Information on popular complementary and alternative medical topics

Because the respiratory tract is a series of cavities (sinuses, lungs etc.), connected by air passages, viruses can spread from the nose to the sinuses and throat and into the middle ear trachea, larynx, bronchial tubes and lungs. Secondary infections spreading to these locations can cause complications, some quite serious.

Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. It is often caused by the common cold virus itself, in which case no medical cure is possible. However, a secondary bacterial infection is common. Symptoms often include a mild back or chest pain exacerbated by a deep, dry cough which brings up gray or yellow phlegm from the lungs. Bronchitis is also often accompanied by a fever which may last for as long as five days. Breathlessness and wheezing are other common symptoms.

Since bronchitis is not a lung infection, it is usually serious only if it becomes chronic. The usual treatment is to remain home in a warm room with humidified air and to bolster immunocompetence by practicing the same therapies recommended for a cold. If bronchitis does not begin to improve in forty-eight hours, or if you cough up blood, experience breathlessness or have a fever higher than 101°F, a physician should be consulted.

Lingering bronchitis symptoms often persist for two to three weeks after a cold or flu has ended.

Ear Infection. Each ear is connected to the throat by the Eustachian tube, a passage lined by mucosal tissue. During a cold or flu infection, the Eustachian tubes may become infected by bacteria. Due in part to their constant sniffling, ear infections are more common in children. A sharp pain in the ears caused by pressure build-up is the usual symptom.

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People whose lives are filled with deadlines and pressures commonly suffer from tension or migraine headaches. Most of us can slow the pace of our lives by letting go of nonessential activities such as volunteer work, and by turning down all demands on our time that create added pressure.

Almost all of us are able to put the brakes on a busy helter-skelter lifestyle so that we have more time to work, play, eat and relax at a leisurely pace. With careful planning, we can usually rearrange our lives to take time out each day for fun, games and socializing.

Build up a week’s income in reserve so that you don’t have to stand and wait in line at the bank or supermarket during the Friday afternoon crush. Go on Tuesday instead. Shop early in the morning or after 7 P.M., when supermarkets are often empty. Plan activities well in advance so that you start out in plenty of time, especially for work. Find the location of new places you must visit on a street map before you leave home. And prevent rush by doing only one thing at a time.

Although Americans tend to glorify the automobile, and a car is essential in most locations, driving under today’s high-speed conditions is far from pleasant. Several studies have concluded that car ownership actually powers the quality of most peoples’ lives. It places a severe strain on our finances, while driving and maintaining a car can be one of the most stressful aspects of modern living. Among other things, it can entrap us into becoming a chauffeur for our children. If

Try to minimize driving on freeways or in congested traffic. For short trips, use a bicycle or walk instead. And you can help reduce automobile stress by keeping your older car instead of buying a new one, and by spending as little time in the car as you can.

Try to avoid a sudden letdown from stress as you end a hectic week on Friday afternoon and find yourself in an inertia vacuum on Saturday morning. This situation can frequently provoke a migraine, especially if your job entails long days of listening, talking, telephoning and making decisions.

The answer is to even out your work week, and to try and spread your tasks and work load evenly over each day. Most of us could gradually phase out a crowded schedule by pacing ourselves differently. Many migraineurs create unnecessary stress by their inability to live with an uncompleted task. The solution, of course, is to never be afraid to postpone completion of a nonessential task.

Above all, we need to learn to live life for today and to enjoy every moment for what it’s worth.

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