For millions of people with respiratory problems, breathing can be a constant struggle. Without a proper source of oxygen we would die within six minutes. That is why breathing properly is so important. Breathing problems can be caused by a number of factors including viral and bacterial infections, pollen, environmental pollutions, smoking, poor quality diet, food toxins, allergies and the over prescribing of antibiotics. Respiratory symptoms can include coughs, colds, flu, runny noses and sore throats. They will differ accordingly to acute or chronic conditions such as hay fever, bronchial asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, sinusitis, and lung cancer.
There are more than two hundred viruses that can cause the common cold and flu. These viruses cause infection in the upper respiratory tract. The common cold is generally caused by rhinoviruses that inflame the lining of the membranes of the nose and throat. Colds are one of the most common illnesses in childhood and most children will develop a few colds or other respiratory illness during the year. Some children may require medical care by a healthcare professional due to a respiratory infection that may advance into a serious condition such as middle ear infection, sinus infection, bronchitis or pneumonia. The increased incidence of colds and flu during the cold season may be attributed to the fact that more people are indoors and in close proximity to each other. In addition many cold viruses thrive in low humidity at colder temperatures, making the nasal passages drier and more vulnerable to infection. Colds usually start a few days after the virus enters the body and symptoms last from several days to several weeks. The common cold is highly contagious. It is often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the infected person and then inhaled by another person. Colds are mainly spread by a simple hand shake, hand-to-infected-surface contact, after which a person touches his/her face. Common areas, computer key boards, phones, door knobs or any surface or material handled by multiple people should be disinfected regularly.
Influenza (or flu) is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection.
Millions of people contract influenza each year. Influenza is characterized by the abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat, a non productive cough and can make people of any age ill. Although most people are ill with influenza for only a few days, some have a much more serious illness and may need to be hospitalized. A common serious complication is a secondary infection of the lungs. Influenza viruses continually mutate or change, which enables the virus to evade the immune system of its host. This makes people susceptible to influenza infection throughout their lives. The process works as follows: a person infected with influenza virus develops antibodies against that virus. The virus mutates or changes. The "older" antibody no longer recognizes the "newer" virus and re-infection occurs.
Cold and Flu symptoms
A cold is relatively harmless and usually clears up by itself after a period of time, although sometimes it may lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear, throat or lung infection. The flu symptoms are usually more severe affecting more of the body and can result in complications, such as pneumonia and even death. The flu virus can also affect the gastrointestinal system causing fever, vomiting and severe diarrhea. In the same population who are exposed to these viruses there will be a certain percentage that will get a cold, others could develop flu or pneumonia. The group with strong immune systems could be completely unaffected.
The symptoms of Cold are usually mild like low fever or possibly no fever, there may be slight headache, a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, mild hacking cough, slight aching and pain, mild fatigue and or sore throat. Children suffer from more colds each year than adults due to their immature immune systems and close physical contact with other children in daycare or schools.
The Symptoms of Flu are usually acute- High fever or chills, always a headache, loss of appetite, nose usually clear, maybe a sore throat, sneezing (not all the time), cough often severe, usually severe aches and pains, extreme fatigue. Every year the very young and elderly, people with chronic lung or heart problems, weak or no immune symptoms are more susceptible to the flu and may develop secondary symptoms such as severe respiratory or gastrointestinal problems that may result in death. Pandemics arise about every 40 years and can cause serious illness and death.
Prevention
The best way to avoid catching the common cold or flu is to wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people who are sick with the cold or flu. When around infectious people do not touch your nose or eyes, because your hands may be contaminated with the virus. Wash your hands frequently and vigorously with simple soap and warm water. Use disposable paper towels to dry your hands. People with colds or flu should cough and sneeze in a facial tissue and dispose of the tissue promptly and then wash his/her hands immediately. Use good common hygiene practices: wash hands, drinking glasses, toothbrushes, bedding, towels etc. frequently to prevent re-contamination. You should use a mask if you are very sick or have a weak immune system or are exposed to a high number of sick people during the flu season. Cleaning surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses can halt the spread of these viruses.
There is no 'quick fix' for a cough due to a virus infection. You need to be patient until the cough goes away. Most viral infections go away without treatment as your immune system clears the virus, without complications. If you develop breathing difficulties such as wheezing or shortness of breath, cough up blood, become drowsy or confused and or feel unwell, see your doctor. When you make an appointment or visit your health provider let them know if you have the flu to assist with preventing the spread of the virus.
Antibiotics are not usually advised.
Antibiotics do not kill viruses - they only kill bacteria. Antibiotics do not usually ease a cough caused by a virus. In the case of a secondary bacterial infection antibiotics may be necessary.
Drink a lot of fluids such as pure water, fresh juice, soups, broths and herbal teas. Keep warm and rest to restore your energy and avoid complications like pneumonia. Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods provide lots of antioxidants (substances that may help boost your immune system), especially vitamins A and C. Minimize your stress level. Consider yoga, tai chi, or other forms of relaxation on an ongoing basis. Stress can put you at increased risk for viruses like influenza.
NOTE: Never give aspirin to children with a viral illness because of the risk of a life-threatening disease called Reye's syndrome which can affect the liver and brain. Some homeopathic and naturopathic remedies that can lessen symptoms are; Aconite, Nuxvomica, Gelsenium, Eucalyptus, Lpecacuaha, Bryonia, Eupatorium perfolattum in homeopathic doses. Dolicoccinum is great for prevention and treatment and can be used by small children. Grape seed extract, Garlic, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Licorice, Barberry, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, E & Selenium, Zinc, Astragulus, and many other products including supplements and extracts that support the adrenal and thymus glands work in supporting the immune system.
Dr. Rakhra is a Naturopathic Physician, serving Calgary
for more than twenty years and practicing Complementary Medicine since 1964. 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 website at: www.aynh.com.
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