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Upper
respiratory infections, commonly called colds, as
well as bronchitis and flu, are infections that are
usually caused by a virus. The symptoms may include
nasal congestion, drainage, sore throat, hoarseness,
post-nasal drip with clearing of your throat as well
as heavy coughing when laying down at night or getting
up in the morning, fatigue, heaviness of your chest
when taking a deep breath or coughing, fevers, and
general aching. These infections may last from 3-10
days with the symptoms gradually decreasing. The treatment
is mainly symptomatic, trying to make you feel better
since antibiotics have no effect on these viruses.
- Helpful
Hints for prevention and symptom reduction:
- Drink
plenty of fluids - at least eight glasses a day.
- Get
extra rest and sleep (stay home from work if needed,
it helps stop the spread of germs to your co-workers)
and eat sensibly.
- Wash
hands often and do not share towels; use paper towels
in the kitchen and baths.
- Vitamin
C (1000 mg/day) and Zinc lozenges, have been shown
in some studies to cut the duration and severity
of colds. Use one zinc lozenge every 3-4 hours (6/day)
during your waking hours. "Cold Eeze" is a common
brand.
- Increasing
Humidification in the air of your home is helpful
to open up dry stuffed nasal passages. Use a room
humidifier or vaporizor, especially in the bedroom.
- Flu
vaccines and Pneumonia vaccines are recommended
for all over 65 years of age or if you are at high
risk due to illness or you may expose someone else
at high risk.
- For
a sore throat:
- Gargle
3-6 times a day with salt water (1/2 tsp. in one
cup of warm water).
- Use
commercial throat medications such as Chloraseptic
or Cepastat sprays or lozenges.
- Extra
Strength Tylenol - 2 tablets every 6 hours can reduce
pain.
- For
a dry cough:
- You
may use Robitussin DM or other cough syrup. Benadryl
and Vitamin C help to dry up post nasal drip that
often causes this coughing. Do not drive within
6 hours of using Benedryl, however.
- Bronchitis
is inflammation of the lung tubes that leads to
chest heaviness with inspiration, or various pains
with coughing. It may also lead to wheezing. If
you feel short of breath, or have wheezing, speak
to your doctor about a prescription inhaler, which
can help with these symptoms.
- Stop
smoking.
- For
nasal congestion:
- Sudafed,
Tylenol Sinus, or Advil Cold and Sinus are popular
brands with decongestants. Speak to your doctor
before using any of these however, if you have heart
disease, high blood pressure, or a history of palpitations.
- Decongestant
nasal sprays such as Afrin or Neosynephrine can
be used for up to 3 days. Liberal use of saline
nasal sprays like Ocean or Ayr Spray can help keep
nasal passages open.
- Hot
showers with steam can help open nasal passages
too.
- For
fever, general aching, chest pain from coughing or
with deep breathing use Extra Strength Tylenol, 2
tablets every 6 hours.
- Seek
medical attention if you experience any of the following
symptoms:
- Increasing
shortness of breath
- Coughing
that becomes productive of thick phlegm/sputum associated
with worstening chest pain, shortness of breath,
or a fever that had previously resolved.
- Coughing
that becomes bloody or rust colored.
- Failure
to improve as expected. Symptoms should resolve
after 10-14 days, and you should see improvement
by day 7.
Hope
you enjoy a healthy season!
David
Gallatin, M.D.
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