DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been plucking my nose hair with tweezers for years. My brother just told me that you can get an infection that leads to the brain and you can die. Is this true?

DEAR READER> When a hair is plucked, the tiny hole left in the skin can become infected easily, especially if the nostrils are involved. Although your brother is correct that a facial infection can spread inward and inflame the brain, such a disastrous consequence is extremely rare.

Nonetheless, I suggest that you forget the tweezers and rely solely on scissors to trim your nose hair.

DEAR DR. GOT$> I underwent cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) at 28 years of age. Ten years later, I began to experience attacks of excruciating front-to-back pain just below the breast bone. I underwent cardiac testing and gastro x-rays — nothing. The attacks were infrequent but intense.

When I was 52, I experienced an attack while grocery shopping. I was barely able to get the groceries into the car and begin to drive home. After a few blocks, I was unable to drive further safely and pulled over. Until then, I had been afraid to take anything by mouth for fear of vomiting or making the situation worse.

In agony, I reached into the back seat for some lemon-lime pop I had purchased and decided to take a chance to see if the carbonation would help. I took several large gulps and produced the kind of belch that young male beer drinkers are so fond of —- and experienced immediate relief! From lacerating pain to complete comfort in 10 seconds!

I am now 73 years old. I still experience the warning signals of an impending attack, but I always have carbonated beverages at hand (any flavour, any brand). I have never again experienced a full-blown attack. I always give this account to physicians I have seen over the years, but they seem unimpressed. Perhaps my experience could help some of your other reader

DEAR READER:<$> It appears that your chest pain was caused by excessive gas buildup with subsequent stretching of your stomach. The carbonation in soda made “bigger bubbles” that could be expelled easily. Continue your “therapy” as needed.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Coronary Artery Disease.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. T:<$> We have a handicapped son. His doctor has him on Metamucil, one teaspoon three times daily, for constipation. Would you approve of that or do you think it’s more than necessary?

In addition, he takes one Claritin a day all year long for allergies. Please give us your opinion on that also.

DEAR RER:<$> To my knowledge, the chronic use of Metamucil for constipation is harmless. Similarly, daily Claritin should be safe. However, follow the suggestions of you son’s physician, because he or she is the professional most familiar with your son’s medical issues.