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Antibiotics – When They Can and Can’t Help
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What are antibiotics? Antibiotics are medicines prescribed by a health care provider. They treat infections Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance. This makes the infection stronger. The medicine will not…
Antidiarrheal Medicines – OTC Relief for Diarrhea
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Diarrhea is when you have frequent and liquid bowel movements. Many things can cause it, including: Viruses. Bacteria and parasites. Medicines such as antibiotics. Lactose intolerance. Fructose or artificial sweeteners. Digestive disorders…
Antiemetic Medicines – OTC Relief for Nausea and Vomiting
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without a prescription from your healthcare provider. Medicines that treat nausea and vomiting are called antiemetics. Several OTC medicines are used as antiemetics. These…
Antihistamines
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Antihistamines are medicines that help stop allergy symptoms. These symptoms include: Itchy eyes. Sneezing. Runny nose or congestion. Skin rashes such as hives. They are normally taken by mouth. They come in…
Antihistamines – Understanding Your OTC Options
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines are medicines that treat allergy symptoms. OTC means you can buy them at a store, without a doctor’s prescription. They are available as pills, liquids, nasal sprays, gels, and…
Antioxidants – What You Need to Know
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Your body’s cells face threats every day. Viruses and infections attack them. Free radicals also can damage your cells and DNA. Some cells can heal from the damage, while others cannot. Scientists…
Appendicitis
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What is appendicitis? An appendicitis is inflammation or infection in your appendix. The appendix is a tube-like organ in your abdomen. It is attached to the first portion of your large intestine….
Are X-Rays Safe During Pregnancy?
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What are X-rays? X-rays are a form of radiation. This kind of radiation is invisible. X-rays are used to make “pictures” of the bones and organs. They have been associated with a…
Arrhythmia
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is arrhythmia? An arrhythmia is a change in the rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). Your heartbeat may be irregular. This…
Artificial Hydration and Nutrition
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Patients who can’t swallow because of a medical problem still need nutrition and fluids. Getting these other than by mouth is called artificial hydration and nutrition. Artificial hydration and nutrition works for…
Asperger’s Syndrome
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What is Asperger’s syndrome? Asperger’s syndrome (also known as just Asperger’s) was once its own diagnosis. Now it is identified as one form of the autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD). Despite this,…
Asthma
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease of the lungs. It inflames and narrows the airways, making it harder to breathe. These are tubes that carry air into and…
Asthma – Questions to Ask When it Doesn’t Get Better
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Asthma is a medical condition. It can be difficult to manage. Your efforts to treat don’t always work. This is especially true when a “trigger” causes your asthma to flare up. This…
Asthma – Controller and Quick-Relief Medicine
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic, or long-term, disease of the lungs. It can cause your airways (the air passages of your lungs) to become inflamed and narrow, making it harder…