input
stringlengths 11
127
| output
stringlengths 7
15.8k
| instruction
stringclasses 1
value |
|---|---|---|
What causes Mouth ulcers? | Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include:
Canker sores Gingivostomatitis Herpes simplex (fever blister) Leukoplakia Oral cancer Oral lichen planus Oral thrush
The skin lesion of histoplasmosis may also appear as a mouth ulcer. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Mouth ulcers ? | Individuals who have been diagnosed with these conditions may have a higher risk:
Canker sores Gingivostomatitis Herpes simplex (fever blister) Leukoplakia Oral cancer Oral lichen planus Oral thrush | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Mouth ulcers ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your mouth ulcers don't go away after 3 weeks. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if mouth ulcers return frequently, or if new symptoms develop. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Mouth ulcers (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The outcome varies depending on the cause of the ulcer. Many mouth ulcers are harmless and heal without treatment.
There are types of cancer, however, that may first appear as a mouth ulcer that does not heal. See: Squamous cell carcinoma | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes a Nosebleed? | Allergic rhinitis An object stuck in the nose Barotrauma Blowing the nose very hard Chemical irritants Direct injury to nose, including a broken nose Nose picking Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays Repeated sneezing Surgery on the face or nose Taking large doses of aspirin or blood-thinning medicine Upper respiratory infection Very cold or very dry air
Repeated nosebleeds may be a symptom of another disease such as high blood pressure, allergies, a bleeding disorder, or a tumor of the nose or sinuses. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Nosebleed ? | Occasionally, nosebleeds may indicate other disorders such as bleeding disorders or high blood pressure.
Frequent nosebleeds may also be a sign of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (also called HHT or Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome).
Blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, or aspirin may cause or worsen nosebleeds. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Nosebleed ? | Get emergency care if:
Bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes Nose bleeding occurs after an injury to the head -- this may suggest a skull fracture and x-rays should be taken Your nose may be broken (for example, it is misshapen after a blow or injury)
Call your doctor if you or your child has repeated nosebleeds, particularly if they are becoming more frequent and are not associated with a cold or other minor irritation. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Nosebleed (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The doctor will perform a physical examination. In some cases, you may be watched for signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock. The doctor will ask you questions about your nosebleeds, including:
Is there a lot of bleeding? Do the nosebleeds stop quickly when you press on the nostrils? Did they begin recently? Do they occur frequently or repeatedly? Does the bleeding always occur on one or both sides? What other symptoms do you have? Is there blood in the stools? Are you vomiting blood ? Do you bruise or bleed easily? Are there tiny red or purple spots on the skin (petechiae)? Are you taking blood thinners (Coumadin) or aspirin ?
Diagnostic tests that may be done include:
Complete blood count Nasal endoscopy (examination of the nose using a camera) Partial thromboplastin time measurements Prothrombin (PT) CT scan of the nose and sinuses
Treatment is usually focused on the cause of the nosebleeds, and may include:
Controlling blood pressure Closing the blood vessel using heat, electric current, or silver nitrate sticks Nasal packing Reducing a broken nose or removing a foreign body Reducing the amount of blood thinners or stopping aspirin
You may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to diagnose and treat the condition. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Otalgia? | The symptoms of an ear infection may include:
Ear pain Fever Fussiness Increased crying Irritability
Many children will have temporary and minor hearing loss during, and right after, an ear infection. Permanent hearing loss is rare, but the risk increases with the number of infections. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Otalgia? | The eustachian tube runs from the middle part of each ear to the back of the throat. This tube drains fluid that is normally made in the middle ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up. This may lead to pressure behind the eardrum or an ear infection.
Ear pain in adults is less likely to be from an ear infection. What you think is ear pain may actually be coming from another location, such as your temporomandibular joint, your teeth, throat, or other location. This is called "referred" pain.
Causes of ear pain may include:
Arthritis of the jaw Acute ear infection Chronic ear infection Ear injury from pressure changes (from high altitudes and other causes) Object stuck in the ear or severely impacted ear wax Ruptured or perforated eardrum Sinus infection Sore throat with referred pain to the ears Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) Tooth infection
Ear pain in a child or infant may be due to infection, or the following causes:
Ear canal irritation from cotton-tipped swabs Soap or shampoo staying in the ear | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Otalgia ? | Call your doctor if:
Your child has a high fever or severe pain or seems sicker than is usual for an ear infection. New symptoms appear, especially: Dizziness Severe headache Swelling around the ear Weakness of the face muscles
Severe pain suddenly stops; this may be a sign of a ruptured eardrum.
Symptoms (pain, fever, or irritability) get worse or do not improve within 24 - 48 hours. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Otalgia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The doctor will do a physical examination, and examine the ear, nose, and throat areas.
Pain, tenderness, or redness of the mastoid bone behind the ear on the skull is often a sign of a serious infection. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Otorrhea? | Most of the time, any fluid leaking out of an ear is ear wax.
A ruptured eardrum can cause a white, slightly bloody, or yellow discharge from the ear. Dry crusted material on a child's pillow is often a sign of a ruptured eardrum. The eardrum may also bleed.
Causes of a ruptured eardrum include:
Foreign object in the ear canal Injury from a blow to the head, foreign object, very loud noises, or sudden pressure changes (such as in airplanes) Inserting cotton-tipped swabs or other small objects into the ear Middle ear infection
Other causes of ear discharge include:
Eczema and other skin irritations in the ear canal Swimmer's ear - with symptoms such as itching, scaling, a red or moist ear canal, and pain that increases when you move the earlobe | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Otorrhea ? | The discharge is white, yellow, clear, or bloody. The discharge is the result of an injury. The discharge has lasted more than 5 days. There is severe pain. The discharge is associated with other symptoms, such as fever or headache. There is loss of hearing. There is redness or swelling coming out of the ear canal. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid? | Thyroid cancer usually begins as a small lump (nodule) in the thyroid gland, which is located at the center part of the front of the neck.
While some small lumps may be cancer, most thyroid nodules are harmless and are not cancerous.
Most of the time, there are no other symptoms. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid? | The cause of this cancer is unknown. A genetic defect may be involved.
Radiation increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer. Exposure may occur from:
High-dose external radiation treatments to the neck, especially during childhood, used to treat childhood cancer or some benign childhood conditions. Radiation due to atomic bomb testing in the Marshall Islands and the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the Ukraine, mostly in children.
Radiation given through a vein (through an IV) during medical tests and treatments does not increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid ? | About 80% of all thyroid cancers diagnosed in the United States are papillary carcinoma type. It is more common in women than in men. It may occur in childhood, but is most often seen in adults around the age of 45. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid ? | Call your health care provider if you have a lump in your neck. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The survival rate for papillary thyroid cancer is excellent. More than 95% of adults with such cancer survive at least 10 years. The prognosis is better for patients younger than 40 and for those with smaller tumors.
The following factors may decrease the survival rate:
Age over 45 Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body Cancer has spread to soft tissue Large tumor | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Salivary gland tumors? | A firm, usually painless swelling in one of the salivary glands (in front of the ears, under the chin, or on the floor of the mouth); the size of the swelling gradually increases. Difficulty moving one side of the face, known as facial nerve palsy | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Salivary gland tumors? | The salivary glands are located around the mouth. They produce saliva, which moistens food to help with chewing and swallowing.
Saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion process, and help cleanse the mouth by washing away bacteria and food particles. By keeping the mouth moist, saliva helps to keep dentures, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances in place.
There are three pairs of major salivary glands. The largest are the parotid glands, located in each cheek over the jaw in front of the ears. Two submandibular glands are at the back of the mouth on both sides of the jaw. Two sublingual glands are under the floor of the mouth. There are also thousands of minor salivary glands around the rest of the mouth.
All of the salivary glands empty saliva into the mouth through ducts that open at various locations in the mouth.
Swelling of the salivary glands is most commonly due to:
Abdominal surgery Cirrhosis of the liver Infections Other cancers Salivary duct stones Salivary gland infections Sarcoidosis Sjogren syndrome
The most common type of salivary gland tumor is a slow-growing noncancerous (benign) tumor of the parotid gland that gradually increases the size of the gland. However, some of these tumors can be cancerous (malignant).
Malignant salivary gland tumors are usually carcinomas. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Salivary gland tumors ? | Salivary gland tumors are rare, especially in children. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Salivary gland tumors ? | Call your health care provider if:
You have pain when eating or chewing You notice a lump in the mouth, under the jaw, or in the neck that does not go away in 2 - 3 weeks or is getting larger | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Salivary gland tumors (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Most salivary gland tumors are noncancerous and slow growing. Removing the tumor with surgery usually cures the condition. In rare cases, the tumor is cancerous and further treatment is needed. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Swimmer's ear? | Drainage from the ear -- yellow, yellow-green, pus-like, or foul smelling Ear pain, which may get worse when you pull on the outer ear Hearing loss Itching of the ear or ear canal | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Swimmer's ear? | Swimming in polluted water can lead to swimmer's ear. Water-loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas, as well as other bacteria or fungi (in rare cases), can cause ear infections.
Other causes of swimmer's ear include:
Inflammation and irritation of the bone and tissues at the bottom of the skull (malignant otitis externa) Scratching the ear or inside the ear Getting something stuck in the ear
Trying to clean wax from the ear canal, especially with cotton swabs or small objects, can irritate or damage the skin.
Long-term (chronic) swimmer's ear may be due to:
Allergic reaction to something placed in the ear Chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Swimmer%27s ear ? | Swimmer's ear is fairly common, especially among teenagers and young adults. It is occasionally associated with middle ear infection (otitis media) or upper respiratory infections such as colds. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Swimmer%27s ear ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
You develop any symptoms of swimmer's ear You notice any drainage coming from your ears Your symptoms get worse or continue despite treatment You have new symptoms, such as fever or pain and redness of the skull behind the ear | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Swimmer%27s ear (Outlook/Prognosis)? | When treated properly, swimmer's ear usually gets better. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Tooth abscess? | The main symptom is a severe toothache. The pain is continuous and may be described as gnawing, sharp, shooting, or throbbing.
Other symptoms may include:
Bitter taste in the mouth Breath odor General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling Fever Pain when chewing Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold Swollen glands of the neck Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw -- a very serious symptom | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Tooth abscess? | A tooth abscess is a complication of tooth decay. It may also result from trauma to the tooth, such as when a tooth is broken or chipped. Openings in the tooth enamel allow bacteria to infect the center of the tooth (the pulp). Infection may spread out from the root of the tooth and to the bones supporting the tooth.
Infection results in a collection of pus (dead tissue, live and dead bacteria, white blood cells) and swelling of the tissues within the tooth. This causes a painful toothache. If the pulp of the tooth dies, the toothache may stop, unless an abscess develops. This is especially true if the infection remains active and continues to spread and destroy tissue. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Tooth abscess ? | Call your dentist if you have a persistent, throbbing toothache. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Tooth abscess (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Untreated abscesses may get worse and can lead to life-threatening complications.
Prompt treatment usually cures the infection. The tooth can usually be saved in many cases. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Trench mouth ? | Trench mouth is a painful bacterial infection that involves swelling (inflammation) and ulcers in the gums (gingiva).
Bad breath Crater-like ulcers between the teeth Fever Foul taste in the mouth Gums appear reddened and swollen Grayish film on the gums Painful gums Profuse gum bleeding in response to any pressure or irritation
Note: Symptoms often begin suddenly. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the causes of Van der Woude syndrome? | Mutations in the IRF6 gene cause van der Woude syndrome. The IRF6 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays an important role in early development. This protein is a transcription factor, which means that it attaches (binds) to specific regions of DNA and helps control the activity of particular genes.
The IRF6 protein is active in cells that give rise to tissues in the head and face. It is also involved in the development of other parts of the body, including the skin and genitals.
Mutations in the IRF6 gene that cause van der Woude syndrome prevent one copy of the gene in each cell from making any functional protein. A shortage of the IRF6 protein affects the development and maturation of tissues in the face, resulting in the signs and symptoms of van der Woude syndrome. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at risk for Van der Woude syndrome? | Individuals with parents that carry a mutation in IRF6 gene are at risk. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. In most cases, an affected person has one parent with the condition. Occasionally, an individual who has a copy of the altered gene does not show any signs or symptoms of the disorder. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Nocturnal enuresis? | The main symptom is involuntary urination, usually at night, that occurs at least twice per month. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Nocturnal enuresis? | Children develop complete control over their bladders at different ages. Nighttime dryness is usually the last stage of toilet learning. When children wet the bed more than twice per month after age 5 or 6, it is called bedwetting or nocturnal enuresis.
Bedwetting is common. More than 5 million children in the U.S. wet the bed at night.
Children who were dry for at least 6 months and then started wetting again have secondary enuresis. There are many reasons that children wet the bed after being fully toilet trained. It might be physical, emotional, or just a change in sleep.
Children who have never been consistently dry at night have primary enuresis. This usually occurs when the body makes more urine overnight than the bladder can hold and the child does not wake up when the bladder is full. The child's brain has not learned to respond to the signal that the bladder is full. It is not the child's or the parent's fault.
Physical causes are rare, but may include lower spinal cord lesions, congenital malformations of the genitourinary tract, infections of the urinary tract, or diabetes.
Bedwetting runs strongly in families.
About 9% of boys and 6% of girls still wet the bed at age 7. The numbers drop slightly by age 10. Although the problem goes away over time, many children and even a small number of adults continue to have bedwetting episodes. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Bedwetting ? | Be sure to mention bedwetting to your child's health care provider.
Children should have a physical exam and a urine test to rule out urinary tract infection or other causes.
If your child is having pain with urination, fever, or blood in the urine, contact your child's doctor right away. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Bedwetting (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The condition poses no threat to the health of the child if there is no physical cause of bedwetting. The child may feel embarrassment or have a loss of self-esteem because of the problem. It is important to reassure the child. Most children respond to some type of treatment. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Bowlegs? | Knees do not touch when standing with feet together (ankles touching) Bowing of legs is same on both side of the body (symmetrical) Bowed legs continue beyond age 3 | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Bowlegs? | Infants are born bowlegged because of their folded position in the uterus. The infant's bowed legs begin to straighten once the child starts to walk and the legs begin to bear weight (about 12 to 18 months old).
By around age 3, the child can usually stand with the ankles apart and the knees just touching. If the bowed legs are still present, the child is called bowlegged.
Bowlegs may be caused by illnesses such as:
Blount's disease Bone dysplasias (abnormal development) Fractures that do not heal correctly Lead or fluoride poisoning Rickets, which is caused by a vitamin D deficiency | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Bowlegs ? | Call your health care provider if your child shows persistent or worsening bowed legs after age 3. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Bowlegs (Outlook/Prognosis)? | In many cases the outcome is good, and there is usually no problem walking. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Child physical abuse? | An adult may bring an injured child to an emergency room with a strange explanation of the cause of the injury. The child's injury may not be recent.
Symptoms include:
Black eyes Broken bones that are unusual and unexplained Bruise marks shaped like hands, fingers, or objects (such as a belt) Bruises in areas where normal childhood activities would not usually result in bruising Bulging fontanelle (soft spot) or separated sutures in an infant's skull Burn (scalding) marks, usually seen on the child's hands, arms, or buttocks Choke marks around the neck Cigarette burns on exposed areas or on the genitals Circular marks around the wrists or ankles (signs of twisting or tying up)' Human bite marks Lash marks Unexplained unconsciousness in an infant | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Child physical abuse? | Physical abuse tends to occur at moments of great stress. Many people who commit physical abuse were abused themselves as children. As a result, they often do not realize that abuse is not appropriate discipline.
Often people who commit physical abuse also have poor impulse control. This prevents them from thinking about what happens as a result of their actions.
The rate of child abuse is fairly high. The most common form is neglect. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Child physical abuse ? | All states require that you report any known or suspected child abuse.
Call your health care provider, Child Protective Services, or local police if you suspect or know that someone is being abused. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Child physical abuse (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The child's physical recovery depends on the severity of the injuries. Psychological recovery depends on the results of therapy, and whether the child can develop trusting relationships with adult caregivers.
The authorities will determine whether the abuser gets psychiatric help, such as parenting training and impulse/anger management training.
Child protection agencies generally make every effort to reunite families when possible. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Child neglect and psychological abuse? | Symptoms of psychological abuse may include:
Difficulties in school Eating disorders, leading to weight loss or poor weight gain Emotional issues such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety Rebellious behavior
8Sleep disorders
Vague physical complaints | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Child neglect and psychological abuse? | The rate at which children are physically and emotionally neglected is difficult to define.
Abused children are at risk of becoming abusers themselves as adults. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Child psychological abuse and neglect ? | Call your health care provider if a child has:
Physical changes, such as unexplained injuries, weight loss, or severe tiredness Unexplained behavior changes
Suspected child abuse of any form must be reported to the authorities. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Child psychological abuse and neglect (Outlook/Prognosis)? | With treatment, many children and parents can be reunited as a family.
The long-term outcome depends on:
How severe the abuse was For how long the child was abused The success of therapy and parenting classes | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Child sexual abuse? | Symptoms of sexual abuse in chlildren are similar to those of depression or severe anxiety and nervousness.
They can include:
Bowel disorders, such as soiling oneself (encopresis) Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa Genital or rectal symptoms, such as pain during a bowel movement or urination, or vaginal itch or discharge Repeated headaches Sleep problems Stomach aches (vague complaints)
Children who are abused may:
Display disruptive behaviors such as using alcohol and street drugs or engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors Do poorly in school Have excessive fears Withdraw from normal activities | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Child sexual abuse? | Society was reluctant to deal with child sexual abuse a few decades ago. Today, it is considered a serious issue.
It is difficult to determine how often child sexual abuse occurs, because it is more secret than physical abuse. Children are often scared to tell anyone about the abuse. Many cases of abuse are not reported.
Abusers are usually men. They tend to know the person they are abusing. The abuser violates the trust of the younger person, which makes the sexual abuse even more devastating.
Child sexual abuse occurs in all social and economic classes of people. It has the same type of risk factors as physical child abuse, including:
Alcohol and drug abuse Family troubles Poverty
Abusers often have a history of physical or sexual abuse themselves.
A small group of repeated abusers have the psychiatric disorder, pedophilia. Their preferred sexual contact is with children. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Child sexual abuse ? | If you suspect child abuse in any form, immediately call your health care provider, Child Protective Services, or police. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Child sexual abuse (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The biggest issue is the child's mental health.
The outcome depends on:
Family and social support The child's personality The length of time the child was abused and the type of abuse Therapy | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Cryptorchidism? | There are usually no symptoms, except that the testicle cannot be found in the scrotum (this may be described as an empty scrotum). | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Cryptorchidism? | Most of the time, children's testicles descend by the time they are 9 months old. Undescended testicles are fairly common in infants who are born early (premature infants). It occurs in about 3 - 4% of full-term infants.
Once a testicle has been found in the scrotum, it is considered descended, even if it is temporarily pulled back (retracted) during a later examination.
Some babies have a condition called retractile testes, in which the health care provider sometimes cannot find the testicles. This is due to the muscle reflex that retracts the testicles and the small testicle size before puberty. The testicles will descend at puberty. Surgery is not needed.
Testicles that do not descend by the time the child is 1 year old should be evaluated. Studies suggest that surgery should be done by this age. Surgery can reduce the chances of permanent damage to the testicles, which can lead to fertility problems later in life.
Testicles that do not naturally descend into the scrotum are considered abnormal. An undescended testicle is more likely to develop cancer, even if it is brought down into the scrotum. The other testicle is also more likely to develop cancer, even if it descended properly.
Bringing the testicle into the scrotum can improve sperm production and increases the odds of good fertility. It also allows the health care provider to examine the testicle to detect cancer early.
In other cases, no testicle may be found, even during surgery. This may be due to a problem that occurred while the baby was still developing in the mother (congenital). | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Cryptorchidism ? | Call your child's health care provider if he appears to have an undescended testicle. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Cryptorchidism (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Most cases get better on their own, without any treatment. Medicine or surgery to correct the condition is usually successful. In about 5% of patients with undescended testicles, the testicles cannot be found at the time of surgery. This is called a vanished or absent testis. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Ellis-van Creveld syndrome? | Cleft lip or palate Epispadias or undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) Extra fingers (polydactyly) Limited range of motion Nail problems, including missing or deformed nails Short arms and legs, especially forearm and lower leg Short height (between 3 1/2 and 5 feet tall) Sparse, absent, or fine textured hair Tooth abnormalities: Peg teeth Widely spaced teeth Teeth present at birth (natal teeth) Delayed or missing teeth | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Ellis-van Creveld syndrome? | Ellis-van Creveld is passed down through families (inherited). It is caused by defects in one of two Ellis van Creveld syndrome genes (EVC and EVC2) that are next to each other.
The severity of the disease varies from person to person. The highest rate of the condition is seen among the Old Order Amish population of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is fairly rare in the general population. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Ellis-van Creveld syndrome ? | Ellis-van Creveld is passed down through families (inherited). | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Ellis-van Creveld syndrome ? | Call your health care provider if your child has symptoms of this syndrome. If you have a family history of Ellis-van Creveld syndrome and your child has any symptoms, visit your health care provider.
Genetic counseling can help families understand the condition and how to care for the patient. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Many babies with this condition die in early infancy, usually due to a small chest or heart defect. Stillbirth is common.
The outcome depends on which body system is involved and to what extent that body system is involved. Like most genetic conditions involving bones or the physical structure, intelligence is normal. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis? | Arthritis symptoms:
Joint stiffness when you wake up in the morning Joint pain Limited range of motion Joints may be warm or swollen and sometimes red A child may stop using an affected limb or may limp Back pain
Body-wide JRA symptoms:
Fever, usually high fevers every day Rash (trunk and extremities) that comes and goes with the fever Swollen lymph nodes (glands) JRA can also cause eye inflammation called uveitis. This problem can occur without any eye symptoms, or someone may have: Red eyes Eye pain Increased pain when looking at light (photophobia) Vision changes
Many other medical problems can cause symptoms similar to those of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, including:
Lyme disease rheumatic fever bone infections (osteomyelitis) Sarcoidosis psoriatic arthritis vasculitis Inflammatory bowel disease | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Juvenile idiopathic arthritis? | The cause of JRA is not known. It is thought to be an autoimmune illness. In this type of condition, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.
It is divided into several categories:
Systemic JRA involves joint swelling or pain, fevers, and rash. It is the least common category. Polyarticular JRA involves many joints. This form of JRA may turn into rheumatoid arthritis. It may involve large and small joints of the legs and arms, as well as the TMJ and cervical spine. Pauciarticular JRA involves only a few joints, usually the hips, knees, or ankles. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Juvenile idiopathic arthritis ? | JRA usually occurs before age 16. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Juvenile idiopathic arthritis ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
You notice symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis Symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment New symptoms develop | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | JRA is seldom life threatening.
Children who have many joints involved, or who have a positive rheumatoid factor are more likely to have chronic pain and poor school attendance, and to be disabled.
Long periods with no symptoms are more common in those who have only a small number of joints involved. Many patients with JRA eventually go into remission with very little loss of function and deformity. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Stress in childhood? | Children may not recognize that they are stressed. Parents may suspect that the child is excessively stressed if the child has experienced a potentially stressful situation and begins to have symptoms such as:
Physical symptoms:
Decreased appetite, other changes in eating habits Headache New or recurrent bedwetting Nightmares Sleep disturbances Stuttering Upset stomach or vague stomach pain Other physical symptoms with no physical illness
Emotional or behavioral symptoms:
Anxiety Worries Inability to relax New or recurring fears (fear of the dark, fear of being alone, fear of strangers) Clinging, unwilling to let you out of sight Questioning (may or may not ask questions) Anger Crying Whining Inability to control emotions Aggressive behavior Stubborn behavior Regression to behaviors that are typical of an earlier developmental stage Unwillingness to participate in family or school activities | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Stress in childhood? | Stress is a response to any situation or factor that creates a negative emotional or physical change or both. People of all ages can experience stress. In small quantities, stress is good, it can motivate you and help you be more productive. However, excessive stress can interfere with life, activities, and health. Stress can affect the way people think, act, and feel.
Children learn how to respond to stress by what they have seen and experienced in the past. Most stresses experienced by children may seem insignificant to adults, but because children have few previous experiences from which to learn, even situations that require small changes can have enormous impacts on a child's feelings of safety and security.
Pain, injury, and illness are major stressors for children. Medical treatments produce even greater stress. Recognition of parental stress (such as that seen in divorce or financial crisis) is a severe stressor for children, as is death or loss of a loved one. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Stress in childhood ? | Seek professional help or advice when signs of stress do not decrease or disappear. | Answer this question truthfully |
How can parents help? | Parents can help children respond to stress in healthy ways. Following are some tips:
Provide a safe, secure, familiar, consistent, and dependable home. Be selective in the television programs that young children watch (including news broadcasts), which can produce fears and anxiety. Spend calm, relaxed time with your children. Encourage your child to ask questions. Encourage expression of concerns, worries, or fears. Listen to your child without being critical. Build your child's feelings of self-worth. Use encouragement and affection. Try to involve your child in situations where he or she can succeed. Try to use positive encouragement and reward instead of punishment. Allow the child opportunities to make choices and have some control in his or her life. This is particularly important, because research shows that the more people feel they have control over a situation, the better their response to stress will be. Encourage physical activity. Develop awareness of situations and events that are stressful for children. These include new experiences, fear of unpredictable outcomes, unpleasant sensations, unmet needs or desires, and loss. Recognize signs of unresolved stress in your child. Keep your child informed of necessary and anticipated changes such as changes in jobs or moving | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Alcohol withdrawal? | Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually occur within 5 - 10 hours after the last drink, but can occur days later. Symptoms get worse in 48 - 72 hours, and may persist for weeks.
Common symptoms include:
Anxiety or nervousness Depression Not thinking clearly Fatigue Irritability Jumpiness or shakiness Mood swings Nightmares
Other symptoms may include:
Clammy skin Enlarged (dilated) pupils Headache Insomnia (sleeping difficulty) Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Pallor Rapid heart rate Sweating Tremor of the hands or other body parts
A severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens can cause:
Agitation Severe confusion Seeing or feeling things that aren't there (hallucinations) Fever Seizures | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Alcohol withdrawal? | Alcohol withdrawal occurs most often in adults, but it may occur in teenagers or children.
The more you drink every day, the more likely you are to develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking.
You may have more severe withdrawal symptoms if you have certain other medical problems. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Alcohol withdrawal ? | Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that may rapidly become life threatening.
Call your health care provider or go the emergency room if you think you might be in alcohol withdrawal, especially if you were using alcohol often and recently stopped.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms persist after treatment.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if seizures, fever, severe confusion, hallucinations, or irregular heartbeats occur. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Alcohol withdrawal (Outlook/Prognosis)? | How well a person does depends on the amount of organ damage and whether the person can stop drinking completely.
Alcohol withdrawal may range from a mild and uncomfortable disorder to a serious, life-threatening condition.
Symptoms such as sleep changes, rapid changes in mood, and fatigue may last for months. People who continue to drink a lot may develop health problems such as liver and heart disease.
Most people who go through alcohol withdrawal make a full recovery. However, death is possible, especially if delirium tremens occurs. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Anxiety and Stress? | Stress is a normal feeling. In small doses, stress can help you get things done. Stress does not affect everyone the same way.
Many people feel stress symptoms in their body. You may be having pain i n your abdomen, headaches, and muscle tightness or pain.
When you are very stressed, you may notice:
A faster heart rate Skipped heartbeats Rapid breathing Sweating Trembling Dizziness Other symptoms include: Loose stools Frequent need to pee Dry mouth Problems swallowing You may have a harder time focusing, feel tired most of the time, or lose your temper more often. Stress may also cause sexual problems. It can also cause problems with falling or staying asleep and nightmares | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Anxiety and Stress? | Many people have stress when they need to adapt or change.
Examples are:
Starting a new job or school Moving to a new home Getting married Having a child Breaking up with someone An injury or illness to you, a friend, or a loved one is a common cause of stress. Feelings of stress and anxiety are common in people who feel depressed and sad.
Some drugs may cause or worsen symptoms of stress.
These can include:
Some inhaler medicines used to treat asthma Thyroid drugs Some diet pills Some cold remedies Caffeine, cocaine, alcohol, and tobacco products may also cause or make symptoms of stress or anxiety worse. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Anxiety and Stress? | Call a suicide hotline if you have thoughts of suicide.
Reasons you may want to seek more help are:
You have feelings of panic, such as dizziness, rapid breathing, or a racing heartbeat. You are unable to work or function at home or at your job. You have fears that you cannot control. You are having memories of a traumatic event. Do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Cocaine withdrawal? | Primary symptoms may include:
Agitation and restless behavior Depressed mood Fatigue Generalized malaise 8Increased appetite Vivid and unpleasant dreams Slowing of activity
The craving and depression can last for months following cessation of long-term heavy use (particularly daily).
Withdrawal symptoms may also be associated with suicidal thoughts in some people.
During withdrawal, there can be powerful, intense cravings for cocaine. However, the "high" associated with ongoing use becomes less and less pleasant, and can produce fear and extreme suspicion rather than joy (euphoria). Just the same, the cravings may remain powerful. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Cocaine withdrawal? | Cocaine produces a sense of extreme joy by causing the brain to release higher than normal amounts of some biochemicals. However, cocaine's effects on other parts of the body can be very serious or even deadly.
When cocaine use is stopped or when a binge ends, a crash follows almost immediately. This crash is accompanied by a strong craving for more cocaine. Additional symptoms include:
fatigue, lack of pleasure, anxiety, irritability, sleepiness, sometimes agitation or extreme suspicion.
Cocaine withdrawal often has no visible physical symptoms like the vomiting and shaking that accompanies the withdrawal from heroin or alcohol.
In the past, people underestimated the how addictive cocaine can be. However, cocaine is addictive when addiction is defined as a desire for more of the drug, despite negative consequences.
The level of craving, irritability, delayed depression, and other symptoms produced by cocaine withdrawal rivals or exceeds that felt with other withdrawal syndromes. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Cocaine withdrawal ? | Call your health care provider if you use cocaine and need help to stop using it. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Cocaine withdrawal (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Cocaine addiction is difficult to treat, and relapse can occur. However, the rates of achieving stabilization are as good as those for other chronic illnesses like diabetes and asthma.
Treatment should start with the least restrictive option and move up if necessary. Outpatient care is as effective as inpatient care for most people addicted to cocaine, according to the research.
Presently there are no effective medications for reducing craving, although some are being tested. Some studies have reported that medications such as amantadine and bromocriptine may help to reduce patient's craving, increase energy, and normalize sleep, particularly among those with the most seriously addicted. | Answer this question truthfully |
Culture-bound Syndrome? | Some doctors believe dhat syndrome to be either a culture-bound presentation of clinical depression as a somatized set of symptoms or a result of Western doctors' misinterpretation of patients' descriptions of their condition. It is very common in Pakistani culture as well. Most of them come with the complaints of "drops".. and become extremely anxious about it and see it as loss of "male power". it is often related with obsessive ruminations and somatoform symptoms. Others see it as a distinct clinical entity which is less culture-bound than these critics assert, and describe it as one form of a syndrome of "semen-loss anxiety" which also occurs in other Eastern cultures as jiryan and shen-k'uei, as well as in Western cultures. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Drug dependence? | Some of the symptoms and behaviors of drug dependence include:
Confusion Continuing to use drugs even when health, work, or family are being harmed Episodes of violence Hostility when confronted about drug dependence Lack of control over drug abuse - being unable to stop or reduce alcohol intake Making excuses to use drugs Missing work or school, or a decrease in performance Need for daily or regular drug use to function Neglecting to eat Not caring for physical appearance No longer taking part in activities because of drug abuse Secretive behavior to hide drug use Using drugs even when alone | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Drug dependence? | Drug abuse can lead to drug dependence or addiction. People who use drugs for pain relief may become dependent, although this is rare in those who don't have a history of addiction.
The exact cause of drug abuse and dependence is not known. However, a person's genes, the action of the drug, peer pressure, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and environmental stress all can be factors.
Peer pressure can lead to drug use or abuse, but at least half of those who become addicted have depression, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or another mental health problem.
Children who grow up in an environment of illicit drug use may first see their parents using drugs. This may put them at a higher risk for developing an addiction later in life for both environmental and genetic reasons.
People who are more likely to abuse or become dependent on drugs include those who:
Have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia Have easy access to drugs Have low self-esteem, or problems with relationships Live a stressful lifestyle, economic or emotional Live in a culture where there is a high social acceptance of drug use
Commonly abused substances include:
Opiates and narcotics are powerful painkillers that cause drowsiness (sedation) and sometimes feelings of euphoria. These include heroin, opium, codeine, meperidine (Demerol), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and oxycodone (Oxycontin).
Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants include amphetamines, cocaine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate (Ritalin). These drugs have a stimulating effect, and people can start needing higher amounts of these drugs to feel the same effect (tolerance).
Central nervous system depressants include alcohol, barbiturates (amobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital), benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, Xanax), chloral hydrate, and paraldehyde. These substances produce a sedative and anxiety -reducing effect, which can lead to dependence.
Hallucinogens include LSD, mescaline, psilocybin ("mushrooms"), and phencyclidine (PCP or "angel dust"). They can cause people to see things that aren't there (hallucinations) and can lead to psychological dependence. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient found in marijuana (cannabis) and hashish.
There are several stages of drug use that may lead to dependence. Young people seem to move more quickly through the stages than do adults.
Experimental use: typically involves peers, done for recreational use; the user may enjoy defying parents or other authority figures.
Regular use: the user misses more and more school or work; worries about losing drug source; uses drugs to "fix" negative feelings; begins to stay away from friends and family; may change friends to those who are regular users; shows increased tolerance and ability to "handle" the drug.
Daily preoccupation: the user loses any motivation; does not care about school and work; has obvious behavior changes; thinking about drug use is more important than all other interests, including relationships; the user becomes secretive; may begin dealing drugs to help support habit; use of other, harder drugs may increase; legal problems may increase.
Dependence: cannot face daily life without drugs; denies problem; physical condition gets worse; loss of "control" over use; may become suicidal; financial and legal problems get worse; may have broken ties with family members or friends. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Drug dependence ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are addicted to drugs and would like to get off of them, or if you have been cut off from your drug supply and are at risk of withdrawal.
Most employers also offer referral services for their employees with substance abuse problems. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Drug dependence (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Drug abuse and dependence may lead to a fatal drug overdose. Some people start taking the drugs again after they have stopped. Relapses can lead to continued dependence. | Answer this question truthfully |
How to do Exposure Therapy? | Some of the rules for constructing a good program of Exposure Therapy are:
The subject should have a final goal which should represent non-phobic behavior. This might be (for example) to hold a large snake and rub it against their cheek for several minutes. They should also have in mind a series of intermediate steps such that once they have partially habituated to one step the next is close enough to it that they can readily move on. Such a sequence is called a hierarchy. It may be explicit, in the form of a list of increasingly challenging tasks, or implicit, in the form of a set of principles for escalating the exposure. The therapist will decide which of these will be more useful for the subject. (A useful way of constructing such a hierarchy is the Method of Factors. At every stage the subjects self-exposure should be completely voluntary - a criterion that may be derived from the theory of cognitive dissonance. One important corollary of this principle is that, at every moment, the subject must have an easy way of terminating the exposure. By choosing not to escape - and therefore practising a competing response - the subject thereby weakens the arousal-escape connection. The arousal experienced at any point should be the maximum that the subject is prepared to accept (this is the main difference between Exposure Therapy and Systematic desensitization). It's useful if at each stage the subject asks themselves "is there anything more I could do?" By considering which factors they can manipulate they should be able to keep moving smoothly up their hierarchy. Research by Marks and Rachmann citation needed demonstrated that optimum results are obtained with daily practice lasting at least an hour; and that the daily session should be ended by allowing the level of arousal to fall off to around half its peak value. For this reason it's useful for the subject to keep a note of their arousal level on a 0-8 scale (where 0=no arousal and 8=intolerable arousal). Before this fall-off phase the level of arousal should be maintained at an uncomfortable but tolerable level. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia? | Pain in the main symptom of fibromyalgia. It may be mild to severe.
Painful areas are called tender points. Tender points are found in the soft tissue on the back of the neck, shoulders, chest, lower back, hips, shins, elbows, and knees. The pain then spreads out from these areas. The pain may feel like a deep ache, or a shooting, burning pain. The joints are not affected, although the pain may feel like it is coming from the joints.
People with fibromyalgia tend to wake up with body aches and stiffness. For some patients, pain improves during the day and gets worse at night. Some patients have pain all day long.
Pain may get worse with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety, and stress.
Fatigue, depressed mood, and sleep problems are seen in almost all patients with fibromyalgia. Many say that they can't get to sleep or stay asleep, and they feel tired when they wake up.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia may include:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Memory and concentration problems Numbness and tingling in hands and feet Palpitations Reduced ability to exercise Tension or migraine headaches | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Fibromyalgia? | The cause is unknown. Possible causes or triggers of fibromyalgia include:
Physical or emotional trauma Abnormal pain response - areas in the brain that are responsible for pain may react differently in fibromyalgia patients Sleep disturbances Infection, such as a virus, although none has been identified | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Fibromyalgia ? | Fibromyalgia is most common among women aged 20 to 50.
The following conditions may be seen with fibromyalgia or mimic its symptoms:
Chronic neck or back pain Chronic fatigue syndrome Depression Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) Lyme disease Sleep disorders | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Fibromyalgia ? | Call your health-care provider if you have symptoms of fibromyalgia. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Fibromyalgia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Fibromyalgia is a long-term disorder. Sometimes, the symptoms improve. Other times, the pain may get worse and continue for months or years. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Grief? | There can be five stages of grief. These reactions might not occur in a specific order, and can (at times) occur together. Not everyone experiences all of these emotions:
Denial, disbelief, numbness Anger, blaming others Bargaining (for instance "If I am cured of this cancer, I will never smoke again.") Depressed mood, sadness, and crying Acceptance, coming to terms
People who are grieving may have crying spells, some trouble sleeping, and lack of productivity at work. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Grief? | Grief may be triggered by the death of a loved one. People also can experience grief if they have an illness for which there is no cure, or a chronic condition that affects their quality of life. The end of a significant relationship may also cause a grieving process.
Everyone feels grief in their own way. However, there are common stages to the process of mourning. It starts with recognizing a loss and continues until a person eventually accepts that loss. People's responses to grief will be different, depending on the circumstances of the death.
For example, if the person who died had a chronic illness, the death may have been expected. The end of the person's suffering might even have come as a relief. If the death was accidental or violent, coming to a stage of acceptance might take longer. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Grief ? | Call your health care provider if:
You can't deal with grief You are using excessive amounts of drugs or alcohol You become very depressed You have prolonged depression that interferes with your daily life | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Grief (Outlook/Prognosis)? | It may take a year or longer to overcome strong feelings of grief, and to accept the loss. | Answer this question truthfully |