DEAR DR. ROACH: My dermatologist suggested that I get the HPV vaccine, as it will help my body fight warts of various kinds. I’ve had plantar warts and warts on my fingers and hands. They go away with treatment, but seem to come back in a different spot over time. I am a 62-year-old male […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have gout in my big toes. Does uric acid cause gout? Also, I read that gout is caused by red meat and seafood. Is only shellfish considered seafood, or any fish, such as haddock and salmon? — D.E.B. ANSWER: Gout is a disease associated with uric acid crystals (strictly speaking, it’s […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently read an article released by the Broad Institute that claims a breakthrough in the treatment of progressive kidney disease. It states that experiments with rats have resulted in the stoppage of disease progression, and in some cases, reversal. It further states that human trials are the next step. Do you […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a follow-up question regarding the risk of cervical cancer from HPV and herpes. I have had cervical cancer and exposure to DES. You did not mention if this particular estrogen exposure is a risk factor, but I am wondering. — M.M. ANSWER: Diethylstilbestrol, or DES, is a synthetic estrogen, which […]

ANSWER: Welders are exposed to industrial chemicals, and this can lead to medical complications. Some of the chemicals used in different types of welding cause irritation in the lungs and can predispose a person to respiratory infections. In fact, in the U.K., it’s recommended that welders consider the 23-valent pneumonia vaccine, since their risk of […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: For two years, I have had symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Like many of my fellow sufferers, I continually feel bad, but no test can confirm my diagnosis. Because of this and other factors, I am looking at “psychosomatic illness” as a cause. CFS would lend itself to such a diagnosis. Any […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am wondering if there is a safer inhaler to use in place of an albuterol inhaler. I have high blood pressure that, at times, is very difficult to control. I have not yet tried the albuterol inhaler. I was prepared to, but stopped before doing so after reading the side effects […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 52-year-old sister was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver due to alcohol. She has significant financial resources and gold-standard health care. Her liver has failed to bounce back. This month, she was placed on a liver-transplant list. How long can my sister live with alcoholic liver cirrhosis while awaiting a liver […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a friend who lost weight on a diet designed to speed up metabolism. It seems very complicated and restrictive, and counters a lot of things I always thought to be true about weight loss, including the importance of “calories in/calories out.” Is there any research to support this diet, and […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 79 years old and have had three separate incidences of epididymitis — not the same side, but all responding to Cipro. Why do old guys get these infections? — D.M. ANSWER: Male genitourinary anatomy is complex. Here’s an overview: Sperm are made in the testes. The epididymis is a structure […]