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What are the symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa?
You're most likely to get a diagnosis of RP as a teen or young adult. Vision loss is slow, and the rate of vision change varies from person to person. How quickly it moves depends on the genetic makeup of your RP. Early RP symptoms: Loss of night vision, making it harder to drive at dusk or night or to see in dimly lit rooms. Later RP symptoms: Loss of side (peripheral) vision, leading to tunnel vision -- like looking through a straw. Sometimes you lose central vision first. Then, reading or doing close work isn't easy. This loss of central vision also affects color vision.
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What are the types of retinitis?
This is a group of genetic eye diseases you inherit from one or both parents. Some examples of RP and related diseases: Usher syndrome Leber's congenital amaurosis ( LCA) Rod-cone disease Bardet- Biedl syndrome CMV retinitis. This is a type of retinitis that develops from a viral infection of the retina. CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a herpes virus. Most people have been exposed to the virus, but it usually causes no harm. When a herpes virus is reactivated in people with weaker immune systems, it can cause retinitis.
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How is cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis treated?
To help prevent blindness, doctors both treat the retinitis and work to strengthen your immune system. You may need an antiviral medication such as ganciclovir. You might take pills by mouth or receive an injection into a vein or eye.
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What are the symptoms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis?
In early stages, CMV retinitis causes no symptoms. You may develop symptoms, first in one eye, over a few days. Symptoms may include: Floaters (specks or clouds in your field of vision) Blurred vision Loss of side vision Just as with RP, symptoms may occur first with central vision. This affects reading and perception of color.
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What are some other treatment options for retinitis pigmentosa (RP)?
Researchers are looking into a range of treatment options, such as stem cells, medications, gene therapy, and transplants. They are already making progress. For example, patients in a small genetic study have had some sight restored with genetic therapy. One day, it may be possible to treat RP by inserting healthy genes into your retina. If you have RP, there are some devices that can help make objects look brighter and larger, such as low-vision magnifiers. These devices can help you remain independent and active. You can also try rehabilitation services that can help you use the vision you have in a more effective way.
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Is there current research into effective treatments for retinitis?
Researchers are looking into a range of treatment options, such as stem cells, medications, gene therapy, and transplants. They are already making progress. For example, patients in a small genetic study have had some sight restored with genetic therapy. One day, it may be possible to treat RP by inserting healthy genes into your retina. If you have RP, there are some devices that can help make objects look brighter and larger, such as low-vision magnifiers.
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How can taking care of yourself help someone you love with schizophrenia?
It can be draining to look after someone with schizophrenia. You need to make nurturing yourself a top priority every day. It's common for caregivers to feel sad, angry, alone, or afraid of what others will think. Reach out to friends and family, and tell them what you need. They can: Listen to you without judging you Find information and doctors Share hopeful stories, moral support, and spiritual guidance Offer financial assistance Do your housework and babysit your kids Most of all, eat well, get enough sleep, exercise, and take part in fun activities. You can't be “on call” 24 hours a day. So schedule guilt-free vacations and give yourself a complete break from time to time.
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How can avoiding stress help someone you love with schizophrenia?
Activities like yoga, tai chi, and meditation can make both of you feel more relaxed. Try to do them regularly so you can use them in a crisis.
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How can staying in touch help someone you love with schizophrenia?
When a person with schizophrenia feels alone, his suicidal thoughts may increase. If you don't live close by, you can help by staying in touch via telephone, text, email, and mail. Sending short notes like postcards and greeting cards can remind him how much you care.
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How can being goal-oriented help someone you love with schizophrenia?
A doctor will set up a wellness plan with your loved one that will include specific goals. If you're not sure who to call to get treatment started, try your family doctor, who may refer you to a psychiatrist. Your job as a caregiver is to remind your loved one how important it is to stick to his goals, and to encourage him to stay on his medication. He needs to follow his treatment plan to help prevent the disease from coming back and keep his symptoms from getting worse.
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How can joining support groups help someone you love with schizophrenia?
Some things to include are: Your loved one's recent symptoms (what they are and when they started) Any other medical conditions he may have New sources of stress (these can include major life changes) Medications, vitamins, herbs, or any other supplements that he has taken, as well as the dosage Encourage your family member or friend to join a group, and make sure he gets to the meetings. In these support groups, he will be among other people with schizophrenia who will share their experiences. It may help him feel less alone. The Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America ( SARDAA) and National Alliance on Mental Illness ( NAMI) both offer support.
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How can learning how to respond help someone you love with schizophrenia?
When someone with schizophrenia has hallucinations (hears or sees things that aren't there) or delusions (believes things that aren't true, even when he gets proof that they're false), he believes they are real. It doesn't help him to challenge his beliefs by saying they're not. Instead, tell him that you each see things in your own way. Be respectful, kind, and supportive, and call his doctor if needed. If he's acting out hallucinations, stay calm, call 911, and tell the dispatcher he has schizophrenia. While you wait for paramedics, don't argue, shout, criticize, threaten, block the doorway, touch him, or stand over him. Also avoid direct eye contact, which could make him feel threatened.
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How can knowing the signs of suicide help someone you love with schizophrenia?
Most people with schizophrenia are harmless to others. They're more likely to hurt themselves than anybody else. Sometimes that includes trying to take their own life. You should take any suicidal talk seriously, and pay attention to poems, notes, or any other things your loved one creates that are about death. Also, be suspicious if he suddenly goes from depressed to cheerful. This change could mean he's thinking about suicide. For help on the spot, call your doctor and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
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What are the symptoms of a corneal ulcer?
Red eye Severe pain Feeling that something is in your eye Tears Pus or thick discharge draining from your eye Blurry vision Pain when looking at bright lights Swollen eyelids A white round spot on the cornea that is visible with the naked eye if the ulcer is very large Change in vision Severe pain Feeling that there is something in your eye Obvious discharge draining from your eye History of scratches to the eye or exposure to chemicals or flying particles Because corneal ulcers are a serious problem, you should see your ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery).
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Is surgery done for corneal ulcers?
If the ulcer cannot be controlled with medications or if it threatens to perforate the cornea, you may require an emergency surgical procedure known as corneal transplant.
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What is a corneal ulcer?
Scratches on the edge of your contact lens can scrape the cornea's surface and make it more open to bacterial infections.
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What is the outlook for people with a corneal ulcer?
Discard and replace the contact lenses at the interval specified by your doctor A corneal ulcer is a true emergency. Without treatment, the ulcer can spread to the rest of your eyeball, and you can become partially or completely blind in a very short period of time. Your cornea may also perforate, or you could develop scarring, cataracts, or glaucoma. With the proper treatment, corneal ulcers should improve within 2-3 weeks. If scars from previous corneal ulcers impair vision, a corneal transplant may be needed to restore normal vision.
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When should you seek medical care for a corneal ulcer?
Red eye Severe pain Feeling that something is in your eye Tears Pus or thick discharge draining from your eye Blurry vision Pain when looking at bright lights Swollen eyelids A white round spot on the cornea that is visible with the naked eye if the ulcer is very large Change in vision Severe pain Feeling that there is something in your eye Obvious discharge draining from your eye History of scratches to the eye or exposure to chemicals or flying particles Because corneal ulcers are a serious problem, you should see your ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery).
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How can contact lenses damage your cornea?
Contact lenses can damage your cornea in many ways. Scratches on the edge of your contact lens can scrape the cornea's surface and make it more open to bacterial infections. Similarly, tiny particles of dirt trapped underneath the contact lens can scratch the cornea. Bacteria may be on the lens or in your cleaning solutions and, thus, get trapped on the undersurface of the lens. If your lenses are left in your eyes for long periods of time, these bacteria can multiply and cause damage to the cornea. Wearing lenses for extended periods of time can also block oxygen to the cornea, making it more susceptible to infections.
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How is Riluzole used to treat depression?
Riluzole: This medicine, originally used to treat motor neuron disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease), has been shown also to affect neurotransmitters involved in depression, and in early studies has begun to show promise in treating depression that is unresponsive to more traditional medicines.
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What is the outlook for depression?
The outlook for depressed people who seek treatment is very promising. By working with a qualified and experienced mental health care professional, you can regain control of your life.
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What alternative therapies are available for mild depression?
In addition, alternative therapies such as yoga and hypnosis sometimes work for mild depression.
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Can depression return if you stop treatment?
Even when treatment such as ECT, TMS, vagus nerve stimulation, or other alternative therapies is successful, depression can return. Psychotherapy and/or maintenance antidepressant medication can help prevent depression from coming back. Psychotherapy does this by correcting the beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors that contribute to your depression. If you do experience recurring symptoms, don't hesitate to seek help again.
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When is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) used to treat depression?
Or it might be used when patients pose a severe threat to themselves or others and it is too dangerous to wait until medications take effect.
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How is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) performed?
Prior to ECT treatment, a patient is given a muscle relaxant and is put to sleep with a general anesthesia. Electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp and a finely controlled electric current is applied. This current causes a brief seizure in the brain. Because the muscles are relaxed, the visible effects of the seizure will usually be limited to slight movement of the hands and feet. Patients are carefully monitored during the treatment. The patient awakens minutes later, does not remember the treatment or events surrounding it, and is often confused. The confusion typically lasts for only a short period of time. ECT is usually given up to three times a week for a total of two to four weeks.
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What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
ECT is among the safest and most effective treatments available for depression. With ECT, electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp and a finely controlled electric current is applied while the patient is under general anesthesia. The current causes a brief seizure in the brain. ECT is one of the fastest ways to relieve symptoms in severely depressed or suicidal patients. It's also very effective for patients who suffer from mania or a number of other mental illnesses.
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What are some misunderstandings about using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat depression?
Although ECT has been used since the 1940s and 1950s, it remains misunderstood by the general public. Many of the procedure's risks and side effects are related to the misuse of equipment, incorrect administration, or improperly trained staff. It is also a misconception that ECT is used as a "quick fix" in place of long-term therapy or hospitalization. Nor is it correct to believe that the patient is painfully "shocked" out of the depression. Unfavorable news reports and media coverage have contributed to the controversy surrounding this treatment.
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How does vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) work to treat depression?
Vagus nerve stimulation ( VNS) is another treatment for depression that uses a surgically implanted pacemaker-like device that electrically stimulates a nerve that runs up the neck into the brain. The nerve is called the vagus nerve.
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What alternative treatments are used to treat depression?
Alternative treatments can sometimes provide relief that traditional Western medicine cannot. While some alternative therapies have become accepted as part of modern health care practice, others still have not been proven safe or effective. Whether or not they are scientifically proven, alternative therapies, by providing forms of relaxation and relief from stress, may have a place in healing and general health and well-being. Examples of alternative therapies include acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic treatments, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, and massage. In general, alternative therapies by themselves are reasonable to use for mild but not more severe forms of clinical depression.
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What are uterine fibroids?
These tumors, usually benign, are generally found in the smooth muscles of the uterus, and can cause pelvic pain, infertility, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Uterine fibroids are a common reason why women have hysterectomies, accounting for between 177,000 and 366,000 of the annual total.
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Can vaginal pessary help with avoiding hysterectomy if I have prolapse?
One treatment option is a vaginal pessary -- a removable device placed into the vagina to support areas where prolapse is happening. There are several different kinds of pessaries, and your doctor can help you decide which is best for your situation. They don't cure the prolapse, but can relieve symptoms partially or completely. Often, they can be helpful in pregnancy, holding the uterus in place before it enlarges and invades the vaginal canal.
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What is laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis?
A more long-term treatment for endometriosis that is more likely to help with fertility problems is laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive approach to either remove the endometrial growths and scar tissue, or burn them away with intense heat. If the growths can't all be safely destroyed this way, surgeons can take a more invasive approach, a laparotomy, which involves making a larger cut in the abdomen. This requires a much longer recovery period, but is still less invasive than hysterectomy and offers the prospect of retaining fertility.
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What is uterine artery embolization or uterine fibroid embolization?
Uterine artery embolization ( UAE), also known as uterine fibroid embolization ( UFE). This is a fairly simple, noninvasive procedure in which small particles are injected into the uterine arteries feeding the fibroids, cutting off their blood supply. Unlike a hysterectomy, this procedure preserves the uterus and helps women potentially avoid surgery.
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How many women every year have a hysterectomy?
One-third of American women experience some type of pelvic health disorder by the time they're age 60. And about 600,000 women every year have a hysterectomy -- removing their uterus to relieve troubling symptoms. Overall, an estimated 20 million women have had a hysterectomy. But if you have painful periods with excessive bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, or another pelvic health problem, you should know that there are alternatives to hysterectomy to consider.
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What is hysteroscopy?
The insertion of a thin, telescope-like instrument through the vagina can be used if the fibroid is primarily within the cavity of the uterus. This is a minor surgical procedure with minimal recuperation time, but can only be offered to women who have fibroids within the lining of the uterine cavity.
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What is endometriosis?
About 5 million American women experience endometriosis, which occurs when tissue that behaves like the lining of the uterus -- the endometrium -- grows in other areas of the abdominal cavity, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or outer surface of the uterus. Symptoms include pelvic pain, painful intercourse, spotting between periods, and infertility. The average woman with endometriosis has symptoms for two to five years before being diagnosed.
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What's the first type of treatment for uterine fibroids?
Painful symptoms of uterine fibroids can be initially treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), like Motrin. If that isn't effective, another option is a class of drugs that blocks the ovaries' production of estrogen and other hormones. Their side effects can include symptoms of premature menopause and a decrease in bone density. This is done only prior to scheduled fibroid removal, not long term.
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Are eczema and asthma related?
Atopy causes a heightened sensitivity to common allergens, especially those that are in food and in the air. Some children with eczema or atopic dermatitis develop asthma. Some findings indicate that children with atopic dermatitis may have more severe and persistent asthma as adults.
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What areas of the body are targeted by tai chi and qi gong?
Core: Yes. You won't be doing moves like crunches, but you'll be using your core muscles as you flow from move to move. Arms: Yes. Your arms are part of the movements in these gentle martial arts. Legs: Yes. You do the movements standing up, so tai chi and qi gong do use your leg muscles, but not in an intense way. Glutes: Yes. The exercises don't include positions that specifically target the glutes, but those muscles will be working as you move. Back: Yes. Tai chi and qi gong use your whole body, including the muscles in your back.
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What exercise types are improved by tai chi and qi gong?
Flexibility: Yes. The movements help improve flexibility. Aerobic: No. These are moving meditations, not cardio workouts. Strength: Yes. When you do qi gong and tai chi, you're building strength in a subtle way. Your body weight is all you need. It's not about powering through muscular poses, but about engaging your whole body. Sport: No. It is not a sport. Low- Impact: Yes. The gentle movements put minimal stress on the muscles and joints.
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What should I do if I see someone in sudden cardiac arrest?
If you witness someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, dial 911 or your local emergency personnel immediately and initiate CPR. If done properly, CPR can save a person's life, as the procedure keeps blood and oxygen circulating through the body until help arrives. If there is an AED available, the best chance of rescuing the person includes defibrillation with that device. The shorter the time until defibrillation, the greater the chance the person will survive.
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What are symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest?
Some people may experience symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest, such as a racing heartbeat or feeling dizzy, alerting them that a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem has started. In over half of the cases, however, sudden cardiac arrest occurs without prior symptoms.
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Who is at risk for sudden cardiac arrest?
There are many risk factors that can increase a person's risk of sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death, including the following: Previous heart attack with a large area of the heart damaged (75% of SCD cases are linked to a previous heart attack.) A person's risk of SCD is higher during the first 6 months after a heart attack. Coronary artery disease (80% of SCD cases are linked with this disease.) Risk factors for coronary artery disease include smoking, hypertension, family history of heart disease, and high cholesterol.
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How can you lower your risk for sudden cardiac arrest?
These lifestyle changes include: Quitting smoking Losing weight Exercising regularly Following a heart-healthy diet Managing diabetes Managing other health conditions including high blood pressure and cholesterol If you have questions or are unsure how make these changes, talk to your doctor. Patients and families should know the signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease and the steps to take if symptoms occur. Medications: To help reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, doctors may prescribe medications to people who have had heart attacks or who have heart failure or arrhythmias such as irregular heart rhythms.
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Can medications lower your risk of sudden cardiac arrest?
These drugs may include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and other antiarrhythmics. For patients with high cholesterol and coronary artery disease, statin drugs may be prescribed.
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Are athletes at risk for sudden cardiac death?
Cause: Many cases of SCD are related to undetected heart disease. In the younger population, SCD is often caused by congenital heart defects, while in older athletes (ages 35 and older), the cause is more often related to coronary artery disease. Prevalence: In the younger population, most SCD occurs while playing team sports. It occurs in about one in 50,000 athletes, and more often in males. In older athletes (ages 35 and older), SCD occurs more often while running or jogging. Screening: The American Heart Association recommends cardiovascular screening for high school and collegiate athletes and should include a complete and careful evaluation of the athlete's personal and family history and a physical exam.
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Can you prevent sudden cardiac death?
Keeping regular follow-up appointments with your doctor, making certain lifestyle changes, taking medications as prescribed, and having interventional procedures or surgery (as recommended) are ways you can reduce your risk.
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Can your family members help if you're at risk for sudden cardiac death?
Educate Your Family Members: If you are at risk for SCD, talk to your family members so they understand your condition and the importance of seeking immediate care in the event of an emergency. Family members and friends of those at risk for SCD should know how to perform CPR.
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What is inflammatory breast cancer?
Inflammatory breast cancer ( IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that often appears as a rash or an irritated area of skin. It blocks the lymph vessels in the skin of your breast. Inflammatory breast cancer may not show up on a mammogram or ultrasound and is often misdiagnosed as an infection. By the time it's diagnosed, it usually has grown into the skin of your breast. Often, it has already spread to other parts of the body, too.
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What are the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer?
A bruise on the breast that doesn't go away Sudden swelling of the breast Itching of the breast Nipple changes or discharge Swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm or in the neck These changes often happen quickly, over a period of weeks.
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How does inflammatory breast cancer develop?
When compared to other forms of the disease, inflammatory breast cancer: Looks different -- often there are no lumps, but your breast might appear red, swollen, or inflamed Is harder to diagnose -- it doesn't show up well on a mammogram Is more aggressive and spreads more quickly than other types Tends to be diagnosed at a younger age, especially among African- American women Is more likely to affect overweight women Is often further along (your doctor may call this locally advanced, meaning it's moved into nearby skin) when it's diagnosed Has often spread past the breast (your doctor will say it has metastasized) when it's diagnosed, which makes it harder to treat Unlike more common types of breast cancer, this type generally doesn't show up as a lump. The disease grows as nests or sheets under the skin.
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How does the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) diagnose diabetes?
Research has shown that the OGTT is more sensitive than the FPG test for diagnosing prediabetes, but it is less convenient to administer. The OGTT requires you to fast for at least eight hours before the test. Your plasma glucose is measured immediately before and two hours after you drink a liquid containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water. Results and what they mean are shown in table 2. If your blood sugar level is between 140 and 199 mg/d L 2 hours after drinking the liquid, you have a form of prediabetes called impaired glucose tolerance or IGT, meaning that you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A two-hour glucose level of 200 mg/d L or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.
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How is diabetes diagnosed?
The following tests are used for the diagnosis of diabetes: A fasting plasma glucose test measures your blood glucose after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating. This test is used to detect diabetes or prediabetes. An oral glucose tolerance test measures your blood sugar after you have gone at least eight hours without eating and two hours after you drink a glucose-containing beverage. This test can be used to diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. In a random plasma glucose test, your doctor checks your blood sugar without regard to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes, but not prediabetes. Positive test results should be confirmed by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day. When first diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor may suggest a zinc transporter 8 autoantibody ( Zn T8 Ab) test. This blood test -- along with other information and test results -- can help determine if a person has type 1 diabetes and not another type. The goal of having the Zn T8 Ab test is a prompt and accurate diagnosis and that can lead to timely treatment.
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How are random blood glucose tests or hemoglobin A1c screenings used in the diagnosis of diabetes?
A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/d L or more, plus presence of the following symptoms, can mean that you have diabetes: Increased urination Increased thirst Unexplained weight loss Other symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased hunger, and sores that do not heal. Your doctor will check your blood glucose level on another day using the FPG or the OGTT to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes. Newer guidelines use hemoglobin A1c as a screening tool for prediabetes or diabetes (the test is normally used to measure blood glucose control in diabetes patients over several months). An Hb A1c of 5.7% to 6.4% is consistent with prediabetes and marks a time when it can be reversed by lifestyle changes. An Hb A1c of 6.5% or higher is consistent with diabetes.
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How is the oral glucose tolerance test used to diagnose diabetes?
The OGTT requires you to fast for at least eight hours before the test. Your plasma glucose is measured immediately before and two hours after you drink a liquid containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water. Results and what they mean are shown in table 2. If your blood sugar level is between 140 and 199 mg/d L 2 hours after drinking the liquid, you have a form of prediabetes called impaired glucose tolerance or IGT, meaning that you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A two-hour glucose level of 200 mg/d L or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.
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What is the role of a pain specialist in the diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain?
Pain specialists are usually anesthesiologists who have specialized training in pain management. Some women with chronic pelvic pain can seek out these physicians to complement treatment provided by their primary care or gynecologist. Pain specialists may be necessary for appropriate trials of nerve blocks, the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation ( TENS) units, or management of medications used for chronic pain.
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What are some procedures used to diagnose chronic pelvic pain?
It involves inserting a camera or scope through a small incision to look at the pelvic organs or take tissue samples. Also, a hysteroscopy, a small camera placed through the vagina into the uterus, may be useful to diagnose abnormalities that may cause pain originating inside the uterus. " Pain mapping" is a technique some doctors use. While you're sedated but awake, a doctor uses a laparoscope and a probe to stimulate points inside your pelvis. You rate any pain you feel and say whether it is like the pain you typically experience. This creates a "map" of sensitive areas.
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What are some causes of chronic pelvic pain that radiological tests can help diagnose?
Radiological tests may be useful to diagnose: Endometriosis Pelvic congestion Adhesions Fibroids Pelvic inflammatory disease If imaging tests don't reveal the cause of your pelvic pain, a procedure called laparoscopy may be recommended.
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How is high blood sugar treated?
Your blood sugar may rise if you: Skip or forget your insulin or oral glucose-lowering medicine Eat too many grams of carbohydrates for the amount of insulin you took, or eat too many carbs in general Have an infection Are ill Are under stress Become inactive or exercise less than usual Take part in strenuous physical activity, especially when your blood sugar levels are high and insulin levels are low Early signs include: Increased thirst Headaches Trouble concentrating Blurred vision Frequent peeing Fatigue (weak, tired feeling) Weight loss Blood sugar more than 180 mg/d L Ongoing high blood sugar may cause: Vaginal and skin infections Slow-healing cuts and sores Worse vision Nerve damage causing painful cold or insensitive feet, loss of hair on the lower extremities, or erectile dysfunction Stomach and intestinal problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea Damage to your eyes, blood vessels, or kidneys If you have diabetes and notice any of the early signs of high blood sugar, test your blood sugar and call the doctor. He may ask you for the results of several readings. He could recommend the following changes: Drink more water.
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What are the two types of high blood sugar?
There are two main kinds: Fasting hyperglycemia. This is blood sugar that's higher than 130 mg/d L (milligrams per deciliter) after not eating or drinking for at least 8 hours. Postprandial or after-meal hyperglycemia. This is blood sugar that's higher than 180 mg/d L 2 hours after you eat. People without diabetes rarely have blood sugar levels over 140 mg/d L after a meal, unless it's really large.
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How can drinking more water treat high blood sugar?
H20 helps remove excess sugar from your blood through urine, and it helps you avoid dehydration.
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What should you check for if you have diabetes and have high blood sugar?
Caution: If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar is high, you need to check your urine for ketones. When you have ketones, do NOT exercise. If you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar is high, you must also be sure that you have no ketones in your urine and that you are well-hydrated. Then your doctor might give you the OK to exercise with caution as long as you feel up to it.
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Can you die from high blood sugar if you have type 2 diabetes?
If you have type 2 diabetes or if you're at risk for it, extremely high blood sugar can lead to a potentially deadly condition in which your body can't process sugar. It's called hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome ( HHNS). You'll pee more often at first, and then less often later on, but your urine may become dark and you could get severely dehydrated.
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How can exercising more treat high blood sugar?
Working out can help lower your blood sugar. But under certain conditions, it can make blood sugar go even higher. Ask your doctor what kind of exercise is right for you.
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What are early signs of high blood sugar?
Your blood sugar may rise if you: Skip or forget your insulin or oral glucose-lowering medicine Eat too many grams of carbohydrates for the amount of insulin you took, or eat too many carbs in general Have an infection Are ill Are under stress Become inactive or exercise less than usual Take part in strenuous physical activity, especially when your blood sugar levels are high and insulin levels are low Early signs include: Increased thirst Headaches Trouble concentrating Blurred vision Frequent peeing Fatigue (weak, tired feeling) Weight loss Blood sugar more than 180 mg/d L Ongoing high blood sugar may cause: Vaginal and skin infections Slow-healing cuts and sores Worse vision Nerve damage causing painful cold or insensitive feet, loss of hair on the lower extremities, or erectile dysfunction Stomach and intestinal problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea Damage to your eyes, blood vessels, or kidneys If you have diabetes and notice any of the early signs of high blood sugar, test your blood sugar and call the doctor.
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What happens when someone with type 2 diabetes has extremely high blood sugar?
If you have type 2 diabetes or if you're at risk for it, extremely high blood sugar can lead to a potentially deadly condition in which your body can't process sugar. It's called hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome ( HHNS). You'll pee more often at first, and then less often later on, but your urine may become dark and you could get severely dehydrated. It's important to treat symptoms of high blood sugar right away to help prevent complications.
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How should you switch your medications to treat high blood sugar?
Your doctor may change the amount, timing, or type of diabetes medications you take. Don't make changes without talking to him first.
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When should you test for ketones if you have high blood sugar and diabetes?
Caution: If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar is high, you need to check your urine for ketones.
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What happens if someone with diabetes has ongoing high blood sugar?
Your blood sugar may rise if you: Skip or forget your insulin or oral glucose-lowering medicine Eat too many grams of carbohydrates for the amount of insulin you took, or eat too many carbs in general Have an infection Are ill Are under stress Become inactive or exercise less than usual Take part in strenuous physical activity, especially when your blood sugar levels are high and insulin levels are low Early signs include: Increased thirst Headaches Trouble concentrating Blurred vision Frequent peeing Fatigue (weak, tired feeling) Weight loss Blood sugar more than 180 mg/d L Ongoing high blood sugar may cause: Vaginal and skin infections Slow-healing cuts and sores Worse vision Nerve damage causing painful cold or insensitive feet, loss of hair on the lower extremities, or erectile dysfunction Stomach and intestinal problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea Damage to your eyes, blood vessels, or kidneys If you have diabetes and notice any of the early signs of high blood sugar, test your blood sugar and call the doctor.
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How is IBS-D diagnosed?
There isn't a test that tells you if you have IBS- D (or any kind of IBS). Instead, your doctor will look at your health history and symptoms. If you've had abdominal pain and other signs of IBS for at least 3 months, you may have it. If you have other symptoms, like rectal bleeding, weight loss, or a family history of gastrointestinal cancer, your doctor may want you to have tests to rule out other possibilities. These can include a blood test to check for celiac disease and a colonoscopy to check for abnormal growths and signs of cancer.
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How does relieving stress help treat IBS-D?
Stress relief: The link between stress and IBS is complicated. Stress and related issues like anxiety and depression don't cause IBS. But they can make symptoms like diarrhea worse. That's why it's important to try to find effective ways to manage your mood. Exercise can help you feel better and improve the way your bowel functions, too. Massage, yoga, hypnotherapy, and forms of talk therapy can help with stress, which may lessen your symptoms.
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Do over-the-counter medications affectively treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)?
Over-the-counter medications: Anti-diarrhea medications like loperamide ( Imodium) may help. Peppermint oil supplements may reduce cramping. Some experts believe probiotics (“good” bacteria, which you can get in supplement form or from foods like pickles and sauerkraut) can help relieve IBS symptoms, including diarrhea.
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Is there a cure for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)?
Exercise can help you feel better and improve the way your bowel functions, too.
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How is eluxadoline used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)?
Eluxadoline ( Viberzi) may help reduce bowel contractions, belly cramps, and diarrhea. It's also important to note that this is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means, among other things, that you'll have to have a new prescription from your doctor each time you need it.
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Do stress relief techniques affectively treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)?
Stress relief: The link between stress and IBS is complicated. Stress and related issues like anxiety and depression don't cause IBS. But they can make symptoms like diarrhea worse. That's why it's important to try to find effective ways to manage your mood. Exercise can help you feel better and improve the way your bowel functions, too. Massage, yoga, hypnotherapy, and forms of talk therapy can help with stress, which may lessen your symptoms.
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What diet changes can help treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)?
Possible treatments include: Diet changes: Foods and beverages don't cause IBS- D, but some may trigger your symptoms or make them worse. Alcohol, drinks with caffeine (like coffee and soda), carbonated drinks, chocolate, sorbitol (an artificial sweetener used in some gums and mints), fried food, and milk products may make IBS-related diarrhea worse.
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What causes IBS-D?
Researchers don't know what causes IBS or IBS- D. We do know that women are more likely to have it than men, and it's more common in adults under 50. If you have a family member with IBS, your odds of getting IBS or IBS- D go up. With IBS, your colon is more sensitive than normal. It can react to things like stress, bacteria, and even certain foods. Your brain also plays a role and may respond too much to signals that control your colon. The result: Your intestines squeeze too hard, making food move too quickly through your system. That can cause pain, diarrhea, and other problems like gas.
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What causes irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)?
If you have a family member with IBS, your odds of getting IBS or IBS- D go up. With IBS, your colon is more sensitive than normal. It can react to things like stress, bacteria, and even certain foods. Your brain also plays a role and may respond too much to signals that control your colon. The result: Your intestines squeeze too hard, making food move too quickly through your system. That can cause pain, diarrhea, and other problems like gas.
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Are heat and cold treatments used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
If he gives you the go-ahead, you might want to look into some of these common treatments: Many doctors recommend heat and cold treatments to ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
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How is tai chi used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
This slow, gentle martial art is easy on your joints. You'll stand and do a series of gentle movements that are easy to modify if your joints are sore. It can help with strength, flexibility, and balance.
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How can visualization help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
This can help reduce stress and pain. To try this simple exercise: Close your eyes.
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How can magnets help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Magnet therapies come in a variety of forms, such as bracelets, necklaces, inserts, pads, or disks. You can find them at most natural food stores. Most research on magnets involves people with osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear type of arthritis linked to aging, not RA. In people with knee and hip osteoarthritis, some early studies have shown they improved joint pain better than a placebo. Doctors don't know exactly how magnets might relieve pain, and there's no clear proof that they actually help people with rheumatoid arthritis.
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How are magnets used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
Magnet therapies come in a variety of forms, such as bracelets, necklaces, inserts, pads, or disks. You can find them at most natural food stores. Most research on magnets involves people with osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear type of arthritis linked to aging, not RA. In people with knee and hip osteoarthritis, some early studies have shown they improved joint pain better than a placebo. Doctors don't know exactly how magnets might relieve pain, and there's no clear proof that they actually help people with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Are supplements used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
A few RA studies show that certain supplements and natural remedies can help. But the research is still in its early stages, so the bottom line isn't clear yet. Keep in mind that supplements can affect other medications. Tell your doctor about anything you take, even if it's natural, so he can check that it's safe for you.
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How can heat help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Heat: It relaxes your muscles and spurs blood flow. You can use a moist heating pad or a warm, damp towel. Many people like using microwaveable hot packs. Don't go too hot. Your skin shouldn't burn. You can also use heat therapy in the shower. Let the warm water hit the painful area on your body. That may help soothe it. A hot tub is another good way to relax stiff muscles. Just don't use hot tubs or spas if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or are pregnant.
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How can cold help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
If he gives you the go-ahead, you might want to look into some of these common treatments: Many doctors recommend heat and cold treatments to ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Each offers different benefits: Cold: It curbs joint swelling and inflammation. Apply an ice pack to the affected joint during an RA flare-up, for instance. Just don't overdo it. Apply the cold compress for 15 minutes at a time.
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How can tai chi help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
This slow, gentle martial art is easy on your joints. You'll stand and do a series of gentle movements that are easy to modify if your joints are sore. It can help with strength, flexibility, and balance.
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How is visualization used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
This can help reduce stress and pain. To try this simple exercise: Close your eyes.
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How is thunder god vine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
A few studies have shown a drop in inflammation and tender joints in people with RA who take this supplement. A large government-funded study that compared this root with sulfasalazine, a traditional drug used to treat RA, found that symptoms improved more with the use of thunder god vine. Side effects may include stomach upset, headache, hair loss, upper respiratory tract infections, and sterility in men. Pregnant women and women at risk of getting osteoporosis should not take it. Keep in mind that it's hard to get safe and high-quality thunder god vine made in the U. S. The safety and effectiveness of thunder god vine from outside the U. S., such as from China, can't be verified according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
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How long should I use cold treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
Just don't overdo it. Apply the cold compress for 15 minutes at a time.
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Why does the color of your clothes matter when it comes to avoiding tick bites?
This makes it even harder for ticks to find their way to your skin.
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What chemicals that are in tick repellents have unknown effects on pregnancy?
It's also unclear how the chemicals that are often used in tick repellents can affect the rest of your pregnancy. Many of them simply haven't been studied to see if they cause birth defects. The verdict is still out on: Picaridin Oil of lemon eucalyptus ( OLE) PMD (a chemical version of OLE) 2- Undecanone IR3535 DEET is a chemical that's found in most brands of tick repellent.
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Are all-natural ingredients safe to use to keep ticks away during pregnancy?
These include oils from: Garlic Rosemary Lemongrass Thyme Geranium plants The effects of these ingredients on pregnancy haven't been studied, either. If you apply them to your skin according to the package directions, they're probably safe to use. Still, they don't appear to offer a strong defense against ticks and may wear off quickly. Some of the items in these natural tick repellents can be found in supplements, too. Be aware that taking them by mouth won't help you repel ticks and could harm your baby.
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When should you check for ticks?
Do tick checks after coming indoors. Use a full-length or hand mirror to look under your arms, around your ears, behind your knees, under your hair, inside your belly button, between your legs and around your waist. Don't forget to check children, pets, and garden and lawn tools.
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What does dairy allergy involve?
Dairy allergy involves the immune system: If you have it, your body reacts to the proteins in milk and other dairy products as if they're dangerous invaders. It releases substances that cause allergy symptoms. This allergic reaction can be mild (rashes) to severe (trouble breathing, loss of consciousness). Dairy allergy is one of most common allergies, especially in children. As many as 2 in every 100 children under 4 years old are allergic to milk. It's even more common in babies.
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What are the symptoms of a dairy allergy?
Some symptoms of lactose intolerance and dairy allergy may be the same: Diarrhea Nausea; sometimes vomiting Abdominal cramps Bloating Gas But dairy allergy can also cause a reaction in other parts of your body, including the skin and lungs: Rash Hives Swelling, often in the lips and face Wheezing Tightness in throat Trouble swallowing There may be blood in the stool (poop) too, especially in babies.
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What are severe symptoms of a dairy allergy?
Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction and often begins minutes after you eat a food you're allergic to, but sometimes it can happen hours later. It usually involves more than one symptom in more than one part of your body at the same time. If you have a severe allergy or if you've ever had anaphylaxis in the past, talk to your doctor about carrying an injectable epinephrine ( Adrenaclick, Auvi- Q, Epi Pen, a generic auto-injector, Symjepi) to slow down or stop the allergic reaction.
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Where do rheumatoid nodules show up?
The most common locations for rheumatoid nodules are: Hands Fingers Knuckles Elbows As you live with RA for a while, you can be more likely to have nodules. You might get them in your: Vocal cords: If they form here, you might get hoarse. Lungs, heart, and other organs: When they show up in these parts of your body, nodules can affect how they work.
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Who is most likely to get primary biliary cholangitis?
Only about 4 to 15 out of 1 million people get this condition. Most often, it affects women between ages 30 and 65. Sometimes it runs in families. You could be more likely to get it if you have a mom, dad, brother, or sister -- especially an identical twin -- with the disorder.
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What are the treatments for primary biliary cholangitis?
You have primary biliary cholangitis if you have at least two of the following: High levels of alkaline phosphatase Antimitochondrial antibodies Signs of the disease on a liver biopsy The main treatment for PBC is a drug called ursodiol. It's a natural form of bile that can help your liver work better and help you live longer. You take it as a pill, unless you get a new liver in a transplant. There are few reported side effects from the drug. If you can't take ursodiol, or it doesn't work well enough for you, your doctor may prescribe obeticholic acid ( Ocaliva) along with, or instead of, ursodiol.