A local Registered Nurse was nice enough and took a little time to give us a quick lesson in sickness, just in time for the flu & cold season.

This is the third article in a three part series called “Cold & Flu 101?:

Adults

This is the final installment for this season and now we address the topic of Colds and Flus as they affect Adults. Once again these articles are to disseminate information only and not as a means to treat or diagnose. If you have concerns or chronic medical problems with lung or heart issues or a decreased immune system with any cold/flu symptoms please check in with your doctor to make sure you’re on the right track.

The stats still say that flu season is still not “officially” upon us for adults (meaning that the number of diagnosed “flu” hasn’t reached 10% in the doctor’s office) however, I’m noticing a significant increase of patients with flu like symptoms. so hang on to your seats.

Very quickly let’s review the difference between a cold and a flu? It’s a great idea to get the flu shot, this years flu shot only contains three viruses (typically the shot only has 2-3 viruses every year in it). There are over 200 viruses that cause cause an array of symptoms ranging from a slight runny nose to a doctor appointment for a cough that wont go away or sinus infection to hospitalization related to complications (ie: pneumonia). Knowing the warning signs of a progressing problem are important.

Cold symptoms: this is a virus that causes runny nose, sore throat, cough, feverish/chills, yellow/green mucus. you usually feel icky but day 3 can be the worst day as your body is fighting off the virus and depositing it into your lungs and nose in the form of mucus. Usually after the 3rd day, symptoms don’t worsen too much and slowly go away over 1-2 weeks.

Flu symptoms: this is a virus and causes sudden onset of fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, body aches, and the every famous yellow/green mucus. The difference is that you are down for the count on day one or sometimes day two. Usually you have a difficult time even getting out of bed because of the fatigue and body aches. These symptoms can last for 5 days or so and then start to level off and decline…but just in time for the nasal congestion and cough which can go on for 1-2 weeks.

Complications: If at anytime after day 5, you are feeling worse or fevering, call your doctor. Complications of a common cold or virus are usually Sinus Infections, Bronchitis and Pneumonia. We’ll review symptoms of each. Information for these descriptions is from the National Institute of Health website.

Sinus Infection: The nasal passage ways are tubes that run from your nostrils and around to your throat. off of these tubes are balloon/sac like structures called sinuses located above the eyebrows and to either side of the nose. we actually aren’t sure the function of these sacs but they get filled with mucus when we are sick. when they fill up bacteria can begin to grow. If the sinuses are not emptied quickly via blowing/steam/nasal sprays then the bacteria grow in numbers such that by 10-14 days after the beginning of your symptoms, voila…sinus infection. The time frame is an average, some people are sooner by a few days and other can be 3-5 weeks out. Symptoms of this are continuing yellow-green mucus past 7-10 days, pressure/pain in the forehead above the eyebrows, either side of the nose and even upper teeth pain as inflammation increases. you may have one of these areas affected, usually one side, or in some cases both. Some people will run a low grade fever of 99-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Treatment for this usually means antibiotics but tends to clear up quickly within a few days. very important to finish the whole run of medication to avoid a return of symptoms because not all the bacteria are killed.

Bronchitis: following a viral cold/flu that causes a cough you can develop inflammation in the main air passages to the lungs. People most at risk are the elderly, people with heart or lung disease (ie: Asthma) and smokers. Symptoms of Bronchitis can include chest discomfort with breathing or coughing, yellow-green mucus, fatigue, low grade fever (99-100 degrees Fahrenheit), shortness of breath and wheezing. Onset of bronchitis depends on your overall health but usually after the 7-10 day period since onset of the cold/flu and you’re getting worse not better. this diagnosis is usually done by physical exam where the doctor listens for changes in lung sounds. Treatment usually consists of a tailored recipe of the following: antibiotics, inhalers and possibly oral steroids. even with proper treatment the healing phase can take weeks for the coughing to go away but should be slowing decreasing and never worsening again. If symptoms return or worsen after the start of the treatment phase then a re-evaluation is necessary.

Pneumonia: this diagnosis can lead to hospitalization and be life threatening. If you feel that you fit into these symptoms and have been sick longer than the normal 7-10 day cold/flu period it it imperative that you seek medical attention. that being said I’ve actually seen people that have developed a pneumonia within the first 7 days of the illness so listen to your body and trust your instincts. Pneumonia can be viral or bacterial (more common) so it is important to get accurate treatment as their symptoms are mostly the same but only the bacterial version responds to antibiotics. after a viral infection the body tries to fight off the invader and for a myriad of reasons begins to lose the battle and bacteria begins to grow or the virus increases in numbers actually causing a build up of fluid in the lung (usually just one but can be both lungs) in response to the illness. Typical symptoms are cough, can be dry or producing yellow-green phlegm, fever (can range from 99-104 degrees Fahrenheit), chills, shortness of breath and one classic sign is sharp pain on the chest/side/back when breathing or coughing. Some experience trouble breathing laying down and find themselves propped up in bed or sleeping in a chair at night. again, seek medical attention for these symptoms. Coughing after successful treatment can continue for 6 weeks or more but there should be a decrease in symptoms slowly over this time period.

For a basic cold/flu where you are improving from day 7-10 double check with your doctor to make sure you’re taking the right decongestant/cough medicine and do the following: rest as much as you can, drink plenty of fluids and steam to keep the mucus thin and draining to prevent complications. Good luck for the cold/flu season.

To read the previous “Cold & Flu 101? articles, please click ON THIS LINK.

Rachel Martinez searched online for more information about was going on in her body after she had visited the doctor for an illness.

“There are a lot of interesting things there,” Martinez, 33, said.

After she found out what she had, she wanted to learn all she could about the illness and the body’s immune system, she said.

But before she went to the doctor’s office, it didn’t even cross her mind to look on the Internet for a diagnosis. the kind of sickness she felt told her to see a doctor right away.

There is a vast collection of medical information available online, and a growing number of people are using it to diagnose their own physical ailments, without consulting a professional.

“You do see the younger generation access that more easily,” said Dr. Dolores Gomez about medical websites. “It should not replace medical care.”

There are some bogus websites out there that have the wrong information or prescribe certain treatments and medications because they are under contracts with pharmaceutical companies. there are also those surfers who look up the wrong combinations of symptoms and end up believing, or wanting to believe, they have a simple cold, when they could really have something a lot more serious, said Gomez, a physician at the Southern New Mexico Family Medicine Clinic.

In a recent survey of visitors to the online coupon site couponcodes4u.com, about 74 percent of nearly 2,000 people surveyed said they prefer to self-diagnose online. of those who have used the Internet to diagnose themselves, about 33 percent say they did it because they were too embarrassed by their symptoms and 31 percent said they were too busy to visit a doctor. when asked if, after self-diagnosing, they went to the doctor, 68 percent said yes.

Of those who did, 87 percent said their diagnosis was wrong.

Younger people — who are typically the Internet users who diagnose themselves — often believe they are healthy and at the prime of their physical selves. when something ails them, they simply turn to the Web, believing nothing is too serious or deserves a trip to the doctor’s office.

People also choose website diagnosis over seeing the doctor because of the cost of a doctor’s visit and treatment, or the lack of health insurance.

Some children and teens may also turn to the Internet to find out what is wrong with them when they have questions about sex or sexually transmitted diseases. they might not want to visit their family doctor, but they always have their school-based health centers and the local New Mexico Department of Health, in Las Cruces located at, 1170 N. Solano Drive, Gomez said.

Gomez has also seen a couple of her patients also turn to the Internet for cheaper herbal and natural medicines to use in place of what she initially prescribes for them. Sometimes these medicines found online could work, and she’s fine with that, as long as she knows about them, but there are risks of finding something that has no effect or could cause harm and costly treatment.

“You always have to have that open line of communication with a patient,” Gomez said.

Some patients print out what they find, so they can talk about it at their appointment. Gomez said some doctors even print things out from these websites to give patients as a source of additional information.

If you experience chest pains, or wounds and infections that don’t heal within a week, these symptoms should never be ignored and should be checked out right away by a physician.

Andi Murphy can be reached at amurphy@lcsun-news.com or (575) 541-5453.

Reliable sources

Though you should always see you doctor if something is out of the ordinary, here are a few websites that are trustworthy. Most of the time a website ending in “.org” or “.gov” can be excellent sources of information. Most of these websites will tell you that their information should not be used to self-diagnose or replace a visit to the doctor.

WebMD at webmd.com

American Academy of Family Physicians at aafp.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov

New Mexico (or any state) Department of Health at health.state.nm.us

American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org

American Heart Association at heart.org

American Cancer Society at cancer.org

The difference between staying well and suffering days of misery depends on which of two contradictory ways the immune system reacts to infection by the flu. One strong reaction releases inflammatory chemicals leading to sickness, researchers report online August 25 in PLoS Genetics. an equally strong but opposite reaction produces anti-inflammatory compounds and fights off the flu without producing symptoms. 

Most of what researchers know about influenza’s effect on people comes from studies of people who are already sick. but Alfred Hero and his colleagues wanted to know how some people seem to be able to avoid getting sick. the researchers infected 17 volunteers with a strain of seasonal flu called H3N2/Wisconsin.

Nine of the volunteers got sick. some of the others reported feeling under the weather, but had no clinically discernible symptoms. the researchers drew blood before the flu inoculation and every eight hours for five days after the initial infection. the team then examined the activity of about 22,000 genes in each blood sample.

“The persistent patterns that came out of this were striking to say the least,” says Hero, a computer scientist and electrical engineer at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Gene activity patterns could predict up to 36 hours before symptoms peaked how sick people would get, the researchers found. Those who got sick activated immune chemicals that trigger inflammation and stress responses. “In asymptomatic people the immune response is just as active, but dramatically different in nature,” Hero says. People who stayed well not only repressed the stress response, but also activated anti-inflammation and antioxidant genes.

“This is really exciting data,” says Octavio Ramilo, the head of pediatric infectious diseases at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. the study illustrates that gene activity analysis may help doctors determine which patients are most in danger of getting seriously ill. but the current study hasn’t put the entire story together yet, he says. Researchers still need to determine whether the different patterns of responses depend upon the person’s genetic makeup, properties of the virus or other factors. Hero adds that the people in the study may react differently to other flu strains or even to the same one under different circumstances.

The technology may one day help doctors diagnose which viruses are infecting babies with fevers and predict which infants will end up in the intensive care unit and which ones can go home.

Such tests may also be important public health tools for preventing flu pandemics, Ramilo says. People who stayed well tended to spread fewer flu viruses than people who got sick, the study showed. so health care workers might be able to test people exposed to a virus and determine from gene activity patterns who needs to be quarantined to limit the spread of infectious diseases. 

Found in: Body & Brain and Genes & Cells

Hello,

It's been more than a month now that I've been having a running nose and a strong cough. These past few days, I've been feeling tired and weak. My ears are also blocked and sometimes have a hard time hearing. What do you guys think about these symptoms? Someone told me it might be chronic cough but not too sure.. anyone have any ideas on what it might be. Thanks

P.S. I have no allergies.

Viruses(common cold) and bacterial infections cause the same symptoms. on the cellular level its all the same. There's something interfering with the cell's regulatory processes.

If you have a cold then you need to support your immune system with vitamin C. the cold will leave your body within 2-3 weeks.

If you still feel sick after 2-3 weeks, ask for an antibiotic. Take the whole course.

If you still feel sick after taking the full course of antibiotic, you may want to look into getting tested for infectious mononucleosis, std's, etc.

You may have developed sinusitis or an ear infection which would explain the tiredness and weakness. the cough can be cause by mucus draining down the back of the throat and irritating the lining of your bronchi. Go to your doc if you are still not better by tomorrow. He may prescribe an antibiotic to combat the infection. better safe than sorry.

It could be bronchitis.. have it checked.. I have your same symptoms but have not been to the docs yet… trying to wait it out….I know eventually it will go away on its own and I really don't want to take any antibiotics for it…

(Go to the doctor and ask him.) I think you are having a longlasting cold

My son was put on steroids after being diagnosed with bells palsy. since he was bite by a deer tick 5 months before any symptoms I am worried he has lyme disease. the blood test was completed and came out negitive. Could the steroids have caused a false negitive?

The most common blood tests for Lyme aren't actually for Lyme itself. They look for antibodies to Lyme. Steroids suppress the immune system, so the body doesn't produce antibodies–hence, a negative test, even though the person may actually have Lyme disease.

That's only one of the reasons you might get a false negative response. there are others, too.

Bell's Palsy can exist without it being Lyme, but Lyme often presents with Bell's Palsy. So, if you son has Bell's Palsy, that's a good reason to thoroughly look at the possibility of Lyme, even with that negative test.

Good sources of info about Lyme disease:
lymedisease.org
canlyme.com
lymenet.org
lymeinfo.net
lymediseaseassociation.org
ilads.org
lymedoctor.com

There is absolutely NO test that can rule out Lyme. the tests are awful. Researchers have found that these tests miss 35 to even 50% of culture-positive Lyme disease cases, depending on what study you read.

Best info I can give is to go to ilads.org (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) They list accurate info on testing, symptoms, and so much more. Additionally, lymedisease.org/ is good, as are lymediseaseassociation.org/ and http:lymeinfo.net

Also, read Cure Unknown:inside the Lyme Epidemic and watch the new movie, under our Skin, due to be released in theaters in next several months. Or see their website.

Be sure to note that the Infectious Disease Society of America's Lyme Disease Treatment Guidelines authors were investigated by Ct. Attorney Richard Blumenthal due to alleged serious conflicts of interest by many of the panel members who wrote the treatment guidelines. the findings of the Attorney General can be found at: ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?A=2795…

Show your physician the above information. most don't know the truth about Lyme disease.

Good luck to you and your son and God bless you!

I believe these were answered, sorry didn't see replies, will leave as is and best of luck.
Steroids are a NO NO with Lyme and that's how many of us get worse who finally find the Lyme diagnosis… if you suspect Lyme, make sure you make an appt with an LLMD, only one in La.. all the testing except a SMALL handful of labs int he courntry are completely inaccurate, the Western Blot by preferrably IGENEX is needed. there are over 300 strains inthe world and 100 + in N America.. the standard tests only use about TEN strains and many are from Europe which is not acceptable.. Even the testing is only 65% accurate in sensitivtiy- again , unacceptable.. anything from steroids down to regular/occasional TYLENOL use can give false NEGATIVES and that's why lyme has to be based on a clinical diagnosis- most of us have our bodies messed up with meds given in error (esp steroids) and by the time we do get the right test, alot are falsly negative… Meds, CMV EBV Mono, etc can all alter the test.. let me know if you have any questions.. I am a leader on MDJunction.com for the Lyme group, will try to check back here, am spread thin,I live in Folsom and am bound and determined to help people realize the facts about this horrible disease..
Not a lecture, a passionate statement.. Best of luck. Sometimes my spelling is off/lyme brain but the knowledge is there.. be your own and his own advocate. the best of docs won't know this unless Lyme literate.. Trust me! It's everywhere, mosquitoes, fleas, not just ticks. Heck they have even found the bacteria in DUST…
Again, let me or others know if you need anything

My immune system has been weakened from severe stress lately, ended up getting a real deep cut on my hand yesterday from some glass, woke up today with my muscles feeling tense and my jaw feeling tight and swollen, I don't remember the last time I've had an immunization but I think it's been atleast 10 years.

yes it is possible

Unless the glass had dirt on it, tetanus is very unlikely. the bacteria lives in the soil and requires an anaerobic environment such as a deep wound to germinate. since it grows slowly, symptoms don't appear until much later.

Getting a booster wouldn't hurt though.

Also, ignore the lying antivaxxer. Tetanus rates are so low due to the vaccine. While people, like you, are often not up to date, they do get vaccinated after deep wounds.

Additionally, the vaccine often does confer protection to an new infection in an open wound. Once symptoms actually, start, it isn't very useful since the adaptive immune response takes time. Even then, it is still given.

Those opposed to vaccination typically have little to no knowledge of medicine or biology.

Yes, it is possible, but unlikely. the incubation period is usually 3 to 21 days, but may range from 1 day to several months (source, American Public Health Association Control of Communicable Diseases Manual). if you have not had a tetanus booster in more than 10 years, you should get one. Immune globulin is only used in those who have not previously received a complete series of tetanus immunization, so whether or not immune globulin would be used depends on your vaccination history.

Facial herpes symptoms are not difficult to understand, but it is important to know them and to start your treatment as early as possible. Facial herpes is also known as oral herpes or cold sores. This thing is very unpleasant to have and cannot be cure completely. yet it does not mean that you can do nothing about it.

The problem with cold sores is that they are on the most visible part of our body, and this part is one of the most sensitive too. Hence the embarrassment when a cold sore outbreak comes. A usually no makeup can hide the ugly and painful blisters on our face. but don’t be disappointed – there is a way out. but let’s see how everything happens.

Facial herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. when an outbreak comes the virus becomes highly contagious, and can be easily spread to other persons.

Facial herpes contracted through the close contact with the infected person. Herpes is the most common in kids and infants due to their weaker immune system, but since the disease stays with the infected person for the whole life, the outbreaks may occur from time to time, especially when the health is not in its optimal state.

Facial herpes outbreak is the most unpleasant part of the disease; when the virus is dormant you normally don’t experience any negative things, but as soon as the virus becomes active, the hell begins.

When you see the pictures of facial herpes in early stages, you will notice the following signs of the coming outbreak: the tingling sensation and itching takes place, some bumps and blisters start to appear; there may be skin redness, swollen red areas, etc. The first outbreak comes within a few weeks, and different people experience different symptoms – from mild to severe.

The most common one is mild facial herpes in children; it happens quite often and produce blisters of medium severity. The sores can be successfully treated (not cured though), and a child can return to their normal activity pretty soon.

The herpes virus stays in the nerves and recurs periodically; the recurrence usually decreases with the age. keep in mind that such things as fever, trauma, excessive sun light exposure, other weather conditions of an extreme nature, menstruation – these things can trigger cold sores, because the immune system gets weakened.

- Pain – sores are pretty painful;

- Aches – your muscles will feel discomfort;

- Fever – facial herpes is often accompanied by fever, which comes in the first place among other cold sore symptoms; the temperature can go up to 102 degrees F;

- Fatigue – this come naturally, since all the bodily resources are in a battle with the virus, which takes a lot of energy from your body;

- Sores – the appearance of the sores or blisters means the mature of the outbreak and must be addressed immediately. It is the most unpleasant and painful part of the whole outbreak.

Basically you have two main options: either using the over-the-counter herpes treatment or going for the natural herpes cures. Both way work fine, but since the disease will stay with you for the whole life, it is better to choose a remedy that works safely and effectively. Hence our preference for the natural cold sore remedies.

When you notice the first signs of an outbreak, act fast. you need to fight the virus in two directions: one is external and includes treating the sores, and the other is internal – it is about making your immune system stronger to fight the virus from within. Both ways are required and the first one is actually called cold sore treatment, and the second one is called herpes prevention.

What you can do to help your sores heal faster?

To ease the pain, use ice on the sores or apply a tea bag soaked in hot water. you can also use different topical creams like Acyclovir that contain natural ingredients. Applying peppermint oil or salt on the sores can also help to minimize the pain and speed up the healing.

To boost your immune system you need to make a shift towards a healthier diet that includes more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and leaves. Avoid peanuts, chocolate, coffee and other arginine rich food that can trigger an outbreak. Remember that excessive sun or strong and cold wind can cause cold sores’ appearance too. Avoid too much stress and exercise regularly, take some vitamin supplements, especially lysine amino acid – it will help to prevent the virus from multiplying. Treat your sores as soon as you see the first signs, and maintain a good health between outbreaks, so you can minimize the chance of their occurrence or even avoid them at all. good luck!

1. Natural Herpes Treatment: do Natural Cures For Herpes Work?
2. Preventing Cold Sores: Act as soon as you can to Prevent Cold Sores Outbreak
3. Preventing Herpes Outbreaks: Some Tips And Precautions
4. Natural Cold Sore Treatment: is It The Best Cold Sore Treatment Available?
5. Natural Remedies For Cold Sores: Are they good For Cold Sore Treatment?

Canine influenza (or the so called dog flu) is a disease that usually shows up in dogs (just as the name canine suggests). The influenza is caused by a number of viruses like the renowned virus H3N8, which was discovered in 2004.

Many dogs suffer from this disease because they lack the exposure to the virus. The lack of exposure means that many dogs do not have the immune system ready for it and they can suffer a lot. In many regions the illness has spread and caused a high rate of death.

This type of influenza is very contagious and caused the Greyhound race dog fatalities. This happened on a racetrack, in January 2004, in Florida. A number of dogs got infected in Florida, when the virus showed up in the area and a number of dogs got infected at a race track. also, this virus has been the cause of many respiratory disease outbreaks which took place between 1999 and 2003.

H3N8 is responsible for creating a flu outbreak in new York City in May 2005. The outbreak took place in 10 states and 20 racetracks: Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Massachusetts, Texas, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. The dog flu was confirmed in approximately 22 US states and affected a lot of dogs. The good thing was that the influenza was not transmitted to cats, people or other pets. The H5N1 (avian influenza) has been the cause of one death, of one dog from Thailand. he got infected after he ate an ill duck.

The influenza A virus also developed one negative single-stranded RNA virus. The H3N8 was transmitted from the horses straight to the dogs.

Almost 40% of all the dogs that were infected with H3N8 showed mild symptoms. also, if the disease was treated, the fatality rate was very small. Green nasal discharges and some cough, plus fever, were the main symptoms. The fatality rate is not that big and the shelter population has not been affected as much. The main symptoms were caused by the virus and the secondary ones by the bacterial infections. also, many dogs developed pneumonia and they died if they were not given the right treatment. Severe hemorrhagic pneumonia showed up as well, and evidence of vasculitis was found.

Usually, if an upper respiratory tract infection is detected, than the dog is under the suspicion of an infection. The best test is to submit a serum sample from a dog to a laboratory that can do PCR tests. The results are ready in just a few days and then the proper treatment can be applied.

Tags : Canine, Diagnosis, Influenza, SymptomsCategories : Uncategorized

(WINDSOR, ON) – the thought of warm sunshiny days and clear blue skies makes most of us want to run out to enjoy the great outdoors. however for some, avoiding Mother Nature is seemingly more appealing. More than 60% of Canadians are affected by allergens from pollen, mold, pet dander and dust. Not only do the symptoms cause severe discomfort, it has also been linked to decreased productivity in the workplace.

Many allergy sufferers rely on oral anti-histamines from Western pharmaceuticals for temporary relief of allergy symptoms like sneezing, running nose and cough, over time; these medications lose their effect and come with their own set of side effects, drowsiness being the most common. Studies have shown that Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture may provide effective treatment for allergies sufferers as well as long-lasting results. These traditional healing methods not only help to provide relief from allergy symptoms, but also stimulate the body’s own natural capacity to process toxic allergens by strengthening the body’s immune system.

The mechanism of an allergy

Simply stated, an allergy is an overreaction of your body’s immune system. Exposure to a normally harmless substance in the environment can cause allergy-ridden individuals to react as if the substance was harmful. when these substances begin to cause allergic reactions, they are referred to as allergens. Allergens trigger the body to release two chemicals: 1) Histamines – stimulate mucous production and causes congestion, redness, swelling and inflammation and 2) Prostaglandins – constrict airways causing difficulties in breathing and enlarge blood vessels. once these two chemicals are released, the related symptoms can last for hours and even days.

Natural Remedies

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, sinus allergies are due to weakness of the Lung and Kidney Defensive Qi. As discussed in a previous article, defensive Qi is the “energy” which protects our body from external disease. With Chinese medicinal herbs and acupuncture, we are able to both strengthen and nourish these organs. Allergy-related immune cells have shown to be less active after Acupuncture treatments, likely dampening their reaction. the treatments also prompt the brain to release endorphins and other chemicals that improve blood circulation which helps to relieve congestion.

Huang Qin (Radix Scutellaria Baicalensis)

Harvested during the autumn months in the Jilin Province of China, this herb is commonly used for its detoxifying properties. With its cooling nature, it helps to clear heat in the upper respiratory tract and therefore eliminate mucous formation which causes nasal congestion as well as opening airways to facilitate easy breathing for asthma patients. Clinical research has also shown the alkaloids extracted from Huang Qin to possess strengthening effects on the immune system by producing anti-histamine effects to prevent the release of enzymes from mast cells. the healing properties of this herb are vast, its use has also demonstrated much success in lowering blood pressure, promoting lipid metabolism to decrease cholesterol levels as well as helping with irritability and anxiety.

Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae)

The magnolia flower is referred to as an “exterior-releasing” herb, one which helps the body to release and eliminate disorders lodged within the layers of the body. Often times, Traditional Chinese Medicine treats diseases by bring the disease to the surface of the body so that it may be released from the pores in the skin. Xin Yi Hua is commonly used to treat conditions such as headaches, chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion, mucous accumulation and red, irritated eyes. This herb enters into the Lung and Stomach meridian channels which both travel onto the face within the nasal area. It is for this reason that Xin Yi Hua is so effective in opening up nasal congestion to treat sinus problems. Research has also found topical application of this flower beneficial in decreasing mucous production in the nasal cavity, as well; it can be applied onto the skin to eliminate dark facial spots.

Cang Er Zi (Fructus Sibirici Xanthii)

During the months of August and September, this fruit is harvested when ripened. With its sweet, yet slightly bitter taste, Cang Er Zi enters into the Lung meridian channels to open up the nasal passages, breakdown mucous and eliminate headaches associated with sinus congestion. Cang Er Zi is also a source of Vitamin C, a vitamin which promotes and enhances immune function to protect against illness. Vitamin C is also necessary for healthy connective tissue, bones, teeth and cartridge.

Though the herbs discussed above are both common and beneficial to those suffering with sinus allergies, they may not be for everyone. Be sure to seek a trained Chinese Medical Doctor and herbalist to find the right herbs for you.

Don’t be stuck inside during the spring and summer months. the combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can provide symptomatic relief of allergies for sufferers of all ages. once symptoms are under control and relieved, it is then possibly to address the underlying balances that keep attacks returning season after season. Strengthening ones immune system will help to build up a weakened respiratory system to prevent further occurrences of sinus allergies while allowing the tissues of the nasal cavity to heal.

Mable Cheung, Acupuncturist at Cheung’s Trading Co. ltd. for more information, feel free to contact Mable at 519.252.9228 or at mailto:cheungstrading.com

An allergy refers to an exaggerated immune response in response to bodily contact with certain contaminants. It is exaggerated because these foreign substances are usually seen by the body as harmless and no response occurs in non-allergic people. Allergic people’s bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system is turned on. Allergenic substances called “allergens.” Examples of allergens are pollen, dust mites, molds, danders, and foods. In order to understand the language of allergy, it is important to remember that allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

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Allergies occur when a person’s immune system erroneously attacks the allergen as an invader and produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight these substances. these antibodies when certain cells in the body to release chemicals such as histamine in bloodstream.

These chemicals affect your eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin or gastrointestinal tract and cause allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose. every time you are exposed to the allergen, an allergic reaction be triggered.

The most common symptoms and signs associated with allergies are: …

1 Running nose2 Sneezing3 Congestion4 watery, tearing eyes5 itchy eyes, ears, lips .. , Neck and palate6 Sinus pain7 Coughing8 short breath

Allergy Reduction: …

But there are some things that will reduce or eliminate the chance of your becoming allergic. these include lottery of birth: being born into an allergy-free family significantly reduces the risk of developing a allergy.

Plenty of vitamins C and E and omega-3 polyunsaturated oils (primarily in certain oily fish), with a large nuclear family, letting children be children and let them get dirty every now and then – get down and dirty as the immune system is running at full volume, can help reduce the chances of acquiring allergies.

Controlling Allergies:

Most allergies are easily controlled, but some individuals develop severe reactions from early age.They may have infantile food allergies (usually cow’s milk, eggs and nuts) is usually associated with extensive eczema. these people need continued close monitoring and managed care, they may seek the help of many people health professionals.

Most suffering an allergic reaction to food, pets or the environment know how to manage their allergies and do it very well. but the regular check-ups with a specialist is always recommended so that the condition can be monitored and controlled, and any new medical techniques or drugs used.