Enoch Choi, MD
Enoch Choi, MD
Male, 44
Palo Alto - CA
Specialties: Family Medicine
Interests: sinusitis, Migraine, low back pain, cellulitis, abscess, skin infection, neck pain, Allergies, ear infections
Male, 44
Palo Alto - CA
Specialties: Family Medicine
Interests: sinusitis, Migraine, low back pain, cellulitis, abscess, skin infection, neck pain, Allergies, ear infections
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Tips on telling a cold from a bacterial infection: sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis
Jan 30, 2008 11:54AM
- 60 comments
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The flu has passed epidemic rates in much of the country, and if you don't have a cold, I'm sure you have a friend who has the sniffles, fever, chills, aches and pains of a viral upper respiratory infection. This is different from a bacterial infection such as sinusitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia. A viral infection doesn't improve with antibiotics as these infections do. A virus hijacks your own body's healthy cells and uses it to reproduce and spread. A bacteria is its own living cell and multiplies and spreads on its own and is easier to destroy in that process.
Speaking of outbreaks, influenza is finally reaching Palo Alto right around now. If your doctor knows that your own area is experiencing an outbreak of influenza, it may be reasonable to treat with antiviral drugs, especially if your temperature is more than 100 degrees and your symptoms have lasted less than 48 hours, and you don't have pneumonia. This is because antivirals won't help if given after 2 days of symptoms. They work by stopping the spread of the virus and if you take the antiviral too late, it's too late to stop the spread, it's already happened.
Here are some guidelines on helping differentiate between run of the mill colds and more serious bacterial infections:
When do I need antibiotics for a cold, as an adult?
Never.
Are you sick with a runny nose, sore throat, cough, possibly even goey green and brown stuff coming out? Well, you're not alone, you've got a cold like millions of other adults right now around the world. Colds are upper respiratory infections that are almost always caused by viruses in adults. They typically get better after a week to ten days.
Viruses can even cause colored mucous, that thick discharge you can't see through, which many people believe only can come from a bacterial infection. Colds can even cause pressure in sinuses, when viruses affect the sinuses .
Antibiotics don't help in these viral infections. Treatments aimed at reducing symptoms can help. A recent review in the American Family Physician journal on Feb 15, 2007 highlights some of the treatments that are helpful in the common cold and how to tell if you're getting worse than just a viral infection:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20070215/515.html
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20070215/522ph.html
symptoms that are worse than those of a normal cold or that haven't gotten better in 10 days
• a high fever
• an earache that gets worse
• a pain in your face, especially on one side
• shortness of breath
• a health problem that makes it more likely that you will have problems with a cold (for example: asthma and other lung diseases or a disease that affects how your body fights infection)
These are general guidelines, meant to be taken in the whole context of your health history by your doctor.
Conditions that increase the risk of bacterial infection including the complication of pneumonia include the elderly or those with heart and lung disease. Another helpful reference includes the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine, 20 March 2001, Volume 134, Number 6. http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/6/479
When do I need antibiotics for sinusitis, as an adult?
Doc! My face hurts on one side and colored mucous is coming out! These are common complaints from adult patients who think they have acute bacterial sinusitis. What people don't know is that it's not common before 7 days of illness, and it's usually best to hold off on antibiotics until symptoms have stuck around for more than a week. Sinusitis is different from the first few days of stuffiness and pressure from viral illness. Clues that you may have a bacterial infection include
- pus coming out of your nose,
- upper tooth pain or pain in your face,
- sinus pain on one side,
- new or worse symptoms after initially improving after a cold
Instead of antibiotics, reach for over the counter painkillers, fever reducers, and decongestants. When it's more clear to your doctor that you do in fact have a bacterial sinusitis, your symptoms will be more moderate to severe, and can be treated with antibiotics that are more narrow-spectrum such as amoxicillin as a first choice. Later generation antibiotics that have broader coverage across more kinds of bacteria should be reserved for complicated infections.
These are general guidelines, meant to be taken in the whole context of your health history by your doctor. Another helpful reference includes the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine, 20 March 2001, Volume 134, Number 6.
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/6/479
When do I need antibiotics for sore throat?
Rarely.
Doc, I'm sure I have strep throat, it's killing me! Well, you may have it but it's pretty unlikely. Only 5 to 15 per cent of people with sore throat have Group A beta-hemolytic Strepococcus bacterial infections. Most cases are viral. Your doctor may consider treating for strep if you have at least 3 of the 4 following signs: fever, pus on tonsils (exudate), tender lymph nodes in front of your neck (anterior cervical lymphadenopathy), and lack of cough (no coughing). If so, treat with antibiotics that are more narrow-spectrum such as penicillin since there's virtually no resistance to penicillin by strep in the community. If less than 3 of 4 of these signs are positive, then wait for your strep test or throat culture to show a bacterial infection before taking antibiotics.
These are general guidelines, meant to be taken in the whole context of your health history by your doctor. Another helpful reference includes the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine, 20 March 2001, Volume 134, Number 6.
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/6/479
When do I need antibiotics for bronchitis?
Almost never.
Doc, I can't stop coughing and am bringing up pus. Well, you're not alone. Millions of other people are in your shoes right now, and over 90 per cent of them have viral infections with coughs productive of colored phlegm.
You should watch out for symptoms of pneumonia but if you have a fever under 100 degrees, pulse rate less than 100, less than 24 breaths per minute, and your doctor doesn't hear anything in your lungs, you can be reassured that pneumonia is unlikely. If your doctor is worried that you might have pneumonia, a chest x-ray can look to see if there's an infection, especially for those who have coughed for more than 3 weeks.
With a viral bronchitis, you should avoid antibiotics especially zpacks (Zithromax / azithromycin) which are overprescribed for these symptoms , and can lead to side effects and adverse drug reaction such as rash, antibiotic drug resistance and yeast infections. Instead, helpful treatments include cough suppressants, bronchodilators (albuterol inhalers), and antihistamine-decongestants.
One possible exception is that you might need antibiotics in an exacerbation of COPD (emphysema or chronic obstructive bronchitis) expecially if you have worse shortness of breath and productive cough of pus.
Another possible exception is that you might need antibiotics in case of an infection with pertussis, where you cough for more than 2 weeks AND have an uncontrollable cough which can cause vomiting, or a whoop sound when you breathe in. In this case, your doctor may swab to look for pertussis, and may choose to start treating you with erythromycin or azithromycin (zithromax) especially if there's an outbreak of it locally in your community, just as we've had here locall in Santa Clara County.
These are general guidelines, meant to be taken in the whole context of your health history by your doctor. Another helpful reference includes the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine, 20 March 2001, Volume 134, Number 6.
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/6/479
Speaking of outbreaks, influenza is finally reaching Palo Alto right around now. If your doctor knows that your own area is experiencing an outbreak of influenza, it may be reasonable to treat with antiviral drugs, especially if your temperature is more than 100 degrees and your symptoms have lasted less than 48 hours, and you don't have pneumonia. This is because antivirals won't help if given after 2 days of symptoms. They work by stopping the spread of the virus and if you take the antiviral too late, it's too late to stop the spread, it's already happened.
Here are some guidelines on helping differentiate between run of the mill colds and more serious bacterial infections:
When do I need antibiotics for a cold, as an adult?
Never.
Are you sick with a runny nose, sore throat, cough, possibly even goey green and brown stuff coming out? Well, you're not alone, you've got a cold like millions of other adults right now around the world. Colds are upper respiratory infections that are almost always caused by viruses in adults. They typically get better after a week to ten days.
Viruses can even cause colored mucous, that thick discharge you can't see through, which many people believe only can come from a bacterial infection. Colds can even cause pressure in sinuses, when viruses affect the sinuses .
Antibiotics don't help in these viral infections. Treatments aimed at reducing symptoms can help. A recent review in the American Family Physician journal on Feb 15, 2007 highlights some of the treatments that are helpful in the common cold and how to tell if you're getting worse than just a viral infection:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20070215/515.html
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20070215/522ph.html
symptoms that are worse than those of a normal cold or that haven't gotten better in 10 days
• a high fever
• an earache that gets worse
• a pain in your face, especially on one side
• shortness of breath
• a health problem that makes it more likely that you will have problems with a cold (for example: asthma and other lung diseases or a disease that affects how your body fights infection)
These are general guidelines, meant to be taken in the whole context of your health history by your doctor.
Conditions that increase the risk of bacterial infection including the complication of pneumonia include the elderly or those with heart and lung disease. Another helpful reference includes the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine, 20 March 2001, Volume 134, Number 6. http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/6/479
When do I need antibiotics for sinusitis, as an adult?
Doc! My face hurts on one side and colored mucous is coming out! These are common complaints from adult patients who think they have acute bacterial sinusitis. What people don't know is that it's not common before 7 days of illness, and it's usually best to hold off on antibiotics until symptoms have stuck around for more than a week. Sinusitis is different from the first few days of stuffiness and pressure from viral illness. Clues that you may have a bacterial infection include
- pus coming out of your nose,
- upper tooth pain or pain in your face,
- sinus pain on one side,
- new or worse symptoms after initially improving after a cold
Instead of antibiotics, reach for over the counter painkillers, fever reducers, and decongestants. When it's more clear to your doctor that you do in fact have a bacterial sinusitis, your symptoms will be more moderate to severe, and can be treated with antibiotics that are more narrow-spectrum such as amoxicillin as a first choice. Later generation antibiotics that have broader coverage across more kinds of bacteria should be reserved for complicated infections.
These are general guidelines, meant to be taken in the whole context of your health history by your doctor. Another helpful reference includes the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine, 20 March 2001, Volume 134, Number 6.
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/6/479
When do I need antibiotics for sore throat?
Rarely.
Doc, I'm sure I have strep throat, it's killing me! Well, you may have it but it's pretty unlikely. Only 5 to 15 per cent of people with sore throat have Group A beta-hemolytic Strepococcus bacterial infections. Most cases are viral. Your doctor may consider treating for strep if you have at least 3 of the 4 following signs: fever, pus on tonsils (exudate), tender lymph nodes in front of your neck (anterior cervical lymphadenopathy), and lack of cough (no coughing). If so, treat with antibiotics that are more narrow-spectrum such as penicillin since there's virtually no resistance to penicillin by strep in the community. If less than 3 of 4 of these signs are positive, then wait for your strep test or throat culture to show a bacterial infection before taking antibiotics.
These are general guidelines, meant to be taken in the whole context of your health history by your doctor. Another helpful reference includes the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine, 20 March 2001, Volume 134, Number 6.
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/6/479
When do I need antibiotics for bronchitis?
Almost never.
Doc, I can't stop coughing and am bringing up pus. Well, you're not alone. Millions of other people are in your shoes right now, and over 90 per cent of them have viral infections with coughs productive of colored phlegm.
You should watch out for symptoms of pneumonia but if you have a fever under 100 degrees, pulse rate less than 100, less than 24 breaths per minute, and your doctor doesn't hear anything in your lungs, you can be reassured that pneumonia is unlikely. If your doctor is worried that you might have pneumonia, a chest x-ray can look to see if there's an infection, especially for those who have coughed for more than 3 weeks.
With a viral bronchitis, you should avoid antibiotics especially zpacks (Zithromax / azithromycin) which are overprescribed for these symptoms , and can lead to side effects and adverse drug reaction such as rash, antibiotic drug resistance and yeast infections. Instead, helpful treatments include cough suppressants, bronchodilators (albuterol inhalers), and antihistamine-decongestants.
One possible exception is that you might need antibiotics in an exacerbation of COPD (emphysema or chronic obstructive bronchitis) expecially if you have worse shortness of breath and productive cough of pus.
Another possible exception is that you might need antibiotics in case of an infection with pertussis, where you cough for more than 2 weeks AND have an uncontrollable cough which can cause vomiting, or a whoop sound when you breathe in. In this case, your doctor may swab to look for pertussis, and may choose to start treating you with erythromycin or azithromycin (zithromax) especially if there's an outbreak of it locally in your community, just as we've had here locall in Santa Clara County.
These are general guidelines, meant to be taken in the whole context of your health history by your doctor. Another helpful reference includes the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine, 20 March 2001, Volume 134, Number 6.
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/6/479
Great post, Dr. Choi. Our dr. just prescribed antibiotics for a viral illness--with no secondary infection present or one detectable. I think more doctors should read this. Antibiotics are way over-prescribed.
thanks for the kudos! they sure are over-prescribed!
Doctor Choi,
It is so refreshing to have a web page like yours that just gives us some good common sense information . I get so annoyed when I receive emails claiming cures for all sorts of ailments, and then after scrolling through ten or fifteen testimonals, they say "Just sent $49 and I'll disclose these three simple ingredients for you." They are usually titled, "Things your doctor doesn't want You to Know." I never fall for this junk, because I know that any doctor who stumbles on a cure for cancer will not ask money for his "secret." There was one advertisement on your page, doctor, that tauts a cure for chronic bronchitis. He states that this miraculous cure was "given" to him by an elderly lady that lived across the street from him. I wonder why, if it was given to him , he can charge for it.
What do you think of these practices, doctor Choi, and why are they allowed to scam people like this?
also, do you know that they are advertising on your site?
It is so refreshing to have a web page like yours that just gives us some good common sense information . I get so annoyed when I receive emails claiming cures for all sorts of ailments, and then after scrolling through ten or fifteen testimonals, they say "Just sent $49 and I'll disclose these three simple ingredients for you." They are usually titled, "Things your doctor doesn't want You to Know." I never fall for this junk, because I know that any doctor who stumbles on a cure for cancer will not ask money for his "secret." There was one advertisement on your page, doctor, that tauts a cure for chronic bronchitis. He states that this miraculous cure was "given" to him by an elderly lady that lived across the street from him. I wonder why, if it was given to him , he can charge for it.
What do you think of these practices, doctor Choi, and why are they allowed to scam people like this?
also, do you know that they are advertising on your site?
At what points during a cold are you considered contagious?
I agree with what you are writing especially being a nurse. I use homeopathics and herbals to help which do most times. But this time, after getting the respiratory flu, I had terrible pain in my chest, a high pitched inhalation when having paroxysms of coughing, and a cough not responding well to OTC stuff. Using tessalon perles helped the cough abate but I had awful tasting mucus, was unable to bring it up and horrible shortness of breath with what is normally unchallenging activity. Being the weekend, I went to a "minute clinic" and was seen and although I was not super congested in my lungs, based on symptoms I was given azithromycin. Within 48 hours, I was a new person and the chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. lifted. The awful taste is also gone. This was less than a week of being ill but I feel I really benefited from the antibiotics even though based on your criteria above I should have waited or avoided altogether this medication.
Thank you so much for your insight. I also just went thru a similar issue with sinus issues, headaches, & upset tummy. I thought it best to just ride it out. I did & feel much better & glad I did so without running to the doctor or pharmacy. I do not want to take antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.
In addition to my question above, I forgot to ask if it's ok to get a flu shot when you are just getting over a cold.
Thanks for this great article!
Thanks for this great article!
Ok.... But here is the question...... My Daughter seems to have cold symptoms since before Christmas.... Hacking cough.... sore throat.... tired.... I thought she must have strep or mono.... It has been going on for over 1 month.... She has gone to the dr. for codine syrup... now has some anti biotics.... But NO ONE ELSE in the house is getting these symptoms?????? Years ago my cousin had a persistent tickle in her throat and as time passed she finally saw a country Dr... who identified it as Hogkins.... So I'm worried about my daughter not imroving and Not Spreading this to the rest of us... she is 18 and in college.
Dr. Choi,
Helpful article indeed. are there any recommendations for those who has already been infected by bacteria? For example unexplained chest pain for months? How to prevent cells from being hijack by bacteria? Cheers.
Helpful article indeed. are there any recommendations for those who has already been infected by bacteria? For example unexplained chest pain for months? How to prevent cells from being hijack by bacteria? Cheers.
Dr. Choi
I understand and agree that antibiotics can do nothing for the common cold. I am a 61 year old healthy woman, I do have asthma but not severe. Since September I have had 6 colds, runny nose, cough (sometimes very severe), facial pain around my sinuses, achy - no temp. I seem to recover for about 10-12 days when I get another cold. I do not see the doctor because I know there is nothing to be done for them. I did see the doctor for another reason with my last cold 3 weeks ago and he did prescribe antibiotics not for the cold but because my ashtma. In about 2 weeks I was feeling better, yesterday I came down with another cold. My question is if there is a reason I'm getting back to back colds that I should be concerned about?
Thank you.
JanK
I understand and agree that antibiotics can do nothing for the common cold. I am a 61 year old healthy woman, I do have asthma but not severe. Since September I have had 6 colds, runny nose, cough (sometimes very severe), facial pain around my sinuses, achy - no temp. I seem to recover for about 10-12 days when I get another cold. I do not see the doctor because I know there is nothing to be done for them. I did see the doctor for another reason with my last cold 3 weeks ago and he did prescribe antibiotics not for the cold but because my ashtma. In about 2 weeks I was feeling better, yesterday I came down with another cold. My question is if there is a reason I'm getting back to back colds that I should be concerned about?
Thank you.
JanK
THANKS DOC!
Thank you Dr. for this valuble information.
In response to the question above:
I am often wondering as well, exactly when one is contagious with the cold...is it true we are only contagious before the actual symptoms begin? Thank you.
In response to the question above:
I am often wondering as well, exactly when one is contagious with the cold...is it true we are only contagious before the actual symptoms begin? Thank you.
I must be one of the rare people who do occasionally get bacterial secondary infections as a complication of getting a cold. My hypothesis is that my chronic sinus allergies keep my sinuses inflamed, so when I get sick, I'm especially weak there. It seems the sinus infections would most often occur at the peak of allergy season, being fall (ragweed) and spring (tree pollen).
Thankfully *knock on wood* it hasn't happened in about three years, but in the past I would get terribly sick with sinus problems. I would wait it out for about 5 days to a week and see if my symptoms got better.
Eventually it'd get to the point where every time I exhale I'm blowing out thick gunk and feeling terribly sore. Those times it would not clear up on its own but it did get better after taking antibiotics. I can't take Penn. so my choices are usually limited to zythromax (sp?)
Thankfully *knock on wood* it hasn't happened in about three years, but in the past I would get terribly sick with sinus problems. I would wait it out for about 5 days to a week and see if my symptoms got better.
Eventually it'd get to the point where every time I exhale I'm blowing out thick gunk and feeling terribly sore. Those times it would not clear up on its own but it did get better after taking antibiotics. I can't take Penn. so my choices are usually limited to zythromax (sp?)
to itsallwaves: ironically, one is most contagious the week up to the point of starting to show symptoms since the viruses are most active spreading at that time. One continues to be contagious as they are coughing/sneezing.
OK to get flu shot, but best to wait until any fevers subside for 24 hours so you don't get that illness mixed up with thinking that it's from the flu shot.
OK to get flu shot, but best to wait until any fevers subside for 24 hours so you don't get that illness mixed up with thinking that it's from the flu shot.
to tkuo: best way to avoid getting hijacked is to use universal precautions: wash hands often, stay away from those who cough/sneeze
if you do haev a bacterial infection, antibiotics can help
if you do haev a bacterial infection, antibiotics can help
to MJIthewriter:
I would question if you really had bacterial infections, and could possibly get better with nasal saline rinse and nasal steroids.
I would question if you really had bacterial infections, and could possibly get better with nasal saline rinse and nasal steroids.
I am feeling pain on my chest and i feel the cold on my throat when talking trying to come but it does not and i did not cough.Is it a sign of cold and i am feeling pain on the back of my neck.
Please help.
Joseph Babah
Freetown Sierra Leone.
Please help.
Joseph Babah
Freetown Sierra Leone.
Dr. Choi, I too thought that I had an Sinus infection and its been about 15 days but my symptoms are not that severe. my Colds almost always run 10 - 14 days long. Severe at first and then just take forever to leave my body. Is that uncommon??
My symptomos were Slight pain between the eyes and thick green mucas in the nose. My doctor prescribed Afrin for twice a day for 5 days and if I don't get better then to call and he'll prescribe an antibiotic.
sounds like you were dead on. I appreciate the explanation.
Rich from Maine
My symptomos were Slight pain between the eyes and thick green mucas in the nose. My doctor prescribed Afrin for twice a day for 5 days and if I don't get better then to call and he'll prescribe an antibiotic.
sounds like you were dead on. I appreciate the explanation.
Rich from Maine
Good input Dr.
limit drug intervention, and 'beef-up" the imune system; at the same time short circuit distilling a super-strain of bacteria.
This is a usefull first step, now we need to look at prophalactic use of antibiotics in animal feed. USA is one of the last remaining few countries that have not outlawed this practice. Granted cattle gain 10% more weight per unit of cattle feed consumed, but at what cost. Cattle breed resistant bacterial strains with their gut that people are eventually exposed to, due to inefficiencies in the slaughtering procedure. When experts suggest that cattle should be put on a grass diet; off the corn based diet; for two weeks before slaughter in order to 'clean out the gut' prior to slaughter; the industry complains of lost profit due to the weight loss in the cattle. We only hear about occurences of food poisoning on the grand scale when many perple are affected. We never hear of the individual cases where people lose one or two days at work, or possibly more that 'catch' colds' due to the (sub-clinical) depleted condition of the immune system fighting diet related conditions.
Poultry; in confined pens, display agressive scratching behavior when their 'personal space' (or chicken equivalent) is violated. This leads to infection and reduction in profits, hence pre-emptive antibiotic administration in the feed.
Maybe these industries should be linked to the health care industry, by tax, based on the number of occurances of 'industrial practices' based diseases. We should pay more attention to this as people are generally "inoculated" with antibiotics 2 or 3 times a day this way and not only during the flu season. There is another area of study, just beginning, investigating the effect of these pharmacuticals after entering the 'receiving stream' in out streams and rivers. The possible impact of constant low level exposure of antibiotica on the environment with possible devestating results. Colera, and other water born diseases that do not respond to treatment!!!!
By the way none of this is new, I did a term paper on this in college 18 years ago. Way to go media!!! Lets keep pushing a socialized medical system!!!
limit drug intervention, and 'beef-up" the imune system; at the same time short circuit distilling a super-strain of bacteria.
This is a usefull first step, now we need to look at prophalactic use of antibiotics in animal feed. USA is one of the last remaining few countries that have not outlawed this practice. Granted cattle gain 10% more weight per unit of cattle feed consumed, but at what cost. Cattle breed resistant bacterial strains with their gut that people are eventually exposed to, due to inefficiencies in the slaughtering procedure. When experts suggest that cattle should be put on a grass diet; off the corn based diet; for two weeks before slaughter in order to 'clean out the gut' prior to slaughter; the industry complains of lost profit due to the weight loss in the cattle. We only hear about occurences of food poisoning on the grand scale when many perple are affected. We never hear of the individual cases where people lose one or two days at work, or possibly more that 'catch' colds' due to the (sub-clinical) depleted condition of the immune system fighting diet related conditions.
Poultry; in confined pens, display agressive scratching behavior when their 'personal space' (or chicken equivalent) is violated. This leads to infection and reduction in profits, hence pre-emptive antibiotic administration in the feed.
Maybe these industries should be linked to the health care industry, by tax, based on the number of occurances of 'industrial practices' based diseases. We should pay more attention to this as people are generally "inoculated" with antibiotics 2 or 3 times a day this way and not only during the flu season. There is another area of study, just beginning, investigating the effect of these pharmacuticals after entering the 'receiving stream' in out streams and rivers. The possible impact of constant low level exposure of antibiotica on the environment with possible devestating results. Colera, and other water born diseases that do not respond to treatment!!!!
By the way none of this is new, I did a term paper on this in college 18 years ago. Way to go media!!! Lets keep pushing a socialized medical system!!!
Dr. Choi, thanks for the bronchitis information. I think my kid's getting it right now.
Here's an interesting study on how the flu virus spreads, to add to your already impressive knowledge.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/health/05flu.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=flu+likes+winter&st=nyt&oref=slogin
Here's an interesting study on how the flu virus spreads, to add to your already impressive knowledge.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/health/05flu.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=flu+likes+winter&st=nyt&oref=slogin
I agree with you that Antibiotics should not be taken unless really necessary. I always thought that if you have a high fever for several days, that was a vital sign that your body is fighting infection! That used to be what the Doctors would say ... but now they say it's a virus and time will heal the pain and suffering.
So, what I am wondering is if you let your child run a fever for 10 days and then you discover that there is an infection ... that means that your child missed 10 days of school + another few days before antibiotics start working. My 17 year old child was recently checked for Strep Throat (3 times) and Mono (twice) and all the tests were negative. He was in a LOT OF PAIN, high fever, for 4 days but because the tests were negative, the Doctors would not give him any medication, until finally, we brought him again to a Doctor (3rd time) and she finally gave him Penicillin. As soon as he started taking Penicillin, his fever went away and he began to feel better.
My child took Antibiotics only a few times when he was a small child for ear infections. For the last 13 years of his life, I don't ever remember him taking Antibiotics or ever being that sick. He is very active, plays hockey and soccer, loves to go to school and he sometimes gets a minor cold here and there but for the most part, he is in good health.
Now, I can't imagine why anyone (Parent or Doctor) would want to let a child or an adult hang around on a couch, in A LOT OF PAIN, for 10 full days. That is just cruel to me ... I think that after 3 days of having a high fever, that is a sign that there is infection somewhere. His symptoms were: sore throat, swollen tonsils, blisters in his mouth, high fever, gums were bleeding, gums were white and sore, very tired and weak - he had no runny nose, no sneezing.
My son could not even eat because he was in such pain and after 4 days, he couldn't even drink water, he was in such pain ... he lost approx. 10 lbs in only 7 days, imagine if he would have gone another 5 days. He had three Strep Throat Tests and two Mono Tests and everything came out negative so according to the Doctors, there was no reason to give him antibiotics. But I did not give up, I kept bringing him to a Doctor until I finally got Penicillin for him. Now maybe I was wrong in giving him Penicillin, but my son is back to school (he missed 6 days of school) and he is almost back to his old self again. This will remain a mystery for us ... did he only have a virus or did he actually have an infection somewhere in his body. I would like to think that the FEVER was a vital sign that there was an infection somewhere??~!!!
So, what I am wondering is if you let your child run a fever for 10 days and then you discover that there is an infection ... that means that your child missed 10 days of school + another few days before antibiotics start working. My 17 year old child was recently checked for Strep Throat (3 times) and Mono (twice) and all the tests were negative. He was in a LOT OF PAIN, high fever, for 4 days but because the tests were negative, the Doctors would not give him any medication, until finally, we brought him again to a Doctor (3rd time) and she finally gave him Penicillin. As soon as he started taking Penicillin, his fever went away and he began to feel better.
My child took Antibiotics only a few times when he was a small child for ear infections. For the last 13 years of his life, I don't ever remember him taking Antibiotics or ever being that sick. He is very active, plays hockey and soccer, loves to go to school and he sometimes gets a minor cold here and there but for the most part, he is in good health.
Now, I can't imagine why anyone (Parent or Doctor) would want to let a child or an adult hang around on a couch, in A LOT OF PAIN, for 10 full days. That is just cruel to me ... I think that after 3 days of having a high fever, that is a sign that there is infection somewhere. His symptoms were: sore throat, swollen tonsils, blisters in his mouth, high fever, gums were bleeding, gums were white and sore, very tired and weak - he had no runny nose, no sneezing.
My son could not even eat because he was in such pain and after 4 days, he couldn't even drink water, he was in such pain ... he lost approx. 10 lbs in only 7 days, imagine if he would have gone another 5 days. He had three Strep Throat Tests and two Mono Tests and everything came out negative so according to the Doctors, there was no reason to give him antibiotics. But I did not give up, I kept bringing him to a Doctor until I finally got Penicillin for him. Now maybe I was wrong in giving him Penicillin, but my son is back to school (he missed 6 days of school) and he is almost back to his old self again. This will remain a mystery for us ... did he only have a virus or did he actually have an infection somewhere in his body. I would like to think that the FEVER was a vital sign that there was an infection somewhere??~!!!
Dr. Choi:
What you have explained here is consistent with what my doctor told me yesterday. I had a cold for a few days that seemed to be getting worse. By the fourth day I had a low grade fever, sinus drainage, sinus pressure, sneezing and felt unwell so I went to see my doctor since I am prone to sinusitis and have asthma. The doctor told me that he thought I just had a cold and that it should clear up on its own. He did not think it was bacterial and said I did not need antibiotics. I asked how one knows if sinusitis is bacterial or viral and he said that the indicators are duration and fever of 101 or higher. Since I already feel better although do still have some drainage (including a small amount of blood after blowing my nose which I thought was a sign of bacteria), I think that this conservative approach of not prescribing antibiotics right away is the best course of action. It also seems to me that some doctors would have prescribed me antibiotics and I would have felt better and would have assumed it was from the antibiotics even though I would have made the same recovery without them.
What you have explained here is consistent with what my doctor told me yesterday. I had a cold for a few days that seemed to be getting worse. By the fourth day I had a low grade fever, sinus drainage, sinus pressure, sneezing and felt unwell so I went to see my doctor since I am prone to sinusitis and have asthma. The doctor told me that he thought I just had a cold and that it should clear up on its own. He did not think it was bacterial and said I did not need antibiotics. I asked how one knows if sinusitis is bacterial or viral and he said that the indicators are duration and fever of 101 or higher. Since I already feel better although do still have some drainage (including a small amount of blood after blowing my nose which I thought was a sign of bacteria), I think that this conservative approach of not prescribing antibiotics right away is the best course of action. It also seems to me that some doctors would have prescribed me antibiotics and I would have felt better and would have assumed it was from the antibiotics even though I would have made the same recovery without them.
Hi Dr. Choi,
I goto your El Camino place on El Camino Real All the time. In fact I think Dr. Markovitz is pretty much done seeing me...
Well, I will come say hi next time I am in Urget care, where I catch most of my infections.
I goto your El Camino place on El Camino Real All the time. In fact I think Dr. Markovitz is pretty much done seeing me...
Well, I will come say hi next time I am in Urget care, where I catch most of my infections.
I agree how the use/abuse of antibiotics can happen. Your article was very informative. I am just getting over a cold. Never even considered going to a doctor even though I was out of work for 2 days. I used a Neti Pot on my sinuses and think it helped a lot. It has been one week and I feel great now. Some people just don't understand that abusing antibiotics is bad for them. Thanks Doctor!
Hello Dr. Choi,
Just want to say "Thank You' for taking the time to share this helpful information, I appreciate it very much!
Just want to say "Thank You' for taking the time to share this helpful information, I appreciate it very much!
Thanks. This last year I've been put on Fluticasone for my sinus discomfort. I wonder if that could be one reason I've been doing better this last year than other years?
to everyone who's so sweet, You're Welcome!
to rworell: afrin is fine for folks without hypertension, but watch out. Your doctor asked you to stop after 5 days, because it's potentially habit forming after just 3-5 days of regular use. My ex-roomate from college was addicted and took many months to wean off of afrin
to MJIthewriter: Fluticasone (flonase) is very helpful as a nasal steroid to reduce inflammation, swelling, mucous production. it's most useful after clearing your nose with saline (salt water, such as Ocean)
to rworell: afrin is fine for folks without hypertension, but watch out. Your doctor asked you to stop after 5 days, because it's potentially habit forming after just 3-5 days of regular use. My ex-roomate from college was addicted and took many months to wean off of afrin
to MJIthewriter: Fluticasone (flonase) is very helpful as a nasal steroid to reduce inflammation, swelling, mucous production. it's most useful after clearing your nose with saline (salt water, such as Ocean)
Dr. Choi,
My husband was on a business trip to California last week and came back to Chicago very sick on Tuesday. We had to take him in to the emergency room on Thursday (we just moved to Chicago and don't have a physician yet) because his fever was 104.5 and I was really worried. They told him that he did not have pneumonia but rather Bacterial Bronchitis and gave him Z-pak and an inhaler. I can't remember the name of the inhaler prescription. He is finally starting to feel better this afternoon after 5 days of pure hell but he is worried that he may still be contagious. We have a 7 month old daughter. Should he still be worried about holding her? I assumed that as long as he practiced good hand washing that it would be ok. What are your thoughts?
My husband was on a business trip to California last week and came back to Chicago very sick on Tuesday. We had to take him in to the emergency room on Thursday (we just moved to Chicago and don't have a physician yet) because his fever was 104.5 and I was really worried. They told him that he did not have pneumonia but rather Bacterial Bronchitis and gave him Z-pak and an inhaler. I can't remember the name of the inhaler prescription. He is finally starting to feel better this afternoon after 5 days of pure hell but he is worried that he may still be contagious. We have a 7 month old daughter. Should he still be worried about holding her? I assumed that as long as he practiced good hand washing that it would be ok. What are your thoughts?
hand washing is great, very helpful to keep the large respiratory particles that are being coughed onto them from spreading to your child. Wearing a mask is hepful as well, for he same reason.
Loved this post. It helped me in so many ways.
Thanks,
Jen
Thanks,
Jen
Dear Dr. Choi, My 15 year old son has been battling a severe sore throat for six monthe now that I have been really keeping track. Everytime His pcp has been perscribing antibiotics. They have helped him within two days . This time he would not saying it was viral. The antibiotis were just a bandaide. First of all why did he need a bandaide in the begining. Next for the sake of him being in severe pain, why cant we put the bandaide on again and run further test to see why we needed it in the first place? My frustation is for my son. He has endured this pain for too long and missed too much school. What should be my next step.. He already has an appointment with Ear nose throat Doctor .Should I take him there or am I overreacting? I was told by the ER doctor that STREP and Mono were the only two bacterial infection affecting the throat.
Thank You,
Dawn
Thank You,
Dawn
Thanks for the insight. I was just diagnosed with acute bronchitis and was given a prescription for anitbiotics. I have a question. My 13mo old has had a cough for about 10 days. He is not constantly coughing just 2-3 times a day but when he does cough it sounds like he is trying to cough something up. Since he cant take medicine what is the best way to get that stuff loose and out of his chest?
Maryjaine, yes, an ENT would be a good doctor for your son to see
Cautious69, the best idea is to have your 13 mo old to be examined by his pediatrician since a viral cold often gets better in a week or so. You're right that those under 2 are reccomended NOT to take over the counter remedies since they don't work. A humidifier sometimes helps.
Cautious69, the best idea is to have your 13 mo old to be examined by his pediatrician since a viral cold often gets better in a week or so. You're right that those under 2 are reccomended NOT to take over the counter remedies since they don't work. A humidifier sometimes helps.
Dr. Choi,
Thank you for being responsible and not over prescribing antibiotics. I used to get sinus infections all of the time (I have CFIDS) and frequent URI's. With the help of some naturopathic physicians, I now know how to get rid of these infections without taking antibiotics.
Thank you for being responsible and not over prescribing antibiotics. I used to get sinus infections all of the time (I have CFIDS) and frequent URI's. With the help of some naturopathic physicians, I now know how to get rid of these infections without taking antibiotics.
Tricks I've learned through Naturopathic physicians and/or homeopathic practitioners on how to beat a sinus infection and an URI (upper respiratory infection) --- WITHOUT antibiotics.
Sinus Infections:
J's NOSE DROPS --- a Naturopathic physician gave me these once and these drops actually worked for me. I always tried the saline drops, but that wasn't enough. The nose drops can be purchased online and they are easy to use. The ingredients in the drops (in case you may be allergic) are organic borates, sea water, alcohol, irish moss extract, echidnae, calendula, golden seal, marigold, iodine, methylene blue and flavored with pine oils.
BI YAN PIAN --- These are herbal supplements that have not only gotten rid of my sinus infections (just like the drops), but also help with my allergies as well. My mom is taking these now and she's amazed.... she's already beat two sinus infections using this product alone. This product helps with the inflammation and also dries up mucus, so that your nasal passages will open. You can purchase this product online, but I would highly recommend purchasing a brand that is made in America. Since this is an herbal remedy, you may want to consider talking to your physician before using them and/or try taking one tablet first to make sure that you aren't allergic to any of the ingredients.
URI:
CAYENNE PEPPER (liquid drops) --- A Naturopathic physician taught me this trick. You can purchase the drops either online or at a local health food store. OK... they don't taste great in your water, but they have killed every URI or bronchitis infection that I've had. After years of being on antibiotics, I was so happy to find out that I had another option. I just add a few drops to my water when I have either one of these illnesses and drink tons of water throughout the day. I told a physician that I used to work with about this trick and she told me that it makes since since cayenne pepper is a natural dilator. Cayenne pepper also works on sinus infections.
Thank you very much, you post is extremely helpful. I wish that there would be more doctors as you. I live in Columbia, MD and every doctor that I've visited seems to be a complete moron. I want to believe that they are not idiots; after all they made it through med school. So it’s probably lack of care.
Imil, not often a lack of care (i hope), it's also due to risk aversion, it's less risky to prescribe an antibiotic so patients can't claim you've undertreated them
Hi! How do I know if a have a virus, bacteria, or fungi in the sinuses. In the morning I discharge little secretions that are clear sometimes and sometimes yellowish. Most of the time I don't discharge anynthing and I feel a pressure around the eyes, which have become more sensitive. I' ve tried multiple courses of antibiotics with no result. It remains to be seen if it is a virus or a fungi. How do i detect that?
Dr. Choi –
I had a raw throat (not soar) for close to a month then it sort of went away (saw my Doctor, she said it was viral) and bam I got this chest (sore feeling) after seeing her where I was coughing and felt like **** for almost another month. I didn’t see my DR. again because why waste her time or mine to say “get lots of rest, drink lots of liquids”…..I would think I was getting better then BAM it affected my voice a bit (talked froggy like) and I was coughing, almost like a smoker’s cough (I’m NOT a smoker). I worked during the week, went straight home and rested and didn’t go out too much on the weekends. Now it’s finally a month to 6 weeks later going away but I still feel soreness in my chest and whenever dust or anything is near me I tend to cough but NOT coughing up flem and its not out of control. I cough a bit at work too, not a lot – its like this smokers cough that stays with you forever. I live in Los Angeles. What do you think I have/had? I’m not 100% but more like 90%
I had a raw throat (not soar) for close to a month then it sort of went away (saw my Doctor, she said it was viral) and bam I got this chest (sore feeling) after seeing her where I was coughing and felt like **** for almost another month. I didn’t see my DR. again because why waste her time or mine to say “get lots of rest, drink lots of liquids”…..I would think I was getting better then BAM it affected my voice a bit (talked froggy like) and I was coughing, almost like a smoker’s cough (I’m NOT a smoker). I worked during the week, went straight home and rested and didn’t go out too much on the weekends. Now it’s finally a month to 6 weeks later going away but I still feel soreness in my chest and whenever dust or anything is near me I tend to cough but NOT coughing up flem and its not out of control. I cough a bit at work too, not a lot – its like this smokers cough that stays with you forever. I live in Los Angeles. What do you think I have/had? I’m not 100% but more like 90%
Hi, My daughter she is 3 yrs and 4 mos., she started schooling from last September, and from that time onwards she keeps on getting sick. But from December to this day we noticed that her throat and ear infection keeps on coming back, within only two to three days interval of feeling better from one or two weeks of infections, her throat had fuss and her fever is so high, lately her pediatrician prescribe her Ospexin and three consecutive days of injecting her gentamycin. She felt better but in next three days she again got the same infection, and her pedia prescribed Augmentin, and for five days again, gentamycin injection which lasted yesterday. She suffered a lot already, she lost 1 and a half kg., because of poor sleep and less food intake during the period of throat pains. She has to continue her augmentin for ten days, today is day 6. She had cough and colds initially then now it's gone, but I am afraid her case will come back again, and afraid antibiotics will be prescibe again. The side effects are what I'm worried with, and of course the pain she'll go through, I am actually freak clean than before since these incident but next week she has to go to school and I am real scared of what will happen to her..This gave a very negative thoughts and feel drain and helpless, please advice...
May
Bogdan82ro, after multiple courses of antibiotics, less likely to be bacterial and more likely viral. Fungal infections can been appreciated by looking up in your nose.
Peanut1988, a sore chest is not uncommon after coughing from straining the rib muscles, cough can also make you hoarse, and a cough can last for weeks to months after a cold so it's not uncommon to have a cough now and then like you're having.
myrasol_2004, i've got a similarly aged child, and since sending to preschool, same thing -- always getting sick. If after multiple courses of oral and injectable antibiotics i would worry about the side effects too. ask your doctor if she really needs them or if it's just to be extra careful, because sometimes these are viral infections which go away on their own. Don't despair, try to fight those negative thoughts, and overcome the draining helplessness by asking for more help from both your doctor and your friends. Don't give up! It's hard but totally worth it when your child is feeling better!
Peanut1988, a sore chest is not uncommon after coughing from straining the rib muscles, cough can also make you hoarse, and a cough can last for weeks to months after a cold so it's not uncommon to have a cough now and then like you're having.
myrasol_2004, i've got a similarly aged child, and since sending to preschool, same thing -- always getting sick. If after multiple courses of oral and injectable antibiotics i would worry about the side effects too. ask your doctor if she really needs them or if it's just to be extra careful, because sometimes these are viral infections which go away on their own. Don't despair, try to fight those negative thoughts, and overcome the draining helplessness by asking for more help from both your doctor and your friends. Don't give up! It's hard but totally worth it when your child is feeling better!
Dr. Choi,
I was having some sinus pressure and swelling that went into my ear and caused some dizziness maybe allergies. Then I made a big mistake and went on our planned trip up to Mt. Rose elevation 10,000. It became terrible worse when I got back. The doctor said I had fluid and pressure in my ear. She put me on prednisone for 5 days, seemed to help. But earache continued for a total of 2-3 weeks I went to another doctor and she also said there is no infection. I thought it was getting better but now 5 weeks later the right ear started a very light ring and pain again. I am concerned with if there is an inner ear infection that they can't see? I am taking high doses of Aleve or Advil and it is helping keep down the inflamation, but it also reduced fever. I have had a fever of 99.8 with fever reducers. It is just taking so long I am worried what if there is an infection?
Kristina
I was having some sinus pressure and swelling that went into my ear and caused some dizziness maybe allergies. Then I made a big mistake and went on our planned trip up to Mt. Rose elevation 10,000. It became terrible worse when I got back. The doctor said I had fluid and pressure in my ear. She put me on prednisone for 5 days, seemed to help. But earache continued for a total of 2-3 weeks I went to another doctor and she also said there is no infection. I thought it was getting better but now 5 weeks later the right ear started a very light ring and pain again. I am concerned with if there is an inner ear infection that they can't see? I am taking high doses of Aleve or Advil and it is helping keep down the inflamation, but it also reduced fever. I have had a fever of 99.8 with fever reducers. It is just taking so long I am worried what if there is an infection?
Kristina
Good advice doctor. I woke up with a very sore throat yesterday, with some nasal stuffiness, colored phlegm a mild cough. I had the flu shots but i knew that would not prevent me from getting the flu. I'm just wondering though, I saw some white stuff on the left side of my throat. Now, that gets me worried. Should I get a consult for that?
Thank you doc for your good advice, but after my daughter I would like to ask you about my health. I forgot to mentioned last time that I was also getting the throat and ear infection infection from time to time. But I believed she could be getting the infection from me.
Three years ago I suffered from UTI after giving birth to my daughter, I was constantly having it, that every month I visited the doctor at least twice and everytime I was on antibiotic for last two years. It was really hard for me, mid of last year it slowly disappeared, doctor visit is gone. But around November last year I started having this earache and sore throat, that I again started going back to the doctor and everytime I was prescribed antibiotic again. It was hard to notice how everything had happen, since I have two kids and it was winter I thought it is because of flu season or changing weather, now my kids are ok, esp the little one, the climate had change now, too warm where I am but from last Nov. till now my infection didn't go even my doctor keep changing my antibiotic, I researched about it, Could it be that I am having MRSA? I wanted to go back to my doctor but I know I will go for another course of antibiotic, so should I tell him about this, in fact I changed from one doctor to another, cause it seems nobody could give me the right medicine, please help me again...
Three years ago I suffered from UTI after giving birth to my daughter, I was constantly having it, that every month I visited the doctor at least twice and everytime I was on antibiotic for last two years. It was really hard for me, mid of last year it slowly disappeared, doctor visit is gone. But around November last year I started having this earache and sore throat, that I again started going back to the doctor and everytime I was prescribed antibiotic again. It was hard to notice how everything had happen, since I have two kids and it was winter I thought it is because of flu season or changing weather, now my kids are ok, esp the little one, the climate had change now, too warm where I am but from last Nov. till now my infection didn't go even my doctor keep changing my antibiotic, I researched about it, Could it be that I am having MRSA? I wanted to go back to my doctor but I know I will go for another course of antibiotic, so should I tell him about this, in fact I changed from one doctor to another, cause it seems nobody could give me the right medicine, please help me again...
Not sure if this is till open but....I have a history of mild asthma. 31 days ago I came down with a cold that aggrevated my asthma & gave me ear infections in both ears, sinus infection, bronchitis & some pneumonia and on & off fever. I was originally prescribed a Zpak (by Urgent Care before pneumonia set in) and then a 7 day course of Levaquin (by my Allergy & Asthma doc) and also was on a 20 day course of Prednisone. We thought I was pretty much better last week…although some coughing it was pretty benign & sinuses a little stuffy & some colored mucus..but I didn’t push for any more antibiotics or any further care. Well, within a day or two all the symptoms (stuffiness, constant production of yellow/green mucus from both nose & lungs) returned along with fever & chills. This happened at another point earlier on where I had one or two days of feeling better but then the symptoms returned. Anyway, I am now on a 20 day course of Ceftin. The asthma is being controlled by various inhalers but re: my sinuses & lungs I am wondering if it is possible that I’ve just had a nasty virus..or maybe caught two back to back.. this whole time & all of these antibiotics are maybe useless? I’ve been on the Ceftin for 4 days now & haven’t had much improvement. Should I push for a culture? I haven’t been able to smell or taste for over a month. Every time I talk to clients on the phone they ask if I have a cold because I’m so nasally and can’t talk for more than a couple of minutes without coughing. This really needs to stop. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Dr. Choi,
I've scoured the internet for years for this type of information as I am always getting URI - last year I was very sick and my Kaiser doctor told me it was likely the "100 day cough" that was going around. After spending a month in bed, I demanded antibiotics as I have a history with URI and felt quite sure it was bronchitis and quite possibly turning into pneumonia. She prescribed the anitbiotic and I was better in 5 days.
Thanks for not only providing details on the symptoms and treatments but also responding to folks' questions. I wasn't expecting that at all when I began reading the thread. What a great service you are providing to the general public. Thanks so much!
I've scoured the internet for years for this type of information as I am always getting URI - last year I was very sick and my Kaiser doctor told me it was likely the "100 day cough" that was going around. After spending a month in bed, I demanded antibiotics as I have a history with URI and felt quite sure it was bronchitis and quite possibly turning into pneumonia. She prescribed the anitbiotic and I was better in 5 days.
Thanks for not only providing details on the symptoms and treatments but also responding to folks' questions. I wasn't expecting that at all when I began reading the thread. What a great service you are providing to the general public. Thanks so much!
Virus worse than a bacterial infection? How fast for a viral infection to pass from person to person?
I and my family have experienced a viral infection that has spread to three family members all in 3-4 days first noticing a burning heavyness in the chest, slight coughing and shortness of breath, then within 2-3 days later coughing up phlem, increased shortness of breath, loss of voice-difficultly talking, not wanting to eat, fatigue, dizzyness when walking, raw buring throat, lozengers are a must-can't breath without them due to coughing fits and extreme pain burning when coughing. This viral infection started from a freind with this viral cold and the coughing had passed on this infection that had started as viral, told by her doctor then turned into a bacterial infection.I and my family had only been around this person for a 3-4 days before all 3 of us coming down with this. Now 2 of us have a bacterial infection, bronchial pneumonia.I have been to the doctor 2x for this and have not been prescribed anything. I have been told both times it is viral.So do I wait and see if it goes away? I have missed 3 days of work and have been on days off for the week. it is just over a week and I am still couhging up phlem and it now is into my sinuses, chest pain is bearable now and the burning throat ...whew gone.still fatigued, shopping, washing floors and day to day activities. My head is clearer and able to think of more than beyond myself.This viral thing has completely taken us by surprise and with we couldhave been more prepared. I am doing everything to protect my family from getting this, hand washing, sanitizing spray in the bathroom after each use, disinfecting jel when I can't wash my hands, spraying the phones,remotes, and staying away from the public including work, as there are may other co-workers that I share the phone with and in close contact, With families who have sick parents going thru chemo and have other health issues this is very important. My parents are the other 2 who have come down with this so called viral infection and it has nocked them both off their feet. It has taken another 2-4 weeks of their health away from them.So I have decided to put up a sign for friends and family if you are sick with viral or bacterial infections-Please Stay Away until you are better :) /these viral infections seem to be more severe and harder to get rid of especially if there are complications.
I and my family have experienced a viral infection that has spread to three family members all in 3-4 days first noticing a burning heavyness in the chest, slight coughing and shortness of breath, then within 2-3 days later coughing up phlem, increased shortness of breath, loss of voice-difficultly talking, not wanting to eat, fatigue, dizzyness when walking, raw buring throat, lozengers are a must-can't breath without them due to coughing fits and extreme pain burning when coughing. This viral infection started from a freind with this viral cold and the coughing had passed on this infection that had started as viral, told by her doctor then turned into a bacterial infection.I and my family had only been around this person for a 3-4 days before all 3 of us coming down with this. Now 2 of us have a bacterial infection, bronchial pneumonia.I have been to the doctor 2x for this and have not been prescribed anything. I have been told both times it is viral.So do I wait and see if it goes away? I have missed 3 days of work and have been on days off for the week. it is just over a week and I am still couhging up phlem and it now is into my sinuses, chest pain is bearable now and the burning throat ...whew gone.still fatigued, shopping, washing floors and day to day activities. My head is clearer and able to think of more than beyond myself.This viral thing has completely taken us by surprise and with we couldhave been more prepared. I am doing everything to protect my family from getting this, hand washing, sanitizing spray in the bathroom after each use, disinfecting jel when I can't wash my hands, spraying the phones,remotes, and staying away from the public including work, as there are may other co-workers that I share the phone with and in close contact, With families who have sick parents going thru chemo and have other health issues this is very important. My parents are the other 2 who have come down with this so called viral infection and it has nocked them both off their feet. It has taken another 2-4 weeks of their health away from them.So I have decided to put up a sign for friends and family if you are sick with viral or bacterial infections-Please Stay Away until you are better :) /these viral infections seem to be more severe and harder to get rid of especially if there are complications.
Hi Dr Choi :)
Lots of great advice in the previous posts.
This has been very useful information I have sent the link to my family and hope that they could use some of the advice in these posts.As far as my symptoms I think I'm feeling better, in some ways and then something else comes up,like an ear ache that isnt going away with motrin.I have had pain in both my ears that run down the sides of my neck and travels behind my ears..Also the pressure and pain in my throat :( nose congestion and (coughing which is less)still painful to cough.It seemed to get worse when I had gone grocery shopping and picking kids up from school where I was talking more than I had been all weekend.
I deal with migraines and kidney stones and this virus is really putting a damper on my work and family life. hhhmmmnn need a get better pill :) I have been taking multi-vitamins, vit-c that you swallow (chewable vit-c burns the throat),vit-d,echnachia cough candies (must have),over the counter cough syrup(burns throat) no buckleys please.least not now,vics vapor rub(good anytime when sick) Usually I try to avoid taking antibiotics if I have a choice and when I do I am adamant on finishing. The 2x i have seen a doctor I have requested an antibiotic,but to no avail. With the new symptoms ear ache becoming more and more painful I may have to see a dr. I have had my tonsils out over 6 yrs ago and find when I have a sore throat it affects my ears and pain travels down the sides of my neck.
Viral or Bacterial ? How do we protect ourselves? Whats the best way to build up our immune systems when one has been on antibiotics?
Lots of great advice in the previous posts.
This has been very useful information I have sent the link to my family and hope that they could use some of the advice in these posts.As far as my symptoms I think I'm feeling better, in some ways and then something else comes up,like an ear ache that isnt going away with motrin.I have had pain in both my ears that run down the sides of my neck and travels behind my ears..Also the pressure and pain in my throat :( nose congestion and (coughing which is less)still painful to cough.It seemed to get worse when I had gone grocery shopping and picking kids up from school where I was talking more than I had been all weekend.
I deal with migraines and kidney stones and this virus is really putting a damper on my work and family life. hhhmmmnn need a get better pill :) I have been taking multi-vitamins, vit-c that you swallow (chewable vit-c burns the throat),vit-d,echnachia cough candies (must have),over the counter cough syrup(burns throat) no buckleys please.least not now,vics vapor rub(good anytime when sick) Usually I try to avoid taking antibiotics if I have a choice and when I do I am adamant on finishing. The 2x i have seen a doctor I have requested an antibiotic,but to no avail. With the new symptoms ear ache becoming more and more painful I may have to see a dr. I have had my tonsils out over 6 yrs ago and find when I have a sore throat it affects my ears and pain travels down the sides of my neck.
Viral or Bacterial ? How do we protect ourselves? Whats the best way to build up our immune systems when one has been on antibiotics?
Hi Dr choi :)
I dont usually post and rarely spend time on the computer.And I havent given a cold virus this much attention.Even if it is for my own way of coping with this, writing it down keeps me busy.It has caused me and my family to take viruses a little more seriously.It is now day 9-10 and I still feel no relief. Between painful ear aches and bleeding nose in the middle of the night and puss in both my eyes along with the uncontrollable coughing, chest pain and stuffy runny nose I have found very little relief. I have not had a virus quite like this... I have rebooked yet another Dr appointment and will insist on an antibiotic. This will be 3x going to see a dr. One of my parents have also had a bleeding nose, puss in the eyes and major earache. We live in diferent communities and have been exposed for the first 3 -4 days.
If you were in contact with someone who has a bacterial infection would't you more likey to have a bacterial infection of some sort.
I dont usually post and rarely spend time on the computer.And I havent given a cold virus this much attention.Even if it is for my own way of coping with this, writing it down keeps me busy.It has caused me and my family to take viruses a little more seriously.It is now day 9-10 and I still feel no relief. Between painful ear aches and bleeding nose in the middle of the night and puss in both my eyes along with the uncontrollable coughing, chest pain and stuffy runny nose I have found very little relief. I have not had a virus quite like this... I have rebooked yet another Dr appointment and will insist on an antibiotic. This will be 3x going to see a dr. One of my parents have also had a bleeding nose, puss in the eyes and major earache. We live in diferent communities and have been exposed for the first 3 -4 days.
If you were in contact with someone who has a bacterial infection would't you more likey to have a bacterial infection of some sort.
Dr. Choi,
Thank you for this site. I got a cold 10-12 days ago and seemed to be over 5 days later. Two days later, I felt like I was getting another cold without the fever/chills. It progressed over 5 days to sinus/head pressure with yellowish mucous (sorry). Should I do anything else than what has been recommended for cold treatment?
Thank you,
Poor Baby
Thank you for this site. I got a cold 10-12 days ago and seemed to be over 5 days later. Two days later, I felt like I was getting another cold without the fever/chills. It progressed over 5 days to sinus/head pressure with yellowish mucous (sorry). Should I do anything else than what has been recommended for cold treatment?
Thank you,
Poor Baby
Dr. Choi you are my new hero. As a recent survivor of Clostridium Difficile, I applaud your over-use of antibiotics stance - as that is what contributed directly to my illness. My neti-pot is my new best friend..lol. Thank you for spreading the word.
Hi Dr. Choi! I just read your article...and i have a question for you. I had a "sinus infection" a couple of weeks ago, i had an ear infection too, a really bad ear infection. Then....about a week after i finished the antibiotic (i took it for 10 days) i started feeling sick again. i went back to the doctor and they said that the "sinus infection" hadn't gone away..and they prescirbed me a zpack...now im on the zpack..then i developed a cold...so i have a sinus infection and a cold...but now i have this horrible cough...i dont cough persistinelty..but when i do cough all the mucus is in my chest..so it wont come up..and when i cough i always feel like i have to puke. i've had a fever for the past 4 days now...it's been to 104. i've kept it down with tylenol...but i still feel horrible...i also have this horrible stomach ache...i think it hurts bc i haven't eaten, but when i eat it doesnt go away...my heart is racing and when i breath its very deep...im dizzy and i've just had the worst past couple of weeks..please let me know what to do.
Dear Dr. Choi,
last winter I had the worst cold ever, it lasted 4 weeks. I rode it out because for some reason I did have some energy left and no sinus headaches. Mostly cough all the time with lots of pus. For maybe a week I had red eyes and pus coming out of them which I noted when waking up in the morning. My eyes were nearly shut. I didn't think I would die because I heard that it was going around. My question, was it bacterial? I live in the Peninsula also.
I am asking because now I have another cold (day 14) with lots of light to medium yellow pus from the chest (yellow and sweet tasting) and the nose, some sinus headache with it. No fever for 12 days but now suddenly 102/103, not above yet, I am watching it. I have absolutely NO energy this time, aches over all my body also. It is like the other cold last winter except I have no red eyes. When I exhale there is this gurgling sound which makes me cough up the pus, no shortness of breath.
Could it be bacterial and I should take antibiotics? This mornign I canceled a flight. Didn't want to take this to the people I was going to visit. Took some Advil, feel a bit better after it.
Only very positive thing is that I have no appetite and finally lost the 5 pounds. I'm thirsty and drinking LOTS of fluids.
Thanks, Olga
last winter I had the worst cold ever, it lasted 4 weeks. I rode it out because for some reason I did have some energy left and no sinus headaches. Mostly cough all the time with lots of pus. For maybe a week I had red eyes and pus coming out of them which I noted when waking up in the morning. My eyes were nearly shut. I didn't think I would die because I heard that it was going around. My question, was it bacterial? I live in the Peninsula also.
I am asking because now I have another cold (day 14) with lots of light to medium yellow pus from the chest (yellow and sweet tasting) and the nose, some sinus headache with it. No fever for 12 days but now suddenly 102/103, not above yet, I am watching it. I have absolutely NO energy this time, aches over all my body also. It is like the other cold last winter except I have no red eyes. When I exhale there is this gurgling sound which makes me cough up the pus, no shortness of breath.
Could it be bacterial and I should take antibiotics? This mornign I canceled a flight. Didn't want to take this to the people I was going to visit. Took some Advil, feel a bit better after it.
Only very positive thing is that I have no appetite and finally lost the 5 pounds. I'm thirsty and drinking LOTS of fluids.
Thanks, Olga
Dr Choi, thanks for this extremely helpful post.
Like other readers, I searched because I have a viral cold and my doctor said that even the yellow gunk coming out of my nose wasn't a sign of bacteria. Thanks for reassuring me about that.
My question is this: I have (bravely) been chewing and swallowing two whole cloves of garlic mixed with a big spoonful of honey - I can only bear to do it once a day. I made up this idea myself. It seemed to clear my head. Do you think this is a useful thing to do?
Thanks, Catherine
Like other readers, I searched because I have a viral cold and my doctor said that even the yellow gunk coming out of my nose wasn't a sign of bacteria. Thanks for reassuring me about that.
My question is this: I have (bravely) been chewing and swallowing two whole cloves of garlic mixed with a big spoonful of honey - I can only bear to do it once a day. I made up this idea myself. It seemed to clear my head. Do you think this is a useful thing to do?
Thanks, Catherine
I posted two days ago. Dr. Choi has not responded since.
My advise to all, don't wait too long if you have that fever for around 100-103, have lots of mucus and have no energy because yesterday I finally went to emergency (my regular doctor was not in and the otheres in the office were too busy to see me), and the result was that I have pneumonia. Now taking antibiotics!!!
Olga
My advise to all, don't wait too long if you have that fever for around 100-103, have lots of mucus and have no energy because yesterday I finally went to emergency (my regular doctor was not in and the otheres in the office were too busy to see me), and the result was that I have pneumonia. Now taking antibiotics!!!
Olga
Hello Doc!!
I have a similar problem with one post i read about coughing up pus... (is that phlegm that's yellowish green?) I have had exactly that for three to four weeks now... (i never got fevers and doctor said she could hear rals but no pneumonia) first doctor gave me anit biotics and next doctor put me on Flumicil and broad spectrum anti bacterial medicine and am still coughing up pghlegm after I was done with the seven day meds.
Should tests be done? What should I do first? I am so worried my two little kids will get it...
FayeC
I have a similar problem with one post i read about coughing up pus... (is that phlegm that's yellowish green?) I have had exactly that for three to four weeks now... (i never got fevers and doctor said she could hear rals but no pneumonia) first doctor gave me anit biotics and next doctor put me on Flumicil and broad spectrum anti bacterial medicine and am still coughing up pghlegm after I was done with the seven day meds.
Should tests be done? What should I do first? I am so worried my two little kids will get it...
FayeC
I just got on this site and it's sad to hear of so many people suffering. The good news is there's many, simple alternatives to fighting these problems. First and foremost, ALL cold and flu viruses are ph sensitive. Meaning they need an acidic environment to get established and then multiply. That's why most people get sick and the guy next to you doesn't. Your blood is acidic and his is alkaline. So, once you get a cold or flu the goal is to alkalize as quickly as possible. Take a tsp. of baking soda in a glass of warm water very 2 hrs. This will also increase eliminations, which is what you want when your white blood cells are fighting virus cells. There will be a lot of dead cells that need to be cleaned out. Drink plenty of water and natural fruit juices. Lay off the proteins, starches and sweets, they're acid reacting. Vegetable broths and soups are best. Don't over eat. Get rest. Take echinicea tea to strengthen the immune system. For a sore throat gargle regularly with warm, salt water, for the iodine, or gargle with a concentrated iodine solution such as Lugos Solution or Atomidine. Nothing works better than iodine for killing the infection. If you don't have iodine hydrogen peroxide works well also. For coughs, get an herbal cough syrup(with cherry bark and horehound) that is an expectorant, not a suppresant, to cough up the phlem. Boil fresh eucalyptus leaves over your stove or hot plate and inhale the fumes. This is the best thing in the world for lung infections. And finally, some of Grandma's remedies still work better than any drug. Chest packs can work wonders. Use camphor, or mustard, or Vicks or even onion packs. A hot mustard foot bath can clear a head cold very quickly. Which seems odd that a foot treatment would help a problem in our heads. But we've all gotten our feet wet and come down with a head cold. Modern science is still scratching their head over that one. But simply put, wet feet disturbs our circulation which also effects our blood's ph. Now most western doctors will disagree with this theory, even though that's one of the first things they're taught in medical school. You can't reproduce a virus in an alkaline environment. Yet they're also taught that the body makes every attempt to maintain blood ph at a certain level, which is also true. What they aren't taught is the lower limit of those levels is acidic enough for a virus to get established and the upper levels are alkaline enough to kill the virus. That's it try this and I'm sure you'll be amazed with the results, no drugs and up on your feet much sooner.
Thank you Dr Choi, I've been sick with the common cold for 5 days now. And used to run to my Doc right away. Now that I'm older, I'm trying a more holistic approach. In the past the over the counter stuff would often lead me to a sinus infection. But now that I've been diagnosed with hypertension and cannot take decongestants I bought myself a neti pot. It's been wonderful at keeping my nasal passages open and moist, and clearing away the nasty mucus. (but don't use it if you can't get any air through your nose) I would recomend this to anyone who can't take decongestants any longer.Your Idea to ride it out and skip the meds is great advice! I'm sure I've taken tons of antibiodics that weren't necessary. Just wondering why you wouldn't recomed Mucinex for theose people with chest congestion though? I've been using it with great sucess when my chest became heavy. Anyway like your philosophy about antibiodics. Thanks again!
Tilly H.
Tilly H.
Dr. Choi
I am suffering from a dry cough for about 5 months, which started with viral which turned into pnemonia and pharangitis and now coughing day and night after my life is misurable.
I have taken about 3 antibiotics . omnicef, levaquine, armangtom no relief just side effects..
One of the doctor is suspecting a tumor or parasite I have no idea how can this happen I have never been sick in my entire life and here my body is giving up on this cough..
I keep drinking hot water which gives me dry feeling inside and if I sit then and not open my mouth it helps for a while
but I cannot breathe much.
I am going to see the pulmonologist on monday but don't know what to expect.
I am suffering from a dry cough for about 5 months, which started with viral which turned into pnemonia and pharangitis and now coughing day and night after my life is misurable.
I have taken about 3 antibiotics . omnicef, levaquine, armangtom no relief just side effects..
One of the doctor is suspecting a tumor or parasite I have no idea how can this happen I have never been sick in my entire life and here my body is giving up on this cough..
I keep drinking hot water which gives me dry feeling inside and if I sit then and not open my mouth it helps for a while
but I cannot breathe much.
I am going to see the pulmonologist on monday but don't know what to expect.
I am a mom of two young very active little boys...almost 4 and 2 year old...(16 months apart). Every since my second baby my body has gone on a wako mode. I developed an allergy to milk...so bad that I cannot even take certain medications anymore with lactose in it. I get nasty migraines for 24 hours if I accidently get milk in my body and if I eat cheese or cooked milk I get this horrible lower back pains that keep me up most of the night with a guaranteed yeast infection the next day or two. Also I get this darn cold every 26 days for the past six months or so. Basically 3 days before my menstrual cycle and then the cold resolves on the 4th or 5th day into my cycle. Of course my work schedule picked up and my little guy just started preschool, which involves a lot of running around….so I am saying this because my exercise decreased as a result of all the parenting activities. Help! I want to be a healthy Mom. One last symptom…my most important symptom….ENERGY LEVEL is down. Help me get that back for my two boys who crave tickles 24(7).
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