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Can motor neuron diseases cause nerve damage?
The motor neurons are nerves in your brain and spinal column that communicate with the muscles throughout your body. Diseases that affect these nerves, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, can result in progressively worsening nerve damage.
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What are symptoms of autonomic nerve damage?
Autonomic nerve damage may produce the following symptoms: Inability to sense chest pain, such as angina or heart attack Too much sweating (known as hyperhidrosis) or too little sweating (known as anhidrosis) Lightheadedness Dry eyes and mouth Constipation Bladder dysfunction Sexual dysfunction Damage to motor nerves may produce the following symptoms: Weakness Muscle atrophy Twitching, also known as fasciculation Paralysis Sensory nerve damage may produce the following symptoms: Pain Sensitivity Numbness Tingling or prickling Burning Problems with positional awareness In some instances, people with nerve damage will have symptoms that indicate damage to two, or even three, different types of nerves.
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If you've had a DVT, are you likely to get another one?
One-third of people with DVT or PE will have a second bout within 10 years. Preventing that depends on what caused yours in the first place. Some things, like age and inherited blood disorders, can't be helped. But you can make some changes to lower your risk, such as losing weight and being more active. On long trips or when you have to sit for a long time, you'll need to stretch your legs, get up, and move around.
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What's the treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Your doctor will likely start by giving you shots of heparin. It's a kind of drug called a blood thinner that makes it harder for your blood to clot. Then, you may need to take blood thinner pills, such as apixaban ( Eliquis), dabigatran ( Pradaxa), edoxaban ( Savaysa), rivaroxaban ( Xarelto), or warfarin ( Coumadin). If you take warfarin, you'll need to get your blood checked often, too. Blood thinners won't break up the clot; your body must do that over time. But they will keep it from getting any bigger and prevent more from forming.
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What are the lasting effects after deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Some people have occasional pain, swelling, and skin color changes where the clot was. This is known as post-thrombotic syndrome.
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How long will someone who has deep vein thrombosis (DVT) have to stay on blood thinners?
It depends on what caused your clot. Someone who's had a DVT typically takes blood thinners for 6 months. If the clot had just one cause, like surgery, and you don't have any other risk factors for DVT, it might be less time. If it was because of an inherited condition or an ongoing (chronic) disease, it could be longer.
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What are the lasting effects of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Some people have occasional pain, swelling, and skin color changes where the clot was. This is known as post-thrombotic syndrome.
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How can someone prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
One-third of people with DVT or PE will have a second bout within 10 years. Preventing that depends on what caused yours in the first place. Some things, like age and inherited blood disorders, can't be helped. But you can make some changes to lower your risk, such as losing weight and being more active. On long trips or when you have to sit for a long time, you'll need to stretch your legs, get up, and move around. If you have to go to the hospital for any reason, explain to the staff that you've had DVT. They'll likely put you on blood thinners or use compression stockings on your legs to keep your blood flowing and avoid another clot.
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When do foods help fight the flu?
Even when you aren't sick, you need protein to keep your body strong. Your body uses it to build strength and keep what you already have. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds are good sources. The FDA says adults should eat 50 grams of protein a day (but can vary depending on an individual's caloric needs). Pregnant and nursing women need more. Foods that have it provide nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, both of which keep your immune system working like it should.
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What should you eat if you are nauseous?
Bland foods -- like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce -- are good. Experts say you can go back to a normal diet within 24 hours if you feel like it.
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Is chicken soup good for the flu?
It's a must for cold-like symptoms. One lab study suggested that chicken soup has properties that can ease flu symptoms in your chest and head. A well-nourished immune system is better able to fight infections.
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Does food make congestion better or worse?
If this happens to you, avoid dairy for a few days. They may also make nausea and vomiting worse.
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What foods have vitamin B6 and vitamin B12?
These minerals are found in protein-rich foods like beans, nuts, meat, and poultry.
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What are flavonoids and do they help if you are sick?
Research shows that flavonoids found in the soft white skin of citrus fruits -- like grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and limes -- may boost your immune system.
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What is glutathione and does it help if you are sick?
Glutathione may strengthen your immune system so it can fight off infections. You'll find this powerful antioxidant in the red, pulpy area of a watermelon near the rind. It's also in kale, collard greens, broccoli, and cabbage.
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How often should I have my weight checked if I am over 50 with diabetes and why?
Get it done: Every time you see your doctor If you're overweight, your doctor may talk to you about your diet and exercise plan. Those extra pounds can make it harder to manage your blood sugar. Losing weight can help lower your blood pressure and your risk of heart disease. It doesn't have to be a drastic change; your health can improve if you lose even 10 or 15 pounds.
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How often should I have a foot exam if I am over 50 with diabetes and why?
Get it done: Every time you see your doctor Foot problems are common with diabetes, so you and your doctor need to stay on top of your foot health. You should carefully wash, dry, and inspect your feet at home every day. Nerve damage in your feet and legs can keep you from noticing when you hurt yourself. Your doctor will want to check them at each office visit. People with diabetes also may have blood flow problems, which makes it harder for foot wounds to heal. A tiny cut, sore, or blister could grow into a foot ulcer that's tricky to treat. If it gets severely infected, your foot or leg may need to be removed.
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How often should I have a cholesterol test if I am over 50 with diabetes and why?
Get it done: Every year High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease. Your doctor will check them at least yearly to make sure they're in a healthy range. He can prescribe medicine to lower your cholesterol if you need it.
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How often should I have a dental check up if I am over 50 with diabetes and why?
Get it done: Every time you see your doctor Don't neglect your mouth. When you have diabetes, you're at greater risk of gum disease. It's more likely when your blood sugar is out of whack. Even if you have it under control through brushing, flossing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, you should still see your dentist for checkups to make sure your mouth is healthy.
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How often should I have an eye exam if I am over 50 with diabetes and why?
Get it done: Every year People with diabetes are at greater risk of vision problems. You're more likely to have trouble with your eyes if your blood sugar or blood pressure levels are too high. To keep tabs on your vision and eye health, see an eye doctor at least yearly for a thorough exam. He'll dilate your pupils to see whether you have any problems.
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What can I do at home to treat food poisoning?
Diarrhea and vomiting can really throw off your body's balance of fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals, such as sodium and potassium, that help with everything from keeping your heartbeat normal to controlling how much water is in your body. So your main job is to drink plenty of fluids. Start with ice chips or small sips if you need to.
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What should you do to treat diarrhea from food poisoning?
It's also helpful to: Avoid food for the first few hours as your stomach settles down Drink water, broth, or an electrolyte solution, which will replace the minerals that you lose with vomiting and diarrhea Eat when you feel ready, but start with small amounts of bland, nonfatty foods such as toast, rice, and crackers Get plenty of rest Stay away from dairy, caffeine, alcohol, bubbly or fizzy drinks, or spicy and fatty foods -- they can just make everything worse Tempting as it may be, you typically want to avoid over-the-counter medicine to stop your diarrhea. That's because the diarrhea is helping to get rid of whatever is making you sick. If you think you need it, check with your doctor first. And don't give it to children -- the side effects for them could be serious.
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When should I call my doctor about food poisoning?
Though food poisoning usually goes away on its own, call your doctor if you have any signs of dehydration: Dry mouth or extreme thirst Not peeing much (or at all) or dark, concentrated urine Rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure Weakness, dizziness, or a lightheaded feeling, especially when going from lying down or sitting to standing Confusion Also call your doctor if you see any of these symptoms: Blood in your vomit or poop Blurry vision Diarrhea for more than 3 days Extreme pain or cramps in your belly Fever over 101.5 F Throwing up that won't stop -- you can't even keep liquids down Tingling in your arms Weakness in your muscles Food poisoning is more dangerous for some people than others. It's best to call a doctor for: Adults 60 and older Babies and children People with a chronic illness or weak immune system Pregnant women
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What can help with food poisoning?
So your main job is to drink plenty of fluids. Start with ice chips or small sips if you need to. It's also helpful to: Avoid food for the first few hours as your stomach settles down Drink water, broth, or an electrolyte solution, which will replace the minerals that you lose with vomiting and diarrhea Eat when you feel ready, but start with small amounts of bland, nonfatty foods such as toast, rice, and crackers Get plenty of rest Stay away from dairy, caffeine, alcohol, bubbly or fizzy drinks, or spicy and fatty foods -- they can just make everything worse Tempting as it may be, you typically want to avoid over-the-counter medicine to stop your diarrhea.
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What should you expect when you get food poisoning?
!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(); }); } When you have food poisoning, the first thing you want is relief. Your symptoms depend on what caused you to get sick, but you usually have diarrhea, throwing up, and an upset stomach at the least. It's no fun, but it's how your body tries to kick out the toxins and get you better. You usually get it from eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins created from these. While some cases last longer, it's usually gone within a few days. There's not a whole lot you can do except stay near a bathroom and ride it out.
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What should you know about getting a lung transplant for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Some people with IPF can get a lung transplant. Doctors usually recommend it for someone whose illness is very severe or gets worse very fast. Getting a new lung or lungs can help you live longer, but it is major surgery. If you fit the criteria for a lung transplant, your doctor will put you on a waiting list for a lung from a donor. After your transplant, you could be in the hospital for 3 weeks or longer. You'll need to take drugs for the rest of your life that keep your body from rejecting your new lung. You'll also have lots of tests to see how well your lungs are working and regular physical therapy. If you're considering a lung transplant, you'll need emotional support from family and friends. Support groups can help by putting you in touch with people who are also getting or have had transplants. Ask your doctor about programs that can help explain what to expect before and after the surgery.
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What can you do to take care of yourself if you have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
There are other things you can do to feel better: Eat healthy. A well-rounded diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and lean protein is good for your body in general. Eating smaller meals more often will also give your lungs more room to breathe. Exercise. Take a daily walk or bike ride. It can strengthen your lungs and reduce stress. If it's hard to breathe when you're active, ask your doctor about using oxygen during your workouts. Quit smoking. Cigarettes and other tobacco products damage your lungs and make breathing problems worse. Your doctor can recommend programs to help you quit. Get a flu shot. Vaccines can protect you from infections like the flu or pneumonia, which can harm your lungs. You need a flu shot every year. You will also need to get two vaccines to help protect against a very serious type of pneumonia. Ask your doctor about when you should get these vaccines. Try to stay away from people who have colds. Find ways to relax. Low-key activities that you enjoy are great ways to fight stress. Try reading, drawing, or meditating.
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Where can you learn more about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
To learn more about IPF or find a support group in your area, visit the websites of the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
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Where can you find support if you have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
It's hard to live with an illness like IPF. Remember that it's OK to ask a doctor, counselor, friend, or family member for help with any stress, sadness, or anger you may feel. Support groups are good places to talk to other people who are living with IPF or a similar condition. They can give you and your family advice and understanding.
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What are some questions for your doctor about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
How do you know I have IPF? Do I need any more tests? Do I need to see any other doctors? What treatments might work best for me? How will they make me feel? Will anything help me breathe better right away? Are there any clinical trials that would be good for me? How often should I see you? Will I need a lung transplant? Will my children get IPF?
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What are the symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
You can have IPF for a long time without noticing any symptoms. After many years, the scarring in your lungs gets worse, and you might have: A dry, hacking cough that doesn't go away Shortness of breath, especially when you walk or do other activities You might also notice that: You feel more tired than usual Your joints and muscles ache You've lost weight without trying The tips of your fingers and toes have gotten wider, called clubbing IPF is hard to tell apart from other lung diseases because it shares many of the same signs.
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What new treatments are available for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Scientists are also studying new treatments for IPF in clinical trials. These trials test new drugs to see if they are safe and if they work. They often are a way for people to try new medicine that isn't available to everyone. Your doctor can tell you if one of these trials might be good for you.
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What questions will your doctor ask when diagnosing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
She might ask questions like: How long have you been feeling this way? Have you ever smoked? Do you work with chemicals at your job or home? What kinds? Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with IPF? Do you have any other medical conditions? Have you ever been told you had the Epstein- Barr virus, influenza A, hepatitis C, or HIV?
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Is there a cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
There's no cure for IPF. The illness will affect your life and your family. For most people, symptoms don't get better, but there are new treatments that can slow the damage to your lungs. Everyone's outlook is different. Some people will get worse quickly, while others can live 10 years or more after they are diagnosed. There are therapies to help you breathe easier and manage your symptoms. In some cases, you may be able to have a lung transplant.
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How can idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis vary?
Everyone with IPF is different. For some people, the disease gets worse quickly. For others, it can be a slow process where their lungs stay the same for a long time. Talk to your doctor about your condition and what you can do to manage it.
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What tests are used to diagnose idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Your doctor also will give you one or more of these tests: Chest X-ray. It uses radiation in low doses to make images of organs inside your body. Exercise test. You walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while someone checks the levels of oxygen in your blood through a probe on your fingertip or attached to your forehead. High-resolution chest CT, or computed tomography. This is a powerful X-ray that makes detailed pictures of your lungs. It can help find out how severe your IPF is and possibly the cause. Biopsy. The doctor removes small pieces of your lung tissue and examines them under a microscope. This may be done with surgery or with a flexible tube filled with a small camera that looks down your throat and into your lungs. The flexible tube approach is called a bronchoscopy. During the bronchoscopy, a doctor will use fluid to wash out your lungs and remove cells to study them. This usually happens in a hospital, and you'll be asleep for it. Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas tests. They measure how much oxygen is in your blood. Spirometry. You blow as hard as you can into a mouthpiece attached to a device called a spirometer. It measures how well your lungs are working by showing how much air you can blow out.
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How is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed?
After many years, the scarring in your lungs gets worse, and you might have: A dry, hacking cough that doesn't go away Shortness of breath, especially when you walk or do other activities You might also notice that: You feel more tired than usual Your joints and muscles ache You've lost weight without trying The tips of your fingers and toes have gotten wider, called clubbing IPF is hard to tell apart from other lung diseases because it shares many of the same signs. It may take time and a lot of visits to the doctor to get the right diagnosis. If you have trouble breathing that doesn't get better, you'll probably need to see a pulmonologist, a doctor who treats lung problems.
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What should you expect if you have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
IPF is a serious disease, and it will have a big effect on your life and your loved ones. To stay as healthy as possible, follow your treatment plan and see your doctor regularly to make sure your treatment is working.
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Can you get selenium naturally from foods?
Good natural food sources of selenium include: Nuts, like Brazil nuts and walnuts Many fresh and saltwater fish, like tuna, cod, red snapper, and herring Beef and poultry Grains Whole foods are the best sources of selenium. The mineral may be destroyed during processing.
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How is estrogen related to postmenopausal depression?
At menopause, estrogen levels fall to very low levels. Interestingly, taking oral estrogen does not improve depression in women after menopause. In large trials evaluating hormone replacement therapy, women taking estrogen reported the same mental health as women taking placebo. After menopause, women's rates of depression fall, becoming similar to men of the same age.
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How can you get resveratrol naturally from foods?
Resveratrol occurs naturally in red wine, red grape skins, grape juice, peanuts, mulberries, and some Chinese herbs. Some people wonder if they should drink more red wine because of the possible health benefits of resveratrol. However, most experts and organizations like the American Heart Association still suggest limiting alcoholic drinks to one per day for women and two for men. Four ounces of red wine equals one drink. Other forms of alcohol do not have resveratrol.
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Who should not take reseveratrol?
Given the lack of evidence about their safety, resveratrol supplements are not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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What are benefits and risks of resveratrol supplements?
However, resveratrol supplements have not been well studied in people. We don't really know what benefits and risks they might have. We also don't know if resveratrol is necessarily more important than some of the other natural substances in wine.
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Why does pregnancy cause acid reflux?
Many women experience acid reflux for the first time during pregnancy. This is caused by increasing levels of hormones combined with pressure from the growing fetus. Usually worst during the third trimester, the symptoms almost always go away after delivery.
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What medications can cause acid reflux?
Other common causes of acid reflux disease include: Being overweight or obese Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist Snacking close to bedtime or lying down right after a meal Taking aspirin or ibuprofen, some muscle relaxers, or certain blood pressure medications
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What happens if you are exposed to an allergen or asthma trigger?
Late Phase Response If you are exposed to an allergen or asthma trigger, the chances are great that airway obstruction or allergic asthma will occur shortly afterward. This acute asthma attack ends within one hour. About 50% of those who experience an immediate reaction also have a second phase of airway obstruction within three to eight hours of exposure to the allergen. This phase is called the late phase response, and it is characterized by an increase in airway responsiveness, development of bronchial inflammation, and a more prolonged period of airway obstruction. Many studies report that when allergen exposure occurs in the evening instead of in the morning, you are more susceptible to having a late phase response and are more likely to have one of greater severity.
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What other substances or drugs lead to erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Other substances or drugs that can cause or lead to ED include recreational and frequently abused drugs, such as: Alcohol Amphetamines Barbiturates Cocaine Marijuana Methadone Nicotine Opiates Aside from the well-known complications that the use and abuse of these drugs can cause, ED is not often mentioned.
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What should you do if your medication is causing erectile dysfunction (ED)?
If the problem persists, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medication.
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What is cyclosporine (Neoral) for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis?
Cyclosporine What it is: Cyclosporine ( Neoral) is used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. It is also approved for treating psoriasis.
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What is laser treatment?
Laser Treatment What it is: A form of light therapy that uses lasers.
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What are vitamin A derivatives for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis?
Vitamin A Derivatives What it is: A man-made form of vitamin A.
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What is apremilast (Otezla) for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis?
Apremilast ( Otezla) What it is: An oral drug approved to treat psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis in adults.
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How does methotrexate treat moderate or severe psoriasis?
How it works: Methotrexate slows the rate of skin cell growth. Methotrexate can be given by pill, liquid, or injection.
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How is biologic treatment used to treat moderate or severe psoriasis?
How it works: Biologics block immune cells that are involved in psoriasis. These drugs are given by a shot or by an IV infusion.
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What are the types of ultraviolet B therapy for moderate to severe psoriasis?
This releases a narrow band of ultraviolet light to target small areas of the skin.
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What are the side effects of PUVA therapy (photochemotherapy) for moderate to severe psoriasis?
Side effects can include skin irritation, redness, a burning or itching sensation, blisters, dry skin, sunburn, and a higher risk for skin cancer.
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What are biologic drugs?
Biologic Treatments What it is: Biologic drugs target the immune response that causes inflammation.
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How does apremilast (Otezla) work for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis?
How it works: Apremilast is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-4 ( PDE-4), which controls inflammation within a cell.
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What are the side effects of methotrexate for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis?
Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, easy bruising and bleeding, fever, mouth ulcers, trouble sleeping, sensitivity to sunlight, hair loss, dry cough, shortness of breath, stomach pain, a blistering or peeling rash, blood in your pee or poop, peeing less often, and liver damage. Pregnant women are at risk of having a baby with birth defects while taking this drug.
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How is apremilast used to treat moderate or severe psoriasis?
How it works: Apremilast is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-4 ( PDE-4), which controls inflammation within a cell.
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How will doctors treat severe psoriasis?
If you have very severe psoriasis, you may need to take more than one of these drugs at a time. Sometimes adding ultraviolet light or sunlight to a psoriasis pill, injection, or cream can help it work better.
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What are the side effects of biologics used to treat moderate or severe psoriasis?
Side effects can include swelling or rash where the shot went in, increased risk for infections including tuberculosis, and cancers such as lymphoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. You will need to be tested for tuberculosis while taking a biologic drug. You will also need to have regular blood tests to check your number of immune blood cells.
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What biologic drugs are used to treat moderate or severe psoriasis?
Biologic drugs include: Ixekizumab ( Taltz) and secukinumab ( Cosentyx). These are antibodies that bind to interleukin-17 A, a protein that is involved in inflammation. Guselkumab ( Tremfya) and risankizumab-rzaa ( SKYRIZI). These medicationsselectively block interleukin-23 ( IL-23) and are given by injection. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers, including adalimumab ( Humira), etanercept ( Enbrel), and infliximab ( Remicade). These drugs block a chemical messenger of the immune system called TNF-alpha. People with psoriasis have too much of this substance, which causes inflammation. Ustekinumab ( Stelara). This drug blocks cytokines in the body called interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, which are thought to promote the increased growth rate of skin cells and inflammation from psoriasis.
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How will my doctor determine my treatment for psoriasis?
Your doctor will also consider these things when helping you choose a treatment: The type of psoriasis you have How much psoriasis affects your life Your health Treatment costs to you Your doctor may use the Koo- Menter Psoriasis Instrument to help decide which treatment you need. This one-page tool asks questions to find out how much psoriasis is affecting your life.
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How are other immunosuppressives used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis?
Other Immunosuppressives There are a few drugs that slow down the immune response and may be used in selected cases, but are used “off-label” ( They are not FDA approved for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis). They include azathioprine, hydroxyurea, and 6-thioguanine.
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What are the side effects of cyclosporine (Neoral) for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis?
Side effects can include skin irritation, redness, a burning or itching sensation, blisters, dry skin, sunburn, and a higher risk for skin cancer.
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What is methotrexate for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis?
Methotrexate What it is: A drug that was first used to treat cancer.
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What are the side effects of ultraviolet B therapy for moderate to severe psoriasis?
Side effects can include nausea (from oral psoralens), itching, redness, burns, blisters, freckles or aged skin, cataracts if you don't wear sunglasses, and a higher risk for skin cancer, including melanoma.
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What is PUVA therapy (photochemotherapy) for moderate to severe psoriasis?
PUVA Therapy ( Photochemotherapy) What it is: You use a medicine called psoralen, which makes your skin more sensitive to light. Then you are exposed to ultraviolet A ( UVA) light.
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What is apremilast?
Apremilast ( Otezla) What it is: An oral drug approved to treat psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis in adults.
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What treatments are used for moderate to severe psoriasis?
Even though everyone with psoriasis is different, doctors have a few standard treatments that they try in people with moderate to severe psoriasis. These include: Light therapy (phototherapy) Medications that suppress your immune system or target specific immune responses linked to psoriasis These treatments aim to slow down the rapid skin cell growth in psoriasis. They can also help smooth out scaly skin and reduce inflammation.
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How do biologic treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis work?
How it works: Biologics block immune cells that are involved in psoriasis. These drugs are given by a shot or by an IV infusion.
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What is ultraviolet B therapy for moderate to severe psoriasis?
Ultraviolet B ( UVB) Therapy What it is: Ultraviolet B ( UVB) therapy uses the same type of ultraviolet radiation found in sunlight. It's used to treat psoriasis that doesn't respond to creams and lotions.
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How does ultraviolet B therapy for moderate to severe psoriasis work?
How it works: Your body is exposed to UVB light from a light box in a doctor's office or at home. The UVB light goes into your skin and slows skin cell growth.
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What are the side effects of biologic treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis?
Side effects can include swelling or rash where the shot went in, increased risk for infections including tuberculosis, and cancers such as lymphoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. You will need to be tested for tuberculosis while taking a biologic drug. You will also need to have regular blood tests to check your number of immune blood cells.
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What is moderate to severe psoriasis?
Moderate psoriasis covers 3% to 10% of your body. Severe psoriasis covers more than 10% of your body or is on sensitive areas like your face, palms, soles, or skin folds.
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How does laser treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis work?
How it works: A thin beam of light targets psoriasis without affecting nearby skin.
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What are the side effects of vitamin A derivatives used to treat moderate or severe psoriasis?
There are two types of vitamin A: Acitretin in a pill ( Soriatane) Tazarotene in a cream, gel, or foam ( Avage, Fabior, Tazorac) Side effects can include hair loss; thin nails; dry mouth, eyes, and skin; bleeding gums; nosebleeds; headache; joint or muscle pain; increased levels of fat in the blood; and sensitivity to sunlight.
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What other immunosuppressives are used to treat moderate or severe psoriasis?
Other Immunosuppressives There are a few drugs that slow down the immune response and may be used in selected cases, but are used “off-label” ( They are not FDA approved for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis). They include azathioprine, hydroxyurea, and 6-thioguanine.
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What are vitamin A derivatives?
Vitamin A Derivatives What it is: A man-made form of vitamin A.
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What is PUVA Therapy?
PUVA Therapy ( Photochemotherapy) What it is: You use a medicine called psoralen, which makes your skin more sensitive to light. Then you are exposed to ultraviolet A ( UVA) light.
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What factors will my doctor consider in choosing a treatment for moderate or severe psoriasis?
Your doctor will also consider these things when helping you choose a treatment: The type of psoriasis you have How much psoriasis affects your life Your health Treatment costs to you Your doctor may use the Koo- Menter Psoriasis Instrument to help decide which treatment you need.
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What are the side effects of apremilast used to treat moderate or severe psoriasis?
Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and headache. These side effects may stop with continued treatment. In studies, a small number of people stopped taking Apremilast because of an adverse reaction. Some participants also had unexplained weight loss. It's recommended that those taking the drug have their weight checked regularly and be monitored for depression.
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What are the side effects of psoralen?
Side effects can include nausea (from oral psoralens), itching, redness, burns, blisters, freckles or aged skin, cataracts if you don't wear sunglasses, and a higher risk for skin cancer, including melanoma.
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How does ultraviolet B therapy treat psoriasis?
How it works: Your body is exposed to UVB light from a light box in a doctor's office or at home. The UVB light goes into your skin and slows skin cell growth.
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How is cyclosporine used to treat moderate or severe psoriasis?
How it works: It suppresses the immune system and slows the growth of certain immune cells. Cyclosporine is given by capsule or liquid.
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What are the side effects of laser treatments for psoriasis?
Side effects can include redness, blistering, bruising, or scarring.
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What are the types of laser treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis?
Laser types: Excimer laser.
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What are the treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis?
Even though everyone with psoriasis is different, doctors have a few standard treatments that they try in people with moderate to severe psoriasis. These include: Light therapy (phototherapy) Medications that suppress your immune system or target specific immune responses linked to psoriasis These treatments aim to slow down the rapid skin cell growth in psoriasis. They can also help smooth out scaly skin and reduce inflammation.
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Should pregnant women take vitamin A derivatives to treat moderate or severe psoriasis?
Women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should not use these drugs due to serious birth defect risks.
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How is anosmia caused by medications treated?
If you suspect a medication is affecting your sense of smell, talk to your doctor and see if there are other treatment options available that won't affect your ability to smell. However, never stop taking a medication without first talking with your doctor.
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What causes anosmia?
Nasal congestion from a cold, allergy, sinus infection, or poor air quality is the most common cause of anosmia. Other anosmia causes include: Nasal polyps -- small noncancerous growths in the nose and sinuses that block the nasal passage. Injury to the nose and smell nerves from surgery or head trauma. Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as pesticides or solvents. Certain medications, including antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory medication, heart medications, and others. Cocaine abuse. Old age. Like vision and hearing, your sense of smell can become weaker as you age. In fact, one's sense of smell is most keen between the ages of 30 and 60 and begins to decline after age 60. Certain medical conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, nutritional deficiencies, congenital conditions, and hormonal disturbances. Radiation treatment of head and neck cancers.
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How is anosmia diagnosed?
If you experience a loss of smell that you can't attribute to a cold or allergy or which doesn't get better after a week or two, tell your doctor. Your doctor can take a look inside your nose with a special instrument to see if a polyp or growth is impairing your ability to smell or if an infection is present. Further testing by a doctor who specializes in nose and sinus problems -- an ear, nose, and throat doctor ( ENT, or an otolaryngologist) -- may be needed to determine the cause of anosmia. A CT scan may be necessary so that the doctor can get a better look of the area.
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What are the symptoms of anosmia?
The obvious sign of anosmia is a loss of smell. Some people with anosmia notice a change in the way things smell. For example, familiar things begin to lack odor.
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How is anosmia caused by polyps treated?
If a polyp or growth is present, surgery may be needed to remove the obstruction and regain your sense of smell.
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Are there over-the-counter medications I can take with my PERT to help lower my stomach acid?
You may also take drugs to lower stomach acid along with your PERT. Your doctor can prescribe these, and they're also available over the counter: Proton pump inhibitors like esomeprazole ( Nexium) or omeprazole H2 blockers like cimetidine ( Tagamet, Topcare), famotidine, or ranitidine Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help you manage pain.
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How is cystic fibrosis treated if you have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
You can also eat a high-calorie, high-fat diet or take supplements to get the nutrition you need. If you have cystic fibrosis and EPI, you may also get diabetes. Keep your blood sugar levels under control, and take insulin or other medications if your doctor prescribes them.
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How can surgery help treat EPI?
Surgery can open ducts that are clogged or blocked by gallstones, and decompression can widen a main pancreatic duct that's too narrow.
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How can medical care affect risk of heart disease in people with diabetes?
Some people with diabetes need to take medicine to lower their blood pressure or improve their cholesterol levels. Your doctor may recommend that you take a daily low-dose aspirin to protect against heart disease. Be sure to keep up with your medical care. Go to all your appointments and let your doctor know how you're doing. Together, you can work toward a healthier heart.
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Can exercise lower my risk for heart disease if I have diabetes?
Nearly everyone with diabetes can benefit from getting more exercise. It's good for your heart and helps control your blood sugar. Even brisk walking counts, so you don't need a gym. If you're not active now, let your doctor know you want to get started. She can let you know what's safe for you to do.