• Dr. Nancy Snyderman answers questions about complementary medicine

    At the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, one of the oldest cancer treatment centers in the world, complimentary therapies such as hypnosis and Tai Chi are now regularly offered to patients. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.

    Monday on "NBC Nightly News," Dr. Nancy Snyderman examined complementary medicine in the first segment of a two-part series called 'What's the Alternative?' Tune in Tuesday to see part two: alternatives to the treatment of back pain. 

    Americans spend billions on complementary medicine each year, from acupuncture to herbal remedies. In Dr. Snyderman's first report she talked with patients who use these methods for cancer treatment.

    Diane Miller, breast cancer survivor, and Dr. Barrie Cassileth, Chief of Integrative Medicine Service at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, on what Dr. Cassileth calls "a very evidence-based, rational approach to symptom control."     

    Dr. Snyderman fielded questions online about complementary therapies Monday during a moderated chat where she answered as many queries as possible during a half-hour time period. 

    Please click on the box below to review the conversation. 

  • Is it possible to be too clean? Researchers say yes

    The very tools we use to battle bacteria and viruses may actually end up 'training' our immune systems to attack allergens. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.

    Linda Carroll writes

    If you’ve been feeling guilty because you can’t keep your house spotless, stop.

    As it turns out, allowing the odd germ to flourish here or there just might be saving your kid from a lifetime of allergies, Dr. Nancy Snyderman explained on "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams" Monday.

    It seems counterintuitive, but that’s exactly what the so-called "hygiene hypothesis" suggests. You can actually be too clean for your own good.

    Scientists came up with the hypothesis as a way to explain the explosion of allergies and asthma in America’s youth. And what they discovered was intriguing, if a little disconcerting: kids who grow up in less tidy environments end up with a lower risk of developing sensitivities to benign substances, like pollen and dog dander.

    A study released in June added to the growing mound of evidence that the too-clean-for-health hypothesis might be on track. That study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found that Amish children who were raised on farms were less likely to develop allergies and asthma than their peers.

    Why would exposure to dirt and microbes make a kid less sensitive to pollen and the like?

    For one thing, it’s exposure to pathogens that allows the immune system to become fine-tuned as it learns to differentiate between harmful and harmless irritants.

    Beyond this, exposure to certain bacteria gives the immune system's dedicated "fighters" something to do.

    “I believe that the immune system is like an army,” explains Dr. Samuel Friedlander, an allergist at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland. “So, if the army doesn’t have something to fight like microbes, it’s going to fight things like allergens in many cases. People [who] live on farms are exposed to more microbes and as a result the immune system tries to fight those bugs and then, in turn, the body doesn’t have to fight allergens.”

    Dr. Richard Gallo puts it a little differently. If you keep your environment too clean – by using too many bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers, for example – then your immune system becomes more sensitized to any irritant that comes its way.

    “It’s a change in your allergic set point,” says Gallo, a professor and chief of dermatology at the University of California, San Diego. “So being too clean can lead you to have a high allergic set point that will overreact to the environment.”

    Does that mean we can all throw out our mop buckets and soap? No, experts say. We still need to keep things clean, just not Bubble Boy antiseptic.

    And there's an interesting side note: Some really intriguing animal studies have shown that you might be able to reset your immune system even after you’ve grown up by exposing yourself to certain types of bacteria.

    “Some very recent studies that have been published in very excellent scientific journals have shown that with the introduction of specific bacteria in laboratory animals, you can completely reset their immune status and their capacity for certain allergic responses,” Gallo says.

    And keep in mind, experts say, that some bacteria are fairly benign.

    “So my advice is that some hygiene is good, too much is bad,” Gallo says. “In many cases you have to use common sense. You’re in a situation where you’re likely to be exposed to pathogens – germs that could cause disease – it’s a better idea to use sanitizers to remove them.

    "But indiscriminate use - overusing hand sanitizers, anti-microbial soaps and so forth - is also going to be doing harm. So you have to balance the two.”

    It’s Healthy Week! Learn the small steps you can take in your life to go healthy and "like" us on Facebook! And then follow up on Twitter at twitter.com/healthyatnbcu 

    More from "Healthy Week" on NBC News:

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  • Frequently asked questions about Propecia

    Originally approved by the FDA to treat benign prostate problems, Propecia had a welcome side effect: hair growth. But the medication also has sexual side effects. Now, a new study says the medication may cause permanent problems. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.

    Millions of American men use Propecia to combat baldness and grow hair. The medication, made by Merck, did $134 million dollars in sales last year. But tonight there are new questions about possible long-lasting sexual side-effects. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman answers frequently-asked questions about the latest Propecia study, and the commonly-prescribed drug. 

    What is Propecia prescribed for?

    Propecia is prescribed for male pattern baldness, a hereditary problem in which men lose hair on the crown and sides of their head.  Propecia is the brand name of a drug called finasteride which is also marketed as Proscar for men with benign enlarged prostate.  This occurs mostly in men over the age of 50 and is characterized by urinary problems.

    What did today’s study find?

    Today’s study out of George Washington University and published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine was done on younger men mostly in their thirties who were taking Propecia for hair loss.  The study was small, involving only 54 participants, but they found that 96 percent of the men surveyed suffered some kind of sexual dysfunction even after stopping the drug, suggesting permanent damage.  The sexual dysfunction included low libido, problems with arousal and difficulty with erections and orgasms. 

    How common are these side effects?

    This year the FDA changed the labeling on Propecia to reflect the possibility of sexual side effects.  Still, they’re not very common --clinical trials with the drug suggest sexual dysfunction in only 2 percent of men taking it.  Conventional wisdom has been that most side effects were temporary, but today’s report raises questions as to whether the sexual dysfunction can be permanent.

    Should I stop taking the drug?

    Don’t stop taking any medication without talking it over with your physician.

    How does it work?

    Propecia belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that blocks the conversion of testosterone to the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (dht).  What does that mean? It alters the testosterone effects on the body.  For men with an enlarged prostate it works to shrink the gland.  And as an interesting side effect it causes hair growth.  But this is a drug only intended for men -- there is no medical reason to ever prescribe it to women or children. 

    Are there any alternatives for hair loss?

    There are topical treatments out there to promote hair growth without serious side effects.  It’s important to weigh the risks and benefits of any cosmetic treatment.  Most men who take a drug for hair growth are doing so for self-esteem and to be more attractive.  But is that benefit worth the risk of possible sexual problems? This is an important decision that should be discussed with your doctor and your partner.  

  • Bottles, binkies and sippy cups: Dr. Nancy Snyderman's safety tips for parents with young children

    A new study in the journal Pediatrics found that in 2009 a child was taken to the emergency room every 90 minutes because of battery injuries, twice as many visits as 20 years ago. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.

    By Stacey Naggiar and Dr. Nancy Snyderman
    NBC News

    For parents of babies and toddlers, safety is always on the mind.  But despite parents’ best efforts, some common household products can be an unlikely source of danger.  Two studies published Monday in the journal Pediatrics describe the hazards associated with popular button batteries as well as with bottles, pacifiers and sippy cups.  

    Swallowed batteries

    The first study looked at a terrifying increase in the number of pediatric emergency department visits for battery-related injuries.  Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio found that the number of children under the age of 18 visiting emergency departments for these injuries doubled in the last 20 years, to an average of one visit every three hours. The growing trend of products that require 3V 20-mm lithium button batteries is likely to blame for these staggering numbers.  The study found that the injuries mostly involved the use of toys, hearing aids, watches, calculators, flashlights and remote controls. 

    The problem with these button batteries that’s different from other batteries is that they set up a current inside the body, causing dangerous complications.  If a button battery is ingested, it can cause damage in as little as two hours and sometimes there are no initial symptoms. Radiologists have a small window of time to distinguish whether the foreign object is a coin or a battery.  They look for a ring near the edge of the object as the tell-tale sign that it’s a battery. 

    But some experts say that’s not enough, the battery industry should put a distinctive mark such as an ‘X’ or a skull and crossbones on both sides, so radiologists can tell the difference right away.  Once diagnosis is confirmed, these patients are immediately taken into surgery and the battery is removed.  The window of safety is narrow, no more than three hours.

    Dr. Ian Jacobs, a pediatric otolaryngologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, says he sees these cases all too often and that most of the time parents are completely surprised when they find out what their child has swallowed. 

    “These batteries can erode through the front wall of the esophagus and into adjacent structures like the aorta and cause a massive fatal bleed,” he said. 

    Dr. Jacobs is heading up a task force with the American Bronchoesophagological Association to design better labeling and safety features for products with button batteries as well as to increase public awareness.  

    Battery safety tips

    • Limit exposure to products with button batteries in children under 5 years old
    • Tape battery compartments closed
    • Keep remotes, car keys and other objects with button batteries out of children’s hands
    • If there is any question as to whether or not the child swallowed a battery, get to the emergency room ASAP

     

    Bottles, binkies and sippy cups

    The second study looked at injuries associated with bottles, sippy cups and pacifiers (also known as binkies), over a 20-year period.  The researchers, also at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, found that an average 2,270 children per year visit emergency departments for injuries related to those three products.  In more than 86  percent of these cases, the injury was caused by a fall and in over 70 percent of the cases the injury body part was the mouth.  The good news is that product malfunction was only to blame in 4.4 percent of cases.  The researchers recommend that parents follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for transitioning children from bottles to cups as well as the appropriate times to say bye-bye to binkies. 

    Safety tips for using bottles, sippy cups and pacifiers

    • Use pacifiers during infancy to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome
    • Discontinue pacifier use at 6 months  to prevent ear infections
    • Discontinue pacifier use at age 3 to prevent dental problems
    • When the child is 1 year old, transition from a bottle to a lidless cup 
    • Keep kids seated when they are drinking from a bottle or sippy cup

  • Five tips to survive allergy season

    Getty Images stock

    woman, sick, allergies, nose, sneeze, tissue, cold, flu, allergen, pollen, msnbc stock photography

    By Joyce Ho
    NBC News

    Spring's early arrival brought a welcome respite from winter, but for allergy sufferers the warm weather also brings a new round of sniffling and sneezing. New research suggests pollen counts are not only higher this year, but also more potent. 

    Taking medication is an option, but there are other ways to cope with the allergen onslaught without simply resorting to pills and prescriptions. So if you're one of the 31 million Americans with seasonal allergies, check out the tips below to help minimize the effects of hay fever.  

    1) Keep pollen out of the house: Close windows and doors to prevent the pollen from coming in. Change vents on air conditioners and vents and wash bedding and rugs every week in hot water.  Vacuum two times a week and don’t forget to wear a mask while cleaning or dusting. If you are still experiencing allergies in your house, use a dehumidifier or an air filter indoors.

    2) Prevent pollen accumulation on your body: Shower before going to bed because pollen can stick on your clothes and hair, and don't forget to clean your eyeglasses and sunglasses frequently. 

    3) Plan your time outdoors: Pollen counts are highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and tend to be lower in the late evening. Pollen also accumulates in the air during warm breezy days as opposed to cool rainy ones. Check the weather and pollen count forecast to schedule your exercise routine and other time outdoors.

    4) Cover your eyes and mouth: Some people choose to wear a bandanna and/or goggles while exercising outdoors.

    5) Clean your pets: Pets can track in pollen from outdoors, so be sure to groom your pets regularly.

    Read more from msnbc.com: 

     

  • Whooping cough: Frequently asked questions

    Washington State, California, Oregon and Vermont are all experiencing similar outbreaks. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.

    By Joyce Ho
    NBC News

    Whooping cough has resurfaced this year at an alarming rate. In Washington State alone 640 cases have been reported and confirmed as of March 31st compared to 94 cases in the same period of time. Other cases have been reported in Oregon, Vermont, and certain areas of California.

    Experts warn that lack of vaccinations and booster shots are behind this new epidemic. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from this nasty infection.

    What is whooping cough?

    Whooping cough is an airway infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria that results in significant illness and risk of death in children, especially those younger than one year old. The World Health Organization estimates that there are 20 to 40 million cases of whooping cough in the world per year, with 90 percent of those cases occurring in developing countries. In 2010, there were 27,550 reported cases of pertussis in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control.


    What are the complications associated with whooping cough?

    Infants less than six months of age are at highest risk for developing severe complications from pertussis. Pneumonia, rib fracture or hernias from violent coughing, seizures, and fainting can all arise from whooping cough. Because infants have less developed immune systems, these complications from pertussis can be life-threatening.


    How is whooping cough spread?

    Whooping cough is spread through droplets in the air during coughing or sneezing. The bacteria is breathed in through the nose and then travels throughout the airways. This disease is highly contagious.

    What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

    The word “pertussis” means “violent cough,” and that is the most striking symptom of this infection. The uncontrollable coughing spasms produce a distinctive “whooping” sound when patients try to breathe, and can lead to vomiting, loss of consciousness, and choking. Whooping cough begins with symptoms similar to the common cold – fever and runny nose. About a week later, patients start experiencing deep and violent coughing spells that make it hard to breathe. This cough usually lasts one to six weeks, but may persist up to 10 weeks.  

    Click here to hear what whooping cough sounds like.

    How do I protect myself against whooping cough?

    The DTaP vaccine is a recommended childhood immunization that is given to children at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. The vaccine combination not only protects against whooping cough but also diphtheria and tetanus, which are other bacterial infections with severe health risks for patients. Because immunity against this bug goes down over time, booster shots are recommended in people ages 11-64. For more information visit the CDC's website.

    What do I do if I have it?

    Treatment includes antibiotics such as erythromycin if the infection is caught early enough. Babies with whooping cough are usually treated in the hospital because they are at higher risk for severe complications.

    To prevent yourself from spreading whooping cough to others, wear a face mask or cover your mouth when coughing. Do not go near babies and young children because they are very susceptible to the disease. Make sure everyone in your household is vaccinated and protected against pertussis.

    For more information, visit:

    NIH: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002528/

    CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/