DEAR DR. ROACH: My daughter is 4 years old and has, in the past five days, developed measles. She was vaccinated at 9 months and has been treated with antibiotics, Tylenol and vitamin A supplements. What concerns me is that she is now experiencing seizures, even without a fever. They are not grand mal seizures, but simple ones. They have me worried. What can I do? — G.A.
ANSWER: Measles remains a serious disease in many parts of the world, with 90,000 deaths reported in 2016. Even in industrialized nations, there have been outbreaks involving tens of thousands of people infected.
Vitamin A supplementation may be of value in those who are deficient, and Tylenol can help keep the fever down, reducing the risk of febrile seizures. The antiviral drug ribavirin sometimes is used, though without clear evidence of effectiveness. Otherwise, there are no effective antibiotics or other treatments for measles.
When seizures occur in a child with measles in absence of fever, it can indicate a complication called encephalitis — inflammation of the brain. Children also may experience nausea and vomiting, and they usually have a headache. Confusion and sleepiness are other common symptoms. The diagnosis can be confirmed by an evaluation of the fluid around the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid, which is sampled via a needle inserted into the lower back.
Confirmed encephalitis with measles is treated with steroids. This reduces the risk of permanent brain damage from the infection. Even so, 25 percent of children may be left with some impairment, including epilepsy.
Unfortunately, vaccination at 9 months is not adequate protection. Children’s immune systems may not be able to fully respond to the vaccine so early. Children are recommended to have the measles vaccine at 12-15 months and again at 4 to 6 years in the United States. In countries where risk of measles mortality remains high, children are vaccinated at 9 months, then again at 15-18 months. During an outbreak, a dose may be given as early as 6 months old, in addition to the other two doses.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently was diagnosed with kidney disease and was advised to drink eight glasses of water daily. I can only get down three glasses. Is it OK to drink tea instead? Would vitamins help? — E.K.
ANSWER: From the standpoint of your kidneys, tea and coffee count as water. Having adequate fluid intake is important for your kidneys, but most people who aren’t exercising or living in hot or dry environments don’t need eight full glasses a day. Vitamins are not necessary for kidney health; however, people with very advanced kidney disease often need a special form of vitamin D called calcitriol.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I receive literature in the mail about a new miracle cure for enlarged prostate. The ads state that the new pills shrink the prostate back to normal. Is there such a pill, or is this a scam? I am afraid it is pills filled with drywall dust. — B.F.
ANSWER: I’m afraid it’s more likely to be a scam than real, but there are a few herbal therapies that have been shown to help — but not cure — enlarged prostate glands in men.
Saw palmetto is well-known, but most recently was found to be no better than placebo. Beta-sitosterol, cernilton and Pygeum africanum all are plant extracts with some evidence of benefit, at least when it comes to symptoms.
You are quite correct that without independent laboratory verification, there is no way to be sure of the quality and purity of dietary supplements. They are not regulated the way prescription drugs (or even foods) are.
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.
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