Diagnosing and Treating Cold and Flu Symptoms

Chances are you or someone you care for will catch cold like symptoms, especially in the winter. Where do you start in treating the symptoms? Run to the doctor, right? Well, that may be appropriate in some cases, but generally, you can 'diagnose' and treat most common cold symptoms at home.

But don't I need an antibiotic? A caveat about antibiotics: Antibiotics work by killing all bacteria in the body; this includes the 'good' bacteria necessary for health. So an antibiotic depletes the body's immune system, leaving a person more susceptible to new infections.

Illnesses are either viral ('passed around' from contact) orbacterial(organic infection). Only bacterial illnesses respond to an anti-biotic. Therefore, to treat a viral infection with an antibiotic will not heal the infection and will diminish the body's resistance.

Illnesses can only be declared bacterial by a fluid test (saliva, urine, blood, spinal etc.). So if you go to the doctor or take your family member, insist upon a test to determine the presence of a bacteria. And remember that an antibiotic will still strip the bacteria and leave the system vulnerable, regardless of the nature of the infection.

An ear infection is slightly different. It can often be detected visually without a fluid test. However, the nature of an ear infection can vary. It is significant to note where the infection is in the ear: inner, middle or outer. Inner ear infections are usually the most serious. It can cause hearing loss and damage to the ear drum.

Causes of frequent ear infections is debatable. Research shows that an allergy or intolerance to milk products can generate frequent infections. Some other allergens can cause ear infections also. The simplest way to be pro-active is to keep the ears warm and dry in cold weather and watch the milk products. Are infections more frequent, severe or long-lasting when milk is ingested?

Regardless of the pathology of the infection, avoiding milk products is generally a good idea. Milk produces mucus and phlegm which is the source of sinus, chest and nasal congestion. Mucus also collects the white blood cells produced to fight infection and is therefore the transmitter of infection, through sneezing, coughing and drainage. The drainage will progress from clear to whitish and then yellowish green as more infection is purged from the body.

If you or your child requires a course of antibiotics, there are some basic guidelines to follow that will ensure maximum benefit and minimum complications. First, follow the directions given be your physician to the letter. Give the treatment at the prescribed times in the prescribed dose and as directed. Finish the entire course unless otherwise directed. It is very easy to discontinue when the child is feeling better. Also, don't save medications for another use. Throw out any unused portion.

When taking antibiotics, you can do things to boost or maintain immune system. Acidophilous, taken orally as a supplement or in yogurt, is a natural way to keep healthy bacteria in the system. When taking an antibiotic, eat some low sugar yogurt daily. Also, take a daily vitamin supplement rich in vitamin C. Or better yet, eat foods rich in C, like green leafy vegetables, citrus and potatoes. These contain calcium which will be helpful if you are avoiding milk products. Alacer makes Emergen 'C', a tasty efferevescent vitamin drink that boosts the immune system. Check out their link below.

With any cold like symptoms, the old 'get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids' is still the best advice. The body is literally drained of vital fluids, electrolytes and essential salts and minerals during infection. Fluid replacement is essential. Choose vitamin water, watered down juices, and beverages to replace electrolytes. Avoid sugared and artificially flavored, colored or sweetened products. Soda and Gatorade should be avoided as well. Two products that I favor are Glaceau Vitamin Water and Pedialyte (for young children). I've included links for both products below.

If your infant or toddler is ill, the very best you can provide is breast-milk. It hydrates and contains all the nutrients and minerals needed. It does not cause mucus to build up either. Breast milk digests very easily and quickly. Breast feeding will help your child breathe, relax and rest better also.

When our youngest contracted pneumonia at 19 months old, she nursed exclusively. She coughed everything up and could not sleep for days on end. Breast milk was her only food for a 7 week bout of this terrible illness. Her system restored itself miraculously well and we credit the breast milk.

Cough all mucus into the toilet or a tissue. Wash hands after blowing nose or purging mucus. Hand sanitizer near the bed is helpful also. Keep away from public places until you are stronger also. This will cut down on transmission of infection, but will help your body maintain strength. Children should not go to school when they have: a fever, a wet productive cough, yellow-green drainage

I call the doctor when a fever stays at 102 for more than two days, when there is severe throat pain or when there are other symptoms like nausea, vomiting or dizziness. These tend to be signs of bacterial infection. Eating healthy, getting good rest and exercise and staying fit are always the tlinebest way to ward off as much infection as possible.