Disclaimer: All material provided here 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.

　 　


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.

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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.