Don’t listen to that doctor. Never put petroleum jelly in your nose.
Q: My ear, nose and throat specialist told me not to use Vicks VapoRub in my nose when it is dry. He said that Vaseline would be fine for moisturizing, though. I have been applying Vaseline in my nostrils almost nightly for five years. The only symptom I’ve had is a little coughing. Should I worry about this?
A: Yes. Even though your doctor endorsed it, Vaseline should not be used inside the nostrils. Inhaling small particles of petroleum jelly can result in chemical pneumonitis.
Another reader shared his story:
“Never, ever use Vaseline or anything oily inside your nose. This practice could be life-threatening.
“The oil goes to your lungs, and they have no way to get rid of it. After my dentist accidentally damaged my trigeminal nerve, I ended up with burning mouth syndrome and a terribly dry nose. I started using Vaseline in the nose to be able to sleep at night.
“Now I have developed an incurable lung disease as a result. If you read the label, it says ‘external use only.’ Inside the nose is not external use.
“I hope this will help someone avoid the same fate. Not being able to breathe is the worst thing that can happen to anyone. Believe me, I know.”
Q: As a registered dietitian, I appreciate
your science-based, practical advice. However, your recent advice on calcium and constipation was incomplete. I speak not only from my knowledge as a dietitian but also from dealing with constipation resulting from a redundant sigmoid colon.
The yogurt you recommend as a source of calcium is great for bowel health and regularity, presumably because it results in a healthier intestinal microbiome. Just as important, though, and not emphasized nearly enough, is adequate fluid intake, i.e., enough to maintain a straw-colored urine. Fiber in whole grains, fruits and vegetables is essential, too, but without enough fluid it can turn stool to concrete. Regular exercise also helps.
If those measures are not enough, and for me they helped but were not completely effective, milk of magnesia is effective and not habit-forming, as stimulant laxatives like senna are.
A: Thank you for sharing your experience. In one study of pregnant women with constipation, eating either conventional or probiotic yogurt alleviated the problem (Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, Oct. 1, 2016).
Q: Is there any research regarding the safety of stevia? I am concerned about the dangers of artificial sweeteners but don’t want to consume regular sugar.
A: Artificial sweeteners have come under scrutiny because they may not help people lose weight. In addition, sucralose might make inflammatory bowel disease worse (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, March 15, 2018).
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a plant native to South America. The compounds in its leaves are 200 to 400 times sweeter than sugar. A recent review found no toxicity and some potential therapeutic effects (Current Pharmaceutical Design, Vol. 23, No. 11, 2017).
Q: I have some concerns about DEET, which seems to be the standard mosquito repellent.
A few years ago, a camping companion slathered DEET on herself and then poured wine into a plastic glass. Her fingerprints are permanently etched into the wineglass. I’m hesitant to use a product that etches plastic.
I’ve had reasonable success by wearing a neckerchief permeated with permethrin and applying picaridin repellent.
A: DEET is an effective insect repellent, but it can behave a little like a solvent. It may dissolve some items, such as plastic watch crystals, paint, nail polish and synthetic fibers. DEET may harm certain breathable fabrics.
Both Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group suggest that oil of lemon eucalyptus and picaridin each can serve as an alternative to DEET. They are quite effective repellents. Brand names include Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, Sawyer Picaridin and Natrapel picaridin.