Eustachian tube dysfunction causes blockage

Dear Doctors: A year ago, I had fluid in my eustachian tubes that didn’t clear.I ended up needing drainage tubes and sinus surgery. Both tubes are now clogged with thick gunk, and my hearing is worse. What would cause this? Is there anything that can stop it from happening?

DO JUST ONE THING

• If mosquitoes are turning your backyard into a buzzing nightmare, consider recruiting an unexpected helper: bats. A single bat can devour as many as 1,000 mosquitoes in one night, making them one of nature’s most effective pest controllers.

Reader is apprehensive about boyfriend’s kids

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been going out with this guy for a few months now. He’s great. His energy makes me feel comfortable, we have great conversations and he is well-mannered.

Tonsil stones may be cause of bad breath

Hello, dear readers! Welcome to the monthly letters column. You have been keeping our mailboxes busy, so we will dive right in.– A recent column about tonsil stones prompted a reader with chronic bad breath to wonder if this might be the cause.

Manager feels disconnected from co-workers

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently started working as a manager of a bank in New York City, and I’m having a hard time fitting in socially because most of my co-workers come from extremely wealthy families. They often talk about their extravagant weekend plans that include skiing or taking weekend trips.

Stress just one factor in high cortisol levels

Dear Doctors: I’m a 64-year-old man with Type 1 diabetes and very high cortisol from stress at work. I can’t lose weight despite lower calories, exercise and GLP-1 meds. I have a fatty liver and elevated bilirubin, which have never caused problems.

Grandma chooses incense over health

DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom has gotten into burning incense lately, and whenever I bring my 10-year-old daughter over, she has an allergic reaction to it. She starts coughing and sneezing and has even gotten rashes from it.

Lichen sclerosus can occur in many places

Dear Doctors: I am a 64-year-old woman, and I was shocked when I was told I have lichen sclerosus. I have lesions on my wrist and arms, which cortisone cream has helped. I’m wondering if the gynecological changes that I have experienced are permanent. Any info would be helpful.

Bystander is mad that she didn’t do more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I live in New York City, and the other day, I saw someone’s phone get stolen, and I didn’t do anything to help. I felt bad, but ultimately, I didn’t want to get hurt or have anything stolen from me in the process.

DO JUST ONE THING

• It may be sold in some health food stores, but be cautious about burning incense sticks in your home. Recent studies suggest that burning incense can be as harmful to your health as smoking cigarettes.