COLDS, SINUSITIS AND BRONCHITIS
These 3 conditions are the most common group of diseases affecting people in America. The risk factors that contribute to the increasing frequency of these illnesses include automotive fumes, combustion byproducts (tobacco smoke, wood and gas stoves, gas-fired appliances), microorganisms from swamp coolers and air conditioners, dust, pollens, animal danders, pesticides, herbicides, environmental chemicals (paints, solvents, formaldehyde in building materials, aerosol sprays, and others too numerous to list) and radon gas. Other factors include genetics, food allergy, emotional stress and decreased immune function.
The common cold, which can be caused by over 200 different viruses, is nearly always preceded by high stress. Onset is heralded by a sore throat and then nasal congestion, runny nose (thin, clear mucous drainage), fatigue, muscle aches and a 4 to 7 day course. Fever, cough and headache may be secondary features.
Acute sinusitis is usually preceded by the common cold and typical features include fullness or pain in the face and head, thick green or yellow drainage from the nose or down the throat, extreme fatigue and a time course lasting 2 or more weeks. Secondary features may include fever, cough, hoarseness, and a very prolonged course of months.
Acute bronchitis is typically associated with a sinus infection. The sinuses drain into the bronchial tree and cause a persistent wet cough producing green/yellow/gray phlegm. Associated features include fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness. Older smokers are highly prone to get chronic bronchitis, which may occur for months at a time.
Conventional treatment includes stopping smoking, breathing humidified air or steam, drinking plenty of water and avoiding polluted air, cold and dry air and environmental respiratory irritants. Antibiotics are of no use in common colds and have limited effectiveness in sinusitis and bronchitis (many of these are viral as well). Unless respiratory allergies are present, using antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays are of limited benefit.
The holistic approach to treating these illnesses is to heal the mucous lining of the nose, sinuses and bronchial tree and to return immune function to normal. Breathing healthy air is of utmost importance. Although those living in polluted environments (essentially all large cities, industrial areas, areas with intensive farming using chemicals – i.e. the Central Valley) cannot avoid breathing outside air, they can minimize exposure and take steps to improve indoor air quality. The air should be humidified to 35-60% humidity. Heating and cooling systems should have a high quality filter that is replaced regularly. Plants add moisture and oxygen to the air. Negative ions are health promoting because they help precipitate damaging particles out of the air. A negative ion generator can be purchased and put in the home or office.
Nasal irrigation with saline water is very helpful in flushing out the nasal and sinus mucous linings. Dietary changes that can help include eliminating dairy products, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and highly refined foods. For recurrent infections, consider food allergies and an elimination diet. Taking multivitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants can strengthen the immune system. Herbal therapy is often useful, especially taking Echinacea tablets or drops early in the course of a cold. Zinc gluconate throat lozenges can help ease cold symptoms if taken early in the course. Acupuncture is often very effective at helping these conditions. Getting an adequate amount of rest and sleep is crucial in helping your body heal from these problems. For cold symptoms that last longer than 7-10 days, consult a health practitioner for evaluation.
Daniel Blodgett MD