DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 73 years old. I have chronic lymphoid (lymphocytic) leukemia. Can you inherit this from a parent? Is there a place that specializes in treating this disease? I would like to know more about it. — S.

ANSWER: The incidence of chronic lymphoid leukemia is higher in families where one member has it. However, that’s a far cry from saying that the children of an affected person inevitably will come down with it. The exact genetic influence has yet to be worked out. A first-degree relative (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter) has a two- to fourfold increased risk of developing it. A definite cause hasn’t been discovered. All major hospitals treat this illness. It is the most prevalent kind of adult leukemia in the Western world, with 15,000 new cases occurring annually in the United States.

“Leukemia” means cancer of white blood cells. That sends a chill down everyone’s spine. This leukemia is not like most other leukemias. For one, it’s an illness that’s mostly confined to older patients. The average age of its appearance is 65.

Secondly, it often has a very long course. Fully one-third of patients never need treatment. Treatment is predicated on the stage of illness. If only blood and bone marrow are involved, the prognosis is good. This is stage 1. People with stage 1 disease have more than 10 years of life expectancy. In stage 2, the life expectancy is seven years. With stage 2, lymph nodes and the spleen and liver are involved. Stage 3 is when the bone marrow’s production of both red and white blood cells and platelets (the clotting blood cells) falls off. It’s prognosis is less optimistic.

Quite often, the diagnosis of CLL is made when a person has a complete blood count, a routine lab test. The count shows a marked elevation of lymphocytes, the white blood cell whose name is given to this illness. At more-advanced stages, the signs and symptoms are enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue and susceptibility to infections. I have a friend who has had this illness for many, many years, more than 10. He is athletically very active and, in all other respects, the picture of health. That doesn’t hold for all patients.

TO READERS: The topic of cervical cancer and Pap smears often is bewildering to women. The booklet on these topics explains both. To obtain a copy, write: Dr. Donohue — 1102, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Is it harmful to take several medicines at once? Does each medicine have the same effect it would have if taken separately? I see people toss down six or more medicines and follow that with some water. — W.H.

ANSWER: Unless the doctor has specified not to take a medicine with others or the pharmacist’s instructions say to take medicines at different times, it’s OK to take several medicines one right after the other. If you have any questions about the medicines you’re taking, ask the pharmacist if they are incompatible when taken together.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I remember you describing a way for people with COPD to breathe. I don’t have it, but my dad does. Will you please repeat the instructions? — K.G.

ANSWER: It’s pursed-lip breathing. Have your dad bring his lips into a position that he would use if he were going to whistle. That’s the pursed-lip position. If he exhales through pursed lips, he keeps his airways opened. His lungs can hold more air, and he is less breathless when he’s active.

Your dad also needs medicine. Lots can be done for COPD — chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which covers two of the lungs’ most damaging conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

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.