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3136618eeac5beacc1e5b2f8832793bb | What effect do the extra red blood cells have on the body? | Without treatment, the extra red blood cells in your veins can cause clots that slow your blood flow. This makes you more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. It can also cause pain called angina in your chest. |
1a969f0cbb945d43727f1aaf2d18206c | How is EPO level used to diagnose polycythemia vera? | This test measures how much of the hormone EPO you have in your blood. EPO tells your bone marrow to make blood cells. People who have polycythemia vera have very low amounts of it. |
80b5f91914b000de86a42034e649bfac | What should you expect if you have polycythemia vera? | Although there's no cure, the right treatment can help you manage this disease for many years. Remember that everyone's case is different. With good care, you can still have an active lifestyle. It's rare, but your condition could lead to acute leukemia or myelofibrosis, which are also blood diseases but are more serious than polycythemia vera. Acute leukemia is a blood cancer that gets worse quickly. Myelofibrosis is a condition in which your bone marrow gets filled with scar tissue. |
2587be19905c69b8e78272841f7f201f | Are there groups that provide polycythemia vera support? | The MPN Research Foundation has more information about polycythemia vera. It can also help you find support groups. |
84e30bd0991b14416d80f9aaa2a617fe | How is a phlebotomy used to treat polycythemia vera? | This is often the first treatment people with polycythemia vera get. Your doctor removes blood from your vein. It's a lot like donating blood. The goal is to lower your number of blood cells. After it's done, your blood will be thinner and it'll flow more easily. You'll usually feel better, too. Some symptoms will ease, like headaches or dizziness. Your doctor will decide how often you need phlebotomy. For some people, it's the only treatment they need for many years. |
5d473e099afc16c6b727ae84dc2d9281 | Where can you get support for polycythemia vera? | Talk to your friends and family about how to keep a positive attitude. You may also want to join a support group for people with your condition. The MPN Research Foundation has more information about polycythemia vera. It can also help you find support groups. |
c903e6ee896be15d86b7a1a518165853 | Does polycythemia vera lead to leukemia or myelofibrosis? | It's rare, but your condition could lead to acute leukemia or myelofibrosis, which are also blood diseases but are more serious than polycythemia vera. Acute leukemia is a blood cancer that gets worse quickly. Myelofibrosis is a condition in which your bone marrow gets filled with scar tissue. |
3aa386e53e8b3062ea19ff41276bd654 | How is a blood smear used to diagnose polycythemia vera? | In this test, your doctor will look at a sample of your blood through a microscope. It's a way to check for other diseases that are sometimes linked to polycythemia vera. |
ad0e0e6cefbd993c952527b684593d1e | What are the treatment options for polycythemia vera? | Polycythemia vera is different for each person who has it. If you don't have many symptoms, you might not need treatment right away. Your doctor will keep a close watch on you. If you do need treatment, its goal is to lower the amount of red blood cells your body makes and prevent blood clots and other complications. Your options include: Phlebotomy. |
cf278408bb67ab68a703198336958ed0 | When do most people find out about polycythemia vera? | If you have polycythemia vera, you'd usually find out about it when you're 60 or older. But it can happen at any age. It's more common among men than women. |
45430c9ad3463374ba4935b903aa1a13 | What is the genetic cause of polycythemia vera? | Your bone marrow makes three types of blood cells: Red White Platelets Red blood cells carry oxygen, white fight infections, and platelets clot your blood to stop bleeding. Most people with polycythemia vera have too many red blood cells. But the disease can also cause you to have too many white blood cells and platelets. Most likely, the problem in your JAK2 or TET2 gene happened over the course of your life. It's rare, but parents can pass these broken genes to children. |
a14f0d2b7a020b47a6477d152ccdef01 | What is a complete blood count and how is it used to diagnose polycythemia vera? | Your doctor takes a sample of your blood and sends it to a lab, where a machine counts the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets you have. An unusually high number of any of these could be a sign of polycythemia vera. |
ef0f7bb5078c2288ddae8724bee81a28 | How long does it take for polycythemia vera to develop? | This disease gets worse very slowly, usually over many years. Although it can be life-threatening if you don't get treatment, most people have a good chance of living a long life when they get the right care. |
ddd682cc255894afd584b1d346f2b388 | How is medicine used to lower blood cells in order to treat polycythemia vera? | If you need more than phlebotomy and aspirin, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea ( Droxia, Hydrea), a pill that lowers your red blood count and eases symptoms. Another drug, interferon alfa ( Intron A), helps the immune system cut back on making blood cells. The drug ruxolitinib ( Jakafi) is approved for use in people who aren't helped by hydroxyurea or can't handle its side effects. |
86f6919f714ec70f0333879dd821fc42 | What are questions to ask my doctor about polycythemia vera? | Before your appointment, it's a good idea to make a list of things to ask your doctor, such as: Which treatment do you recommend? What are the side effects? How can I prevent complications? Since I have polycythemia vera, am I more likely to have a stroke or heart attack? How can I ease my symptoms? |
dc347a106ba13ce704290228fa2960d7 | What are warning signs of self-injury? | The most common types of self-injury include: Frequent cuts and burns that cannot be explained Self-punching or scratching Needle sticking Head banging Eye pressing Finger or arm biting Pulling out one's hair Picking at one's skin Signs that an individual may be engaging in self-injury include: Wearing pants and long sleeves in warm weather Scars (from cutting and burning, etc.) on the body The appearance of lighters, razors, or sharp objects that one would not expect among a person's belongings Low self-esteem Difficulty handling feelings Relationship problems Poor functioning at work, school, or home If an individual shows signs of self-injury, a mental health professional with self-injury expertise should be consulted. |
e076340bfd8de3b5b7dc29502522a03f | What are risk factors for self-injury? | Self-injury occurs more often among: Adolescent females People who have a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse People who have co-existing problems of substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or eating disorders Individuals who were often raised in families that discouraged expression of anger Individuals who lack skills to express their emotions and lack a good social support network Self-injury usually occurs when people face what seem like overwhelming or distressing feelings. |
e5b17f73ebd1b386d65f5458d95b4b4e | What are types of self-injury? | The most common types of self-injury include: Frequent cuts and burns that cannot be explained Self-punching or scratching Needle sticking Head banging Eye pressing Finger or arm biting Pulling out one's hair Picking at one's skin Signs that an individual may be engaging in self-injury include: Wearing pants and long sleeves in warm weather Scars (from cutting and burning, etc.) |
be69cdf200d8250389033e3487166c88 | Is my cluster headache related to a brain condition? | An underlying brain condition, such as a tumor or aneurysm, won't cause these headaches. |
6a9c3a3a2676df69ff13a47888100b8e | Are cluster headaches associated with any other symptoms? | They might even wake you up an hour or two after you go to bed. |
ef60489ecb018bda6d5b2b9d5f0dd9ea | What is linked to cluster headaches? | Predictable: Attacks seem to be linked to the circadian rhythm, your body's 24-hour clock. They happen so regularly, generally at the same time each day, that they've been called "alarm clock headaches." They might even wake you up an hour or two after you go to bed. Nighttime attacks can be more severe than the daytime ones. |
44b95e749efa858e2aefe9617c2ed127 | When are cluster headaches more common? | When that happens, you may notice: Discomfort or a mild burning sensation Swollen or drooping eye Smaller pupil in the eye Eye redness or watering Runny or congested nose Red, warm face Sweating You're sensitive to light Cluster headaches are more common in people who smoke or are heavy drinkers. During a cluster period, you'll be more sensitive to alcohol and nicotine -- just a bit of alcohol can trigger a headache. But drinking won't trigger one during headache-free periods. |
ff3198ecdf5ba4dd5742cc1b2a1642c9 | How long does it take for cluster headaches to reach their full force? | They include: Speed: Cluster headaches generally reach their full force quickly -- within 5 or 10 minutes. |
166beb92cd1c5d69541700eebab64347 | Are cluster headaches common in people who smoke or drink? | When that happens, you may notice: Discomfort or a mild burning sensation Swollen or drooping eye Smaller pupil in the eye Eye redness or watering Runny or congested nose Red, warm face Sweating You're sensitive to light Cluster headaches are more common in people who smoke or are heavy drinkers. During a cluster period, you'll be more sensitive to alcohol and nicotine -- just a bit of alcohol can trigger a headache. But drinking won't trigger one during headache-free periods. |
39298a318b5ab8be49181b6f799fd21f | How long does a cluster headache last? | They can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as 3 hours, but then they disappear. You'll probably get one to three of these headaches a day. |
75e502090b0b075144facf76fcc933e5 | How can you get cluster headaches? | These are the least common type of headaches, affecting less than 1 in 1,000 people. Men get them more than women do. You usually start getting them before age 30. Cluster headaches may disappear completely (go into remission) for months or years, but they can come back without any warning. |
ecc714525e4cacda8bf09cd84c1e934d | Is surgery used to treat cluster headaches? | Surgery If nothing else works, surgery may be an option for people who don't get a break from cluster headaches. Deep brain stimulation, which involves placing an electrode deep into the brain, is losing favor to less invasive options. Most procedures involve blocking the trigeminal nerve, a main pathway for pain. |
78c6c13affa64420f530c6e8c6b34aa8 | What are warning signs of a cluster headache? | When that happens, you may notice: Discomfort or a mild burning sensation Swollen or drooping eye Smaller pupil in the eye Eye redness or watering Runny or congested nose Red, warm face Sweating You're sensitive to light Cluster headaches are more common in people who smoke or are heavy drinkers. |
c96ed482fd120d31591f362999cd62f1 | When during the day do cluster headaches normally happen? | Predictable: Attacks seem to be linked to the circadian rhythm, your body's 24-hour clock. They happen so regularly, generally at the same time each day, that they've been called "alarm clock headaches." They might even wake you up an hour or two after you go to bed. Nighttime attacks can be more severe than the daytime ones. |
e6f6d29368158916622219e8bcf02a60 | What are the usual warning signs of cluster headaches? | When that happens, you may notice: Discomfort or a mild burning sensation Swollen or drooping eye Smaller pupil in the eye Eye redness or watering Runny or congested nose Red, warm face Sweating You're sensitive to light Cluster headaches are more common in people who smoke or are heavy drinkers. |
b254d9bbfa38fbeb6a1c8fdec8fa4ef6 | What are the symptoms of optic neuritis? | This condition usually comes on quickly, over a few hours or days. You may notice some of these symptoms: Pain when you move your eyes Blurred vision Loss of color vision Trouble seeing to the side A hole in the center of your vision Blindness in rare cases Headache -- a dull ache behind your eyes Adults usually get optic neuritis in only one eye, but children may have it in both. |
a3cc6368a0b214d0a4d0fa31d3c8a70f | How do I know if I have optic neuritis? | If your doctor thinks you have optic neuritis, she'll refer you to a doctor who treats eye diseases, called an ophthalmologist. You'll likely have a routine eye exam to check: Your color vision The smallest letters you can read on a chart Your side, or peripheral, vision She'll also use a test called magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI). |
fc7533f48f6910426b5d39b9ca482f15 | What does it mean if you have optic neuritis? | It can happen all of a sudden. Your vision gets dim or blurry. You can't see colors. Your eyes hurt when you move them. It's a common problem for people living with multiple sclerosis ( MS). The symptoms can seem scary, but most people recover fully, often without treatment. |
cd74a4dbaabe4da100d899c7a4ea6bc8 | How do you know if you have optic neuritis? | If your doctor thinks you have optic neuritis, she'll refer you to a doctor who treats eye diseases, called an ophthalmologist. You'll likely have a routine eye exam to check: Your color vision The smallest letters you can read on a chart Your side, or peripheral, vision She'll also use a test called magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI). It creates a detailed picture of your brain and helps your doctor look for damaged areas called lesions. She may inject dye into a vein in your arm. It will make your optic nerve and brain easier to see. Other tests your doctor might use include: Pupillary reaction test: The doctor will shine a bright light in front of your eyes to see how they respond. |
b077eb40cd8d439957209264f5f759d8 | Will a doctor use an MRI to determine if I have optic neuritis? | She may inject dye into a vein in your arm. It will make your optic nerve and brain easier to see. |
0c67d3d3e01759d5dd3d9750c93bb3c8 | Can heat make optic neuritis flare up if I have multiple sclerosis? | If you have MS, heat can make optic neuritis symptoms flare up again, too -- usually after a hot shower, exercise, fever, or a bout of the flu. Once you cool off, the problems usually go away. |
21d7cc3b0ffeea67e0b6e98a753a883e | What is the outlook if you have optic neuritis? | Once your vision is back to normal, you can get optic neuritis again, especially if you have MS. If your symptoms return, be sure to tell your doctor. Report any new symptoms or those that get worse, too. |
4be1307c49311752d5ba697621561993 | How long does it take to recover from optic neuritis? | Some people get better in a few weeks, even without treatment. For others, it can take up to a year. And a few people never fully regain their sight. Even when other symptoms clear up, they may still have trouble with night vision or seeing colors. |
11e2d291a53646ea4ff550426d346be7 | Do people recover from optic neuritis? | Some people get better in a few weeks, even without treatment. For others, it can take up to a year. And a few people never fully regain their sight. Even when other symptoms clear up, they may still have trouble with night vision or seeing colors. |
ebafe971904432b4109dd9d3beff880e | What can trigger optic neuritis? | If you have MS, heat can make optic neuritis symptoms flare up again, too -- usually after a hot shower, exercise, fever, or a bout of the flu. Once you cool off, the problems usually go away. |
800df62321c170fa8178c6cda0a8833f | What is the treatment for optic neuritis? | The condition often goes away on its own. To help you heal faster, your doctor will probably give you high-dose steroid drugs through an IV. This treatment may also lower your risk of other MS problems or delay its start if it's the cause. |
721c3a52cc9e12d8d5efe225e2fa5396 | How can you be affected by optic neuritis? | You may notice some of these symptoms: Pain when you move your eyes Blurred vision Loss of color vision Trouble seeing to the side A hole in the center of your vision Blindness in rare cases Headache -- a dull ache behind your eyes Adults usually get optic neuritis in only one eye, but children may have it in both. |
574fa3baf56914690c9826889a1a8426 | Do adults get optic neuritis in both eyes? | You may notice some of these symptoms: Pain when you move your eyes Blurred vision Loss of color vision Trouble seeing to the side A hole in the center of your vision Blindness in rare cases Headache -- a dull ache behind your eyes Adults usually get optic neuritis in only one eye, but children may have it in both. |
36eced84e15660e821c41b4f95294454 | What is optic neuritis and is it related to multiple sclerosis? | It can happen all of a sudden. Your vision gets dim or blurry. You can't see colors. Your eyes hurt when you move them. It's a common problem for people living with multiple sclerosis ( MS). The symptoms can seem scary, but most people recover fully, often without treatment. |
4f7281dd67b7ee0f559f90185e6f849f | How is optic neuritis treated? | The condition often goes away on its own. To help you heal faster, your doctor will probably give you high-dose steroid drugs through an IV. This treatment may also lower your risk of other MS problems or delay its start if it's the cause. |
5d7c45a53800d270ca46a29901576f81 | How much calcium do you need to get every day? | Here's how much calcium and vitamin D you need every day, according to the Institute of Medicine. Calcium Children 1-3 years old: 700 milligrams (mg) Children 4-8 years old: 1,000 mg Children 9-18 years old: 1,300 mg Adults 19-50: 1,000 mg Women 51 to 70: 1,200 mg Men 51 to 70: 1,000 mg Women and men 71 and over: 1,200 mg Vitamin D Age 1-70: 600 IU Age 71 and older: 800 IU Your doctor may recommend higher levels of calcium and vitamin D, especially if you aren't getting enough of them or are at risk for osteoporosis. |
d43f414a06a5e447815c0f2343cfcc3c | What foods provide vitamin D? | Other foods that are high in calcium include: Spinach Kale Okra Collards Soybeans White beans Some fish, like sardines, salmon, perch, and rainbow trout Foods that are calcium-fortified, such as some orange juice, oatmeal, and breakfast cereal Foods that provide vitamin D include: Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals Beef liver Cheese Egg yolks To get vitamin D from food, fish is a good option. Three ounces of cooked salmon has more than 450 international units ( IU). |
aeef7375f488b71200277b0d5d99170c | How might lupus lead to mood swings and personality changes? | People with lupus may experience unpredictable changes in moods and personality traits. This can include feeling of anger and irritability. |
b866a977f6587049cff76133aee28218 | What does the calories count on a food label mean? | ( Remember, you'll need to adjust this if your portion is different from the serving size on the label.) This part of the label also tells you how much of that energy comes from the fat in a serving. |
68199f6e798bf32d8ffbf1bd2086b2cc | Is the information on the food label still accurate if my daily calorie intake isn't 2000? | If your daily calorie intake isn't 2,000, you may need to do a little math. Some nutrient goals change with the number of daily calories. Some, including sodium and calcium, are based on things like your age, sex, or health, not the number of calories you eat. Talk to your doctor or your diabetes educator about how to adjust the % Daily Values on labels for your diet. In general, when it comes to fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, choose foods with a low % Daily Value. For total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and vitamins and minerals, try to reach your daily target for each nutrient. |
a8bec35141b3fa036676a7b6af3e11c6 | What does a "% Daily Value" on a food label mean for people with diabetes? | "% Daily Value" shows how much a serving of that food gives you for each key nutrient listed. These daily goals are set by the government, based on current nutrition recommendations. The percentages are based on a 2,000 calorie/day diet, which would be right for an average- or large-size man who gets little exercise. Women or seniors with diabetes, or people trying to lose weight, need fewer calories. |
274c18c68e00e9fb9c6b5e4fdea9bd68 | What are some tips to help a teenager take charge of their feelings about a sick or dying sibling? | Tips for helping teenage siblings of a sick or dying child: Let friends and boyfriends or girlfriends be involved. Palliative care teams encourage friends to visit and extend their support services to them. Don't be hurt when teenagers seek the support of their friends more than their parents. As teenagers' grief is more like that of adults, teenagers who lose a sibling may need more time off of school and regular activities. |
1d551bd5534799959cab3f0bb01fc474 | What are tips to help a 10- to 12-year-old sibling cope with their feelings about a sick or dying child? | Tips for helping 10- to 12-year-old siblings of a sick or dying child: Find opportunities for constructive venting of feelings, such as sibling groups at hospitals and art or play therapies. Provide as much specific, factual information as possible. Keep siblings in regular routines as much as possible. It may not seem like long, but professionals advise that children under age 12 not miss more than a week of school after a sibling has died. But they acknowledge that each child has unique needs. |
d406cd0b28cb6e36a2a5057f44b109de | How should I talk to my child about death? | Experts advise parents to be honest and concrete in discussions about death. Avoid euphemisms. Adults use euphemisms to avoid uncomfortable subjects, but children, who think literally throughout a great deal of childhood, may not pick up on these cues. If a parent tells a child whose sibling has died that the sibling is sleeping, the child may expect the sibling to wake up. If the parent says the sibling will not wake up, the child may fear going to sleep and not waking up. |
e41667f0b50f1be3824005f7f50e4928 | What should I expect if I talk to my children about life-threatening conditions? | When a family member has a life-threatening condition, frequently children will ask questions. The older they get, the more specific their questions will be. As teenagers, they may even be the ones guiding the conversation. Although the answers to their questions may bring bad news, children do not process bad news in the same way that adults do. Parents may be hurt by this. Adults understand the permanence of death immediately, so we respond with tears. Children, especially those under age 12, may not understand the permanence of death right away, so they may not have a strong initial reaction to bad news. |
5eb8323045e8f8491b7f3f97d848784b | What might happen if parents avoid a child's questions about death if the child has a life-threatening illness? | If parents avoid children's questions, the children may ask someone else or hold the questions in, which could result in unnecessary anxiety. Acknowledging rather than disregarding questions can build trust and show children that their concerns are important. |
f53baace4d9d811ca5c516ce81a8c0ea | How do 6- to 9-year-olds understand death and dying? | 6- to 9-year-olds have a more evolved sense of dying: They associate death with old age. They may not understand that they or a sibling could die. They know more about how the body works, so they may have specific questions about how someone dies. A sibling may think that a bruise on his own body indicates the same illness a brother or sister had. They may associate death with frightening images from cartoons, such as ghosts and spirits. |
ea884ce449ca9ae062a7227d165885c7 | How well can infant and toddler siblings of a sick or dying child understand what is happening? | Each year of a child's life brings enhanced ability to understand the reality and permanence of death. Infant and toddler siblings of a sick or dying child can feel loss through: Absence of a parent or of a sibling due to the treatment or death of the sibling Interruption to routine caused by the treatment or death of a sibling Grief and stress of their parents or other family members These tips may help manage the feelings infant or toddler siblings of a sick or dying child may have: Make time each day to hold, rock, and cuddle the sibling. |
c6bd255ea8d7efbed02cc9c8e3cf53bc | What can parents say if they don't want to use the words "die, dead", and "dying" with their sick child? | If parents cannot say these words, the palliative care team can help explain as much as the parents want their children to know. |
bbb1053f87964733ba8251bdd8d092d0 | What are tips to help a 6- to 9-year-old sibling cope with their feelings about a sick or dying child? | Tips for helping 6- to 9-year-old siblings understand their feelings about a sick or dying child: Use visual aids they can understand. Child life specialists have used marshmallows to explain tumor growth or described leukemia as a thickening of the blood. Make specific references to organs like heart and lungs. Make clear that death is not like the images in cartoons. Make clear to siblings that what happened to a brother or sister doesn't happen to everyone. |
4f10d8b213fa9df77c1d5ad3d86d12b0 | How might siblings of a child with a life-threatening condition react? | When a child is dying, many parents want the siblings to be at the child's bedside with the rest of the family. Child life specialists will help facilitate this, but they advise parents that siblings may want to leave the room quickly and return to what they were doing before. Parents should understand that this behavior is normal. |
6fcadc2e6e4d30841777950501128ba1 | How do teenagers understand death? | Teenagers understand death with a more personal and long-term view: They may want to talk to their friends more than to their parents. They understand more on their own, so adults are validating information rather than giving it. They understand their lives in the context of others', so they will want to leave a legacy and plan for their own deaths. |
2be17062675d2df1936b3efeec783800 | Are there resources to start the conversation with a child about their life-threatening condition? | Social workers and child life specialists recommend a number of resources -- such as story and activity books -- that may help break the ice and help explain difficult concepts. Professionals also encourage parents to use children's questions as opportunities to start a conversation. |
4955f18a0ed734ff6220f22e48c3fa16 | What are some tips to soothe and care for an infant or toddler if their sibling is sick or dying? | Infant and toddler siblings of a sick or dying child can feel loss through: Absence of a parent or of a sibling due to the treatment or death of the sibling Interruption to routine caused by the treatment or death of a sibling Grief and stress of their parents or other family members These tips may help manage the feelings infant or toddler siblings of a sick or dying child may have: Make time each day to hold, rock, and cuddle the sibling. Keep the child on a schedule as much as possible. Play a recording of parents reading a story or talking to the sibling in the parent's absence. |
3e89d6dd7f7b0d36239881ce2bda2ed8 | If your child has a life-threatening condition and you're not sure how to talk to them about it, is there a medical professional who can help you? | If parents cannot say these words, the palliative care team can help explain as much as the parents want their children to know. |
4ebae3741673944d48e283a3336c4405 | How might children react sometimes to heavy conversations about their life-threatening condition? | Children can feel insecure during heavy or serious conversation. They may want to get back to normal as soon as possible. This may mean returning quickly to the game they were playing or the TV show they were watching. This doesn't mean the child didn't hear or understand. Parents can join the child in the activity in order to be there when questions arise. |
c72066c2655e35f7e0124d29b63a2b91 | How do 3- to 5-year olds understand a sick or dying sibling? | They may believe death is temporary or reversible. They are ego-centric and may believe the death of a sibling is punishment for something they did. |
45e5605082c5830b8602a5a0c0243661 | How do 10- to 12-year-olds understand death? | 10- to 12-year-olds understand the permanence of death: They know that death is final and will happen to everyone including themselves. They understand that their own death or the death of a sibling will cause sadness in others. A sick child at this age may say he has to hold on for his parents' sake. They will respond more like adults with anger, sadness, and fear. They will have increasingly more specific questions about the illness and about death. |
275e406a85c9af72f01087a669816765 | Should you talk with your child about death if they have a life-threatening condition or a terminal illness? | If parents choose to talk to their children about their sick child's prognosis, the palliative care team can be there to help. |
84d91febc3612df5094f7db6885b0f83 | What are tips to help a 3- to 5-year-old sibling cope with their feelings about a sick or dying child? | Tips for helping 3- to 5-year-old siblings cope with their feelings about a sick or dying child: Use concrete language, such as "die," not euphemisms such as "sleep." At this age a child can understand " Your brother's body stopped working"; " Your sister stopped breathing." Make it clear to siblings that the death is not a consequence of something they did. |
a360c3b06020748c85c1d659f6c5adb1 | What are symptoms of cauda equina syndrome? | They also mimic other conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away: Severe low back pain Pain, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs that causes you to stumble or have trouble getting up from a chair Loss of or altered sensations in your legs, buttocks, inner thighs, backs of your legs, or feet that is severe or gets worse and worse; you may experience this as trouble feeling anything in the areas of your body that would sit in a saddle (called saddle anesthesia) Recent problem with bladder or bowel function, such as trouble eliminating urine or waste (retention) or trouble holding it (incontinence) Sexual dysfunction that has come on suddenly A doctor can diagnose cauda equina syndrome. |
614d933e4dbe326836bddfddbba845dc | How do you diagnose cauda equina syndrome? | Here's what you may need to confirm a diagnosis: A medical history, in which you answer questions about your health, symptoms, and activity A physical exam to assess your strength, reflexes, sensation, stability, alignment, and motion. You may also need blood tests Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) scan, which uses magnetic fields and computers to produce three-dimensional images of your spine A myelogram -- an X-ray of the spinal canal after injection of contrast material -- which can pinpoint pressure on the spinal cord or nerves A computed tomography ( CT) scan If you have cauda equina syndrome, you'll need prompt treatment to relieve pressure on nerves. |
85671fa043451270beb7fad0b68d1ad2 | What causes of cauda equina syndrome? | CES occurs more often in adults than in children. But it can occur in children who have a spinal birth defect or have had a spinal injury. These are the most common causes of cauda equina syndrome: A severe ruptured disk in the lumbar area (the most common cause) Narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) A spinal lesion or malignant tumor A spinal infection, inflammation, hemorrhage, or fracture A complication from a severe lumbar spine injury such as a car crash, fall, gunshot, or stabbing A birth defect such as an abnormal connection between blood vessels (arteriovenous malformation) It may be hard to diagnose cauda equina syndrome. |
676b867125405581e4478cc54d3566f6 | What is anger? | Anger is a very powerful emotion that can stem from feelings of frustration, hurt, annoyance, or disappointment. It is a normal human emotion that can range from slight irritation to strong rage. |
e1d6a2ab1b2674a2284b9e51a76d3c62 | What can happen if anger is supressed? | Suppressed anger can be an underlying cause of anxiety and depression. Anger that is not appropriately expressed can disrupt relationships, affect thinking and behavior patterns, and create a variety of physical problems. Chronic (long-term) anger has been linked to health issues such as high blood pressure, heart problems, headaches, skin disorders, and digestive problems. In addition, anger can be linked to problems such as crime, emotional and physical abuse, and other violent behavior. |
8255964ccb1a87d0142a5d9e6607e6d6 | How can bone-forming medications help treat osteoporosis? | Bone-forming medications are designed to do just what they say. Instead of just slowing or stopping the process of bone breakdown, they work to build more of it. Abaloparatide ( Tymlos) and teriparatide ( Forteo) is the only medicines of this type approved by the FDA. In women, they help reduce fractures of the spine and in the hands and feet. They're also approved for men with low testosterone levels and men with osteoporosis caused by steroids. With either drug, you have to inject it daily, and the treatment is expensive. |
4853e7f637b3c3e755f1064caafc462d | How can estrogen therapy help in treating osteoporosis? | This type of osteoporosis treatment works well in decreasing bone loss and reducing hip and spine fractures, but it comes with a number of very serious drawbacks. While it replaces the estrogen levels that drop drastically during menopause, it may also raise your chances for blood clots, heart attack, breast cancer, and stroke. The FDA recommends that you try other osteoporosis drugs first. |
1a76458eea4402e2547bdb60feac8b06 | How can surgery help with treating colorectal cancer? | This is the way doctors treat most colorectal cancers. The best chance for a cure is to remove the tumor entirely. Usually, surgeons need to remove only the part of your colon or rectum that has the tumor. Your surgeon may do the operation with a few small cuts in your belly (called laparoscopy) instead of one long cut. You may have less pain and heal faster with this approach. |
a2b247ad52bee3a59fb482d81315a2b5 | How can chemotherapy help with treating colorectal cancer? | Chemo drugs destroy cancer cells or stop them from spreading throughout your body. You can take the medicines in pill form or through an IV. You can also get them in a blood vessel close to your tumor. There are many types of these drugs. Some work better together, so you may take two or more at the same time. You usually get the treatment for 2 or 4 weeks, then take a break. You might have chemo after surgery to kill any cancer cells left behind. Or you could have it before an operation to make a tumor smaller and easier to remove. Chemo may help treat cancer pain, too. And it's often the best way to slow the spread of the disease to other parts of your body, such as your liver. |
8b3928898a0f4fbd304f24590cf032ab | How can targeted treatments help with treating colorectal cancer? | These drugs treat changes in cells that lead to cancer. For instance, some cells have too much of a protein that helps them grow and thrive. Targeted drugs can stop it from working. Because these treatments only fight cancer cells, not healthy ones, they may give you fewer side effects than chemotherapy. |
8a2c3218ea27c6cf6c52023e07ddc401 | What are the most common symptoms of cystic fibrosis? | The most common symptoms of cystic fibrosis are: Salty-tasting skin, which parents notice when they kiss their child Frequent coughing, wheezing, or bouts of pneumonia or sinusitis Difficulty breathing that keeps getting worse Big appetite but poor weight gain Bulky, smelly, greasy bowel movements Over time, the symptoms of cystic fibrosis can worsen and may include: Chronic productive cough, recurrent lung infections Obstructive lung disease (emphysema) Chronic nasal congestion and sinus infections Pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas Liver disease Diabetes Gallstones You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and either you or the other parent has a family history of cystic fibrosis Your child tastes very salty when you kiss him or her Your child has had frequent lung or sinus infections and has problems gaining or maintaining weight |
d87ef3a4800c0ebb5efc75f0acc13cb1 | How can you reward yourself for quitting smoking? | Small rewards might include: A new magazine A dozen golf balls New earrings New lipstick or nail polish Bigger rewards: A nice dinner out Tickets to a sports event or concert An evening at the movies or theater A massage or facial A weekend away When You're Stressed Many people smoke when they feel anxious, stressed, or depressed. |
96d76da6bd035e7460bd778e2125eb17 | What should you do when you're stressed to avoid smoking? | A smoker will think, â I need a cigarette!â But you're not a smoker anymore. So instead of grabbing a cigarette, argue with yourself. Be your own devil's advocate and talk back to your irrational thoughts. Keep it up until you no longer feel like you need to smoke. Bit by bit, you'll put it in the past. |
e6d65af4da47022f1b0e2deac602458b | How quickly do withdrawal symptoms occur after you stop smoking and how bad are they? | The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include: Anxiety Irritability Headache Trouble sleeping Fatigue Hunger They kick in fast. Research shows that the average smoker starts to feel the symptoms of withdrawal within an hour of putting out his last cigarette. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, and trouble concentrating can appear within the first 3 hours. It's intense but short, though it might not feel that way at the time. |
6ede4fad9a1b52676570eb7d9be9fe09 | How can I keep mold from growing inside my home? | To keep mold allergies away when you're inside your home: Take off your shoes at the door. Clean your bathroom often with bleach and get rid of soap scum, which can harbor mold. When you shower, open a window or run an exhaust fan. Fix any leaks right away. Dry wet areas within 48 hours to prevent the fungus from growing. Run a dehumidifier in damp basements or other rooms. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. |
00a16a6c68933b6041ff3b94a62033d9 | How do molds causes allergies? | How It Causes Allergies Mold is a fungus with a big job in the natural world: It breaks down dead plant matter. It spreads through tiny spores that can cause an allergic reaction, but only a few types bring on allergies. |
73a020846327173911300016797bd2de | When do mold allergies usually occur? | When Mold Allergies Occur Although they happen any time of year, allergies to outdoor mold can be worse in summer and fall. They can be especially bad when wet leaves sit around in piles. |
64f302d1adc97d3a1718a5ae3648c35b | How do I treat symptoms of mold allergy? | To Treat Symptoms Try over-the-counter antihistamines, eye drops, or nasal sprays. Talk to your doctor about prescription drugs. |
a4fb47d12fdc1569735e0ef4e676bcf6 | How do I know if I'm allergic to molds? | How to Tell if You're Allergic The only way you can know for sure is to see an allergist. He'll ask about your symptoms and what seems to trigger them. If he thinks you have a mold allergy, he'll probably do tests to confirm it. |
ad33f6137e2232609e3495511da61b25 | Why do doctors think Botox works for migraine headaches? | Doctors think Botox works for migraine headaches because it blocks chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from your brain. Botox is like a roadblock in that pathway. It stops the chemicals before they get to the nerve endings around your head and neck. |
a067e9d9b560e84a8975a60ae1638ac0 | How often should I get Botox for my migraines? | It stops the chemicals before they get to the nerve endings around your head and neck. |
ddf2ddc765bd16efe75ab171b4ae104f | How was Botox first used to prevent headaches? | When people who had migraine headaches used Botox to treat their wrinkles, they told their doctors that their headaches were better. So doctors began to study it as a migraine pain treatment. |
34786897b57b8fdbedfb449d08ac1407 | When will Botox not work to prevent my migraines? | That means you have both: A history of migraine headaches Headaches (including tension-type) on most days (15 or more) of the month of which 8 are migraine It won't work for you if you: Get headaches 14 or fewer days each month Have other types of headaches, like cluster Botox is a neurotoxin, a poison made by bacteria called Clostridium botulinums. |
02503f3536306245816e04cee8224c27 | What are the symptoms of heart murmurs? | Many people with heart murmurs experience no symptoms. However, some murmurs can occur in conjunction with these other symptoms: Chest pain Rapid heartbeat (palpitations) Breathlessness Fatigue Bluish skin color or fingertips (sometimes seen in babies with congenital heart defects) |
5e1e1c7d40cdda9a4482cee0a59602c0 | What can cause heart murmurs? | For instance, heart murmurs may be caused by blood flowing through a heart valve made leaky or narrow by disease. Murmurs can also be caused by increased blood flow across a valve as a result of medical conditions such as anemia or hyperthyroidism. Congenital heart defects (heart problems present at birth) can also cause heart murmurs. These sometimes can be repaired with surgery. |
04813499c4f2e8921fa1da21f93abd1d | How are heart murmurs found? | Heart murmurs can be heard through a stethoscope and often are detected during routine physical exams. On further examination, your doctor may find that the heart murmur is innocent. If your heart murmur is related to more serious heart problems, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist (heart specialist). |
c96c1fb0d39ffcd5dd69683a20104bd6 | What are your treatment options for a meniscus tear? | Treatment for a meniscus tear will depend on its size, what kind it is, and where it's located within the cartilage. Most likely, your doctor will recommend that you rest, use pain relievers, and apply ice to you knee to keep the swelling down. He may also suggest physical therapy. This will help to strengthen the muscles around your knee and keep it stable. If these treatments don't work -- or if your injury is severe -- he might recommend surgery. To be sure, your doctor will probably have an MRI done. And he might look at the tear with an arthroscope. That's a thin tool that has a camera and light at the end. It allows doctors to see inside your joints. |
6b202441f554e2851f7ad3cfb9176af9 | What is recovery like after surgery for meniscus tear? | You may have to wear a brace or cast to keep your knee stable. You'll likely also have to use crutches for at least a month to keep weight off your knee. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy as part of your recovery. It'll help increase your range of motion and help your knee get stronger. He may also share some exercises you can do at home. If you have a partial or total meniscectomy, you can expect your recovery to take about a month. If your meniscus was repaired, it may take as long as 3 months. |
ce4cc31c4fae503d84ec0078eeed715d | What's the treatment for hypertensive emergency and associated organ damage? | Certain tests will be performed to monitor blood pressure and assess organ damage, including: Regular monitoring of blood pressure Eye exam to look for swelling and bleeding Blood and urine testing In a hypertensive emergency, the first goal is to bring down the blood pressure as quickly as possible with intravenous ( IV) blood pressure medications to prevent further organ damage. Whatever organ damage has occurred is treated with therapies specific to the organ that is damaged. |
1a561bc00ca4055c2c1e6e756c99506f | What is hypertensive emergency? | Hypertensive emergency means blood pressure is so high that organ damage can occur. Blood pressure must be reduced immediately to prevent imminent organ damage. This is done in an intensive care unit of a hospital. |
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