Doctors Should Teach Patients, Parents of Dangers of Asthma

Question: Your article about asthma deaths brought back painful memories. My only child died of asthma last year at the age of 15.

Scott took Intal and carried his Ventolin inhaler with him wherever he went. But he had not been told how serious asthma could be. Kids, especially teen-agers, should be taught what to do if they are alone somewhere and suffer a severe attack. If Scott had only known he was in danger, he might have sought help sooner.

We never thought of asthma as a life-threatening disease. It has been a hard lesson to learn. I believe that doctors should educate both parents and children about the dangers of asthma. I wish someone had warned us.

Answer: Thank you for sharing your tragic story with us. We only hope it will alert others to learn how to respond to an asthmatic attack before it becomes a crisis.

Children may have a hard time treating themselves when their friends are watching for fear of being different. There is also the risk that they may overuse an inhaler when they’re on their own.

Physicians must educate both patients and their parents about the best way to manage everyday wheezing as well as emergencies.

Q. My doctor prescribed a powerful antibiotic called Cipro for my sinus infection. He said I shouldn’t drink coffee, but he didn’t say why.

I didn’t really think it would make any difference so I had a couple of cups the other night and was wired for hours. I’ve never reacted that way before. What happened? Can I drink tea or cola instead?

A. Your antibiotic slows the breakdown of caffeine in the body. As a consequence, this chemical hangs around longer and may lead to a stronger caffeine kick. Avoid all caffeine-containing products (including tea, cola and certain over-the-counter pain relievers) until you are no longer taking Cipro (ciprofloxacin).

Q. Is minoxidil the only drug to stop hair loss? When I went through menopause, my hair started to thin noticeably.

A. The only drug that has been tested and approved for hair loss is Rogaine Topical Solution (minoxidil). Word has it that this drug does help women who suffer hair thinning, though the FDA has not yet approved it for this purpose.