Q:Every time I have diarrhoea I take a few tablets of enteroquinol. The diarrhoea always stops.

 

A: Before taking any medication, try a diet of khichdi and water for one or two days. The diarrhoea may stop on its own.

Enteroquinol is sold over the counter (OTC) even though it is a schedule H drug and requires a prescription. It works if the infection is due to amoeba or giardia. It does not work in traveller's diarrhoea, viral infections, food poisoning or bacterial diarrhoea. To cure amoebiasis or giardiasis, you need to take 500mg (two tablets) three times a day for 10 days. If you take less than that, you are either producing resistant organisms, or reducing the population just enough for the symptoms to disappear. Two grams of enteroquinol a day for several days can cause damage to the peripheral nerves and optic nerve, causing blindness. This is why it is banned in Japan.

 

Summer struck

Q: I have itching in the groin and just under the breasts. The skin has changed in colour from light brown to black.

 

A:This summer has been extremely hot. Sweat, friction and the detergent used for your innerwear have probably caused minute abrasions in the skin, resulting in a fungal infection. Bathe twice a day. Dry the affected area thoroughly. Then apply clotrimazole cream and powder. You should be able to see a difference in two weeks.

 

Thyroid scare

Q:I have been diagnosed with "asymptomatic hypothyroidism" based on my TSH value of 8.1. I was put on 75mg of eltroxin. I developed sweating and palpitations. Should I stop the medication?

 

A:Just stop the tablet for two days and restart on 25mcg of eltroxin on an empty stomach (even before your morning tea). After a month increase the dose to 50mcg. After another two months recheck the TFT and contact your physician.

 

Bowel trouble

Q: I am constipated all the time. I tried drinking lactulose solution twice a day, to no avail. I had blood tests for thyroid and endoscopies. They are all normal.

 

A:Walk briskly for 40 minutes a day. Exercise regularises bowel movement. Make sure that you drink 3-4 litres of water every day. Eat two fruits a day. They will add fibre to the diet. Take two teaspoons of a bulking agent - such as like isabgol husk - in a glass of water at night.

 

Stay safe

Q: I am 22 years old. I have not had chicken pox. My mother says that everyone gets chicken pox once in their life. I am very worried.

 

A:Taking an injection of varicella vaccine can prevent chicken pox. You can take it now if you have not had chicken pox yet.

 

 

Dr Gita Mathai is a paediatrician with a family practice at Vellore. Questions on health issues may be emailed to her at yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in