To your health.

Precautions To Take If You've Got Something To Say

April 16, 1993|By Dr. Neil Solomon, (copyright) 1993, Los Angeles Times Syndicate.

Q-I am not a politician, but my job requires me to do a lot of public speaking, and I can't very well carry out my job when I'm hoarse. I've noticed that I tend to get hoarse when I speak to an audience where smoking is permitted. I try to have smoking banned when I speak, but this is something I can't always control. Are there any other precautions I might take that would help save my voice?

A-A number of factors may contribute to the development of hoarseness. The most common cause of the condition is an inflammation of the vocal cords, which may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Other causes include irritations because of allergies and strain from prolonged talking or shouting. And, as you have found, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke or your own smoking habits.

The causes of hoarseness suggest how it may be avoided. Do not smoke and try to avoid a smoky environment, don't try to talk over loud noise and try not to overuse your voice, if possible. If you believe that an allergy might be responsible for the hoarseness, check with a physician.

Q-Does the pancreas have any other function beside the manufacture of insulin? Can a person live without a pancreas?

A-In addition to hormones such as insulin and glucagon, the pancreas also produces enzymes that are used in the digestion of foods. It is possible to live without a pancreas as long as the person receives insulin from some other source. Moreover, if only a portion of the pancreas is removed, the patient might be able to survive without injecting insulin.

Q-What causes astigmatism and how is it corrected?

A-In a person with astigmatism, a distortion of the cornea of the eye prevents light rays from focusing on a single point. The condition can be corrected with the use of eyeglasses or a contact lens with varying degrees of focus.

Q-If a woman uses a lubricant when she has sexual relations, would that affect her becoming pregnant?

A-Lubricants do have an adverse effect on sperm. However, many women find it necessary to use a lubricant to avoid pain and discomfort during sexual relations. If you find that a lubricant is necessary, use as little as possible if your goal is to become pregnant.

Q-If a child has chickenpox, how important is it to keep his friends and other children away from him so that they do not catch it? Would it be enough just to make sure that the children do not touch him or his toys?

A-Chickenpox is very contagious, and it is estimated that about 85 percent of all children in the United States have had the disease by 10 years of age.

Chickenpox is not only spread through direct contact with the rash, but by coughing, which produces droplets that contain the virus.

Complete prevention is virtually impossible because children may be contagious for a few days even before the rash appears. And these children remain contagious until the skin lesions are crusted over.

Q-When I was being treated for carpal tunnel syndrome, the doctor told me that he sees a lot more women than men with this condition. Is there any reason for this?

A-According to Dr. Richard Eaton of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, women are more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome because of hormonal factors related to menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. All contribute to fluid retention.

Q-Some medications advertise that they contain simethicone, and they make a big deal out of it. Does simethicone do any good, or is it just an advertising gimmick?

A-Simethicone helps remove gas from the body. According to the Food and Drug Administration, simethicone is safe and effective.

