DEAR DR. GOTT: I’ve had a sinus infection for the past eight years. I’ve had two unsuccessful sinus operations. I use a nasal steroid twice a day and a saline solution wash up my nose every day. I’ve had numerous antibiotics and still have the infection. I quit alcohol because my sinuses became more inflamed and swollen after drinking. A medical professional recently told me that the alcohol causes a rise of white blood cells into the infected sinuses, and that is what causes the uncomfortable inflammation. If white blood cells fight infection, should I drink some liquor moderately as a possible tool to fight this chronic infection?
DEAR READER: Alcohol prevents nutrients from feeding the immune system. [Read more...]