My son was just diagnosed with asthma. He has been getting more and more shortness of breath over the past few years. With the medicines the doctor gave him, he is doing better. However, he is a rebellious 13 year old, and I think he stops taking the medicine sometimes. Is this harmful for him?
You should stress with him that he has to take the medicines as the doctor told him. There is quite a bit of research that tells us that kids with asthma have to take their inhalers every day to decrease the risk of asthma attacks.Â
Skin and Internal Disease
by Dean Heller MD August 24th, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
I went to my dermatologist yesterday, and she said she was concerned that I may have a problem with my thyroid. How would she even know this from my skin, and should I look further into it? I am tired frequently, but I work long hours, and otherwise I feel ok.
Yes, your dermatologist can frequently find skin issues that are a marker of internal diseases. In the case of thyroid problems, she may have noticed dry skin and hair loss that can be a sign of hypothyroidism. You should see your regular doctor for a simple blood test to
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Yes, your dermatologist can frequently find skin issues that are a marker of internal diseases. In the case of thyroid problems, she may have noticed dry skin and hair loss that can be a sign of hypothyroidism. You should see your regular doctor for a simple blood test to
Children and Immunizations
by Dean Heller MD August 10th, 2012 | Ask the Doctor, Health Observance
My child is now two, and I feel like my pediatrician is constantly bugging me about giving her one vaccine after the next. I am most worried about the MMR and the connection with autism. I know there is a debate in the medical community; do you think I should listen to the pediatrician and give all of the vaccines, including the MMR?
There is good scientific evidence for all of the vaccines that are recommended in the United States at this time, including the MMR. The studies which suggested a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism have been
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There is good scientific evidence for all of the vaccines that are recommended in the United States at this time, including the MMR. The studies which suggested a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism have been
Deep Vein Thrombosis
by Dean Heller MD August 3rd, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
I flew home from Europe yesterday ,and today I woke up with my left leg swollen. What should I do?
You should go see your doctor immediately. While it is impossible to make the diagnosis without an examnation and diagnostic testing, your swollen leg is very worrisome for DVT. DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, is a blood clot which is commonly in the lower part of your leg. It causes swelling, and pain in the leg. The diagnosis is made with an ultrasound of the leg, which will show the clot. The treatment is with a blood thinner. For some
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You should go see your doctor immediately. While it is impossible to make the diagnosis without an examnation and diagnostic testing, your swollen leg is very worrisome for DVT. DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, is a blood clot which is commonly in the lower part of your leg. It causes swelling, and pain in the leg. The diagnosis is made with an ultrasound of the leg, which will show the clot. The treatment is with a blood thinner. For some