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The winter months often mean the onset of colds and illnesses, afflicting adults and children alike. We spend more time in enclosed areas where germs can spread, which compromises the body’s immune system. We also expose ourselves to extreme temperature changes, making winter time prime time for cold season.
Most people would rather not rush to the doctor’s office at the first sign of symptoms. So, when should you see your physician? There are a variety of guidelines that can help you determine whether your stuffy nose, cough or sore throat is simply a common cold, or something potentially worse.
“In healthy individuals, a common cold should improve within about five to seven days,” said Dr. Jenny So, Internist at MKMG’s Yorktown office. “If you are still feeling sick after a week, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. Elderly patients and individuals with underlying conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, emphysema, or immunosuppression, are at higher risk for developing complications, and should come in sooner if symptoms do not improve.”
More serious symptoms, such as high fever, coughing up dark sputum, wheezing, shortness of breath, or pain with deep breathing often indicate a more serious infection and definitely warrant a doctor’s visit.
The Flu
Is your cold just a cold, or is it the flu? According to Dr. So, many individuals with the flu often feel severe symptoms from the onset.
“Patients with the flu acutely develop high fevers, generalized achiness, and fatigue, and they find it hard to get out of bed,” she explained.
Because influenza is a virus, it is immune to most antibiotics, which only treat bacterial infections. Usually, treatment for the flu concentrates on alleviating symptoms with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Doctors also recommend getting plenty of rest and fluids to help the body fight the virus. Most patients will recover after a week or two.
Two new medications, RelenzaTM and TamifluTM, have recently come on the market for treatment of influenza, and may be effective in shortening its duration and alleviating symptoms. These medications must be taken within the first 24-48 hours of onset, and are used twice a day for five days. The problem is that many flu sufferers cannot get out of bed to see their doctor in time to start the drugs effectively.
The most effective treatment for influenza is to be vaccinated annually. Flu shots are recommended for all adults age 65 and older. They are also recommended for younger adults with existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, emphysema and immunosuppression.
Respiratory Infections: Bronchitis & Pneumonia
Those who have a persistent, high fever; are coughing up dark sputum; or experience pain breathing or shortness of breath may have a respiratory infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. While bronchitis is more generalized, pneumonia usually involves one area of the lung and carries more severe consequences. To determine the illness, doctors need to listen to the chest with a stethoscope to identify any changes in breath sounds in the various parts of the lungs. A chest x-ray may also be ordered. Both conditions typically respond to antibiotics.
Other Infections
Strep throat is another common winter illness. It is characterized by sore throat and fever, sometimes combined with swollen glands and white spots on the back of the throat, without many other upper respiratory symptoms. A simple throat culture is used to test for the presence of the strep bacterium, and antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the infection.
Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is more severe than simple head congestion. It is usually characterized by pain and pressure over the sinuses. It can be accompanied by a fever, aching of the upper teeth, dark nasal discharge, and a post-nasal drip. Treatment generally includes antibiotics, in combination with a decongestant.
For more information on these illnesses, or to find out whether your cold is a signal of something worse, contact your personal MKMG physician. | 