Ok, the kids are back in school. Give it a week or two and the viruses will return also. You know them all too well….ear infections, colds, sore throat, stomach virus, pink eye, the works! How can they protect themselves from these common afflictions? While it may be impossible to avoid all together, some plain old common sense can help immensely.

Washing hands with warm water and soap thoroughly is a big step in the right direction (remind them to sing their ABC’s or Happy Birthday while lathering – for proper timing).

Eating properly, taking vitamin supplements and getting enough sleep (adjust bedtime hours) will also help to promote a strong immune system.

If for some reason illness strikes – stay home if there is a fever present (even low grade) to risk spreading the virus! If antibiotics are prescribed, stay home until 24 hours have passed after starting the medication.

Unfortunately, this is one of the most overlooked, but important points that many parents ignore when it comes to their children and themselves! They send their kids to school sick because they have to work and they report to work themselves when they are sick – making everyone else around them (or their kids) sick. Inconsiderate? Yes. My #1 Pet peeve? Yes! Yes! Yes! It should be a firing offense!

If you get sick, stay home and get well.

A cold, allergies, coughing, and sneezing can all influence in sinusitis. However, the fact that these can be an influence in ear infection is not commonly known. The reason that sinusitis and ear infection are related is that the sinuses and the ear are connected by a tube in the inner ear called the Eustachian tube.

 

Before explaining further how sinusitis and ear infection are connected, I will explain them one at a time, beginning with sinusitis, then moving on to ear infection. When one is suffering from the cold, flu, or allergies, there tends to be stuffiness in the sinuses. The stuffiness is caused by the sinuses. They produce mucous in an effort to clean the sinus tissue from the dirt and bacteria breathed in. Whenever the sinuses sense impurities or bacteria, they produce more mucous. Sometimes this is counterproductive, because the bacteria may settle in the sinus tissue and cause inflammation or sinusitis. The mucous then gets blocked in by the inflammation, and instead of cleaning out the bacteria, it invites bacteria to grow.

 

After swimming, bathing, playing in the snow, or other water activities, water collects in the ears, and if it is not properly cleaned out, it drains into the Eustachian tube. Because the Eustachian tube is only slightly slanted, even less in children, the liquid often settles in the Eustachian tube, inviting ear infection. Similar to sinusitis, ear infection can inflame and swell, blocking further drainage. Ear infection can cause dizziness, headaches, ear aches, and other ailments.

 

Consider what happens when one having sinusitis blows his or her nose, coughs, or sneezes. Where does the air go? True, much of the air goes through the mouth and nose, but much of the air pressure goes out toward the ears. That means that infection is also pushed out toward the ears, making sinusitis an indirect cause of ear infection.

 

It also works the other way around. Infection in the ears can also drain down into the sinuses, inflaming the sinus tissue and causing sinusitis.

 

Both sinusitis and ear infection are surprisingly simple to prevent. Proper and frequent cleaning of the ears with Q-tips will prevent liquid from draining into the inner ear, inviting infection to settle in the Eustachian tube or other tissue. Preventing sinusitis is just as simple. Just as we wash our hands throughout the day to prevent bacteria and disease, we should wash out our nasal passages with nasal spray on a regular basis. This cleans out germs that enter the body through the mouth and nose. In using nasal spray, one should keep in mind that studies have shown xylitol to be a natural bacteria repellant that one should look for as the leading ingredient in nasal spray. Because it is sugar free, it also reduces the ability of bacteria to leave behind damaging acids.

 

Joe Miller is an online advertiser and author of informational articles on health. More information on Ear Infection and Sinusitis is available at Xlear.com.

 

Sinusitis

 

Simply put, sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of your sinuses.

 

Sinuses

 

The sinuses are located behind the eyes, the cheeks, and the jaw. They are chambers in which mucous is produced to clean out the bacteria that we take in every day through the mouth and nose. The mucous moves along the cilia, which are tiny, moving hairs that maneuver the mucous. Sinusitis creates difficulties for the sinuses as they try to do their job, because the cilia cease to move and the sinuses either produce too much mucous or too little.

 

Possible Causes

 

Sinusitis can be caused in a variety of ways. The inflammation of the sinus lining is sensitive to changes in temperature or humidity, and often swimming, diving, extreme changes in temperature, and smoking will set off inflammation. The reason these things can cause sinusitis is that they create a friendly environment for bacteria and viruses.

 

For example, smoking paralyzes the cilia, causing the sinuses to think that there are bacteria or a virus and to produce more mucous. Since the cilia cannot move, the mucous just sits there, congests, and becomes a breeding ground for more bacteria, creating a sinus infection. Stagnant water or liquid buildup from water activities can produce similar effects. Or, if a virus has already infected the sinuses and swelling occurs, then the produced mucous will build up even more. Sinusitis is just the beginning of any nasal problem.

 

What many people don t know is that sinusitis, though beginning in the sinuses can also contribute to an ear infection. The reason is that the sinuses and the ears are connected through the Eustachian tube, and something as simple as sneezing can push infection right out to the ears. Not only can infection move out to the ears but also down to the lungs. Sinusitis is not entirely unrelated to an upper respiratory infection. Often Sinusitis, ear infection, and upper respiratory infection have similar, if not the same, causes.

 

Sinusitis Symptoms

 

As mentioned in previous articles, the culprit is often post nasal drip. Post nasal drip is often part of a cold or flu symptom. It is a sensation of mucous dripping in the back of your throat. Frequent sniffing and swallowing should be indications of proactive sinuses. In other words, sinuses are producing more mucous because they sense bacteria or a virus. Sinusitis and sinus infection do frequently occur in the wake of a cold or the flu.

 

Sinusitis Prevention

 

Prevention is the best way to stay out of the way of sinusitis. Many of the preventions are also treatments. For example, Xylitol, a natural enemy to bacteria, is a time-tested prevention for sinusitis. Xylitol is now being used as the leading ingredient in nasal spray. The regular rinsing of the sinuses is generally helpful in keeping bacteria from settling and mucous from getting over-produced.

 

Joe Miller is an author of informational articles and online advertisement on health. Information on Sinusitis prevention and Xylitol is available at www.Xlear.com.

 

Information is the best way to be prepared for illness, especially sinusitis. Sinusitis is an advanced form of sinus infection, and it can most easily be prevented by knowing what to look for. Can you spot a sinus infection symptom right away? Do you know what to look for?

 

This informational article provides a brief description of a sinus infection symptom and what to do when you spot it. In reviewing each sinus infection symptom, remember that they are commonly mistaken for symptoms of a common cold or allergies. Though they hold symptoms in common with sinusitis and sinus infection, a sinus infection symptom may arise when allergies aren t normally sparked and when the cold is out of season. But, to be thorough, cold and allergy symptoms can easily turn into a sinus infection if left untreated. In fact, more than one sinus problem could result from not knowing what the sinus infection symptoms are. At worst, sinusitis or sinus infection could result in sinus surgery.

 

Which Sinus Infection Symptom Have You Spotted?

 

Sinus Headache-People tend to let this one go by or just treat it with Aspirin. Don t let it slide so easily. A sinus headache is different from a normal headache in that the aching is located behind the nose or eyes, where the sinuses are. This could be caused by congestion or even infection in the nasal passages. You d be surprised how far nasal spray can go in preventing this symptom.

 

Nasal Congestions-Nasal congestions may begin as a cold or an allergy, but if congestions in the nasal cavities stick around, that is a red flag. Congestions may arise from fluids which drain into the Eustachian tubes from the ear or the nose. Since the tube is not as slanted in children, there is more of a tendency for water from bathing or swimming to rest in the Eustachian tube and become infected with bacteria.

 

Post Nasal Drip-Post nasal drip is a sensation of liquid or mucous build up in the back of the throat. We are constantly sniffing and, of course, breathing. This means that when we sniff, mucous is drawn to the back of the throat, and when we breathe condensed air moisture is also drawn to the back of the throat. Post nasal drip may actually be blown back upward into the sinuses, or even into the ears and the Eustachian tube with coughing or sneezing. When this occurs, a sinus infection symptom may quickly become an ear infection symptom.

 

These are only a few examples of a sinus infection symptom. When a symptom does occur, it s best to be prepared. The best preparation is prevention. I have already mentioned nasal spray, and a lot of people don t understand why that would help. Think of what washing your hands does to prevent bacteria from entering the nose and mouth when you touch them. Using nasal spray has the same cleansing effect on the nasal passages. It is best to use a nasal spray with Xylitol as the leading ingredient, as it is a natural enemy to bacteria, and is proven to help prevent sinus infection. As Xylitol rinses out the nasal passages, it helps to keep bacteria from settling and festering into infection in the moisture and warmth of the nasal passages.

 

Joe Miller is an author of informational articles and online advertisements on health. Learn more about Sinus Infection Symptom or Xylitol at Xlear.com.

 

What causes an ear ache? While ear aches are most commonly found in children, they are something that everyone experiences at one time or another. The most common causes of ear aches are otitis media, an infection of the middle ear, or otitis externa, an inflammation of the outer ear canal. Ear aches are usually caused by either a minor injury to the ear canal or by fluid that becomes trapped in the inner ear. Swimming, bathing, or just by using those all so common cotton-tipped swabs can cause bacteria to grow and lead to discomfort and pain in the ear canal. This can lead to a swelling of the Eustachian tube (a small tube that connects the ear to the nose that regulates the pressure in the ear). As the Eustachian tube swells it can no longer drain through the nose and throat and the pressure in the ear will then build up causing extreme discomfort and pain. Ear aches are usually result from a complication to a cold and are not contagious.

What are the symptoms of an ear ache? Symptoms of an ear ache can include all or any of the following: Severe, Stabbing pain Hearing loss Itching Fever Buildup if fluid behind the eardrum Nausea, or vomiting Swelling of the ear Ringing or buzzing sound Fluids draining from the ear

How do I get rid of an ear ache? Methods for treating ear aches are limited in number so obviously, prevention is much better than the cure. However, if you already have an ear ache there are a few things that you can try to alleviate it. Taking painkillers and eardrops can help to subside the pain. Antibiotics are also available if the cause of the ear ache is due to an infection. However, you must not forget to take the doses and you should take the antibiotic until the bottle is empty or all the pills are used. Don t save any antibiotics from one illness to another as they tend to lose their strength.

What can I do to prevent ear aches? While there is no way to completely keep anyone from getting an ear ache, there are several ways to help prevent them. By regularly cleaning you nasal passages you can reduce your chances of catching an ear ache. Also, constant movement of the jaw by chewing gum will help to keep things working smoothly and draining properly. Other things like covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and by using a clean tissue every time will assist you in preventing an ear ache.

Ear aches are very unpleasant and something that everyone should seek to prevent rather than wait to treat. You are now well aware of the causes of an ear ache, symptoms you may have when you have an ear ache, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent ear aches.

Mike Nielsen is a client account specialist with 10xMarketing – More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. Find more information about how to prevent an ear ache at Xlear.com.

 

Post Nasal Drip is developed from respiratory problems. When you are very ill, for example with an Influenza virus, you have troubles with complications with mucus. It is completely natural for mucus to come through your nasal passages, but if there is too much mucus that is developed, it will lead through your throat instead of the nostrils where it should be leaving.

Post Nasal Drip can become a chronic illness by association of sinuses or allergies. When you develop a cough with phlegm the mucus can go into the bronchial tubes. Usually this happens when you are asleep.

The symptoms of Post Nasal Drip include the following: itching from the nose, eyes, throat and palate to go along with sneezing, eyes that are watery and even congestion. It can develop from simple things such as cigarette smoke or any kind of tobacco or contaminants of the air. There are also other possible symptoms that include mucus running down the back of your throat. You may end up experiencing a cough, soar throat or hoarseness in your voice.

A lot of times people confuse the infection with a common cold or virus. If you develop any of these symptoms you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you possibly can. You will also be able to find out if you are temporarily suffering from the infection, or whether it is chronic.

Maria Gonzalez is webmaster of the Bad Breath Problems site. This site information and adivce on bad breath problems (& halitosis). For more articles on bad breath, visit our Bad Breath article page.

 

Sinusitis and Sinus Infection Starts with a Little Sniffle

Yes, I hear it too. A simple sniffle in a distant cubical. No big deal. But wait. There went another. Before long the office uproars in a virtual canon of sniffing, and it is more alarming then musical. Little do they know that a little sniffle might indicate the onset of one of the most expensive corporate costs common to most businesses – sinus infection and sinusitis unless the business is prepared to nip it in the bud early that is.

Sinusitis and Sinus Infection

 

Sinusitis is an advanced sinus infection, usually beginning with the post-nasal drip from sniffing during cold season, when weather changes, or during allergy attacks. The head has four nasal cavities which, if blocked by inflammation or mucous, will breed bacterial growth and eventual sinus infection and sinusitis.

Depending upon the severity of the blow, a sinus infection or sinusitis could affect your employees for periods ranging between 3 weeks and several months. Many attacks occur several times a year. Because a sinus infection may develop and lead to sinusitis at any time, businesses must not overlook the corporate cost. Be prepared.

Corporate Cost of Sinus Infection and Sinusitis

 

$5.8 billion a year is not what the American businesses want as an annual expense. But most businesses might as well add sinusitis or sinus infection to its balance sheet, they have been paying for it in recent years and it will keep coming back – kind of reminds you of Rocky Balboa.

Why should businesses be so concerned about sinusitis and sinus infection? Here are a few numbers they might want to analyze. Reports indicate that between 31 and 32 million Americans are affected by sinusitis or sinus infection each year, resulting in about 18 million healthcare visits. These visits, of course, are part of company health plans.

Not convinced yet? This may not seem like that much of a business expense until you add the expense of sinusitis and sinus infection performing a virtual KO of your office. Sinusitis and sinus infection knocks out professionals for an average of 4 days per year. Not to mention the affect sinusitis and sinus infection have on the productivity of those who come to work affected by sinusitis and sinus infection. The affect is similar to those suffering from sinus allergies in that about one-third of affected employees feel that these sinus problems make them less effective at work. That is a costly corporate hit.

Symptoms of Sinus Infection and Sinusitis

 

Corporations should keep their guard up, other wise one sniff could turn out to be a fatal financial blow. Here are symptoms to be mindful of:

• Signs of congestion (sniffing, nose-blowing)
• Soreness anywhere in the head, including the face and neck
• Sneezing, ear ache, throat pain, coughing
• Headaches
• General fatigue, weakness, soreness

8 Tips to Preventing a Corporate KO.

 

You may not be surprised that these preventions are simpler and cheaper than just letting sinus infection and sinusitis take their course in your office.

1. Stock Up. Give the admins a small stock of decongestants and pain relievers to keep the employees free from symptoms while at the office – make sure they are daytime medicines.
2. Cover a Prescription Plan. Invest in a good health plan that provides for doctor s visits and prescriptions. Prescriptions cost a lot less than more serious treatment.
3. Keep it Clean. Regular cleaning of carpets and fabric chairs in addition to all surfaces (keyboards, counters and rails, desks, etc) will save money in the long run. You d be surprised how many sinus infection and sinusitis attacks occur because of dust, mold, and colds from office bacteria.
4. Drink Up. Water, that is. Employees are going to be able to flush out normal bacteria when drinking water.
5. Party Alcohol-free. Sinus infection and sinusitis often develops from irritation when alcohol is consumed, even at work parties or functions.
6. Designate an Outdoor Smoking Area. Not only will smoke stick to everything indoors, irritating the nasal cavities, but keeping an area outdoors will also centralize the smoke.
7. Invest in Air Conditioning, Air Filters, or Humidifiers. Spending money getting air regulation is cheaper than spending lots of money on a sick office of people.
8. Encourage Frequent Hand Washing. You don t want bacteria to spread all ever your office like a forest fire. Clean hands make a happy office.

Now you can erase $5.8 billion from your debit column.

 

About the Author

 

For years, there has been concern that antibiotics are overprescribed, and with good cause. Despite clear guidelines calling for prior testing, physicians prescribed antibiotics in 53 percent of sore throat cases in children, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Children’s Hospital Boston found in a recent study.

This represents significantly more prescriptions than warranted for actual rates — 15-36 percent — of strep throat among kids with sore throat. Furthermore, almost half of those prescriptions were given in the absence of a test. Details of this research appear in the November 9, 2005, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Group A streptococcal pharyngitis, or strep throat, is the most common cause of sore throat for which antibiotics are indicated. However, many leading health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics say that a common “strep” test should be performed prior to prescribing recommended antibiotics.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

“This study demonstrates that children with sore throat are frequently given unnecessary antibiotics,” says lead author Jeffrey A. Linder, MD, MPH, a BWH internist.

“This overprescribing of antibiotics could be easily remedied by following known guidelines, which include doing a simple, inexpensive strep test,” he adds.

“This is critical for not just children but all patients,” Dr. Linder notes, “as unnecessary prescription of antibiotics can lead to a variety of issues, including increased costs, the potential development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and adverse drug effects.”

Researchers analyzed data from children aged 3 to 17 years from 1995 to 2003 with sore throat who visited office-based physicians, hospital outpatient departments and emergency departments.

Among an estimated 7.3 million visits for sore throat over this time period, physicians prescribed antibiotics in 53 percent of the cases, the researchers found.

Just 15 to 36 percent of children with sore throat actually have the strep throat bacterium, according to estimates. But only 53 percent of those who were given the antibiotics had been tested first.

Testing Is Underused

Over the eight-year time period of the study, physicians prescribed antibiotics less frequently, the researchers found, which suggests an encouraging trend. In 1995, 66 percent of cases were given antibiotics, decreasing to 54 percent of cases in 2003.

Still, there was no decrease in the prescribing of non-recommended antibiotics, which made up 27 percent of antibiotic prescriptions, Dr. Linder points out. Recommended antibiotics for the treatment of strep throat are penicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin and first-generation cephalosporins.

“Strep testing is underused, and physicians should be ordering this important diagnostic test before prescribing antibiotics to kids with sore throat,” emphasizes Dr. Linder.

“Instead of writing a prescription, physicians should order a test and make sure they are treating kids’ symptoms by offering a pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen,” he advises.