The
winter months are approaching, and so are the sore throats, coughs and nasal
congestion that go along with the cold and flu season. These symptoms are
common to a number of illnesses, and fortunately, many of these ailments can be
managed without having to see the doctor, and incurring the time or financial
inconvenience of an office visit.
Charles
Stern, MD, a family medicine physician on the medical staff at Baylor Scott
& White Clinic – Waco offers the following information and advice to help
determine if it’s the cold, the flu or something else, and the best treatment
methods for each:
The Common Cold
The
“common cold” is caused by various viruses, and has an incubation period of
one-two weeks. The virus is transmitted by airborne droplets that are introduced
into the air through sneezing or coughing. Symptoms include fatigue, fever,
sneezing, congestion, sore throat and cough.
According
to Dr. Stern, respiratory symptoms will typically last around seven-ten days,
and there currently is no evidence-based treatment that will shorten the
duration of the illness.
The
best way to prevent contracting a cold is through frequent hand washing,
covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and reducing, whenever
possible, exposure to infected individuals. If you do get sick, you can treat
the symptoms through prescription or over-the-counter medications including:
·
Decongestants (like Sudafed or Mucinex D) or expectorants (like
Mucinex) for congestion. Dr. Stern also suggests using saline nasal irrigations
(neti pot) to relieve congestion.
·
Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) and/or ibuprofen (like Advil) for
fever.
·
Dextromethoraphan (like Mucinex DM, Robitussin DM or CF or
Delsym) for cough.
The Flu (Influenza)
Influenza
(flu) usually appears between the months of September and March, and is caused
by influenza viruses. The incubation period is one-two weeks and the virus is
transmitted the same way as the common cold. The flu usually lasts 10-14 days.
Flu
symptoms are the same as those of the common cold, with the addition of high
fever, chills and body aches for three-five days.
In
addition to following the same hygiene measures for those recommended for the
common cold, influenza vaccines (both in injectable and nasal forms) are also
available. Vaccines consist of various strains of influenza that are
anticipated to surface and are administered October through December.
Flu
symptoms are the same as those of the common cold, with the addition of high
fever, chills and body aches for three-five days. Recommended treatments
include those for the cold in addition to antiviral medications (like Tamiflu).
Dr. Stern cautions, however, that these medications must be started within 48
hours of the onset of symptoms in order to be effective, and most only shorten
the course of the illness by a day or two.
Bronchitis (Chest Cold)
Most
cases of bronchitis, or chest cold, are caused by viruses, but there is the
rare occasion of bacterial bronchitis, such as Pertussis (also known as
whooping cough). Bronchitis is transmitted and has the same symptoms as the
common cold, with the possible addition of a wheezing or productive
(phlegm-producing) cough that will produce green, yellow or brown sputum.
Bronchitis coughs may last up to three weeks.
In
addition to following the same preventative measures as the common cold, a Tdap
vaccine that immunizes against Pertussis is also available. If you contract
bronchitis, follow the recommended treatments for symptoms of the common cold.
If you are wheezing, it is recommended to see a physician who may prescribe an
inhaler.
Dr.
Stern adds that antibiotics will not change the course or length of bronchitis,
except for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders like emphysema
or those with compromised immune systems.
Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)
Sinusitis
is caused by viruses and allergies. An individual will usually also have other
allergic symptoms such as itching of the eyes, nose or throat in addition to
nasal congestion, and sinus pain and pressure in the cheeks, upper teeth or
forehead. If symptoms persist for 10 days accompanied by discolored nasal
discharge, the sinusitis may be bacterial.
Frequent
saline nasal irrigations (neti pot) two-five times a day will help relieve
congestion. Nasal cortisone sprays prior to and through peak allergy seasons
(fall and spring) will also help minimize symptoms. Dr. Stern also suggests
using a decongestant or expectorant, such as Sudafed non-drying formula or
Mucinex D.
Antibiotics
are usually reserved for individuals who have had sinusitis symptoms for 10
days or more. Dr. Stern notes that even scientific studies have shown equal
relief with frequent saline nasal irrigations plus decongestants compared to a
course of antibiotics.
Strep Throat
Strep
throat is caused by the bacteria streptococcus pyogenes, and actually causes
only nine percent of all sore throats. A majority of sore throats are instead
caused by viruses. Strep throat seems to be most common during the beginning
and end of the school year.
The
major symptom is a sore throat that comes on severely and abruptly, usually
accompanied by fever, chills, headache and nausea.
Strep
throat seems to be most common during the beginning and end of the school year.
Penicillin
is the antibiotic of choice. If an individual is allergic to penicillin, then
an appropriate substitute can be prescribed. Dr. Stern stresses that while
symptoms usually improve within 48 hours, individuals should take the full
10-day course of antibiotics to prevent a rare complication known as rheumatic
fever. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and Chloraseptic can be used for throat pain.
“When
taking medications for any of these conditions, be sure to take them as
directed and review warnings prior to consumption,” Dr. Stern said. He also
offered the following advice on when individuals should seek an appointment
with their physician:
·
Recurring high fever greater than 101 degrees orally or development
of sudden fever and/or chills after a period of feeling better during a
respiratory illness.
·
Wheezing or shortness of breath.
·
Pleurisy – pain in your chest — when taking in a deep breath.
·
Severe sore throat or ear pain.
·
Cough lasting more than three weeks and not responding to
regular treatment.
·
Sinus pain and congestion lasting more than 10 days and not
responding to regular treatment.
·
Symptoms worsen after a two-to-three-day period of improvement.
As
always, Dr. Stern advises visiting the nearest Emergency Room or calling 911 if
symptoms are serious.
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