Stop the winter coughs and sneezes in their tracks!

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate existing and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to explore certain important healthcare issues. This article looks at the subject of respiratory tract infections and sinusitis this winter.

Why do more people get sick in winter?
People get sick all year round, but winter is the season when most people come down with colds and flu. There are a number of reasons for this:

• Viruses survive more easily and circulate better in cold weather.
• A lot of time is spent indoors with the windows closed in winter, which means that infections are passed around more than in summer.
• Because it is cold you eat less raw food, which means you don't get as many nutrients as you do in summer.

These are just some of the reasons why cold and flu are more prevalent in chilly weather.

While you may not be able to completely protect yourself from getting sick this winter, you can learn to identify some of the common sinus and respiratory infection symptoms and know what steps to take in stopping them from worsening. This will help you to take immediate action when your immune system is under threat and assist in preventing flu and complications such as pneumonia.

Respiratory infections
There are two types of respiratory infection:

Upper, affecting the sinuses and throat

Symptoms:

o Blocked or runny nose
o Pressure or pain in certain areas of the face, particularly around the nose and eyes
o Headache
o Cough
o Fever
o Sore throat

Lower, affecting the bronchial tubes and lungs

Symptoms:

o Fever
o Cough
o Shortness of breath
o Wheezing
o Pain in the chest

Upper respiratory infections tend to be less dangerous than lower, however they can be extremely uncomfortable and lead to secondary infections, such as middle-ear infection, if not managed properly. Upper respiratory illnesses can also develop into lower respiratory infections fairly easily if the infected mucus from the sinuses travels down the throat and into the lungs.

It is highly advisable to seek treatment as soon as possible for lower respiratory infections such as bronchitis, as they can quickly worsen and become serious. If you have bronchitis but your conditions seem to be getting worse you should visit the doctor again, as you may be at risk of developing pneumonia.

What should I do when I start noticing the symptoms of a respiratory infection?

Whether you think you may be getting an upper or a lower respiratory infection, there are steps you can take to ease the symptoms, and more importantly, to prevent the illness from worsening:

 Use saline or prescribed nose drops to keep the sinuses moist and to help decongest the sinuses
 Drink plenty of fluids - preferably water or herbal tea without milk or sugar
 Steam regularly
 Take vitamin C
 Suck on antiseptic throat lozenges
 Eat fresh fruit and vegetables
 Get enough sleep
 Keep warm and try to stay in a constant temperature
 Avoid large gatherings of people
 Do not smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol
 If you do not start to feel better within a matter of days go to the doctor
 
Sinusitis

There are two types of sinusitis:

Acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis often follows a viral upper respiratory tract infection but may develop into a bacterial infection presenting with inflammation and the production of a lot of mucus.

Chronic sinusitis

This is usually caused by prolonged or repeated bouts of acute sinusitis. This can result in permanent damage to the mucous membranes in the sinuses, which in turn can lead to a tendency towards future infections that may be harder to treat. Complications from chronic sinusitis can be very dangerous and it is therefore necessary to speak to your doctor who may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.

How can I treat my sinusitis?

Sinusitis can often clear up on its own and it is not always necessary to visit your doctor. However, you should try to manage your sinusitis so that is does not become worse. One of the most effective ways to do this is to keep the nasal passages clear by:
 Using over-the-counter decongestants, which can also be helpful in relieving symptoms;
 Steaming regularly to loosen stubborn mucus; and
 Using saline nose drops or nasal spray.

Be sure to check with your doctor if you are unsure about the safety of any medication that has not been prescribed for you, even if it is over-the-counter.

For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or visit our website at www.gems.gov.za. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

Sources:

1. WebMD, www.webmd.com
2. The Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com
3. CNN, www.cnn.com
4. The New York Times, www.nytimes.com