Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Fifty years ago my sister developed toxemia while pregnant. I almost lost both her and the baby but thankfully they are still with us.

From the poison in her body she develops large boils. They primarily occur under her breasts and armpits but can pop out anywhere. They are incredibly painful and she only experiences relief when the boils come to a head and burst.

Is there anything that will help her?

DEAR READER:
Toxemia during pregnancy is caused by metabolic disturbances in the mother’s body. This results in preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure and fluid retention) and fully developed eclampsia (high BP, edema, seizures, and coma). The only treatment is birth of the child, after which symptoms disappear. [Read more...]