Minor Illness, Aches and Pains

Influenza (flu) and colds share many similar symptoms. Initially, the flu might resemble a cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat. However, colds typically progress gradually, whereas the flu has a rapid onset. Although colds can be bothersome, the flu is often much more unpleasant.

It’s beneficial to address the flu early on, as treatment options are most effective during the initial stages.

Home remedies play a crucial role in managing the flu. If necessary, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to reduce both the severity and duration of the illness. When taken shortly after symptoms appear, these drugs can potentially shorten your illness by about a day and help prevent severe complications.

If you’re dealing with the flu, consider these tips to alleviate your symptoms:

• Hydrate by consuming plenty of water, juice, and warm soups.
• Prioritize rest, as sleep aids your immune system in combating infections.
• Use pain relief medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to alleviate bodily aches.

When the immune system recognizes a substance that is generally safe but causes an overreaction in those who are sensitive to it, allergy symptoms develop. We refer to that substance as an allergen. Mold, pollen, certain foods, or seasonal changes may bring on allergies.

The immune system produces antibodies that are alert for that specific allergen. The antibodies can cause the release of immune system chemicals like histamine when exposed once more. This causes allergic reactions.

Symptoms can impact the digestive system, skin, airways, sinuses, and nasal passages, depending on the allergen. They can be mild to extremely severe.

A runny nose, dry cough, sneezing and stuffiness are all signs of a common condition called an upper respiratory infection. The upper respiratory infection you’re probably most familiar with is the common cold.

Most upper respiratory infections, including the common cold, are caused by viruses. The viruses that cause colds and upper respiratory infections irritate the inner lining of your nose, throat and, sometimes, your sinuses. That’s why you experience a runny nose, stuffiness, sore throat or cough when you have a cold.

Bronchial tubes bring air from your nose and mouth into your lungs using your trachea (windpipe). When they become inflamed, these tubes can swell. The normal secretions that keep lungs moist and clean accumulate. Breathing passages constrict making it hard to keep lungs clear.

Your body responds to bronchitis by coughing to expel the mucus or phlegm. This is called a “productive” or “wet” cough.

What symptoms can occur with bronchitis?

The first indications are similar to those of a cold or flu. The primary symptom is a productive cough that can persist for several days to weeks.

Other common symptoms include:

• Chills
• Fatigue
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

A sinus infection (sinusitis) is an inflammation or swelling of tissues lining the sinuses. These air-filled cavities surround the nose. They’re also in the forehead, cheeks and near the eyes.

When your sinuses are clear, mucus drains easily. Mucus cleans out dirt and bacteria. When sinuses become congested or blocked with mucus, their environment stagnates. Here viruses, bacteria or fungi can multiply quickly and develop into sinusitis.

What are urinary tract and bladder infections?

Urinary tract infections (UTI) is a catch-all for infections that can occur in the urinary tract, including the:

• Bladder
• Kidneys (sometimes called pyelonephritis)
• Ureters (2 tubes that take urine from the kidney to the bladder)
• Urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder to outside of your body)

UTIs and bladder infections (also called cystitis) can leave you feeling like you need to go to the bathroom almost constantly. They are usually not serious but can become serious if left untreated.

The major symptom of a UTI is a burning or painful sensation when you urinate.

Other common symptoms include:

• Cloudy, foul smelling and/or bloody urine
• Pressure or cramping in your lower stomach or back
• A strong need to urinate often (even right after you have gone to the bathroom)

Most urinary tract and bladder infections are straightforward to diagnose and treat. Treatment for a urinary tract or bladder infection is usually started immediately, even though the results of some urine tests can take a few days to come back.