Colostrum May Help Prevent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

A 2003 study by the Health Sciences Department of the University of South Australia suggests that taking concentrated bovine colostrum supplements could reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections.

The study involved subjects being randomly allocated to consume 60g/day of Colostrum for eight weeks, then examining their occurrence of symptoms. Results from the first week were kept separate from those from the last seven weeks.

The results showed that during the first week of supplementation, there was no measurable difference in symptoms in the proportion of subjects taking the supplement as opposed to those who didn't. During the subsequent seven weeks, however, a much lower percentage of the subjects taking Colostrum reported upper respiratory infection related symptoms.

Symptom duration, however, did not differ. This suggests that the immune benefits achieved by Colostrum can be very good in terms of being a preventative, but that it does not have any measurable effect on an infection once it has already taken hold. That is why it is important to use Colostrum properly, as a preventative, and not depend on it to cure illness.

These overall results of this research study show that while Concentrated Bovine Colostrum doesn't take effect immediately, it does have definite immune enhancing and infection preventing effects when taken consistently, over an extended period of time.

Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of http://www.immunewellness.com - your source for high quality information about a variety of health products, including Colostrum (www.immunewellness.com/colostrum.htm).

Sinus Infection Symptoms, Antibiotics, and Alternative Medicine

Modern Living, Complex Health Problems

In our post-modern industrial polluted stress-filled bad-diet culture, no one's health is simple. We are plagued by complex long-term illnesses like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, AIDS, even sinus problems... it may seem weird to you that I include sinus infections, but the root causes of sinus trouble can be quite complicated... Especially if they are long-term.

Antibiotic Overuse Problems

I hate to say it (because antibiotics are so great in some situations, and so popular overall), but antibiotics can complicate things even further - there are conditions that do not respond to them... and there are many situations in which they are not even indicated.

Physicians have over-prescribed antibiotics for years... they know it, there have been studies that show it, and as a profession they've moved away from that. But people still want to leave the doctor's office with a prescription, a magic-bullet. Of course, sometimes the issue is which antibiotic is the most appropriate one. They don't all work for everything.

Antibiotic Side Effects - When They're Wrong

If the sinusitis hasn't responded to antibiotics, then either the wrong ones were prescribed, or you need to try another kind of treatment. Chinese Herbal Medicine can address the full spectrum of complaints and causes; we often treat the conditions which are not responding to conventional treatments like antibiotics. A woman wrote me about how antibiotics weren't solving her diarrhea problem- this can happen when the disease is cold in nature. Antibiotics are cold and bitter; these qualities help it fight the dampness and heat of bacterial infections. But they are more of the same damage when the disease is cold or deficient in nature. Acupuncture and moxibustion (the warming of acupuncture points) can also be effective; some people respond very quickly... results vary depending upon a number of factors (the acupuncturist's education, accuracy of diagnosis, frequency of treatment, and patient compliance with diet and lifestyle suggestions).

Cold and Deficient

If the mucus is clear or white, then it is more likely cold in nature. That fits with a Spleen-system deficiency and dampness. That would fit with the pulse she felt. You would have lowered appetite, feel fatigued, have loose stool, and possibly feel cold easily. Antibiotics wouldn't help here, and could even make things worse.

Sinus Infection Symptoms

The classic acute sinusitis symptoms are nasal congestion, green nasal phlegm, facial/dental pain, eye pain, headache, and a cough at night. Some patients also complain of fever, feeling ill, bad breath and a sore throat. Chronic sinusitis is more difficult to diagnose. You can have the same symptoms above in a milder form. Chronic means long-term; it's not usually thought of as chronic unless it's been going on for 2 months or more.

Sinus Infection Causes

Sinus problems can be caused by many things- you have to think about environmental and food allergies (allergic sinusitis), chronic sinus infection, and chronic colds. Without more information, it's hard to be specific. Sinusitis often develops after colds, and can become a chronic problem. The sinuses are very small... one of our weak points, especially for people with weakened immune systems or in the presence of irritants (once again, pollution, allergens, etc.)... she probably asked about the farms and pesticides while she was thinking about the cause of your chronic sinusitis.

Mold, Fungus, and Sick Buildings

And we can't forget about mold! While some people appear to be more sensitive than others, fungus can cause fungal sinusitis. This gets into the whole 'sick-building' topic... Mold can grow in the walls of houses and offices, and is not always easy to detect.

Decongestant Side Effects

Decongestants are often prescribed. They work by drying you out. Unfortunately, they don't just dry the mucus. Long-term use of decongestants can lead to other problems, like the dry or heat types of sinus inflammation.

This is why, in Chinese Medicine, we always balance an herb with other herbs- if we are drying the phlegm, we also moisten at the same time. Moisture helps the sinuses drain- you remember that Crocodile-Dundee-put-your-head-under-the-steaming-pot-thing? Likewise, there are chinese herbs whose function it is to moisten and transform phlegm.

Serious Causes of Sinusitis, and Serious Solutions

For those with chronic sinusitis, tests need to be done to rule out the serious things. Sinusitis can be just a simple end-of-your-cold complication, but it can also show up as part of: nasal tumors, fungal infections, and HIV or other immunodeficiency. What about the sinusitis surgery? It works from 50-93% of the time... so it can be a great help if you're sick and tired of it, and nothing else has worked. but it's also a super-painful process! I would see an herbalist first.

Brian Carter has been making herbs and acupuncture fun and easy to understand since 1999. He founded Pulse Media International (http://www.pulsemed.org), previously known as the Pulse of Oriental Medicine. He is the author of "Powerful Body, Peaceful Mind: How to Heal Yourself with Foods, Herbs, and Acupressure" (2004 - http://www.pulsemed.org/famous-author.htm)

Brian is a medical professor and public speaker. He writes articles, blogs (http://americas-acupuncturist.blogspot.com/), and speaks on radio across the country, and has been quoted and interviewed by publications like Real Simple, Glamour, and ESPN magazines.

Major Symptoms of Sinus Infection Problems

If you think your colds already lasted four weeks and are not very sure if your condition has developed into a sinus infection, you have to know the classic, common and major symptoms of sinus infection problems in order for you to know fully well what kind of condition you are in. knowing the symptoms of your sinus infection problem may also help you in applying earlier treatment to prevent full-blown inflammation to your sinuses. By applying the necessary treatment beforehand, you also avoid the effects of sinus infections to your emotional, physical and mental bearing.

The main symptoms of sinusitis are pain and pressure in the face. The location of pain and tenderness depends on which sinus is inflamed. When pain is over the cheek and upper teeth may be caused by the maxillary sinus inflammation. Pain in the forehead above the eyebrow may be triggered by inflammation of the frontal sinus. Once pain is behind the eyes, on top of the head, or in both temples may be brought about by sphenoid sinus inflammation. The inflammation of the ethmoid sinus can be identified by the pain around or behind the eyes.

It is an indication of having sinusitis when increased facial pain and pressure are felt when leaning forward or moving the head.

Other symptoms of sinusitis include: nasal blockage/nasal congestion, nasal drainage (thick and discolored), postnasal drip, low-grade fever, cough that produce mucus, ear fullness/ear clogging. You may also feel headache, tooth pain and reduced sense of taste or smell. Malaise and fatigue are also behavioral symptoms of sinusitis.

Classic symptoms of acute sinusitis are nasal congestion, green nasal phlegm, facial/dental pain, eye pain, headache, and cough at night. Some also complain of fever, feeling ill, bad breath and a sore throat. Chronic sinusitis is more difficult to diagnose. Same symptoms may apply with acute sinusitis but in a milder form. Unless your sinus infection problem has been going on for two months or more, its not usually thought of as chronic since chronic means long-term

A persons medical history and through a physical examination are usually the basis of diagnosing sinusitis. Instead of a physical exam, a detailed history of the problem can be of more value to the diagnosis more often than not. Further exams are not usually needed once the symptoms and physical findings are typical of sinusitis.

Theres also another effective way in preventing symptoms of sinus infection problems. You have to know the particular reason that triggers your sinusitis. Being aware of this will make you prevent coming attacks. But that will be taken up for another story-30-

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.sinusinfectionproblems.com/

Kay Zetkin is the author name used by Lala C. Ballatan. She discovered the pleasure of writing through her daily journals as a teen-ager.
For her, writing is an effective tool to express your viewpoints... To write is already to choose, thus, writing should be done along with a critical mind and a caring soul. She hopes to become more professional, skilled and mature in her craft.

Nail Fungal Infections: A Guide to Prevention and Treatment

Nail Fungal Infections: A Guide to Prevention and Treatment

How Nail Fungal Infections Occur

Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a common problem, affecting an estimated 40 million Americans. Most susceptible are men, individuals over forty, athletes, women who use acrylic nails, and those with a family history of infections or conditions which affect circulation, such as diabetes. Some individuals may also have inherited tendencies which make them more susceptible to developing nail fungus. The culprits are called dermatophytes, and they're found virtually everywhere in the environment. These are the same organisms that cause athlete's foot - a common skin infection of the feet.

Symptoms of a fungal nail infection typically begin with nail discoloration. Fungal dermatophytes convert healthy nail into keratin debris, upon which they live and feed. As keratin debris collects beneath the nail(s), they become thickened and may cause mild to severe discomfort, depending on the degree of infection. In advanced cases, nails become crumbly and may lift completely off the nail bed. As nail fungus advances it can become a social as well as a cosmetic problem. People with nail fungus will often shy away from pool or beach activities to avoid the embarrassment of ugly nails. For women in particular, fingernail fungus creates an even more serious social embarrassment. Hiding the problem behind false nails can make matters worse, as moisture becomes trapped between the acrylic surface, cement and the normal nail.

Changes You Can Make in Your Daily Routine to Help Prevent A Nail Fungus Infection:

Avoid going barefoot in public places, especially health clubs, swimming pools and spas

Dry toenails thoroughly after bathing or showering: Fungus thrives on moisture and warmth

Don't wear shoes that fit too tightly and don't wear the same shoes every day; Throw away old shoes that may harbor fungus

Regularly treat the insides of shoes with antifungal spray (an athlete?s foot spray will work well)

Don't let athlete's foot infections go untreated, which can spread to the nails where it is much more difficult to get rid of

Avoid injuring nails; dermatophytes look for opportunities to invade through damaged cuticle margins. Wear protective shoes when playing sports or doing construction projects and gloves when gardening or doing other chores that may lead to nail injury or irritation

When having nails manicured, bring your own nail care tools to avoid picking up infections from others. Use caution with acrylic or sculptured nails to avoid breaking the skin barrier which protects against fungal invasion. Use separate tools for healthy and infected nails

Treatment Options

Nail fungus infections have been notoriously difficult to treat, and it takes time for new, healthy nail to emerge. It is important to be patient and stay with the course of treatment you have chosen, to let it run its full course. Toenails can take between twelve to eighteen months to grow out, while fingernails normally grow out in about five and a half months. Also remember that damaged nails are more susceptible to reinfection, so try to avoid further injuring nails during the treatment period. The older you are, the slower your nails grow.

Prescription oral antifungals, such as Terbinafine (Lamisil), Itraconazole (Sporanox) and Griseofulvin (Fulvacin, Grinactin). Though the rate of effectiveness is reported to be high, be aware that the use of systemic antifungals carries with it the risk of potentially serious side effects, including liver damage. Elderly individuals and those with conditions such as diabetics or compromised immune systems are not good candidates for this course of treatment. Cost ranges from $350. - $700. Further information on these antifungals may be obtained at www.us.janssen.com (Sporanox); www.pharma.us.novartis.com (Lamisil) and www.doctorfungus.org/thedrugs/Griseofulvin.htm.

Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox 8%) is a topically applied lacquer available through a prescribing physician. Though without the side effects associated with systemic antifungals, clinical trials of Penlac indicate its effectiveness is much lower. Further information may be obtained at www.dermik.com/prod/penlac/penlac.html.

NonyX Nail Gel is an all natural, non-prescription topical gel, which takes an exfoliating approach to the problem. NonyX Gel penetrates the nail and removes keratin debris - the food supply of fungus. NonyX is a less expensive alternative, and the manufacturer's website indicates a podiatrist-conducted study achieved good results. Further information may be obtained at www.xenna.com.

A final note: It is important not to let a fungal nail infection go untreated, because nail fungus will not resolve on its own and the condition will only become worse if ignored. See your podiatrist or physician who may wish to perform lab tests to be certain that you have nail fungus instead of another nail or skin condition, such as psoriasis.

Dana Lawrence is a freelance writer and public relations consultant.

Healing Children's Ear Infections Naturally

Using natural healing techniques to cope with one of the most common childhood ailments.
Ear infections. Just the mention of it can inspire dread and fear in the hearts of many parents. And no wonder - ear infections are a very common ailment, with over 70% of children experiencing at least one before the age of two.

To properly understand ear infections, it's important to know what causes them. Most infections occur in the eustachian tube. These tubes allow secretions from the nose and throat to drain away; when blockages occur due to swelling or irritation, they become blocked with these secretions and a breeding ground for bacteria. Infants and young children have shorter eustachian tubes, and they are positioned horizontally, making it harder to drain easily. This may explain why babies and children are more prone to ear infections versus adults.

Most children are prescribed antibiotics by their physicians, but many researchers are starting to become concerned at the overuse of antibiotics creating more problems in the long run. The creation of "super bugs," or antibiotic resistant bacteria, and antibiotic allergies to name but a few. in fact, recent research performed in the Netherlands suggests that children prescribed antibiotics for the typical ear infection did not heal faster or better than those children given a placebo.

So what is a parent to do? Avoiding the antibiotic dance can be a difficult task when your child is suffering from a particularly bad infection. But many natural remedies can help ease the pain and boost the immune system without the long term negative effects of pharmaceutical remedies.

At the first sign of a problem, administer an echinacea and goldenseal herbal combination. Echinacea is antiviral, while goldenseal is a powerful antibiotic. Both help sooth irritated membranes while building up the natural immunity in the body.

To ease the pain, give several drops of warm oil in the ear. Traditionally "sweet oil" was used - this is simply almond oil sold under a different name. To speed healing, try olive oil warmed with a clove of garlic. Garlic is a highly regarded as an antibacterial as well, and the warm oil helps the eardrum membrane to relax, lessening the pain.

Many parents have also had good results with homeopathy. Children who have fevers and a red face, along with a throbbing earache should be given Belladonna 30x or 9c, two to three times daily for one day. Earaches with teething require Chamomilla - children with this type of earache are often crying and irritable. Use 12x, 30x, 6c, or 9c three times daily for up to two days.

It's helpful to keep your child well hydrated. Many experts recommend avoiding dairy products as it can increase mucus secretions, making it harder for the ear to properly drain. This does not include breast milk, as it is considered a clear fluid and extremely beneficial for ear problems.

Prevention is an important factor in fighting future ear infections. Multiple studies show that exposure to cigarette smoke is the highest risk factor for children's ear infections. Bottle feeding is also a large risk factor for ear infections, although the exact reason behind it is a bit unclear. Breast milk is the ideal food for an infant, and studies have shown that breastfed infants are less likely to suffer from ear infections versus bottle fed infants. Limit pacifer use too - the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that pacifier use after six months can contribute to ear infections. Some children have found relief by chiropractic or cranial-sacral work as well.

Meredith Edwards-Cornwall is the owner of http://www.AttachedMamas.com and http://www.BeachDesigns.net. She is an attached mama to two children, Alexander and Elizabeth.

Herbs For Sinus Infections

Sinuses Infections

This is the time of year that I always come down with a
sinus problems. They are hard to treat with herbs and take
long term use of the herbs for six months or more usually
before you see some permanent results.

Every year, millions of people around the world are affected
by a painful and often debilitating condition called sinusitis
or sinus infection. Acute sinusitis, which usually lasts
for 3 weeks or less,can be caused by a bacterial infection

and usually occurs as a latecomplication of the common cold.
Nasal congestion produces swelling in he sinus cavity,
obstructs drainage and causes mucus to stagnate which
provides a perfect breeding ground for infection For many people,sinusitis occurs often and can become a persistent
that may problem cause pain, frustration, and time away
from work, friends,

or family. As with any serious medical condition, see a
health practitioner first before treating yourself,infections.
especially if you experience recurrent

Here are some herbs that have worked for me:
Angelica: Expectorant (loosens mucus in (Angelica
throat and lungs); relieves conges- dahurication in
inflamed nasal passages.

Astragalus: Tonic for the immune system. Controls spread of
infection, especially in upper respiratory tract. branaceus)

Bi yan pian: While magnolia helps expel phlegm, (Xanthium
Xanthium (which is the roadisde weed and magnolia
cocklebur) quells nasal inflammation formula) and
fights headache. Indicated for flare-ups,
runny rose, yellow mucus.

Echinacea: This native American root functions
(Echinacea as an antibacterial and anti-inflam-
angustifolia) matory agent as well as an immune-system
booster.

Slippery elm: Expectorant. The inner bark of the (Ulmus
rubra) slippery elm tree soothes inflamed nasal and
throat tissues. Helps drain mucus from nasal passages.

Yarrow:Anti-inflammatory and antispas- (Achillea
modic (controls coughing). millefolium

Spotting a Sinus Infection Symptom Right Away

Information is the best way to be prepared for illness, especially http://www.xlear.com/articles/sinusitis.aspx sinusitis. Sinusitis is an advanced form of http://www.xlear.com/articles/sinus-infection.aspx 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 arent 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 http://www.xlear.com/articles/nasal-problems.aspx sinus problem could result from not knowing what the sinus infection symptoms are. At worst, sinusitis or sinus infection could result in http://www.xlear.com/articles/sinus-surgery.aspx sinus surgery.

Which Sinus Infection Symptom Have You Spotted?

http://www.xlear.com/articles/sinus-headache.aspx Sinus Headache-People tend to let this one go by or just treat it with Aspirin. Dont 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. Youd be surprised how far nasal spray can go in preventing this symptom.

http://www.xlear.com/articles/nasal-congestion.aspx 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.

http://www.xlear.com/articles/post-nasal-drip.aspx 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, its best to be prepared. The best preparation is prevention. I have already mentioned nasal spray, and a lot of people dont 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 http://editorials.arrivenet.com/hea/article.php/4728.html 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.