Mycoplasma Pneumoniae IgG Antibody Tips

What is upper respiratory tract infection?

Upper respiratory tract infection (uri) is a contagious infection of the nose, throat, and airways.

Uris are caused by viruses the vast majority of the time; however, bacteria are also capable of becoming the offender in some situations.

Types of upper respiratory tract infection:



Sinusiti: sinusitis is a form of infection of the upper respiratory system that affects the sinuses. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and can result in inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages, leading to a stuffy nose, headaches, and facial pain.


Rhinitis: an upper respiratory tract infection characterised by inflammation of the nasal passages. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, and sore throat.


Pharyngitis: an upper respiratory tract infection that affects the pharynx (the part of the throat located behind the nose). Symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.


Laryngitis: an upper respiratory tract infection that affects the larynx (the voice box). Symptoms include hoarseness or loss of voice, coughing, and sore throat.


Bronchitis: an upper respiratory tract infection that affects the bronchi (the airways between the trachea and lungs). Symptoms include coughing up thick mucus (phlegm), chest pain or discomfort when breathing or coughing, fatigue, and shortness of breath.



What are the signs and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection?



Common cold: the most common symptom of an upper respiratory tract infection is a cold, which is characterised by a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and congestion.


Sore throat: a sore throat is a common symptom of an upper respiratory tract infection and can be accompanied by difficulty swallowing or hoarseness.


Cough: coughing is also a common symptom of an upper respiratory tract infection and can range from dry to wet (producing mucus).


Nasal congestion: nasal congestion (or stuffiness) due to swelling of the nasal passages can also occur with an upper respiratory tract infection.


Headache: a headache may accompany an upper respiratory tract infection, especially if the person has a sinus infection or sinusitis.


Fever: a fever may be present with an upper respiratory tract infection, depending on the cause and severity of the illness.



What are possible complications of upper respiratory tract infection?



Acute bronchitis: this is a common complication of an upper respiratory tract infection, as the infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.


Pneumonia: a bacterial or viral infection of the lungs that can develop as a secondary complication of an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms may include fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.


Sinusitis: sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can be a consequence of an upper respiratory tract infection. Sinusitis can be caused by either a bacterial or a viral infection. Symptoms may include headache, facial pressure and pain, nasal congestion and discharge, and fatigue.


Ear infection: an inflammation of the ear caused by a bacterial or viral infection that can be a complication of an upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms may include earache, fever, and fluid drainage from the ear.


Asthma exacerbation: an acute worsening of asthma symptoms caused by an upper respiratory tract infection that can lead to severe breathing difficulties if not treated promptly with appropriate medication.



Foods to eat and avoid in case of cough

Foods to eat:



Fruits and vegetables: fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre that can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in your body.


Whole grains: whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread are high in b vitamins and magnesium which can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system.


Honey: honey has natural antimicrobial properties that can help ease a cough as well as soothe a sore throat.


Ginger: ginger is known to be an effective natural remedy for easing a cough as it helps break up mucus.


Turmeric: the component of turmeric known as curcumin is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects of the spice.



Foods to avoid:



Dairy products: dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream, etc, can worsen congestion due to their mucus-producing nature.


Processed foods: processed foods such as chips, cookies, etc, can cause inflammation in the body which can worsen your symptoms.


Alcohol: alcohol is known to be dehydrating and should be avoided when you are suffering from a cough or cold.



Home remedies and tips to avoid upper respiratory tract infections



Gargling with warm water mixed with salt: curcumin, which is found in turmeric, is the component of turmeric that is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties of the spice.


Drinking tulsi tea: tulsi or holy basil contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties which help to fight against infections that cause upper respiratory tract infections.


Drinking ginger tea: because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that ginger possesses, it is a good treatment for the symptoms that accompany infections of the upper respiratory tract.


Hot compress: applying a hot compress on the chest and throat helps to reduce chest congestion and improve breathing by loosening the mucus in the lungs.


Inhaling steam: inhaling steam helps in reducing chest congestion, relieving sinus pressure, and improving breathing by loosening mucus in the airways.


Drinking turmeric milk: turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help to reduce fever, sore throat, and other symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.


Eating garlic: garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties which helps to reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract caused by bacterial or viral infection.


Drinking honey and lemon juice: honey is known for its antiviral properties while lemon juice is rich in vitamin c which helps to boost immunity and fight against infection causing bacteria or viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infection.


Eating curry leaves: curry leaves are known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties which help to reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections such as cough, colds, sore throat etc, thereby providing relief from it quickly.


Taking ayurvedic herbs such as amalaki (amla), guduchi (tinospora cordifolia), yastimadhu (glycyrrhiza glabra), bharangi (clerodendrum serratum) etc: these herbs have strong antiviral properties that can help fight against bacterial or viral infections causing upper respiratory tract infections effectively



What are the surgical treatments for upper respiratory tract infection?



Adenoidectomy: this is a surgical procedure to remove enlarged adenoids, which are located behind the nose and at the back of the throat. Adenoidectomy helps to reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, such as difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and recurrent ear infections.


Tonsillectomy: this is a surgical procedure to remove enlarged tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat. Tonsillectomy helps reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections, such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing and recurrent ear infections.


Septoplasty: this is a surgical procedure to repair a deviated septum, which is caused by misalignment of tissues in the nose that separate one nostril from another. Septoplasty helps to improve airflow through the nasal passages and reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections, such as congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose.


Endoscopic sinus surgery: this is a minimally invasive surgery used to open blocked sinuses and improve airflow through them. Endoscopic sinus surgery can help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection by reducing nasal congestion and improving drainage of mucus from the sinuses.



Best doctors to consult for upper respiratory tract infection?



Primary care physician - your primary care physician is the best doctor to consult for an upper respiratory tract infection. They can diagnose the infection and provide treatment options, including prescriptions if needed.


Family doctor - a family doctor is also an excellent option for treating an upper respiratory tract infection. They can provide diagnosis and treatment, as well as guidance on how to manage the infection in the future.


Infectious disease specialist - an infectious disease specialist may be necessary if your infection has become complicated or is caused by a virus or bacteria that is difficult to diagnose or treat. They can provide specialised care and expertise in treating infections.


Pulmonologist - pulmonologists are a sub-specialty of physicians that focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and conditions that affect the lungs and other components of the respiratory system. If your upper respiratory tract infection is severe or persistent, a pulmonologist may be able to provide more advanced treatments such as medication, inhalers, oxygen therapy, or even surgery if necessary.



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1. Dr. Vaibhavi Patel
MBBS, DNB - Respiratory Medicine
21 Years Experience 500 - 600 at clinic 300 online
Dr. Vaibhavi Patel is a reputed and respected pulmonologist. At present, she is working at Vidyaranyapura, MS Palya, and Yelahanka in Bangalore. In her 21 years of experience as a pulmonologist, she has cured patients with chest pain, breathlessness, asthma, bronchitis, COPD (ARDS), bronchoscopy, mesothelioma, sleep disorders, pulmonary embolism, hypertension, allergic reactions, interstitial lung disease, tuberculosis, etc.

She has done MBBS, a Diploma in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (DTCD), and also a DNB in Respiratory Medicine. As a professor at Sapthagiri medical college, She is also known as a senior member of the IMA.

2. Dr. Hirennappa Udnur
DTCD, MBBS, DNB, FCCP (USA)
19 Years Experience 500 at clinic 500 online
Dr. Hirennappa Udnur is an experienced pulmonologist who is currently working at Columbia Asia Hebbal in Hebbal, Bangalore. He has been practicing as a pulmonologist for the last 19 years. He has done MBBS, DTCD, DNB, and FCCP (USA).

He treats patients with diseases like COPD, emphysema, asthma, pleural effusion, lung fibrosis, bronchitis, etc. and the results are effective. As an interventional respiratory expert in Bangalore and also at Baptist Hospital, He has memberships in IMA, ATS, ERS, ISCCM, ICS, IAB, and IDSA.

3. Dr. Amrut Sindhu
MBBS, DAA, DNB
13 Years Experience 300 - 600 at clinic 600 online
Dr. Amrut Sindhu is a well-known and trusted pulmonologist. He is currently working in Kempapura, Bangalore. In her 13 years of practice as a pulmonologist, she has helped many of her patients with respiratory complications. She has done MBBS, and completed her DAA and DNB.

The facilities provided by her are Asthma Specialist, Allergist, Immunologist, Chest Physician, and Pulmonologist. He has worked as a consultant pulmonologist and allergist at Aster CMI hospital. He is also among the members of FCCP, DAA, and ERS.

4. Dr. Vishwajith S.M. Murthy
MBBS, D.N.B in Respiratory Diseases, D.T.C.D
16 Years Experience 450 at clinic 250 online
Dr. Vishwajith S.M. Murthy is known as an expert pulmonologist. He has wide experience in handling and treating respiratory failures, tuberculosis, forms of shocks, TB, infections of the lungs, and also critically admitted patients who are facing ventilators. At present, he is residing at Sagar Hospital, KumaraSwamy Layout in Bangalore.

In his 16 years of experience as a pulmonologist, he has given successful treatments to his patients with lung infections like TB, asthma, pleural effusion, etc. He is a qualified MBBS, D.N.B in respiratory diseases, and D.T.C.D.

5. Dr. Anusha Cm
MD - Pulmonary Medicine, MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
7 Years Experience 400 online
Dr. Anusha Cm is a trusted and reputed practitioner, currently working with Mfine Healthcare, Bangalore as a Consultant Pulmonologist. With more than 7 years of experience in this field, she has worked with NABH accredited hospitals like Dr. Prabhakar Hospital, Spectrum Diagnostics Multi Speciality Hospital, and more in the past. She is identified by most of her patients as a reputed doctor for respiratory diagnosis and treatment.

She has an expert practice as an allergist, specialist in critical care, interventional pulmonologist, and somnologist (sleep specialist). Not only this, but she has also experienced working as a junior resident at Kles Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital.

6. Dr. Md Majeed Pasha
MBBS, MD - TB & Chest
13 Years Experience 450 at clinic 300 online
Dr. Md. Majeed Pasha is known as a trusted pulmonologist working at Fortis Nagarbhavi in Bangalore. With an experience of more than 13 years as a pulmonologist, he has treated many of his patients with successful results. He has completed MBBS, MD-TB & Chest. He has successfully treated patients with T.B., asthma, pleural effusion, bronchial inflammation, pneumonia, and lower and upper respiratory problems.

His patients feel so satisfied after one or two sittings with Dr. Md. Majeed Pasha that they further recommend him to other patients nearby. So, if you are experiencing any lung or respiratory symptoms or problems, simply schedule an appointment or visit his clinic for a complete cure.

7. Dr. K S Satish
MBBS, MD - Medicine
41 Years Experience 700 - 850 at clinic
Dr. K S Satish is a renowned and well-trusted pulmonologist. He is currently working at Vikram Hospital in Vasant Nagar in Bangalore. He has helped many of his patients in his 41 years of service till now as a respiratory disorder specialist.

He is known for his excellent experience of treating patients with COPD, lung fibrosis, pneumonia, emphysema, asthma, and pleural effusion. His kind words and counseling started healing you even before the medicine did. So just close your eyes and book an appointment for him if you need an experienced doctor and also for your own good.

8. Dr. Srilata Purunaik
MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MD - Pulmonary Medicine
12 Years Experience 800 at clinic
Dr. Srilata Purunaik is an experienced pulmonologist who is currently working in Bengaluru as an assistant professor at the department of chest and tuberculosis, Bangalore. In her 12 years of marked experience, she has treated many patients with effective results and also sterling achievements in her field.

She has worked as a resident pulmonologist at JSS Medical College and hospital, as an assistant professor at the Department of Pulmonology at BGGS Global Institute as Managing Director and Consultant, and as a respiratory medicine expert at Swasthi Orthopedic and Respiratory Health Care. She was also awarded a silver sponsorship award by the European Respiratory Society.

9. Dr. Bhimasen Rao
MBBS, DNB - Respiratory Disease, FHM, EDRM
28 Years Experience 1150 at clinic
Dr. Bhimasen Rao is an experienced respiratory medicine expert and is currently working in Vasanth Nagar. In his 28 years of practice as a lower respiratory tract expert, he has treated his patients successfully with effective results.

He has gained an MBBS, DNB in Respiratory Diseases, EDRM, and FHM. Other areas of his treatment include dentofacial orthopedics. His areas of expertise include asthma treatment, COPD management, and pneumonia management. He is among the doctors of choice for many patients who have been successfully cured by his magical hands and knowledge.

10. Dr. Sudharshan K S
MBBS, Diploma in Tuberculosis and chest diseases, PG Diploma in Respiratory Medicine
13 Years Experience 600 at clinic 300 online
Dr. Sudharshan is a pulmonologist who is currently working in Sanjay Nagar in Bangalore. He treats patients of every age group suffering from lung infections and breathing difficulties. In his 13 years of experience as a respiratory medicine practitioner, he has treated many of his patients successfully with effective results. He has completed MBBS, Diploma in Tuberculosis & Chest Diseases, DNB, and a PG Diploma in Respiratory Medicine.

Treatment areas provided by him are Asthma specialists and also Allergy specialists, COPD Specialists, and Interventional pulmonologists. So when it comes to lung infection, don't panic. Just make an appointment with Dr. Sudharshan KS and see his magical results with your own eyes.

We occasionally take our lungs for granted. They keep us healthy and well, and we don't have to ponder about them much. This is why it is critical and advised to prioritize your lung health.



Our body has a built-in defensive mechanism intended to keep dirt and bacteria out of your lungs. However, there are several critical steps you may take to reduce your chance of lung illness. Scroll down and look at some useful tips to take care of your lungs in a better and healthier way. ;




Count your breaths -

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You may also improve your lung capacity by lengthening your inhalations and exhalations. Begin by timing how long it takes you to take a normal breath. If you inhale to the counting of five, you should exhale to the count of five as well. Attempt to maintain them all the same length.



After you've determined your average breath count, add one extra count to each inhale and exhale until you're able to effectively lengthen the time it takes to fill and deplete your lungs.

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The goal is to prevent straining or producing discomfort; the transition should be gradual and comfortable. This is especially essential for lung disorders, which may not show visible signs until they are advanced. Reach out to your doctor if you notice any changes in your regular breathing pattern. They'll hear your lungs and perhaps do tests to figure out what's wrong.




Keep yourself hydrated -

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Water is just as necessary for the lungs as it is for the body's other organs. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids on a regular basis aids in keeping the mucosal linings of the lungs thin. This thinner lining improves lung function.




Quit smoking - ;



Smoking is the leading cause of lung illness and significantly contributes to copd or lung disease. Tobacco smoking promotes chronic inflammation in the lungs, making breathing more challenging and destroying lung tissue. Don't start smoking if you're not a smoker.







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Breath clean air -

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Secondhand smoking, radon, and automobile exhaust are all examples of both indoor and outdoor air contaminants that can cause or aggravate lung issues. Take precautions to ensure that you and your families are breathing in as much clean air as possible, such as checking your house for radon on a regular basis and going on walks away from busy highways that expose you to high levels of car exhaust.



Play a wind instrument - ;



To improve your lung health, you can play a wind instrument such as a flute, oboe, tuba, saxophone, mouth organ, or clarinet. To perform any of these instruments, you must maximize your lung capacity. This provides a regular workout for your lungs and helps to strengthen their air capacity.

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The body has a built-in defensive system to safeguard the lungs. Most of the time, this works quite effectively at keeping dirt out and pathogens at bay. However, various toxic chemicals can alter the airways and jeopardize the lungs' capacity to function normally, leading to lung disease.



Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, tb, lung cancer, and acute respiratory distress syndrome are some prevalent lung illnesses. People suffering from lung illness have trouble breathing, and some disorders can result in respiratory failure.

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Laughter therapy -



Laughter causes lengthier exhalations, releasing remaining air from the lungs and replenishing the blood with oxygen. As one breathes deeply during a hearty chuckle, the lungs are filled with oxygenated blood, and you may cough, splutter, or spit phlegm owing to mucus loosening in your respiratory system as well as a thorough cleansing.

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Diaphragmatic breathing -



Diaphragmatic breathing, often known as deep breathing, is a kind of breathing that is accomplished by compressing the diaphragm, a muscle placed laterally between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. With this form of breathing, air enters the lungs, causing the chest to expand and the belly to rise. Diaphragmatic breathing can be employed by persons with lung disorders such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, as well as healthy people. It suggests that concentrating on dropping the diaphragm when inhaling permits a person to take a deeper breath, which is a method utilized by professional singers to boost lung capacity.



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Stay active -



To keep your lungs healthy, you must exercise to keep your muscles in order to maintain them healthy and powerful. Regular everyday activities and workouts will not push your lungs as severely as they ought to. Pick up indoor/ outdoor or any other physical activities that raises your heart rate and causes you to breathe more deeply.

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Regular physical activities build up your lungs, enhance lung capacity, and aid in lung cleaning.



Keep your hands clean -


Like a cold, an airway infection may enter your lungs and create major health complications related to respiratory tracts. Washing your hands frequently with hand wash and water will help protect you from several infections and diseases and keep germs at bay. You should also clean your teeth twice a day and visit your hygienist at least 2 times a year. Make doubly sure you get your flu shot every year. Once flu enters your respiratory tract and infects it, it may infect you with various diseases such as chronic pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer and pneumonia etc.

Pneumonia is a type of lung infection that may affect one or both lungs. In this condition, the air sacs, also known as alveoli, fill with pus or fluid which makes it difficult to breathe. Moreover, pneumonia is known to cause inflammation in the air sacs. This disease may range from mild to life-threatening and the severity depends on the cause of inflammation, the organism fostering your infection, your age and general health.

Symptoms:

Most common symptoms associated with the condition are:

1. Chest pain
2. Difficulty in breathing
3. Shaking chills
4. Rapid heartbeat
5. Fever
6. Rapid breathing
7. Dry cough
8. Vomiting
9. Wheezing
10. Nausea
11. Muscle aches
12. Bluish skin tone due to oxygen deficiency
13. Blood in sputum i.e. coughed up mucus
14. Labored breathing
15. Confusion
16. High fever

Causes:

1. Bacteria- One of the most common causes of pneumonia is the bacteria named as Streptococcus pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia may occur after you have had flu or a cold, or maybe even on its own. Moreover, it may affect only one part of the lung i.e. the lobe and is also known as lobar pneumonia.
2. Viruses- Viruses are one of the main reasons why children below 5 years of age suffer from pneumonia. Viruses that cause pneumonia may also cause cold or flu. Viral pneumonia is usually mild and may be treated at home itself. However, in some cases, it may be very severe and life-threatening.
3. Mycoplasmas- Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria that doesn't have a cell wall around the cell membrane which is why they are usually unaffected by most antibiotics which target cell wall synthesis. The symptoms of pneumonia caused by mycoplasmas are mild and the patient does not require bed rest. This type of pneumonia is known as 'Walking Pneumonia'.
4. Fungi- People with weakened immune systems or chronic health problems usually develop pneumonia due to fungi. You may also develop fungal pneumonia by inhaling large doses of it mainly found in soil or bird droppings.

Pneumonia is an inflammation and infection of the lungs. This is a condition where the alveoli or the air sacs located in the lungs fill up with fluid and pus. It is because of this that oxygen cannot reach the infected individual s bloodstream. People with pneumonia generally have cough, fever, and breathing problems. At times, it can also result in chest pain.

This is a condition that can affect one or both the lungs. There are different forms of this disease. Pulmonary infection is considered one of the most common causes of this disease. It is a kind of infection related to gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria and viruses. Certain infectious agents sharing the similarities of bacteria and viruses might also result in pneumonia.

Symptoms of pneumonia in adults
The symptoms of pneumonia in adults include:

Fatigue
Fever
Coughing up slightly bloody, brown or green mucus
Weakness
Vomiting
Nausea
Chest pain
The milder forms of this disease do not disturb the regular functions of the affected individual and are called walking pneumonia.

Signs of pneumonia in children
Unlike adults, kids suffering from pneumonia might not experience a fever or a nagging cough. They might have more subtle signs of this infection. However, children have relatively higher chances of being infected because they do not have fully developed immune systems. Overall, the signs of pneumonia vary according to the age of an individual.

Pneumonia caused by bacteria like Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae generally results in milder signs of the disease in kids. This kind of pneumonia is called walking or atypical pneumonia and is generally found among school-going children. Children suffering from mild pneumonia might not feel very sick, but they can have one or more of the following symptoms:

Low-grade fever
Dry cough
Tiredness
Headache
Irrespective of the age of an individual, it is always important to consult a specialist after determining the symptoms of pneumonia. Remember, it is a deadly disease and needs timely treatment.

Are you aware of the number of people who suffer because of pneumonia? As the weather becomes cold and damp, chances of getting affected by pneumonia increases. Pneumonia can originate from virus, bacteria and a host of other factors. It is one of the most common ailment which affects the adults, all over the world. Hence, it is important for all of us to prevent ourselves from pneumonia and for that we can follow the below mentioned steps:

Know about the symptoms of pneumonia first: It is difficult to detect or diagnose pneumonia, especially in people over the age of 65. In older patients, the common symptoms such as fever, chills, cough may not be experienced. You should watch out for non-respiratory symptoms like weakness, dizziness, delirium and confusion. It is even more difficult to diagnose pneumonia in people who are suffering from preexisting conditions.
Practice good hygiene: Common respiratory infections, influenza and cold may cause pneumonia. You should follow hygienic habits. Wash your hands regularly before meals and use hand sanitizers in order to prevent the illness from spreading. You should also maintain proper oral hygiene as several oral infections may also lead to pneumonia. You should also keep away from people who are affected by pneumonia or any other illness like flu, cold and serious diseases such as measles or chicken pox. All these factors may cause pneumonia.
Get vaccinated: It is recommended for people of all ages who may be at risk of getting pneumonia to get vaccinated and immunised against pneumonia-causing virus called pneumococcal pneumonia. This is a one-time vaccine, which prevents and reduces the severity of pneumonia. A booster vaccine after every five years may also be prescribed. Elderly people should be vaccinated against all diseases which cause pneumonia.
Quit smoking: Smoking accounts for being a major cause or risk factor for pneumonia. It increases a person s chance of getting pneumonia as the lungs ability to defend themselves from the infection is reduced. By quitting smoking, you will be able to prevent pneumonia.
Maintain good general health: Maintaining overall good health and following healthy habits will help you in preventing pneumonia. This is because your immune system stays strong and is able to fight efficiently against pneumonia-causing infections. A proper diet with all essential nutrients is also recommended along with regular physical exercise and proper rest.
Severe cases of pneumonia are capable of making you suffer and you may be admitted to a hospital. According to studies, it has been estimated that more than 60% of people over the age of 65 need to be hospitalised because of pneumonia.

During pregnancy, flu (influenza) can impose serious health implications for both the mother and the child. Due to pregnancy, the risk of developing complications like pneumonia are very high, which can pose a problem during childbirth. Miscarriage, low birth weight, premature birth are some of the major issues, which might develop if the mother has suffered from flu during her pregnancy. Although flu vaccination during pregnancy has certain risks, it has been observed that in most cases the benefits of inactivated influenza vaccine outweigh the risks. However, Live attenuated influenza vaccine is not recommended at all during pregnancy.

Recommendations across the world suggest that prevention of influenza by administration of inactivated influenza vaccine is the best intervention in pregnancy. The vaccine for Flu should be administered before the onset of flu season. RANZCOG, NHS UK, RCOG, FOGSI recommends inactivated flu vaccine for all the pregnant women unless there are any contraindications.

Taking the inactivated influenza vaccine can be beneficial in multiple ways:

1. Prevents maternal complications: During pregnancy, the heart and lungs go through extra stress. Pregnancy can also severely impact your immune system. Opting for an inactivated flu vaccine can decrease significantly, the chance of falling severely ill due to flu.

2. Prevents pregnancy problems due to flu: Getting infected by flu during pregnancy can increase the chance of miscarriage during childbirth. Administering inactivated flu shots can prevent miscarriage as well as premature birth and low birth weight.

3. Protects the baby after birth: Infants have a huge risk of getting infected with flu after birth. But as vaccines cannot be administered to them until they are 6 months old, it is the best recourse to opt for inactivated flu shots during pregnancy as the antibodies pass onto the child from the mother via placenta. The child can hence be protected from such diseases.

Some concerns

Often, one fear about the vaccine, is the development of Gullain Barre syndrome. This is very rare and the risk of GBS are higher following an influenza-like illness. Also, if the patient is allergic to eggs they are advised to consult a physician. Flu vaccines have traces of egg protein in it. Certain precautions are taken after studying the patient's medical history. The doctor may keep the patient under observation. Or in certain instances, the physician might suggest alternative flu vaccine, which do not contain egg protein. Physicians decide it after studying any prior allergic reaction.

As per the WHO SAGE position paper, from 1990 to 2009 the vaccine adverse event reporting system database in USA reported only 20 serious adverse events following administration of trivalent influenza vaccine to an estimated 11.8 million pregnant women.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) occurs when a person inhales infectious bacteria along with the air that passes through the lungs via the respiratory tract. One of the main causes of these respiratory infections is Air Pollution.

Many studies have also shown that air pollution increases the risk of URTI; as these infections occur due to the inhalation of harmful pollutants like SO2, NO2, O3, and PM particles mixed with air.

One of the recent reports shows that this season has a great chance for smog. Smog also plays a role in increasing the risk of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.

Few of the Upper Respiratory Tract Infections caused by Air Pollution that may affect the population are mentioned below:

Rhinitis: Rhinitis occur when the nasal cavity of the body gets inflamed.
Sinusitis and Rhinosinusitis: Commonly called as Sinus infection; such infection inflames the sinuses.
Nasopharyngitis or Common Cold: This is one of the most common problems that cause inflammation of pharynx, nares, hypopharynx, tonsils, and uvula
Pharyngitis: This causes inflammation of uvula, tonsils, and epiglottis.
Epiglottitis and Laryngitis: Epiglottitis causes inflammation of epiglottis whereas Laryngitis infect larynx.
Laryngotracheitis: This inflames both larynx and trachea.
Is Homeopathy Helpful For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?

Yes, out of many standard and alternative medicines, Homeopathy is one of the most adequate ways for the treatment of URTI. It is helpful in treating many symptoms of URTI. Apart from treatment, it also provides strength to the Immune System of the body so that these infections inhibit the bacteria to infect the body in the future.

Facts About Treating URTI With Homoeopathy:

Best for Common Cold: When it comes to Common Cold, Homeopathy is the best treatment. It provides relief from the blockage of nose, burning sensation, and itching.
Homeopathy Inhibits Infection: Homeopathy helps a person who is suffering from sneezing and coughing. There are many medicines which help kill bacteria in the body.
No Side Effects: The best thing about these medicines is that they help treat Upper Respiratory Tract Infections without any side effect.
How To Prevent Air Pollutants That Cause Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?

These are the preventive measures which one can take to prevent themselves from URTI:

Wear protection masks before going out from home.
Decrease the usage of vehicles.
Use Biogas.
Plant more indoor plants for more oxygen.
Keep a neat and clean environment.
Apply cream near the Nostrils.
Wash face frequently
Consume jaggery in an appropriate amount after coming from outside.
Take vitamin C supplements.
Inhale steam and gargle with salt water.
The deteriorating air quality may lead to many respiratory infections, which is why it is our responsibility that we take some serious measures about air pollution and prevent URTI.

No one likes to suffer from any infection, and especially not in the upper respiratory tract. This is because few things have the potential to ruin a person s productivity, and infection is one of those things.

The throat pain has its own unique way of irritating the person suffering from this infection along with a headache, which renders all intention to get stuff done useless. This takes a serious toll on a person s health and well-being.

Taking all this into account, a person would obviously want to get rid of the upper respiratory tract infection. In fact, there are a variety of ways in which doctors treat infections of the upper respiratory tract. After all, it all depends on the specific field of medicine that the doctor practices. As a matter of fact, homeopathy is said to be the best way to treat such an infection.

Belladonna is one of the most effective medicines from the field of homeopathy when it comes to treating upper respiratory tract infections. In fact, what often happens is that the medicine which is taken to nips the problem in the bud before it has been given the time and chance to progress.

While it is true that a name such as arsenicum album may be a little disconcerting on account of having the word Arsenic in its name, it does plays a big role in reducing the impact of upper respiratory tract infections. This medicine has its greatest effect on those who feel really cold due to the infection and feel that their noses are blocked. An added symptom is feeling a burning sensation. It may be true that most people who have upper respiratory tract infections experience two if not all three of these symptoms.

Infections such as these do involve a lot of sneezing in some cases. And this sneezing can be really annoying, not only for the person who experiences persistent sneezing multiple times a day but also for the people around him or her! In a situation like this one, the best medicine is none other than Merc sol! People with fevers and a recurrent thirst are the ones who need this medicine.

Sometimes, during weather changes or epidemics, the symptoms may be similar or may even overlap in patients. It is best to visit a homeopathic practitioner to get the right treatment at the right time.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It leads to inflammation of the lungs which is filled with fluid or pus. It can range from being mild to severe depending on a person s health and age. Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of germs including bacteria, virus, and fungi. It can become life-threatening and dangerous for people:

Infants and children aged between 2 to 5 years
Older people aged above 65 years
Those who have a weak immune system or have other forms of respiratory problems
Pneumonia can be contracted from different places and can become risky when:

Bacterial pneumonia can easily be contracted from community gatherings which is termed as community-acquired pneumonia. The chances of acquiring pneumonia can increase if are on the ventilator.
Alcohol- Having excessive or regular alcohol can lead to worsening of your pneumonia
If you are exposed to animals like birds, rabbits and rats, then the chances of you contracting pneumonia might be greater.
If you have some medical problems like heart or kidney disease, then your pneumonia can get worse. The situation may be particularly precarious for asthma patients.
Smoking also makes you more susceptible to pneumonia.
Having a weak immunity due to HIV, asplenia, poor nutrition and also chemotherapy can lead to worsening of bacterial pneumonia.
Some symptoms of bacterial pneumonia may include:

Coughing that may produce mucus
Fever with shaking and sweating
Chest pain
Nausea and Vomiting
Low body temperature
Shortness of breath
Newborns and infants having pneumonia may not show any symptoms that make it difficult to detect the disease. Also when you have mild symptoms, it is termed as walking pneumonia.

Diagnosis:
If you have pneumonia, then you should consult a doctor who will prescribe a few tests:

Blood test-It is mainly done to identify the germ causing the disease
Chest X-Ray- It helps the doctor locate the exact position of pneumonia.
Pulse Oximetry- It measures the oxygen level in a person s body.
Sputum Test- Fluid from your lungs is taken and tested to know the cause of infection.
Additional tests may be advised by your doctor that includes CT scan and Pleural fluid culture.
Treatments:
For mild or walking pneumonia, doctors may prescribe certain antibiotics and cough medicines to treat pneumonia. Within a week or two, your lung will start to clear up and you will feel better. Moreover, have enough fluid and sleep and do not smoke.

However, if you fall into the risk category and are experiencing pneumonia symptoms even after having medicines, you should get yourself or your child hospitalized. But there are ways to prevent pneumonia-like giving vaccinations to your children and washing your hands. Also, lessen your smoking or stop altogether. So don t let pneumonia turn into a life-threatening disease by following these simple measures. Consult your doctor immediately if have any of the pneumonia symptoms and fall in the category of infants and children, people above 65 years of age and people with low immunity.