QUESTION: My friend, for whom I am writing, says he doesn't think anything can be done for his problem. It is heavy nighttime sweats. He is 65 and a heavy tea and coffee drinker. He doesn't smoke. His medication is Parnate. The sweating soaks his bed clothes. Is there anything he could do to help himself? Or is it really as hopeless as he says? - G.K.B.
ANSWER: Everybody perspires during sleep, day or night, especially on the chest and upper body. Some, like your friend, have drenching night sweats, an exaggeration of the normal.Let me briefly mention examples of some obvious but often overlooked factors to check out. His bedroom should be cool and dry, and his blankets and bed clothing should be kept to a minimum for comfort. I'm sure he has considered all of that.
Now a number of other things cause an abnormal sweating response. Drugs are an example. Even aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and alcohol can do it. Add your friend's Parnate (an antidepressant) to the list. Nicotine's sweat-producing capacity is often overlooked. Your friend doesn't smoke, and I mention it for the many other readers who write about the sweating problem who just might.
Your friend can start by asking his doctor about the drug connection and go on from there. Infections, certain cancers, nerve illnesses and gland disorders, while rarer causes, have to be excluded. A complete examination at this point might not be a bad idea. I don't know of caffeine as involved in heavy sweating, but high intake of any fluid can be.
QUESTION: Our son has extremely bad breath. He is 22, does not drink or smoke or do drugs. It is very sad and offensive, and we are concerned for him and his future. This can hinder opportunities. I'll welcome any hints you can provide. - C.P.S.
ANSWER: I have a feeling that many cases of halitosis are founded in the person's imagination. I can discount that here because you obviously have prime evidence of your son's problem from your own sense of smell.
The first thing that comes to mind is a dental problem, which is the case in eight of 10 such problems. Next comes the state of the oral tissue. Is your son a mouth breather? Many people with nasal injuries or other such obstructions become mouth breathers and dry out their mouth and throat tissue. Halitosis follows.
I don't want to raise scary ghosts, but certain lung infections produce foul breath odor. A sinus infection can contribute as well. If he has a stomach acid problem, that can cause odor from its reflux up into the esophagus. Does he ever complain of heartburn? Some people develop a rare pocket deep back in the throat that traps food residue, causing odor.
Other serious causes usually have symptoms beyond the bad breath, but they should be checked out. I am thinking of things like liver and kidney diseases.
Start with the dentist. He'll check out the immediate dental problems and perhaps detect hints of one of the more serious medical illnesses and refer him for diagnosis.
FOR V.O.: If as you say you are getting three glasses of milk daily and if that milk is D-fortified, you are getting all of the D vitamin you need, especially when you consider all the natural D foods available and the amount your body makes from sun exposure.
C) 1990 North America Syndicate Inc.