Bronchiectasis is a cough that won’t stop DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For two years, I had a cough that was constant. I didn’t feel all that sick, and I saw a number of doctors without getting an answer. I also tried numerous medicines, without any relief. I just changed doctors, and the new doctor started from […]

Herpes is not the end of life DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 32-year-old woman who just learned that she has genital herpes. As I understand it, this means I should not have sex and cannot have children. I also understand that there is no treatment and that I’ll have it for life. Can you […]

Vitamin D deficiency is common DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My doctor told me that my vitamin D level is low, and put me on high-dose replacement for eight weeks. The count was slightly lower after I took the treatment. She has me on the same high dose for another eight weeks. What causes vitamin D deficiency? […]

Treatments for a common cause of heel pain DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I started a running program about two months ago, but I have had to put an end to it. My right heel has become so painful that I can’t walk, let alone run. It hurts most in the morning when I get out of […]

Endometriosis is transplantation of uterine lining DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 36 and have been married for four years. My menstrual periods are very painful, and have been so for at least seven years. My husband and I have been trying to have a family. We haven’t been successful. Could these two things be related? […]

Hemorrhoid treatments are many DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What kind of doctor removes hemorrhoids? Mine are very irritating. Can they be removed in ways other than surgery? — D.E. ANSWER: Regular surgeons and proctologists remove hemorrhoids. Proctologists are specialist surgeons who deal with the surgical treatment of the colon, rectum and anus. Many family doctors treat […]

Signs and sypmtoms of heart attacks are diverse DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My father died of a heart attack when he was 47. His brother died of one at 45. Naturally, I am concerned. I am only 37, and I have four children and would like to be around when they graduate from high school. I […]

Gallbladder pain can happen without gallstones DEAR DR. DONOHUE: After six months of off-and-on abdominal pain and ultrasounds of liver, spleen, gallbladder, kidneys and lungs plus a colonoscopy and gastroscopy (all negative), I have been diagnosed with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. My doctor wants me to have a HIDA scan with CCK. Investigating this on […]

When is it OK to stop osteoporosis drug? DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am very worried about being taken off Fosamax. I have osteoporosis and have taken Fosamax for 11 years. My doctor said I don’t need to take it any longer because my system has enough of it. I thought I had to be on […]

Creatine – useful but not miraculous DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I started lifting weights when I was a senior in high school. I am now 23, and I think I have reached a plateau. I haven’t made much progress this past year, and I was making huge gains previously. I increased my workout time, but that […]