VIRAL SYNDROME- Dealing
with Colds
The common cold is an
inflammation of the membranes of the nose, throat,
pharynx, and/or tonsils. Infection can spread to the
bronchi and middle ear. A cold by definition is caused
by a virus and is often referred to as a viral syndrome.
There is no immunization available as yet and
conventional medicine has no cure for this syndrome. A
cold cannot be cured by antibiotics, but occasionally
the complications of a cold may be treated with an
antibiotic. Antibiotics do not prevent complications.
Colds occur throughout the year, but are most common in
late winter and early spring. Over 200 viruses have now
been identified as being responsible for the many
varieties of colds and "flus" that are now widespread
throughout the world. The most common, accounting for
about a third of all infections, is the rhinovirus. The
average child has six colds a year, adults much fewer.
The symptoms of a cold can include a runny nose, red,
itchy eyes, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, fatigue,
decreased appetite, headache, and general body aches.
Some viruses cause a mild skin rash, referred to as a
viral exanthum. As a cold progresses, nasal mucus may
become superficially contaminated with bacteria and
become purulent and thick. This is part of the natural
progression of a cold as it eases and does not indicate
a need for antibiotics. Children often have a fever with
a cold, but fever in adults with a cold is less common.
Colds can last from a few days to about two weeks. There
is a gradual one or two day onset.
Occasionally, a cold can lead to a more severe
infection, as the body's defenses are weakened, allowing
bacteria to invade. Smokers, children, the elderly and
people with major medical problems such as diabetes are
at higher risk for complications. These can include
bacterial infections in the middle ear, the sinuses, the
bronchi and the lungs. If your cold symptoms last for an
extended period or seem to suddenly worsen, suspect a
secondary infection.
PREVENTION
Colds are almost an inevitable
fact of life, but there are some things you can do which
might help prevent a cold.
*Eat and sleep properly and get regular exercise to keep
up your resistance. Consider yoga or Qigong to relieve
stress and support your immune system. For Qigong videos
see www.wujiproductions.com.
*Don't smoke.
*The "flu" shot increases immunity to some strains of
the influenza virus, which can cause serious infections
in seniors or patients with major medical problems.
However, it will not protect you from all viruses
throughout the winter. Getting the "flu" shot does not
mean you can't get a cold for the rest of the season.
The Influenza vaccine is strongly recommended for:
1. Persons over the age of 60.
2. Residents of nursing homes or other chronic care
facilities.
3. Persons with major medical problems, particularly
asthma and immunosupression.
4. Children and teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy.
5. Household members of persons with the conditions
listed above.
6. Health care providers.
HOME TREATMENT
*Get extra rest after
work or school. It is not necessary to stay home from
work or school if you feel well enough to accomplish
something, providing you don't needlessly expose others.
*Gargle with salt water.
*Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to reduce a
high fever and relieve aches and pains. Aspirin should
be avoided in children, as it has been associated with
an increased risk for Reyes syndrome, a serious
neurological disorder. Some studies have shown that
treating fevers can actually extend the length of an
illness, implying that very likely fevers are part of
the normal immune response.
*There is a multitude of over-the-counter preparations
that can relieve cold symptoms and add to your comfort
and ability to get the sleep you need to recover. These
include decongestants, cough suppressants and mucolytics/expectorants.
*Antihistamines, although effective against allergies,
will not help with colds. They are useful to counteract
the stimulant effect of a decongestant. Some
decongestants, like Sudafed, can cause insomnia. I find
that an antihistamine/decongestant combination like
Dimetapp can be helpful for a congested, runny nose
while also allowing a patient to sleep.
*Antibiotics will not help a cold. Antibiotics kill
bacteria, which are large germs that live outside the
cells in your body. Viruses are very small germs that
invade and replicate inside the cells of your body.
These are very hard to get to without doing serious
damage to the body's own cells. This is part of the
reason why the AIDS epidemic has been so devastating. In
general, antibiotics are very safe medications, but they
can have side effects, including severe allergic
reactions. They can also interfere with the action of
other medications, including birth control pills.
Antibiotics also kill off some bacteria that normally
belong in the human body, particularly in the intestines
and vagina. A patient can get an upset stomach, diarrhea
and a vaginal yeast infection from an antibiotic.
Overuse of antibiotics has created a serious problem
with antibiotic resistance. These medications should not
be used indiscriminately, or without a medical
examination. Rather than borrowing a few leftover
antibiotic tablets from a friend or family member, see
your family doctor!
*Some studies show that mega-doses of VITAMIN C can
shorten the course and lessen the severity of a cold.
Other studies show it to be of no value. If you take
this, take it early in the course of the illness, 4000
to 6000mg a day for adults. You can also just eat a lot
of oranges.
*I highly recommend ZINC LOZENGES at the very first sign
of a cold. These should be taken faithfully every four
hours while awake and used as a lozenge, not swallowed
whole like a nutritional supplement.
*ECHINACEA and GOLDENSEAL have long been known to be
useful for viral illnesses. These should be started at
the onset of symptoms. I have found the alcohol
extracts, or tincture forms, of echinacea to be the most
effective, though the taste is unpleasant. You should
notice a numbing sensation to the tongue if the product
has an adequate amount of active ingredients. Use it
three to five times a day at the onset of symptoms until
you feel better, but at the latest stop the medication
after 4-5 weeks. Echinacea can lose its effectiveness if
taken continuously. Pregnant or nursing mothers should
not use goldenseal. There is a multitude of plant-based
medicines that have been used to ease cold symptoms or
to boost the immune system. Elderberry, andrographis
paniculata, garlic, astragalus and eucalyptus are a few
good examples. For a fun and informative web site with a
mix of conventional and alternative therapies see Andrew
Weil, M.D. of the University of Arizona's site at
www.drweil.com or pick up one of his books at your local
bookstore. For that drained post viral feeling Dr. Weil
recommends ashwaganda, eleuthro, ginseng, reishi or
rhodiola.
Suggested Reading:
Disclaimer: The material provided above is for
educational purposes only. Consult your own physician
regarding the applicability of any opinions or
recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical
condition.
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