Respiratory illness is common, especially in the winter.  Winter has officially arrived, and the cold and flu season came with it. The number of people suffering from upper respiratory illnesses have increased, and people are looking for help in getting over it. When dealing with a respiratory illness, it is important to differentiate between a viral and bacterial infection, support the body with needed supplements, and use physical interventions.

Personal Story

I teach children who are three-years-old. We have just completed a two-week period where about half the class was hit with a virus that caused either fever and upper respiratory illness or a stomach bug. One little sweetheart even had pneumonia. During the second week, we wiped double-barrel drippings from noses and reminded students to cough into their elbow. We washed the children’s hands until our hands were cracked and bleeding; sprayed or bleached the tables, chairs, and toys, and had our diffuser going to try to rid the classroom from germs. I tried to keep up my prevention routine, but eventually I felt a little scratchy throat and had to blow my nose, too. What do I do when faced with a cold?

Differentiate Between Viral and Bacterial Infections

Some clues to differentiate between a viral and bacterial respiratory infection are the following:

• In viral infections, a person wakes fever-free, a fever can come on in the afternoon, peak  in the evening, is gone by morning, and returns in the afternoon. Some viral infections have consistent fever patterns for three to five days. Viral infections are not as responsive to fevers as bacterial infections are.
• A high fever that is consistent throughout the day, possibly with cold symptoms, signals a possible bacterial infection. This is especially true if the mucus draining from the nose is still a green or yellow color several hours after waking.

Bacterial infections may require stronger medicinal herbs or a visit to your health care professional.

Support the Body with Supplements

Consider one, or several, of these supplements:

• Astragalus- for immune support during upper respiratory infections when fevers are not present.
• Echinacea- for immune support during upper respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, ear infections, sinus infections, fevers, and colds.
• Goldenseal- for excess mucous conditions during upper respiratory infections.
• Marshmallow- for dry coughs to soothe the irritated membranes of the lungs.
• Mullein- for mucus of the respiratory tract.
• Garlic- for immune boosting to reduce infection and detoxify the body.
• Green onions (scallions) have powerful immune-boosting compounds that make them a remedy and preventative for RTIs.
• Ginger for disinfecting the body. 
• Vitamin C- for immune boost
• Beta-carotene- to protect the lung tissue.
• Zinc for healing.

Please consult a knowledgeable herbalist or health care professional to know which of these supplements would work well together to provide the right support for your body.

Physical Interventions to Provide Symptom relief

The following physical recommendations can be beneficial:

• Use an ultrasonic humidifier continuously to help soothe the irritated membranes of the lungs
• Practice deep breathing
• To help reduce fever, give a cool sponge baths or take a tepid water bath
• Consider using an onion poultice to help break up the cough
• Percussion could be applied to loosen mucous
• Lymphatic massage may also be helpful to help a respiratory infection. Learn how at: http://blockcenter.com/programs/ear-infection/
• Rest and sleep are essential elements for healing. However, set an alarm to wake and receive fluids on a regular schedule so dehydration does not occur.

Note: Remember to monitor symptoms carefully when dealing with a possible lower respiratory infection. Medical attention should be sought immediately if the situation is acute or within twenty-four hours if there is no improvement in overall condition.

Action

You can learn to distinguish between the types of infection, supplement the body, and provide physical interventions for symptom relief. Seek out appropriate care to guide you.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What do you think? Please leave a comment.

Resources:

Mommy Diagnosis, by Shonda Parker

Medical Herbalism, by David Hoffmann

http://www.naturalnews.com/038688_respiratory_tract_infections_spices.html#ixzz2MnmP96fo