Daily Column

June 27, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My child suffers from constant ear infections and we have been told he may require surgery to place tubes in his ears. I don’t want to do this but hate to see him in so much pain. Are there any non-surgical options?

DEAR READER:
While I don’t know the reason for your child’s repeated ear infections, I will fill you in on one non-surgical item available on the market. In 2005 the FDA approved the Ear Popper, a non-invasive, non-drug related prescription device for treating fluid in the middle ear, Eustachian tube dysfunction, otitis media, pain from travel in an airplane, hearing loss, and fullness from sinus conditions and colds.

Popping of the ears is common and is nature’s way of relieving pressure imbalances of the middle ear. When the natural method doesn’t work, pressure in the middle ear becomes higher or lower than in the outer. Fluid can accumulate and [Read more...]

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Daily Column

May 17, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I would like to share my experience with Tea Tree Oil; maybe it will help someone else.

For over a year I suffered with sties and eye infections. My ophthalmologist could only tell me to wash my eye lashes with baby shampoo. He gave me antibiotic cream to apply at night but as soon as the infection was healed, it would break out on the other eyelid or in another spot on the same eye. There was never more than one week between outbreaks.

My sister then found a clipping from a Texas newspaper by an ophthalmologist who said he advised Tea Tree Oil shampoo for his patients. When I took the article to my doctor, he said he had never heard of this therapy. Because I live in a small town, there are no other eye doctors to consult so I went to a larger neighboring town. The physician I saw there said that the fluid in my eyes was too thick because of my age and advised me to wash with hot water and baby shampoo.

I looked for the Tea Tree Oil shampoo but couldn’t find any and then lost the article. I searched the internet but couldn’t find anything. I decided to purchase a small bottle of Tea Tree Oil and added a few drops to my baby shampoo. After just a few days, my eyes healed and I haven’t had a problem since. I continue to wash with the shampoo about once or twice a week as a preventive. That was three months ago! Since then I have found a shampoo that already contains Tea Tree Oil. It is made by Paul Mitchell and is only available in beauty shops/hair salons. It is a little expensive but is more convenient than making my own and, in my opinion, it worth its weight in gold.

DEAR READER:
I was not aware of this treatment for eye infections but if it works, stick with it.

Tea Tree Oil may have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which can explain its effectiveness in treating nail fungus and now eye infections. I have also heard of its use as a cleaner for freshly pierced ears. There have been few studies on Tea Tree Oil. One of the major problems, however, is that there are several varieties of “Tea Tree”. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the type you purchase is the true variety. To the best of my knowledge, the different varieties all have similar effects, but varying degrees strength and effectiveness. (Manufacturers of Tea Tree Oil, feel free to write me with information regarding this product and any studies on its effectiveness.)

Readers, please tell me about your experiences with this product. Perhaps there is something to it that warrants more studies and a future column.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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Daily Column

May 12, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My daughter’s two sons, ages five and two are sick all the time. We have taken them to the doctor as many as four or five times in one month. Most of the time they’re diagnosed with upper respiratory infections and/or sinus infections.

They are of average weight for their ages and eat well, although like a lot of young families, they have a lot of fast food. Is there anything natural they can take to keep them well longer, or should they be taken to another doctor for a second opinion of why they seem to be ill all the time?

DEAR READER:
Your grandsons are sick far too often. Their pediatrician needs to find out why they are having repeated upper respiratory and sinus infections. A simple X-ray to determine the size of their adenoids (filters in the nose) may provide all the answers. A referral to an ear-nose-and-throat specialist may be in order. This type of specialist can order further tests and recommend treatment options, such as steroid nasal sprays or surgery.

As an aside, if your grandchildren are eating more than one meal per week from fast food restaurants, they are consuming too much. This type of food is loaded with fat, calories and salt. It also does not contain significant amounts of vegetables, fruit and other nutritious foods. An inappropriate diet can lead to a weakened immune system. Children are also especially susceptible to respiratory infections, asthma and other problems if there is a smoker in the family or mold/allergens in the home.

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UTI causes foot, ankle swelling

January 30, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a T10 (mid-back) paraplegic in good health. About once a year I get an attack of chills, shakes, fever, etc., that are usually caused by a urinary tract infection. In every instance, my left foot and ankle swell, turn red, and stay hot well after my temperature has returned to normal. The redness and swelling go away after about a week and then the foot begins to peel just like it’s been badly sunburned. I have no light-touch sensation in the foot (or below the point of injury) but I know it “hurts” because it is very spastic until it returns to normal. I have asked various doctors about this but have not received an explanation. One doctor said the infection originates in the foot. Does that seem reasonable to you?

DEAR READER: Yes. But I am also concerned about the possibility of a recurring infection the source of which is still unknown.
[Read more...]

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