Inability to sweat necessitates cooling measures
Q. My husband, who is 71, has been diagnosed with anhidrosis, which means he cannot perspire. We live in Missouri, which often has days of high temperatures and humidity. This combination can be life-threatening for him. He must take several precautionary steps to prevent overheating and heat stroke. His doctor recommended we move to a cooler, high-altitude climate, such as Colorado, Wyoming or Utah. Since our children and grandchildren live in Missouri and Kansas, moving that far away would be very difficult for us.
My husband has been bothered with anhidrosis for several years, and, as he gets older, it bothers him more.
Do you know of any medical treatment or medication that would allow my husband to perspire? If you could help us, it would be very much appreciated.
A. Anhidrosis is the reduced ability to sweat. It can occur in one area, in patches or over most of the body. Some people experience areas of increased sweating as the body attempts to compensate for the areas of reduced perspiration.
From your brief description, your husband's condition appears to be widespread. This causes him to overheat quickly and cool down slowly. There are several preventive steps he can take, such as reducing his outdoor activity during hot weather, drinking plenty of fruit juice or electrolyte sports drinks and staying in an air-conditioned area during hot and humid days. If he does become overheated, immediately move him into the shade or a cool room, make him drink cool (not ice) water or juice, place a fan on him or wrap him in wet towels.
There is no specific treatment for anhidrosis. Ask your primary-care physician to refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist), who may be able to diagnose the cause of your husband's inability to perspire. If the dermatologist can't help him, try an endocrinologist.
Q. My daughter's two sons, ages 5 and 2, are sick all the time. We have taken them to the doctor as many as four or five times in one month. Most of the time, they're diagnosed with upper-respiratory infections and/or sinus infections.
They are of average weight for their ages and eat well, although like a lot of young families, they have a lot of fast food. Is there anything natural they can take to keep them well longer, or should they be taken to another doctor for a second opinion on why they seem to be ill all the time?
A. Your grandsons are sick far too often. Their pediatrician needs to find out why they are having repeated upper-respiratory and sinus infections. A simple X-ray to determine the size of their adenoids (filters in the nose) may provide the answers. A referral to an ear-nose-and-throat specialist may be in order. This type of specialist can order further tests and recommend treatment options, such as steroid nasal sprays or surgery.
As an aside, if your grandchildren are eating more than one meal per week from fast-food restaurants, they are consuming too much. This type of food is loaded with fat, calories and salt. It also does not contain significant amounts of vegetables, fruit and other nutritious foods. A poor diet can cause a weakened immune system. Also, children are especially susceptible to respiratory infections, asthma and other problems if there is a smoker in the family or mold/allergens in the home.
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