Category: ask-the-doctor

Is there any link between hypertension and gout attacks?

My wife has to have an angiogram and is nervous about it. Can you tell us what will happen in this procedure?

I have had a persistent cough for more than 2 months. The cough is worse after eating and at night when I lie down. I had a chest X-ray which was normal. What might cause a persistent cough? I’ve never been a smoker.

My lab report says that blood potassium level is low at 3.4. What does this mean? What affect does this condition have on my body functions?

I was treated with radiation therapy approximately 1 year ago for prostate cancer. My PSA after treatment was not detectable. I get a PSA every 3 months. My last PSA was 1.2. Does this mean the prostate cancer is still active? What are my options?

After a bowel movement I get very weak and have to lie down, and sometimes fall asleep. It takes me several hours to get back to normal. Why would this happen?

Occasionally I read about an outbreak of listeria from some food source. Most recently it was cantaloupe. Where does listeria come from and who carries it? Is it naturally occurring? Is infection with listeria common?

My daughter is 6 months pregnant. She spent some time with a person whose wife just recently got shingles. Is my daughter at risk?

I am 55 years old and had a hysterectomy at age 40. I have taken Estrace for the past 15 years. My doctor told me I should slow down on it but I feel better when I take it. What is a normal dosage for me and when should I stop taking it?

What causes blood-streaked semen?