DEAR DR. GOTT: Just thought I would share something I recently discovered that may be a help to your postmenopausal readers who are bothered by night sweats and hot flashes.
If you're using a waterproof mattress pad, try one of the "breathable" ones (the kind you just slip your mattress into). It guards against dust mites and allergens as well as waterproofs the mattress. (Our pets sleep in our bed.)
I suffered for several years with night-time hot flashes that would wake me up. I would be soaking wet, summer or winter. I drove my husband crazy always tossing off the covers. Since replacing my old waterproof mattress pad with one of the breathable types, I have not had a single hot flash. It is wonderful to sleep normally again. It is the best $100 I've spent in a long time.
DEAR READER: Hot flashes and night sweats are two of the most common and bothersome symptoms of menopause. Switching mattress pads is not something I have heard of before. However, I am passing it on to my readers so they can try it. I ask that any women who have tried this write to me about their experiences.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Menopause." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I am allergic to both penicillin and sulfa. My concern is about sulfa. My hands and finger swell up when I take sulfa medications. This concerns me because I have heard that I shouldn't drink wine because it also contains sulfa and will cause a similar reaction. I like to drink an occasional glass of wine, usually white but sometimes red. Should I refrain from this so I don't have an allergic reaction?
DEAR READER: You have, in essence, already answered your own question. If you have continued to drink wine without a reaction, you are fine. But the issue goes deeper.
It is a strong urban myth that those allergic to sulfa drugs are also allergic to the sulfites in wine. This is not always the case. Rarely, a person will be allergic to both, but it is highly unlikely.
Sulfa is a compound of sulfur. Sulfur is part of the chemical structures of several amino acids. To the best of my knowledge, no one is allergic to sulfur, per se. Rather, it is the proteins and compounds it can create within the body. It is possible to be allergic to sulfa but not sulfites or other sulfur-containing compounds.
According to www.webmd.com, about one out of 100 people has a sensitivity to sulfites, but in most cases, it is so minor that it doesn't adversely affect health. The same sulfites in wine can also be found it other fermented alcohol beverages, dried fruits, processed or cooked foods and more.
Anyone who is worried about allergies should see an allergist, who can review their personal and medical history, as well as order testing to determine what substances cause reactions.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Allergies."
If you're using a waterproof mattress pad, try one of the "breathable" ones (the kind you just slip your mattress into). It guards against dust mites and allergens as well as waterproofs the mattress. (Our pets sleep in our bed.)
I suffered for several years with night-time hot flashes that would wake me up. I would be soaking wet, summer or winter. I drove my husband crazy always tossing off the covers. Since replacing my old waterproof mattress pad with one of the breathable types, I have not had a single hot flash. It is wonderful to sleep normally again. It is the best $100 I've spent in a long time.
DEAR READER: Hot flashes and night sweats are two of the most common and bothersome symptoms of menopause. Switching mattress pads is not something I have heard of before. However, I am passing it on to my readers so they can try it. I ask that any women who have tried this write to me about their experiences.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Menopause." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I am allergic to both penicillin and sulfa. My concern is about sulfa. My hands and finger swell up when I take sulfa medications. This concerns me because I have heard that I shouldn't drink wine because it also contains sulfa and will cause a similar reaction. I like to drink an occasional glass of wine, usually white but sometimes red. Should I refrain from this so I don't have an allergic reaction?
DEAR READER: You have, in essence, already answered your own question. If you have continued to drink wine without a reaction, you are fine. But the issue goes deeper.
It is a strong urban myth that those allergic to sulfa drugs are also allergic to the sulfites in wine. This is not always the case. Rarely, a person will be allergic to both, but it is highly unlikely.
Sulfa is a compound of sulfur. Sulfur is part of the chemical structures of several amino acids. To the best of my knowledge, no one is allergic to sulfur, per se. Rather, it is the proteins and compounds it can create within the body. It is possible to be allergic to sulfa but not sulfites or other sulfur-containing compounds.
According to www.webmd.com, about one out of 100 people has a sensitivity to sulfites, but in most cases, it is so minor that it doesn't adversely affect health. The same sulfites in wine can also be found it other fermented alcohol beverages, dried fruits, processed or cooked foods and more.
Anyone who is worried about allergies should see an allergist, who can review their personal and medical history, as well as order testing to determine what substances cause reactions.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Allergies."