Information on Common Illnesses

We get a lot of questions from students about the use of antibiotics. Many students come to Health Services with the expectation of receiving an antibiotic for what is very often a viral syndrome…most viral illnesses last anywhere from a week to two weeks. Though we wish that antibiotics would help, current medical research does not show this to be true. For more information on the proper use of antibiotics, please visit this site: www.cdc.gov/getsmart/index.html

Constipation results from not drinking enough fluids, not eating enough dietary fiber, not being active enough, and from misusing laxatives. Symptoms of constipation are:

• a hard time passing stool, not being able to pass stool, and/or having very hard stools
• straining to have a bowel movement
• abdominal swelling or feeling of continued fullness after passing stool

Self Care for Constipation

• at foods high in fiber: bran; whole-grain breads and cereals; and fresh fruits and vegetables
• drink at least 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other liquids every day; hot water, tea, or coffee may help stimulate the bowel
• get plenty of exercise
• don’t resist the urge to have a bowel movement
• antacids and iron supplements can be binding; if you get constipated easily, discuss the use of these with your health care provider
• Don’t use “stimulant” laxatives, such as Ex-Lax, or enemas without your provider’s okay. Long-term use of them can make you even more constipated and lead to a mineral imbalance and reduced nutrient absorption. If needed, take an over-the-counter bulk-forming laxative, such as Metamucil.

Hormones cause the uterus to go into spasms. Premenstrual bloating increases the abdominal pain. Symptoms of menstrual cramps are:

• mild to severe abdominal pain
• back pain, fatigue, and/or diarrhea

Self Care for Menstrual Cramps

• drink hot tea (regular, chamomile, or mint)
• hold a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen or lower back
• take a warm bath
• gently massage your abdomen
• do mild exercises, such as yoga and walking
• when you can, lie on your back and support your knees with a pillow
• rest; avoid stress as your period approaches

An abnormal increase in the liquidity and frequency of stools. This is a symptom, not a disease. Simple diarrhea is common among all age groups.

Frequent Signs and Symptoms

• cramping abdominal pain
• loose, watery or unformed bowel movements
• lack of bowel control (sometimes)
• fever (sometimes)

Causes

Either the intestines produce too much fluid or not enough fluid is absorbed from the intestines. There are many causes, including infections.

Risk Increases With

• viral gastroenteritis (stomach “flu”)
• food intolerance or lactose intolerance
• emotional upsets or stress
• food poisoning
• eating foods, such as prunes or beans
• food allergy
• malabsorption syndromes
• disease or tumor of the pancreas
• diverticulitis, appendicitis, or fecal impaction
• excess alcohol use
• use of drugs, such as laxatives, antacids, antibiotics, quinine, or anticancer drugs
• irritable bowel syndrome
• inflammatory bowel disease
• crowded or unsanitary living conditions
• weak immune system due to illness or drugs
• travel to foreign country
• drinking contaminated water

Preventative Measures

• wash hands often to prevent spread of germs, especially after using the bathroom
• avoid undercooked or raw seafood, buffet or picnic foods left out for several hours, and food served by street vendors

Expected Outcomes

It goes away by itself and leaves no lasting effects. Most cases of diarrhea last a short time (24 to 48 hours) and a search for the cause may be unnecessary.

Possible Complications

Dehydration if diarrhea is prolonged.

Diagnosis & Treatment

General Measures

• In most cases, this disorder will be self-treated at home. Call your health care provider if symptoms are more severe or they cause you any concern.
• Your health care provider may do a physical exam. Medical tests may include studies of blood and stool.
• Treatment usually involves drinking plenty of fluids and rest as needed. There is no specific drug therapy.
• It is not necessary to keep persons with diarrhea away from others in the family or household. Try to avoid close contact if possible. Wash hands often.
• Hospital care may be needed, if dehydration is severe.

Medications

• Drugs are usually not needed for treatment. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, you may use drugs for nausea or diarrhea such as loperamide or Pepto-Bismol.
• Some infections may require specific drug treatment.
• If a drug you take is the cause of the problem, you may be advised to change drugs or stop taking the drug.

Activity

Get extra rest if needed. Be sure to have access to a toilet or bedpan.

Diet

• Suck ice chips or drink small amounts of clear fluids often. Replace lost fluids and electrolytes with products such as Pedialyte or Ricelyte for, and diluted rehydration fluids (Gatorade).
• Once the symptoms improve, try a diet of complex carbohydrates (rice, wheat, potatoes, bread, cereal, and lean meat such as chicken). Milk and dairy products usually do not need to be limited.
• Avoid high sugar foods or fatty foods for a few days.

Notify Our Office If

• diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours
• mucus, blood, or worms appear in the stool, or fever or severe pain develops in the abdomen or rectum
• dehydration develops; signs include dry mouth, wrinkled skin, excess thirst, and little or no urination

A common viral infection that affects the skin. In most cases, people become infected with the virus in childhood. The first time a person (usually a child) is infected, symptoms may include:

• mouth sores
• sore throat
• fever
• aching
• tiredness
• problems with eating
• swollen glands

The virus then stays inactive in the body (sometimes for months or years), until an active infection occurs and cold sores result.

Frequent Signs and Symptoms

Cold sores usually involve the lips. In some cases, they occur on nostrils, cheeks, or fingers. Prior to a cold sore, the skin area may feel itchy, tingly, or sensitive.

A cluster of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters appear in the affected area. The blisters break and ooze. A yellow crust forms and sloughs off, leaving pink skin and no scarring.

Causes

Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, or, less often, herpes simplex type 2 (the cause of genital herpes). The virus is spread from person to person by contact with fluid from a cold sore, saliva, contact with an item that has the germs on it, or sharing food or drinks with an infected person. The blisters and open sores can spread the virus until they heal.

Risk factors (below) may trigger an outbreak of cold sores. Cold sores also recur for unknown reasons.

Risk Increases With:

• physical or emotional stress
• illness, including a cold, flu, or fever from any cause
• menstrual periods
• dental treatment that stretches the mouth
• weak immune system due to illness or drugs
• exposure to the sun
• certain foods or drugs
• eczema (a skin infection)
• in daycare settings, sharing toys that children put in their mouths

Preventative Measures

• avoid contact (such as kissing or sharing food) with someone who has an active cold sore
• wash your hands often when you have a cold sore; this can help prevent spreading the virus
• use sunscreen

Expected Outcomes

Recovery takes a few days to a week. Recurrence will vary for different people. Cold sores may recur often or rarely. Complications are unlikely.

Possible Complications

Rarely, infection spreads to other places in the body, such as the eyes and brain. Prompt treatment is vital.

Diagnosis & Treatment

General Measures

• Most people will use self-care to treat cold sores:
  • Apply ice to the affected area, or use nonprescription products for cold sores, to ease discomfort.
  • Don’t squeeze or pick at the blisters. Avoid touching them except to apply cream or ointment, then wash hands carefully. Be careful about touching other parts of the body, especially the eyes and genital area, where the infection could spread.
  • Don’t share lip products, cups, or other utensils.
• See your health care provider if you are concerned about the symptoms. An exam of the infected area can confirm the diagnosis. Rarely, a medical test may be done of fluid from the sore.
• Medical treatment may include prescription drugs.

Medications

• Use aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to relieve minor pain. Don’t give aspirin to children under 18.
• Nonprescription creams or ointments for cold sores may be used.
• Antiviral drugs may be prescribed. They can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin.

Activity

No limits on physical activity. Avoid close contact with others, especially newborns and persons who have weak immune systems.

Diet

No special diet.

Notify our office if the following occur with a cold sore:

• The cold sore does not heal in a week.
• Signs of infection, such as fever or pus, instead of clear fluid in the blister; sores develop on the genitals, or the eyes become infected.
• You have a weak immune system due to illness or drugs.

A contagious viral infection of the upper-respiratory tract. This includes the nose, throat, and sinuses. A cold also affects the ears and lungs. Colds are the most common disease in the world.

Frequent Signs and Symptoms

• stuffy or runny nose; nasal discharge may be watery at first, becoming thick and yellow
• throat feels scratchy or sore
• coughing and sneezing
• loss of voice
• mild headache
• fatigue
• low-grade fever
• watering eyes

Cold symptoms start slowly. Flu symptoms are more sudden and include higher fever, major aches, chills, sweats, weakness, possible severe sore throat, cough, and chest discomfort.

Causes

Any of at least 100 viruses. Virus particles spread through the air or from person-to-person contact. Colds are often spread with hand-shaking.

Risk Increases with

• winter (colds are most frequent in cold weather)
• children attending school or daycare
• household member who has a cold
• crowded or unclean living conditions
• stress, fatigue, and allergies

Preventative Measures

• To prevent spreading a cold to others, avoid contact if possible during the contagious phase (first 2 to 4 days).
• Wash your often, especially after blowing your nose or before handling food.
• Avoid crowded places when possible, especially during the winter.
• Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet; include plenty of citrus fruits and other sources of vitamin C.

Expected Outcomes

Recovery in 7 to 14 days.

Possible Complications

Bacterial infections of the ears, throat, sinuses, or lungs.

Diagnosis & Treatment

General Measures

• Self-care and time is usually all that is needed for a cold. There is no cure for a cold. There are many remedies for cold symptoms. They include nonprescription cold preparations, getting extra rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and others that may be suggested by friends and family members. One or more of these may help you feel better until the body’s defenses fight off the germs.
• To help relieve nasal congestion, use salt-water drops (1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water). Put 2 or 3 drops of salt solution into each nostril
• Don’t smoke. It can further irritate the nasal passages.

Medications

No drugs, including antibiotics, can cure the common cold. To help relieve symptoms, you may use nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, decongestants, nose drops or sprays, cough remedies, and throat lozenges. It is best to get a product that works for one symptom, such as a runny nose, rather than a multi-symptom product. If you take other drugs, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about possible drug interactions.

Activity

Reduce activity and exercise. Best rest is not needed.

Diet

Regular diet. Drink extra fluids, including water, fruit juice, tea, and carbonated drinks.

Notify Our Office If

• you have increased through pain, or white or yellow spots on the tonsils or other parts of the throat
• you have long coughing episodes; your cough produces thick, yellow-green or gray sputum; you have a cough that lasts longer than 10 days
• a fever lasts several days, or is over 101°F (38.3°C)
• you have chills, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• you develop a painful earache or severe headache
• you develop a skin rash or bruised skin
• you feel pain in the teeth or over the sinuses
• you develop enlarged, tender glands in the neck

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. This membrane is called the conjunctiva. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they're more visible. This what causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink. 

Frequent Signs and Symptoms

The most common pink eye symptoms include: 

• redness in one or both eyes
• itchiness in one or both eyes
• a gritty feeling in one or both eyes
• a discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the nights that may prevent your eye(s) from opening in the morning
• tearing
• sensitivity to light, called photophobia

Causes

Pink eye is most often caused by a viral infection. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction or, in babies, an incompletely opened tear duct. 

Though pink eye can be irritating, it rarely affects your vision. Treatments can help ease the discomfort of pink eye. Because pink eye can be contagious, getting an early diagnosis and taking certain precautions can help limits its spread.

Preventative Measures

• Don't touch your eyes with your hands.
• Wash your hands often.
• Use a clean towel and washcloth daily.
• Don't share towels or washcloths.
• Change your pillowcases often.
• Throw away old eye cosmetics, such as mascara.
• Don't share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.

When to See a Provider

If you think you may have pink eye, please call Health Services to be evaluated.

There are serious eye conditions that can cause eye redness. These conditions may cause eye pain, a feeling that something is stuck in your eye, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. If you experience these symptoms, seek urgent care.

People who wear contact lenses need to stop wearing their contacts as soon as pink eye symptoms begin. If your symptoms don't start to get better within 12 to 24 hours, make an appointment with your eye doctor to make sure you don't have a more serious eye infection related to contact lens use.

Treatment

Treatment of pink eye depends on whether it's caused by bacteria, a virus, an allergen, or something else.

Treatment for pink eye caused by bacteria

If bacteria are causing your pink eye, your provider will give you a prescription for antibiotics (eye drops, ointments, or pills). If it's tricky to put ointment in your eye, don't worry. If the ointment gets as far as the eyelashes, it will mostly melt into the eye. 

Treatment for pink eye caused by viruses

Pink eye caused by a virus doesn't need treatment unless it's caused by herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox/shingles) or a sexually transmitted infection. These are serious infections that require antiviral medications. If not treated, they could scar your eye or cause vision loss. Antibiotics can't treat pink eye caused by a virus.

Treatment for pink eye caused by irritating substances

If something gets into your eye and irritates them, rinse your eyes with a gentle stream of warm water for five minutes. Avoid further exposure to the irritating substances. Your eyes should begin to improve within four hours after rinsing them. If they don't, call Health Services. If the substance in your eyes is a strong acid or alkaline chemical (such as drain cleaner), rinse your eyes with warm water, and call Health Services immediately. 

Treatment for pink eye caused by allergies

Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with prescription or over-the-counter eye drops. These contain either antihistamines to control allergic reactions or anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids or decongestants. You can relieve your symptoms temporarily by applying a cold compress to your closed eyes. You can prevent this kind of pink eye by avoiding the allergens that cause your symptoms or taking over-the-counter allergy medicines.

Irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Gastroenteritis is a general term and is often used when there is a nonspecific, uncertain, or unknown cause.

Frequent Signs and Symptoms

• diarrhea is the main symptom, and sometimes, the only one; diarrhea may range from 2 or 3 loose stools to many watery stools
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach cramps, pain, or tenderness
• fever or chills
• appetite loss
• weakness
• dehydration

Causes

Viral infections are the most common cause. They are spread by contact with an infected person or by touching an object that has germs on it. Contaminated food or water is another source for infection.

Other causes are:

• bacterial or parasitic infections
• food-borne toxins
• shellfish and marine animal poisoning
• food intolerance
• drug-caused diarrhea
• colitis

Risk Increases With

• crowded living or working conditions
• schools, dormitories, camps, or cruise ships
• weak immune system due to illness or drugs
• use of drugs, such as antibiotics, laxatives, or antacids
• contaminated food or water
• travel to foreign countries

Preventative Measures

• no specific preventative measures
• wash hands often to prevent spread of any germs
• don’t share eating utensils or towels
• use safety precautions in storing and cooking foods
• when traveling in foreign countries, take care to eat food and drink water that is known to be safe
• vaccines against some viruses are being studied

Expected Outcomes

The prognosis is excellent. Diarrhea and other symptoms usually clear up in 2 to 5 days. Adults may feel somewhat weak and fatigued for about a week.

Possible Complications

Serious dehydration that requires special treatment. Other complications are rare.

Diagnosis & Treatment

General Measures

• In most cases, this disorder will be self-treated at home. Call your health provider if symptoms are severe or if they cause you any concern.
• Your health care provider may do a physical exam. Medical tests may include studies of blood and stool.
• Treatment usually involves rest and fluids. There is no specific drug for viral infections.
• It is not necessary to keep persons with gastroenteritis away from others. Try to avoid close contact if possible.
• Hospital care may be needed if dehydration is severe.

Medications

Drugs are usually not needed for treatment. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, you may take antinausea and antidiarrhea drugs such as Pepto-Bismol or loperamide.

Activity

Get extra rest until diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever are improved. Be sure to have access to a toilet or bedpan.

Diet

• suck ice chips or drink small amounts of clear fluids often
• once symptoms improve, try a diet of complex carbohydrates (rice, wheat, potatoes, bread, cereal, and lean meat such as chicken); milk and dairy products usually do not need to be limited
• avoid high-sugar foods or fatty foods for a few days

Notify Our Office If

• symptoms of gastroenteritis last longer than 2 days
• symptoms continue or worsen after treatment
• blood or mucus appears in the stool

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, not just for college students, but for adults.

Prevention

• Keep a diary of when, where, and why the headaches occur.
• Be aware of early symptoms. Try to stop the headache as soon as it begins.
• Exercise on a regular basis.
• Keep regular sleeping times, as much as you can.
• Don’t smoke.
• Avoid excess alcohol; it can cause a headache.

Signs, Symptoms & Causes

Symptoms vary depending on the type of headache.

Tension or Muscular Headaches

Most headaches are this type. Signs and symptoms:

• a dull ache in your forehead, above your ears, or at the back of your head
• pain in your neck or shoulders that travels to your head

Tension headaches are caused by tense or tight muscles in the face, neck, or scalp.  You can get a tension headache from a number of things:

• not getting enough sleep
• felling “stressed out”
• reading for long periods of time or eyestrain
• doing repetitive work
• staying in one position for a long time, such as working at a computer

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches happen when blood vessels in your head open too wide or close too tight. Signs and symptoms are:

• headaches that start on the side of your head and one side of your head hurts more than the other
• you feel sick to your stomach or vomit
• you see spots or zigzag flashes of light before your headache
• light hurts your eyes, nose bothers you, and the headache is worse with activity

After the headache, some people have a drained feeling with tired, aching muscles. Others feel great after the headache goes away.

Migraines can occur with or without an aura. An aura is symptoms a person experiences, such as spots or flashing lights, or numbness for 10 to 30 minutes prior to the headache. Ten percent of all migraines are this type; 90% occur without an aura.

Migraine headaches occur more often in females than in males and tend to run in families.

Certain things trigger migraine headaches in susceptible people. They include:

• menstruation in females
• caffeine, alcohol, and/or certain foods, such as aged cheeses, cured meats (hot dogs, ham, etc.)
• stress or changes in sleeping patterns
• strenuous exercise

Sinus Headaches

A sinus headache occurs when fluids in the nose aren’t able to drain well and a buildup of pressure occurs in the sinuses. A cold, allergies, dirty or polluted water, and airplane travel can cause a sinus headache. Signs and symptoms are:

• pain in your forehead, cheekbones, and nose that is worse in the morning
• increased pain when you bend over or touch your face
• stuffy nose

Other Causes of Headaches

• analgesic rebound from regular or repeated use of over-the counter or prescribed pain relievers
• eating or drinking something very cold, such as an ice cream {Note: to prevent ice cream headaches, warm the ice cream for a few seconds in the front of your mouth}
• low blood sugar; hunger
• cigarette smoke, or exposure to chemicals, and/or pollution
• uncorrected vision problems, such as nearsightedness
• caffeine withdrawal
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome

Treatment

Self-care can be used for headaches caused by tension, fatigue, and/or stress. Over-the-counter Excedrin Migraine or prescribed medicines can be used to treat migraine headaches.

Biofeedback has helped many people who have suffered from headaches.

Headaches that are symptoms of health conditions are relieved when the condition is treated with success.

Fungal (tinea) infection of the skin. Ringworm can involve the scalp (tinea capitis), skin (tinea corporis), groin skin (tinea cruris), nails (tinea unguium), feet (tinea pedis), and skin with beard (tinea barbae). It affects children and adults and is more common in males than females.

Frequent Signs and Symptoms

• lesions (sores) that itch (sometimes)
• on the scalp: lesions cause patchy hair loss and scaling scalp
• on the body skin: lesions are red, circular, flat, scaling, and have well-defined borders
• on the bearded area of the face: lesions cause an itchy, scaling rash under the beard
• on the feet: in the skin between the toes, a soft scaling (may be blistered), itchy rash
• of the nails: thickened, yellow, dull nails with a crusting at the free edge

Causes

Fungal infection with one or more of the 5 different fungi. They are found almost everywhere. Transmission is by person-to-person contact or by contact with infected surfaces, such as towels, shoes, or shower stalls. Worms have nothing to do with the infection.

Risk Increases With

• crowded living conditions
• contact with infected persons or animals
• weak immune system due to illness or drugs
• chronic moisture and irritation of the skin
• warm, humid climates

Preventative Measures

The fungi are so prevalent that total prevention is impossible. To reduce risk:

• get treatment for pets that have skin problems
• carefully dry feet after bathing in a tub or shower or after swimming; apply antiperspirant to your feet if they perspire excessively
• good personal hygiene
• don’t share headgear (hats, combs, brushes)
• avoid tight shoes or underwear that may rub or irritate the skin

Expected Outcomes

Usually curable with treatment. It may take weeks to months depending on the location. Recurrence is common and ringworm becomes chronic in 20% of cases.

Possible Complications

Bacterial infection of ringworm lesions.

Diagnosis & Treatment

General measures

• In most cases, self-treatment is all that is needed. See your health care provider if self-care does not help.
• Your health care provider can usually diagnose the disorder by an exam of the affected skin. Medical tests may include microscopic exam of skin scrapings and exam with ultraviolet light (Wood’s lamp) for ringworm on the scalp.
• Treatment is usually with topical drugs. Other specific care depends on location of the infection.
• For infection on the body: Carefully launder all clothing, towels, or bed linens that have touched the lesions.
• Keep the skin dry. If the area is red, swollen, and weeping, use compresses made of 1 teaspoon salt to 1 pint water. Apply 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days before starting the local antifungal medication.
• For infection of the scalp, shampoo the hair daily.
• For infected feet, expose feet to air whenever possible. Wear sandals or leather shoes, wear cotton socks.  Wash and dry your feet at least twice a day.
• For an infected beard, let the beard grow. If necessary to shave, use an electric shaver and not a blade.
• For nail infection, keep nails short.

Medications

• Use topical antifungal drugs in the form of creams, lotions, or ointments. Treatment may continue after symptoms clear up to help prevent recurrence.
• In widespread infections or nail infections, an oral antifungal may be prescribed.
• Topical steroids may be prescribed for itching or inflammation.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed for a bacteria infection

Activity

No limits.

Diet

No special diet.

Notify Our Office If

• you or a family member has symptoms of ringworm
• lesions become redder, painful, and ooze pus
• symptoms don’t improve in 3 or 4 weeks

Infection or inflammation (redness and soreness) of the sinuses. Sinuses are air-filled spaces that make mucus to help clean the air we breathe. They are located behind the eyebrows, inside each cheekbone, and between the eyes.  Sinuses open into the nose for mucus and air to exchange. Sinusitis can be acute (short illness), or chronic if it continues for several weeks or recurs often.

Frequent Signs and Symptoms

• nasal congestion with white or greenish-yellow (sometimes blood-tinged) discharge
• feeling of pressure inside the head
• eye pain
• headache that is worse in the morning or when bending forward
• cheek pain that may resemble a toothache
• post-nasal drip
• cough (sometimes) that is usually non-productive
• disturbed sleep (sometimes)
• fever (sometimes)
• swelling of the sinus openings, blocking the discharge, and increasing pain

Causes

• Bacterial infection. A common cold or allergic reaction can cause the sinuses to swell and increase the amount of mucus they produce. Bacteria begin to grow in the excess mucus in the swollen sinuses and causes the symptoms.
• Fungal infection, such as aspergillosis, may occur in people who have a weakened immune system.
• Allergies that cause swelling of sinuses.

Risk Increases With

• common cold or other viral illness
• a weakened immune system due to illness or drugs
• swimming or diving
• using nasal decongestant sprays too often
• growths (polyps) in the nose or a deviated septum
• people with asthma or an allergic disease
• smoking
• people with cystic fibrosis
• dental problems

Preventative Measures

Prompt treatment of any cold or other viral infection.

Expected Outcomes

Will often clear up on its own, but may be treated with drugs or surgery if needed.

Possible Complications

• sinusitis may become chronic
• rarely, infection may spread into bones, eyes, or brain

Diagnosis & Treatment

General Measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and recent illnesses, such as a cold. Diagnosis can usually be made based on this information. Medical tests may be done in certain cases, such as repeated infections.
• Drug treatment is aimed at improving symptoms and curing the infection.
• Apply moist heat to relieve pain in the sinuses and nose. Take a warm shower once or twice a day.
• Sinusitis not responding to drug treatment may require surgery to drain blocked sinuses.
• Surgery may be done for polyps or a deviated septum.
• Sinusitis caused by a fungus may require surgery.

Medications

• For stuffy nose, use nonprescription nasal decongestants. Limit use to 3 days in a row. Saline nasal sprays may be used several times a day. Nonprescription antihistamines are sometimes helpful.
• For minor pain, you may use drugs such as acetaminophen.
• Drugs to reduce congestion may be prescribed
• Antibiotics for the infection may be prescribed.

Activity

Resume your normal activities gradually. Exercise can help to clear your head.

Diet

Drink extra fluids to help thin secretions.

Notify Our Office If

• your or a family member has symptoms of sinusitis
• the following occur during treatment:
  • fever; bleeding from the nose; severe headache
  • swelling of the face (forehead)

Signs & Symptoms

• soreness or pain in the throat, especially when you talk or swallow
• swollen neck glands
• the back of the throat and/or the tonsils look bright red or have pus deposits or white spots
• sore on the roof of the mouth

You may have other symptoms with the sore throat, too. These include fatigue, fever, postnasal drip, bad breath, headache, and/or earache.

Causes

• a bacterial or viral infection, such as strep throat, tonsillitis, or mononucleosis
• shouting for long periods of time, such as from cheering at a sporting event
• tobacco or marijuana smoke
• air pollution, dry air and/or allergies
• postnasal drip
• self-induced vomiting
• an infection from oral sex with an infected partner

Treatment

If an infection is suspected, your health care provider may take a throat culture. If streptococcus or any other type of bacteria is present, he or she may prescribe an antibiotic. Be sure you take all of the antibiotic, even if you are feeling better. If strep throat is inadequately treated, other conditions, such as rheumatic fever can occur.

Self Care

To Prevent Getting a Sore Throat

• do not get in close contact with anyone you know has a sore throat
• wash your hands often to minimalize picking up germs from others;  don’t share drinking glasses and silverware

To Treat a Sore Throat

• gargle every 2 to 3 hours with a solution of ¹/₄ teaspoon of salt mixed in 1 cup of warm water
• drink plenty of warm beverages, such as tea with lemon (with or without honey)  and soup
• for strep throat, drink and eat cold liquids and foods, such as frozen yogurt and popsicles
• use a cool-mist vaporizer in your room; if you get a sore throat often, consider putting a portable air purifier in your room
• don’t smoke; avoid secondhand smoke and air pollution
• avoid eating spicy foods
• suck on a piece of hard candy, cough drop, or medicated lozenge every 2 to 4 hours
• take an over-the-counter medicine for the pain and/or fever
• if prescribed an antibiotic, take all of it

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament. A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon. Sprains occur most often in ankles, knees, or fingers, although any joint can be sprained. Strains often occur in the back or hamstring muscles (at the back of the thigh). It is sometimes difficult to know if the injury is a sprain and strain.

Frequent Signs and Symptoms

• pain or tenderness in the area of injury; severity varies with the extent of injury
• swelling of the affected joint
• redness or bruising in the area of injury, either right away, or several hours after injury
• loss of normal mobility in the injured joint

Causes

• Strains are often caused by twisting, pulling, or overuse injuries. Pulled muscle is another term used.
• Sprains usually occur as a result of trauma (fall, twisting injury, or automobile accident). The ankle is injured most often because of its normal weakness, its exposed position and the stress it sustains in sports and other activities.

Risk Increases With

• sports requiring running, jumping, and change of direction
• high-risk activities such as skateboarding, contact sports, ice and roller skating, mountain biking, skiing, and rock climbing
• overweight
• trauma
• excessive exercise
• poor conditioning
• poor fitting shoes and high-heeled shoes

Preventative Measures

• maintain good level of physical fitness
• maintain a healthy weight
• to avoid injury:
  • wear proper shoes and other protective gear for the sport or activity
  • stretch muscles before and after exercise
  • strengthen weak muscles with special exercises
  • accident-proof your home

Expected Outcomes

With treatment and rest, it takes 6 to 8 weeks for recovery. It may take longer if the injury is severe.

Possible Complications

• joint may remain unstable
• arthritis may develop later on in the joint

Diagnosis and Treatment

General Measures

• Your health care provider will do an exam of the injured area. Questions will be asked about your symptoms and activities that lead to the injury. Tests may include x-rays or other special scans of the injured area.
• Treatment for a sprain or strain will depend on how mild or severe the injury is. It may range from simple self-care, to wearing a cast or brace, to having surgery.
• Use RICE therapy – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
  • Rest and reduce activities as needed. Crutches or a cane may be required to get around.
  • Apply ice.  Place ice in a plastic bag and separate it from the skin with a thin towel. Continue the ice treatment for 20 minutes at a time at 2-hour intervals. After 24 hours, continue ice treatment or switch to heat.
  • Compression may be done with elastic wrap. Also, special boots, casts, or splints may be prescribed.
  • Elevate the injured area on a pillow, above the heart level if possible, to help reduce swelling.
  • Rehabilitation for a sprain or strain starts after the pain and swelling improve. The goals are to restore complete joint function and a return to full activity levels. You and your health care provider will work out a recovery and exercise plan for your individual needs.

Medications

You may take pain relievers such as acetaminophen. If the sprain is severe, a stronger pain reliever may be prescribed. Avoid aspirin, as it may increase the tendency to bleed.

Activity

You will be taught exercises to do several times a day at home. Physical therapy may be needed. Don’t return to previous activity level until advised to do so. You risk a re-injury and chronic joint problems.

Diet

No special diet.

Notify Our Office If

• you or a family member has a joint injury
• pain, swelling or bruising increases

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an infection of the vagina and vulva (external genitals). It can affect women of all ages but occurs most often in the childbearing years. Men may have candidiasis infection with no symptoms.

Frequent Signs and Symptoms

• the symptoms vary among women and from time to time, in the same woman
• white, “curdy” vaginal discharge (resembles lumps of cottage cheese); odor may be unpleasant, but not foul
• swollen, red, tender, itching vaginal lips (labia) and surrounding skin
• burning during urination
• change in vaginal color from pale pink to red
• pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)

Causes

Most often, the cause is a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans. Healthy women have this yeast in their vagina (and the mouth and intestines). If the normal conditions of the vagina change, the yeast can overgrow and cause infection. Rarely, Candida may be passed from person to person, by sexual intercourse.

Risk Increases With

• pregnancy
• diabetes
• drugs (antibiotics, corticosteriouds, birth control pills)
• weak immune system from drugs or disease
• recent illness, poor diet, or lack of sleep

Preventative Measures

There are no specific preventative measures. The following steps may help to prevent vaginal disorders.

• Use condoms with new sexual partners to help protect against some infections.
• Keep the genital area clean and dry. Use plain unscented soap. Be sure sexual partner is clean. Avoid vaginal douching.
• Take showers rather than tub baths. If you take a bath, don’t add oils or bubble bath to the water.
• Wear cotton underwear or pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid tight jeans, pants, or pantyhose.
• Don’t sit around in wet clothes, such as bathing suits.
• After going to the bathroom, wipe from front to back (vagina to anus).
• Change tampons or sanitary pads frequently.
• Take antibiotics only when prescribed for you.

Expected Outcome

Symptoms will normally clear up with treatment.

Possible Complications

• It may cause vaginitis (soreness, itching, and irritation).
• Some women may develop recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). This is when four or more episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis have occurred in one year.

Diagnosis and Treatment

General Measures

• Don’t assume you have a yeast infection and use antifungal (yeast) drugs to self-treat without a diagnosis. Also, a vaginal infection should not be self-treated with douches, deodorant sprays, or herbal remedies.
• Your health care provider will usually do a physical exam and a pelvic exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Tests of the vaginal discharge may be done.
• Drug therapy is usually recommended.
• If urinating causes burning, urinate through a tubular device, such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the bottom cut out, or pour a cup of warm water over the genital area while you urinate.
• To learn more: National Women’s Health Information Center, (800) 994-9662

Medication

• Antifungal drugs, either in vaginal creams or suppositories or in oral form, may be recommended. Some nonprescription examples are miconazole nitrate (Monistat-7) and clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin, Mycelex-7, and FemCare). Follow the instructions on the product. If you have tried one of these drugs and it has not worked for you, your health care provider may prescribe a prescription-only drug.
• Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis treatment usually involves two weeks of intensive antifungal drugs, then up to six months of a lower “maintenance” dose.

Activity

Delay sexual relations until symptoms clear up.

Diet

Some women find that eating yogurt or a low sugar diet can help in preventing or treating yeast infections.

Notify Our Office If

• you or a family member has symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis
• symptoms get worse or recur