Respiratory Care

ALLERGIES

1. For relief of allergy symptoms, such as stuffy head, runny nose with clear mucous, itchy and watery eyes, and sneezing, take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine (e.g. Benadryl™) to help relieve symptoms. 
2. Antihistamine eye drops (e.g. Opcon-A™) and cold, wet compresses can relieve itching eyes.
3. Rinse with nasal saline spray as often as possible (e.g. Ocean Spray™ -- not the drink!-- or the generic brand).
4. Avoid allergens as much as possible. Use dust mask to cover your nose and mouth when doing household chores and/or yard work; use a humidifier to keep the air moist in your bedroom, and keep the windows closed; at bedtime, shower and shampoo your hair to wash the pollens off your body; and change your pillowcases often. 

Note: Contact your physician or nurse practitioner  if an antihistamine causes drowsiness or other side effects; if you develop sinus pain, fever over 101°F or wheezing.

Source: Personal communication with N.B. Smith, M.D., April 16, 1997

          Revised: M. Perez,  N.P., 7/2004

ASTHMA

1. Reduce your activity when an asthma attack (wheezing, etc.) occurs.
2. Steam: taking a hot shower or draping a towel over your head and holding it over the sink with hot water running may provide decongestant relief and soothe a sore throat.
3. Use medicine only as prescribed by your doctor.
4. Be aware of what factors may cause your asthma attacks. Try to avoid these agents, and reduce your exposure to them.

Note: Consult your doctor or nurse practitioner if coughing and wheezing have not been experienced before or if they are not controlled by medication.

Source: Pfeiffer & Douma, 1996

COLD

Before you diagnose yourself as having a cold, it is important to note the symptoms in case you may have something else, such as the flu (for symptoms, see Flu). Cold symptoms include congestion, stuffy and/or runny nose, fever, headache, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. If you suspect you have a cold, refer to the following guidelines:

1. Get extra rest. Take it easy and slow down.
   
2. Fluids: drink plenty of water/juice daily and even more if you have a fever. Be aware that alcoholic beverages will prolong a cold.
3. Gargle gently. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt or honey to 8 ounces of warm water and gargle about once every hour or two. This aids in reducing pain, swelling, and irritation of the throat. Zinc lozenges may also provide temporary relief of a cold, virus, and /or sore throat.
4. Steam: taking a hot shower or draping a towel over your head and holding it over the sink with hot water running may provide decongestant relief and soothe a sore throat.
5. Over-the-counter medications may help relieve some cold symptoms, but you should be aware of the side effects and make certain you do not exceed the dosage. Analgesics such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol™) can help reduce fevers, muscle aches and headaches. Antihistamines (e.g. Benadryl™) may aid in relief of sneezing, runny nose, and itching, watering, burning eyes. It is important to note that antihistamines often produce dizziness or drowsiness, so be cautious. Also, reduce the dosage if your nose or throat becomes too dry and irritated. Decongestants (e.g. Sudafed™) can help relieve sinuses and reduce pressure in the ears, but should be taken with the advice of a doctor or nurse practitioner if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a heart condition.

Note: Seek medical attention  if ear or sinus pain occurs, or if a fever over 101° F. develops.

Source: Mosby & Park, 1995

          Revised: M. Perez, N.P., 7/2004

COUGH

There are two types of coughs. Dry, nonproductive coughs call for a cough syrup (e.g. Robitussin DM™) that may aid in suppressing the cough. On the other hand, a productive cough that helps to loosen up and clear out the mucous should be treated with an expectorant (e.g. Robitussin SIN™). It is also important to drink at least six glasses of water a day for a productive cough in order to thin the mucous. In addition Nyquil™ is often effective for a night-time cough.

Note: If a bad cough persists for two to three days, notify your doctor or nurse practitioner.

Source: Pfeiffer & Douma, 1996

FLU

If you suspect you have the flu, it is important to diagnose the symptoms in case you may have something else, such as a cold (for symptoms, refer to Cold). Flu symptoms include congestion, stuffy and/or runny nose, fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches (particularly in your back, arms, and legs). Also, a dry cough, and fatigue. If you suspect you have the flu, follow these steps:

1. Rest: make sure to get plenty of rest and try not to wear yourself out.
   
2. Fluids: drink plenty of water/juice daily and even more if you have a fever.
   
3. For relief of a sore throat, follow the guidelines listed under Sore Throat, pp. 18-19.
   
4. Analgesics such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol™) can help reduce fevers, muscle aches and headaches. DO NOT take aspirin if you suspect you have the flu. Aspirin in conjunction with the flu has been associated with Reye's Syndrome, which can cause coma, liver damage and death. In addition, some suspect that ibuprofen (e.g., Advil™ or Nuprin™) is too similar to aspirin to take a chance.

Note: Notify your doctor or nurse practitioner if you develop a fever over 101° F., or if pain in your ears, face or chest occurs; also, if wheezing or shortness of breath occur and/or if your cough produces yellow, green, brown or bloody sputum or if there is yellow or green discharge from your nose; additionally, if your sore throat becomes severe, or if a skin rash occurs. Notify your doctor if you develop a severe headache.

Source: University of Texas, 1997

SORE THROAT

1. Fluids: drink plenty of water/juice daily and even more if you have a fever. Hot liquids are soothing for a sore throat and help to get rid of the mucous.
2. Steam: taking a hot shower or draping a towel over your head and holding it over the sink with hot water running may provide decongestant relief and soothe a sore throat.
3. Gargle gently. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water and gargle about once every hour or two. This aids in reducing pain, swelling, and irritation of the throat. Also, throat sprays or lozenges may temporarily provide relief by numbing the nerve endings in the throat.
4. Take a mild pain reliever such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol™) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil™) and be aware of the side effects and dosage recommendations. Also, be sure to avoid smoking.
5. Choose foods to eat that are easy to swallow. These may include clear soups, gelatin desserts, milkshakes, applesauce, mashed potatoes, soft cereals, or grilled cheese sandwiches. Low-acid fruits like apples and grapes may be easier to eat as well.

Note: Consult your doctor or nurse practitioner if your sore throat persists longer than five days, if you have difficulty breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth, or if your sore throat is frequently recurring. In addition, seek medical attention if you notice signs of infection (white patches on tonsils or throat), if you develop a fever over 101° F., blood in saliva or phlegm appears, or a lump in the neck develops.

Source: Casano, 1992

MONONUCLEOSIS

In order to determine if you have mononucleosis, a test must be taken at a medical facility such as the Health Center. You may follow the guidelines below if you suspect you have mononucleosis, but remember -- you must be tested. Once you have tested positive, you may follow these guidelines, along with any additional recommendations of your health care provider.

1. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for mononucleosis, but speeding up the process requires a lot of rest and good nutrition. Avoid alcohol at this time because your liver can be damaged if you choose to drink alcoholic beverages.
2. If you develop a fever, drink plenty of water/juice and stay at home.
3. If you develop a sore throat, follow the guidelines listed under Sore Throat, pp. 18-19.
4. If you have tested positive for mononucleosis, you must take spleen precautions. For example, it is extremely important to avoid contact sports for six weeks to avoid rupture to the enlarged spleen.

Note: Seek medical attention if pain or swelling prevents you from swallowing, if vomiting occurs, or if you reach a fever of 101° F. or above.

Source: Virginia Tech, 1996

STREP THROAT

Strep throat cannot be diagnosed until you have been tested for it at a health care facility such as the Health Center. Once you have tested positive, you may refer to the following guidelines, along with those of your health care provider.

1. In addition to taking the antibiotic prescribed, be sure to get plenty of rest in order to speed up the healing process.
2. Avoid transmission to others. For instance, avoid contact and sharing utensils with others.
3. See guidelines listed under Sore Throat, pp. 18-19.

Note: Seek medical attention immediately if you develop a skin rash or if any other unusual reaction occurs.

Source: Strep throat handout from Cal Poly Health Services, 1998

TONSILLITIS

Tonsillitis cannot be diagnosed until you have been tested for it at a health care facility such as the Health Center. Once you have been tested positively, you may refer to the following guidelines along with any additional recommendations by your health care provider.

1. It is up to your doctor or nurse practitioner to advise whether or not you will benefit by taking antibiotics. Any other type of medication should be taken only if prescribed by your doctor or nurse practitioner.
2. If you should develop a fever, drink at least eight glasses of water per day (even more is recommended), and get plenty of rest.
3. Eat soft foods as long as swallowing difficulty persists. These can include milkshakes, clear soups, gelatin desserts, applesauce, mashed potatoes, soft cereals, or grilled cheese sandwiches. Also, be sure to avoid smoking.

Note: Notify your doctor or nurse practitioner if you develop a skin rash, earache or severe headache. Also, seek medical attention if shortness of breath or fever over 102° F. occurs.

Source: Dunn, 1994

 

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