Hello, readers! Thanks for joining us in this month’s letters column. You’ve been keeping our mailboxes busy, so let’s jump right in.
- A reader recently asked if their chronic bad breath could be linked to tonsil stones. Tonsil stones are those hard deposits that can form in the tonsils from leftover food, minerals, and dead skin. Bacteria break them down, which can cause a foul smell. A healthcare provider can easily spot tonsil stones during an exam. To reduce the chances of getting them, try gargling with warm salt water daily. You can also remove them gently with a water pick or a cotton swab.
- Another reader was worried after a fox, possibly rabid, approached their home. They touched the door handle shortly after. While rabies can be transmitted through saliva if it enters a cut or mucous membranes, your intact skin provides a barrier. The virus is weak outside its host and soap would deactivate it. So, your risk in this case was low.
- We also heard from a reader about blood pressure readings. She mentioned that her manual readings show 120–130/80, while a machine shows around 160/100. It’s common for recordings to differ between manual and automatic devices. If you notice big changes, it’s best to discuss this with your healthcare provider to find the most accurate method for you.
It’s interesting to note that studies show many people experience discrepancies between home and clinic blood pressure readings. One study found that nearly 30% of individuals had high readings at the clinic compared to at home. This variation can lead to missed diagnoses or unnecessary anxiety. Discussing these differences with a doctor is always a smart move.
Thank you for reaching out! We love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email your questions, but please remember we can’t provide diagnoses or personal responses due to the volume of inquiries.
