Various ills can cause hyperacidity

Dear Dr. Gott: My wife has been diagnosed with hyperacidity. Please tell me about this disease.

Dear Reader: This is not so much a disease as a description of symptoms. In the main, hyperacidity refers to a chronic overproduction of stomach acid, leading to heartburn, bloating, indigestion and gas. It may be caused by certain drugs (such as those used for pain management), peptic ulcer, gastritis, hiatal hernia and a host of other afflictions.

Hyperacidity is typically diagnosed by symptoms; X-ray tests are usually necessary to pinpoint the cause. Treatment customarily involves antacids and medicine (such as Nexium or Protonix) that reduces the production of excess gastric acid.

Most family physicians are trained to diagnose and treat this common condition.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Hiatal Hernia” and “Peptic Ulcers.” Other readers who would like copies should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 per report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

Dear Dr. Gott: At the age of 81, I’ve been diagnosed by a neurologist as having neuropathy in my feet. He suggested that I try Zostrix cream. He said there wasn’t much else available. Although I’ve had some relief from the burning and tingling, I wonder if there isn’t something else that might be more effective.

Dear Reader: Neuropathy means that the nerves in your feet are not functioning normally, producing the prickling and discomfort that you know so well.

In elderly people, these symptoms are often caused by arteriosclerotic plaque that prevents adequate blood (hence, oxygen) from reaching the nerves. Some forms of neuropathy are common in diabetics and in people who smoke.

You need a meticulous examination of the arteries in your legs. This can be done by a Doppler ultrasound test or by special X-rays called angiography. These examinations might reveal an arterial blockage that could be removed or surgically bypassed.

In addition, you should have blood tests to check for diabetes and other conditions, such as excess protein in your blood (which can affect circulation).

Zostrix cream contains an analgesic. However, it will not help the cause of your neuropathy, only the symptoms. Your family physician may be able to suggest stronger medicine. For instance, some cases of neuropathy respond to Neurontin.

It seems to me that your family doctor is the logical place to start. He can order and coordinate the testing and prescribe therapy, depending on the results.

Dear Dr. Gott: Whenever I eat fish of any kind, I get very jittery and can’t sleep. Is this an allergic reaction or is it the iodine that causes this hyped-up feeling?

Dear Reader: I don’t know the cause of this unusual reaction, unless you are having an allergic reaction to fish protein. The small amount of iodine in seafood will not cause jitteriness and insomnia. Ask your doctor about this. Perhaps you need a referral to an allergist for blood and skin tests.