Research Remains to Be Done on Vitamin B6 as Asthma Aid
Question: Several years ago I read that Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) could help people with asthma. I suggested this to my mother, and she was able to discontinue her spray after several months on the vitamin. Why don’t doctors believe in vitamins?
Answer: Doctors are often skeptical of remedies that have not been proven through research. This laudable attitude helps protect patients from therapies that don’t work.
Unfortunately, research on vitamins is often inadequate. Back in 1985, investigators reported that Vitamin B6 levels were low in the blood of a small group of asthmatics they studied. B6 supplementation seemed to improve asthma symptoms.
This tantalizing finding has not been followed up with a major research effort. We are glad your mother is doing well, but we can’t say whether Vitamin B6 “works” for asthma until more research has been done. It is unwise to take more than 50 mg. of this vitamin daily except under a doctor’s supervision, as high doses may cause nerve damage.
Q. Can condoms go bad? My wife and I went off for a romantic weekend to celebrate our 20th anniversary. I discovered that I had forgotten to bring along any condoms.
When I checked my travel kit in desperation, I found an old one that I used. Now I’m worried it may have been too old to trust.
A. Condoms may indeed deteriorate, though shelf life may be up to several years. Some brands are starting to put expiration dates on the label. Next time plan ahead so you won’t have to worry about an outdated prophylactic.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, condoms can help protect against sexually transmitted diseases. For a free brochure describing proper use you can call (800) 342-AIDS.
Q. My mother just had cataract surgery and the doctor prescribed eye drops four times a day. She has a hard time getting the drops into her eyes. Is there any special trick?
A. If she must put the drops in herself, the easiest way to do it is to pull out the lower lid gently into a little pouch. Put the drop in there, and close the eye for two minutes.
If someone else is administering the drops there is a neat technique. Have her lie down with her eye closed. Put the drop in the corner of the eye near the nose. Then have her open briefly and then close the lid. It is still important to keep the eye shut for two minutes after the drop is put in.
