Chronic bronchitis, asthma treatable

Dear Dr. Gott: I’ve been bothered for the past 29 years with a chronic, dry cough. I’ve never smoked and have had numerous chest X-rays and a pulmonary function test. I’m now told I have an infection in my bronchial tubes. Is there a cure for this annoying condition?

Dear Reader: Chronic bronchitis – the disorder that you appear to have – is more common in smokers and in persons who live or work in polluted environments; also, it is usually cured readily by antibiotics.

Therefore, I wonder if your infection may be complicated by another lung disease – notably asthma – that is related to bronchitis and can cause chronic cough, periodic breathlessness, wheezing, exercise intolerance and chest pressure.

Because your symptom has been present so long, I believe that you should be examined by a pulmonologist. This lung specialist will, by using special breathing tests, be able to identify the presence of asthma, as well as more unlikely diseases such as bronchiectasis (abscesses in lung tissue). Both ailments are treatable. Ask your doctor for a referral.

To give you more information, I am sending you a free copy of my Health Report “Pulmonary Disease.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: My daughter has been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. She is on Paxil, an antidepressant. The drug makes her feel fine all day long, but she cannot get to sleep at night without a sleeping pill. Then she may get three hours of sleep. Her doctor says this is an expected side effect she will have to learn live with. Do you agree?

Dear Reader: In assessing the benefits of a certain drug, patients must always take into account the potential risks and side effects. Thus, the risk/benefit ratio is an important determinant of therapy.

Your daughter might fare as well with a reduced dosage of Paxil – or a change to another antidepressant. (Although most antidepressant medications may interrupt the sleep pattern, not all patients are bothered by this side effect.)

I recommend that she address this issue with her physician. Or, if he is unsympathetic, with another doctor. In my view, taking potentially addictive medication, such as sleeping pills, to counteract the effects of another drug is not a healthful practice, unless all the other options have been explored.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Sleep/Wake Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092.