Is it a cold…could it be the flu…maybe it's a sinus infection…how do I know if it's allergies? Read the article below, you'll learn the most common symptoms of each!
Those watery eyes…that runny nose…the irritating cough…frustrating night sweats and chills… the symptoms go on and on. How do you know if those watery eyes are the result of allergies? That runny nose, is it a sinus infection? The irritating cough, could it a cold? Or those frustrating night sweats and chills, maybe it's the flu? We've all been there…suffering with symptoms…unsure of their source…therefore, uncertain what to do. In this week's article, we will discuss the common symptoms associated with the cold, the flu, sinusitis (sinus infection) and allergies.
COLDS:
Colds are caused by a virus. Symptoms can include:
? Sore throat, sneezing and stuffy nose (congestion)
? Watery to thick cloudy or white nasal drainage
? Post-nasal drip (drainage down back of throat)
? Often mild to moderate chest discomfort with hacking cough
? May have low-grade fever, mild body aches and pains, mild fatigue
Symptoms occur within 1-3 days after exposure to the cold virus. They usually last 5-7 days but can last up to 2 weeks.
Do not ignore symptoms! Complications include secondary bacterial infections such as otitis media (ear infection) and sinusitis (sinus infection). If you develop an earache, thick yellow or green mucus, fever of 102 or higher in children or 101 or higher in adults, face pain, or symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks, see the healthcare provider of your choice.
FLU (INFLUENZA):
The flu is caused by a virus. Flu season begins with October and continues through March. Early symptoms include sudden onset of:
? High fever (102-104) with chills
? Headache
? Extreme exhaustion
? Severe body aches and pains
? Moderate to severe chest discomfort and dry, hacking cough
? Moderate to severe fatigue
Initial symptoms of high fevers, headache, extreme fatigue and severe aches and pains usually last 2-5 days. The cough and mild to moderate fatigue can last 2-3 weeks or more after other symptoms have subsided.
Do not ignore symptoms! Complications can include secondary bacterial infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat or ear infections. Worsening of asthmatic conditions may occur. See the healthcare provider of your choice if you develop any of these symptoms.
SINUSITIS (SINUS INFECTION):
Sinusitis is a bacterial infection within the sinuses. Symptoms may include:
? Headache and facial or eye pain
? Sinus stuffiness (congestion)
? Pain in upper teeth
? Thick yellow to green nasal drainage
? Post-nasal drip
? Cough, especially at night
? Sore throat
? Low grade fever
? Feeling listless or mild to moderate fatigue
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, if a sinus infection recurs frequently or lasts longer than 3 months, it may be chronic sinusitis. Acute sinusitis is often preceded by a cold or an allergy attack and can develop quickly. Moisture, caused by allergies or poor drainage due to obstruction, provides the perfect medium for bacterial growth; often leading to chronic sinusitis. A chronic condition known as allergic fungal sinusitis is caused by a fungal infection.
ALLERGIC RHINITIS (ALLERGIES)
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis occur after exposure to an allergen. Allergy symptoms may be seasonal or they can occur all year-round. Symptoms will persist as long as allergen exposure continues. Symptoms may include:
? Sinus stuffiness (congestion)
? Itchy nose and throat
? Watery, itchy eyes
? Sneezing and runny nose with thin, watery drainage
? Post nasal drip
? Wheezing (may be asthma-related)
? Symptoms will get better or will worsen depending on allergen exposure
Do not ignore symptoms! Complications can include secondary bacterial infections such as otitis media (ear infection), sinusitis (sinus infection) or strep throat. Worsening of asthmatic condition may our. See the healthcare provider of your choice if you develop any of these symptoms.
Prevention Is The Cure!
Viral and/or bacterial infections can spread from one person to the next. Droplets from coughs or sneezes can travel up to 3 feet! Follow these simple steps to prevent the spread of infection and to protect yourself from infection:
? Wash your hands frequently
? Keep your hands away from your face, mouth, nose, eyes
? Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer between hand washings
? Frequently clean surfaces such as phones, door handles and shared toys with 1:10 solution of water and bleach (9 parts water and 1 part bleach) or alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol, common rubbing alcohol will kill both bacteria and virus)
? Don't eat or drink after another
? Cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hand!) when coughing or sneezing
? Stay home when ill
It is your health…your life…live responsibly.
"Dear friend, I pray that you are doing well in every way and that you are healthy, just as your soul is healthy." (3 John 1:2, ISV)
Pam Anderson has earned the credentials of Doctor of Naturopathic Ministry and has actively worked in the field of nursing as a Registered Nurse for 31 years. She is also an Ordained Minister. Pam sees her role as a teacher or consultant. She believes in the body's innate, God-given, natural ability to heal itself when given an appropriate internal and external environment. Her years of experience in the ministry, medicine, and natural health field enables her to counsel individuals, couples and/or families on the principles for life, health and wellness of body, mind (soul) and spirit as established in God's Word. Pam, along with her husband, Ron Anderson, operates several natural health clinics. They travel the country as motivational speakers sharing their knowledge of Biblical principles for life, health and wellness. They have been married for 37 years.
For more information on Pam, natural health alternatives, integrative medicine and/or to receive her free newsletter, please visit: www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcarecenter.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcarecenter.com>.
