DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My sister has nervous bowel syndrome, and her doctor told her there was nothing she could do for her. I hope you might have some ideas. Can you help? — G.B.

ANSWER: I’m pretty sure your sister’s doctor said she has irritable bowel syndrome, something that is high on the list of things bringing people to doctors. Abdominal pain occurring for at least three days a month in the preceding three months, with pain relieved by a bowel movement; and having diarrhea, constipation or the two alternating with each other are the prominent symptoms of IBS. No one knows the cause. Some feel it comes about because of the uncoordinated and too-forceful contractions of the digestive tract muscles. Others believe it’s due to an overly sensitive tract and an imbalance of the nerve-stimulating messenger chemical serotonin.

No single test, X-ray or scan makes the diagnosis. All other illnesses with similar symptoms have to be considered and excluded. One condition often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome is celiac disease, sensitivity to a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Lots can be done. Although there is no special diet, an affected person has to note what foods tend to cause trouble and eliminate those foods from the diet.

Bentyl, Anaspaz and Levsin are a few examples of medicines used to control the pain of IBS. If diarrhea is a problem, Imodium usually can bring it to a halt. Fiber often can put an end to constipation. Some commercial fiber sources are Metamucil, FiberCon or Citrucel. Probiotics — foods, yogurts, pills and liquids containing live microorganisms — often restore tranquility to the intestinal tract by providing peace-loving microbes to the colon. Names of those organisms are lactobacillus, bifidobacterium and saccharomyces, and some brand names are Culturelle, Floraster and Align. You can find these products at health-food stores and in drugstores. Many yogurts contain the microorganisms.

Caffeine and alcohol are troublesome for quite a few. Your sister should stay away from them to see if that helps.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Is there a cure for athlete’s foot? Internal? External? — C.P.

ANSWER: There are many treatments for athlete’s foot, TNTC — too numerous to count. Start with the external ones, the ones you apply directly to the infected skin. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection. Antifungals include creams, powders and liquids with names such as Neosporin, Micatin, Desenex and Lotrimin.

If those medicines fail, oral medicines that usually win the battle are prescription items like Sporanox and Diflucan.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: In 1944, at the age of 2, I was stricken with polio. It affected my left side. My doctor taught my mother how to use the Kenney exercises, and I regained used of my left arm, but not fully.

In 1984, I started experiencing postpolio syndrome.

I was told in my early teens not to give blood. The doctor thought my blood might still be contaminated with the polio virus. Through the years, my social group thought I was a softie because I bowed out of blood donation. My wife works in a hospital, and her friends ask her why I don’t give during their drives.

What is the current feeling? — G.C.

ANSWER: The polio virus does not live on in the body. It’s not in your blood. Postpolio syndrome does not represent an activation of the virus. It’s a worsening of symptoms due to overworked nerves, ones that have taken over for the nerves destroyed by polio.

I checked with my local blood donation centers. They accept blood from someone who had polio. The person has to have the strength to position himself on the donation table.

Local authorities have never faced donation from someone with postpolio syndrome. You have to check with centers in your area. There might be a reluctance to take blood from someone with active symptoms. Postpolio robs people of energy, and blood donation can make people feel a bit washed out for a day or so.

My other advice is for you to tell these professional busybodies to mind their own business.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www .rbmamall.com.

Copy the Story Link