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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Fri Jul 1st, 2005 03:23 |
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I think I have an upper respiratory infection. What should I do?
Immunopathology
Symptoms similar to upper respiratory infections (sinus infection, cold, flu, ear infection or bronchitis) are often due to Th1 inflammation and the immonopathology which occurs during treatment with the Marshall Protocol. See My breathing is worse. What should I do?
Dr Marshall wrote: "The MP will make no difference to the course of a cold. If anything, it will allow the immune system a better chance to fight the virus. On the other hand, flu-like symptoms are a very common manifestation of immunopathology. They come and go more quickly than a viral cold does. The MP will make no difference to the course of a cold. If anything, it will allow your immune system a better chance to fight the virus."
Any symptom that correlates with MP therapy is likely due to immunopathology. Whenever the cause of symptoms is in doubt, try an increase in Benicar to every four hours around the clock (for 24 hours if no immediate result) to see if it dampens symptoms.
Before you resort to discontining the MP to treat with another antibiotic regimen for a suspected upper respiratory bacterial infection, you should adjust your MP antibiotic/s (continue Benicar) to see if the symptoms improve. If they do, it is an immune system reaction not an acute infection.
Upper respiratory infections
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are rarely serious but can lead to lower respiratory infection (pnuemonia) which may present a serious challenge for folks with severely compromised respiratory function, as is sometimes the case with sarcoidosis.
Common symptoms of URIs include:
-a runny nose or stuffy nose
-sore throat
-fever
-headache
-cough
-malaise, or vague feeling of illness
-muscle aches
-loss of appetite
-ear pain
Viruses account for most URIs but physicians must be alert to signs of bacterial primary infection or superinfection, which may require targeted therapy.
The healthcare provider diagnoses most URIs after a history and physical exam. In some cases, further tests may be ordered. For example, the back of the throat may be swabbed if strep throat is suspected. This swab test, called a throat culture, can check for the bacteria that cause this infection. A blood test called an antibody titer may be done if certain infections are suspected. A chest X-ray may be ordered to make sure pneumonia, a more serious infection deep in the lungs, is not present. Other tests may be ordered in certain cases.
Sinus symptoms
Symptoms may include trouble breathing through the nose, headache, aching behind the eye area, tenderness in the cheeks, sinus congestion, nasal discharge, or post nasal drip.
Nasal irrigation or a steam inhaler may relieve some symptoms.
Sinus symptoms are often an expression of trigeminal nerve dysfunction and will respond to the MP, albeit in the later stages of the therapy. ~Greg Blaney, MD
Pneumonia
Lower respiratory tract disease (pneumonia) should be considered when symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate and malaise worsen progressively or after initial transient improvement. Seek advice or care if:
* The fever is exceptionally high - 103 and above.
* The fever is prolonged or not controlled by acetaminophen.
* The fever returns during the course of the illness, especially with new symptoms.
To help you assess with your doctor...
Technically, pneumonia is a collection of fluid and cellular debris due to inflammation in the lungs. So you may experience pneumonia (lung inflammation) as a Th1 symptom of immunopathology.
Flu (influenza)
See flu (influenza) symptoms vs. stomach 'flu' (gastroenteritis) symptoms.
It can be difficult to distinguish between the common cold and influenza in the early stages of these infections, but usually the symptoms of the flu are more severe than their common-cold equivalents. Most people who get influenza will recover in one to two weeks, but others will develop life-threatening complications (such as pneumonia). See influenza treatment.
Many Th1 immunopathology symptoms (Herx), including fever, mimic those of an acute infection but it is possible to get an acute infection while on the MP. Symptoms due to immunopathology do not last while a cold, flu, bronchitis, etc. generally linger a week or more. See My immune response /symptoms are too strong. What should I do?
Most acute infections are caused by virues which are not affected by antibiotics so these infections take time to resolve. Keep in mind that infections due to a virus are not affected by any antibiotic. If your doctor wants you to take an antibiotics, see I need to take a different antibiotic for awhile.What should I do?
Do take care of yourself by getting adequate rest, fluids and nutrition. If you have an acute infection you want to prevent it from developing into a more serious infection such as pneumonia which might be difficult to handle if your respiratory function is compromised. It's okay to palliate symptoms with medications for pain, fever, nausea, diarrhea, etc.
Treatment and prevention of flu with antivirals
Tamiflu
Tamiflu is a pill which interferes with the flu viral reproduction. You need to begin taking it within 40 hours of catching the flu or it may not work.
"Concerns that the influenza drug Tamiflu -- seen as effective against a possible pandemic triggered by bird flu -- may induce fatal side effects are growing in Japan after two people who took it fell to their deaths last month. The deaths, the latest cases of abnormal behavior by those who took Tamiflu, prompted the Health Ministry to issue a warning last week that influenza patients could show psychiatric problems, although it has denied the drug was responsible for them."
Tamiflu side effect concerns grow after Japan deaths
Relenza
Relenza is a powder that is inhaled twice a day for five days from a breath-activated plastic device called a Diskhaler for treatment of influenza. It is used for prevention and treatment and patients needed to start treatment within two days of the onset of symptoms.
The safety of Tamiflu and Relenza has recently been called into question.
The decision to use either of their products should be considered carefully based on their know side effects, contraindications and personal risk of dying from the flu.
Strep throat
If you think you have strep infection you should see your doctor for an assessment. Strep is contagious and must be treated. Strep infections left untreated can migrate to other areas, ie. joints and internal organs.
Strep throat cannot be diagnosed definitely without a culture. Titers can stay postive for a long time from past infections.
A culture and sensitivity is necessary to tell what antibiotic/s would be effective.
Penicillin is still the drug of choice for throat infection from Beta Strep Group A. Keflex, a 1st generation cephalosporin, is not generally considered the first line drug for any indication though is can be used with those who claim penicillin allergy. Keflex functions by interfering with cell wall synthesis so it should have no effect on the CWD causing your Th1 inflammatory disease.
See also Throat symptoms
Palliative medication
If you need temporary relief of your symptoms such as shortness of breath, nasal congestion, gastric upset or pain, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice about palliative medications. Any medications that are not on the list of Medications to Avoid While on the Marshall Protocol are okay to take to relieve intolerable symptoms. It's unknown if it will interfere with the immune system but those CWD grow slowly so don't worry about not making progress.
If your Dr has determined your pain medication is safe for you to take, it is not contraindicated on the MP.
It's fine to take a fever reducer such as Excedrin to help you feel more comfortable.
Saline nasal spray or a water-soluble clear gel (Ayr is one OTC brand) used regularly will keep blocked nasal passages moist and allow easier removal of debris. You may also use Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to keep nostrils moist.
If nasal congestion prevents air passage, it's okay to use OTC decongestants judiciously. To avoid 'addiction', spray one nostril at a time only, then let it recover (become blocked again) while you spray the other.
You may get some relief from sinus congestion with nasal irrigation. See http://www.nasalcups.com or http://hydromedonline.com/hp.html
Palliative intolerable 'cold' symptoms individually and only as needed using OTC products.
For congestion use sudaphedrine or ephedrine (Sudafed).
To suppress an intolerable cough use dextromethorphan (DM). Use an expectorant, guaifenesin, during the day to loosen a cough and help bring up sputum.
For a runny nose, use an antihistamine....diphenhydramine (Benadryl) works well, is short acting and causes drowsiness. Claritin (Loratadine) can be used in the daytime. There are also long-acting antihistamines available by prescription only such as Zyrtec and Allegra.
Vitamin C- Ascorbates promote the transcription of Th1 inflammatory mediators' and, therefore, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may prove to affect the immune system in a way that is counterproductive. Because Vitamin C affects the immune system in yet to be discovered ways, it is suggested to avoid supplementation. As little as 10mg per day is needed to prevent Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy). See Foods High in Vitamin C
Zinc- Vegetarians may need supplemental zinc. There is no lab test to determine a zinc deficiency.
See also:
How To Identify Immunopathology (Herx)
How To Manage Immunopathology
My immune response /symptoms are too strong. What should I do?
My respiratory function is poor. How can I prevent an acute infection?
I seem to have an immune response with Benicar alone? Why?
What can I do for my intolerable cough?
Breathing Tips
I’m constipated. What should I do?
I have diarrhea. What should I do?
What should I do for my stomach problem?
What should I know about respiratory immunopathology?
Last edited on Wed Apr 30th, 2008 07:04 by Meg Mangin R.N.
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