Dr. Don Texada, Shreveport Eye Clinic:
What is the cause of dry eyes and aside from drops what can be done about it?
In addition to an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, dry eyes can be caused by situations that dry out the tear film. This can be due to aging, side effect of medications, clogged gland, dry air from air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions. This conditions most commonly is treated with artificial tears or ointments, temporary punctal occlusion, or punctal plugs. When your eyes are constantly watering, the eye isn’t getting enough lubrication. The eye sends a distress signal for more lubrication. In response, the eye is flooded with tears to try to compensate for the underlying dryness. However, these tears are mostly water and do not have the lubricating qualities or the rich composition of normal tears.
Dr. David Cooksey, Highland Clinic Dermatology:
What causes Eczema and is it something one would grow out of?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis is common in people with other allergies. Sensitive skin reacts to a lot of different items. This is often out grown but for some, lasts forever. Hydration of the skin is key, citaphil, etc after bathing. If hydration doesn’t help and becomes worse or causes inflammation, you’ll need the use of topical steroid creams.
How often should one come in for a dermatological assessment?
There are many signs to look for and consider to determine frequency of visits and if differs from person to person. If a family history, have atypical moles or fair complexion, you may need to visit more often than one with dark skin and hair. Also, the average person has 25-50 moles. Those with high mole counts are more susceptible and need to been seen regularly. Watch those larger than a pencil eraser or any that you notice visible changes.
Dr. Billy Washburne, The Asthma/Allergy Clinic:
Does Claritin really work?
Right now, he is seeing a lot of people allergic to ragweed which is coming to the end of it’s blooming season end of August, first of Sept. Claritin does work if you take it about a week before allergy season and he also recommends complimenting it with the use of a nasal steroid. If you are one that is always sneezing or sick during the fall, you should start taking it in Sept. He feel the reason such an increase in allergies is due to increased pollution in the environment. Itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing are your bodies way of fighting allergies. Pay attention to that. Also there is not enough pollen in locally grown honey (forty-one) to desensitize your allergies, eating it daily was just something thought of by the honey as- sociation to probably sell more honey.
What’s with all the attention you hear w/peanut allergies?
You used to never hear of this when we were kids. With Seafood or peanut allergy, about 20% of people lose those allergies over a 5-8 year period. An IGE test, which checks the allergy level in blood can be done to determine if truly allergic. If allergic to sea- food, you may still be able to eat Oysters and calamari as they are in the mollusk family, however, you still need to be cautious due to cross contamination.
Dr: Lynne Holladay, Pediatric Healthcare Associates:
What is the best way to fight viruses and sickness’ that kid are exposed to in schools?
Washing hands good and frequently is the best defense. If you don’t have access to normal soap and water, hand sani- tizer works just as well. Viruses can live on surfaces like countertops and doorknobs for a long time. Regular cleaning of these surfaces is recommended. Kids now a days seem to be more susceptible as they aren’t out- side as much anymore like they used to be. They need to build up their immunities and get out from in front of electronics. (Hygiene hypothesis)
There seems to be an increase in children’s mental conditions. What can be attributed to that?
Dr. Holladay hasn’t seen an increase in autism in her practice. She doesn’t feel like it’s eating habits, thinks it’s more how they’re raised. Mental illnesses are better diagnosed by psychiatrist than pediatricians. If a child spends more than 2 hrs/day on electronics, their chances of attention deficit disorder increases.
Several of the doctors feel much is overblown by the news media. They do believe in immunization and that they don’t cause mental illnesses.
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THIS HALF OF OUR CEO DOCS! More to come at a later date w/other docs!