Medical Help Desk

  CONJUGATED ESTROGENS (CON ju gate ed  ESS troe jenz) is an estrogen. It is used as hormone replacement in menopausal women. It helps to treat hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis. It is also used to treat women with low hormone levels or in those who have had their ovaries removed. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Premarin They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •abnormal vaginal bleeding •blood vessel disease or blood clots •breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer •dementia •diabetes •endometriosis •fibroids •gallbladder disease •heart disease or recent heart attack • high blood pressure •high cholesterol •high level of calcium in the blood •kidney disease •liver disease •mental depression • migraine headaches •protein C deficiency •protein S deficiency • stroke •tobacco smoker •an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, other med...

  When you have GERD (chronic acid reflux) your stomach acid persistently flows back up into your mouth through your esophagus. You may experience heartburn, acid indigestion, trouble swallowing, feeling of food caught in your throat and other problems. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or chronic acid reflux) is a condition in which acid-containing contents in your stomach persistently leak back up into your esophagus, the tube from your throat to your stomach. Acid reflux happens because a valve at the end of your esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter, doesn’t close properly when food arrives at your stomach. Acid backwash then flows back up through your esophagus into your throat and mouth, giving you a sour taste. Acid reflux happens to nearly everyone at some point in life. Having acid reflux and heartburn now and then is totally normal. But, if you have acid reflux/heartburn more than twice a week over a period of several weeks, constantly take heartbu...

  Rheumatic heart disease is   a systemic immune condition that occurs as a complication of rheumatic fever . This occurs after a beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection of the throat. Rheumatic heart disease is a critical form of acquired heart disease in children and adults worldwide. Rheumatic heart disease is heart valve damage due to rheumatic fever. The fever is your body’s inflammatory response to a bacterial infection. Children in poor countries without access to antibiotics are at the highest risk. The condition can lead to serious health problems, including heart failure. Medication and surgery are the main treatments. What is rheumatic heart disease? Rheumatic heart disease is heart valve damage resulting from rheumatic fever . Bacterial infections called group A streptococcal (GAS) infections can cause rheumatic fever. An infection, such as strep throat  or scarlet fever, triggers your body’s immune response. It causes inflammation througho...

  Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It's characterized by  sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe . Gout is a painful form of arthritis. When your body has extra uric acid, sharp crystals can form in your joints (usually your big toe). Flare-ups of symptoms like pain and swelling come and go in periods called gout attacks. Treatment is usually a combination of symptom management and changing your diet . What is gout? Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in your joints. Gout happens when there’s a buildup of uric acid in your body. Gout most commonly affects your big toe joint. But it can affect other joints, including your: Knees. Ankles. Feet. Hands and wrists. Elbows. Gout symptoms come and go (recur) in episodes called flares or gout attacks. A healthcare provider will suggest medications and changes to your diet th...

  A stroke is your brain’s equivalent of a heart attack, happening when there’s an issue with blood flow to part of your brain. This can happen when blood vessels are blocked or because of bleeding in your brain. Strokes are a life-threatening emergency, and immediate medical attention is critical to prevent permanent damage or death . What is a stroke? A stroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when part of your brain doesn’t have enough blood flow. This most commonly happens because of a blocked artery or bleeding in your brain. Without a steady supply of blood, the brain cells in that area start to die from a lack of oxygen. IMPORTANT:   A stroke is a life-threatening emergency condition where every second counts. If you or someone with you has symptoms of a stroke,  IMMEDIATELY   call (or your local emergency services number). The quicker stroke is treated, the more likely you’ll recover without disability. To recognize the warning signs of a stroke, r...