Rest, stay home, you are passing it around making things worse. Stress of life has put you over the edge. It lowers your immune response.
Cover your mouth when coughing, using your sleeve, not your hand. Wash your hands frequently. Clean your phone mouth pieces with a cleansing wipe.
Drink fluids, avoid high sugar items. High sugar dampens the immune system. Don't share food utensils
Elderberry, sold as a syrup (Sambucol) has been shown to help reduce the length of the attack. Take 1 tsp every 4-6 hrs.
While effecicacy is not proven, using echinasea tea 4-times/day seems to assist the immune system and shorten the length of the illness
Oregon grape root capsules has been shown to help the body fight viruses, bacteria and fungus. Fungus has been found in over 90% of sinuses when cultured
Nettie Pot/Nelli Med sinus washes are inexpensive and help more than steroid sprays, use daily with normal saline sprays in between.
For bronchitis like symptoms; use a cool mist humidifier in a closed room, as moisture is soothing.
If you have allergic symptoms; itchy eyes or sneezing you can try an over the counter non-sedating antihistamine like Loratadine 10mg. If you have nasal congestion you can add Sudafed 30-60mg.
Vitamin C-2,000mg daily and several herbs also help: Rhodeola rosea, Holy Basil, Schizandra Berry (all at 2-3 times/day). Available at Basha's and New Frontiers.
It is common for your misery to last about 7-10 days. If it goes longer then it's time to see your provider.
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ISSUE # 11
MAY/2010
Greetings!
Most respiratory conditions, colds, sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infections are best treated by symptom relief NOT antibiotics. Most are caused by viral infections or are allergy related, not bacteria and we do more harm than good when we give "a quick fix" like an antibiotic. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has asked medical providers over again not to prescribe antibiotics unless there is clear evidence of bacterial infection . There is a 1-in-4,000 chance that antibiotics will not help an acute respiratory tract infection and a 1-1,000 chance that prescription will send the patient to the Emergency room for an allergic reaction, or significant side effect such as diarrhea or rash. Many antibiotics don't work anymore because we have overused them. (The Clinical Advisor, 2/2009).
Please call the office for personal or medical issues. This is for your confidentiality.
Yours in health,
Patti
As a small business owner, I have carefully been building my practice. The next step in my growth was to be under my own roof and that goal is now a reality! I am in my new home and invite you to join me. Most insurances are accepted (under my new Medical Director, Sharonelle Simmons MD). I continue to appreciate your referrals-it's the best compliment I can receive!
