disease
stringclasses 112
values | question
stringlengths 19
704
| answer
stringlengths 14
12.1k
|
|---|---|---|
pulmonary hypertension | what is pulmonary hypertension? Tell me about pulmonary hypertension? What kind of disease is pulmonary hypertension? Can you elaborate on pulmonary hypertension? What can you tell me about pulmonary hypertension? Could you describe what pulmonary hypertension is? I�d like to know more about pulmonary hypertension. Can you help? What information do you have on pulmonary hypertension? Could you provide information on pulmonary hypertension? | Cor pulmonale is a condition that happens when a respiratory disorder results in high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension). The name of the condition is in Latin and means �pulmonary heart.�
It�s also known as right-sided heart failure because it occurs within the right ventricle of your heart. Cor pulmonale causes the right ventricle to enlarge and pump blood less effectively than it should. The ventricle is then pushed to its limit and ultimately fails.
It�s possible to prevent this condition by controlling the high pressure of the blood going to the lungs. But untreated pulmonary hypertension can eventually lead to cor pulmonale along with other related, life-threatening complications. |
pulmonary hypertension | for pulmonary hypertension, symptoms of cor pulmonale? | The symptoms of cor pulmonale may not be noticeable at first because they�re similar to the feelings you get after a hard workout. They include
:
shortness of breath
tiredness
an increased heart rate
lightheadedness
Over time, these symptoms will worsen and flare up even during periods of rest.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
chest pain
leg or feet swelling
fainting
excessive coughing
wheezing
excessive fatigue |
pulmonary hypertension | for pulmonary hypertension, treatment of cor pulmonale? | In order to treat cor pulmonale, your doctor will need to treat
the underlying cause.
Prescription medications can help decrease blood pressure and help encourage oxygen flow back into the lungs. Diuretics may also be used to get rid of fluid retention and keep your blood sodium levels down. You may also take blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
Severe or advanced cases of cor pulmonale require more aggressive treatments like a heart or lung transplant. In other cases, you may need to have oxygen therapy. |
pulmonary hypertension | for pulmonary hypertension, causes of cor pulmonale? | The lungs depend on the heart to transport blood from the body to the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension occurs as a result of increased pressure in your lungs� arteries.
This increased pressure can then cause resistance in your heart�s right ventricle. It�s a result of having to overcome the high pressure in the lungs in order to force blood into them.
This increased pressure leads to cor pulmonale, and the result is ineffective transportation of blood to the lungs. This, in turn, will lead to decreased oxygen transport to the rest of the body.
Conditions or events that can cause this include:
pulmonary embolism
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
lung tissue damage
sleep apnea
cystic fibrosis
scleroderma
The most common cause of acute cor pulmonale is typically caused by a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs. Chronic cor pulmonary most commonly results from COPD. |
pulmonary hypertension | for pulmonary hypertension, diagnosing cor pulmonale? | Cor pulmonale is diagnosed with a physical exam and medical testing. Abnormal heart rhythms, fluid retention, and protruding neck veins during a physical exam can indicate the presence of increased pressure and the possibility of cor pulmonale.
Blood tests to detect brain natriuretic peptides, which are amino acids secreted from the heart when it is stressed, may also be ordered.
A doctor may also insert
a right heart catheter to determine if there�s any dysfunction in the right ventricle of your heart. This procedure is known as right heart catheterization or Swan-Ganz catheterization. |
pulmonary hypertension | for pulmonary hypertension, exams and tests? | Beyond the diagnosis of cor pulmonary itself, the condition�s underlying cause needs to be discovered to provide the appropriate treatment.
Testing may include:
CT scans, which take images of parts of the body
An echocardiogram, which is like an ultrasound of your heart and helps your specialist to visualize the structures of your heart and identify any structural differences
chest X-rays, which take images of various parts of your chest
a lung scan, which is used to detect blood clots
lung function tests, which determine how well your lungs work
right heart catheterization
In rare cases, your doctor may also order a lung biopsy to see if any underlying tissue is damaged. |
pulmonary hypertension | for pulmonary hypertension, complications of cor pulmonale? | If not treated promptly, cor pulmonale can lead to the following complications:
An enlarged pulmonary artery
thickening of the walls of the right ventricle of the heart
severe shortness of breath
severe excessive fluid in your body
shock
death |
pulmonary hypertension | for pulmonary hypertension, outlook for people with cor pulmonale? | The outlook for people with cor pulmonale ultimately depends on the management of pulmonary hypertension that results from the underlying cause.
Cor pulmonale can also cause difficulty breathing, and it is life-threatening when not treated.
Talk with your doctor if you notice any changes in how you feel, especially if you�re currently being treated for pulmonary hypertension. Your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan to help prevent cor pulmonale. |
pulmonary hypertension | for pulmonary hypertension, lifestyle changes? | You can prevent cor pulmonale by taking care of your heart and lungs. Maintain a moderate weight, get regular exercise (when possible), and eat a well-balanced diet to avoid hypertension and heart disease.
Preventing the onset of lung disease may help prevent this condition. Avoiding smoking cigarettes can help reduce your risk of developing such an illness, which could damage your lungs and lead to cor pulmonale. |
dysphagia | what is dysphagia? Tell me about dysphagia? What kind of disease is dysphagia? Can you elaborate on dysphagia? What can you tell me about dysphagia? Could you describe what dysphagia is? I�d like to know more about dysphagia. Can you help? What information do you have on dysphagia? Could you provide information on dysphagia? | Some health conditions can make swallowing foods or liquids more difficult. Treatment can include therapy, medications, and dietary changes.
Swallowing difficulty is the inability to swallow foods or liquids with ease. People who have a hard time swallowing may choke on their food or liquid when trying to swallow. Dysphagia is the medical name for difficulty swallowing.
Dysphagia affects about 15 million people in the United States. About 1 in 25 people will experience dysphagia in their lives.
Difficulty swallowing doesn�t always indicate a medical condition. It may be temporary and go away on its own. |
dysphagia | for dysphagia, what causes swallowing difficulty?? | According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
, there are 50 pairs of muscles and nerves used to help you swallow. In other words, there are lots of things that can go wrong and lead to problems swallowing. Some conditions related to difficulty swallowing include:
Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux symptoms are caused when stomach contents flow up from the stomach back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, stomach pain, and burping. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of acid reflux and GERD.
Heartburn. Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest that often occurs with a bitter taste in your throat or mouth. Find out how to recognize, treat, and prevent heartburn.
Epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is characterized by inflamed tissue in your epiglottis. It�s a potentially life threatening condition. Learn who gets it, why, and how it�s treated. This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.
Goiter. Your thyroid is a gland found in your neck just below your Adam�s apple. A condition that increases the size of your thyroid is called a goiter. Read more about the causes and symptoms of goiter.
Esophagitis. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus that can be caused by acid reflux or certain medications. Learn more about the types of esophagitis and their treatments.
Esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer occurs when a malignant (cancerous) tumor forms in the lining of the esophagus, which can cause difficulty swallowing. Read more about esophageal cancer, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Herpes esophagitis. Herpes esophagitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The infection can cause some chest pain and difficulty swallowing. Learn more about how herpes esophagitis is diagnosed and treated.
Recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Recurrent herpes simplex labialis, also known as oral or orolabial herpes, is an infection of the mouth area caused by the herpes simplex virus. Read about symptoms, treatment, and prevention of this infection.
Thyroid nodule. A thyroid nodule is a lump that can develop in your thyroid gland. It can be solid or filled with fluid. You can have a single nodule or a cluster of nodules. Learn what causes thyroid nodules and how they are treated.
Infectious mononucleosis. Infectious mononucleosis, or mono, refers to a group of symptoms usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Learn about the symptoms and treatments for infectious mononucleosis.
Zenker�s diverticulum. A rare instance in which a pouch-like structure forms between the pharynx and the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. Learn more about the symptoms and causes of Zenker�s diverticulum.
Snake bites. A bite from a venomous snake should always be treated as a medical emergency. Even a bite from a harmless snake can lead to an allergic reaction or infection. Read more about what to do in the event of a snake bite.
Other medical conditions that may produce swallowing problems as a result of either the condition or its treatment include:
stroke
dementia
head, neck, or throat cancer
history of radiation or chemotherapy in the neck or throat for cancer
head injury
neurological disorders, such as Parkinson�s disease
muscular dystrophy |
dysphagia | for dysphagia, signs and symptoms of dysphagia? | If you think you may have dysphagia, there are certain symptoms that may be present along with difficulty swallowing.
They include:
drooling
hoarse voice
feeling like something is lodged in your throat
regurgitation
unexpected weight loss
heartburn
coughing or choking when swallowing
pain when swallowing
difficulty chewing solid foods
recurrent pneumonia
food may come out of the nose
These sensations may cause a person to:
avoid eating
skip meals
lose their appetite
Children who have difficulty swallowing when eating may:
refuse to eat certain foods
have food or liquid leaking from their mouths
regurgitate during meals
have trouble breathing when eating
lose weight without trying |
dysphagia | for dysphagia, how is swallowing difficulty diagnosed?? | Talk with a doctor about your symptoms and when they began. Your doctor will do a physical examination and look in your mouth to check for abnormalities or swelling.
More specialized tests may be needed to find the exact cause.
Barium X-ray
A barium X-ray is often used to check the inside of the esophagus for abnormalities or blockages. During this examination, you will swallow liquid or a pill containing a dye that shows up on an abdominal X-ray.
The doctor or technician will look at the X-ray image as you swallow the liquid or pill to see how the esophagus functions. This will help them identify any weaknesses or abnormalities.
Video fluoroscopy
A videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluation is a radiologic exam that uses a type of X-ray called fluoroscopy. This test is performed by a speech-language pathologist. It shows the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases of the swallow.
During this examination, you�ll swallow a variety of consistencies, ranging from purees to solids and thin and thickened liquid. This process uses a radiopaque dye in the foods. This will show the ingestion of food and liquid into the trachea, or windpipe. Your medical team can use this information to diagnose muscle weakness and dysfunction. |
dysphagia | for dysphagia, functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (fees)? | This procedure assesses how well a person is able to swallow. This tool allows a doctor to test different food textures, fluid consistencies, and more. This will allow the doctor determine the severity of the swallowing issues and how to treat it.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy may be used to check all areas of your esophagus. During this examination, the doctor will insert a very thin flexible tube with a camera attachment down into your esophagus. This allows the doctor to see the esophagus in detail. It can also be done using a rigid tube, during which a doctor would use sedation. A doctor will often take biopsies during this procedure.
Manometry
Manometry is another invasive test that can be used to check the inside of your esophagus. More specifically, this test checks the pressure of the muscles in your throat when you swallow. The doctor will insert a tube into your esophagus to measure the pressure in your muscles when they contract. |
dysphagia | for dysphagia, treating swallowing difficulty? | Some swallowing difficulties can�t be prevented, and dysphagia treatment is necessary. A speech-language pathologist will perform a swallowing evaluation to diagnose your dysphagia. Once the evaluation is completed, the speech-language pathologist may recommend:
dietary changes
oropharyngeal swallowing exercises to strengthen muscles
alternative swallowing strategies
posture changes that you should follow while eating
However, if swallowing problems are persistent, they can result in malnutrition and dehydration, especially in the very young and in older adults.
Recurrent respiratory infections and aspiration pneumonia are also likely. All of these complications are serious and life threatening and must be treated definitively.
Various treatments may be prescribed depending on the medical condition causing swallowing difficulty:
Achalasia. If this is causing your swallowing problem, a procedure called esophageal dilation may be used to expand the esophagus. During this procedure, a small balloon is placed into the esophagus to widen it. The balloon is then removed.
Abnormal growths in the esophagus. Surgery may be necessary to remove them. Surgery may also be used to remove scar tissue.
Acid reflux or ulcers. You may be given prescription medication to treat these conditions and encouraged to follow a reflux diet.
Medications. If your swallowing difficulty is related to GERD, prescription oral medications can help reduce stomach acid. Corticosteroids might be recommended for eosinophilic esophagitis. For esophageal spasm, smooth muscle relaxants might help.
In severe cases or acute cases of swallowing difficulty, you may be admitted to the hospital. Treatments you may receive there include:
Feeding tube. You may receive enteral feeding, which is when you receive food through a tube that goes directly into the stomach and bypasses the esophagus.
Modified diets. A dietary change, such as a liquid diet, may be necessary to prevent dehydration and malnutrition until your swallowing difficulty improves. |
dysphagia | for dysphagia, home treatment? | You will likely coordinate your home treatment for dysphagia with your doctor, who may refer you to a speech therapist or occupational therapist. According to the NIDCD
, your home treatment for dysphagia may include:
Muscle exercises. You may be shown exercises to do at home to strengthen weak facial muscles or to improve coordination.
Eating in a specific position. Sometimes the position of your head makes it easier to swallow. For example, when you eat, you may need to turn your head to one side or look straight ahead.
Preparing food differently. You may need to prepare food in particular ways to make them safe for you to swallow. For example, if you can�t swallow thin liquids, you may need to add thickeners to your drinks.
Avoiding certain foods. You may need to avoid hot or cold foods or drinks.
For examples of exercises that doctors or speech therapists might prescribe to strengthen swallowing, see this selection of five exercises from the Napa Center.
Diet
There are many texture-modified foods for people with dysphagia. Because the consistencies of these foods vary so much, the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) has created standardized worldwide terminology and definitions for texture-modified liquids and thickened foods.
The IDDSI standards have five levels or grades of thickening that range from grade 0, which is thin liquid, to grade 4, which is a pudding-like consistency.
The Nutrition Care Manual, the standard dietary resource for professionals established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), adopted the IDDSI standards effective October 2021.
Elaine Achilles, author of �The Dysphagia Cookbook,� gives helpful tips and recipes in her book on how to cook and present food for someone with swallowing difficulty.
She learned how to cook this way firsthand when her partner of 17 years was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which makes swallowing progressively difficult. Achilles gives tips like these in her book:
Downsize dish, cup, and utensil size. This will necessitate smaller bites, which is important for people with swallowing difficulty.
Always think about texture. Make it appealing. For example, put meringue on custard.
Emphasize taste and aroma. This will overpower unappealing soft textures and help make food appetizing.
Make the environment nice. A pretty table setting, flowers, and a simple attractive environment can do wonders for the appetite.
It�s important to note that dysphagia with a neurologic cause may present differently than dysphagia with other causes.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services summarizes which foods to eat and which to avoid if you have swallowing difficulty. Here are some of its recommendations for foods to avoid or use only when carefully prepared:
Peas and corn. These can roll to the back of the throat and create a choking hazard unless carefully prepared into a puree or porridge.
Meat. Meats can be tiring to chew and can get stuck in the throat or esophagus. Again, proper preparation is necessary.
Rice. It can get stuck in the throat and fall into the airway. It is usable if properly prepared.
Ice cream. Its consistency changes when it melts, and it may become too thin for some people with swallowing difficulty.
Bread. People tend to swallow it too soon, and balls of it become lodged in airways. Gelled bread can be used instead.
Peanut butter. It can be hard for people with swallowing difficulty to process peanut butter, and it may block the airways if aspirated (inhaled into the airway). It cannot be removed by a Heimlich maneuver.
Fibrous cooked vegetables. Some examples include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus.
Fresh fruits. Fruits like apples and pears can be hard to chew. Stringy, high pulp fruits like pineapple or oranges are also best avoided unless properly prepared. |
dysphagia | for dysphagia, types of dysphagia? | Swallowing occurs in four phases:
oral preparatory
oral
pharyngeal
esophageal
Swallowing difficulty can be broken down into two categories: oropharyngeal (which includes the first three phases) and esophageal.
Oropharyngeal
Oropharyngeal dysphagia is often caused by disorders of the nerves and muscles in the throat. These disorders weaken the muscles, making it difficult for a person to swallow without choking or gagging.
The causes of oropharyngeal dysphagia are conditions that primarily affect the nervous system, such as:
multiple sclerosis (MS)
Parkinson�s disease
nerve damage from surgery or radiation therapy
post-polio syndrome
It may also be caused by an obstruction in the upper throat, pharynx, or pharyngeal pouches that collect food.
Esophageal
Esophageal dysphagia is the feeling that something is stuck in your throat. This condition is caused by:
spasms in the lower esophagus, such as diffuse spasms or the inability of the esophageal sphincter to relax
tightness in the lower esophagus due to an intermittent narrowing of the esophageal ring
narrowing of the esophagus from growths or scarring
foreign bodies lodged in the esophagus or throat
esophageal webs
diverticula
extrinsic compression
a swelling or narrowing of the esophagus from inflammation or GERD
scar tissue in the esophagus due to chronic inflammation or post-radiation treatment |
dysphagia | for dysphagia, takeaway? | Dysphagia, the medical term for swallowing difficulty, can result from many different medical conditions or their treatments. It may be temporary or a lifelong condition.
People with dysphagia need to eat foods that have been carefully prepared so as not to present choking hazards. These can be fresh foods made into soft or pureed textures and cut into small bites, or special foods like thickened liquids or texture-modified foods.
Some people with dysphagia cannot take foods orally and must use a feeding tube. The good news is that many cases of dysphagia are temporary, and a wide variety of treatments are available. |
Pneumocystis pneumonia | what is Pneumocystis pneumonia? Tell me about Pneumocystis pneumonia? What kind of disease is Pneumocystis pneumonia? Can you elaborate on Pneumocystis pneumonia? What can you tell me about Pneumocystis pneumonia? Could you describe what Pneumocystis pneumonia is? I�d like to know more about Pneumocystis pneumonia. Can you help? What information do you have on Pneumocystis pneumonia? Could you provide information on Pneumocystis pneumonia? | This type of pneumonia is rare but can be dangerous for those with weakened immune systems. Treatment and diagnosis processes have come a long way in the last few decades.
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an infection caused by a fungus called Pneumocystis jirovecii. PCP is a serious infection that most often develops in people with weakened immune systems. The infection is relatively rare in the general population.
The �C� in PCP comes from its previous name. There was a shift in understanding and knowledge about this infection in the 1980s when hospitals began seeing the number of people with it rise among those with HIV and AIDS. Before the 1980s, P. jirovecii was called P. carinii and was classed a protozoal infection. The �C� in the acronym PCP originally stood for carinii.
Although this is no longer correct, the acronym has stayed the same to avoid confusion. Keep reading to learn more about this rare form of pneumonia. |
Pneumocystis pneumonia | for Pneumocystis pneumonia, causes of pneumocystis pneumonia? | The fungus that causes PCP can live in the lungs of most people without causing symptoms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that up to 20% of adults
carry the fungus at any time. Most people�s bodies typically remove the fungus without issue after a few months.
But people with weakened immune systems can develop serious infections when they contract the fungus that causes PCP. This is most commonly seen in people who have HIV or AIDS. About 30% to 40%
of people with PCP have HIV or AIDS.
Other people who are at risk of PCP include people
:
with chronic lung disease
with cancer
who�ve had an organ transplant
who�ve had a stem cell transplant
with lupus and other autoimmune diseases
who take corticosteroids and other medications that lower their body�s immune system response
How common is Pneumocystis pneumonia?
There are no tracked statistics for PCP in the United States. Data from 2017 estimated that about 10,590 Americans
were hospitalized with PCP during that calendar year. But there aren�t overall statistics and data.
It�s known that before the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, PCP was extremely rare. During the height of the AIDS epidemic and before the development of today�s AIDS medications, around 75% of people with AIDS developed PCP.
These numbers have dropped in modern times, but PCP is still a concern for people with AIDS and other conditions that weaken their immune systems. PCP is also a concern in many countries around the world with developing healthcare systems.
Was this helpful? |
Pneumocystis pneumonia | for Pneumocystis pneumonia, symptoms of pneumocystis pneumonia? | Symptoms of PCP are similar to symptoms of other types of pneumonia. They can include:
difficulty breathing
cough
fever
chills
chest pain
fatigue
It�s a good idea to contact a healthcare professional if you�re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if you�ve had them for more than a few days.
How to prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia
Some people who are at high risk of PCP, such as people with HIV or AIDS or people who�ve received organ or stem cell transplants, might be prescribed medication to help prevent PCP.
Typically, this involves a medication called co-trimoxazole (TMX/SMX). You and a healthcare professional can discuss if preventive medication is right for you. There�s no vaccine to prevent PCP.
Was this helpful? |
Pneumocystis pneumonia | for Pneumocystis pneumonia, diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia? | You�ll likely have a round of tests to confirm a diagnosis of PCP. This commonly includes:
Blood tests: Blood tests such as complete blood counts (CBCs) can help find your levels of white blood cells and can indicate an infection. Another blood test looks for a part of fungal cells called D-glucan.
Blood gas tests: You might have your arterial blood gas and venous blood gas taken to test the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.
Sputum exam: A sputum exam tests mucus that you cough into a collection tube for PCP-causing fungus.
X-ray: An X-ray can take images of your chest and check for buildup in your lungs.
Bronchoscopy: A bronchoscopy is a test that uses a small and narrow tube called an endoscope that�s inserted into your airways to get a better look at inflammation and damage. It can provide sputum samples as well as biopsies.
Lung biopsy: During a lung biopsy, a piece of your lung tissue will be removed so that it can be tested in a lab. |
Pneumocystis pneumonia | for Pneumocystis pneumonia, treatments options for pneumocystis pneumonia? | PCP is a serious infection. People with PCP need medical treatment to resolve the infection. If PCP isn�t treated, it can be fatal.
Treatment for PCP most often involves co-trimoxazole medication given as oral medication or through an intravenous (IV) line. Typically, 3 weeks of treatment are required. Your healthcare team will be monitoring your progress closely, so be sure to ask them if you have any questions about your treatment for PCP.
You might also receive treatment to relieve your symptoms, such as medication to bring down fever, rehydration liquids, and pain-relieving medications.
Get involved
While we do have treatments for PCP, researchers are still looking to improve the process. If you�d like to get involved in the search for new and better treatments, check out ClinicalTrials.gov to see what studies are currently looking for participants.
Make sure to discuss any trials with a doctor or healthcare professional, especially if it will involve any changes to your current treatment regimen.
Was this helpful? |
Pneumocystis pneumonia | for Pneumocystis pneumonia, cost and coverage of pneumocystis pneumonia treatments? | The exact cost for PCP treatment will depend on your insurance plan and on factors such as the brand of co-trimoxazole you receive, if you need additional treatments for symptoms, and if you need hospitalization.
Your deductible, copayments, and the other details of your insurance plan will also make a difference in your final price.
PCP has an umbrella International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) diagnostic billing code of B59. All treatments will fall under this code when they�re billed to your insurance. You can use this code to search your insurance coverage information to see what�s listed.
Your plan might specify that only certain medications and treatments are covered for PCP. Make sure to check with them for the most up-to-date information. |
Pneumocystis pneumonia | for Pneumocystis pneumonia, outlook for pneumocystis pneumonia? | PCP can be fatal. Without treatment, PCP can lead to respiratory failure and to complications, such as a collapsed lung or fluid in your chest (pleural effusion).
Early treatment can help prevent these complications. Today, fewer people develop PCP than in the past thanks to better understanding and testing methods.
The introduction of medications for HIV and AIDS, especially antiretroviral therapy, has greatly reduced the number of people with PCP in the United States. But because the infection is so severe, the CDC still classifies PCP as a substantial public health concern. |
Pneumocystis pneumonia | for Pneumocystis pneumonia, takeaway? | PCP is a rare and serious fungal infection that primarily affects people with weakened immune systems.
This infection is most common in people with HIV and AIDS, but it can also occur in people who�ve had organ transplants and stem cell transplants and other people whose immune systems have been weakened due to conditions or medications.
Symptoms of PCP include fever, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Medical treatment of PCP is important. Without treatment, PCP can be fatal. Treatment typically involves 3 weeks of co-trimoxazole medication orally or by an IV line. |
alcohol use disorder | what is alcohol use disorder? Tell me about alcohol use disorder? What kind of disease is alcohol use disorder? Can you elaborate on alcohol use disorder? What can you tell me about alcohol use disorder? Could you describe what alcohol use disorder is? I�d like to know more about alcohol use disorder. Can you help? What information do you have on alcohol use disorder? Could you provide information on alcohol use disorder? | Alcoholism, referred to as alcohol use disorder, occurs when someone drinks so much that their body eventually becomes dependent on or addicted to alcohol. There are different treatment plans available.
Alcoholism has been known by a variety of terms, including alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Today, it�s referred to as alcohol use disorder.
People with alcohol use disorder will continue to drink even when drinking causes negative consequences, like losing a job or destroying relationships with people they love. They may know that their alcohol use negatively affects their lives, but it�s often not enough to make them stop drinking.
Some people may drink alcohol to the point that it causes problems, but they�re not physically dependent on alcohol. This used to be referred to as alcohol abuse. |
alcohol use disorder | for alcohol use disorder, what causes it?? | The cause of alcohol use disorder is still unknown. Alcohol use disorder develops when you drink so much that chemical changes in the brain occur. These changes increase the pleasurable feelings you get when you drink alcohol. This makes you want to drink more often, even if it causes harm.
Eventually, the pleasurable feelings associated with alcohol use go away and the person with alcohol use disorder will engage in drinking to prevent withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can be quite unpleasant and even dangerous.
Alcohol use disorder typically develops gradually over time. It�s also known to run in families. |
alcohol use disorder | for alcohol use disorder, what are the risk factors?? | Although the exact cause of alcohol use disorder is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk for developing this disease.
Known risk factors include having:
more than 15 drinks per week if you�re male
more than 12 drinks per week if you�re female
more than 5 drinks per day at least once a week (binge drinking)
a parent with alcohol use disorder
a mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia
You may also be at a greater risk for alcohol use disorder if you:
are a young adult experiencing peer pressure
have low self-esteem
experience a high level of stress
live in a family or culture where alcohol use is common and accepted
have a close relative with alcohol use disorder |
alcohol use disorder | for alcohol use disorder, what are the symptoms?? | Symptoms of alcohol use disorder are based on the behaviors and physical outcomes that occur as a result of alcohol addiction.
People with alcohol use disorder may engage in the following behaviors:
drinking alone
drinking more to feel the effects of alcohol (having a high tolerance)
becoming violent or angry when asked about their drinking habits
not eating or eating poorly
neglecting personal hygiene
missing work or school because of drinking
being unable to control alcohol intake
making excuses to drink
continuing to drink even when legal, social, or economic problems develop
giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use
People with alcohol use disorder may also experience the following physical symptoms:
alcohol cravings
withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, including shaking, nausea, and vomiting
tremors (involuntary shaking) the morning after drinking
lapses in memory (blacking out) after a night of drinking
illnesses, such as alcoholic ketoacidosis (includes dehydration-type symptoms) or cirrhosis |
alcohol use disorder | for alcohol use disorder, self-testing: do i misuse alcohol?? | Sometimes it can be hard to draw the line between safe alcohol use and the misuse of alcohol. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you may misuse alcohol if you answer �yes� to some of the following questions:
Do you need to drink more in order to feel the effects of alcohol?
Do you feel guilty about drinking?
Do you become irritable or violent when you�re drinking?
Do you have problems at school or work because of drinking?
Do you think it might be better if you cut back on your drinking?
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and AlcoholScreening.org offer more comprehensive self-tests. These tests can help you assess whether you misuse alcohol. |
alcohol use disorder | for alcohol use disorder, professional diagnosis? | Your doctor or healthcare provider can diagnose alcohol use disorder. They�ll do a physical exam and ask you questions about your drinking habits.
Your doctor may ask if you:
drive when you�re drunk
have missed work or have lost a job as a result of your drinking
need more alcohol to feel �drunk� when you drink
have experienced blackouts as a result of your drinking
have tried to cut back on your drinking but couldn�t
Your doctor may also use a questionnaire that assesses alcohol use disorder to help diagnose your condition.
Typically, a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder doesn�t require any other type of diagnostic test. There�s a chance your doctor may order blood work to check your liver function if you show signs or symptoms of liver disease.
Alcohol use disorder can cause serious and lasting damage to your liver. Your liver is responsible for removing toxins from your blood. When you drink too much, your liver has a harder time filtering the alcohol and other toxins from your bloodstream. This can lead to liver disease and other complications. |
alcohol use disorder | for alcohol use disorder, how is it treated?? | Treatment for alcohol use disorder varies, but each method is meant to help you stop drinking altogether. This is called abstinence. Treatment may occur in stages and can include the following:
detoxification or withdrawal to rid your body of alcohol
rehabilitation to learn new coping skills and behaviors
counseling to address emotional problems that may cause you to drink
support groups, including 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
medical treatment for health problems associated with alcohol use disorder
medications to help control addiction
There are a couple of different medications that may help with alcohol use disorder:
Naltrexone (ReVia) is used only after someone has detoxed from alcohol. This type of drug works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are associated with the alcoholic �high.� This type of drug, in combination with counseling, may help decrease a person�s craving for alcohol.
Acamprosate is a medication that can help re-establish the brain�s original chemical state before alcohol dependence. This drug should also be combined with therapy.
Disulfiram (Antabuse) is a drug that causes physical discomfort (such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches) any time the person consumes alcohol.
You may need to seek treatment at an inpatient facility if your addiction to alcohol is severe. These facilities will provide you with 24-hour care as you withdraw from alcohol and recover from your addiction. Once you�re well enough to leave, you�ll need to continue to receive treatment on an outpatient basis. |
alcohol use disorder | for alcohol use disorder, what�s the outlook for a person with alcohol use disorder?? | Recovering from alcohol use disorder is difficult. Your outlook will depend on your ability to stop drinking. Many people who seek treatment are able to overcome the addiction. A strong support system is helpful for making a complete recovery.
Your outlook will also depend on the health complications that have developed as a result of your drinking. Alcohol use disorder can severely damage your liver. It can also lead to other health complications, including:
bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
damage to brain cells
cancer in the GI tract
dementia
depression
high blood pressure
pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
nerve damage
changes in mental status, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (a brain disease that causes symptoms such as confusion, vision changes, or memory loss) |
alcohol use disorder | for alcohol use disorder, how can you prevent alcohol use disorder?? | You can prevent alcohol use disorder by limiting your alcohol intake. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
, women shouldn�t drink more than one drink per day, and men shouldn�t drink more than two drinks per day.
See your doctor if you begin to engage in behaviors that are signs of alcohol use disorder or if you think that you may have a problem with alcohol. You should also consider attending a local AA meeting or participating in a self-help program such as Women for Sobriety. |
emotional lability | what is emotional lability? Tell me about emotional lability? What kind of disease is emotional lability? Can you elaborate on emotional lability? What can you tell me about emotional lability? Could you describe what emotional lability is? I�d like to know more about emotional lability. Can you help? What information do you have on emotional lability? Could you provide information on emotional lability? | Emotional liability is a neurological condition that causes uncontrollable laughing or crying, often at inappropriate times. It tends to affect people with preexisting neurological conditions or injuries.
You may a neurological condition known as emotional lability if you have uncontrollable laughing or crying, often at inappropriate times. It tends to affect people with preexisting neurological conditions or injuries.
It has many other names, including:
While the symptoms of emotional lability seem psychological, they�re actually a result of changes to the part of your brain that�s responsible for emotional control. |
emotional lability | for emotional lability, what are the symptoms?? | The main symptoms of emotional lability are uncontrollable outbursts of crying or laughing. These outbursts are usually an exaggerated or inappropriately intense emotional reaction. They can also be completely unrelated to your current emotional state. For example, you might start laughing uncontrollably when you�re upset.
Other symptoms of emotional lability include:
short emotional outbursts that don�t last for more than a few minutes
mixed emotional outbursts, such as laughing that turns into crying
lack of emotional symptoms between episodes
laughing or crying in situations that other people don�t find funny or sad
emotional responses that are over-the-top for the situation
emotional outbursts that are very different from your usual behavior |
emotional lability | for emotional lability, emotional lability after a stroke? | Emotional lability often occurs after a stroke. According to the National Stroke Association
, more than half of stroke survivors have symptoms of emotional lability.
Strokes happen when a blood vessel in your brain bursts or something cuts of your brain�s blood supply. This causes brain cells to start dying within minutes, which can damage the parts of your brain responsible for memory, language, and emotion.
Researchers aren�t sure about the exact cause of emotional lability after a stroke. However, the most popular theory
suggests it�s related to damage to the connections between the brainstem and frontal lobes. |
emotional lability | for emotional lability, other causes of emotional lability? | In addition to strokes, neurological conditions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to emotional lability.
Common neurological conditions that can cause emotional lability include:
Alzheimer�s disease
dementia
multiple sclerosis (MS)
ALS (Lou Gehrig�s disease)
Types of TBIs that can cause emotional lability include:
blunt force head trauma
skull fracture
coup-countercoup injury
contusion
hematoma
laceration
penetrating injury
infection
brain swelling
oxygen deprivation |
emotional lability | for emotional lability, how is it diagnosed?? | Emotional lability is often misdiagnosed as depression or another mental health condition. To make getting a diagnosis easier, try to keep a journal of your symptoms, including when they occur and how long they last. If possible, note your general mood and emotional state between outbursts. If you don�t notice any emotional symptoms between episodes, it�s a good indicator that you likely have emotional lability, rather than a psychological condition.
Make sure to tell your doctor about any recent head injuries or underlying conditions. You might also find it helpful to bring along a loved one who�s observed your emotional outbursts.
While there�s no specific test for diagnosing emotional lability, your doctor will ask you a series of questions about your medical history and moods to confirm the diagnosis. |
emotional lability | for emotional lability, how is it treated?? | More mild cases of emotional lability may not need treatment. However, if it causes significant stress, certain medications can help to reduce the severity and frequency of your outbursts. This can make the condition much more manageable and less destructive in social situations.
Medications often used to treat emotional lability include:
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate (Nuedexta)
Nuedexta is currently the only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to specifically treat emotional lability. Clinical studies
in people with neurological conditions found that it reduced the frequency of emotional outbursts by about half.
Antidepressants
Low doses of antidepressants may reduce the intensity of your emotional outbursts and make them occur less often.
Although antidepressants can alleviate the symptoms of emotional lability, they aren�t approved by the FDA to treat the condition. When a drug is used to treat a condition it hasn�t received FDA approval for, it�s known as off-label drug usage. |
emotional lability | for emotional lability, how can i find support?? | Living with emotional lability can be frustrating, especially if it makes it hard for you to participate in social situations or those close to you don�t understand your condition.
Here are a few tips for coping with emotional lability:
Take frequent breaks from social situations to calm yourself.
Look for a local support group or online community to meet other people dealing with the condition that caused your emotional lability.
Practice slow breathing techniques and focus on your breath during episodes.
Figure out what triggers your episodes, such as stress or fatigue.
Distract yourself from rising emotions with a change of activity or position.
Distract yourself by counting objects in the room or counting your breath.
If you have an episode, try to move on with your day and avoid dwelling on it.
Prepare a short explanation to give to people who may be confused by your behavior, such as: �Since my stroke, I giggle sometimes. Just ignore it.�
HEALTHLINE NEWSLETTER
Get our weekly Bipolar Disorder email
To help support your mental wellness, we'll send you treatment advice, mood-management tips, and personal stories.
SIGN UP NOW
Your privacy is important to us |
emotional lability | for emotional lability, what�s the outlook?? | The long-term outlook for people with emotional lability depends on the underlying cause. If you have permanent brain damage from a stroke, you may continue to have outbursts for the rest of your life. However, over time, you may be able to identify things that trigger your outbursts or come up with ways to distract yourself when you feel one coming on.
If your episodes start to cause you a lot of stress, medication may also help. Work with your doctor to find treatment options that work best for you. |
bedsore | what is bedsore? Tell me about bedsore? What kind of disease is bedsore? Can you elaborate on bedsore? What can you tell me about bedsore? Could you describe what bedsore is? I�d like to know more about bedsore. Can you help? What information do you have on bedsore? Could you provide information on bedsore? | A decubitus ulcer is also known as a pressure ulcer, pressure sore, or bedsore. It�s an open wound on your skin caused by a long period of constant pressure to a specific area of the body. Decreased blood flow to these areas leads to tissue damage and death.
Decubitus ulcers often occur on the skin covering bony areas. The most common places for a decubitus ulcer are your:
This condition is common among people who are older and people who have decreased mobility. Left untreated, infections can spread to the blood, heart, and bones and become life threatening.
But it�s important to know that bedsores can be treated. An individual�s outlook depends on several factors, including underlying medical conditions as well as the stage of the ulcer. |
bedsore | for bedsore, stages? | Decubitus ulcers occur in stages. There�s a staging process to help your healthcare professional diagnose and treat you.
Stage 1 and 2 ulcers usually do not require surgery, but stage 3 and 4 ulcers may.
Stage 1
The skin isn�t broken, but it�s discolored. The area may appear red if you have a light complexion. The discoloration may vary from blue to purple if you have a darker complexion.
For example, if you have a lighter complexion, a sore can turn red instead of turning lighter when you press on it. The sore will stay red for at least 30 minutes.
It may also:
feel warm to the touch
look swollen
be painful
itch
burn
Stage 2
A break in the skin reveals a shallow sore or cut that may leak pus. The sore may also look like a blister filled with fluid. It affects the first (epidermis) and possibly the second (dermis) layers of skin.
The ulcer hurts, and the surrounding skin may be discolored.
Stage 3
The ulcer is much deeper within the skin, affecting your fat layer. You should not be able to see bones or tendons.
The sore looks like a crater and may be foul smelling.
Stage 4
This ulcer is very deep and affects many tissue layers, possibly including the bone. There is a lot of dead tissue and pus. Infection is likely in this stage.
You may be able to see:
muscle
bones
tendons
joints
Unstageable
Sometimes, it�s not possible to measure the depth of a sore or the amount of tissue damage that has occurred. This makes it difficult to fully evaluate and stage an ulcer.
This may be due to the presence of a hard plaque called an eschar inside the sore. The sore may look:
tan
brown
black
Ulcers can also contain discolored debris known as slough that may appear:
yellow
tan
green
brown
Your doctor may need to remove the eschar or slough to determine the full extent of the ulcer. Further imaging or surgical evaluation of the area may be required. |
bedsore | for bedsore, symptoms? | Each stage of a decubitus ulcer has different symptoms. Depending on the stage, you may have any of the following:
skin discoloration
pain, itching, or burning in the affected area
open skin
skin that doesn�t lighten to the touch
skin that�s softer or firmer than the surrounding skin
necrosis, or dead tissue that appears black
The sore may also be infected. Symptoms of infection include:
redness or discoloration surrounding the sore
pus or green-colored drainage
a foul smell
fever |
bedsore | for bedsore, causes? | Prolonged pressure is essentially the main cause of a decubitus ulcer. Lying on a certain part of your body for long periods causes your skin to break down. The areas around the hips, heels, and tailbone are especially vulnerable to these types of sores.
Other factors that increase the odds of experiencing a bedsore include:
poor circulation
excessive moisture
skin irritants like urine and feces
friction, such as when a person who is confined to bed has sheets dragged from under them |
bedsore | for bedsore, risk factors? | You may be at greater risk of decubitus ulcers if you:
are confined to bed following surgery or illness
can�t move or change positions by yourself while lying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair
are over 70 years old, as older adults are more likely to have fragile skin and mobility difficulties
smoke
have obesity
don�t get enough nutrients in your diet, which may influence the condition of your skin
have urinary or bowel incontinence
have chronic conditions that can restrict your blood circulation or limit your mobility, such as:
diabetes
atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
heart failure
kidney failure
Parkinson�s disease
multiple sclerosis |
bedsore | for bedsore, diagnosis? | Your healthcare professional may refer you to a wound care team of doctors, specialists, and nurses experienced in treating pressure sores. The team may evaluate your ulcer based on several factors, including:
the size and depth of your ulcer
the type of tissue directly affected by your ulcer, such as skin, muscle, or bone
the color of the skin affected by your ulcer
the amount of tissue death that occurs from your ulcer
the condition of your ulcer, such as presence of infection, strong odor, or bleeding
Your healthcare professional may take a biopsy, or sample of the fluids and tissue in your decubitus ulcer, and send it to a lab for testing. |
bedsore | for bedsore, treatment? | Your treatment will depend on the stage and condition of your ulcer. Repositioning frequently and keeping the site clean, dry, and free of irritants is important to promote healing.
Treatment may include:
treatment of any infection that is present, which may include:
antibiotic cream
oral antibiotics
intravenous (IV) antibiotics
local wound care, including specific cleaning and dressing recommendations
using special bandages that help remove dead tissue
medication to relieve or reduce any discomfort
debridement, which removes dead or infected tissue
repositioning frequently
reducing friction and moisture in the location
using special off-loading cushions to reduce pressure on the sore
surgery
Stage 3 and 4 ulcers are more likely to require surgical debridement and negative pressure wound therapy. Chronic deep ulcers may be difficult to treat.
Your treatment strategy depends on several factors. Your doctor will discuss the best options for your specific ulcer.
PS3000/Getty Images
Anukool Manoton/Shutterstock |
bedsore | for bedsore, prevention? | Your doctor or a physical therapist can make recommendations to reduce the likelihood of experiencing bedsores. They may recommend:
changing positions in bed at least every 2 hours
if you use a wheelchair, aiming to:
sit upright
shift your sitting position every 15 minutes
use a cushion that redistributes your weight
regularly checking your skin for signs of pressure sores, if you�re hospitalized or otherwise immobilized
using pillows or a pressure-reducing mattress to prevent new sores from forming in vulnerable areas
wearing clothing that isn�t too tight or loose or that bunches up under you
wearing special padding on pressure points including elbows and heels
quitting smoking, if you currently smoke
dietary modifications for adequate nutrition and possibly working with a registered dietitian
staying hydrated
exercising as much as possible, such as taking short walks a couple of times per day or sitting up and stretching |
bedsore | for bedsore, outlook? | Your healing process depends on the stage of your ulcer. The sooner it�s diagnosed, the sooner you can begin treatment and recovery.
Early treatment reduces the likelihood of experiencing possibly life threatening complications, including infection. Later stages often require more aggressive treatments and longer recovery times.
Your healthcare professional may suggest that you change your diet and exercise routine to reduce the risk of recurrence. This may involve eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise as best you can. |