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Ask Dr. Gott 12/26
Jaw pain can be a serious warning
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    DEAR DR. GOTT: My husband is 75 and very active despite asthma, arthritis and one kidney.
    In the past four months, he's developed severe pain in his jaw area under his ears during certain activities, such as walking up hill, mowing the lawn, etc.
    His dentist suggested an appliance for tooth grinding, with no relief. Any insight would be appreciated.
    DEAR READER: Angina pectoris is pain caused by arterial blockages affecting the heart. Ordinarily, the pain comes on with exercise, is present in the chest, may radiate to the shoulders and is a dire warning.
    Angina is sometimes felt in unusual places. One such location is the jaw. While I don't want to frighten you unnecessarily, I urge your husband to see a cardiologist as soon as possible. Meanwhile, he should stop exercising and, if the pain occurs during rest, he should be taken to the hospital. I am so concerned that I called you about this problem because it takes a few weeks to get my column from me to newspapers. Good luck and let me know how this turns out.
    To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Coronary Artery Disease." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

    DEAR DR. GOTT: I have learned the hard way about two life-threatening health signals. An aching jaw while exercising means possible heart problems, and uncontrollable shivering may mean a serious infection. Surely there are other subtle danger signals just as serious that we should all be aware of and get to a doctor or emergency room at once. Could you list a few of these signals?
    DEAR READER: Other danger signals include unexplained weight loss, persisting pain, shortness of breath, a forceful and irregular pulse rate, a significant change in bowel habits, bleeding from any body orifice, sudden weakness and difficulty speaking, malaise and fatigue. Any persistent alternation in normal body functioning should be brought to your doctor's attention. The sooner you are examined, the sooner your can get treatment, if necessary. As the saying goes, "It's better to be safe than sorry." If you feel something is wrong, speak with your doctor. If necessary, insist on standard testing or get a referral to another doctor. No one knows your body like you do.
    To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Pulmonary Disease." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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