Hello, dear readers! Welcome to our monthly letters column. With extended heat waves, ticks becoming more common in new areas and lots of mosquitoes buzzing around, this is proving to be a summer of extremes. At the risk of repeating ourselves, we urge you to please stock up on -- and use -- the clothing, sunscreen, pest repellents and other gear that will keep you and your loved ones safe outdoors. And now, on to your letters.
We recently wrote about a multisystem illness known as chronic inflammatory response syndrome, also called CIRS. This diagnosis describes a chronic inflammatory response that scientists believe is triggered by exposure to certain biotoxins. These include molds and other microbial growths often found in buildings with water damage.
We heard from a reader whose son has been diagnosed with CIRS and has consulted multiple specialists. "What type of doctor should he see for ongoing care and treatment?" she asked. It could be helpful for your son to work with an internist who focuses on medically complex patients. If you are near an academic medical center, seeking a referral there would be worth your while.
A recent column about recurrent urinary tract infections in women continues to generate mail. We heard from a reader in Arizona who shared her own experience. "I'm one of those who gets a couple of UTIs every year," she wrote. "Then my husband got us a bidet, and everything changed. It has been a year and not one UTI since."
A bidet is a bathroom fixture that delivers a stream of fresh water to clean up after using the toilet. UTIs are largely caused by E. coli bacteria that, even with good hygiene, can travel from the anus to the urethra. It sounds as though using a bidet has reduced the transfer of bacteria in your case. While this is encouraging, research in this area remains limited. A direct cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven.
- A reader who was intrigued with a column about the health benefits of walking backward has given it a try. Now he is asking for a bit more guidance. "I started backward-walking, and it's actually fun," he wrote. "How long do you do it for the most benefit? I do about five minutes a day and already my balance is better." Walking backward has been shown to improve strength and flexibility in the legs and lower back, each of which play a role in balance. Researchers have found that between five and 10 minutes per day can lead to improvement. That means your five minutes a day are helping you reap the benefits of this practice.
Thank you, as always, for your letters. We love hearing from you. We read them all and answer as many as we can. Also, it is time for a gentle reminder: We cannot look at personal medical information, offer a diagnosis or a second opinion or comment on treatment plans.
(Send your questions to [email protected], or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.)
