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Respiratory Infections
by Dr. Raj Rakhra
With the change of weather, respiratory
illnesses associated with virus infection increases. These respiratory
disorders are common cold, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis,
bronchitis and the Pneumonia group of viruses that may cause any
or all of these above illnesses. The acute viral respiratory illnesses
are self limited and usually followed by a complete recovery.
Common Cold can be caused by a variety of viruses that are capable
of infecting the upper respiratory tract. We are all constantly
exposed to many of these viruses, but the majority of us only
experience the discomfort of a cold once or twice a year. This
implies that a decrease in resistance is the major factor in catching
a cold.
In general, the individual with a cold will experience a general
malaise, fever, headache, and upper respiratory tract congestion.
Initially, there is usually watery nasal discharge, sneezing,
followed by thicker secretions containing mucous, white blood
cells and dead organisms. The throat may be red, dry and sore.
Occasionally, mild allergies may be the underlying factor, decreasing
resistance and allowing the virus to infect the upper respiratory
tract. Allergies can be differentiated from the common cold as
there is no fever in allergies and there is no sign of infection.
Maintaining a healthy immune system is the prime way of protecting
against an excessive number of colds. Nutrition plays a big part
in improving the immune system. Another important factor in reduced
resistance that allows a virus to infect, is stress, whether it
is physical, emotional or mental. During the stress response,
some compounds are released by the adrenal glands that cause the
thymus gland to shrink and reduce its activity. Many nutritional
factors have been shown to prevent this effect of stress on the
thymus, our major gland of immunity. Vitamin A, C beta-carotene,
small doses of zinc and other antioxidants prevent stress and
free radical induced damage. Other contributing factors to consider
besides nutritional deficiency and stress are abuse of alcohol,
tobacco, consumption of prescribed or non prescribed drugs and
recreational drugs.
Sinus Infection - Again,
the most common predisposing factor in acute bacterial sinusitis
is viral upper respiratory tract infections i.e. common cold,
allergies and other factors that induce swelling and fluid retention
of the mucous membranes of the sinus, that may cause blockage
of drainage, which then facilitates the bacterial overgrowth in
the area, causing infection. In chronic sinusitis, an allergic
background is commonly present. In maxillary sinusitis, the frequent
cause is usually an underlying dental infection. The use of antihistamines
may give temporary relief, however, their prolonged use is not
recommended, as rebound or reflex reaction with continual administration
may occur.
In acute sinusitis, the treatment goal is to establish drainage
and clear up the acute bacterial infection. An allopathic doctor
may prescribe antibiotic and antihistamines as their first choice
of medicine. The Naturopathic physician may take a different approach.
Some treatments may include; local application of heat, volatile
oils and or homeopathic remedies with antibacterial properties,
to clear the sinuses and support the immune system. Getting plenty
of rest, drinking large amounts of fluids, such as vegetable juice,
herb teas and soups are all helpful. He or she should limit simple
sugar consumption, and eliminate common allergens such as milk
products, wheat, corn, citrus, peanuts and fried foods.
Other supplements that are useful are vitamin C, bioflavonoid,
vitamin A, beta-carotene, zinc lozenges and thymus extract. Hydrastis
canadensis, bromelain and proteolytic enzymes are quite helpful
as well.
Bronchitis -
Bronchitis, again, is often a complication of the common cold.
Like many respiratory tract infections, bronchitis is more likely
to develop in smokers, because smoking impairs the ability of
the respiratory tract's lining to clear out germs. Bronchitis
shows up as a persistent cough, usually with thick, colored phlegm,
but without a fever, following a common cold.
Pneumonia -
Bronchitis and Pneumonia are usually preceded by upper respiratory
infections. Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs that
can be caused by any of a number of different infectious agents
including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and mycoplasma. The
infection causes tiny air sacs in the lungs to be inflamed and
filled with mucous and other fluids. The fluid inhibits oxygen
from reaching the blood. Lobar pneumonia affects only a section
of the lungs or lobe of one lung. Bronchial pneumonia affects
portions of both lungs. Although the symptoms may vary in intensity,
they usually include fever, chills, cough, bloody sputum, muscle
aches, fatigue, sore throat, enlarged lymph glands in the neck,
cyanosis (bluish skin or nails), pain in the chest and rapid and
difficult breathing. X-rays show infiltration of fluid and lymph
in the lungs.
Pneumonia typically follows after upper respiratory infection
such as cold, influenza or measles. Young children under the age
of one and elderly people over the age of sixty five are most
susceptible. Weakened immune system, cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
HIV infection, seizure or stroke, alcoholism, smoking, kidney
failure, sickle cell disorders, malnutrition, exposure to chemical
irritants are some of the factors that increase the chance of
pneumonia.
Bacterial pneumonia can be very dangerous and can come on gradually
or suddenly and usually is a complication of some other health
problem such as respiratory disease, weakened immune system or
viral infection. Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common cause
of bacterial pneumonia.
Symptoms usually are shaking, chills and high fever. The cough
is dry at first and then rust colored sputum is produced and breathing
becomes rapid and difficult or labored. See your health care provider
immediately.
Influenza -
Influenza is better known as flu and is a highly contagious viral
infection of the upper respiratory system. Influenza lasts longer,
usually about two weeks and has different symptoms (severe headaches
and aching muscles, persistent dry cough and overwhelming fatigue
that is much more severe to people who are frail, because of age
or other medical condition. Influenza can be fatal. There are
two types of influenza virus, type A and type B, that causes acute
infection of the throat, nose, bronchial tubes, lungs and middle
ear. The virus enters the body through the mucous membranes in
the nose, eyes, or mouth. Because the virus can spread through
coughing and sneezing, influenza epidemics are very common. The
symptoms of influenza begin much like those of the common cold;
body ache, fatigue, headache, hot and cold sweats, fever, chills,
dry throat, cough, nausea, and vomiting develop. Usually a person
with flu is weak and uncomfortable and does not feel like eating
or doing anything. A cold can last around eight to ten days on
average, but flu can last even longer, up to twelve days or more,
followed by residual cough and fatigue, adding another week.
Start with plenty of rest; consume plenty of fluids, fresh juices,
herbal teas and soups. Do not take zinc with citrus fruits or
juices. Do not expose yourself to excessive cold weather, dress
reasonably warm. Mild fever is one of the body's major defense
mechanisms against the flu. The flu can cause serious complications
for young children, the elderly and those with a history of abuse
of alcohol, smoking and a week immune system. Since flu viruses
are often transmitted by hands, wash your hands frequently with
soap and water, keep them away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
If you sneeze, use disposable tissues. Please change your toothbrush
after any virus infection. Antibiotics are useless against viruses,
but are important in secondary bacterial infections and seeing
your health care provider is important.
Dr. Rakhra's clinic is located at 121 - 14 Street North West in
Calgary, Alberta. He may be reached at: 270-7033. See the display
advertisement above for more information. Visit his website at:
www.aynh.com
Dr. Rakhra is a doctor of Ayurvedic
Medicine as well as a Naturopathic Physician, serving Calgary
and Southern Alberta for the last eighteen years. He runs a family
practice that deals with acute and chronic disorders. He is a
Member of Alberta Association of Naturopathic Doctors. Dr. Rakhra's clinic is located at 121
- 14 Street North West in Calgary, Alberta. You
can reach his office at 403-270-7033. Visit his webiste at: www.aynh.com
A Magazine of People and Possibilities
Now Celebrating 17 Years In Print and 11 Years Online!