FitSugar

Ovarian Cysts: What Every Women Should Know

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:30:00 -0700

I've heard of ovarian cysts, I'm sure you have too. Do you know how they form? Are they something I need to worry about?

Every month, if you're not using a form of birth control that prevents ovulation, one ovary produces 1 egg (occasionally more, which is how we get fraternal twins and triplets). When you ovulate, a cyst-like structure called a follicle is formed inside your ovary. When the egg is released, the follicle bursts. Usually the remaining tissue just dissolves and is absorbed by the body. Occasionally it doesn't, and that's what causes functional ovarian cysts.

Functional ovarian cysts are basically small fluid-filled sacs and are quite common for women to get during their reproductive years. The cysts often shrink and disappear on their own within 2 or 3 menstrual cycles.

You may experience a full or bloated feeling, pressure, or a dull ache in your lower back, belly, or thighs. They can also cause breast tenderness, nausea, or weight gain. Who knew a little cyst can cause all that?

Woman who take the birth control pill or other systemic hormonal treatment usually don't experience ovarian cysts (and the pain that comes from them), because they aren't ovulating.

There are other, more serious forms of ovarian cysts known as Dermoid cysts, Endometrioma Cysts, Cystadenoma Cysts, and Polycystic Ovarian Disease. These cysts can develop from an imbalance of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone). These can grow to be very large (like the one shown in the picture), and can cause severe pain. If found, chances are high that a doctor will recommend removing immediately.

Fit's Tips: If you experience severe pain during intercourse, during menstruation, or have swelling in your abdomen, you should see your doctor immediately. They may prescribe oral contraceptives to help shrink the cyst. Surgery may also be an option if the hormone treatment doesn't work.

Ice - It does the body good

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 04:00:00 -0800

Ice is nature's anti inflammatory and it is great to use in the first 48 hours of an injury. It reduces inflammation when you have a sprain or a strain, a tear or some tendonitis. And it is safe for the little ones (my girls LOVE ice for any boo boo and I keep a couple of little packs in my fridge for the many occasions that call for ICE). You only want to ice an area for 20 minutes or less. Be careful not to cause damage to your skin like frostbite.

One of the easiest ice packs to find is a fresh bag of frozen peas or corn. For starters it's flexible so it can mold to any body part that needs the ice treatment. Plus there is a timer built in as the veggies thaw and start to smell you know it is time to stop icing. After using peas or corn as an ice pack you definitely don’t want to eat them. So make sure to mark them with a piece of tape or permanent marker that they are for icing only.

Organ Lessons: The Pancreas

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:47:02 -0800

It's time to take some organ lessons, but not the musical kind. I'm going to teach you about your internal organs, starting with the pancreas.

November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, devoted to educating people about the disease that took the life of Patrick Swayze earlier this year. If you're like most people, you probably don't know exactly what the pancreas does, so read on to learn more.

5 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:50:35 -0800

We don't always feel 100 percent all the time, and it's normal to feel a little nauseous, tired, or sniffly every once in a while. These are minor symptoms though, and usually go away on their own. But there are a few red flag signals our bodies flash to warn us of serious medical conditions, and they're symptoms you shouldn't pass off as nothing. WebMD spoke to the authors of Your Body's Red Light Warning Signals, and here are some symptoms that require a doctor's visit or emergency care.

Difficulty breathing. Tightness in the chest, wheezing, shallow breathing, or constantly coughing are all symptoms of asthma. If a person has these symptoms or full-on asthma attacks, and they're left untreated, the muscles used for breathing can get tired. That means the amount of oxygen getting into the lungs will decrease, while the levels of carbon dioxide increase. This has a drowsing effect on the brain, and the person may stop breathing, which could result in death.
Blood in your urine. When you go to the bathroom, you shouldn't see blood, and if you do, it could be a sign of kidney stones, bladder infections, or cancer of the kidney, urethra, or bladder. Even if you don't feel pain, call your doctor.

To see the other red flags keep reading

Foot, leg, and ankle swelling

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:05:24 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Prevention
References

Illustrations

Foot swelling

Lower leg edema

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs is called peripheral edema.

Alternative Names

Swelling of the ankles - feet - legs; Ankle swelling; Foot swelling; Leg swelling; Edema - peripheral; Peripheral edema

Considerations

Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, particularly in older people. It may affect both legs and may include the calves or even the thighs. Because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations.

Common Causes

Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is common with the following situations:

Prolonged standing
Long airplane flights or automobile rides
Menstrual periods (for some women)
Pregnancy -- excessive swelling may be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a serious condition sometimes called toxemia, that includes high blood pressure and swelling
Being overweight
Increased age
Injury or trauma to your ankle or foot

Swollen legs may be a sign of heart failure, kidney failure, or liver failure. In these conditions, there is too much fluid in the body.

Other conditions that can cause swelling to one or both legs include:

Blood clot
Leg infection
Venous insufficiency (when the veins in your legs are unable to adequately pump blood back to the heart)
Varicose veins
Burns (including sunburn)
Insect bite or sting
Starvation or malnutrition
Surgery to your leg or foot

Certain medications may also cause your legs to swell:

Hormones like estrogen (in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy) and testosterone
A group of blood pressure lowering drugs called calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, felodipine, and verapamil)
Steroids
Antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors (such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine) and tricyclics (such as nortriptyline, desipramine, and amitriptyline)

Home Care

Elevate your legs above your heart while lying down.
Exercise your legs. This helps pump fluid from your legs back to your heart.
Wear support stockings (sold at most drug and medical supply stores).
Try to follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid retention and swelling.

Call your health care provider if

Call 911 if:

You feel short of breath.
You have chest pain, especially if it feels like pressure or tightness.

Call your doctor right away if:

You have decreased urine output.
You have a history of liver disease and now have swelling in your legs or abdomen.
Your swollen foot or leg is red or warm to the touch.
You have a fever.
You are pregnant and have more than just mild swelling or have a sudden increase in swelling.

Also call your doctor if self care measures do not help or swelling worsens.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will take a medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination, with special attention to your heart, lungs, abdomen, legs, and feet.

Your doctor will ask questions like the following:

What specific body parts swell? Your ankles, feet, legs? Above the knee or below?
Do you have swelling at all times or is it worse in the morning or the evening?
What makes your swelling better?
What makes your swelling worse?
Does the swelling get better when you elevate your legs?
What other symptoms do you have?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:

Blood tests such as a CBC or blood chemistry
ECG
Chest x-ray or extremity x-ray
Urinalysis

The specific treatment will be directed at whatever underlying cause is found. Diuretics may be prescribed. These are effective in reducing the swelling but have some side effects. Home treatment for benign causes of leg swelling should be tried before drug therapy under medical supervision.

Prevention

Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. When flying, stretch your legs often and get up to walk when possible. When driving, stop to stretch and walk every hour or so. Avoid wearing restrictive clothing or garters around your thighs. Exercise regularly. Lose weight if you need to.

References

Cho S. Peripheral edema. Am J Med. 2002; 113(7): 580-586.

Schroeder BM. ACOG practice bulletin on diagnosing and managing preeclampsia and eclampsia. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Am Fam Physician. 2002; 66(2): 330-331.

Review Date: 5/17/2007

Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003104

Swelling

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:05:22 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

Pitting edema on the leg

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by build up of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a rapid increase in weight over a short period of time (days to weeks).

Swelling can occur throughout the body (generalized) or only in a specific part of the body (localized).

Alternative Names

Edema; Anasarca

Considerations

Slight swelling (edema) of the lower legs commonly occurs in warm summer months, especially if a person has been standing or walking a lot.

Generalized swelling, or massive edema (also called anasarca), is a common sign in severely ill people. Although slight edema may be difficult to detect, especially in an overweight person, massive edema is very obvious.

Edema is described as pitting or non-pitting.

Pitting edema leaves a dent in the skin after you press the area with a finger for about 5 seconds. The dent will slowly fill back in.
Non-pitting edema does not leave this type of dent when pressing on the swollen area.

Common Causes

Too much salt or sodium
Burns
Sunburn
Too little albumin in the blood (hypoalbuminemia)
Poor nutrition
Pregnancy
Drugs, including
- Androgenic and anabolic steroids
- Certain blood pressure medicines
- Corticosteroids such as prednisone
- Estrogen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Calcium channel blockers
- Diabetes medicines called thiazolidinediones
Nephrotic syndrome
Acute glomerulonephritis
Chronic kidney disease
Heart failure
Liver failure from cirrhosis
Thyroid disease

Home Care

Follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause of the swelling. Discuss with your health care provider the options to prevent skin breakdown (for chronic edema) such as a pressure-reducing mattress, a lamb's wool pad, or a flotation ring.

Maintain everyday activities. When lying down, keep limbs above the heart level, if possible, to facilitate drainage. Do not do this if shortness of breath results -- see your doctor instead.

Reduced sodium (salt) in the diet may be recommended.

Call your health care provider if

If you notice any unexplained swelling, contact your health care provider.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Except in emergency situations (such as cardiac failure or pulmonary congestion), your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting swelling in detail may include the following:

Time pattern
- When did you first notice this?
- Is it present all the time?
- Does it come and go?
Quality
- How much swelling is there?
- When you poke the area with a finger, does the dent remain?
Location
- Is it overall or in a specific area (localized)?
- If swelling is in a specific area, what is that area?
Other
- What seems to make the swelling better?
- What seems to make the swelling worse?
- What other symptoms are also present?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:

Treatment may include fluid and sodium restriction, diuretics, or water pills. Your fluid intake and output should be monitored, and you should be weighed daily.

Avoid alcohol if liver disease (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis) is causing the problem. Vascular support hose may be advised.

Review Date: 12/15/2006

Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003103

Scrotal swelling

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:06:31 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Scrotal swelling is abnormal enlargement of the scrotum, the sac surrounding the testicles.

Alternative Names

Swelling of the scrotum; Testicular enlargement

Considerations

Scrotal swelling can occur in males of any age and may or may not be accompanied by pain. It can occur on one or both sides. The testicles and penis may or may not be involved.

Testicular torsion is a serious emergency in which the testicle become twisted in the scrotum and loses its blood supply. If this twisting is not relieved quickly, the testicle may be lost permanently. Call 911 or see your health care provider immediately.

Common Causes

Injury
Hernia
Congestive heart failure
Hydrocele
Orchitis
Testicular torsion
Varicocele
Certain medical treatments
Surgery in the genital area

Home Care

Ice packs applied to the scrotum are recommended for the first 24 hours, followed by sitz baths to decrease swelling.

If the pain is severe, a rolled-up towel placed between the legs just under the scrotum may help relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. Wearing a loose-fitting athletic supporter for daily activities is also recommended. Excessive activity should be avoided until the swelling disappears.

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if you notice any unexplained scrotal swelling, if the swelling is painful, or if you have a testicle lump.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and will take a medical history, which may include the following questions:

When did the swelling develop?
Did it develop suddenly?
Is it getting worse?
How big is the swelling (try to describe in terms such as "twice normal size" or "the size of a golfball")?
Does the swelling appear to be fluid?
Can you feel tissue in the swollen area?
Is the swelling in one part of the scrotum or in the entire scrotum?
Is the swelling the same on both sides (sometimes a swollen scrotum is actually an enlarged testicle, a testicular lump, or a swollen duct)?
Have you had a surgery on the genital area?
Have you had an injury or trauma to your genitals?
Have you had a recent genital infection?
Does the swelling go down after you rest in bed?
Do you have any other symptoms?
Is there any pain in the area around the scrotum?

The physical examination will probably include a detailed examination of the scrotum, testicles, and penis. The combination of physical exam and history will determine the need for any diagnostic tests.

Antibiotics and pain medications may be prescribed.

Review Date: 10/24/2006

Reviewed By: Marc Greenstein, DO, Urologist, North Jersey Center for Urologic Care, Denville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003161

Facial swelling

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:05:25 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

Edema, central on the face

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Facial swelling is the build-up of fluid in the face. Swelling may also affect the neck and upper arms.

Alternative Names

Puffy face; Swelling of the face; Moon face; Facial edema

Considerations

If the facial swelling is mild, it may be hard to detect. To assist the health care provider in diagnosing the cause, it is important to note the following:

Pain, and where it hurts
How long the swelling has lasted
What makes it better or worse
If you have other symptoms

Common Causes

Allergic reaction (such as allergic rhinitis, hay fever, or a bee sting)
Angioedema
Blood transfusion reaction
Cellulitis
Conjunctivitis with swelling around the eye(s)
Drug reactions, including those due to aspirin, penicillin, sulfa, glucocorticoids, and others
Head, nose, or jaw surgery
Injury or trauma to the face (such as a burn)
Malnutrition (when severe)
Obesity
Sinusitis
Stye with swelling around the infected eye
Tooth abscess

Home Care

Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling from an injury. Raise the head of the bed (or use extra pillows) to help reduce facial swelling.

Call your health care provider if

You should call your health care provider if you have:

Sudden, painful, or severe facial swelling
Facial swelling that lasts a while, particularly if it is getting worse over time
Difficulty breathing
Fever, tenderness, or redness, which suggests infection

What to expect at your health care provider's office

If facial swelling is caused by burns, or respiratory distress is present, emergency measures must be taken first. Then the medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting facial swelling in detail may include the following:

How long has the facial swelling lasted?
When did it begin?
What makes it worse?
What makes it better?
What is your height and weight?
How is your diet?
Has there been exposure to something to which the person may be allergic (an antigen)?
What medication are you taking?
Have you had recent facial injury?
Have you had a recent test or surgical procedure?
What other symptoms are also present? Especially, is there:
- Facial pain
- Sneezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives or rash
- Eye redness
- Fever

Diagnostic tests will be determined by other accompanying symptoms and results of the physical examination.

Review Date: 1/22/2007

Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003105

Joint swelling

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:08:03 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

The structure of a joint

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Joint swelling is the build up of fluid in the soft tissue surrounding the joint.

Alternative Names

Swelling of a joint

Considerations

Joint swelling may occur along with joint pain.

Common Causes

Home Care

For unexplained soft tissue joint swelling, contact your health care provider. Follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause.

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if any of the following occurs:

Severe, unexplained joint pain
Severe, unexplained stiffness or swelling, especially if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination. The joint(s) will be closely examined. You will be asked questions about your joint swelling, such as:

Location
- Which joint is swollen?
- Is more than one joint swollen?
Time pattern
- When did the joint swelling develop?
- Is it always swollen or does it come and go?
- Is this the first time you have had swollen joints?
Quality
- How swollen is the area?
- If you press over the swollen area with a finger, does it leave a dent after you take the finger away?
Aggravating factors
- What makes the swelling worse?
- Is it any worse in the morning or at night?
- Does exercise make it worse?
Relieving factors
- What make the swelling better?
- Does elevating the affected body part make the swelling go down?
- Is it better if you use an elastic wrap?
- What home treatment have you tried? How effective was it?
Other
- What other symptoms are also present?
- Is there joint pain?
- Is there fever?
- Is there a rash?

Tests to diagnose the cause of joint swelling may include:

Blood studies (such as a CBC or blood differential)
Joint x-rays
Joint aspiration and examination of joint fluid

Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended.

Review Date: 9/21/2006

Reviewed By: Jeffrey Kauffman, MD, Sacramento Knee and Sports Medicine, Sacramento, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003262

Breast - premenstrual tenderness and swelling

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:06:23 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

Female Breast

Breast self-exam

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Premenstrual swelling and tenderness of both breasts occurs during the second half of the menstrual cycle.

Alternative Names

Premenstrual tenderness and swelling of the breasts

Considerations

Symptoms of premenstrual breast tenderness may range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically peak just before each menstrual period and improve immediately after or during the menstrual period. Breast tissue may have dense, rough, "cobblestone" feel to the fingers -- usually more marked in the outer areas. There may also be an intermittent or persistent sense of breast fullness with dull, heavy pain, and tenderness.

During the menstrual cycle, estrogen production increases and peaks just prior to midcycle. This causes enlargement of the breast ducts. Premenstrually, progesterone peaks near the 21st day (in a 28-day cycle) and causes growth of the breast lobules (milk glands).

Premenstrual swelling and tenderness of the breasts is commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and fibrocystic breast disease (benign breast changes). The cause of fibrocystic breast disease is not completely understood, but is believed to be associated with ovarian hormones since the condition usually gets better with menopause.

Premenstrual breast tenderness and swelling probably occur to some degree in nearly all women. Symptoms severe enough to cause concern or limit function may occur in as many as 60% to 70% of women during their childbearing years. The incidence may be lower in women taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Risk factors may include family history and diet (excessive dietary fat or caffeine intake).

Common Causes

Menstrual cycle
Estrogen medications
Adolescent pregnancy
First-trimester pregnancy

Home Care

Self-care may include restricting dietary fat to approximately 25% of total daily calorie intake and eliminating caffeine. Breast self-examination should be performed monthly.

A well-fitting bra should be worn to provide good breast support.

The effectiveness of vitamin E, vitamin B6, and herbal preparations such as evening primrose oil are somewhat controversial and should be discussed with your health care provider.

Oral contraceptives may be prescribed to decrease symptoms.

Depo-Provera, a long-acting injection of medroxyprogesterone acetate used as a contraceptive, is also available for those who experience premenstrual breast swelling and tenderness. Depo-Provera relieves symptoms by eliminating menstrual periods.

Danazol, a synthetic androgen (male hormone), may be used in severe cases when the potential benefit is thought to outweigh the potential bad side effects.

Call your health care provider if

You have unilateral (one-sided), new, unusual, or changing lumps in breast tissue.
You do not know how to properly perform a breast self-examination.
You are a woman, age 40 or older, and have never had a screening mammogram.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Medical history questions documenting premenstrual breast tenderness may include:

Does the tenderness occur with every menstrual period?
Do you know how to do breast self-examination?
Have you noticed any breast lumps?
What other symptoms are also present?

Your health care provider will check for breast lumps, and note the qualities of the lump (firm or soft, smooth or bumpy, and so on).

Diagnostic tests:

A mammogram or breast ultrasound may be performed to evaluate any abnormalities found in a breast exam. If a lump is found that is not clearly benign, a breast biopsy may be necessary.

Review Date: 5/23/2006

Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003153