Lupus Foundation hosted a Facebook chat on Lupus and General Health. Also, if the itching is unbearable despite over-the-counter treatment, you might need something stronger, like a short course of steroids.On November 6, Hospital for Special Surgery and the S.L.E. It could be the start of a life-threatening allergic reaction. When to worry: If an itchy rash comes on suddenly while taking a medicine (particularly an antibiotic) or eating a new food, seek immediate medical attention, especially if you also have shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing. Have you used any new shampoos? Is the rash only on the legs (in that case, think plant allergy)? Only on areas exposed to the sun? Only on areas under clothing? Use common sense to treat symptoms-taking an antihistamine or applying hydrocortisone cream can help with itching, for example-and think about new products or foods you’ve come in contact with so you can try to avoid a recurrence. Minor rashes are part of life, and no cause will be found for many of them. And if you have any doubt about whether you should get medical help for chest pain, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.ĭuring my medical training, I had an itchy rash on my arms and legs. In that case, sharp, localized pain could be a sign of a lung problem. When to worry: If you are also short of breath or have a fever, see a doctor. These can be due to injury or a viral infection and generally resolve themselves a nonsteroidal medicine like ibuprofen may help in the meantime. Sometimes chest pain that’s worse with a cough, a deep breath or movements of the torso, like lifting or twisting, can be caused by strains or irritation in the small muscles and ligaments that surround the ribs. We tend to associate the chest with the heart, but there are lungs, bones, muscles and digestive organs in there, too. : 18 Reasons Why Your Stomach Hurtsĭon’t worry about: Sharp, localized chest pain When to worry: If the bleeding persists for more than two or three days or is painful, head to the doctor. Try taking a stool softener, or eat more fruits and vegetables to do the same trick. It is almost always related to hemorrhoids or small cuts in the rectal area rather than a sign of an ulcer or cancer. The most embarrassed call I receive concerns blood on toilet paper or in the bowl. Wounds need to be stitched within 24 hours or the risk of infection rises markedly.ĭon’t worry about: A little rectal bleeding When to worry: If you’re not sure whether a cut needs stitches, it’s not wise to wait and see. If you can’t, or if the two sides of the slice seem widely separated, you may need stitches to help healing. Put pressure on a cut for 5 to 10 minutes to see if you can get it to stop bleeding. Cuts on certain parts of the body, like the scalp, can bleed profusely, but that shouldn’t necessarily cause alarm. But most of us panic more than we should. In terms of species survival, it’s probably good that the sight of blood provokes panic. Hard or fast-growing lumps should also be seen promptly. Lumps that are tender, warm and red could be from underlying infections that need treatment. When to worry: Some lumps should be evaluated as soon as possible. Make sure you show them to your doctor on your next visit, but try not to be too alarmed. The causes of lumps are so numerous that it is impossible to give a complete list here, but they range from benign cysts to fatty deposits under the skin (called lipomas). The overwhelming majority of them are not cancerous. : 15 Signs You May Have an Iron DeficiencyĪs bodies age, they develop a wide variety of lumps. When to worry: If you feel faint or are vomiting up blood, get to the doctor. I prefer that old favorite, flat ginger ale, but any clear liquid, like water or Gatorade, will do. The important thing is not to get dehydrated. If there is no intense abdominal pain, high fever or blood in your stool, your body will take care of it. People want to know if it’s food poisoning or a virus, but in terms of healing, it doesn’t really matter. When to worry: If low blood pressure leaves you feeling lightheaded or faint, or if you feel your heart fluttering, then you need to see a doctor.ĭon’t worry about: A couple days of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea It puts less stress on your organs, so it’s generally considered a good thing. You know the saying “You can never be too rich or too thin”? Low blood pressure is kind of like that. Part of the reason a new doctor does routine blood work when you’re feeling good is so that she can learn what is typical for you. For his entire life, my husband has had a slightly low platelet count, but he has never had bleeding problems (platelets help with clot formation). Even if the lab report says the number is out of normal range, that value is most likely normal for you.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |