Q: My 70-year-old father has been undergoing dialysis twice a week for the past 4-5 months. He has been recently complaining of severe burning sensation of the feet. The doctor said that it might be due to lack of calcium. He also has severe throat congestion, and with every dialysis, his chest seems to be more congested and he coughs out a lot of phlegm. What is the treatment for this?

A:Burning sensation of the feet may indicate disease of the peripheral nerves called neuropathy. Diabetes is one of the commonest causes of peripheral neuropathy. Kidney failure through the accumulation of toxins and severe mineral imbalances can result in a neuropathy as well. Treatment would accordingly depend upon the cause and the severity of the symptoms. Persistent chest congestion with productive cough as in the above case may indicate upper respiratory tract infection or even the possibility of excessive fluid in the lungs in some one with kidney failure. He certainly requires a chest X-ray, review of his medication list (some medications can induce cough too) and a thorough evaluation by his physician.