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what is the cause of ocd | Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (Overview): Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress. You may try to ignore or stop your obsessions, but that only increases your distress and anxiety. Ultimately, you feel driven to perform compulsive acts to try to ease your stress. Despite efforts to ignore or get rid of bothersome thoughts or urges, they keep coming back. This leads to more ritualistic behavior - the vicious cycle of OCD. OCD often centers around certain themes - for example, a fear of getting contaminated by germs. To ease your contamination fears, you may compulsively wash your hands until they're sore and chapped. If you have OCD, you may be ashamed and embarrassed about the condition, but treatment can be effective. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what is the cause of ocd | Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (Causes): The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't fully understood. Main theories include: - Biology. OCD may be a result of changes in your body's own natural chemistry or brain functions. - Genetics. OCD may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified. - Environment. Some environmental factors such as infections are suggested as a trigger for OCD, but more research is needed. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what is the cause of ocd | Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (Risk factors): Factors that may increase the risk of developing or triggering obsessive-compulsive disorder include: - Family history. Having parents or other family members with the disorder can increase your risk of developing OCD. - Stressful life events. If you've experienced traumatic or stressful events, your risk may increase. This reaction may, for some reason, trigger the intrusive thoughts, rituals and emotional distress characteristic of OCD. - Other mental health disorders. OCD may be related to other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse or tic disorders. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what is the cause of the coffin lowry syndrome? | Coffin Lowry Syndrome (Prognosis): The prognosis for individuals with Coffin-Lowry syndrome varies depending on the severity of symptoms. Early intervention may improve the outlook for patients. Life span is reduced in some individuals with Coffin-Lowry syndrome. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what is the cause of the coffin lowry syndrome? | What is Coffin Lowry Syndrome?: Coffin-Lowry syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniofacial (head and facial) and skeletal abnormalities, delayed intellectual development, short stature, and hypotonia. Characteristic facial features may include an underdeveloped upper jaw bone (maxillary hypoplasia), a broad nose, protruding nostrils (nares), an abnormally prominent brow, down-slanting eyelid folds (palpebral fissures), widely spaced eyes (hypertelorism), large low-set ears, and unusually thick eyebrows. Skeletal abnormalities may include abnormal front-to-back and side-to-side curvature of the spine (kyphoscoliosis), unusual prominence of the breastbone (pigeon chest, or pectus carinatum), dental abnormalities, and short, hyperextensible, tapered fingers. Other features may include feeding and respiratory problems, developmental delay, hearing impairment, awkward gait, stimulus-induced drop episodes, and heart and kidney involvement. The disorder affects males and females in equal numbers, but symptoms are usually more severe in males. The disorder is caused by a defective gene, RSK2, which is found in 1996 on the X chromosome (Xp22.2-p22.1). Thus, the syndrome is typically more severe in males because males have only one X chromosome, while females have two. It is unclear how changes (mutations) in the DNA structure of the gene lead to the clinical findings. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what is the cause of the coffin lowry syndrome? | Coffin Lowry Syndrome (Treatment): There is no cure and no standard course of treatment for Coffin-Lowry syndrome. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, and may include physical and speech therapy and educational services. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what is the disorder achondroplasia | Achondroplasia: Achondroplasia is a disorder of bone growth that causes the most common type of dwarfism. Achondroplasia is one of a group of disorders called chondrodystrophies, or osteochondrodysplasias. Achondroplasia may be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, which means that if a child gets the defective gene from 1 parent, the child will have the disorder. If 1 parent has achondroplasia, the infant has a 50% chance of inheriting the disorder. If both parents have the condition, the infant's chances of being affected increase to 75%. However, most cases appear as spontaneous mutations. This means that 2 parents without achondroplasia may give birth to a baby with the condition. The typical appearance of achondroplastic dwarfism can be seen at birth. Symptoms may include: - Abnormal hand appearance with persistent space between the long and ring fingers - Bowed legs - Decreased muscle tone - Disproportionately large head-to-body size difference - Prominent forehead (frontal bossing) - Shortened arms and legs (especially the upper arm and thigh) - Short stature (significantly below the average height for a person of the same age and sex) - Narrowing of the spinal column spinal stenosis - Spine curvatures called kyphosis and lordosis During pregnancy, a prenatal ultrasound may show excessive amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn infant. Examination of the infant after birth shows increased front-to-back head size. There may be signs of hydrocephalus ("water on the brain"). X-rays of the long bones can reveal achondroplasia in the newborn. There is no specific treatment for achondroplasia. Related abnormalities, including spinal stenosis and spinal cord compression, should be treated when they cause problems. People with achondroplasia seldom reach 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height. Intelligence is in the normal range. Infants who receive the abnormal gene from both parents do not often live beyond a few months. Health problems that may develop include: - Breathing problems from a small upper airway and from pressure on the area of the brain that controls breathing - Lung problems from a small ribcage If there is a family history of achondroplasia and you plan to have children, you may find it helpful to speak to your health care provider. Genetic counseling may be helpful for prospective parents when 1 or both have achondroplasia. However, because achondroplasia most often develops spontaneously, prevention is not always possible. Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what is the disorder achondroplasia | What is Achondroplasia?: Achondroplasia is a disorder of bone growth that prevents the changing of cartilage (particularly in the long bones of the arms and legs) to bone. It is characterized by dwarfism, limited range of motion at the elbows, large head size, small fingers, and normal intelligence. Achondroplasia can cause health complications such as apnea, obesity, recurrent ear infections, and lordosis of the spine. Achondroplasia is caused by mutations in the FGFR3 gene. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what is the disorder achondroplasia | Achondroplasia (Prevention): Genetic counseling may be helpful for prospective parents when 1 or both have achondroplasia. However, because achondroplasia most often develops spontaneously, prevention is not always possible. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what is the treatment for lymphoma | Lymphoma (Treatment): Which lymphoma treatments are right for you depends on the type and stage of your disease, your overall health, and your preferences. The goal of treatment is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible and bring the disease into remission. Lymphoma treatments include: - Active surveillance. Some forms of lymphoma are very slow growing. You and your doctor may decide to wait to treat your lymphoma when it causes signs and symptoms that interfere with your daily activities. Until then, you may undergo periodic tests to monitor your condition. - Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells. The drugs are usually administered through a vein, but can also be taken as a pill, depending on the specific drugs you receive. - Other drug therapy. Other drugs used to treat lymphoma include targeted drugs that focus on specific abnormalities in your cancer cells. Immunotherapy drugs use your immune system to kill cancer cells. - Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-powered beams of energy, such as X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells. - Bone marrow transplant. A bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, involves using high doses of chemotherapy and radiation to suppress your bone marrow. Then healthy bone marrow stem cells from your body or from a donor are infused into your blood where they travel to your bones and rebuild your bone marrow. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what is the treatment for lymphoma | What are the treatments for Primary lymphoma of the brain?: Primary lymphoma of the brain is usually first treated with corticosteroids to control swelling and improve symptoms. The main treatment is with chemotherapy. Younger patients may receive high-dose chemotherapy, followed by an autologous stem cell transplant. Radiation therapy of the whole brain may be done after chemotherapy. Boosting the immune system, such as in those with HIV, may also be tried. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what is the treatment for lymphoma | Hodgkin lymphoma (Treatment): Treatment depends on the following: - The type of Hodgkin lymphoma (there are different forms of Hodgkin lymphoma) - The stage (where the disease has spread) - Whether the tumor is more than 4 inches (10 cm) wide - Your age and other medical issues - Other factors, including weight loss, night sweats, and fever You may receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both. Your doctor can tell you more about your specific treatment. High-dose chemotherapy may be given when Hodgkin lymphoma returns after treatment or does not respond to the first treatment. This is followed by a stem cell transplant that uses your own stem cells. You and your health care provider may need to manage other concerns during your leukemia treatment, including: - Having chemotherapy at home - Managing your pets during chemotherapy - Bleeding problems - Dry mouth - Eating enough calories - Safe eating during cancer treatment. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what medications are prescribed for brucellosis | Brucellosis (Overview): Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that spreads from animals to people - most often via unpasteurized milk, cheese and other dairy products. More rarely, the bacteria that cause brucellosis can spread through the air or through direct contact with infected animals. Brucellosis symptoms may include fever, joint pain and fatigue. The infection can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics. Treatment takes several weeks to months, however, and relapses are common. While brucellosis is uncommon in the United States, the disease affects hundreds of thousands of people and animals worldwide. Avoiding unpasteurized dairy products and taking precautions when working with animals or in a laboratory can help prevent brucellosis. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what medications are prescribed for brucellosis | What is Brucellosis?: Brucellosis is an infectious disease that occurs from contact with animals carrying brucella bacteria. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what medications are prescribed for brucellosis | Brucellosis (Complications): Brucellosis can affect almost any part of your body, including your reproductive system, liver, heart and central nervous system. Chronic brucellosis may cause complications in just one organ or throughout your body. Possible complications include: - Infection of the heart's inner lining (endocarditis). This is one of the most serious complications of brucellosis. Untreated endocarditis can damage or destroy the heart valves and is the leading cause of brucellosis-related deaths. - Arthritis. Joint infection is marked by pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints, especially the knees, hips, ankles, wrists and spine. Spondylitis - inflammation of the joints between the bones (vertebrae) of your spine or between your spine and pelvis - can be particularly hard to treat and may cause lasting damage. - Inflammation and infection of the testicles (epididymo-orchitis). The bacteria that cause brucellosis can infect the epididymis, the coiled tube that connects the vas deferens and the testicle. From there, the infection may spread to the testicle itself, causing swelling and pain, which may be severe. - Inflammation and infection of the spleen and liver. Brucellosis can also affect the spleen and liver, causing them to enlarge beyond their normal size. - Central nervous system infections. These include potentially life-threatening illnesses such as meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and encephalitis, inflammation of the brain itself. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what test do you do for rheumatoid "arthritis?" | Rheumatoid Arthritis (Is there a test?): Rheumatoid arthritis can be hard to diagnose because: - There is no single test for the disease. - The symptoms can be the same as in other kinds of joint disease. - The full symptoms can take time to develop. To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, doctors use medical history, a physical exam, x-rays and other imaging tests, and lab tests. Rheumatoid arthritis can be hard to diagnose because: - There is no single test for the disease. - The symptoms can be the same as in other kinds of joint disease. - The full symptoms can take time to develop. To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, doctors use medical history, a physical exam, x-rays and other imaging tests, and lab tests. Rheumatoid arthritis can be hard to diagnose because: - There is no single test for the disease. - The symptoms can be the same as in other kinds of joint disease. - The full symptoms can take time to develop. To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, doctors use medical history, a physical exam, x-rays and other imaging tests, and lab tests. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what test do you do for rheumatoid "arthritis?" | How to diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis?: Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the full range of symptoms develops over time, and only a few symptoms may be present in the early stages. As part of the diagnosis, your doctor will look for symptoms such as swelling, warmth, pain, and limitations in joint motion throughout your body. Your doctor may ask you questions about the intensity of your pain symptoms, how often they occur, and what makes the pain better or worse. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what test do you do for rheumatoid "arthritis?" | Rheumatoid arthritis (Diagnosis): Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the early signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. There is no one blood test or physical finding to confirm the diagnosis. During the physical exam, your doctor will check your joints for swelling, redness and warmth. He or she may also check your reflexes and muscle strength. Blood tests People with rheumatoid arthritis often have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or sed rate) or C-reactive protein (CRP), which may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Other common blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Imaging tests Your doctor may recommend X-rays to help track the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in your joints over time. MRI and ultrasound tests can help your doctor judge the severity of the disease in your body. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what the treatment for bronchitis | Bronchitis (Treatment): Most cases of acute bronchitis get better without treatment, usually within a couple of weeks. Medications Because most cases of bronchitis are caused by viral infections, antibiotics aren't effective. However, if your doctor suspects that you have a bacterial infection, he or she may prescribe an antibiotic. In some circumstances, your doctor may recommend other medications, including: - Cough medicine. If your cough keeps you from sleeping, you might try cough suppressants at bedtime. - Other medications. If you have allergies, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your doctor may recommend an inhaler and other medications to reduce inflammation and open narrowed passages in your lungs. Therapies If you have chronic bronchitis, you may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation - a breathing exercise program in which a respiratory therapist teaches you how to breathe more easily and increase your ability to exercise. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what the treatment for bronchitis | What are the treatments for Bronchitis - acute?: Most people DO NOT need antibiotics for acute bronchitis. The infection will almost always go away on its own within 1 week. Doing these things may help you feel better: - Drink plenty of fluids. - If you have asthma or another chronic lung condition, use your inhaler. - Get plenty of rest. - Take aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands) if you have a fever. Do not give aspirin to children. - Use a humidifier or steam in the bathroom. Certain medicines that you can buy without a prescription can help break up or loosen mucus. Look for the word "guaifenesin" on the label. Ask the pharmacist if you need help finding it. If your symptoms do not improve or if you are wheezing, your doctor may prescribe an inhaler to open your airways. If your doctor thinks you also have bacteria in your airways, he or she may prescribe antibiotics. This medicine will only get rid of bacteria, not viruses. A bacterial infection is more common if you also have a chronic lung disease like COPD. Sometimes, bacteria may infect the airways along with the virus. If your doctor thinks this has happened, you may be prescribed antibiotics. Sometimes, corticosteroid medicine is also needed to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Other tips include: - Do not smoke. - Avoid secondhand smoke and air pollution. - Wash your hands (and your children's hands) often to avoid spreading viruses and other germs. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what the treatment for bronchitis | Industrial bronchitis (Treatment): The goal of treatment is to reduce the irritation. Getting more air into the workplace or wearing masks to filter out the offending dust particles may help. Some people may need to be taken out of the workplace. Some cases of industrial bronchitis go away without treatment. Other times, a person may need inhaled anti-inflammatory medicines. If you are at risk or have experienced this problem and you smoke, stop smoking. Helpful measures include: - Breathing humidified air - Increasing fluid intake - Resting. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what treatment do you use to cure chickenpox | Chickenpox (Treatment): In otherwise healthy children, chickenpox typically requires no medical treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to relieve itching. But for the most part, the disease is allowed to run its course. If you're at high risk of complications For people who have a high risk of complications from chickenpox, doctors sometimes prescribe medications to shorten the duration of the infection and to help reduce the risk of complications. If you or your child falls into a high-risk group, your doctor may suggest an antiviral drug such as acyclovir (Zovirax) or another drug called immune globulin intravenous (Privigen). These medications may lessen the severity of the disease when given within 24 hours after the rash first appears. Other antiviral drugs, such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir), also may lessen the severity of the disease, but may not be approved or appropriate for all cases. In some instances, your doctor may recommend getting the chickenpox vaccine after exposure to the virus. This can prevent the disease or lessen its severity. Don't give anyone with chickenpox - child or adult - any medicine containing aspirin because this combination has been associated with a condition called Reye's syndrome. Treating complications If complications do develop, your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment. Treatment for skin infections and pneumonia may be with antibiotics. Treatment for encephalitis is usually with antiviral drugs. Hospitalization may be necessary. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
what treatment do you use to cure chickenpox | What are the treatments for Chickenpox?: Treatment involves keeping the person as comfortable as possible. Here are things to try: - Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy areas. Keep fingernails short to avoid damaging the skin from scratching. - Wear cool, light, loose bedclothes. Avoid wearing rough clothing, particularly wool, over an itchy area. - Take lukewarm baths using little soap and rinse thoroughly. Try a skin-soothing oatmeal or cornstarch bath. - Apply a soothing moisturizer after bathing to soften and cool the skin. - Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat and humidity. - Try over-the-counter oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), but be aware of possible side effects, such as drowsiness. - Try over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on itchy areas. Medicines that fight the chickenpox virus are available, but not given to everyone. To work well, the medicine should be started within the first 24 hours of the rash. - Antiviral drugs are not very often prescribed to otherwise healthy children who do not have severe symptoms. Adults and teens, who are at risk for more severe symptoms, may benefit from antiviral medicine if it is given early. - Antiviral medicine may be very important forthose who have skin conditions (such as eczema or recent sunburn), lung conditions (such as asthma), or who have recently taken steroids. - Some providers also give antiviral medicines to people in the same household who also develop chickenpox, because they will most often develop more severe symptoms. Do NOT give aspirin or ibuprofen to someone who may have chickenpox. Use of aspirin has been associated with a serious condition called Reyes syndrome. Ibuprofen has been associated with more severe secondary infections. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used. A child with chickenpox should not return to school or play with other children until all chickenpox sores have crusted over or dried out. Adults should follow this same rule while considering when to return to work or be around others. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
who is at higher risk for calcium overdose? | Calcium carbonate overdose: Calcium carbonate is commonly found in antacids (for heartburn) and some dietary supplements. Calcium carbonate overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a product containing this substance. This can be by accident or on purpose. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual overdose. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. Calcium carbonate can be dangerous in large amounts. Some products that contain calcium carbonate are certain: - Antacids (Tums, Chooz) - Mineral supplements - Hand lotions - Vitamin and mineral supplements Other products may also contain calcium carbonate. Symptoms of a calcium carbonate overdose include: - Abdominal pain - Bone pain - Coma - Confusion - Constipation - Depression - Diarrhea - Headache - Irregular heartbeat - Muscle twitching - Nausea - Vomiting Seek medical help right away. DO NOT make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to. Have this information ready: - Person's age, weight, and condition - The name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known) - When it was swallowed - The amount swallowed Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible. The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood tests may be done. Symptoms will be treated. The person may receive: - Activated charcoal - Blood and urine tests - Breathing support - Chest x-ray - EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing) - Intravenous fluids (through a vein) - Laxative - Medicine to treat symptoms - Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage) Calcium carbonate is not very poisonous. Recovery is quite likely. But, long-term overuse is more serious than a single overdose, because it can cause kidney damage. Few people die from an antacid overdose. Keep all medicines in child-proof bottles and out of the reach of children. Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
who is at higher risk for calcium overdose? | What is Overdose?: An overdose is when you take more than the normal or recommended amount of something, usually a drug. An overdose may result in serious, harmful symptoms or death. If you take too much of something on purpose, it is called an intentional or deliberate overdose. If the overdose happens by mistake, it is called an accidental overdose. For example, a young child may accidentally take an adult's heart medicine. Your doctor may refer to an overdose as an ingestion. Ingestion means you swallowed something. An overdose is not the same as a poisoning, although the effects can be the same. Poisoning occurs when someone or something (such as the environment) exposes you to dangerous chemicals, plants, or other harmful substances without your knowledge. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
who is at higher risk for calcium overdose? | Calcium - ionized: Ionized calcium is calcium in your blood that is not attached to proteins. It is also called free calcium. All cells need calcium in order to work. Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth. It is important for heart function. It also helps with muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. This article discusses the test used to measure the amount of ionized calcium in blood. A blood sample is needed. Most of the time blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. You should not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the test. Many medicines can interfere with blood test results. - Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test. - DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider first. Your provider may order this test if you have signs of kidney or parathyroid disease. The test may also be done to monitor progress and treatment of these diseases. Most of the time, blood tests measure your total calcium level. This looks at both ionized calcium and calcium attached to proteins. You may need to have a separate ionized calcium test if you have factors that increase or decrease total calcium levels. These may include abnormal blood levels of albumin or immunoglobulins. - Children: 4.8 to 5.3 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 1.20 to 1.32 millimoles per liter (millimol/L) - Adults: 4.8 to 5.6 mg/dL or 1.20 to 1.40 millimol/L Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results. The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens. Higher-than-normal levels of ionized calcium may be due to: - Decreased levels of calcium in the urine from an unknown cause - Hyperparathyroidism - Hyperthyroidism - Milk-alkali syndrome - Multiple myeloma - Paget disease - Sarcoidosis - Thiazide diuretics - Thrombocytosis (high platelet count) - Tumors - Vitamin A excess - Vitamin D excess Lower-than-normal levels may be due to: - Hypoparathyroidism - Malabsorption - Osteomalacia - Pancreatitis - Renal failure - Rickets - Vitamin D deficiency Updated by: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
who is at risk for contracting dengue fever? is there a certain age group or race that contracts dengue fever? | Dengue (Summary): Summary Dengue is an infection caused by a virus. You can get it if an infected mosquito bites you. Dengue does not spread from person to person. It is common in warm, wet areas of the world. Outbreaks occur in the rainy season. Dengue is rare in the United States. Symptoms include a high fever, headaches, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, and a rash. In some cases, dengue turns into dengue hemorrhagic fever, which causes bleeding from your nose, gums, or under your skin. It can also become dengue shock syndrome, which causes massive bleeding and shock. These forms of dengue are life-threatening. There is no specific treatment. Most people with dengue recover within 2 weeks. Until then, drinking lots of fluids, resting and taking non-aspirin fever-reducing medicines might help. People with the more severe forms of dengue usually need to go to the hospital and get fluids. To lower your risk when traveling to areas where dengue is found - Wear insect repellent with DEET - Wear clothes that cover your arms, legs and feet - Close unscreened doors and windows NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
who is at risk for contracting dengue fever? is there a certain age group or race that contracts dengue fever? | How to prevent Dengue fever?: Clothing, mosquito repellent, and netting can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites that can spread dengue fever and other infections. Limit outdoor activity during mosquito season, especially when they are most active, at dawn and dusk. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
who is at risk for contracting dengue fever? is there a certain age group or race that contracts dengue fever? | Dengue fever (Causes): Dengue fever is caused by any one of four types of dengue viruses spread by mosquitoes that thrive in and near human lodgings. When a mosquito bites a person infected with a dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito. When the infected mosquito then bites another person, the virus enters that person's bloodstream. After you've recovered from dengue fever, you have immunity to the type of virus that infected you - but not to the other three dengue fever virus types. The risk of developing severe dengue fever, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, actually increases if you're infected a second, third or fourth time. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
why can you not take grapefruit with felodipine | What is Grapefruit?: Grapefruit is a citrus fruit. People use the fruit, oil from the peel, and extracts from the seed as medicine. Grapefruit seed extract is processed from grapefruit seeds and pulp obtained as a byproduct from grapefruit juice production. Vegetable glycerin is added to the final product to reduce acidity and bitterness. Grapefruit juice is used for high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), cancer, a skin disease called psoriasis, and for weight loss and obesity. Grapefruit seed extract is taken by mouth for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections including yeast infections. Grapefruit oil is applied to the skin for muscle fatigue, hair growth, toning the skin, and for acne and oily skin. It is also used for the common cold and flu (influenza). Grapefruit seed extract is applied to the skin as a facial cleanser, first-aid treatment, remedy for mild skin irritations, and as a vaginal douche for vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis). It is also used as an ear or nasal rinse for preventing and treating infections; as a gargle for sore throats; and a dental rinse for preventing gingivitis and promoting healthy gums; and as a breath freshener. Some people inhale grapefruit vapors to help the body retain water, for headache, stress, and depression. Grapefruit seed extract vapor has also been inhaled for the treatment of lung infections. In food and beverages, grapefruit is consumed as a fruit, juice, and is used as a flavoring component. In manufacturing, grapefruit oil and seed extract are used as a fragrance component in soaps and cosmetics; and as a household cleaner for fruits, vegetables, meats, kitchen surfaces, dishes, and so on In agriculture, grapefruit seed extract is used to kill bacteria and fungus, fight mold growth, kill parasites in animal feeds, preserve food and disinfect water. Its important to remember that drug interactions with grapefruit juice are well documented. The chemistry of the grapefruit varies by the species, the growing conditions, and the process used to extract the juice. Before adding grapefruit to your diet or your list of natural medicines, check with your healthcare provider if you take medications. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
why can you not take grapefruit with felodipine | Felodipine (What special dietary instructions should I follow?): Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking felodipine. Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
can i take keflex to cure staph? | Staph infections (Treatment): Treatment of a staph infection may include: - Antibiotics. Your doctor may perform tests to identify of the staph bacteria behind your infection, and to help choose the antibiotic that will work best. Antibiotics commonly prescribed to treat staph infections include certain cephalosporins, nafcillin or related antibiotics, sulfa drugs, or vancomycin. Vancomycin increasingly is required to treat serious staph infections because so many strains of staph bacteria have become resistant to other traditional medicines. But vancomycin and some other antibiotics have to be given intravenously. If you're given an oral antibiotic, be sure to take it as directed, and to finish all of the medication prescribed by your doctor. Ask your doctor what signs and symptoms you should watch for that might indicate your infection is worsening. - Wound drainage. If you have a skin infection, your doctor will likely make an incision into the sore to drain fluid that has collected there. - Device removal. If your infection involves a device or prosthetic, prompt removal of the device is needed. For some devices, removal might require surgery. Antibiotic resistance Staph bacteria are very adaptable, and many varieties have become resistant to one or more antibiotics. For example, only about 10 percent of today's staph infections can be cured with penicillin. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of staph bacteria - often described as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains - has led to the use of IV antibiotics, such as vancomycin, with the potential for more side effects, such as vancomycin. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
can i take keflex to cure staph? | What are the treatments for Staph infections - self-care at home?: If test results show you have a staph infection, treatment may include: - Taking antibiotics - Cleaning and draining the wound - Surgery to remove an infected device. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
can i take keflex to cure staph? | Carbuncle (Treatment): Carbuncles usually must drain before they will heal. This most often occurs on its own in less than 2 weeks. Placing a warm moist cloth on the carbuncle helps it to drain, which speeds healing. Apply a clean, warm moist cloth several times each day. Never squeeze a boil or try to cut it open at home, because this can spread the infection and make it worse. You need to seek treatment if the carbuncle: - Lasts longer than 2 weeks - Returns frequently - Is located on the spine or the middle of the face - Occurs with a fever or other systemic symptoms Treatment helps reduce complications related to an infection.Your provider may prescribe: - Antibacterial soaps - Antibiotics applied to the skin or taken by mouth Deep or large lesions may need to be drained by your provider. Proper hygiene is very important to prevent the spread of infection. - Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after touching a carbuncle. - Do not re-use or share washcloths or towels. This can cause the infection to spread. - Clothing, washcloths, towels, and sheets or other items that contact infected areas should be washed in very hot (preferably boiling) water. - Bandages should be changed often and thrown away in a bag that can be tightly closed. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
could tetanus be a cause of death? | Tetanus (Summary): Summary Tetanus is a serious illness caused by Clostridium bacteria. The bacteria live in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. The bacteria can enter the body through a deep cut, like those you might get from stepping on a nail, or through a burn. The infection causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw. This makes it impossible to open your mouth or swallow. Tetanus is a medical emergency. You need to get treatment in a hospital. A vaccine can prevent tetanus. It is given as a part of routine childhood immunization. Adults should get a tetanus shot, or booster, every 10 years. If you get a bad cut or burn, see your doctor - you may need a booster. Immediate and proper wound care can prevent tetanus infection. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
could tetanus be a cause of death? | What is Tetanus?: Tetanus is aninfection of the nervous system with a type of bacteria that is potentially deadly, called Clostridium tetani (C. tetani). If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
could tetanus be a cause of death? | Tetanus (Complications): Once tetanus toxin has bonded to your nerve endings it is impossible to remove. Complete recovery from a tetanus infection requires new nerve endings to grow, which can take up to several months. Complications of tetanus infection may include: - Broken bones. The severity of spasms may cause the spine and other bones to break. - Blockage of a lung artery (pulmonary embolism). A blood clot that has traveled from elsewhere in your body can block the main artery of the lung or one of its branches. - Death. Severe tetanus-induced (tetanic) muscle spasms can interfere with or stop your breathing. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death. Lack of oxygen may also induce cardiac arrest and death. Pneumonia is another cause of death. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional. | mediqa_qa | safe |
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