Upper respiratory infection?!
Question: Upper respiratory infection!?
i was diagnosed with an upper respritory infection and i am wondering if i should have been given antibiotics!. i was only given inhalers and told to keep taking decongestants!. i am wondering what i can do to ease my cough to sleep at night!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Most upper respiratory infections (URIs) are caused by viruses!. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections!. Unless specifically indicated, they should not be routinely prescribed for URIs!.
Cough is a protective defense mechanism, designed to expel infections or irritants from the lungs!. Inhalers, such as beta-agonists, are often prescribed because URIs may lead to bronchial irritation, hyperresponsiveness, cough, and/or wheezing!. These are the same ones used to treat asthma!.
Decongestants may help by reducing the amount of mucus production!. Be aware that several, including pseudephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), may cause anxiety, high blood pressure, and difficulty sleeping!.
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, may help as well!. One drawback is that they may cause drowsiness!. They can also cause anxiety as well!.
Contrary to popular belief, over-the-counter mucus thinners, such as guaifenesin (Robitussin, Mucinex) have not been shown to have much effect in several medical trials!. If the cough is too much, you might consider using a cough suppressant for a few days!. Choose one that includes dextromethorphan (such as Robitussin DM; plain Robitussin won't work as explained above)!.
As mentioned above, you should get plenty of rest and fluids!. You might try using a humidifier, if you have one at home!. Else, you can try breathing the steam in the shower to help loosen the mucus!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Cough is a protective defense mechanism, designed to expel infections or irritants from the lungs!. Inhalers, such as beta-agonists, are often prescribed because URIs may lead to bronchial irritation, hyperresponsiveness, cough, and/or wheezing!. These are the same ones used to treat asthma!.
Decongestants may help by reducing the amount of mucus production!. Be aware that several, including pseudephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), may cause anxiety, high blood pressure, and difficulty sleeping!.
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, may help as well!. One drawback is that they may cause drowsiness!. They can also cause anxiety as well!.
Contrary to popular belief, over-the-counter mucus thinners, such as guaifenesin (Robitussin, Mucinex) have not been shown to have much effect in several medical trials!. If the cough is too much, you might consider using a cough suppressant for a few days!. Choose one that includes dextromethorphan (such as Robitussin DM; plain Robitussin won't work as explained above)!.
As mentioned above, you should get plenty of rest and fluids!. You might try using a humidifier, if you have one at home!. Else, you can try breathing the steam in the shower to help loosen the mucus!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
All those things you were given are probably wrong!. Best is a cool mist vaporizer, and add a pint of hydrogen peroxide to a gallon of water, and run that near your bed at night!. You should wake up feeling better than you went to bed, and be better in a couple of days!. Decongestants thicken the mucus, so the junk stays in your body--- bad idea!. Inhalers tend to cause a rebound phenomenon which is not nice!. If you are so stuffed up you absolutely can't sleep, and really have to (like you have to be awake tomorrow, and can't just call in sick) I have taken Nyquil as an absolute emergency!. I don't recommend it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Antibiotics cannot kill a virus, or heal respiratory irritation!. It's good your doctor is taking a conservative route, and not overprescribing them!. People are getting immune to antibiotics from taking too many!. A bad cough is awful, and it feels impossible to get good sleep, but there are some old fashioned tricks that can help!.
As the last person suggested, a good humidifier is a great idea!. Try eliminating all dairy while you are congested, and good old hot chicken soup really does help; even out of a can, but homemade is ideal, especially with lots of garlic!. They did studies with it, and it kills viruses and breaks up mucus: Grandma was right! Also, lots of hot decaf tea, with honey and lemon!. It shrinks the mucus membranes that make you cough, and helps your body break up the phlegm, so you can cought it up!. Sit in the bathroom with the hot shower running and steam up the room!. Close all the windows and doors, and breath it in, til you feel better!. Open your bedroom window a few inches for fresh air, and pile on t he blankets if you are cold!. Stagnant air will worsen your symptoms!.
Over the counter Robitussin is still effective; if not ask for a prescription of cough medicine with coedine!. Don't lie on your back, that makes you cough more, and elevate your head and shoulders with nice firm pillows!. If you're still coughing, an old fashioned hot water bottle wrapped up in a towel and laid on your chest is mighty soothing!. These are all tried and true methods my dear mom used to do for me, and I used on my own when they were small!. Most important, rest and rest!. Read, watch TV, eat jello, and let your body heal!. Hope you feel better soon!Www@Answer-Health@Com
As the last person suggested, a good humidifier is a great idea!. Try eliminating all dairy while you are congested, and good old hot chicken soup really does help; even out of a can, but homemade is ideal, especially with lots of garlic!. They did studies with it, and it kills viruses and breaks up mucus: Grandma was right! Also, lots of hot decaf tea, with honey and lemon!. It shrinks the mucus membranes that make you cough, and helps your body break up the phlegm, so you can cought it up!. Sit in the bathroom with the hot shower running and steam up the room!. Close all the windows and doors, and breath it in, til you feel better!. Open your bedroom window a few inches for fresh air, and pile on t he blankets if you are cold!. Stagnant air will worsen your symptoms!.
Over the counter Robitussin is still effective; if not ask for a prescription of cough medicine with coedine!. Don't lie on your back, that makes you cough more, and elevate your head and shoulders with nice firm pillows!. If you're still coughing, an old fashioned hot water bottle wrapped up in a towel and laid on your chest is mighty soothing!. These are all tried and true methods my dear mom used to do for me, and I used on my own when they were small!. Most important, rest and rest!. Read, watch TV, eat jello, and let your body heal!. Hope you feel better soon!Www@Answer-Health@Com