Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
Chemotherapy & Mouth Sores Question: My husband is undergoing chemotherapy and is getting sores in his mouth and has a hard time swallowing. Are there any herbal rinses he can use? Margaret, New Hampshire Stomatitis and mucositis are common side effects of chemotherapy, particularly methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin, bleomycin and vinblastine. Oral side effects from chemotherapy can be alleviated with some proven non-toxic naturopathic treatments. A randomized controlled clinical trial of the homeopathic medicine called Traumeel demonstrated a reduction of the severity and duration of mouth sores caused by chemotherapy. The amino acid L-glutamine has been tested in a double blind crossover trial and found to significantly reduce the duration and intensity of stomatitis. Another double blind trial of topically applied vitamin E found significant resolution of oral lesions caused by chemotherapy. 67% of these patients improved in 5 days versus 11% improvement in the group of patients taking a placebo. Two other natural medicines useful for alleviating mouth sores are beta carotene and deglycyrrhizinated licorice. Depending on the severity of the mouth sores, a patient may choose to try one or even all of the natural treatments listed above. Patients getting 5-Fluorouracil treatments should avoid beta carotene supplementation for a least three weeks before the initial treatment and for at least three weeks following the last treatment. About Dr. Kowalsky Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky is a naturopathic physician specializing in cancer and chronic medical conditions. Dr. Kowalsky provides a responsible, rational and integrative approach to the treatment of cancer. Naturopathic medicines can help increase longevity, heighten quality of life and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation while enhancing their effectiveness. As a naturopathic doctor she is trained in both conventional medicine and natural therapies, providing her patients with the most holistic, integrative and effective medical care available.
Therapies Include: *Vitamins, Minerals & Amino Acids
The Highest Standard of Care "I provide strong guidance and caring medicine that foster hope and optimal health. I prescribe treatments based on the best scientific evidence available, while also developing a healing and supportive relationship with each patient. I adjust treatments to address the individual needs of each person based on mental, emotional and social factors as well as their physical health and symptoms. Only by really listening can a doctor understand the pieces of the puzzle that make up a patient's health concerns. I believe the highest standard of care can only happen when the doctor is totally dedicated and committed to your health and wellbeing." -- Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
Credentials Dr. Kowalsky received her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin and earned her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from The National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Kowalsky completed her clinical internship at the Portland Naturopathic Clinic. She completed the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations through the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners and is a naturopathic physician licensed by the state of Vermont. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
What is a Naturopathic Physician? Naturopathic physicians (N.D.s) are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine. They are the only physicians with comprehensive medical training that includes a wide variety of natural therapeutics, such as herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, natural hormones, intravenous supplementation and physical medicine. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other specialists for diagnosis or treatment when necessary. Health and disease come from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, and environmental, lifestyle and other factors. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person, taking all these factors into account. Naturopathic physicians prefer non-invasive treatments which minimize the risks of harmful side-effects. Treatments are tailored to the needs of the individual patient based on a cogent philosophy that acknowledges the patient as participant. Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year postgraduate schools with admission requirements like those of conventional medical schools. Because the coursework in naturopathic theory and natural medicine is added to a standard medical curriculum, naturopathic doctors receive significantly more hours of classroom education than the graduates of leading medical schools, including Yale, Stanford, John Hopkins and Mayo medical schools. Patients are demanding evidence that medical practice be safe and effective. Natural medicine has been demonstrated to be both safe and effective through clinical studies and scientific evaluation. There are over 90,000 medical studies on complementary and alternative medicine, mostly from conventional medicine database resources. In fact, one textbook on naturopathic therapeutics references over 10,000 citations to peer-reviewed scientific literature documenting the efficacy of natural treatments.
To schedule an appointment or to request more information call: (802) 649-1064 16 Beaver Meadow Road Conveniently located near I-91 & I-89
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in the document and website is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY AND MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED, CONSIDERED OR USED IN PLACE OF MEDICAL ADVICE OR INSTRUCTION. No action should be taken based only on this newsletter. Readers should consult a licensed naturopathic physician or medical doctor. The information and editorials in this newsletter are believed to be accurate, but readers who fail to consult with a physician assume the risk of injuries. (C) Copyright 2002 - 2007 Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D. All rights reserved. |