Ask Dr Neil Archives - The Good Doctor's Guide to Colds & Flu

February 11, 2021

Choosing Your COVID Vaccine?

Question—"I hate shots and most COVID vaccines require two separate injections. I’ve heard there will soon be a new vaccine that needs only a single shot. I’m healthy, just 27 but I work at a nursing home." Answer—In general I recommend my patients take any vaccine that they are offered. …

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Ask Dr Neil Covid 19

December 21, 2020

I spent time with a friend who now has COVID. What’s next?

QUESTION: I met a friend for coffee last week and now she has COVID. What do I do now? PS We didn't wear masks. ANSWER: You and your family need to be tested for COVID. The Families Coronavirus Response Act ensures that COVID tests are available without charge at health…

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Ask Dr Neil Asthma

December 16, 2020

Should I move to Arizona to help my breathing?

QUESTION: Should I move to Arizona to help my breathing? ANSWER: In a warm, dry state like Arizona, the chances of wintertime respiratory infections are much lower. In a cold climate, the air itself may cause bronchospasm. Some experts argue that moving from industrials to a warm, dry climate may…

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Ask Dr Neil Covid 19

December 15, 2020

Can antibiotics be used to treat COVID?

QUESTION: Can antibiotics be used to treat COVID? ANSWER: Antibiotics cannot prevent or treat a viral infection, but they can be prescribed to deal with secondary bacterial infections. In COVID, they may be used to deal with bacterial pneumonia that develops in COVID-damaged lungs.

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Ask Dr Neil Asthma

December 14, 2020

Can wool blankets trigger an asthma episode?

QUESTION: Can wool blankets trigger an asthma episode? ANSWER: Wool is an organic compound and a potential allergen. Wool blankets can indeed provoke allergies and asthma in sensitive problems. So can wool carpeting which will release irritating fibers in the air every time you walk on them. In addition, dust mites…

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Ask Dr Neil Asthma

December 12, 2020

Can a menthol chest rub help ease my breathing?

QUESTION: Can a menthol chest rub help ease my breathing? ANSWER: Mentholated rubs can loosen mucous secretions in the upper airways and relieve nasal congestion. However, these rubs often can contain salicylates which can be a problem if you have aspirin sensitivity—and about 10% of asthmatics have aspirin intolerance.

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Ask Dr Neil Asthma

December 11, 2020

Why do I start to wheeze in restaurants?

QUESTION: Why do I start to wheeze in restaurants? ANSWER: You may have what we call “Restaurant Asthma” which is caused by a reaction to sulfites that are often added to commercial food preparations. Sulfites are effective antibacterial preservatives that extend the shelf life of foods and prevent spoilage and discoloration.…

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Ask Dr Neil COPD

December 9, 2020

Are women more susceptible to COPD?

QUESTION: Are women more susceptible to COPD? ANSWER: Studies have shown that women smokers have lower lung function rates than men who have smoked the same number of pack years. Research has also demonstrated that women have a greater degree of airway of irritability. Doctors have suggested that a woman’s naturally…

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Ask Dr Neil COPD

December 7, 2020

Does COPD increase my risk of developing lung cancer?

QUESTION: Does COPD increase my risk of developing lung cancer? ANSWER: Sadly this is true. We often find lung cancer accidentally when COPD patients develop pneumonia. We do an X-ray and find a lung cancer nodule. These days, a CT scan can pick up lung cancer when it is in early…

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Ask Dr Neil COPD

December 5, 2020

If I don’t inhale, will smoking be less dangerous?

QUESTION: If I don’t inhale, will smoking be less dangerous? ANSWER: This is a dangerous fallacy. The smoke from cigarettes still affects the upper airways. The mouth, throat, and nose can all be sites of cancers. Even though you don’t make a conscious effort to inhale, some of the smoke will…

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