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Caring Spirit
Winter 2001
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NEWS for the Friends of the Lutheran Home Care Agency
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It's that time of year again when people experience the sniffles, sore throat, and cough. What's the difference between the Common Cold, the Flu, and Allergies? What can you do for relief? When should you call your physician?
An Allergen is a harmless invisible particle that is inhaled. Your immune system thinks it is a threatening invader, it over reacts and produces antibodies which attach to cells and release inflammatory chemicals and then symptoms appear.
The symptoms are runny nose, head and nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, itchy/watery eyes, nose, and throat.
Allergic Rhinitis is an inflammation of mucous membranes of the nose, sinuses, throat, and ear passages due to sensitivities to an allergen.
There are two types of Allergic Rhinitis-
1. Seasonal (outdoor) - trees, grass, weeds, ragweed
2. Perrenial (indoor) - dust, molds, animal dander
A medical history, symptoms, and skin or blood testing can confirm a diagnosis of allergies.
What can you do to control, and treat allergies??
Wash your bedding in hot water weekly.
Eliminate carpeting.
Keep pets out of the house (or at least off the furniture).
Bathe your pets every two weeks.
Use high efficiency vacuum cleaner bags.
Vent filters.
Change furnace filters often.
Use an air cleaner or purifier.
Treatments include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and sometimes immunotherapy or allergy shots.
Influenza or the Flu is an acute, febrile illness associated with upper and lower respiratory infection.
Influenza viruses A, B, or C, each containing many strains, are inhaled from mucous droplets shed from infected persons when they cough or sneeze. The viruses penetrate the upper respiratory tract mucous cells and spread to the lower respiratory tract.
It usually is self-limiting with symptoms lasting from 2-7 days, followed by a convalescent period of about a week. It is widespread and occurs throughout the population of the world. It has a high mortality rate associated with complications resulting from a secondary acquired bacterial pneumonia. The complications can be especially serious for people with chronic lung disease.
Symptoms usually appear suddenly and worsen quickly. Treatment should be started right away. Your physician will probably prescribe antibiotics. A flu shot given in the fall can help prevent you from getting some strains of the flu.
A "cold" is an easily spread virus. The only treatment is temporary relief of symptoms. It just has to run its course. Common symptoms are a slight achiness, stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sinus congestion or earache.
To help prevent the cold and flu, take care of your body:
Drink 6 glasses of water daily (unless contraindicated by another medical condition).
Eat nutritious, balanced meals.
Sleep 7-8 hours a night.
Conserve energy - Don't let yourself get run down.
Avoid people who have colds and flu.
Avoid air pollution where possible.
Wash your hands frequently.
Call your doctor if you have a fever, increased cough with wheezing or trouble breathing, thick colored or foul smelling mucous, increased fatigue or weakness, swollen ankles or feet, 5 pound weight gain or loss, confusion, or persistent drowsiness.
Sources: Respiratory Disorders by Mosby, The Journal of Respiratory Diseases, 20, Healthline, 16
Lutheran HOME CARE Agency offers volunteer and employment opportunities for those who desire to be "Christian Caregivers." If you would like more information, please give us a call at 989-652-4663 or e-mail homecare@lhminc.org.
Lutheran HOME
CARE
Agency Christian care for loved ones
SUBSIDIARY 0F LUTHERAN HOMES 0F MICHIGAN, INC.