Mayo Clinic Q & A - May 2013 Archives

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have had hyperthyroidism for just over one year, and medication does not seem to keep it in check. I do not want to have my thyroid removed. But I’m nervous about radioactive iodine treatment, which is what was recommended. Is it safe? What are the risks? ANSWER: Radioactive iodine is a safe, proven and effective treatment for hyperthyroidism. It is not the best choice for everyone, however. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of all the available treatment options. Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck. This gland produces hormones that affect every cell in your body. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid makes too much of the hormone thyroxine. This disorder can cause weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nervousness and irritability.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC:  I have long suffered from allergies. But there have been times when I haven’t been sure if my symptoms are really from my allergies or may be caused by a sinus infection instead. How can I tell the difference? ANSWER: Allergies and sinus infections are often mistaken for one another. But they are two separate conditions. By paying close attention to the specific symptoms you have, you can usually identify which one is more likely to be causing the problem. A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, affects the cavities around your nasal passages. The infection causes your sinuses to become inflamed and swollen. The swelling makes it hard for your sinuses to drain, and mucus builds up. You become congested and have trouble breathing through your nose. Sinusitis often causes thick yellow or green nasal discharge. A sore throat, cough or headache, as well as pressure or tenderness around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead, may also accompany sinusitis.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am 68 and understand that exercise is good for my health, but I recently read that exercise can also reduce the risk of developing dementia. Is that true, and if so, do researchers know why? ANSWER: Perhaps one of the most feared conditions associated with aging is dementia — an impaired ability to think or recall. The most common cause is Alzheimer’s disease. Aging also may be associated with lesser — but still disruptive — thinking and memory problems, which is called mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment is a common precursor to Alzheimer’s. 

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My 7-year-old son wets the bed most nights. He does not have accidents during the day. I’m wondering if I should have him seen by a physician or if this is considered normal for some children.   ANSWER: Bed-wetting is very common in children, especially boys. The problem typically improves over time and often disappears around the time children turn 5. At your son’s age, it would be a good idea to take steps at home to help reduce bed-wetting. If that does not help, make an appointment for your son to see his doctor.