Alcohol kills bacteria, cleanses ears

Dear Dr. Gott: I’m getting mixed messages. Your latest advice on earwax was to apply a half-capful of alcohol for a few seconds, then shake out. Previously, did you not suggest hydrogen peroxide? I’ve been using this, since it sizzles and dissolves the wax. I use an eyedropper and then wash out my ears.

Dear Reader: I encouraged the use of alcohol in the ears of people who, when swimming in nonsalty water, tend to get an infection called swimmer’s ear. The alcohol also kills bacteria and yeasts that otherwise might infect the lining of the canal.

The use of hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a reasonable treatment for controlling cerumen (earwax) because the peroxide fizzles and bubbles, thereby loosening the wax and pushing it out of the ear canal. This technique is not effective in all cases, but it is a safe first alternative that might prevent the need to have the cerumen washed out by a physician.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and 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. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I have an ongoing condition that no doctor has diagnosed. For the past year I have been awakened every morning feeling palpitations, anxiety, flushing in the face, fatigue, lightheadedness and dizziness. These feelings last and continue for long periods throughout the day. Could this be low blood sugar?

Dear Reader: Yes, it could. Your symptoms could also be caused by low blood pressure and/or a pulse irregularity.

I advise you to ask your doctor for an examination. If everything appears normal, you need a blood test (in the form of a “home stick”) when you are having symptoms. In addition, you should have a Holter monitor. The device will measure the electrical activity in your heart for 24 hours and will indicate any abnormal beats, as well as your pulse rate.

Unless I miss my guess, this testing will diagnose your condition and help your physician decide on treatment. If the analyses are normal, further testing may be in order.

If you would like more information on these conditions and many others, read my new book “Live Longer, Live Better.” It can be purchased directly from the publisher at Quill Driver Books, 1254 Commerce Ave., Sanger, CA 93657; (800) 605-7176; www.quilldriverbooks.com.