What is a vulvovaginal candidiasis?

Vulvovaginal candidiasis, or yeast infection, is a common vaginal infection. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is caused by a fungus, or commonly referred to as yeast. Yeast is normally found in your vagina. Too much or some specific types of yeast can cause an infection.

What increases my risk for a yeast infection?

•      Pregnancy

•      Medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, or steroid medicine

•      Medical conditions, such as diabetes

•      Contraceptive devices, such as diaphragms, sponges, and intrauterine devices

What are the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection?

•      Thick, white, cheese-like discharge from your vagina

•      Itching, swelling, and redness in your vagina

•      Burning when you urinate

How is a yeast infection diagnosed and treated?

•      Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and examine you. A sample of your vaginal discharge may show what germ is causing your infection

•      Medicines help treat the fungal infection and decrease inflammation. The medicine may be a pill, cream, ointment, or vaginal tablet or suppository. With treatment, the infection is usually gone within a week

Keep your vagina healthy:

•      Clean in and around your vagina with mild soap and warm water each day. Gently dry the area after washing. Do not use hot tubs. The heat and moisture from hot tubs can increase your risk for another yeast infection

•      Do not wear tight-fitting clothes or undergarments for long periods. Wear breathable cotton underwear. Tights and nylons worn for long periods of time might trap heat and moisture which promote yeast growth

•      Change your laundry soap or fabric softener if you think it is irritating your skin

•      Do not douche or use feminine hygiene sprays or bubble bath. Scented soaps, pads, tampons, or toilet paper may cause additional skin irritation

•      Ask your healthcare provider about birth control options if necessary. Condoms have latex and diaphragms have gel that kills sperm. Both of these may irritate your genital area

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

•      You have fever and chills

•      You develop abdominal or pelvic pain

•      Your discharge is bloody and it is not your monthly period

•      Your signs and symptoms get worse, even after treatment

•      You have questions or concerns about your condition or care

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.   

© 2017 Truven Health Analytics LLC All illustrations and images included in CareNotes^® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Truven Health Analytics. 

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is swelling of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of fibers that connect your heel bone to the front of your foot. It helps support the arch of your foot and absorbs shock. Plantar fasciitis is caused by small tears in the plantar fascia. Over time, the tears cause swelling and irritation.

What increases my risk for plantar fasciitis?

•      Obesity

•      High impact exercises such as running

•      Activities or sports that involve jumping, such as basketball

•      A sudden increase in the intensity of an activity

•      Flat feet, high arches, or feet that rotate inward when you walk or run

•      Tight calf muscles and tendons

•      Wearing shoes that do not support your feet, such as shoes that are worn out

•      Standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time

What are the signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis? 

•      Pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel

•      Pain that is worse right after you get out of bed or after a long period of rest

•      Pain after activity

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Why do I have gas?

Everyone has gas. Burping and "passing gas” is normal. But because it is embarrassing, many people believe they pass gas too often or have too much gas. A person actually having too much gas is rare.

Most of the time, gas in the body is odorless. The odor of passed gas comes from sulfur made by bacteria in the large intestine. Sometimes gas causes bloating or pain. Not everyone has these symptoms. How much gas the body makes and how sensitive a person is to gas in the large intestine have an effect on how uncomfortable one feels.

What can I do about gas?

Changing what you eat and drink can help prevent or reduce gas. If you feel like you have too much gas, you might want to try these things.

1.     Cut down on foods that can cause gas.

The amount of gas caused by certain foods varies from person to person. The only way to know your own limits is to keep track of what you eat and how much gas is causes later. You may want to keep a food diary. Write down what you eat every day and any symptoms you may develop to help determine which foods cause you the most problems.

Foods That May Contribute to Gas Production 

•      Milk Products: Milk, ice cream, cheese

•      Vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,

•      cauliflower, cucumbers, sauerkraut, kohlrabi, asparagus

•      Root Vegetables: Potatoes, rutabaga, turnips, radishes, onions

•      Fruits: Prunes, apricots, apples, raisins, bananas

•      Cereals & Breads: Cereals, breads, pastries, and all foods containing wheat and wheat products. Check labels

•      Fatty Foods: Pan-fried or deep-fried foods, fatty meats, rich cream sauces and gravies, pastries, and any high-fat food. Check labels

•      Liquids: Carbonated beverages, fizzy medicine 

2.      Drink plenty of water and clear soup but not “fizzy” liquids. 

Try not to drink liquids that can cause gas, like soda and beer.

3.      Eat more slowly and chew your food more.

When you eat fast, you may swallow too much air and this can also cause gas.

This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed.It is not a substitute for your care team’s medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment forspecific medical conditions.

© 2017 The General Hospital Corporation.

Primary Care Office lnSite

developed by the MGH Laboratory of Computer Science and Division of General Internal Medicine

What is cellulitis? 

Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. Cellulitis usually appears on the legs and feet, arms and hands, or face.

What increases my risk for cellulitis?

•      An injury that breaks the skin, such as a bite, scratch, or cut

•      Sores or injuries exposed to hot tub water or water in ponds, streams, or oceans

•      Shared belongings, such as towels or exercise equipment

•      Drugs that are injected

•      A weak immune system or diabetes

•      Lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease, or deep vein thrombosis

What are the signs and symptoms of cellulitis?

•      A red, warm, swollen area on your skin

•      Pain when the area is touched

•      Bumps or blisters (abscess) that may drain pus

•      Bumpy, raised skin that feels like an orange peel

How is cellulitis diagnosed? 

Your healthcare provider may know you have cellulitis by looking at and feeling your skin. Tell him or her how long you have had symptoms, and if anything helps decrease your symptoms. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had a cellulitis infection. He or she may not know which kind of bacteria caused your cellulitis. You may need any of the following tests:

•      Blood tests may show which kind of bacteria is causing your infection. Blood tests may also show if the infection is in your blood

•      A sample of tissue or fluid from your infected skin may show what is causing your infection. The sample may also show if your infection is caused by another kind of skin disorder

What does the liver do?

Your liver is a large organ inside your body. It is also one of the most important. The liver performs many functions, including changing food into energy and cleaning alcohol and other toxins from the blood. Your liver also makes bile, a yellowish-green liquid that helps with digestion.

What is a liver function test?

A liver function test (LFT) is used to detect, evaluate and monitor liver disease or damage. There are several tests (sometimes called a liver panel) that may be run at the same time on one blood sample. These include tests that measure liver inflammation.

The test is simple and practically painless. A small amount of blood is drawn, usually from a vein inside the elbow.

When are liver tests ordered?

Many patients with early or mild to moderate liver disease have few if any symptoms. In some cases, liver disease is first detected through routine blood testing. Specific liver tests may be ordered when a person has been or may have been exposed to a hepatitis virus; has a family history of liver disease; has excessive alcohol intake; or is taking a drug that can cause liver damage.

Liver tests may also be ordered when symptoms suspicious of a liver condition are noticed. These include: jaundice (yellow-colored skin and eyes), dark urine, or light-colored bowel movements; nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea; loss of appetite; vomiting of blood; bloody or black bowel movements; swelling or pain in the belly; unusual weight change; or fatigue or loss of stamina.

What will happen if my liver function test results are abnormal?

It  is not unusual for the results of a liver function test to come out abnormal. If this happens in your case, your doctor will probably order another test. Often, the second test shows a normal result and there is no need for further testing. If your doctor is still concerned, he or she may ask for an imaging test such as an ultrasound to find out more about the condition of your liver.

What can I do to prevent the development of fatty liver disease, a common cause of liver inflammation?

There are important things you can do to help prevent fatty liver disease. They include: 

•      Weight loss and exercise. If you are overweight or obese, a diet and exercise program can help prevent the accumulation of fat in your liver. Your doctor can give you information about a healthy weight-loss diet and starting an exercise program

•      Blood sugar control. A healthy diet and exercise can help prevent diabetes from developing. If you have diabetes, it is very important to manage your blood sugar level with diet, medications or insulin. Some diabetes medications can actually help prevent the accumulation of fat in your liver

•      Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause liver damage. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to no more than 1 drink a day for women and no more than 2 drinks a day for men. A drink is a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 11/2 ounce shot of liquor

This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed. It is not a substitute for your care team’s medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.

© 2017 The General Hospital Corporation.

Primary Care Office lnSite

developed by the MGH Laboratory of Computer Science and Division of General Internal Medicine

What do I need to know about acute neck pain? 

Acute neck pain starts suddenly, increases quickly, and goes away in a few days. The pain may come and go, or be worse with certain movements. The pain may be only in your neck, or it may move to your arms, back, or shoulders. You may also have pain that starts in another body area and moves to your neck.

What causes or increases my risk for acute neck pain?

Acute neck pain is often caused by a muscle strain or ligament sprain. Any of the following may cause acute neck pain:

• Inflammation of discs in your neck

• A condition that affects neck to arm nerves, such as thoracic outlet syndrome or brachial neuritis

• A trauma or injury to your neck, such as being hit from behind in a car (whiplash) or sleeping in a bad position

• Shingles, or an infection such as meningitis

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. It is also called stomach pain or belly pain. There are many different causes of abdominal pain. If your pain is severe or continues for more than a few days, your doctor may want to examine you and may order tests to help explain why you are having this pain.

In the meantime, here are some steps you can take to begin feeling better：

•   Rest

•   Do not eat solid food until your pain is gone

•   While you have pain: Stay on a clear liquid diet. A clear liquid is one you can see through (water, weak tea, broth or bouillon, ginger ale, jello, Gatorade, apple juice, popsicles or ice chips). Avoid milk or dairy products

•   When your pain is gone: Start a light diet (dry toast, crackers, applesauce, white rice, bananas, broth or bouillon) and increase the diet slowly, as long as it does not bother you. No milk products (including cheese and eggs) and no spicy, fatty, fried or high fiber foods

•   No alcohol, coffee or cigarettes

•   Take your regular medicines unless the doctor told you not to

•   Take any prescribed medicine as directed

•   Do not take medicine containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) unless your doctor says to

Call your doctor if:

•   Your pain becomes worse, changes location or feels different

•   You have a fever or shaking chills

•   You keep throwing up or cannot drink liquids

•   You see blood when you throw up or see blood in your bowel movements

•   Your bowel movements become dark or black

•   You move your bowels frequently

•   Your bowel movements stop (become blocked) or you cannot pass gas

•   You have bloody or painful urination

•   Your skin or the whites of your eyes look yellow

•   Your stomach becomes bloated or bigger

•   There is bleeding or discharge from your vagina

•   You feel dizzy or faint

•   Your abdominal pain moves to your chest or your back

This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed.It is not a substitute for your care team’s medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.

© 2017 The General HospitalCorporation.

PrimaryCare OfficelnSite

developed by the MGH Laboratory of Computer Science and Division of General Internal Medicine

What do I need to know about pain management after surgery?

 Good control of your pain will help you heal from surgery and return to your normal activities. It will also help you do important activities such as walking and deep breathing. If your pain prevents you from doing these activities, you may be at risk for complications. Examples include a blood clot or pneumonia. Tell your healthcare provider if your pain is not controlled. You may need changes to your medicine or treatment plan. 

What medicines may I need to manage pain? 

You may need any of the following: 

•      Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day

•      NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, alwaysask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions

•      Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation

•      Anxiety medicine decreases anxiety. High levels of anxiety make pain harder to manage

•      Muscle relaxers help decrease pain by relaxing your muscles and preventing spasms

What can I do to manage my pain without medicine? 

Muscle pain can be dull, achy, or sharp. You may have pain and tenderness to the touch as well. It can occur anywhere on your body and is often brought on by exercise. Muscle pain may occur from an injury, such as a sprain, tendonitis, or bone fracture. Muscle pain can also be the result of medical conditions, such as polymyositis, fibromyalgia, and connective tissue disorders. 

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Self care: 

•      Rest as directed and avoid activity that causes pain. You may be able to return to normal activity when you can move without pain. Follow directions for rest and activity. You are at risk for injury for 3 weeks after your symptoms go away 

What is hand, foot, and mouth disease? 

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infection caused by a virus. HFMD is easily spread from person to person through direct contact. Anyone can get HFMD, but it is most common in children younger than 10 years.

What are the signs and symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease? 

The following signs and symptoms of HFMD normally go away within 7 to 10 days:

•      Fever 

•      Sore throat

•      Lack of appetite

•      Sores or blisters on your tongue, gums, and inside your cheeks that appear 1 to 2 days after a fever starts

•      Rash on the palms of your hands and bottoms of your feet

•      Painful blisters on your hands or feet

How is hand, foot, and mouth disease diagnosed?

 Your healthcare provider will ask how long you have had symptoms and if you have been near anyone who has HFMD. You may also need the following tests:

•      Throat culture: This test may help healthcare providers learn which type of germ is causing your illness. Your healthcare provider will rub a cotton swab against the back of your throat. He will send the swab to a lab for tests

•      Bowel movement sample: A sample of your bowel movement is sent to a lab for tests. The test may show what germ is causing your illness

How is hand, foot, and mouth disease treated? 

HFMD usually goes away on its own without treatment. You may need to drink extra fluids to avoid dehydration. You may also need medicine to decrease a fever or pain. You may need a medical mouthwash to help decrease pain caused by mouth sores.

How do I prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease? 

You can spread the virus for weeks after your symptoms have gone away. The following can help prevent the spread of HFMD:

•      Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a child's diapers, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food

•      Avoid close contact with others.Do not kiss, hug, or share food or drinks. Ask your child's school or daycare if you need to keep your child home while he has symptoms of HFMD 

•      Clean surfaces well: Wash all items and surfaces with diluted bleach. This includes toys, tables, counter tops, and door knobs

What are the risks of hand, foot, and mouth disease? 

You may get HFMD again. You may not want to eat or drink because of the pain in your mouth and throat. If you do not drink enough fluids, you may become dehydrated. You may lose a fingernail or toenail about 4 weeks after you get sick. The virus may spread and cause meningitis or encephalitis. Meningitis is an infection and swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is an infection that causes the brain to swell. Encephalitis is rare but can be life-threatening.

When should I contact my healthcare provider? 

•      Your mouth or throat are so sore you cannot eat or drink

•      Your fever, sore throat, mouth sores, or rash do not go away after 10 days

•      You have questions or concerns about your condition or care

When should I seek immediate care? 

•      You urinate less than normal or not at all

•      You have a severe headache, stiff neck, and back pain

•      You have trouble moving, or cannot move part of your body

•      You become confused and sleepy

•      You have trouble breathing, are breathing very fast, or you cough up pink, foamy spit

•      You have a seizure

•      You have a high fever and your heart is beating much faster than it normally does

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

© 2017 Truven Health Analytics LLC All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Truven Health Analytics.