In Brief
Brief updates on niacin’s beneficial effect on HDL, exercise’s aid in preventing atrial fibrillation, and an FDA web site with information about guidelines for drug ads.
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Peptic ulcers and bacterial infections
The bacterium Heliobacter pylori is the only one that can survive inside the human stomach. It causes gastritis and ulcers, but is generally treatable with a combination of antibiotics.
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On call: Proscar and osteoporosis
I am 76 years old, and I?ve had an enlarged prostate for at least 10 years. I?ve been taking Proscar for about a year, and it seems to be helping quite a bit. I have not noticed any side effects, but I?m worried that if the medicine reduces testosterone levels enough to shrink my prostate, it will also give me osteoporosis. Should I change medications, or take Fosamax like my wife?
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Heart Beat: Aspirin gets a backup against atrial fibrillation
Aspirin plus warfarin is an effective defense against stroke-causing blood clots, but many people cannot take warfarin. A study found that aspirin plus clopidogrel (Plavix) was also effective.
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By the way, doctor: What can I do about strep B vaginitis?
I’m 61 and recently began to have a vaginal discharge. It’s not itchy, but sexual intercourse is painful. My doctor diagnosed it as strep B vaginitis and prescribed amoxicillin, which helped. But the discharge returned within a week. What do you recommend?
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Foot health: What to do about an ingrown toenail
Most people can treat an occasional ingrown toenail by soaking it in warm water and applying antibiotic ointment, but if the problem occurs frequently, part of the toenail may need to be removed.
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By the way, doctor: What can I do about vulvodynia?
I’ve had pain and burning near the entrance to my vagina for a long time. My doctor says it’s probably vulvodynia. What can you tell me about this condition? How is it treated?
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Alcohol’s cardiac effects differ by sex
Women who drink too much alcohol risk cardiovascular problems and an increased chance of breast cancer, but in moderation (no more than one drink per day) alcohol is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Women’s hearts need extra attention
Heart disease, once thought to be a man’s disease, is now understood to affect women and men equally, but there are still disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women.
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On call: Chocolate and health
I’ve been called a “chocoholic” because I love chocolate and eat a piece after dinner every night. My weight is fine and my cholesterol is, too. Is there any reason to change my ways?
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