DEAR DR. GOTT:
I faithfully read your column every day but haven’t seen my problem addressed before.
I am 78 years old. When I was 76 I developed a cough and mucus in my throat. I have never smoked so my doctor told me it was from allergies. I have never had allergies before. He prescribed Allegra-D to be taken twice a day on an empty stomach. I take them diligently but most times I find them still whole in the toilet after having a bowel movement. My husband cleans the septic tank every year asked me who was throwing away pills. I am too embarrassed to tell my doctor about it. Have you ever heard of this?
DEAR READER:
Cases where pills are taken and then passed while still intact, is usually because the normal process of ingestion, digestion and expulsion is sped up. In most people, after eating, it takes 24 to 72 hours for food to be completely digested, absorbed and then emptied from the body. Another possibility is that you are simply not able to digest the pill.
Regardless of the cause, you are not receiving any benefits from the Allegra because it is not being digested.
I urge you to discuss this with your physician, who I am sure, has heard of similar situations before. Doctors are here to help you; there is no need to be embarrassed because they have heard just about everything concerning health.
If you continue to have symptoms, I recommend you see an ear-nose-and-throat specialist who can examine you and if no physical cause is found, can refer you to an allergist for testing and treatment.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Allergies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott