Respiratory and Sinus Infection in Suwanee, GA
People would like to think we live in a bubble. Nice and safe, pure fresh air, Soft places to land should you have a fall. Unfortunately, nature is out to get us for millenia. Every time you open your mouth and take a breath, allergens, bacteria, viruses, odors, get in. Some are trapped early by the tonsils and throat, some make it past into the larynx and then its a free ride down to Bronchitis. Others may take a different route and before you know it your blowing yellow and green mucus out of your nose.
Wee need to understand the distinction between Congestion and inflammation. Congestion is a histamine driven process. Allergies and colds. Everything on the over the counter aisle treats congestion; everything on that aisle, despite packaging, labels, promises, etc., they are all nothing but antihistamines. They even say so on the bottle; “For temporary relief only”. Translates to “Can’t really fix anything but makes you feel better doing something.
Inflammation equals infection (in this case). Anything I put ‘itis’ behind is inflammation. Sinusitis, Otitis, Bronchitis, Tonsillitis, etc. Nothing on the over the counter aisle treats inflammation. These are infections, they need antibiotics, steroids, real, adult cough medicine, and possibly inhalers. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to Bronchitis, wheezing, coughing, even pneumonia; and at the very least weeks of suffering.
Face it, we live in allergy central. We have the mountains, the Gulf, the Piedmont, all with their own pollens and allergens. We can treat these with antihistamines and possibly steroids. If left ignored the sinuses are now dark, warm, and moist. Bacteria already live there, kept in check with the bodies natural defenses. But when overwhelmed with all that extra mucus, and blocked air flow; Sinus infections soon follow.
One thing about inflammation; It does not respect boundaries. It moves to new territory constantly. Every patient I see know their own body, they know when they have a certain symptom they know where its going to end up. I have every respect for when a patient tells me they are coming in to make sure whatever it is doesn’t end up in their usual constellation of symptoms. I am all for being proactive. If you know where this is going to end up, I have no problem treating it early. There is no need to wait until you haven’t slept for a week due to coughing to wait to come in. I recognize it takes a certain level of discomfort or concern to make the decision to come into the clinic. I respect that and take your issues seriously with the same concerns you have.
