Low blood-sodium may cause symptoms

Dear Dr. Gott: For years my husband has chosen a low-salt diet. After two strokes in the past five years that caused memory loss and balance difficulties, he went to a doctor, who told him that his sodium was low. My husband began using salt again and has greatly improved. His memory is back and he is more physically active. Are there many people who have cut out dietary salt but have not had their sodium levels checked?

Dear Reader: I’ll bet that the majority of people on low-salt diets (because of hypertension or heart disorders) rarely have their blood-sodium levels checked. In most cases, this is acceptable because Americans tend to consume too much salt. Also, balanced diets (without added salt) provide more than enough sodium for normal metabolism.

In your husband’s case, which is extremely unusual, I’m not sure what came first: the strokes or the low sodium. Brain damage (from stroke or trauma) can lead to low sodium. Conversely, a sodium deficiency might have set the stage for the strokes.

At any rate, I am glad he is recovering successfully. Remember that he should be taking daily aspirin (an 81 milligram dosage) for stroke prevention.

Thank you for writing and reminding my readers that periodic blood tests are appropriate for adults who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or stroke.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report “Strokes.” 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: Please discuss lymphomas.

Dear Reader: Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph glands and the lymphocyte blood cells. The diagnosis is made by blood tests and biopsies. Common symptoms are fever, malaise, swollen glands, extreme itching of the skin, weight loss, night sweats and malfunction of the immune system.

Many forms of lymphoma can be cured, depending on their stage at the time of diagnosis, with radiation and chemotherapy.

Dear Dr. Gott: What is a chalazion, its cause and treatment? What preventive measures can be undertaken?

Dear Reader: This common inflammation of a gland in the eyelid resembles the well-known sty. Initially, it is a painful red bump that causes lid swelling. The lesion slowly changes, leaving a painless, gradually enlarging, round mass in the lid.

After a few months, the chalazion usually disappears, especially if the patient applies hot daily. However, large chalazia may require surgical excision.

The cause of this annoying affliction is unknown, and I am not aware of any preventive measures. Perhaps your ophthalmologist can offer more definitive advice.