By Jessie Dhaliwal, OMS III, Osteopathic Physician Candidate 2016 &
Dr. Courtney Mizuhara-Cheng, D.O., M.S.H.S.
Dr. Courtney Mizuhara-Cheng, D.O., M.S.H.S.
As the school year resumes and winter approaches, children become exposed to a wide array of germs. It becomes common for infections to result in absences as children suffer from runny nose, sneezing, fever, sore throat and cough. Sharing is often what we encourage our children to do with classmates but sharing infections is something we want to avoid. If your child presents with sneezing, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, malaise, headache, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, this could be a sign of a viral infection causing the common cold. Several measures can be done to avoid the common cold and speed up the course if contracted. The tips provided are only recommendations and should not replace professional evaluation. If your child does not improve or worsens despite the recommendations below, please schedule an appointment with your health care professional.
What is the common cold? The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.
What causes the common cold? The most common cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus which infects the upper respiratory tract after a 12-72 hour exposure. It thrives in cold temperatures and dry air.
How do I know I have the common cold? Nasal discharge or runny nose is the most common symptom. The most common initial presenting symptoms are nasal dryness or irritation and sore throat. The runny nose tends to drip to the back of the throat causing the irritation and pain. Over time the nasal discharge can cause swelling of the nasal passage and throat making breathing, sleeping and feeding difficult. The infection typically lasts 10-14 days with the worse symptoms occurring at around 3-5 days upon exposure. The common cold may exacerbate underlying asthma and COPD.
How is the common cold treated? Rhinovirus infections are usually mild and self-limited and therefore treatment is supportive and focuses on symptomatic relief. Therapy includes rest, hydration, antihistamines and nasal decongestants (phenylephrine).
What if my symptoms get worse? If your cold symptoms are lasting longer than ten days or worsening, it is recommended that you see a medical professional about other possible therapies. This could be a sign of a bacterial infection, pneumonia or acute asthma exacerbation which may require prescription medications for improvement. We can explore some of the common reasons for stomach flu and provide techniques for decreasing the symptoms; however they do not replace the role of a qualified health professional. If you try any of these techniques and experience worsening symptoms, you should immediately stop and consult a health care professional.
What can I expect when I see the doctor? Your doctor will likely inquire about possible triggers and timing of your problem. Lab tests are generally not indicated for the common cold. Depending on your history and physical presentations, your doctor may order imaging, blood work or collect cultures.
CONNECT WITH YOUR UPPER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
What is the upper respiratory system? The upper respiratory system starts from the nose and mouth and passes into the lungs.
How does the rhinovirus cause the common cold? Route of entry of the rhinovirus is via the upper respiratory tract through respiratory droplets. Contagious behavior includes nose blowing, sneezing, and physically transferring infected secretions onto environmental surfaces or paper tissue. Hand-to-Hand contact of mucous membrane secretions are another common route. The Rhinovirus binds to ICAM-1 on respiratory epithelial cells. ICAM-1 is used to bind endothelial cells to leukocytes. Most infections occur between September to April possibly due to the start of the school year.
The primary site of inoculation is the nasal mucosa, though the conjunctiva may be involved to a lesser extent. The Rhinovirus attaches to upper respiratory tract epithelium and spreads locally. The major human RV receptor is ICAM-1 (found in high quantities in the posterior nasopharynx). Rhinovirus can also infect the Maxillary and Ethmoid sinuses.
How does the body work as a unit? The respiratory track is necessary for the exchange of oxygen needed to support the body. If the body is not taking in the appropriate amount of oxygen, the body cannot function effectively.
HARMONIZE WITH BODY
What are some lifestyle advise? Proper hand hygiene is important. The common cold can be caught from someone else who has it, especially through inadequate hand washing after sneezing or coughing.
Cleaning objects touched by the affected individual with chlorine-based disinfectants or using a dishwasher can help to eliminate the virus. The Rhinovirus is not susceptible to alcohols and detergents. Sufficient heating, autoclaving, or the use of chlorine-based disinfectants are effective ways to eliminate the viruses from surfaces and objects.
What are some nutritional advise? Limiting food is another good precaution that should be taken early in the course of the infection as people with the common cold may have trouble tolerating large meals. However, remember to refrain from drinking milk as it can make the symptoms of the common cold much, much worse.
What are some exercise advise? Bed rest is advised for quicker recovery. Avoid strenuous exercise while suffering from the common cold.
INTEGRATE COMPLIMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
What can be expected during osteopathic manipulative treatment? Chapman reflex points are defined as a system of reflex points on the outside of the human body that reflect dysfunctions in the various organ systems that comprise the body. Chapman reflex points located on the persons sternum and ribs can be tender in the face of a respiratory infection and when treated by a trained osteopathic physician can provide symptomatic relief. Ethmoid and Vomer rocking is a gentle cranial technique used to promote sinus drainage. Another cranial technique called compression of the fourth ventricle and venous sinus drainage are used to reduce sympathetic outflow and promote drainage. Lymphatic drainage techniques directed along the lymphatics of the upper respiratory system is often used to promote proper lymphatic flow.
What can be expected from homeopathic medicines? Homeopathic medicines can be used to significantly reduce the symptoms of the common cold. A watery runny nose can be addressed with Allium cepa if it is aggravated by heat and causing profuse, burning drainage; Kali iodatum if it aggravated by cold; and Arsenicum album if better when the patient warms up. A thick mucous nasal drainage can be helped with either Kali sulphuricum if runny, profuse and worse with heat; Kali muriaticum if no profuse, crusting and worse with cold; or Dulcamara if nose feels blocked.
What is the common cold? The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.
What causes the common cold? The most common cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus which infects the upper respiratory tract after a 12-72 hour exposure. It thrives in cold temperatures and dry air.
How do I know I have the common cold? Nasal discharge or runny nose is the most common symptom. The most common initial presenting symptoms are nasal dryness or irritation and sore throat. The runny nose tends to drip to the back of the throat causing the irritation and pain. Over time the nasal discharge can cause swelling of the nasal passage and throat making breathing, sleeping and feeding difficult. The infection typically lasts 10-14 days with the worse symptoms occurring at around 3-5 days upon exposure. The common cold may exacerbate underlying asthma and COPD.
How is the common cold treated? Rhinovirus infections are usually mild and self-limited and therefore treatment is supportive and focuses on symptomatic relief. Therapy includes rest, hydration, antihistamines and nasal decongestants (phenylephrine).
What if my symptoms get worse? If your cold symptoms are lasting longer than ten days or worsening, it is recommended that you see a medical professional about other possible therapies. This could be a sign of a bacterial infection, pneumonia or acute asthma exacerbation which may require prescription medications for improvement. We can explore some of the common reasons for stomach flu and provide techniques for decreasing the symptoms; however they do not replace the role of a qualified health professional. If you try any of these techniques and experience worsening symptoms, you should immediately stop and consult a health care professional.
What can I expect when I see the doctor? Your doctor will likely inquire about possible triggers and timing of your problem. Lab tests are generally not indicated for the common cold. Depending on your history and physical presentations, your doctor may order imaging, blood work or collect cultures.
CONNECT WITH YOUR UPPER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
What is the upper respiratory system? The upper respiratory system starts from the nose and mouth and passes into the lungs.
How does the rhinovirus cause the common cold? Route of entry of the rhinovirus is via the upper respiratory tract through respiratory droplets. Contagious behavior includes nose blowing, sneezing, and physically transferring infected secretions onto environmental surfaces or paper tissue. Hand-to-Hand contact of mucous membrane secretions are another common route. The Rhinovirus binds to ICAM-1 on respiratory epithelial cells. ICAM-1 is used to bind endothelial cells to leukocytes. Most infections occur between September to April possibly due to the start of the school year.
The primary site of inoculation is the nasal mucosa, though the conjunctiva may be involved to a lesser extent. The Rhinovirus attaches to upper respiratory tract epithelium and spreads locally. The major human RV receptor is ICAM-1 (found in high quantities in the posterior nasopharynx). Rhinovirus can also infect the Maxillary and Ethmoid sinuses.
How does the body work as a unit? The respiratory track is necessary for the exchange of oxygen needed to support the body. If the body is not taking in the appropriate amount of oxygen, the body cannot function effectively.
HARMONIZE WITH BODY
What are some lifestyle advise? Proper hand hygiene is important. The common cold can be caught from someone else who has it, especially through inadequate hand washing after sneezing or coughing.
Cleaning objects touched by the affected individual with chlorine-based disinfectants or using a dishwasher can help to eliminate the virus. The Rhinovirus is not susceptible to alcohols and detergents. Sufficient heating, autoclaving, or the use of chlorine-based disinfectants are effective ways to eliminate the viruses from surfaces and objects.
What are some nutritional advise? Limiting food is another good precaution that should be taken early in the course of the infection as people with the common cold may have trouble tolerating large meals. However, remember to refrain from drinking milk as it can make the symptoms of the common cold much, much worse.
What are some exercise advise? Bed rest is advised for quicker recovery. Avoid strenuous exercise while suffering from the common cold.
INTEGRATE COMPLIMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
What can be expected during osteopathic manipulative treatment? Chapman reflex points are defined as a system of reflex points on the outside of the human body that reflect dysfunctions in the various organ systems that comprise the body. Chapman reflex points located on the persons sternum and ribs can be tender in the face of a respiratory infection and when treated by a trained osteopathic physician can provide symptomatic relief. Ethmoid and Vomer rocking is a gentle cranial technique used to promote sinus drainage. Another cranial technique called compression of the fourth ventricle and venous sinus drainage are used to reduce sympathetic outflow and promote drainage. Lymphatic drainage techniques directed along the lymphatics of the upper respiratory system is often used to promote proper lymphatic flow.
What can be expected from homeopathic medicines? Homeopathic medicines can be used to significantly reduce the symptoms of the common cold. A watery runny nose can be addressed with Allium cepa if it is aggravated by heat and causing profuse, burning drainage; Kali iodatum if it aggravated by cold; and Arsenicum album if better when the patient warms up. A thick mucous nasal drainage can be helped with either Kali sulphuricum if runny, profuse and worse with heat; Kali muriaticum if no profuse, crusting and worse with cold; or Dulcamara if nose feels blocked.