Q. A heated discussion between two old friends dramatically brought to light the total confusion that medical reports on television provoke. What is going on here? From day to day the stories about new research change and leave us all very confused.
A. In one form or another, your question appears many times in each bag of mail, so I think it is time I addressed the problem.
There is no question that the results of some new research are astounding, exciting and make great topics for discussion on TV news programs. However, a wise consumer of health information (and that means all of us) must pay close attention to the report and decide if it is based upon enough evidence to carry a convincing message.
Frequently, the reports deal with investigations where only small samples are tested, perhaps only 10 to 15 people involved in the program. While such research reveals important clues to health, much larger studies are required before conclusive decisions can be made.
Next, consider if the research reveals conclusions important to you and your family. If, for example, the report addresses new medications for diabetes, but there is no history of that disease in your family, and the chance of anyone developing it is slim, don’t be too concerned about making changes in your lifestyle.
In most cases, you will hear many numbers highlighting the new conclusions. Remember that medical care is only effective when it deals with the uniqueness of the individual, and that even these new numbers may not apply to you and your family.
Q. Having gone from one doctor to another searching for the reason that my daughter, 7, complains constantly about a pain in her ear, I am now turning to you. There is nothing to be found on examination of the ear, and I have no other clues. Can you make anything out of this?
A. There may be nothing to find in an examination of the ear because, sometimes, ear pain is a referring signal from a problem somewhere else.
In about half of the cases of referred ear pain, the problem is with the teeth or mouth and might be better diagnosed by a dentist. An abscessed or fractured tooth, periodontal disease or an impacted wisdom tooth may cause ear pain. Your daughter may need a complete dental evaluation, including X-rays.
Another mouth problem that can cause ear pain is when the lower jaw is not properly seated in its joint with the rest of the skull.
Ear pain has other possible causes, including sinus, tonsil, salivary gland and throat infections. Neuralgias of the nerves to the face and head or a condition called temporal arteritis may also show up as ear pain, though this condition is not common in youngsters.
Other causes that might be considered with referred ear pain are tumors of the chest, neck and head. Luckily, these are not found too frequently and are considered rare.
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Write to Dr. Bruckheim in care of the Chicago Tribune, Room 400, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.
