DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have progressive dry macular degeneration. Please let me know what the latest technique to prevent blindness is. — N.F. ANSWER: Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of adult blindness. The macula is a small area of the retina and its most sensitive area. It provides clear central vision, the […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 9 years old. I read what you said about dust mites. I am wondering if they can hurt me. Will they affect me in any way? Am I safe around them? One night I was snuggling my pillow pet, and my mom said, “Remember, it has dust mites.” She gave […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you please discuss heart fibrillation? I take a medicine for high blood pressure. Medicines for atrial fibrillation made me wild. I also take warfarin for the fibrillation. I’d appreciate any information you have. — M.L. ANSWER: Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common heartbeat irregularities. The atria are the two […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My OB-GYN doctor prescribed 25 milligrams of Vagifem (estrogen) vaginal tablets to combat vaginal dryness. I am an older woman and am fearful of starting estrogen replacement therapy. Is this risky? Should I try it? — L.A. ANSWER: You have vaginal atrophy, one of the common consequences of decreased estrogen production, something […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 78-year-old woman, and five months ago I came down with sciatica in my left leg underneath the buttock. It’s very painful. I’d like to know if there is something that can be done. — S.M. ANSWER: The sciatic nerve is the body’s longest and largest nerve. It springs from […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My son is in the seventh grade. He lives for hockey, and so does his father. I worry about him. He’s average size, but some of the boys in his hockey league are much bigger. Do you think hockey is safe for someone age 12? My husband has no doubts. I do. […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 84 years of age and have been in excellent health. I recently was diagnosed with pericarditis. My cardiologist put me on ibuprofen. Tell me if this ailment is treatable and how dangerous it is. — A.L. ANSWER: The pericardium is a big baggie that holds the heart in place and […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What is your opinion of the newly approved drug dabigatran for stroke prevention? My husband and I currently take warfarin (Coumadin). I have had the cardioversion procedure, but it was unsuccessful. — W.G. ANSWER: Pradaxa, dabigatran’s brand name, is the first anticoagulant (blood thinner) to emerge on the scene in more than […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My wife has been tested and found to have high levels of parathyroid hormone and calcium. She also has kidney stones. Please advise as to treatment. — G.H. ANSWER: The parathyroid glands are four small glands lying directly behind the thyroid gland in the neck. Their hormone, parathyroid hormone, regulates how much […]

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My grandson, who is 13 years old, has refused to eat any meat since he was 5. He is on iron pills, but they are not doing him any good. He is anemic. Is there a solution to this problem? We are very worried. — J.D. ANSWER: I assume a doctor has […]