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In our culture, menopause can best be defined as the cessation of menstrual periods and fertility in an adult female. Often called the change of life, the word, menopause, actually means just that—the end of monthly cycles.

However, this very simple definition of a natural body process requires a good deal more explanation to thoroughly understand what is actually happening in a woman’s body.

Menopause Causes

When menopause occurs, the ovaries cease to produce eggs, which previously could result in pregnancy if fertilized. This happens because the body is producing lower levels of estrogen and other hormones that control female characteristics, such as breast development, menstrual cycles, body hair, etc. Hormone loss can be responsible for any number of uncomfortable or debilitating problems, relating to many different parts of the body.

Alternative Names

Most women experience their last period sometime between the ages of 40 and 60, with the average age being about 5l years. Menopause is said to specifically occur when a woman has been free of menstruation for a period of 12 months. Until that time, she is considered to be in perimenopause, a time span of up to 10 years in which menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms may occur.

A woman can also enter into surgical menopause at any age, if the ovaries are removed as part of a hysterectomy. When only the uterus is surgically removed, and the ovaries are left intact, estrogen and other hormones continue to be produced until natural menopause occurs in mid-life. Chemotherapy, as well as some auto-immune diseases, can also lead to surgical menopause.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

Diagnosing menopause is relatively easy to do, and identifying specific stages and symptoms is usually not a problem either. Generally, doctors use medical history and symptoms to diagnose the onset of menopause. A blood test to measure the follicular hormone and estrogen levels in the blood can be done, but it is not a definite indicator of menopause. Obviously, doctors will do other tests to rule out certain illnesses if symptoms are severe. For example, neurological tests might be called for if memory lapses seem extreme.

It would seem that such a natural body process would be a somewhat painless and easy transition for most women. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Studies show that up to 85% of menopausal women experience hot flashes, one of the most common, though certainly not the most serious of symptoms. True, some can sail through the period with minimal problems, but some experience these symptoms for the rest of their lives.

Menopause Symptoms

These symptoms can be many and varied, and sometimes it might seem that almost anything can be blamed on menopause. The important issue here is that menopause is a function of the endocrine system, and thus, the entire body is affected, not just a woman’s reproductive parts. Let’s look at a list of probable and common symptoms, and the areas of the body that are involved:

Reproductive Problems

• Decrease in sexual appetite
• Vaginal dryness
• Breast tenderness

Mental Problems

• Memory loss
• Depression
• Concentration difficulties
• Irritability
• Bouts of forgetfulness
• Fuzziness
• Anxiety

General Aches and Pains

• Headaches
• Hair loss
• Joint pain
• Digestive troubles
• Urinary tract problems
• Weight gain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Osteoporosis

Of course, one might argue that some symptoms would gradually lead to the surfacing of others. For example, if one is prone to sleep loss, then irritability and loss of concentration might result. Any or all of these symptoms could lead to depression, and so on. However, when one considers that menopause is supposed to be a natural body process, it does seem rather overwhelming that all these unpleasant side effects can and do occur!

Risk Factors

Since all women who live into their middle years and beyond will experience menopause, it is in their best interests to be informed about the various remedies for these symptoms. Basically, the remedies fall into four categories: Healthy Living, Home and Herbal Remedies, Further Alternative Treatments, and Drugs and Pharmaceuticals. The first three categories are the most preferred by the medical community, as the fourth one renders the highest risks and costs. Let’s examine each category and look at specific treatments for some of the symptoms.

Healthy Living & Prevention Tips

This category carries the lowest risk, and would be beneficial to anyone, including the menopausal woman. Obviously, there is nothing anyone can do to prevent menopause from occurring, but adopting a healthy lifestyle can do a lot to ease the transition into this new era.

• A low-fat, high-fiber diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables will help maintain balance and help your body to resist those extra 10-15 pounds that often appear during menopause. Drinking lots of water will also help with dryness issues and keep you hydrated.
• Specific foods that help to promote estrogen production are soy, beets, carrots, alfalfa, apples, cabbage and papaya. Eating these foods within a well-balanced diet can help with hot flashes and night sweats.
• Exercise is key to a healthy routine. Walking, jogging, swimming or jumping rope are all simple exercises that cost little, if anything. Yoga and meditation are also excellent, and can help with depression and sleeplessness.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible. If you smoke, stop.
• Make sure that you are getting adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals in your diet, and/or supplements that you take. Vitamins B, C, D and E are especially important for good bone, skin, eye and brain health. Calcium is your best weapon against osteoporosis.
• Try to consistently get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. This will ensure your overall well-being and help with memory problems, irritability and depression.
• Pamper yourself a bit. Treat yourself to a day at the spa, a manicure or a new hairstyle. Shopping can also be very therapeutic and mood-elevating.
• Seek out some new activities or interests. Get together with an old friend, or plan a party. Join a book club, or get involved with church activities—do something new and different, and you won’t have time to be depressed!

Treatment Options – Home and Herbal Remedies

When we look at this category, it seems easiest to divide the remedies into three groups: those that help with general aches and pains, those that help alleviate sexual dysfunction, and those that aid in dealing with memory problems and depression. The herbal remedies fall into two categories: non-estrogenic and phytoestrogens. Non-estrogenic herbs do not produce estrogen, but provide a supportive climate for hormonal glands so that they produce more estrogen. The phytoestrogens, like Black Cohosh, actually do produce estrogens.

Remedies for general aches and pains

By far, the most common complaint among menopausal women is hot flashes and/or night sweats. The drop in estrogen directly affects the hypothalamus, that area of the brain that controls body temperature. Blood vessels then dilate to try to control the heat, and profuse sweating and red, flushed skin are not unusual. Many women report wanting to tear off their clothes to relieve the discomfort. These remedies have been found to be somewhat effective, and not quite as drastic:

• 20-60 mg. of Black Cohosh
• Licorice powder
• Soy (Soy nuts, tofu, tempeh, soy milk, etc.)
• 3-4 gr of Chinese angelica tea (Dong quai)
• Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C (broccoli, melons, berries, apricots, etc.)
• Evening primrose oil
• Wear cotton clothing to bed
• Dress in layers
• Use air conditioning in summer
• Determine what triggers hot flashes and try to avoid (for example: alcohol, caffeine, etc.)
• Drink a bottle of beer (The hops contain phytoestrogens)

Another common complaint during menopause involves sleep disorders, which generally translates into a lack of sleep. It is estimated that almost 60% of menopausal women experience insomnia at some point. Some of this may be due to the aforementioned hot flashes and night sweats, in which case some of the remedies for those things might help with the sleep issues. Apparently the fluctuations in hormone levels are what cause the sleeplessness—kind of like a ragtime band where one instrument hits a wrong note causing the entire band to be thrown off course.

Here are some remedies that can be effective when dealing with insomnia:

• Try to keep as normal a sleep routine as possible. Rise and go to bed at the same time every day.
• Keep the bedroom cool and dark.
• Use your bed for sleeping, not watching television or playing video games.
• Exercise as often as possible. Yoga is particularly effective in helping you to relax.
• Avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine later in the day.
• Eat a low-fat diet, and avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates late in the day.
• Drink warm milk or chamomile tea before going to bed.
• Dress in “cool” night clothes.

If things don’t improve, see your doctor or a sleep disorder specialist.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a serious disease that involves loss of bone mass. Because the bones are weakened, they become brittle and fractures may easily occur, sometimes affecting life style and life expectancy. Menopausal women are at increased risk for osteoporosis because they have stopped producing large amounts of estrogen, which protects the body from bone loss.

Preventive measures, or remedies to offset osteoporosis, should begin well before the onset of menopause. Taking 600 mg. of calcium with vitamin D twice a day, should probably begin when a woman enters her 40’s. Other remedies would include:

• Exercising regularly. Weight-bearing exercise is particularly beneficial.
• Not smoking, or stopping if you do.
• Eating a balanced diet, rich in calcium and green, leafy vegetables.
• Drinking alcohol not at all or in moderation.

Remedies for Sexual Dysfunction

One of the most debilitating effects of a lack of estrogen can be vaginal dryness. This can create a great deal of physical discomfort for a woman in a sexual relationship, as well as damage her self esteem. Hormonal changes can affect the walls of the vagina and the glands that provide lubrication, thus making intercourse a painful experience. Many strides have been made in this area, and the remedies listed below may be helpful:

Several gels on the market can alleviate dryness. Some of the brands are Astroglide, Koromex and K-Y Jelly. Surgical gels are also a good choice as they help prevent bacterial infection.

Gyne-Moistrin and Replens are creams that actually plump, or provide moisture to the vaginal cells, thus relieving dryness. They can be used both internally and externally to provide more comfort during intercourse.

• Prescription hormonal creams and pills will be discussed in the Drug and Pharmaceutical category.
• Vitamins A and E are important in maintaining vaginal health.
• Vitamin E can also help with breast tenderness.
• A Calendula douche can be helpful in treating vaginal dryness.
• The urinary tract and vaginal muscles can be strengthened with pelvic floor exercises.
• Dong Quai and Black Cohosh can help to achieve hormonal balance, thus alleviating dryness.
• Take time to communicate your needs to your partner and be willing to experiment with new ideas in your sexual practices.

Remedies for Depression and Memory Problems

There is little question that all of us experience stress in our daily lives, but when hormones fluctuate during menopause, it can seem overwhelming. It’s no wonder that some women may experience moments of forgetfulness and have difficulty concentrating. Today’s menopausal woman is often a member of the sandwich generation. This refers to raising your own children while taking care of aging parents. Sometimes this occurs in a subsequent fashion, sometimes at the exact same time, but whenever it happens, it certainly adds stress to your life. In addition to all the normal responsibilities that most women shoulder—taking care of family, housekeeping, cooking, working at a job outside the home, financial worries, etc., it is no wonder that many women become depressed when menopause comes along.

There is no magic formula to fix these problems, but here are some remedies that may help:

1. Reach out to others and compare experiences . Join a support group through your church or community, or ask your doctor to recommend one. Studies have shown that support groups can be uplifting and helpful in solving problems or stress-related issues. A support group may also keep you informed about the latest research in specific problem areas. Also, a good online website is Redhotmamas.com.

2. Talk, informally, to other women going through menopause. It helps to not feel alone, and you might stumble on some new ideas that will benefit you. If possible, speak to a woman who is older than you, who has been dealing with menopause for several years.

3. Eat a well-balanced diet, exercise, and try to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

4. Certain herbs and minerals can be helpful in improving memory and achieving emotional balance. Vitamins A and B complex and the mineral, Selenium, fall into this category. St. John’s Wort, ginkgo biloba, garden sage and dandelion root also claim to help with depression. Common spices such as garlic, cayenne pepper and ginger seem to have phytoestrogenic properties.

5. Music and dance have proven to be powerful anti-depressants, especially when coupled with aerobic exercise.

6. Exposure to 10-15 minutes of sunlight every day provides emotional and physical benefits.

7. Of course, if you have tried some of these remedies and not had some measure of success, see your doctor. Depression is a serious disease, and should never be taken lightly. Your doctor can determine whether anti-depressant drugs may help, and/or he may refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other specialist.

Further Alternative Treatments (Supportive Remedies)

Some experts would argue that the following remedies for menopausal discomforts would fit better into the Home and Herbal category, or maybe not in any category at all! However, these practices have been found to be helpful in many instances in reference to pain and supporting emotional well-being. They include:

• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Hypnosis
• Aromatherapy

The three categories that we have explored thus far—Healthy Living, Home and Herbal Remedies and Further Alternative Treatments, have almost no, or very little risk, and are relatively inexpensive. The final category, Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, will involve higher risks and greater costs.

Drug and Pharmaceutical Remedies

The most well-known treatment in this final categoy is HRT, or Hormone Replacement Therapy. This provides relief for almost all menopausal symptoms from hot flashes to depression and beyond. Generally speaking, women who have no uterus would be treated with estrogen, and women who still have a uterus would receive estrogen and progestins in a pill or patch form. This was pretty much the Utopia of menopause remedies, but unfortunately, it is now rarely used.

In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative of the National Institutes of Health completed a study that found that incidences of breast cancer, strokes and heart attacks increased in women that underwent this treatment. Secondary side effects included blood clots, urinary incentinence and gallstones. At this point, the Journal of the American Medical Association recommended that HRT be used for as little time as possible, if at all, in treating menopausal symptoms.

However, Estrogen creams and tablets like Estrace and Vagi-fem are often used to help relieve vaginal dryness and make intercourse more comfortable. Estring is a type of flexible ring that inserts into the vagina to dispense estrogen into the vaginal canal. These medications provide a low dose of estrogen, but it should be noted that some of it is absorbed systemically into other body cells.

Brand Name Drugs

There are now several drugs on the market that are used to treat osteoporosis. Some brand names are Fosamax and Boniva. These drugs are bisphosphonates, which help prevent the breakdown of bones, and thus help to strengthen them. Often they are taken along with calcium and vitamin D. Some side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, weakness and gastric upsets. Injections of these drugs are available for women with esophageal problems.

Menopausal symptoms can be treated with a variety of prescription drugs, some which may seem surprising, given the symptom. For example, Clonidine is usually used to treat high blood pressure, but has been found to be helpful in alleviating hot flashes. Some anti-depressants such as paroxetine and sertraline also make this claim, as does Gabapentin, an anti-seizure drug. And of course, there are many anti-depressants that can be prescribed for mood swings, anxiety and depression.

These drug and phamaceutical treatments carry a higher risk, and generally, come at a higher cost, than the remedies in the first 3 categories. Overall, the medical community seems to feel that a combination of remedies from these categories, using those with the highest risk sparingly, is the best approach to alleviating menopausal discomfort. Research continues in hopes of providing the means to a more comfortable menopausal experience for today’s woman.

What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia, rather than being a specific disease, is something of a catch-all term to describe respiratory distress brought on by a number of different causes, all of which have the same end result. The lungs experience potentially hazardous levels of inflammation, usually brought on by bacterial, viral or fungal infection. In some cases, chemicals or accidentally inhaled fluids may also lead to pneumonia.

No matter what the origin may be, pneumonia is characterized by inflammation of the alveoli. The alveoli are microscopic air sacs within the sponge-like tissue of the lungs. Infections or irritants can cause these sacs to become swollen and blocked with fluid or pus. When this happens, breathing is restricted and the body becomes starved for adequate oxygen. Without treatment, pneumonia can worsen significantly, necessitating hospitalization and even causing death. Of the more than three million people who will contract pneumonia, 150,000 will die. That is why early detection, varied treatment options and ultimately, preventative care are important

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia can progress from very mild to life threatening. It is often mistaken for the flu until the illness worsens to a serious health threat. Most commonly, you’ll have a persistent, phlegm-producing cough in which blood may be present, and shortness of breath. Many people experience chills, sweats and fever, headaches and muscle pain. In severe cases, you may even feel nausea and diarrhea set in.

Because the term “pneumonia” describes a condition that can have a variety of origins the exact combination of symptoms will vary from one case to the next. Your individual health profile is also a pivotal determining factor in how pneumonia symptoms will present themselves.

Who Gets Pneumonia?

In a given year, over 3 million people will get pneumonia with fifty percent of those infected needing hospitalization. Years ago, more than a third of those who contracted pneumonia would die from it. Thanks to the introduction of modern antibiotics, the mortality rate for pneumonia has gone down to 5%, with many people capable of receiving treatment at home.

Those at greatest risk for getting pneumonia are:

The Elderly

People over the age of 65 are at much greater risk. In the elderly population, pneumonia often exhibits much subtler symptoms than in teens and adults. Therefore, it is extremely important to see a doctor if you notice any sings of infection.

Young children

Young children with still-developing bodies may not yet have acquired the full complement of antibodies their immune systems need to fight infection. Parents should be particularly watchful for early signs if their child has a history of respiratory conditions like as asthma. As with the elderly, symptoms of pneumonia in children tend to be milder, and therefore risk being mistaken for flu.

People whose immune systems have been weakened by illness

If your immune system has been compromised by an illness, whether chronic or acute, opportunistic varieties of pneumonia can be a threat. Sources of immunological distress may include things like a recent illness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (C.O.P.D.), cardiovascular disease, emphysema, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, extreme stress, or even prescription medicines. All of these conditions tax the immune system, leaving your immune system too depleted to resist further infection.

Individuals taking immunosuppressant medicines

Immunosuppressive drugs are prescribed for people who have had organ and tissue transplants and those with autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis, ulcerative colitis (Crohn’s disease), arthritis and multiple sclerosis. All of these are characterized by the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues or cells.

Organ transplant recipients

In the case of an organ transplant, the body may mistakenly react to the new organ as though it is a hostile invader. This erroneous response may cause the rejection of the transplanted organ. By blocking these reactions in the immune system, immunosuppressive drugs protect the new organ, greatly reducing the likelihood of rejection and making such preventative treatment essential to the long-term survival of a transplant recipient.

Autoimmune Disease

An autoimmune disorder is a malfunction of the immune system in which the body attacks its own tissues, or hyper-reacts to substances with which you come into contact. Chronic autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis are usually crippling and can even be fatal. Dulling the activity of the immune system serves to protect the body from dysfunctional internal responses while also reducing the discomfort. Sadly, the almost universal trade off in using such drugs is that they cause increased vulnerability to infections.

People who have recently undergone chemotherapy

Chemotherapy targets cells in the body that multiply rapidly. However, it does so indiscriminately, meaning that non-cancerous cells are also harmed. While this is clearly ideal for halting the growth of fast-growing tumors, it also reduces the number of white blood cells available in the blood stream and lymphatic system. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, serve immunological functions that range from protecting the body from bacteria, fungi and parasites, to limiting inflammation. Since all of these factors commonly precede pneumonia, the additional vulnerability caused by chemotherapy requires vigilance by both patient and physician.

Smoking and Alcohol Abuse

Smoking causes severe damage to the cilia within the nasal cavity and bronchial passages. Cilia are microscopic hairs that act as filters for the airways. They prevent dust particles and other airborne irritants from making their way into the delicate lungs. By beating in a wave-like manner, they gently move natural secretions and irritants out of the airway before they can cause harm. Smoking causes paralysis of these important filtration devices, allowing secretions to build up and block the airways. If these secretions contain bacteria or other infectious agents, they can cause pneumonia.

Alcohol can adversely affect your gag reflex, preventing your body from expelling irritants to the throat, the shared pathway of the digestive and respiratory systems. Alcohol also slows the activity of white blood cells.

Additional Risk Factors

Hospitalization in an Intensive Care Unit

Patients in intensive care units of their hospital are already in a state of acute physical and often, emotional distress that can have a negative effect on their immunity to pathogens. Moreover, should they be placed on artificial ventilation, their risk of getting pneumonia rises significantly. The breathing tube inserted through the mouth bypasses much of the upper respiratory tract where many of the respiratory system’s defense mechanisms reside. It prevents the patient from coughing and can also cause the contents of the stomach to back up and be inhaled accidentally. When these contents contain pathogens or irritate the tissue of the lungs, pneumonia can develop.

Surgery or Traumatic Injury

People who have recently had surgery or any kind of traumatic injury are at increased risk. Their lack of mobility, especially if they have to lie on their back, can make it difficult to cough end expel accumulated mucus from the lungs. Immobility can also impede the proper circulation of lymph through the body. Lymph is the body’s natural cleaning system. It cleans dead cells and pathogens from the bloodstream and tissues. When its circulation is not optimal, your resistance to infection is also reduced.

These issues, as well as the increased presence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in hospitals may explain why pneumonia acquired during a hospital stay tends to be more severe than other kinds.

Inhaling corticosteriods for more than 24 weeks

Corticosteroids are prescribed as a treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, according to research published by Johns Hopkins in the Journal of the American Medical Association, they increase the risk of pneumonia by as much as 46%. Although the exact reason is not certain, researchers at the university speculate that inhaled corticosteroids suppress the immune system.

Exposure to Chemicals or Environmental Pollutants

Those who work in the industrial, agricultural, military or building industries may be exposed to chemicals which cause inflammation within the lungs, making it hard for your body to keep them clear. Living in areas with high levels of pollution can also increase the risk of getting pneumonia.

Ethnicity

The rate of pneumonia infection is three times higher in African Americans than in Caucasians. In Native American populations, that number jumps up to being 5-10 times that of whites. According to the Center for Disease Control, the mortality rate for Native American infants with pneumonia is double that of the general U.S. population. For this reason, many contemporary allopathic medical practitioners recommend vaccinations for those whose ethnicity places them in a higher risk category.

Causes and Types of Pneumonia

Pathogens

The term pathogen refers to any cause of disease, but most commonly refers to infectious agents. These include bacteria, viruses and fungi. Certain opportunistic infectious organisms can cause severe, even deadly, forms of pneumonia and can affect even healthy people. Examples include the avian flu virus (H1N1 influenza) and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), tuberculosis, anthrax, and plague.

Community-acquired pneumonia

This refers to pneumonia acquired in places people frequent in their everyday lives. Places like your child’s nursery school, your gym, public transportation and your office can be hosts to two types of bacteria which cause pneumonia. The first, streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of pneumonia. The other, mycoplasma pneumoniae causes the mild form of pneumonia which is usually referred to as “walking pneumonia.”

Hospital-acquired pneumonia

Pneumonia contracted during a hospital stay, called nosocomial pneumonia, is usually more serious than other varieties. Hospital-acquired pneumonia is only diagnosed if pneumonia symptoms present themselves at least 48 hours after you are admitted. One subtype within this category is post-operative pneumonia, most common in patients over 70, who have undergone chest or abdominal surgeries. Another subcategory is health-care associated pneumonia, found in people whose health requires them to go to dialysis centers or chronic care clinics where medications are administered by intravenous drip (I.V.).

Medical Tests and Diagnosis

When to Consult a Physician

Pneumonia can be life threatening. If you suspect that you may have it, it is very important to see a qualified physician before your symptoms become severe. If you have a history of respiratory conditions, it is even more essential that you seek out medical expertise right away, since the early stage symptoms can be quite mild, and easily mistaken for a cold or flu. If you are recovering from a cold or flu which suddenly becomes worse, you should see your doctor to rule out pneumonia. If you are experiencing an inexplicable fever over 102ºF, especially if it is accompanied by chills and sweating, and if you have an ongoing cough or shortness of breath, it is time to enlist professional assistance.

Elderly adults, young children, and all those in high risk populations need quick attention since their conditions can progress rapidly from mild to dangerous.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pneumonia is made based on several factors. First your physician will consider your health history, particularly whether you have a history of respiratory illnesses. Next, he or she will use a stethoscope to listen to your lungs. Crunchy or bubbly breathing sounds may indicate the presence of fluid accumulation in the lungs. If your doctor detects them, a chest x-ray may be ordered. The x-ray images can confirm with certainty whether you have pneumonia while also allowing your doctor to pinpoint the exact location of the infection. Sometimes, your doctor may also take blood and mucus samples. Analysis of your blood will tell your physician whether your white blood cell count is healthy, while mucus specimens will reveal the exact pathogen behind the infection. Knowing whether the origin of pneumonia was a specific bacterial infection or virus allows your doctor to treat you more quickly and accurately.

How is pneumonia treated?

Treatment of pneumonia is determined by matching the origin of the illness to the proper medication, or other means of healing.

Bacterial

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.

Viral

If a virus caused the infection, your doctor might prescribe antiviral medication. However, it is much more common for no drugs, but plenty of rest and fluids to be the recommended.

Fungal

If your infection was caused by fungi, antifungal medications are available.

It is essential that you take medications exactly the manner your doctor has prescribed. Use the entire prescription to ensure that no remnants of the illness remain in your system.

Side Effects

Side effects from antibiotics, antiviral and antifungal drugs can include stomach upset, anemia, headaches, rashes, kidney damage and liver damage.

Alternative Treatments

Because pneumonia can be life threatening, you should seek the advice of a medical doctor before using alternative care exclusively. Alternative treatments should be complementary to medical care, rather than replacing it completely. In cases when no pharmaceutical prescription is offered, alternative remedies can offer an excellent source of added support and comfort as your body recovers. For individuals who are at a higher risk of getting pneumonia, alternative therapies like herbs and acupuncture are excellent preventative tools.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses precise placement of nearly invisible needles to stimulate and balance the flow of bio-electric energy through the body. Its effects bolster immunity, strengthen your lungs and clear excess mucus from your body. Acupuncture practitioners typically have a master’s degree in their art and will do a very detailed exam to determine the best way to assist you. Clinical studies continue to find evidence which supports acupuncture as effective and gentle, and its acceptance in the medical community continues to grow.

Side Effects

Rare. Acupuncture may cause minor, temporary tenderness at the site of needle insertion. Post-treatment, patients may be lightheaded.

Costs

$60-$125 per treatment

Garlic

Garlic is one of the few treatments proven in clinical studies to have an antiviral effect. Since doctors frequently do not prescribe any pharmaceutical medications for pneumonia of viral origin, garlic may be a valuable source of additional support. Herbalists also use garlic to reduce fever and support the cardiovascular system. Garlic supplements should be taken according to a manufacturer’s recommended dosage or the advice of a qualified herbalist. It is useful as a preventative agent as well as a home remedy during an active illness.

Side Effects

Garlic users may notice an odor in the sweat or breath. Garlic may have a very mild blood thinning effect, so excessive intake should be avoided in those who have very low blood pressure or clotting issues.

Cost

$7-$10

Lobelia

Lobelia is a bronchial dilator, meaning it dilates or opens the bronchial passages to ease restricted breathing. It is available in tincture form, with a recommended initial dosage of 10 drops per day.

Side effects

Lobelia is a strong emetic, meaning it can cause nausea in sensitive individuals.

Cost

$10-25

Lungwort

Lungwort is an expectorant, meaning that it clears mucus. In Chinese medicine, it is also considered an emollient, making it a potentially soothing substance. It is known for its gentleness, making it safe even for children. In widely published medical studies, it is praised for potent antibacterial action against strep, staph, and other organisms associated with tuberculosis and pneumonia. When taken in tincture form, 2-4 droppers per day are recommended.

Side effects

None

Cost

$10-25

Preventing Pneumonia

Prevention is the best avenue for avoiding the complications of pneumonia. With more and more treatment resistant strains of bacteria and viruses emerging in recent times, prevention is your most effective line of defense. Any means of strengthening your body’s natural resistance to infection are invaluable. If you have risk factors for pneumonia, like asthma, G.E.R.D., or smoking addiction, resolving those issues will also reduce your vulnerability to infection. For those in high-risk categories, such as the elderly and young children, vaccination may be recommended.

Poison ivy is notorious for causing skin irritation and rashes. When this happens, it is called allergic contact dermatitis. A person will generally experience this because poison ivy has an irritant in it that humans are sensitive to, and it is also found in other kinds of toxic plants, such as poison sumac or poison oak. The irritant that is present in these toxic plants is an oily kind of resin that is called urushiol. This is what causes rashes and irritates the skin in the process.

Though a person will certainly be bothered with the itchiness that occurs from a rash from poison ivy, there is the peace of mind that a rash from poison ivy, poison sumac or poison oak is really never very serious. There are several methods that can be done at home to relieve the symptoms of the dermatitis until it goes away on its own.

Symptoms

A person should suspect that poison ivy is to blame if any of the following symptoms are present:

• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Blisters

Due to the way that a plant generally brushes against a person’s skin, the rash will probably appear to be in a straight line. However, it is possible for the rash to be more widespread if a person brushes against any kind of pet fur or clothing that happens to have urushiol coated on it.

After coming into contact with urushiol, a reaction will develop about 48 hours later, at the most. It has the potential to last upwards of two months, depending. How severe the dermatitis rash is ultimately depends on how much urushiol was involved in the contact.

In cases with more severity involved, there may be other rashes that appear a few days after a person was first exposed to the resin, and it will probably look as if though it is beginning to spread. However, this is probably not the case; it is more probable that the skin simply absorbed the resin at a stranger rate than normal.

The skin will not be affected unless it comes in direct contact with urushiol from the plant. If a person scratches the blisters and they pop, the rash will not spread from touching the fluid. However, if they are dirty fingernails with germs underneath, there is the risk of another bacterial infection.

When to See a Doctor

If any of the following instances occur, it is recommended to see a medical professional for assistance:

• The reaction is widespread or otherwise severe.
• The rash is located on a sensitive area, such as the mouth, eyes or genitals.
• The blisters are beginning to seep pus.
• A fever begins to develop of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37.8 degrees Celsius.
• The rash remains after several weeks.

Causes

The three main causes of developing a dermatitis rash and the itchiness that follows include poison ivy, poison oak, as well as poison sumac.

1. Poison ivy is a plant that looks like weeds and is actually very common. This kind of green will usually grow as a tall, thick vine against a tree, a bush or a regular plant. There is usually a triplet of leaflets to every stem. Some might have a toothy, jagged appearance to them and some will have edges that are smoother than that. When the seasons change, the leaves might change their color to red, orange or yellow. It is possible for them to show little flowers that are green or berries that are green and white.
2. Similar to poison ivy, there may be triplets of leaflets to every stem of poison oak, which might grow on a plant or as a bush. The leaves look quite like oak leaves and might include some berries which are yellow and white.
3. Poison sumac as two different rows of leaves growing on each stem, with one at the top. It might grow as a small tree or look like a bush.

No matter what the plant, urushiol, the oily resin, is the cause of irritation in all of them. Even if the smallest amount of the resin touches the skin, it may cause a reaction. This is due to the fact that the resin does not dry and is a very sticky substance, meaning that it has no difficulty affixing itself to pet fur, tools, skin, equipment or clothing.

It is possible to get a poison ivy rash from any of the following instances:

• Direct touch. When a person directly touches the berries, the leaves, the roots or the stems of a vine, plant or a shrub, there might be a sensitive reaction.
• Resin remaining on the skin. If the resin gets on the skin by accident and is rubbed in, there may be a sensitive reaction. To illustrate, if a person walks through poison ivy leaves and touches their shoes, it is possible for the resin to get transferred to the hands, from which it may transfer elsewhere, such as the face, depending on what the person touched or rubbed after that.
• Resin on an object. If a person touches resin that was on firewood, clothing or other items, they are at risk of developing a sensitive reaction. Pets are not typically affected by the resin but a person who pets the animal while there is resin on the fur may develop a rash. It is possible for the resin to retain is allergenic state for several years, and this is especially true if it remains in a dry environment. For example, if a jacket is contaminated and put into a closet without having been washed, it might still cause a reaction if a person touches it when taking it out a year later.
• Inhaling the smoke of burned sumac, oak or ivy plants. The resin in the plants are still present in the smoke when it burns, and it has the potential risk of injuring the nasal passages and the eyes.

When a person gets a rash from poison ivy, it is not contagious in itself. This is because the blister fluid does not have the resin and it will not cause a rash to spread. Likewise, one person cannot contract a rash from an infected person unless that person has resin remaining on their clothing and the first person comes into direct contact with it.

Complications

If a person has dirty fingernails and scratches a blistering rash from poison ivy, it can cause a bacterial infection to develop. If this occurs, it may result in the blisters oozing pus. It is necessary to see a medical professional in the event that this occurs, since treatment for such an infection will normally involve antibiotics.

Preparing for an Appointment

In the event that a rash results from poison ivy, there will probably be no need to see a medical professional for any kind of treatment. However, if the rash remains after several weeks or there seems to be pus coming out from the blisters, then an infected person will benefit from a trip to the doctor. It is possible that a person may be redirected to a dermatologist, whose specialties lie with disorders of the skin, but try the primary physician first.

Appointments have a tendency to be brief due to time constraints, and there is plenty of ground to cover, so it is wise to make sure that all preparations are made beforehand. This section intends to showcase some of the best ways for a person to be fully prepared for their time spent at the doctor’s office, as well as what they can come to expect from the visit.

What Can Be Done

• Get a notepad and write down all of the symptoms that have been occurring, even if they seem to not be directly related to the reason for having scheduled the visit.
• Write down all of the information that will be handy to have, such as how much time has been spent in the outdoors, what vacations were recently taken, if a person has been landscaping, gardening or hiking.
• Write down any and all vitamins, supplements and medications that are currently being taken, and write down the typical dosage that is taken.
• Write down all desired questions.

The time spent at the appointment will be limited, so it is best to prepare some questions in advance to reserve time to cover other points. For a patient suffering from a poison ivy rash, some of these questions may be beneficial to ask:

• What is likely causing these symptoms?
• Are there any other potential reasons?
• Will there be any tests?
• How long until this rash goes away?
• Is it safe to scratch?
• Can scratching spread the rash?
• Can the blister fluid spread the rash?
• What kind of treatment is there and which comes recommended?
• Does this treatment come with any side effects?
• How can the itching be brought under control?
• How can this be prevented?

What to Expect

The doctor will probably also have a few questions to ask, as well, such as:

• When the symptoms begin to appear?
• Have any similar rashes occurred before?
• Has the outdoors been visited recently?
• What kind of treatment has already been attempted?

What to Do in the Meantime
Poison ivy rashes will go away in time. However, it can be difficult trying to deal with the itching. Some of the following steps can be done to help alleviate the problem:

• Use some over the counter corticosteroid cream during the initial days.
• Use calamine lotion.
• Take diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) or any other oral antihistamine that will help aid sleep.
• Soak in a bath with cool water and either baking soda or some kind of colloidal oatmeal substance, like Aveeno.
• For half an hour several times each day, take a cool and wet object and compress it to the rash.

Tests and Diagnosis

More often than not, a rash from poison ivy does not require any further medical assistance. However, in the event that an appointment is made, the doctor will be able to make a diagnosis simply from looking at the rash. There is no need to perform any additional tests.

Treatments and Drugs

Most treatments for poison ivy involve methods to perform at home, with the rash giving away and disappearing within two to four weeks. During that time period, it is possible to use different remedies to help relieve the itching and other symptoms. These may include oatmeal baths, cool compresses and some anti-itch over the counter medications.

Prednisone or some other oral corticosteroid may be prescribed by a doctor in the event that many blisters appear or the rash is wide in location. Other treatments may include an oral antibiotic prescriptions in the event that the site of the rash develops some kind of bacterial infection.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

After a rash has come to fruition, some of the following remedies have been known to alleviate the swelling and the itching:

• Calamine lotion
• Low potency over the counter corticosteroid creams, including hydrocortisone, which are then applied two to four times each day.
• Diphenhydraine (Benadryl, others), or some other kind of oral histamine, which are known to help aid sleeping
• Half hour long cool and wet compresses on the site of the rash
• Tub soaks with cool water and baking soda or over the counter colloidal oatmeal substance, such as Aveeno.

Alternative Medicine

Outside of the measures that can be done at home, such as taking a bath with some oatmeal, there are other methods that people tend to seek out in order to relieve their symptoms that arise due to coming into contact with sumac, ivy or oak. Some attempted medicine includes:

• Jewelweed. Though a study found it was not effective, it was once used by Native Americans in an attempt to relieve poison ivy symptoms.
• Bovine cartilage cream, with five percent concentration. Studies have shown that if this kind of cream is used on a daily basis, the poison ivy rash can disappear in less than two weeks.
• Deodorants with aluminum ahlorohydrate. When this deodorant is used prior to going outdoors, it can effectively lead to the prevention of irritated skin when coming into contact with poison ivy resin. However, it is still a good idea to fully wash any clothes and skin in the event that contact may have been made.

Prevention

Many people remember the phrase “leaves of three, let them be,” and it is good that they remember such a thing. This is because many toxic plants, poison ivy included, have a triplet of leaflets on each of their stems, and avoiding contact with them is the best way that a person can prevent from catching an allergic reaction.

There is plenty of advice to follow with regards to avoid rashes:

• Make sure to learn and fully be able to identify what poison sumac, poison oak and poison ivy look like. Learn the characteristics of each leaf and where they are most likely to be found.
• Be careful while outside. It is possible to be exposed to poison ivy while hiking, so try to keep on pathways that are clear. Pitch the tent while camping in a clear area without poisonous plants. Do not let pets run through the woods so that they do not pick up the resin from the plants that can be touched. Give the pet a bath with long rubber gloves if it is believed he or she came into contact with resin.
• Use herbicide to destroy any poison ivy that is growing in the backyard using long rubber gloves. However, it is important to note that even a dead plant can cause a reaction on skin, so remember to wash both the hands and the gloves vigorously. Do not burn any of the plants when they are pulled out, because the resin will remain in the smoke and have the potential to injure the nostrils or the eyes.
• If anything should get contaminated or is believed to be, wash it. It is possible to protect the skin by wearing shoes, long socks, long pants and gloves, but if it is believed that these clothes have come into direct contact with the resin in poison ivy, immediately wash them with detergent, preferably in a washing machine. Carefully handle the clothes so the resin does not transfer to appliances, furniture or rugs.
• Wash any and all items that might be contaminated as well, including jewelry, garden tools, shoes and their shoelaces or outdoor gear. If immediate washing is not possible, try to seal them up in a container or a plastic bag so that they will not contaminate anything else that they might have otherwise touched. It is possible for dry cleaning to eliminate the irritant, but it is important to let the dry cleaner know ahead of time that the clothing has likely come into contact with a toxic plant so that they can take the precautions necessary to handle it.

The common cold, also known as upper respiratory tract infection, acute viral rhinopharyngitis, acute coryza, or simply cold, is the one of the most prevalent illnesses in America. It is also the number one reason that people visit their doctors. Depending on the type of virus, symptoms and duration of cold will vary. Some people are more susceptible to colds, and might even contract them several times in a given year.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the common cold, only relief for its symptoms. However, colds are generally mild and manageable, and often do go away by itself over a short period of time. There are also a variety of over-the-counter and prescribed medications that can help relieve the symptoms as well.

Symptoms

Colds may exhibit any or all of the following symptoms:

Runny nose

In the beginning, mucous is often clear and thin. Over the course of the cold, mucous might thicken and become yellow and greenish in color.

Sneezing

Sneezing might occur constantly throughout the first few days and lessens over the next few days.

Nasal congestion

This is also known as a “stuffy nose” caused by the build-up of mucous in the nasal passages. Congestion can cause some discomfort in breathing and sleeping at night.

Watery eyes

Watery, itchy and red eyes can all be symptoms of the cold. Beware of excessive rubbing, which might allow bacteria to enter eyes and cause an infection.
Headaches

It is also common to develop headaches or head colds. This might be a result of a natural response in which cytokines are released by your immune system to attack the virus.

Sore Throat

Colds can cause soreness or scratchiness in the throat, making it painful to swallow and talk. Sore throat is one of the early symptoms in the onset of a cold. It could worsen if drainage from the nose or the sinuses irritates the throat, causing an infection.

Low fever

Fevers accompanying colds are usually under 102 degrees and last for a short period of time. A high fever might indicate influenza (flu), which is more severe and lasts for a longer time.

Cough

The excess mucous from the cold often irritates the throat, causing a need to cough. This symptom usually exhibits later on over the course of the cold and can persist for a much longer time, even after all other symptoms disappear.

Mild Muscle Aches

There might be a slight aching sensation throughout the body. The aches should be dull and mild enough to allow for normal body movement.

Fatigue

Fevers often cause a general feeling of tiredness and sleepiness. A person with a cold will feel a great need to rest and stay in bed.

Chills

A feeling of coldness or the need to shiver might present as a symptom. Chills usually accompany fevers and could persist until body temperature returns to normal.

Conjunctivitis

Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is the infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelids. The eyelids might look red and swollen and feel itchy and painful. There is often a yellowish discharge that can crust over the eye.

Causes

More than 200 viruses can cause the common cold. Rhinoviruses are the most common, accounting for 10 to 40 percent of all colds. The next most common group of virus is the coronavirus, which accounts for 20% of colds. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes about 10% of all colds. Colds are mainly spread by direct physical contact.

Sneezing and coughing allow the virus to pass from one person to another. It takes about eight to twelve hours for the virus to replicate after initial contact. For the first cold symptoms to develop, it might take anywhere from ten hours to five days. The duration of a cold is typically a few days to a week. However, a cold can last up to 3 weeks, while symptoms such as coughing can last up to a month.

Risk Factors

Children are highly susceptible to colds. They are constantly in physical contact with other children, making it easier for the virus to spread. Also there is a greater tendency for children to rub their eyes and noses, allowing the virus to enter their bodies. Children are more likely to have more severe symptoms such as persistent coughing and pink eye. They are also at a greater risk for ear infections due to the worsening of cold symptoms.

Some people work in fields that put them at a higher risk for colds, such as teachers and other school personnel that work with children. Working in crowded indoor settings or with large groups of people also increases the risk of contracting the virus.

Parents are also more likely to contract colds from their children. Mothers are twice as likely to catch the cold than fathers.

Although smoking does not cause colds, it increases the risk of contracting a cold. It can also extend the duration of a cold for a few days.

The risk for contracting a cold is highest during the wintertime. One of the reasons is that people tend to be indoors more, allowing for the virus to spread quickly from one person to another. Some studies have also shown that the cold virus lives longer in cold air, making winter a likelier time for the virus to spread.

Prevention Tips

• Wash your hands with soap and water as often as possible. Regular soap works just as well as antibacterial soap. If washing is not possible, the use of hand sanitizers or antibacterial gels can also prevent colds.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze with a tissue or handkerchief. Do not use your hands. Teach children to cough or sneeze into their elbows if they do not have a tissue on hand.
• Smoke less. Smoking can lower your immune system’s ability to fight off viruses, increasing your chances of contracting a cold.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Just like smoking, alcohol also suppresses your immune system, making you more susceptible to the virus.
• Drink more water. Keep your body healthy by constantly rehydrating and drinking water.
• Sleep more. A lack of sleep might weaken your body’s defenses against viruses. Get plenty of rest and stay relaxed.
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain the necessary vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

There are no specific tests that indicate whether you have the cold virus. Since colds are quite common and nonthreatening, tests are often done to rule out other possibilities instead.

Influenza or the flu is similar to the cold virus, but exhibits much more severe symptoms. Fever is usually much higher (over 102 degrees) and is accompanied with greater body aches and chills. A person with a cold might feel weaker than usual but can still fulfill simple everyday tasks. However, a person with the flu will feel extreme fatigue that prevents him or her from getting out of bed. A person diagnosed with the flu will need more bed rest and a longer absence from work or school.

A strep test might be administered to determine whether a sore throat is caused by the streptococcal bacteria or the cold virus. Strep throat can have serious long term effects and require antibiotics for treatment. Usually there are clear indications for strep, such as yellow and white patches in the back of the throat. There is usually a high fever of over 101 degrees, as oppose to a low fever for colds.

Allergies can also mimic colds, with excessive sneezing, runny nose or nasal congestion. Although either condition will eventually subside by itself, allergies can be treated with antihistamines for quick relief. Allergies often involve itchiness of the eyes and nose, and are not accompanied by fevers and coughs.

Sinusitis is the inflammation or infection of the sinuses. Although colds do not directly cause sinusitis, their symptoms might. An excessive build-up of fluids in the sinus cavity can lead to infection. Usually there is pain around the eyes, nose and cheekbone area. Antibiotics can be used to treat sinusitis.

Treatment Options

Herbal and Home Remedies

Although there is no cure for the cold virus, there are many herbal and home remedies that can help relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of a cold. Most of them are safe, cost-effective and worth a try.

Water and Hot Fluids

Although water does not flush the cold out of your system like many people believe, it helps keep your body hydrated. This is especially important when you have a cold, since your body might be worn out and dehydrated. Drinking water can also loosen congestion and build-up in your throat. Hot fluids such as tea help relieve symptoms such as sore throat and congestion.

Chicken Soup

Probably the most popular remedy for a cold, chicken soup might possibly have some scientific basis for relieving colds. Some studies have shown that chicken soup actually inhibits the inflammation of cells in the nasal passage, clearing up nasal congestion. Even if its effectiveness is debated, chicken soup is still a tasty and soothing remedy for those experiencing sore throat and a loss of appetite.

Saltwater

Gargling with saltwater often helps relieve soreness in the throat. Some believe that the use of salt reduce the swelling of the throat, thereby relieving the pain.

Echinacea

Echinacea is an herbal plant that was first used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. It has grown in popularity over the recent years and is used as a remedy to fight the common cold. It is also used as a supplement to prevent the onset of colds. The herb is available in pill or liquid form, and can even be made into a tea.

Research findings seemed to yield mixed results. Side effects are often minimal, though some people have developed allergic reactions from taking the supplement. If you experience shortness or difficulty in breathing, swelling or hives, stop taking it immediately. A person with any types of immunodeficiency or is currently on immunosuppressants should avoid taking echinacea. Echinacea is inexpensive and can be easily purchased at a health store or pharmacy.

Zinc

Zinc helps our bodies maintain a healthy immune system. Some people believe that taking zinc supplements shortens the duration of a cold. The supplement can be taken in as a pill, spray or lozenge. Since different studies yield different data, the results are still inconclusive.

It is advisable to take dosages of zinc as directed on label, since overdosing can be dangerous, interfering with the absorption and metabolism of other minerals in your body. Possible side effects include upset stomach, heartburn and nausea. Although less commonly experienced, some people have also reported fever, mouth sores, fatigue and sore throat. The average cost of the supplement ranges from $3-$25.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential to healthy bones, teeth and gums, and can be found in many types of fruits and vegetables. Some studies have shown that a high dose of vitamin C can reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. Others have shown that any benefits shown from the supplement might be a result of the placebo effect, whereby a person gets better from the mere belief that it is effective.

Again, data has been largely inconclusive from the scientific community. Although not dangerous, side effects of high doses of vitamin C include headache, nausea, vomiting, intestinal cramps, fatigue, insomnia, drowsiness and diarrhea. Risk for any major conditions is very low since vitamin C is water soluble and can easily pass through the body. Supplements can also be purchased at any health store and pharmacy in the price range of $5-25, depending on the brand, dosage and quantity.

Neti Pot

The neti pot is shaped like a kettle and is used for nasal irrigation, a process that existed centuries ago. The pot is filled with saline solution, which is in then poured into the nostril to flush out mucous and other irritants in the nasal cavity.

To use pot, tilt your head to one side and insert spout into nostril. Gently pour saline solution into nostril, which will then exit through the other nostril. The neti pot provides temporary relief and helps with nasal decongestion. They are available for purchase in pharmacies and homeopathic stores and costs between $10- $20.

Pharmaceutical Treatments

Analgesics/Pain Relievers

Analgesics or pain relievers do not kill the cold virus, but target cold symptoms. The most widely used analgesic is acetaminophen, which is the main ingredient of Tylenol. It is effective in reducing fevers, headaches, and muscle soreness. However, there are possible risks of liver or kidney damage in high dosages. Ibuprofen is another common pain reliever available over-the-counter at the pharmacy.

Popular brands containing ibuprofen as the active ingredient include Advil and Motrin. Side effects are rare and include anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, fatigue and upset stomach. Salicylate or aspirin is also widely used for reducing fever and pain. Similarly to the other analgesics, aspirin has few mild side effects including dizziness, heartburn, nausea, nervousness, and upset stomach.

All three types of pain relievers are available at pharmacies. Both brand name and generics are available and generally have the same intended effect. However, generic brands are usually much less expensive than the name brand and can cost less than half the price.

Cough Suppressants (Antitussives)

Cough suppressants or antitussives can provide relief for continuous coughing by reducing the urge to cough. Many people with the cold feel a tickling and itchy sensation in their throats, inducing them to cough. Antitussives are effective for dry coughs only. For wet coughs, expectorants are much more helpful. Cough suppressants are available in syrup form or as lozenges.

The active ingredient commonly used in cough suppressants is dextromethorphan. However, it has shown to be less effective in cough medications for children. Well-known brands containing dextromethorphan include Robitussin, NyQuil, Dimetapp, and Vicks, which can be purchased at any local pharmacy for under $10.

Possible side effects include itching/rashing, nausea, drowsiness, fever, hallucinations, vomiting, blurred vision and dilated pupils. Codeine is another ingredient used in cough suppressants. Since it is a much stronger ingredient, a prescription is required.

Expectorants

Expectorants, on the other hand, thin out the mucus that is blocking the airways to the lungs. This allows the mucous to be expectorated or coughed up and relieves the congestion in the chest cavity. To determine whether cough suppressants or expectorants should be used, figure out whether the cough is wet or dry. For wet coughs, expectorants are much more effective.

The active ingredient in most expectorants is guaifenesin, found in brands including Mucinex, Tussin, and Robitussin Chest Congestion. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant. Side effects include headache, dizziness, upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting.

Decongestants

Decongestants relieve the swelling in the nasal passages caused by an increase in mucous, clearing up congestion. They are usually available in two forms: pill or nasal spray. Pseudoephedrine is the active ingredient in decongestant medications such as Sudafed, and is also combined with analgesics to create many cold medications.

There are few side effects, including dizziness, restlessness, increased blood pressure and heart rate and irregular heartbeat. Nasal sprays allow for quick delivery of decongestants through the nose by constricting the blood vessels and openings nasal passages for immediate relief. They contain active ingredients such as oxymetazoline hydrocholoride (as in Afrin and Vicks Sinex) and phenylephrine hydrocholoride (as in Neo Synephrine and Dristan). People with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions and thyroid problems should avoid using the sprays.

Side effects, though uncommon, include dizziness, nervousness, and sleeplessness. Most sprays are available over-the-counter for under $10. However, Nasonex requires a doctor’s prescription.

Resources

WebMd.Com
CDC.Gov
EverydayHealth.Com

Celiac disease a little understood autoimmune syndrome that affects roughly 0.5% of the world’s population. Basically, it is an intolerance to the gluten found in grains such as wheat, rye, spelt, oats, barley, and its derivatives. Gluten is what gives dough its elastic texture. It is not a vital protein for the body. For individuals with this medical issue, any ingestion of a glutinous product will lead to an autoimmune response.

The body will attack the villi in the small intestine, destroying them and lessening the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Villi are microscopic, fingerlike projections arising from the lining of the small intestine, giving it more surface area, and giving the body more time to absorb nutrients. Over time, there is scarring of the small intestine, further reducing the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. While it can never be cured, it can be managed by simply adopting a totally gluten-free diet.

Alternative Names

• Celiac sprue
• Coeliac disease (British spelling)
• Nontropical sprue
• Gluten-sensitive enteropathy.
• Gluten intolerance

Symptoms

Symptoms of celiac disease vary greatly from person to person. This is one of the reasons that it is sometimes extremely difficult to diagnose. There is no stereotypical symptom to distinguish the syndrome. Only about 10% of those who have celiac disease present with the malabsorption symptoms that typify the disease. It seems to mimic many other disease states, often going undiagnosed for years. Some people have no symptomatology at all.

Gastrointestinal symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Abdominal distention
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bulky stools that are sticky, frothy, tan or gray and much fouler smelling than usual.

Stools are sticky in consistency due to the increased amount of fat that goes undigested and unabsorbed in the body, about 10 times more than normal. Children often have marked diarrhea and failure to thrive. Adults are more likely to have constipation and unexplained weight loss.

Other symptomology includes:

• Weakness
• Mouth sores
• Muscle cramping
• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Night blindness
• Weakened or discolored tooth enamel
• Edema
• Extremely dry skin and/or a rash called dermatitis herpetiformis
• Seizures
• Decreased ability to clot blood
• Easy bruising
• Nerve damage
• Anemia
• Amenorrhea
• Hair loss
• Lowered immunity.
• Mood changes such as depression, apathy, irritability or inability to focus often accompany the other symptoms.

Only when the gluten sensitivity is diagnosed and the source removed will the symptoms start to resolve themselves.

Causes & Risk Factors

The causes of this baffling disease are relatively unknown. The only predictors seem to be that it affects more females than males, more Caucasian/European than African-American, and is likely to be hereditary. Research has indicated that while anyone can have this syndrome, the risk multiplies if there is a medical history of:

• Type 1 diabetes, especially in children
• Any type of colitis but specifically microscopic colitis
• Down syndrome
• Autoimmune thyroid disease
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Grave’s disease
• Addison disease
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Scleroderma
• Myasthenia gravis
• Autism

Advances in gene mapping have identified genes that are likely associated with celiac disease – HLA-DQ2 and DQ8.

Prevention

Research has indicated that it might be possible to prevent this disease from occurring. However, as stated above, the exact etiology of this syndrome has not been discovered. A research study in Sweden looked at early developmental factors in those who are eventually diagnosed as celiac. The study focused on the duration of breastfeeding in addition to when gluten was first introduced and in what amount. While there were not any concrete results, the study does suggest a link between those factors and development of the disease.

Maintaining a gluten-free diet is really the only way to prevent onset, especially if a first-degree relative has the syndrome. Those with autoimmune disorders may want to adopt a gluten-free diet as well as gluten might aggravate the condition. And about 50% of autistic individuals have a form of gluten intolerance and so should eliminate grains in their diets as well. Sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome have been found to have fewer episodes when adopting a gluten-free diet, so the medical community has been advocating removing the offending grains as well.

Strong evidence suggests higher-than-normal stress responses can trigger the onset of celiac disease, especially if one or more of the risk factors are already present. Stress relief exercises such as imagery, journaling, aerobic exercise, tai chi, deep breathing, anger management, therapy, massage, and aromatherapy are effective against the damage of stress and help to manage the body’s reaction to stressors. Control of as many of those factors that lead to an autoimmune response is optimal.

Testing and Diagnostic Considerations

When celiac is suspected, it is necessary to utilize many different diagnostic tests in order to correctly identify celiac disease. Laboratory analysis is part of the diagnostic puzzle to differentiate celiac disease from other autoimmune or intestinal disorders.

Gene Markers

Experts have determined there are two genes HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 associated with celiac disease. This is especially important if there is a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling or even a second-degree relative such as aunts, uncles or cousins diagnosed with the disorder. Even if the test is positive, it just determines there is a better-than-average risk of acquiring it. Approximately a third of the population will test positive for either one or both of the genes. If the test is negative, however, there is no chance at all that celiac can develop during the lifetime.

Antibody Testing

Antibodies are proteins made by the B cells in the immune system to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents that attach to antigens or other foreign objects and either weaken it or destroy it. However, sometimes the body overproduces these antibodies in response to non-infectious agents or to its own tissues. Endomysium (EMA-IgA) and anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) are the antibody tests of choice. It measures the immune system response with the introduction of gluten to the body. These are considered very reliable indicators.

If both of these tests are abnormally elevated, there is a greater than 90% chance of having celiac disease. Used in the past, anti-gliadin (AGA-IgA and AGA-IgG) antibody test is no longer considered a useful diagnostic test but do help to monitor response to the gluten-free diet and other treatments.

Other Blood Tests

Other blood tests measure nutrient absorption, namely iron levels and low vitamin levels. Vitamin K is of particular importance. Vitamin K is necessary to the formation of clotting factors in the liver. When the body does not absorb enough vitamin K, blood clotting is markedly reduced, leading to risk of prolonged or abnormal bleeding. The prothrombin time blood test measures how long it takes the blood to clot.

Quantitative Stool Fat Determination

One of two stool tests used for celiac testing, the fecal fat test is the measurement of fat in the stool or the percentage not absorbed by the body. Stool is collected over a 24-hour period. The normal amount of fat excreted should not exceed 7 grams of fat per 24-hour period. Excessive amounts of fat found in the stool, known as steatorrhea can occur with many other conditions, so additional stool testing should be conducted.

Stool Antibody Testing

This is a fairly new test available in only one laboratory in the United States. It measures the anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) and anti-gliadin (AGA-IgA and AGA-IgG) antibodies in the stool.

Duodenal Biopsy

All of the above testing is important to test for gluten intolerance. A biopsy of the small intestine to establish the degree of damage to the villi, in addition to the above tests provides the conclusive evidence necessary to make the final diagnosis. Duodenal biopsy can be problematic as villous atrophy/destruction occurs in patches, so a too-small sampling will give incorrect results. In children under two years of age, the biopsy can be abnormal due to an allergy to cow’s milk, soy or viral gastroenteritis. In adults, a positive result could be indicative of HIV enteropathy or tropical sprue.

Treatment Options

Celiac disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed, mainly through a change in diet. It is the only way to reverse the damaging effects of the disease on the gastrointestinal system. Removing all forms of gluten in the diet will heal the body.

Gluten is found in wheat, rye, spelt, oats, barley and its derivatives. These grains are found in bread, cookies, cakes, noodles, pancakes, and waffles, along with many other foods.

They are also used as thickening agents in soups and gravies and as coatings for chicken, fish, french fries, etc. Gluten is hidden in a lot of processed foods, so it is essential that food labels are vigorously scanned.

Breads, other baked goods, and pasta are available for those who are gluten intolerant in health food stores and even in some mainstream grocery stores. However, these tend to be much more expensive. Other sources of gluten include cosmetics, household products, and medications. Care also needs to be taken in restaurants as well, erring on the side of caution when ordering fried dishes, desserts, or meals that come with gravy or pasta.

This major lifestyle change is demanding and challenging at first. Symptoms of withdrawal often occur when gluten is first removed from the diet. It can take awhile for gluten to be completely out of the system and depends how long gluten was consumed prior to its removal. As the body heals, the withdrawal symptoms dissipate. Incorporating vitamins, drinking a lot of water, stress relief management, and exercise can ease these symptoms.

Since celiac disease is a much more common autoimmune disease than originally thought, there are many books and websites devoted exclusively dealing with gluten issues such as how to order in restaurants. Gluten-free cookbooks are readily available too. Almost any favorite food that contains gluten can be reasonably approximated with the right ingredients. And many foods nowadays are tagged with the “gluten-free” label, making it easier to shop for the correct foods.

Follow-up Care

Those newly diagnosed with celiac disease should be tested at least twice during the first year to make sure the gluten-free diet is successful in restoring health. Testing for antibodies with the anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) antibody test is sufficient, as a negative result indicates the dietary measures are effective. After that first year, yearly testing is all that is considered necessary by the medical community.

Long-term Outcome

Avoidance of gluten-containing foods is considered to be the best remedy for management of the disease. The body typically will revert back to absorbing all of the nutrients, carbohydrates, and fats as it is supposed to. However, there can be long-term effects even with successful treatment. Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract occur at a much higher rate for celiacs. For those cases that were undiagnosed for many years, malabsorption of vital nutrients can be a real problem in later life. Bone density loss is one such problem.

Osteoporosis and osteomalacia (“soft bones”) results from the inability to absorb vitamin D and calcium. This is why it is so important to diagnose and treat this syndrome as early as possible.