Dr. Wojo. Healthy Living. Simplified.

As we embark on another winter season, people are starting to suffer from a variety of respiratory illnesses — the common cold, a cough, bronchitis, or pneumonia. There are certain measures one can take to lessen the risk of getting sick.  Let’s take a look at some of these issues.

What are the causes? Many respiratory illnesses are caused by a viral infection. Antibiotics are only used with bacterial infections, thus there is no specific treatment that will shorten the course of a viral illness. The best you can do is treat your symptoms in order to make yourself more comfortable. On the other hand, bacterial infections require more aggressive treatment, such as antibiotics, once the pathogen is identified.

How can I protect myself? If you smoke, stop. Smoking is the leading risk factor for the development of upper and lower respiratory illnesses. The body’s immune system is weakened from the chemicals in cigarette smoke, and the structural anatomy of the respiratory tree and lungs are damaged as well.

A prior history of having pneumonia does not place a person at risk for reoccurrence unless there is prior lung damage. If you have had pneumonia, it is recommended that you visit a pulmonary specialist for lung capacity testing and to determine whether your lungs have been damaged by prior illness.

People with other medical problems such as asthma, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis are at greatest risk for respiratory infections.
Simple good health habits such as avoiding people with respiratory illnesses and not sharing glassware and utensils will increase one’s chance of staying healthy. Evidence based medical literature documents the effectiveness of simply washing your hands in order to decrease the spread of disease.

Also, be sure that you are immunized against the flu.  Children should be up to date on all of their immunizations as well.  The elderly and people with compromised immune systems should receive the pneumonia vaccine.

Lastly, a healthy diet and regular exercise is important. Exercise not only strengthens muscles, but endurance and immunity. It isn’t necessary to take a handful of vitamins or other supplements in order to prevent disease — just eat sensibly and take a daily multiple vitamin.
If you have questions, be sure to consult your primary health care provider.