or bismuth subsalicylate ( Pepto- Bismol, Bismatrol).


Question: What are symptoms of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)?

Answer: H. pylori infections don't always cause symptoms. In fact, you may not feel sick at all. In some people, though, the infection may cause: Pain or burning in your gut Stomach pain that's worse if you haven't eaten No appetite Nausea Burping a lot Bloating or gas Unusual weight loss See your doctor right away if you notice the following in your child or yourself.


Question: When should you see your doctor about an H. pylori infection?

Answer: In some people, though, the infection may cause: Pain or burning in your gut Stomach pain that's worse if you haven't eaten No appetite Nausea Burping a lot Bloating or gas Unusual weight loss See your doctor right away if you notice the following in your child or yourself. They could be signs of an ulcer: Severe stomach pain that doesn't go away Inability to swallow Bloody, tar-like stool Vomit that's bloody or looks like dark coffee grounds If your doctor thinks you may have an H. pylori infection, some tests can tell you for sure: Endoscopy: The best way to test for H. pylori infection is to check your stomach lining.


Question: How is an H. pylori infection linked to ulcers and cancer?

Answer: H. pylori can inflame the lining of your stomach. That's why you may feel stomach pain or get nauseous. If it's not treated, it can sometimes cause ulcers, which are painful, open sores in your stomach lining that bleed. Studies show that people who are infected with H. pylori are also up to 8 times more likely to get a certain kind of stomach, or gastric, cancer.


Question: What are the symptoms of H. pylori infections?

Answer: H. pylori infections don't always cause symptoms. In fact, you may not feel sick at all. In some people, though, the infection may cause: Pain or burning in your gut Stomach pain that's worse if you haven't eaten No appetite Nausea Burping a lot Bloating or gas Unusual weight loss See your doctor right away if you notice the following in your child or yourself.


Question: How is an H. pylori infection treated?

Answer: You'll take them for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to take all the pills in your prescription, even if you start to feel better. Your doctor also will prescribe medicine to help with stomach acid. It might include proton-pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or bismuth subsalicylate ( Pepto- Bismol, Bismatrol). This medicine also helps your antibiotics work better because it calms inflammation in your stomach. About a month after you finish your antibiotics, your doctor can test for H. pylori to make sure it's gone. If there are still signs of the infection, you may need more antibiotics.


Question: Can exercising my brain help me sharpen my memory?

Answer: Play games.


Question: How can a white board help me stay organized?

Answer: Put one on your fridge or other area where you spend a lot of time. Write notes and to-do lists on it.


Question: How can a GPS system help treat multiple sclerosis's effect on the brain?

Answer: Get one for your car and put an app on your cell phone so you don't get lost. Type in the address you're going to and you'll get step-by-step directions by car or on foot.


Question: How can a pillbox help treat multiple sclerosis's effect on the brain?

Answer: Use it to organize your daily medicine. Some have built-in alarms that alert you when it's time to take your medicine.


Question: Do antibiotics work on ringworm?

Answer: Myth 10: Ringworm is treated with antibiotics Antibiotics kill bacteria. They won't work on ringworm, which is caused by a fungus.


Question: Who's more likely to get ringworms?

Answer: Myth 4: Only children get ringworm Children are more likely to get certain types of ringworm, but you can get infected with the fungus at any age.


Question: How long does it take ringworm to show up?

Answer: The red rash can actually take a few days to appear on your skin. If you have ringworm of the scalp, you may not see any signs for a full two weeks after you were exposed.


Question: Can ringworm spread between humans and animals?

Answer: Myth 7: You can't catch ringworm from your pet Humans and their pets can share a number of diseases, including ringworm. Not only can you catch ringworm from your cat, dog, rabbit, or bird, but you can give it to your pet, too. That's why it's important to take your pet to the vet if you suspect ringworm. Keep infected pets away from your family -- as well as from other pets. And wash your hands with soap and warm water every time you touch your pet until the infection clears.


Question: Where does ringworm usually appear?

Answer: Myth 2: Ringworm only affects the skin Although ringworm often does appear on the skin, including the scalp, it can also show up on the fingernails or toenails. Ringworm of the nails doesn't create a ring-like pattern. Instead, it turns the nails thick, yellow, and brittle.


Question: What should I do if a member of the household has ringworm?

Answer: Myth 9: Only the infected person needs to be treated for ringworm Because ringworm is so contagious, other people in the household may also need to be treated -- even if they don't have any symptoms. If there's a chance they may have picked up ringworm of the scalp, they may need to use a special shampoo or even pills and be examined to determine if there is an infection.


Question: What are signs that I have ringworm?

Answer: Myth 3: Everyone with ringworm develops red rings on their skin Some people who are infected do develop the scaly red ring that gives the condition its name -- but not everyone. If you get ringworm infection, you will probably see bumpy red patches around your skin, but they won't necessarily take the shape of rings. On your scalp, ringworm may look more like a flaky red pimple than a ring.


Question: What are the benefits of weight loss if I have diabetes?

Answer: Carrying some extra pounds? If you're overweight, no matter how heavy you are, you can slash your blood sugar if you slim down. Even losing 10 or 15 pounds has health perks. Weight loss can: Lower blood sugar Reduce blood pressure Improve cholesterol levels Lighten the stress on your hips, knees, ankles, and feet Give you more energy and let you breathe easier Check with your doctor before you start a weight loss plan.


Question: What should I do if I have diabetes and struggle to get enough sleep at night?

Answer: If you have a hard time falling or staying asleep, ask your doctor about some ways to get better rest. She can help you figure out why you're losing sleep. If a medical problem is keeping you awake, she can recommend some treatments that can help, like medications for neuropathy or a breathing machine for sleep apnea.


Question: What should I do if my blood sugar levels are off and I have diabetes?

Answer: Make a plan with your doctor for what you need to do when your levels are too high or too low. Also, ask when you should call him if they're too far off-target.


Question: How should I keep track of my blood sugar if I have diabetes?

Answer: Keep a record of your readings. You can write them down in a notebook, track them in an app, or rely on the memory feature of your glucose monitor. They'll help you see trends and spot any problems. And they'll help your doctor, too, so bring them with you to your next appointment.


Question: How can apps and software programs help with diabetes?

Answer: From smartphone apps to insulin pumps, a host of gadgets can help you manage this disease. For instance, more and more sophisticated apps and software programs let people with diabetes who use regular glucose meters track and analyze blood sugar trends. You can download and store data from your meter onto a computer, and then view charts that show how often your levels were within normal ranges, as well as above or below normal.


Question: What are tips to get better rest at night for people diabetes?

Answer: You can also: Practice relaxation techniques or breathing exercises right before bed. Get regular exercise, but try to finish your workout at least 3 hours before you hit the sack. Don't smoke or drink caffeine or alcohol in the evening. Get up and do something else outside your bedroom when you can't sleep. Don't go back to bed until you're drowsy.


Question: Can I control my blood sugar if I have diabetes?

Answer: Knowledge is power when it comes to your blood sugar. If you find your levels aren't where they should be, you can take steps to get them back on track. So be sure to check regularly.


Question: When should I check my blood sugar if I have diabetes?

Answer: Ask your doctor when you should check your blood sugar -- like before meals, after a workout, at bedtime, or when you think they're low.


Question: What should you do before starting a weight loss plan for your diabetes?

Answer: Weight loss can: Lower blood sugar Reduce blood pressure Improve cholesterol levels Lighten the stress on your hips, knees, ankles, and feet Give you more energy and let you breathe easier Check with your doctor before you start a weight loss plan. Then, talk with a diabetes educator or nutritionist to figure out some healthy changes that you can stick with for a lifetime. A better diet and exercise routine can be a big help. But if those habits haven't worked for you, ask your doctor if weight loss medications or surgery might be a good option.


Question: What can you do to manage your sleep and diabetes?

Answer: If you have a hard time falling or staying asleep, ask your doctor about some ways to get better rest. She can help you figure out why you're losing sleep. If a medical problem is keeping you awake, she can recommend some treatments that can help, like medications for neuropathy or a breathing machine for sleep apnea. You can also: Practice relaxation techniques or breathing exercises right before bed. Get regular exercise, but try to finish your workout at least 3 hours before you hit the sack. Don't smoke or drink caffeine or alcohol in the evening. Get up and do something else outside your bedroom when you can't sleep. Don't go back to bed until you're drowsy.


Question: Where on my body should I test my blood sugar if I have diabetes?

Answer: But some newer machines can get a sample from other places on your body, like your upper arm or thigh.


Question: What should I do before starting a weight loss plan if I have diabetes?

Answer: Weight loss can: Lower blood sugar Reduce blood pressure Improve cholesterol levels Lighten the stress on your hips, knees, ankles, and feet Give you more energy and let you breathe easier Check with your doctor before you start a weight loss plan. Then, talk with a diabetes educator or nutritionist to figure out some healthy changes that you can stick with for a lifetime. A better diet and exercise routine can be a big help. But if those habits haven't worked for you, ask your doctor if weight loss medications or surgery might be a good option.


Question: How can watching your weight help with diabetes?

Answer: Weight loss can: Lower blood sugar Reduce blood pressure Improve cholesterol levels Lighten the stress on your hips, knees, ankles, and feet Give you more energy and let you breathe easier Check with your doctor before you start a weight loss plan.


Question: What high-tech tools are available to help you care for your diabetes?

Answer: For instance, more and more sophisticated apps and software programs let people with diabetes who use regular glucose meters track and analyze blood sugar trends. You can download and store data from your meter onto a computer, and then view charts that show how often your levels were within normal ranges, as well as above or below normal. Also, "combination tools" let you keep tabs on your blood sugar and get insulin through the insulin pump -- all in one piece of equipment. A continuous glucose monitor is a device your doctor can attach to your skin that will measure blood sugar every few minutes for several days. That can help you find the best ways to adjust your diet, exercise, and diabetes medication for optimal control.


Question: Where should deep brain stimulation be performed?

Answer: This means neurologists and neurosurgeons who have extensive experience and specialized training in doing these types of surgeries. Always ask a doctor how many of a specific procedure he or she has performed.


Question: Can deep brain stimulation cure multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Electrical stimulation does not cure multiple sclerosis nor prevent the disease from getting worse.


Question: What happens to the electrode for deep brain stimulation?

Answer: The electrode for deep brain stimulation is left in the brain. It is connected by a wire to a pacemaker-like device that is implanted under the skin over the chest. The device generates electrical shocks.


Question: What happens in a thyroid stimulating hormone test?

Answer: The TSH test involves simply drawing some blood from your body. The blood will then be analyzed in a lab. This test can be performed at any time during the day. No preparation is needed (such as overnight fasting). You shouldn't feel any pain beyond a small prick from the needle in your arm. You may have some slight bruising. In general, there is no need to stop taking your medicine(s) before having your TSH level checked. However, it is important to let the doctor know what medications you are taking as some drugs can affect thyroid function. For example, thyroid function must be monitored if you are taking lithium. While taking lithium, there is a high chance that your thyroid might stop functioning correctly. It's recommended that you have a TSH level test before starting this medicine. If your levels are normal, then you can have your levels checked every 6 to 12 months, as recommended by your doctor. If your thyroid function becomes abnormal, you should be treated.


Question: What do high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone mean?

Answer: TSH levels typically fall between 0.4 and 4.0 milliunits per liter (m U/ L), according to the American Thyroid Association. Ranges between laboratories will vary with the upper limit being between 4 to 5. If your level is higher than this, chances are you have an underactive thyroid. In general, T3 and T4 levels increase in pregnancy and TSH levels decrease.


Question: What do low levels of thyroid stimulating hormone mean?

Answer: This could be caused by: Graves' disease (your body's immune system attacks the thyroid) Too much iodine in your body Too much thyroid hormone medication Too much of a natural supplement that contains the thyroid hormone If you're on medications like steroids, dopamine, or opioid painkillers (like morphine), you could get a lower-than-normal reading. Taking biotin ( B vitamin supplements) also can falsely give lower TSH levels. The TSH test usually isn't the only one used to diagnose thyroid disorders. Other tests, like the free T3, the free T4, the reverse T3, and the anti- TPO antibody, are often used too when determining whether you need thyroid treatment or not.


Question: What can you do for pain management in an abortion procedure?

Answer: Your doctor will also talk to you about different types of pain management available to you during the procedure. For an in-clinic abortion, you'll probably get local anesthesia, meaning that your cervix will be numbed but you'll be awake. While 600 to 800 milligrams of ibuprofen usually provides enough pain relief, your doctor might also offer you an oral medication to calm you down or mildly sedate you, so you're awake but relaxed. If you prefer heavy sedation, meaning you're in a light sleep throughout the procedure, you can ask if a sedative medication can be given to you through an IV.


Question: How is a vacuum aspiration (suction abortion) done?

Answer: If you opt for an in-clinic abortion in your first trimester, you'll have a vacuum aspiration, which you may also hear called a âsuction abortion.â In most cases, your cervix doesn't need to be prepped or dilated for this procedure. But if you're more than about 10 to 12 weeks pregnant, your health care provider may take steps to open your cervix a bit before getting started so that the medical tools can access your uterus. She'll likely insert little sticks made of sterilized seaweed that absorb moisture and expand, called laminaria. Once you're ready for the procedure, your health care provider will have you lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups, like you're having a pelvic exam. When you're comfortable and sedated, if you so choose, your health care provider will insert a medical tool called a speculum into your vagina to keep it open, and swab your vagina and cervix with an antiseptic solution called Betadine. She'll inject an anesthetic into the cervix to numb it, holding your cervix in place with a grasping instrument. She'll then insert a small tube attached to either a hand-held syringe or a suction machine into your uterus, and clear out its contents. From start to finish, the procedure takes several minutes. Afterward, your doctor will check to make sure that the procedure was successful, and then let you rest for about 30 minutes under observation.


Question: What is the outlook for people with pancreatic cancer?

Answer: The American Cancer Society reports that only about 23% of patients with cancer of the exocrine pancreas are still living one year after diagnosis. About 8.2% are still alive five years after being diagnosed.


Question: What is the treatment for pancreatic cancer?

Answer: Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back Unexplained weight loss Loss of appetite Fatigue Depression The factors which could put you at risk for developing pancreatic cancer include: Smoking Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) Inherited conditions (including hereditary pancreatitis) Familial pancreatic cancer syndromes Long-standing diabetes Obesity After taking down your health history and performing a physical exam, the doctor may order several tests to determine the cause of your problem or extent of the condition, including: CT scan (computed tomography) MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Endoscopic ultrasound ( EUS) Laparoscopy (surgical procedure to look at organs) Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ( ERCP) Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography ( PTC; procedure used to X-ray liver and bile ducts) Biopsy (removal of tissue to view it under a microscope) There are various treatments for pancreatic cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to treat cancer, while radiation therapy uses X-rays or other kinds of radiation to kill cancer cells. Surgery can be used to remove a tumor or to treat symptoms of pancreatic cancer.


Question: What tests are used to diagnose pancreatic cancer?

Answer: Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back Unexplained weight loss Loss of appetite Fatigue Depression The factors which could put you at risk for developing pancreatic cancer include: Smoking Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) Inherited conditions (including hereditary pancreatitis) Familial pancreatic cancer syndromes Long-standing diabetes Obesity After taking down your health history and performing a physical exam, the doctor may order several tests to determine the cause of your problem or extent of the condition, including: CT scan (computed tomography) MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Endoscopic ultrasound ( EUS) Laparoscopy (surgical procedure to look at organs) Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ( ERCP) Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography ( PTC; procedure used to X-ray liver and bile ducts) Biopsy (removal of tissue to view it under a microscope) There are various treatments for pancreatic cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.


Question: What are symptoms of ovarian cancer when you are in menopause?

Answer: When you're nearing or in menopause, it's important to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer and what to look for. They include weight loss, bloating, swelling, pelvic pain, and constipation.


Question: What's the link between hormone therapy and ovarian cancer?

Answer: That can lower your chance of developing ovarian cancer. You may want to talk to your doctor. You can weigh the risks and benefits of birth control pills and your risk of cancer. Often, women take hormone therapy to cope with menopause symptoms like hot flashes and osteoporosis. Some studies suggest that taking those hormones may increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer. Hormone therapy usually involves taking only estrogen, estrogen plus progesterone, or estrogen and progestin, which is a fake hormone that acts like progesterone.


Question: How does the heart react to heart failure?

Answer: At first, the heart will try to make up for underperforming: The chambers expand to allow more blood to move with each heartbeat. It contracts, or squeezes, more strongly. The muscle thickens so it can pump with more force. It beats faster. One problem with this is that, over time, an enlarged heart leads to fluid building up in your body, including the lungs. Because blood isn't moving well out of the heart, it backs up coming in. Veins swell, and tissues can't send back the blood without oxygen.


Question: How does your body respond to heart failure?

Answer: Your body also prioritizes where the oxygen should go. It will send more blood to important organs, such as your brain and heart, and divert blood away from other organs, muscles, and tissue. As a result, poor circulation in your arms and legs may lead to problems with everyday tasks, such as walking.


Question: What is compensated heart failure?

Answer: Compensated heart failure means your heart works well enough that you either don't notice any problems or the symptoms are easy to manage. You don't have fluid buildup in your legs and feet, and you can breathe without trouble. Your body still seems to be doing OK, even with the change in your heart's pumping ability.


Question: What are the different types of ejaculation disorders?

Answer: There are different types of ejaculation disorders in men, including: Premature ejaculation: This refers to ejaculation that occurs before or soon after penetration. Inhibited or retarded ejaculation: This is when ejaculation is slow to occur. Retrograde ejaculation: This occurs when, at orgasm, the ejaculate is forced back into the bladder rather than through the urethra and out the end of the penis.


Question: How are male sexual problems diagnosed?

Answer: To diagnose a man's sexual problem, the doctor likely will begin with a thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam. He or she may order other tests to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to the dysfunction. The doctor may refer you to other health professionals, including a urologist (a doctor specializing in the urinary tract and male reproductive system), sex therapist, and other counselors.


Question: What causes low sexual desire?

Answer: Reduced libido can result from physical or psychological factors. It has been associated with low levels of the hormone testosterone. It also may be caused by psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression; medical illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure; certain medications, including some antidepressants; and relationship difficulties.


Question: Who has sexual dysfunction?

Answer: Both men and women are affected by sexual problems.


Question: What is erectile dysfunction?

Answer: Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to attain and/or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse. Causes of erectile dysfunction include diseases affecting blood flow, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries); nerve disorders; psychological factors, such as stress, depression, and performance anxiety (nervousness over his ability to sexually perform); and injury to the penis. Chronic illness, certain drugs, and a condition called Peyronie's disease (scar tissue in the penis) also can cause erectile dysfunction.


Question: How can diabetes affect sexual performance for men?

Answer: Retrograde ejaculation is common in males with diabetes who suffer from diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). This is due to problems with the nerves in the bladder and the bladder neck that allow the ejaculate to flow backward.


Question: What are the most common sexual problems for men?

Answer: The most common sexual problems in men are ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunction, and inhibited sexual desire.


Question: What can cause sexual dysfunction in men?

Answer: These conditions include diabetes, heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure, and alcoholism and drug abuse. In addition, the side effects of certain medications, including some antidepressant drugs, can affect sexual desire and function. Psychological causes: These include work-related stress and anxiety, concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt, and the effects of a past sexual trauma.


Question: How common is sexual dysfunction?

Answer: Both men and women are affected by sexual problems.


Question: When should I call my doctor about sexual dysfunction?

Answer: Many men experience a problem with sexual function from time to time. However, when the problems are persistent, they can cause distress for the man and his partner and have a negative impact on their relationship. If you consistently experience sexual function problems, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.


Question: What is sexual dysfunction?

Answer: A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the man or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the activity.


Question: What are symptoms of osteomalacia?

Answer: If you have soft bones, you may have symptoms, including: Easily broken bones Feeling tired Pain Stiffness Trouble getting up from sitting or walking up stairs Weak muscles in your arms and thighs People with osteomalacia may walk with a waddling, side-to-side stride.


Question: What tests are done to diagnose osteomalacia?

Answer: Your doctor probably will recommend: Blood tests to measure the level of vitamin D in your body X-rays to look at your bone structure Bone mineral density scans to test the amount of calcium and phosphate in your bones It doesn't happen often, but your doctor may want to do a bone biopsy. This involves taking a piece of your bone tissue to check it.


Question: What can happen when taking a potassium blood test?

Answer: Hypokalemia may also be caused by: Diarrhea Dehydration Overuse of certain medicines Sometimes, a blood sample may be poorly taken or poorly tested, which can affect the test results. To make sure of the diagnosis, your doctor might ask you to take a second blood test. Or, she might ask you to take a urine test.


Question: What can cause hypokalemia relative to a potassium blood test?

Answer: If your potassium level is high (a condition called hyperkalemia) you may have: Kidney disease (the most common cause of hyperkalemia) Addison's disease (when your adrenal glands, which are above your kidneys, are damaged and cannot make enough of an important hormone called cortisol) Type 1 diabetes Rhabdomyolysis (a disease of the muscles often related to drug and alcohol use or muscle trauma) If your potassium level is low (hypokalemia), you may have: Kidney disease Diabetic ketoacidosis Folic acid deficiency ( Folic acid is an important B vitamin that helps make new cells in your body.) Hypokalemia may also be caused by: Diarrhea Dehydration Overuse of certain medicines Sometimes, a blood sample may be poorly taken or poorly tested, which can affect the test results.


Question: How much potassium should you have?

Answer: Your body should maintain a specific amount of potassium in the blood, ranging from 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/ L).


Question: Which foods contain potassium?

Answer: Some foods with a lot of this mineral include: Avocados Bananas Beets Oranges and orange juice Pumpkins Spinach Potassium is one mineral that plays an important role in controlling the amount of fluid in the body.


Question: What is the role of potassium in your body?

Answer: Some foods with a lot of this mineral include: Avocados Bananas Beets Oranges and orange juice Pumpkins Spinach Potassium is one mineral that plays an important role in controlling the amount of fluid in the body. Another is sodium. Too much sodium -- which the body mainly gets from salt -- leads to the body retaining fluid. This can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and other issues. Potassium balances the effects of sodium and helps keep fluid levels within a certain range.


Question: How do you prepare for a potassium blood test?

Answer: Your doctor may ask you not to eat for at least 6 hours before the test, and to drink only water. She'll probably want to talk with you about your medical history and any medicines you're taking. Some medicines may affect the results, so she might advise you not to take them before the test.


Question: What do your potassium blood test results mean?

Answer: If your potassium level is high (a condition called hyperkalemia) you may have: Kidney disease (the most common cause of hyperkalemia) Addison's disease (when your adrenal glands, which are above your kidneys, are damaged and cannot make enough of an important hormone called cortisol) Type 1 diabetes Rhabdomyolysis (a disease of the muscles often related to drug and alcohol use or muscle trauma) If your potassium level is low (hypokalemia), you may have: Kidney disease Diabetic ketoacidosis Folic acid deficiency ( Folic acid is an important B vitamin that helps make new cells in your body.)


Question: How are the organisms that cause sexually transmitted disease (STDs) spread?

Answer: Most of the organisms are spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but some, such as those that cause genital herpes and genital warts, may be spread through skin contact. You can get hepatitis B by sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors, with someone who has it.


Question: What signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Answer: You may not realize you have certain STDs until you have damage to your reproductive organs (rendering you infertile), your vision, your heart, or other organs. Having an STD may weaken the immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to other infections. Pelvic inflammatory disease ( PID) is a complication of gonorrhea and chlamydia that can leave women unable to have children. It can even kill you. If you pass an STD to your newborn child, the baby may suffer permanent harm or death.


Question: Who is at high risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Answer: You are at high risk if: You have more than one sex partner You have sex with someone who has had many partners You don't use a condom when having sex You share needles when injecting intravenous drugs You trade sex for money or drugs HIV and herpes are chronic conditions that can be managed but not cured.


Question: How are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) contracted?

Answer: You can get a STD from vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can also be infected with trichomoniasis through contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or toilet seats, although it is more commonly spread by sexual contact.


Question: What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Answer: HIV, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, some forms of hepatitis, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are STDs. STDs used to be called venereal diseases or VD. They are among the most common contagious diseases.


Question: Do sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) require treatment?

Answer: STDs are serious illnesses that require treatment. Some STDs, such as HIV, cannot be cured and can be deadly. By learning more about STDs, you can learn ways to protect yourself.


Question: Where do the germs that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) come from?

Answer: The germs that cause STDs hide in semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and sometimes saliva.


Question: What kind of infection causes sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Answer: STDs include just about every kind of infection. Bacterial STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Viral STDs include HIV, genital herpes, genital warts ( HPV), and hepatitis B. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite.


Question: What should I eat to protect my heart?

Answer: It really does make a difference if you eat heart-healthy meals. Simple tweaks to your diet can have big benefits whether you want to prevent future problems, already live with high cholesterol or blood pressure, or have heart trouble like atrial fibrillation. Focus on lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains to get long-term benefits for your ticker and your waistline.


Question: How do you remove a tick safely?

Answer: To remove a tick safely: With tweezers, grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull gently and steadily. Be patient. Ticks can "cement" to your skin. Save the tick for identification, if possible. Wash the bite with soap and water. Don't try to burn a tick with a lit match or use other products (like petroleum jelly) on the tick.


Question: At what age do children have nightmares?

Answer: Nightmares occur from time to time in many children, but they are most common in preschoolers (children aged 3-6 years) because this is the age at which normal fears develop and a child's imagination is very active. Some studies estimate that as many as 50% of children in this age group have nightmares.


Question: What causes children's nightmares?

Answer: Exactly how or why nightmares occur is not known. However, being too tired, not getting enough sleep, having an irregular routine for sleep, and having stress or anxiety may all increase the risk of having nightmares. Nightmares can be related to the child's stage of development. Most nightmares are a normal part of coping with changes in our lives. For children, nightmares could be related to events such as starting school, moving to a new neighborhood, or living through a family divorce or remarriage.


Question: When do nightmares occur?

Answer: Sleep is divided into two types: rapid eye movement ( REM) and nonrapid eye movement (non- REM). REM and non- REM sleep alternate in 90- to 100-minute cycles. Most dreaming occurs during REM sleep. Nightmares usually occur in the middle of the night or early morning, when REM sleep and dreaming are more common.


Question: What are common triggers of hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Answer: These may include: Extreme fatigue Muscle ache Tingling Headache Belly pain Hoarseness Mood changes Although you may not be able to tell what your triggers are, common ones include: Stress or anxiety Minor injury or surgery Illnesses such as colds or flu Physical activities such as typing, hammering, or pushing a lawn mower Medications, including some used for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure Women may notice a difference in the number or sharpness of attacks when they: Have their period Are pregnant.


Question: What can swelling in your belly from hereditary angioedema (HAE) cause?

Answer: Swelling in your belly can cause: Extreme pain Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea You may notice warning signs before swelling begins.


Question: How is hereditary angioedema (HAE) treated?

Answer: Doctors can use medications to treat or prevent attacks: C1 Esterase Inhibitor ( Berinert, Cinryze) Conestat alfa ( Rhucin, Ruconest) Ecallantide ( Kalbitor) Icatibant ( Firazyr) Lanadelumab ( Takhzyro, SHP643) You may also need oxygen or IV fluids to ease your symptoms. Your doctor will make recommendations for what you need.


Question: Where can you get support for hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Answer: To learn more about HAE and to find the support of others who have it, visit the website of the U. S. Hereditary Angioedema Association at www.haea.org.


Question: How important is a correct diagnosis of hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Answer: The right diagnosis is key. Sometimes people are treated for allergies when it's really HAE that causes their swelling. Antihistamines and corticosteroids that treat allergies don't work well for this disease. You can have severe stomach swelling, pain, and diarrhea and severe dehydration and if misdiagnosed, it can lead to surgery you don't need. Your doctor will do a physical exam. You'll need blood tests, too, to confirm that it's HAE. If you do have it, ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist familiar with the condition. You should also ask your doctor about having other members of your family tested, even if no one has symptoms.


Question: What is hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Answer: Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic condition that causes swelling under the skin and lining of the gut and lungs. It can happen in different parts of your body. You are born with hereditary angioedema ( HAE). Although you'll always have it, treatment helps you manage it. There have been big improvements in treatment, and researchers continue to look for new solutions. Symptoms most often initially show up in childhood and get worse during the teen years. Many people don't know HAE is causing their swelling until they're adults. With this disease, a certain protein in your body is not in balance. This causes tiny blood vessels to push fluid into nearby areas of your body. That leads to sudden swelling. Where you have it on your body, how often the bouts happen, and how strong they are different for everyone. The attacks can come and go as well as move to different spots during the same bout. The swelling typically goes away on its own but can also occur as a life-threatening event. Your throat can swell. That can cut off your airways and could be deadly. So if you know you have HAE and you feel any change like that, call 911 right away. The frequency of attacks can vary. You can have attacks as often as every 1 to 2 weeks or 1 to 2 per year, and they can be hard to manage.


Question: What can you do to take care of yourself if you have hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Answer: Learn as much as you can about HAE so you can make informed decisions about your treatment and medications that you should be cautious with. If you can figure out your triggers, you can better avoid them. It helps to track your attacks and symptoms in a journal and look for patterns. Talk to your doctor before you have any dental work. He may want you to take medication to avoid a flare. Also talk with your doctor before you take any new prescription medicines. There is a chance they could trigger an attack. Carry your medical information with you at all times. If your child has HAE, note any changes in behavior that you see before an attack. As he gets older, he'll need to learn his triggers and treatment needs. Make sure all caregivers and family members know about the condition and what to do if an attack happens. Remember: Any swelling in the throat is an emergency. Take your medication for attacks and call 911. Connect with others who are living with HAE. They can share their insights and tips to help you manage your symptoms.


Question: How does bronchial artery embolization help treat coughing up blood (hemoptysis)?

Answer: A doctor advances a catheter through the leg into an artery supplying blood to the lungs. By injecting dye and viewing the arteries on a video screen, the doctor identifies the source of bleeding. That artery is then blocked, using metal coils or another substance. Bleeding usually stops, and other arteries compensate for the newly blocked artery.


Question: For how long am I contagious if I have a cold?

Answer: Cold symptoms usually last for about a week. During the first three days that you have cold symptoms, you are contagious.


Question: What is the best way to prevent colds and the flu?

Answer: Hand washing by rubbing the hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds helps to slough germs off the skin. In addition to hand washing to prevent flu or cold symptoms, you can also get a flu vaccine to prevent seasonal influenza.


Question: What kind of mucus is associated with a cold?

Answer: With cold symptoms, the nose teems with watery nasal secretions for the first few days. Later, these become thicker and darker. Dark mucus is natural and does not usually mean you have developed a bacterial infection, such as a sinus infection.


Question: How can you know if you have the flu or a common cold?

Answer: Take your temperature, say many experts. Flu symptoms often mimic cold symptoms with nasal congestion, cough, aches, and malaise. But a common cold rarely has symptoms of fever above 101 degrees. With flu symptoms, you will probably have a fever initially with the flu virus and you will feel miserable. Body and muscle aches are also more common with the flu.


Question: What should I do if my fever isn't going away?

Answer: If you already have flu or cold symptoms, it's important to call your doctor if you also have any of the following severe symptoms: Persistent fever: A fever lasting more than three days can be a sign of another bacterial infection that should be treated.


Question: What flu or cold symptoms are emergencies for adults?

Answer: In some cases, you may need to get emergency medical attention right away. In adults, signs of a crisis include: Severe chest pain Severe headache Shortness of breath Dizziness Confusion Persistent vomiting In children, additional signs of an emergency are: Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing Bluish skin color Not drinking enough fluids Lethargy and failure to interact normally Extreme irritability or distress Symptoms that were improving and then suddenly worsen Fever with a rash The most important prevention measure for preventing colds and flu is frequent hand washing.


Question: What should I do if I have a severe sore throat?

Answer: Painful swallowing: Although a sore throat from a cold or flu can cause mild discomfort, severe pain could mean strep throat, which requires treatment by a doctor.


Question: When should I take my child to the hospital for the flu or a cold?

Answer: In some cases, you may need to get emergency medical attention right away. In adults, signs of a crisis include: Severe chest pain Severe headache Shortness of breath Dizziness Confusion Persistent vomiting In children, additional signs of an emergency are: Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing Bluish skin color Not drinking enough fluids Lethargy and failure to interact normally Extreme irritability or distress Symptoms that were improving and then suddenly worsen Fever with a rash The most important prevention measure for preventing colds and flu is frequent hand washing.


Question: What conditions are associated with acquired ichthyosis?

Answer: People with the acquired form often have other conditions, such as: Underactive thyroid gland Kidney disease Sarcoidosis, a rare disease that causes patches of inflammation inside the body Cancer such as Hodgkin lymphoma HIV infection Some medicines might also trigger the condition: Cancer drugs such as hydroxyurea ( Droxia, Hydrea), protease inhibitors (a class of drugs used to treat HIV infections), and vemurafenib ( Zelboraf).


Question: What are complications of ichthyosis in men?

Answer: Men with ichthyosis are also at increased risk for: Testicular cancer Undescended or hidden testicles Low sperm count Other complications include: Vision loss from damage to the cornea (the clear layer in the front of the eye) Brain and nervous system problems Sometimes it's so mild that it looks like regular dry skin.


Question: When do symptoms of inherited ichthyosis show up?

Answer: Nicotinic acid, which is used to treat high cholesterol In the inherited forms, symptoms appear at birth or in the first few months of life.


Question: Where do ichthyosis scales form?

Answer: The scales form on only some parts of the body, such as the: Trunk Stomach Buttocks Legs Face and scalp The scales can be white, gray, or dark brown. They might have thick or thin cracks running through them. Dryness and scaling get worse in cold, dry weather. They usually improve in warmer weather.


Question: What is inherited ichthyosis?

Answer: Inherited ichthyosis: This is caused by mutations, or changes, to genes. Genes are the codes that tell your body to make proteins, which determine how your body looks and functions. Ichthyosis gene mutations affect that proteins that protect your skin and keep it moist. They also affect how quickly skin cells multiply or are shed. Parents pass these genes to their children. Sometimes children whose parents don't have ichthyosis get the disease before birth.


Question: What is acquired ichthyosis?

Answer: Acquired ichthyosis: This starts in adulthood. Doctors don't know what causes it.


Question: What medicines might trigger acquired ichthyosis?

Answer: People with the acquired form often have other conditions, such as: Underactive thyroid gland Kidney disease Sarcoidosis, a rare disease that causes patches of inflammation inside the body Cancer such as Hodgkin lymphoma HIV infection Some medicines might also trigger the condition: Cancer drugs such as hydroxyurea ( Droxia, Hydrea), protease inhibitors (a class of drugs used to treat HIV infections), and vemurafenib ( Zelboraf).


Question: Besides scales, what are some other signs of ichthyosis?

Answer: Other signs of ichthyosis are: Skin redness Blisters Peeling Itchiness Pain Lines on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet Tight skin that makes it hard to move Many people with ichthyosis also have eczema, a red, itchy rash.


Question: What are least rare types of ichthyosis?

Answer: Some types only cause dry and scaly skin. Others cause problems inside the body, too. Most forms of the disease are very rare. The two least rare types are: Ichthyosis vulgaris. It affects about 1 out of every 250 people. X-linked recessive ichthyosis. It affects about 1 out of 6,000 people, but only males.


Question: Besides scaling, what are other complications of ichthyosis?

Answer: Men with ichthyosis are also at increased risk for: Testicular cancer Undescended or hidden testicles Low sperm count Other complications include: Vision loss from damage to the cornea (the clear layer in the front of the eye) Brain and nervous system problems Sometimes it's so mild that it looks like regular dry skin.


Question: Besides moisturizing creams, lotions, and ointments, what things can help manage ichthyosis?

Answer: Rub your skin with a pumice stone. Remove dead skin with a product that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid.


Question: What are treatments for ichthyosis?

Answer: It can't be cured, but treatments can help you manage dry and scaly skin. Rub cream, lotion, or ointment onto your skin every day to add moisture. Look for rich creams that have any of these ingredients: lanolin, alpha hydroxy acids, urea, or propylene glycol. Products with ceramides or cholesterol also keep skin moist. Apply the lotion right after you step out of the shower or bath, when your skin is still damp. This will help hold in moisture.


Question: What is used to treat myoclonus?

Answer: Drugs that can help myoclonus include: Tranquilizers: Clonazepam ( Klonopin) is often the first drug doctors use. It relaxes your muscles to keep them from twitching. Common side effects include feeling sleepy and being a bit clumsy. Because of that, your doctor will likely start with a very small dose. She'll prescribe bigger doses until your symptoms go away. Anti-seizure drugs: Medicines like levetiracetam ( Keppra) and primidone ( Mysoline) prevent seizures in people with epilepsy. But they can also help with myoclonus. Side effects include nausea, fatigue, and feeling dizzy. Botox injections: The botulinum toxin "freezes" your muscles and keeps them from twitching. This may work best if myoclonus affects only one area of your body.


Question: What is palatal myoclonus?

Answer: Palatal myoclonus: This is a tremor in the roof or soft palate of your mouth. Your face, tongue, diaphragm, and throat may be involved. These muscle twitches come fast. You could have as many as 150 a minute. Bursts of movement might happen while you sleep.


Question: How is myoclonus diagnosed?

Answer: Other nervous system conditions that can cause myoclonus include: Stroke Brain tumor Alzheimer's disease Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia Sometimes the cause is a medical condition, such as: Head or spinal cord injury Infection Kidney or liver failure Medication reaction Lack of oxygen Your doctor will do an exam and take note of which parts of your body have spasms. He may recommend the following: Electroencephalogram ( EEG): This tracks and records the patterns of electrical activity in your brain to figure out where the myoclonus starts. The doctor will put small discs (called electrodes) on your scalp. He'll connect them to wires that send signals to a computer. Electromyography ( EMG): This test checks the health of your muscles and the nerve cells that control them. It uses electrodes to sense and record the signals your nerves send to your muscles.


Question: What is myoclonus?

Answer: This is sudden jerking, quivering, or twitching of a muscle or group of muscles. You can have one episode or many in a row. And they can last as long as a few minutes. Some types of myoclonus happen to healthy people. A hiccup or doing a double take when something startles you are common examples. But some people have myoclonus because of a health problem like MS, dementia, or Parkinson's disease.


Question: How does Botox help treat myoclonus?

Answer: Botox injections: The botulinum toxin "freezes" your muscles and keeps them from twitching. This may work best if myoclonus affects only one area of your body.


Question: Which medical conditions can cause myoclonus?

Answer: Other nervous system conditions that can cause myoclonus include: Stroke Brain tumor Alzheimer's disease Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia Sometimes the cause is a medical condition, such as: Head or spinal cord injury Infection Kidney or liver failure Medication reaction Lack of oxygen Your doctor will do an exam and take note of which parts of your body have spasms.


Question: What is sleep myoclonus?

Answer: Sleep myoclonus: Your muscles spasm while you sleep. It mainly affects your lips, eyes, fingers, and toes. It's rare, but it might wake you up.


Question: What is electromyography?

Answer: Electromyography ( EMG): This test checks the health of your muscles and the nerve cells that control them. It uses electrodes to sense and record the signals your nerves send to your muscles.


Question: How can magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help with the diagnosis of myoclonus?

Answer: Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI): Your doctor will use this test to take detailed pictures of your brain, spinal cord, and other body parts that might be involved.


Question: How can an electroencephalogram (EEG) help diagnose myoclonus?

Answer: He may recommend the following: Electroencephalogram ( EEG): This tracks and records the patterns of electrical activity in your brain to figure out where the myoclonus starts. The doctor will put small discs (called electrodes) on your scalp.


Question: There are two effective treatments for social phobia: prescription medication and behavioral therapy. Teens may receive both at the same time.

Answer: Reticular reflex myoclonus: Twitching or jerking throughout your whole body can happen with this kind of myoclonus. Triggers include movements or something you see or hear.


Question: What is brainstem myoclonus?

Answer: Brainstem myoclonus: A sudden noise or something you see might cause a grimace. Your elbows, knees, neck, and other parts of your body may flex.


Question: What is cortical reflex myoclonus?

Answer: Cortical reflex myoclonus: This is the most common type of myoclonus. People who have this are prone to sudden jerk-like movements in their upper limbs and face.


Question: What is action myoclonus?

Answer: The types of myoclonus include: Action myoclonus: It's triggered by movement. It can affect your arms, legs, face, and voice.


Question: What are symptoms of Pompe disease for adults?

Answer: This could look like: Trouble eating and not gaining weight Poor head and neck control Rolling over and sitting up later than expected Breathing problems and lung infections Enlarged and thickening heart or heart defects Enlarged liver Enlarged tongue If you're older when symptoms start -- as late as an adult in your 60s -- it's known as late-onset Pompe disease. This type tends to move slowly, and it doesn't usually involve your heart. You might notice: Feeling weak in the legs, trunk, and arms Shortness of breath, a hard time exercising, and lung infections Trouble breathing while you sleep A big curve in your spine Enlarged liver Enlarged tongue that makes it hard to chew and swallow Stiff joints Many symptoms are similar to other medical conditions.


Question: How do myozyme and lumizyme work to help with Pompe disease?

Answer: Two medications replace the missing protein and help your body process sugar correctly. You take them by injection. Myozyme, for babies and children Lumizyme Living with Pompe disease can be challenging.


Question: What are symptoms of Pompe disease for babies?

Answer: A baby between a few months old and age 1 has early-onset, or infantile, Pompe disease. This could look like: Trouble eating and not gaining weight Poor head and neck control Rolling over and sitting up later than expected Breathing problems and lung infections Enlarged and thickening heart or heart defects Enlarged liver Enlarged tongue If you're older when symptoms start -- as late as an adult in your 60s -- it's known as late-onset Pompe disease.


Question: How can support groups help you with pompe disease?

Answer: Support groups can be a good source of practical tips, too. For example, if you have trouble eating, you can try adding thickeners to your food to make it safer to swallow. You might need to use a feeding tube to make sure you get enough nutrients.


Question: What is Pompe disease?

Answer: Pompe disease causes muscle weakness and trouble breathing. It mostly affects the liver, heart, and muscles. You might hear Pompe disease called by other names such as GAA deficiency or type II glycogen storage disease ( GSD).


Question: Where do you get Pompe disease?

Answer: You get Pompe disease from your parents. To get it, you have to inherit two flawed genes, one from each parent. You can have one gene and not have symptoms of the disease. What symptoms you have, when they start, and how much trouble they are can be very different for different people.


Question: What do you need to know about living with Pompe disease?

Answer: Myozyme, for babies and children Lumizyme Living with Pompe disease can be challenging. You and your family may want to see a counselor to help you come to terms with what's happening, especially as your abilities change. A support group can also be a safe place to share your feelings and find understanding.


Question: What do you need to know about Pompe disease?

Answer: If your doctor thinks you might have Pompe disease, it's often confirmed with these tests: Check a sample of muscle to see how much glycogen there is Check a blood sample to see how well the "bad" protein is working Look for the genetic problem that causes Pompe disease It can take about 3 months to diagnose Pompe disease in a baby.


Question: Where can you find more information about Pompe disease?

Answer: You can find more information and connect with other people who have Pompe disease through the web site of the Acid Maltase Deficiency Association.


Question: How do treatments affect people with Pompe disease?

Answer: Although it can happen to anyone, it's more common in African- American people and some Asian groups.


Question: What happens when Pompe disease shows up later in life?

Answer: This might include: A cardiologist (heart doctor) A neurologist, who treats the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles A respiratory therapist, who can help your lungs and breathing A nutritionist, who can help you eat to stay healthy Generally, the later in life the disease shows up, the slower it moves. Babies can be treated, but because their symptoms are more intense and progress quickly, they usually don't live for more than a year. With late-onset Pompe disease, the muscle weakness gets worse over time and will eventually lead to serious breathing problems, perhaps many years later.


Question: What should you ask your doctor after being diagnosed with Pompe disease?

Answer: What treatments are best for me now? Is there a clinical trial that would be good for me? Do these treatments have side effects? What can I do about them? How do we check on my progress? Are there new symptoms I should watch for? How often should I see you?


Question: What will the doctor ask you to figure out if you have Pompe disease symptoms?

Answer: You might notice: Feeling weak in the legs, trunk, and arms Shortness of breath, a hard time exercising, and lung infections Trouble breathing while you sleep A big curve in your spine Enlarged liver Enlarged tongue that makes it hard to chew and swallow Stiff joints Many symptoms are similar to other medical conditions. To help figure out what's going on, your doctor may ask: Do you feel weak, fall often, or have trouble walking, running, climbing stairs, or standing up? Do you have a hard time breathing, especially at night or when you lie down? Do you get headaches in the morning? Are you often tired during the day? When you were a child, what kinds of health problems did you have? Does or did anyone else in your family have troubles like these, too?


Question: How do doctors decide which medication to prescribe for epilepsy?

Answer: Even the best doctors don't know which drug will work best for any given person. As part of managing the condition, your doctors will try to get a sense of the full picture: your type of seizures, your age and gender, other medical conditions, medicines you're on or may be on later, and epilepsy drugs you've tried in the past. Based on that information, she may narrow down the field to a few drugs to try. But after that, it's an educated leap of faith.


Question: Can you switch your epilepsy medication to generic drugs?

Answer: Switching to a generic can lower the price tag of living with epilepsy. Other people don't choose to switch; their insurance company substitutes generic drugs for them. Though generics save money, there is concern. One generic drug is often switched for another, on as frequently as a monthly basis. Although generic drugs are tightly regulated by the FDA, small differences are allowed. Most epilepsy experts believe frequent switches among generic drugs can increase chances for seizures. Until scientific studies settle the issue, they generally advise sticking with brand-name drugs if you can afford them.


Question: What does radiation for cancer consist of?

Answer: This common treatment uses high-energy particles or waves to destroy or damage cancer cells to keep them from spreading. It might be your only treatment, or you might get it along with surgery or chemotherapy.


Question: What is oral chemotherapy?

Answer: â No Needleâ) Chemotherapy With this type of treatment, you swallow a drug in liquid, tablet, or capsule form at home. It works as well as other forms of chemotherapy for some types of cancer, but not all chemo drugs can be taken by mouth. There are some that the stomach can't absorb, and others can be harmful if you swallow them. Oral drugs can cost more out-of-pocket than traditional chemo, too. Again, the side effects can vary, but they're similar to the ones you'd have with regular chemo.


Question: How does oral chemotherapy treat cancer?

Answer: â No Needleâ) Chemotherapy With this type of treatment, you swallow a drug in liquid, tablet, or capsule form at home. It works as well as other forms of chemotherapy for some types of cancer, but not all chemo drugs can be taken by mouth. There are some that the stomach can't absorb, and others can be harmful if you swallow them. Oral drugs can cost more out-of-pocket than traditional chemo, too. Again, the side effects can vary, but they're similar to the ones you'd have with regular chemo. If your doctor recommends oral chemo, it's important to take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor right away if you can't keep your medication down because you're vomiting.


Question: How does chemotherapy treat surgery and what are its side effects?

Answer: There are two ways to get it: â Traditionalâ Chemotherapy You get most chemo medications through an injection into a vein. But you can get some types as a shot in your muscle, under your skin, or as an ointment or cream to put on your skin. The side effects vary from person to person, even if you have the same type of cancer and get the same treatment as someone else. Some of the most common issues are: Fatigue Vomiting Nausea Diarrhea Hair loss Mouth sores Pain Chemotherapy can sometimes cause long-lasting side effects, like infertility and nerve damage.


Question: What types of surgeries are used for cancer?

Answer: Along with a traditional operation, doctors can also fight some types of cancer with: Laser surgery (beams of light) Electrosurgery (electric currents) Cryosurgery (very cold temperatures to freeze cancer cells) You'll get medication to block pain during and after your surgery.


Question: How will I know if a specific cancer treatment works?

Answer: With any cancer treatment, it might take a while before you know how it affects your disease. Stay in touch with your doctor and keep her in the loop about anything that doesn't feel right.


Question: Where do I get chemotherapy?

Answer: In most cases, you'll get your chemotherapy at an outpatient clinic. You won't know how it will make you feel until you've had your first treatment. So plan to have someone to drive you home.


Question: How do I receive traditional chemotherapy?

Answer: There are two ways to get it: â Traditionalâ Chemotherapy You get most chemo medications through an injection into a vein. But you can get some types as a shot in your muscle, under your skin, or as an ointment or cream to put on your skin.