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What are the best medications to relieve painful menstrual cramps?
The best way to relieve painful menstrual cramps is to take an anti-inflammatory medication. Ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin), ketoprofen ( Orudis), and naproxen ( Aleve, Naprosyn) are available without a prescription and are effective at blocking the effects of prostaglandins.
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What is primary dysmenorrhea in relation to menstrual pain?
Other menstrual-type cramps can be caused by conditions of the reproductive tract, such as the following: Endometriosis -- uterine tissue that appears outside the uterus Fibroids and adenomyosis -- noncancerous (benign) growths in the uterus Infections in the reproductive organs Abnormal pregnancy, such as an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tubes, outside the uterus) IUD (intra-uterine device) used for birth control Ovarian cyst Narrow cervix If a woman has had menstrual pain ever since her periods started, the condition is classified as primary dysmenorrhea. If a physical condition such as pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis has developed and is causing the pain, this is called secondary dysmenorrhea. Once the medical condition is treated, the menstrual pain usually goes away.
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What increases the chances a woman experiences menstrual cramps?
The following circumstances may make a woman more likely to experience menstrual cramps: She started her first period at an early age (younger than 11 years). Her menstrual periods are heavy. She is overweight or obese. She smokes cigarettes or uses alcohol. She has never been pregnant.
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Can birth control pills help stop menstrual cramps?
Starting some form of hormonal birth control is another option to control or stop menstrual cramps. This can be a pill, an injection, a transdermal patch, or a hormone-containing IUD. These methods can reduce or eliminate the menstrual flow leading to less pain.
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What additional tests may be ordered when dealing with menstrual pain?
The doctor may order a pregnancy test if the periods are irregular or the woman is not using birth control regularly. An ultrasound exam is necessary if the doctor discovers any abnormal masses during the pelvic exam or there is a new onset of menstrual pain. A doctor may recommend a laparoscopy, which is a minor surgical procedure allowing the doctor to look directly into the pelvic cavity with a fiber-optic scope. This is an outpatient procedure using very small incisions. A hysteroscopy is another possible procedure. By inserting a hysteroscope (thin lighted tube) through the vagina, the doctor can see inside the cervix and the inside of the uterus without incisions. This can be done in a doctor's office or a hospital.
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When should medications be taken to relieve painful menstrual cramps?
These drugs work better if taken before the start of menstruation and can be continued as long as needed. If one type does not relieve the pain, try another, because these medications do not work the same in everyone.
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What initial exam will a doctor do when dealing with menstrual pain?
Be prepared to discuss these details: The timing of the cramps in relation to the start of the period Type of pain Age when the cramps first started Any recent change in the pain Irregular periods Vaginal discharge Pain with intercourse Infertility History of pelvic infections Age when first period occurred Current medications What things seem to improve or worsen the pain The doctor will perform a pelvic exam to check for any problems. If there are concerns about a possible infection, cervical cultures and a blood test will confirm the diagnosis. Additional tests may be ordered.
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When should you go to the hospital or call the emergency department about menstrual pain?
The woman's doctor can help her manage most symptoms. However, she should go to a hospital's emergency department if any of the following problems occur: She faints. She experiences repeated dizziness when standing up. A sudden, intense pelvic pain causes her to double over. Tissue is passed in the menstrual flow. Tissue often appears silvery or grayish. She is pregnant and has severe menstrual-type pain.
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What are some alternative therapies for relieving menstrual pain?
If taking hormonal birth control is not an option because of health problems or the woman is among the 10% of women who do not respond to this treatment, there are some other alternatives. Acupuncture Wearing a TENS (transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation) unit, a small electrical device that interferes with pain signals as they travel to the brain Prevent painful menstrual cramps with these techniques: Keep a normal body weight.
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When should you call your healthcare provider about menstrual pain?
In addition to cramps in the lower abdomen, a woman may also experience some of these symptoms with menstrual cramps: Lower back pain Leg pain, radiating down the legs Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Headaches Irritability Weakness Fainting spells (in extreme cases) Most women have significant improvement with home care. However, a woman should call her health care provider in these situations: Menstrual cramps continue to be painful for longer than usual. The pain is suddenly worse or different from what she may have experienced before. Bleeding is excessive, requiring more than one pad or tampon per hour. Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, and body aches, are present at the time of the period. The woman suspects she may be pregnant and any of these symptoms occur.
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Can anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve painful menstrual cramps be harsh on the stomach?
If there is a history of kidney problems or stomach problems (such as ulcers or reflux), consult with your health care provider before starting this type of medication. Taking the pills with meals may help prevent upset stomach. Anti-inflammatory drugs are 80% effective.
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What is the outlook for menstrual pain?
A hysteroscopy is another possible procedure. Anti-inflammatory drugs are 80% effective. Hormonal birth control decreases the pain 90% of the time. Cramps also tend to decrease in intensity as a woman ages. Cramps may disappear after a woman's first pregnancy.
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How many collagen or filler injections will I need?
It's important to know that one treatment probably will not remove every line on your face. Just like natural collagen, collagen replacements begin to lose form and will eventually wear down. Treatment may require collagen injections two to four times a year to maintain the smoothing effects.
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What are collagen injections?
Collagen injections give your skin a plumper, smoother appearance. Although collagen is the best known filler, there are many other substances doctors can use to plump up your skin, including fat from your own body and synthetic materials. Collagen injections replenish the skin's natural collagen.
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Which professionals should I reach out to about my type 2 diabetes?
You need a medical team that knows diabetes inside and out. They could include: An endocrinologist, who has a lot of experience working with people who have diabetes An ophthalmologist for your eyes A pharmacist, who's familiar with all your medicines A registered dietitian, who can give you pointers on what to eat A diabetes educator All of these professionals work with you to help you stay well.
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Do you need surgery for a hernia?
Your doctor will likely recommend it if any of these things happen: Tissue (such as the intestine) becomes trapped in the abdominal wall. This is called incarceration. If left untreated, it may lead to strangulation. That's when the blood supply to the tissue gets cut off. The hernia becomes strangulated. This can cause permanent damage and is a surgical emergency. Strangulated organs, usually your intestines, will die, and if not removed quickly, you can become seriously ill. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever or nausea, sudden pain that gets worse, or a hernia that turns red, purple, or dark. The hernia causes pain or discomfort, or it's growing larger.
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How is laparoscopic surgery done for a hernia?
Laparoscopic surgery: In this surgery, your abdomen is inflated with a harmless gas. This gives the surgeon a better look of your organs. He'll make a few small incisions (cuts) near the hernia. He'll insert a thin tube with a tiny camera on the end (laparoscope). The surgeon uses images from the laparoscope as a guide to repair the hernia with mesh. For laparoscopic surgery, you'll receive general anesthesia. Recovery is usually faster with laparoscopic surgery: On average, patients are back to their normal routine a week sooner than with open surgery.
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What are non-surgical treatments for a hernia?
It depends on the size and symptoms. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever or nausea, sudden pain that gets worse, or a hernia that turns red, purple, or dark. The hernia causes pain or discomfort, or it's growing larger. You may be able to wait to have surgery if: Your hernia goes away when you lie down, or you can push it back into your belly It's small, and causes few -- or no -- symptoms (these may never need surgery) Talk to your doctor.
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How is open surgery done for a hernia?
That's when the blood supply to the tissue gets cut off. He'll gently push the hernia back into place, tie it off, or remove it. Then he'll close the weak area of the muscle -- where the hernia pushed through -- with stitches. For larger hernias, your surgeon may add a piece of flexible mesh for extra support. It'll help keep the hernia from coming back.
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What are the risks of hernia surgery?
This is called incarceration. They include: Infection of the wound Blood clots: These can develop because you're under anesthesia and don't move for a long period of time. Pain: In most cases, the area will be sore as you heal. But some people develop chronic, long-lasting pain after surgery for a groin hernia, for example. Experts think the procedure may damage certain nerves. Laparoscopic surgery may cause less pain than an open procedure. Recurrence: The hernia could come back after the surgery. Research shows that using mesh can reduce your risk of this happening by half.
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What should you know about treating hernias?
Hernias usually don't get better on their own. In rare cases, they can lead to life-threatening complications. That's why doctors often often recommend surgery. But not every hernia needs immediate treatment. It depends on the size and symptoms. A surgical hernia repair involves pushing the bulge back inside the body part that should contain it, and keeping it there. That's when the blood supply to the tissue gets cut off. Recovery is usually faster with laparoscopic surgery: On average, patients are back to their normal routine a week sooner than with open surgery.
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Is it safe to use an asthma inhaler while pregnant?
It's OK to use an inhaler.
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How can I reduce the impact of my asthma on my baby?
Good asthma control is the key to a successful pregnancy. To lessen the impact of your condition on your unborn baby: Have an asthma plan. Work with your asthma doctor to find the right kind and amount of medication for you to take. Recognize your asthma triggers. Keep a diary of what makes your asthma worse, and find ways to avoid those triggers. Receive coordinated care. Make sure your asthma doctor and your pregnancy provider coordinate your care.
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Can I take my asthma medicine during labor and breastfeeding?
In general, the same asthma treatment that's OK when you're pregnant is OK when you go into labor and when you breastfeed your baby. Talk to your doctor to make sure your asthma medicine is safe to keep taking in these circumstances.
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Can I get allergy shots and the flu shot while pregnant?
Tell your allergist if you're pregnant. You shouldn't start allergy shots if you're pregnant. But if you're already getting them, your doctor will probably continue them and monitor you for any problems. The flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and people with asthma because they're among groups at high risk for severe flu complications, including death. Pregnant women should only get the flu shot (notthe nasal flu vaccine).
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Can pregnancy make asthma worse?
Pregnancy could make your asthma worse. There's no clear answer to this question. In general, if your asthma is severe, chances are it may become a little worse during your pregnancy. On the other hand, if you were pregnant before and your asthma did not get worse, chances are that it will not get worse during the next pregnancy. The flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and people with asthma because they're among groups at high risk for severe flu complications, including death.
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Can you have a healthy pregnancy and have asthma?
Just because you have asthma doesn't mean you can't have a healthy pregnancy. But you have to keep your asthma under control. On the other hand, if you were pregnant before and your asthma did not get worse, chances are that it will not get worse during the next pregnancy. But if you have severe asthma, it's worth talking to your doctor before you get pregnant.
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Can you take oral medication and receive allergy shots while pregnant?
If you don't control your asthma properly during pregnancy, you're much more likely to harm yourself and your baby than if you use the right drugs to control your asthma. The best thing to do is to talk to your doctor, who will look at how severe your asthma is and what treatment is right for you while you're pregnant. On the other hand, if you were pregnant before and your asthma did not get worse, chances are that it will not get worse during the next pregnancy. You shouldn't start allergy shots if you're pregnant.
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Why is it so important to keep my asthma under control while I am pregnant?
But you have to keep your asthma under control. That means your baby, who gets oxygen from your blood, won't get enough either. Good control of asthma also lowers your risk for pregnancy complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy).
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Which pills shouldn't be split?
If a pill has any of these features, don't try to cut it in half: A hard outer coat: Splitting a coated pill can make it harder to swallow and may change the way your body absorbs the medicine. They're extended release: Pills formulated to give you medication slowly throughout the day may lose this capability if split in half. They're capsules: Because they contain powder or gel, capsules have to be taken whole. A small or uneven shape: Some pills are just too difficult to split evenly.
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When is it OK to split a pill?
In general, however, look for these three signs that a pill is safe to split: FDA approval. If the FDA has approved a drug for splitting, it will be printed on the package insert. Thumbs up from your doctor or pharmacist. Before splitting any pill, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist. Scored down the middle.
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How should you split a pill?
They're cheap -- between $3 and $10 at most pharmacies. Some health insurance providers will send them to members for free. Keep it clean. Always wash your hands first. Wash the pill splitter thoroughly after you've done your splitting.
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What problems can you have with split pills?
Think about these before you decide to try pill splitting: The possibility of an uneven dose: For some drugs, the dose has to be so accurate even a small difference in two halves of a split pill could put your health at risk. Crushed pill issues: Some pills can easily turn to powder. A pile of crumbs will be very difficult to break into two equal doses. Miscommunication: Your doctor may write "1/2 pill" and your pharmacist may see "1 -- 2 pills." Confusion: If you forget to split pills before taking them, you'll take twice as much as your doctor intended. Physical limitations: If a medical condition has made your hands weak or unsteady, or if your vision is impaired, it will be tough to split pills cleanly by yourself.
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How do intralesional steroid injections treat scalp psoriasis?
Intralesional steroid injections can reduce inflammation. A doctor uses a small needle to inject medication into scalp plaques. You can have this procedure at the doctor's office.
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How do coal tar products treat scalp psoriasis?
Your doctor may recommend these: Coal tar products are available OTC as shampoos, creams, gels, ointments, foams, and soaps. They can help slow skin growth and reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling. To apply a coal tar shampoo, massage it into the scalp and leave on 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing out. You can leave other tar products on overnight. Staining and odor are the main drawbacks. A non-medicated conditioner after shampooing can help against the odor of tar shampoo.
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How can you ease itchiness from scalp psoriasis?
Use wet towels, cold packs, or cold water on itchy spots. Try OTC tar shampoos or ones with menthol or phenol creams. You can also check with your doctor about taking OTC antihistamine pills.
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What may be prescribed to treat scalp psoriasis?
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic treatment for this problem.
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How should I treat scalp psoriasis?
One of the first steps is to soften and remove scales. This makes it easier for medications to do their job. Apply over-the-counter ( OTC) products to your scalp to help soften scales and make them easier to peel off. Look for products with the active ingredients salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide. Gently loosen the scales with a brush or fine-toothed comb. Shampoo your scalp to remove the scales, using a salicylic acid shampoo or soap. Apply thick creams to your scalp while it's still damp to hold in the moisture.
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How common is scalp psoriasis?
The areas around them can be red and itchy. Apply over-the-counter ( OTC) products to your scalp to help soften scales and make them easier to peel off. This is a prescription form of vitamin D. Apply it at night and cover your scalp with a shower cap.
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Will I need treatment for scalp psoriasis?
Once you do, you may be able to keep it from flaring with special shampoos or moisturizers. If you have a more severe case or have psoriasis elsewhere on your body, you may need a medication that treats your whole body. You can take these medications by mouth or injection.
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Why does paraphimosis happen?
Mishandled foreskin. Make sure to put your foreskin back after you, or your caregiver, washes it or inserts a catheter. Piercings. Pain and swelling from penis piercings can make it difficult to put the foreskin in place after pulling it back. During sex. You might pull your foreskin back to have sex. If it stays there too long, it might swell so much that the foreskin gets trapped behind the head. Other penis conditions. Other ailments of the penis can lead to foreskin problems. For example, phimosis can lead to paraphimosis.
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How are penis disorders diagnosed?
Your doctor can usually figure out if you have one of these conditions by listening to you describe your symptoms and with an exam.
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What are the risks of penis disorders?
If you have phimosis, you are more likely to get penile cancer. If left untreated, it can lead to increased swelling, and in extreme cases, gangrene, and eventually the loss of your penis.
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How can I prevent diarrhea?
The most important way to avoid diarrhea is to avoid coming into contact with infectious agents that can cause it. This means that good hand washing and hygiene are very important. Also, if you travel to developing countries, you should take the following precautions: Drink only bottled water, even for tooth brushing. Avoid eating food from street vendors. Avoid ice made with tap water. Eat only those fruits or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled. Be sure that all foods you eat are thoroughly cooked and served steaming hot.
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How do doctors diagnose colic?
What seems to make her fussy What, if anything, works to calm her down How often and what your baby eats When your baby poops, and what the stools look like (big or small, loose, or hard) The doctor will likely do an exam to check if your baby is fussy for other reasons, such as: Food allergies or sensitivities to something in your diet, if you breastfeed Discomfort, such as if she is too hot or too cold Hunger or weakness Pain from an illness or injury Reflux If your baby doesn't gain weight or loses weight, she may have another health problem, so it's best to call her doctor. Also call the doctor if she: Can't be soothed at all, even for a few minutes Doesn't suck strongly at the bottle or your breast Doesn't like to be held or touched Has an odd cry or sounds like she's in pain Has diarrhea or blood in her stool Has trouble breathing Is less alert or sleepier than usual Eats less than usual Runs a fever of 100.4 degrees or more Throws up Might be sick or injured Has fewer wet diapers Don't wait to call the doctor if you're at your wit's end, either. The doctor can help you manage the colic, and that will lower your stress.
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What is factitious disorder with mostly psychological symptoms?
There are four main types of factitious disorders, including: Factitious disorder with mostly psychological symptoms: As the description implies, people with this disorder mimic behavior that is typical of a mental illness, such as schizophrenia. They may appear confused, make absurd statements and report hallucinations, the experience of sensing things that are not there; for example, hearing voices.
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What's the main treatment for factitious disorders?
The first goal of treatment for a factitious disorder is to modify the person's behavior and reduce his or her misuse or overuse of medical resources. Treatment likely will focus on trying to change the thinking and behavior of the individual with the disorder (cognitive-behavioral therapy). Family therapy may also be helpful in teaching family members not to reward or reinforce the behavior of the person with the disorder. There are no medications to treat factitious disorders themselves. Medication may be used, however, to treat any related disorder -- such as depressionoranxiety.
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How much alcohol is too much to keep my kidneys healthy?
If so, have no more than one drink a day for women or two a day for men. A drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits such as gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey.
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How can proper diet help your kidneys?
You already know that exercise and eating right help your heart and weight. They also help your blood pressure and your blood sugar levels. And that's good for your kidneys.
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How is blood pressure tied to kidney health?
Watch your blood pressure. If it's too high, that can put stress on your kidneys. If you're not sure what your blood pressure is, your doctor can check it. You could have high blood pressure and not know it, since it doesn't have any symptoms. High blood pressure is one of the top causes of kidney problems.
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How much water do I need to drink to keep my kidneys healthy?
And that's good for your kidneys. ( Most people don't overdo it, though.) How much to drink? One way to check is by noticing the color of your pee. If it's pale yellow or clear, it's fine. If it's dark yellow, you might need more water.
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How does nail psoriasis affect thickening of nails?
About a third of people with nail psoriasis can also get a fungal infection that can cause your nails to get thick. They may also get brittle and break.
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How often would I get corticosteroid shots to treat nail psoriasis?
These are put under your nail surface every 2-9 months. Your doctor will numb the area or use a nerve block to reduce pain.
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How does nail psoriasis affect seperation of nails?
Your nail may loosen or separate from the nail bed. Some of these nail changes can make it hard to move your fingers and toes. You may also get tenderness and pain in your nails. This can make it hard to do things with your hands.
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How will the color of your nails change if you have nail psoriasis?
Your nails may turn green, yellow, or brown. They may also have small red or white spots underneath.
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What medicines that work throughout your body are used to treat nail psoriasis?
Medicines that work throughout your body. Your doctor may call these "systemic medications." Some examples are: Acitretin ( Soriatane) Apremilast ( Otezla) Cyclosporine ( Sandimmune) Methotrexate Drugs that target specific parts of your immune system.
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How is phototherapy used to treat nail psoriasis?
Ultraviolet light is used to treat skin psoriasis and may also be useful in nail psoriasis. The treatments usually take place in a doctor's office or a clinic.
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How will your nails thicken if you have nail psoriasis?
About a third of people with nail psoriasis can also get a fungal infection that can cause your nails to get thick. They may also get brittle and break.
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How does nail psoriasis affect the color of nails?
Your nails may turn green, yellow, or brown. They may also have small red or white spots underneath.
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How are corticosteroid injections used to treat nail psoriasis?
These are put under your nail surface every 2-9 months. Your doctor will numb the area or use a nerve block to reduce pain.
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What medicines can I take to treat nail psoriasis?
Medicines that work throughout your body.
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How do you know if you're getting nail psoriasis?
You'll know you're getting nail psoriasis when you see these changes in your fingernails or toenails: Color.
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Are there treatments for nail psoriasis?
The same treatments you get for skin psoriasis can also treat your nail psoriasis.
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How will the surface of your nails change if you have nail psoriasis?
They may get thick, develop pinprick holes and change color or shape.
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How does nail psoriasis affect the surface appearance of nails?
You may get ridges or grooves in your nails, or pitting (small pinprick holes) on the nail surface.
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How can you treat nail psoriasis?
If you're unhappy with the way your nails look, try nail varnish or artificial nails. The same treatments you get for skin psoriasis can also treat your nail psoriasis.
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Are there treatmtents for nail psoriasis?
You'll know you're getting nail psoriasis when you see these changes in your fingernails or toenails: Color. The treatments for nail psoriasis include: Phototherapy.
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What over-the-counter medicines are good for a sore throat?
Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can also ease the pain of a sore throat. Or you can suck on a lozenge or use a throat spray that contains a pain reliever such as benzocaine.
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What over-the-counter medicines are good for aches and pains from a cold?
There are two kinds of medicines made to treat minor aches and pains from a cold: Acetaminophen relieves headaches. It might also help open a stuffed nose. It's in many cough and cold products as well as in other medicines. Read all the labels and be sure to follow the dosing instructions carefully so you don't accidentally take too much. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin are good for aches and pains. If you take a blood-thinning drug, check with your doctor before you take aspirin. And don't give aspirin to kids or teens. It can raise their risk for a rare but serious disease called Reye syndrome.
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What are tips for using multi-symptom cold relievers?
It might also help open a stuffed nose. Otherwise, you might treat a symptom you don't have with medicine you don't need.
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What are important things to notice on over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicine labels?
Whenever you buy an OTC cold medicine, read the label carefully. Look at these things: Ingredients: Check to see if it has medicines that are already in other drugs you take. You should also check the other ingredients, especially if you are allergic to colors or flavorings. Uses: Learn what symptoms the medicine targets. Only take medicine that treats the symptoms you have. Instructions: Find out how much of the medicine to take and how often you need to take it. Warnings: See what side effects might happen and who should not use the product.
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What over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are good for a cough?
It should go away on its own in a few days. Some OTC cough medicines have an ingredient that stops the reflex that makes you cough. Others contain an agent that will thin your mucus. You might try to suck on a cough drop or hard candy; it could do the trick. Cough medicines don't often cause side effects in healthy adults. They can make some people feel dizzy or sleepy. Don't take them for more than a few days without your doctor's OK. Otherwise, you might treat a symptom you don't have with medicine you don't need.
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What should I keep in mind when choosing an over-the-counter (OTC) cold reliever?
Studies find antihistamines don't improve cold symptoms much on their own. But if you're not sure what you need, ask your doctor or pharmacist for some guidance. It's also a good idea to check with them if you have a medical condition such as glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or an irregular heart rhythm that prevents you from being able to take decongestants. Tell your pharmacist about any prescription medicines you take. Some cold medicines can interact with prescription drugs.
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When should you call your doctor about cold symptoms?
It should go away on its own in a few days. Call your doctor if: You're short of breath or are wheezing A cough or stuffed nose lasts more than two weeks or comes back A sore throat lasts more than five days You have a fever higher than 101.5 F You have pain in your face or sinuses
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What over-the-counter medicines are good for a stuffed nose and sneezing?
These types of medicines can help you breathe more easily: Antihistamines block a chemical that makes your nose fill up and run. But they may work better when combined with a decongestant. Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels in the nose to relieve congestion. If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor if it's okay to use a decongestant. They can make some people feel dizzy or sleepy.
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How can bullectomy surgery help with treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
If other treatments don't work and your COPD is severe, you might need one of these surgeries to treat it: Bullectomy. Air sacs are the tiny pouches in your lungs where oxygen travels into your blood vessels. COPD destroys the walls of these air sacs. When the walls come down, they create large spaces in your lungs, called bullae. These bullae make it hard to breathe. Bullectomy is surgery to remove the air spaces and improve the flow of air in your lungs.
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How can a dietitian help with treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
See what he says about your eating plan. You might need to eat smaller meals more often or take supplements to get the nutrients you need.
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What is the most common cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Cigarette smoke is the leading cause of COPD, and it can make the disease worse. It may not be easy for you to quit, but there are many ways to get help. Ask your doctor about nicotine replacement, medicine, and counseling.
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What will a pulmonary rehab program teach you about managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
During this program, you'll learn how to: Keep your lungs healthy.
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What are examples of inhaled steroids for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Examples of inhaled steroids are: Budesonide ( Entocort, Pulmicort, Uceris) Fluticasone ( Cutivate, Flovent HFA) Some medicines combine a bronchodilator and inhaled steroid.
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How can vaccinations help with treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Inhaled steroids can help if you have many COPD flare-ups. Ask your doctor about nicotine replacement, medicine, and counseling.
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How can bronchodilators help treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
These medications work quickly to relax the muscles around your airways and ease symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. You take them through an inhaler. You might take it with a long-acting bronchodilator.
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How many people with Crohn's disease will require another surgery?
In about half of adults who have a resection to treat Crohn's disease, the disease recurs (comes back) within 5 years. The recurrence is normally near the site of the joining of two sections of healthy bowel -- anastomosis -- or at the site of the ileostomy. The risk of recurrence may be lessened by taking medication to reduce inflammation. These medications include drugs that manipulate the immune system response. These drugs are known as immunomodulators r biologic medications. . Often, recurrent Crohn's disease needs treatment that involves only medication. But about half of people who get recurrent Crohn's disease will need another operation.
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What are some medications that treat Crohn's disease?
When Crohn's disease is active, treatment has three objectives: Relieve symptoms Control inflammation Get proper nutrition Medications are generally the first step in treating Crohn's disease. A partial list of these drugs includes: Anti-inflammatories Antibiotics Antidiarrheal medicine Immune suppressors, including: Corticosteroids Immunomodulators - azathioprine ( Imuran), 6- MPBiologic Medications - infliximab ( Remicade), adulimumab For people with nutrition problems, doctors often prescribe supplements.
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How does a colectomy treat Crohn's disease?
Colectomy is the removal of the entire colon. This might be done if the disease is severe and extensive enough. It may be possible to connect the rectum to the small intestine -- ileum -- if the rectum is not affected by Crohn's disease.
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How long can remission last with Crohn's disease?
People with Crohn's disease have periods of severe symptoms. These are followed by periods with no symptoms when the disease is in remission. With Crohn's disease, remission can last for weeks or even years. But there is no way to know when a remission will happen or when symptoms will return.
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What are the complications of Crohn's disease that might require surgery?
People who have the following complications may need surgery: The formation of a stricture (a scar), which is a narrowing in the bowel that can cause obstructions (blockages) Extensive bleeding in the intestine A hole, or perforation, in the bowel wall The formation of a fistula, a connection between two parts of the body that do not normally connect An abscess, a pocket of pus caused by infection A condition known as toxic megacolon, in which the colon, or large intestine, is severely stretched out and toxins spread through your blood.
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How does strictureplasty treat Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease in the small intestine often shows up in alternating areas of the bowel. As a result, a diseased portion of the bowel is connected to a disease-free portion. Strictureplasty is a surgical procedure to widen the narrow area of the small intestine in a portion that is affected by the disease. No part of the intestine is removed.
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What are the risks of recurrence for Crohn's disease?
In about half of adults who have a resection to treat Crohn's disease, the disease recurs (comes back) within 5 years. The recurrence is normally near the site of the joining of two sections of healthy bowel -- anastomosis -- or at the site of the ileostomy.
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What complications of Crohn's disease might require surgery?
People who have the following complications may need surgery: The formation of a stricture (a scar), which is a narrowing in the bowel that can cause obstructions (blockages) Extensive bleeding in the intestine A hole, or perforation, in the bowel wall The formation of a fistula, a connection between two parts of the body that do not normally connect An abscess, a pocket of pus caused by infection A condition known as toxic megacolon, in which the colon, or large intestine, is severely stretched out and toxins spread through your blood.
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What parts of the body does Crohn's disease commonly affect?
Crohn's disease most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, known as the ileum. But it can happen in any part of the large or small intestine, stomach, esophagus, or even the mouth. It can happen at any age, but it's most common between the ages of 15 and 30.
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What are some other reasons to use surgery to treat Crohn's disease?
People who have the following complications may need surgery: The formation of a stricture (a scar), which is a narrowing in the bowel that can cause obstructions (blockages) Extensive bleeding in the intestine A hole, or perforation, in the bowel wall The formation of a fistula, a connection between two parts of the body that do not normally connect An abscess, a pocket of pus caused by infection A condition known as toxic megacolon, in which the colon, or large intestine, is severely stretched out and toxins spread through your blood. If you develop a fistula or an abscess, you may need surgery. Fistulas, the abnormal passageways, may first be treated with medication. You will have a computed tomography ( CT) scan to let your doctor find the abscess. In some cases, the pus can be fully drained with a tube place through the skin. But in many cases, surgery is needed to treat the abscess.
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What is the cure for Crohn's disease?
Treatment depends on the severity and location of the disease. Because the disease can sometimes go into remission on its own, it's not always possible to know whether a specific treatment has been effective. No part of the intestine is removed.
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What are some possible causes of rashes on the breast?
Paget's disease is a rare skin disorder that's often linked to breast cancer in the tissues behind your nipple.
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What conditions can seem like chronic fatigue syndrome?
Many people who have ME/ CFS have other conditions, too. If you get treated for those, it might also improve your chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue syndrome ME/ CFS can look a lot like “mono” (mononucleosis), Lyme disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, or depression.
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How are cataracts treated?
Symptoms of a cataract may include: Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision Double vision with one eye Trouble seeing at night or in dim light Halos around lights Sensitivity to light and glare Faded or yellow colors, or trouble telling the difference between blues and greens Trouble seeing an object against a background of the same color At earlier stages, simply changing your eyeglass or contact lens prescription is all you need. Using brighter lights for reading or a magnifying glass may also help. If halos or glare are a problem, night driving may be difficult. Sunglasses and tinted lenses can improve driving comfort during the day. See your eye doctor for any concerns you have. If a cataract begins to interfere with your day-to-day life, an ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery can remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear lens implant.
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What is the treatment for dry eyes?
For mild dry eye, over-the-counter artificial tears may do the trick, along with self-care, such as increasing humidity. Prescription eye drops or other types of treatment may be best for more severe cases of dry eye. You should see your eye doctor if nonprescription drops don't relieve your dry-eye symptoms, since dry eyes can be a symptom of other eye problems.
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What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Symptoms of a cataract may include: Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision Double vision with one eye Trouble seeing at night or in dim light Halos around lights Sensitivity to light and glare Faded or yellow colors, or trouble telling the difference between blues and greens Trouble seeing an object against a background of the same color At earlier stages, simply changing your eyeglass or contact lens prescription is all you need.
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Besides presbyopia, cataracts, floaters, and dry eyes, what other eye changes accompany aging?
These are some other changes that are common with age: Pupils become smaller and don't open as well as they used to. Eyelids droop or become inflamed. This sometimes affects vision. You can make some adjustments to deal with these changes, such as: Use extra lighting and put shades on lightbulbs. Choose "high color" fluorescent bulbs with a color-rendering index of 80 or above. Wear glasses with anti-reflective coating. Get rid of distractions when driving. Get an eye exam at least once a year. Exercise regularly, don't smoke, and protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays and injury.
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Why is diet important for people with heart disease?
For someone with heart disease, diet is a big deal. Along with other healthy habits, it can slow or even partially reverse the narrowing of the heart's arteries and help prevent further complications. You can help a loved one who has heart disease by adopting a diet that curbs LDL (''bad'') cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, lowers blood sugar, and helps with weight loss. The best strategy: Focus on what the person with heart disease can eat, not just what's off-limits. Research shows that adding heart-saving foods is just as important as cutting back on others.