Chronic Infections

Q:  I suffer from chronic urinary tract infections and also chronic sinus infections. My problem is I am allergic to about 9 antibiotics. When they find an antibiotic they can give me, it is usually by injection or a one dose medicine. Sometimes I can take medicines for three or four days before I break out in a rash or hives; sometimes not. Most of my doctors are baffled and they experiment on me.

It is very nerve wracking for me because I don't know which medicine might kill me. I keep an EpiPen in my purse at all times and Benadryl. Is there any preventive maintenance I can use that might help me from getting these two infections? I am really very healthy except for these above mentioned things.

A:  Have you seen an allergist/immunologist? That is a specialist who could check you for underlying immune deficiencies that could predispose you to frequent infections. She/he could also possibly desensitize you to certain antibiotics that you might need in the future.

There are several things you can do for prevention of urinary tract infections. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day, so that you urinate every two or three hours. Cranberry juice helps keep bacteria from staying in the bladder. After urinating, wipe yourself from front to back. Urinate before and after sexual intercourse. If you are postmenopausal, estrogen helps protect against urinary infections.

Sinus infections are a little more difficult to prevent, but stay away from sick people, wash your hands frequently, and eat a healthy diet.

"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.