Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Lyme Disease part 3 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I hope you have been enjoying this conversation on Lyme disease. I want to start today’s blog by talking about something that in my opinion doesn’t get enough attention, chronic Lyme disease. I am also going to …
Pneumonia Part 2 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In our first blog on pneumonia, we covered the basics of pneumonia. In this blog we will be reviewing risk factors for pneumonia, details about the vaccine and what you can do to help boost your immunity. Let …
Pneumonia
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Pneumonia is one topic that seems more complicated than it is. Part of the confusion is because of the vaccine. But what even is pneumonia? How do I know if I have it? And who are the people that should talk to their doctor about getting vaccinated. Before I start, I do want to mention that this topic will be broken into 2 parts so that it’s easier to digest. It is a large topic to cover so let us get into it, shall we?
To start at the beginning what is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can be a bacterial, viral, or even fungal infection. This infection triggers inflammation in the lungs which results in the air sacs filling with fluid or even pus. Please see the attached diagram for what this looks like.
Pneumonia can vary from mild to severe. Certain factors such as cause of infection, your age and your overall health can impact the severity of illness you experience. In fact, newborns and infants may not show any signs of the infection. Symptoms of pneumonia that infants may experience include vomiting, fever, cough, restlessness, fatigue and difficulty breathing or eating. Adults may experience shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain when you breathe or cough. There may also be fatigue, nausea, vomiting or even diarrhea. While some people may have a fever with sweating and shaking chills other people aged 65 and over may find their body temperature may be lower than normal. In those 65 and older they may also experience confusion or even changes in mental state.
For some individual’s pneumonia may present in a comparable way to a cold or even the flu and be mild in its severity. In other people, however, it can lead to more severe complications. How do you know when and if you should see a doctor? Anyone who is under 2/o or over 65 years old is considered high risk when it comes to pneumonia. Additionally, anyone with a comprised immunity for any reason, anyone with heart or lung concerns would also be considered a high-risk group. For these individuals it’s important to see a doctor if you suspect pneumonia. For other people without these risks, it is important to see a doctor if you notice difficulty in breathing, chest pain, fever of 102 or higher and a persistent cough with mucus.
Now I know I said some individuals are more at risk of complications. But what are some of these complications? To start there is the risk of bacteremia. This is basically when the bacteria that is causing the pneumonia enters the blood stream. From the lungs the bacteria can spread to other organs and cause damage. Pneumonia may cause fluid to build up in your chest. In some cases, the bacteria can trigger the fluid that builds up to become infected. If this occurs the fluid must be either drained or even removed surgically. In some cases, an abscess may form in the lungs. This abscess has to be treated with antibiotics. If the abscess leads to a buildup of pus surgery may be needed to remove it! Lastly for some at risk induvial the breathing difficulty experienced may be so severe you need to be hospitalized and use a breathing machine. (1)
In our next blog we will review the risk factors for developing pneumonia. We will also do a small review on who the vaccine is and is not intended for. I also mention who should talk to their doctor about whether the vaccine is the right choice. But health is not just about the things that conventional medicine can offer. In our next blog I will be reviewing the nutrients that are most beneficial for our lungs, immunity, and even overall health! Some things we will discuss include Glutathione, Nucleotides, Quercetin and even Aged Garlic! I will even mention some of the differences in use between Glutathione and NAC! In case you were wondering, NO, NAC and Glutathione are not identical supplements!
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RSV-Respiratory Syncytial Virus Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Cold and flu season may be a common topic of conversation however there is another virus that is a hot topic at this time of year. That is RSV. What even is RSV? Why is it important to …
Cold and Flu Season is Here Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND If you have noticed that it seems like everyone around you, you are coughing or sneezing it’s not just your imagination! Cold and flu season has arrived. What can you do to boost your immunity? …
Summer Colds
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Most people have had a cold in the summertime at least once during their lifetime. But why do summer colds even happen? And while yes, I know you know the symptoms of a cold I will still do a quick refresher on those! Lastly, which nutrients are the best to help fight off the summer sniffles? It is a lot to cover so let us get into it, shall we?
Why do summer colds happen? Well as we know, colds are caused by a virus. Some of these viruses are more prevent in winter and thus spread in the colder winter season. Other viruses thrive in warmer weather and thus transmit from person to person more easily in the summer months. During the summer there tends to be many large gatherings with people close together. For example, amusement parks, cruise ships and even traveling to summer vacation spots on airplanes are all situations that are conducive to spreading a virus. In addition to spending time close to other people in the summer people often spend long hours in air conditioning. Viruses spread very easily in the cool and dry air that the AC creates. (1) In my clinical experience, in addition to the cool and dry air AC is a risk because going in and out of the cold AC frequently can be difficult for the body to adjust to. I have also found that AC can dry out mucus membranes. Both can affect our overall immunity, and this can leave us vulnerable to an upper respiratory infection such as a cold. Another risk factor for summer colds is an inability to access handwashing facilities. Remember the best way to reduce the transmission of a virus is to wash your hands! However, in places like the park this may not be possible. (1)
Since summer colds tend to be caused by a different virus than the typical winter cold virus, they may have different symptoms than you would expect. Common respiratory symptoms include runny nose, cough, sore throat, headaches, fever and even body aches. In addition to these respiratory symptoms, a summer cold can also cause digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and an upset stomach. (2) Other symptoms can include feeling pressure in the sinuses or your head. You may notice a decrease in energy. Some viruses can also cause mouth blisters, hand/feet blisters and even pink eye!
What are the most common risk factors for catching a summer cold? Spending time around children (studies find that they typically do not wash their hands). Spending time in an enclosed public space. Going in and out of AC frequently is a risk. Being incredibly young or old can increase your risk of a cold. Not practicing good hygiene (for example not washing your hands, touching your face etc.). Lastly, having a weak immune system for any reason such as stress or lack of sleep. (3)
So, what can you do to prevent a summer cold or to reduce the symptoms?
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