HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Student Health

  • Acne

    Skin Conditions

    Acne is a common skin condition. It occurs most often in teenagers and young adults, but can persist into adulthood.

    Signs & Symptoms

    *  Whiteheads and/or blackheads.

    *  Red and painful pimples.

    *  Deeper lumps (cysts or nodules).

    How acne forms.

    Illustration of acne forming.

    Causes

    Foods and beverages, such as chocolate, nuts, greasy foods, and cola do not cause acne. If you find that eating certain foods make your acne worse, avoid them.

    Acne results when oil ducts below the skin get clogged. Factors that help cause acne include:

    *  Hormone changes during adolescence, before a female’s menstrual period, or during pregnancy.

    *  Rich moisturizing lotions. Oily makeup.

    *  Emotional stress.

    *  Nutritional supplements that have iodine.

    *  Medications, such as lithium and corticosteroids.

    *  Illegal (anabolic) steroids. These are used for muscle-building.

    Treatment

    Mild acne can be treated with Self-Care / Prevention. When this is not enough, a doctor may prescribe one or more of these 1 medications:

    *  A topical cream, gel, or liquid with retinoic acid (Retin-A). {Note: Retin-A makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.}

    *  A topical cream, lotion, or wipe with an antibiotic, such as clindamycin.

    *  A topical gel with dapsone. A brand name is AczoneTM Gel 5%.

    *  An antibiotic pill, such as minocycline or tetracycline. {Note: These medicines can make birth control pills less effective and make your skin more sensitive to the sun.}

    *  For some females, a certain birth control pill.

    *  Isotretinoin. Brand names are Accutane, Amnesteem, Sotret, Claravis. This medicine is usually prescribed for severe acne. {Note: This medicine can have serious side effects. These include bone and fracture problems, severe birth defects, depression, psychosis, aggressive and/or violent behaviors, and suicide.}

    Treatments Other Than Medications

    *  Chemical peels.

    *  Laser treatments.

    *  Surgery for acne scarring.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    *  Keep your skin clean. Gently wash your skin, where the acne appears, twice a day. Use a mild soap, such as Neutrogena. Use a clean washcloth every time. Work the soap into your skin gently for 1 to 2 minutes and rinse well. Don’t scrub.

    *  Don’t squeeze, scratch, or poke at pimples. They can get infected and leave scars.

    *  Wash after you exercise or sweat.

    *  Use an over-the- counter lotion or cream that has benzoyl peroxide. (Some people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide. Try a little on your arm first to make sure it doesn’t hurt your skin.) Follow the directions as listed.

    *  Use only oil-free and water-based makeups. Don’t use greasy or oil-based creams, lotions, or makeups.

    *  For males, wrap a warm towel around your face before you shave. Shave along the natural grain of the beard.

    *  Don’t spend too much time in the sun especially if you take antibiotics for acne. Don’t use sun lamps.

    Resources

    American Academy of Dermatology

    866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

    www.aad.org

    National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

    www.niams.nih.gov

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Alcohol & Alcohol Safety

    Student Health

    Before drinking, think about its possible consequences (e.g., academic and health problems, unsafe sex, assault, injury, and even death). These consequences affect the person who drinks as well as other students (whether they choose to drink or not) and the community as a whole.

    Chart of effects of alcohol in your blood.

    Alcohol Poisoning

    Call 9-1-1 for one or more of the following signs of alcohol poisoning or combining alcohol and other drugs, such as sedatives or tranquilizers. Act quickly. Alcohol poisoning can be fatal.

    *  Unconsciousness. This means the person is hard to rouse and can’t be made aware of his or her surroundings. This can be brief, such as with fainting or blacking out. It can put a person into a coma.

    *  No breathing or slow and shallow breathing. This means 10 or fewer breaths per minute or time lapses of more than 8 seconds between breaths.

    *  Slow pulse rate (40 or fewer beats per minute).

    *  Skin that is cold, clammy, and/or pale or blue in color.

    {Note: Before emergency care arrives, place the person on his or her side with the knees bent, to prevent choking if he or she vomits. Loosen the person’s clothing around the neck and check the mouth and back of the throat to see that nothing obstructs the person’s breathing. Stay with the person.}

    Alcohol Poisoning

    *  Choose substance-free housing, if available and desired.

    *  Be aware and think about the risks and consequences of drinking, including getting arrested, getting sick, contracting an STI, etc. One incident of alcohol use could cause you to do something you will regret for the rest of your life. Alcohol plays a part in most sexual assaults.

    *  Mixing drinking with driving, drugs, or operating machines can be fatal. Designate a sober driver.

    *  Not everyone drinks. Be with people who drink non-alcoholic beverages or ones that look like “drinks,” such as non-alcoholic beer in a glass.

    *  It is better to get medical help for a person who needs it instead of worrying about getting a friend in trouble.

    *  Drink alcohol only if you want to, and if you do:

    – Know your limit and stick to it or don’t drink any alcohol.

    – Drink slowly. You are apt to drink less. Have one drink during a party. Take fake sips, if necessary. In reality, anything over two drinks does not increase the feeling of pleasure. Drinking too much leads to being unable to enjoy yourself.

    – Eat when you drink. Food helps to slow alcohol absorption.

    – Alternate an alcoholic beverage with a non-alcoholic one. Use non-alcohol or reduced alcohol beverages. Dilute distilled beverages. Use more and more mixer and less and less alcohol. After two drinks, your taste buds are dulled and you won’t be able to notice much difference.

    – Avoid drinking contests and games.

    Resources

    Emergency Medical Service (Call 9-1-1) if you suspect alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose

    Your school’s Student Health Service, Student Counseling Service, or Alcohol and other Drug Program

    Al-Anon/Alateen World Service Office

    888.4AL.ANON (425.2666)

    www.al-anon.org

    Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) World Services

    www.aa.org

    Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) National Drug Treatment Referral Routing Service

    800.662.HELP (4357)

    www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

    Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

    818.773.9999

    www.na.org

    National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA)

    www.niaaa.nih.gov

    www.thecoolspot.gov

    Student Self-Care book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Colds & Flu

    Children’s Health

    Colds and flu are infections of the nose and throat. Both are caused by viruses.

    It can be hard to tell if your child has a cold or the flu. Why? They both have the same type of symptoms. But symptoms for the flu are worse than ones for a cold. Flu symptoms come on fast. Ones for a cold come on slower.

    Signs & Symptoms

    Chart showing symptoms of a cold vs a flu.

    Prevention

    Antibiotics do not treat colds and flu. Most colds clear up in about a week. Sometimes, a cold lasts up to 2 weeks.

    Fever and most flu symptoms usually go away after 5 days, but coughing and feeling weak can last up to 2 weeks.

    To Help Prevent Colds and Flu

    *  Take your child for a yearly flu vaccine as advised.

    *  Don’t smoke or let your child smoke.

    *  Keep your child away from persons who have the flu or a cold.

    *  See that your child eats and sleeps well and gets lots of exercise.

    Tell your child to do these things:

    *  Wash your hands often. Keep them away from your nose, eyes, and mouth.

    *  Cover your nose when you sneeze. Use a handkerchief or tissues when you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose. This helps prevent passing germs to others.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care

    Have your child do these things:

    *  Rest.

    *  Drink lots of liquids. They help clear out the respiratory tract. This can help prevent other problems, like bronchitis.

    *  Eat chicken soup. It helps clear out mucus.

    If your child’s throat is sore, have him or her do these things:

    *  Gargle every few hours with 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of warm water, if able to. (A child can usually do this starting at age 6.)

    *  Suck on a piece of hard candy or cough drop once in a while. (Don’t  give these to children under 5 years old.)

    Things you can do:

    *  Try to clear your child’s nose. This is very important in babies under 6 months old, because some can’t breathe through their mouths yet. Also, they can’t breast or bottle-feed if they can’t breathe through the nose. To clear your child’s nose:

    – Use an over-the-counter spray or drops for the nose made of salt and water. An example is Ocean® brand. Follow the label’s advice or that of your child’s doctor.

    – For a baby who can’t blow his or her nose, leave the salt drops in for 1 minute. Then use a soft rubber suction bulb to draw out the mucus. Lie the baby on his or her back. Aim the bulb straight down, not at an angle! (You can get a suction bulb at the drug store.) Or use a cotton swab to wipe the mucus out. Don’t put the suction bulb or cotton swab too far into the nose. You could cause a nosebleed.

    – For a child who can blow his or her own nose, have the child do it 1 minute after the salt drops are in.

    *  Put a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your child’s room. Use distilled (not tap) water. Clean it every day.

    *  For fever and muscle aches, give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Make sure you give the right kind and dose for your child’s weight. (Note: Do not give aspirin. Aspirin and other medicines that have salicylates have been linked to Reye’s Syndrome.

    *  Check with your child’s doctor about using over-the-counter medicines for colds and flu for children under  age 2.

    *  Call your child’s doctor if he or she gets a fever after a cold or after the flu has gone away.

    *  Washing the hands often helps stop spreading the flu. Have your child wash his or her hands:

    – After playing with others.

    – When he or she gets home from school.

    – After blowing his or her nose.

    – After touching toys or other people’s things.

    Signs of Reye’s Syndrome

    Be on the lookout for Reye’s Syndrome after the flu or chickenpox. Reye’s Syndrome does not happen very often. But you should know about it. Look for these signs:

    *  Vomiting over and over again. Or vomiting that does not stop.

    *  Loss of pep and energy.

    *  Acting very, very sleepy.

    *  Acting very, very cranky.

    *  Striking out at others.

    *  Acting strange.

    *  Convulsions.

    (Note: If your child shows signs of Reye’s Syndrome, get medical care fast!)

    Children's Self-Care book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Coughs

    Respiratory conditions

    Image of man coughing into elbow.

    A cough is a reflex action. It clears the lungs and airways of irritants, mucus, a foreign body, etc.

    Signs & Symptoms

    There are 3 kinds of Coughs

    *  Productive. This cough brings up mucus or phlegm.

    *  Nonproductive. This cough is dry. It doesn’t bring up any mucus.

    *  Reflex. This cough is from a problem somewhere else like the ear or stomach.

    Causes

    *  Tobacco smoke. Dry air.

    *  Asthma.

    *  An allergy or an infection.

    *  Acid reflux from the stomach.

    *  Certain medications, like ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure.

    *  Something stuck in the windpipe.

    *  A collapsed lung.

    *  A growth or tumor in the bronchial tubes or lungs.

    Treatment

    How to treat a cough depends on what kind it is, what caused it, and other symptoms. Treat the cause and soothe the irritation. Self-care can treat most coughs. If the cause is due to a medical condition, treatment for that condition is needed.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    For Coughs that Bring Up Mucus

    *  Drink plenty of liquids.

    *  Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.

    *  Use a cool-mist vaporizer, especially in the bedroom. Put a humidifier on the furnace.

    *  Take a shower. The steam helps thin mucus.

    *  Use an over-the-counter expectorant medicine, as directed. This helps you spit out phlegm or mucus. Try a decongestant for postnasal drip.

    For Coughs that Are Dry

    *  Drink lots of liquids. Hot drinks like tea with lemon and honey soothe the throat.

    *  Suck on cough drops or hard candy. (Don’t give these to children under age 5.)

    *  Take an over-the-counter cough medicine that has dextromethorphan.

    *  Make your own cough medicine. Mix 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts honey. (Don’t give this to children less than 1 year old.)

    Other Tips

    *  Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke. Avoid chemical gases that can hurt your lungs.

    *  Don’t give children under age 5 small objects that can easily get caught in the throat or windpipe. Examples are buttons, balloons, peanuts, and popcorn. Even adults should be careful to chew and swallow foods slowly so they don’t “go down the wrong way.”

    *  If you cough and have heartburn symptoms when you lie down, try a liquid antacid. Don’t lie down for 2 to 3 hours after you eat.

    Resources

    American Lung Association

    800.LUNG.USA (586.4872)

    www.lungusa.org

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Fever

    General Health Conditions

    The average normal temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C).

    Signs & Symptoms

    A fever means that body temperature is higher than:

    *  99°F (37.2°C) under the arm.

    *  99.5°F (37.5°C) by mouth or ear.

    *  100.4°F (38°C) by rectum. Rectal temperatures are advised for infants.

    Don’t use a glass mercury thermometer. If it breaks, droplets of toxic mercury can be released. If this happens, don’t use a vacuum or broom to clean up the mercury. Call your local health or fire department to find out what to do.

    Causes

    Fever is usually a sign of another problem, such as an infection.

    Body temperature changes during the day. It is usually lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon and evening. Other factors can increase body temperature. These include:

    *  Wearing too much clothing.

    *  Exercise.

    *  Hot, humid weather.

    *  Taking a temperature by mouth after drinking a hot liquid, like tea.

    Treatment

    Treatment includes self-care measures and treating the cause.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    *  Drink lots of fluids, such as fruit juice, water, etc.

    *  Take a sponge bath with warm (about 70ºF) water. Don’t use cold or cool water. Don’t use rubbing alcohol.

    *  Take the right dose of an over-the-counter medicine to reduce fever, as directed.

    *  Rest.

    *  Don’t do heavy exercise.

    *  Don’t wear too many clothes. Don’t use too many blankets.

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • General Safety Guidelines

    Student Health

    *  Learn your school’s safety guidelines and follow them. Read your school’s safety handbook. Memorize the telephone number(s) for emergency help, such as 9-1-1. Carry a cell phone with you at all times. Pre-program emergency telephone numbers in the phone to be able to call them quickly.

    *  If you choose to drink, do so responsibly. Don’t use drugs. Be careful around other persons who drink heavily and/or use drugs, too. Designate a sober driver.

    *  Always wear a seatbelt in a motor vehicle. Wear a helmet when riding on a motorcycle, bike, or when rollerblading.

    *  To avoid being robbed, assaulted, etc.

    – When you go out, go with a friend or a group of people, especially at night and to unfamiliar places.

    – Use ATM machines in well-lit areas, preferably while a friend is with you.

    – Keep your doors and windows locked, especially when you are alone.

    – Lock your bike with a U-shaped lock that is hard for someone to remove.

    – Hold your backpack, purse, etc., securely so someone can’t grab it from you. Don’t leave these and other personal items, such as your laptop computer, unattended.

    – Have your car, house, or room keys in your hand, ready to unlock your doors.

    – If you use social networking Web sites, such as facebook, be aware of potential dangers. Find out safety tips fromwww.wiredsafety.org.

    – Report suspicious behaviors and activities to your school’s security or the police.

    – Take a class, etc., to learn how to avoid sexual assault.

    *  To Avoid Fires:

    – Don’t smoke in bed or when you are very tired. Better yet, don’t smoke at all!

    – Follow fire safety precautions when cooking in your dorm room or kitchen.

    – Follow your school’s policy on candle use.

    – Keep a working fire extinguisher in your dorm room or house.

    *  To Manage Conflict Without Violence:

    – Be assertive, not aggressive, when you communicate.

    – Learn to deal with frustration, disappointment, rejection, ridicule, jealousy, and anger.

    – Accept differences in others, including sexual preferences, ethnic and religious backgrounds, etc. You do not need to change your convictions, but don’t expect other persons to change their convictions either.

    – Be an active listener. Pay attention to what the other person is saying and try to understand his or her point of view or simply accept it as an opinion.

    – Take a class or seminar in conflict resolution to gain skills in managing conflict.

    – When you can’t resolve a conflict on your own, get help.

    Resources

    Your school’s Student Health Service, Student Counseling or Mental Health Service, Office of Student Conflict Resolution, Office of the Ombudsman, or Student Affairs

    The National Crime Prevention Council’s Online Resource Center

    www.ncpc.org

    For Sexual Assault/Hate Crimes/Other Crimes: The National Center for Victims of Crime

    www.ncvc.org

    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    800.799.SAFE (799.7233)

    www.ndvh.org

    Student Self-Care book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Set Up Good Sleep Habits

    Student Health

    *  Plan ahead. Don’t start writing a paper the night before it is due or cram for a test the night before you have it. Doing these things starts a cycle of staying up all night and never catching up on sleep.

    *  Get at least 30 minutes of sunlight exposure daily.

    *  Get regular exercise, but not within a few hours of going to bed.

    *  If you have a roommate, discuss and decide when your room will be used for studying, socializing, and sleep.

    *  If your dorm is too noisy to sleep, talk to your resident advisor and/or learn to tune out the noise in order to get to sleep. If it helps, listen to soft music with earphones when you fall asleep. Wear earplugs, if necessary.

    *  Make your dorm room or bedroom as comfortable as possible. Create a quiet, dark atmosphere. Keep the room temperature comfortable (neither too warm nor too cold). Don’t wait longer than a week to change the sheets on your bed.

    *  Have food items rich in the amino acid  L-tryptophan, such as milk, turkey, or tuna fish, before you go to bed. Eating foods with carbohydrates, such as cereal, breads, and fruits may help as well. (Do not, however, take L-tryptophan supplements.)

    *  Develop a regular bedtime routine. Brush your teeth, lock or check doors and windows, get your backpack ready for the next day, etc. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.

    *  Take a long, warm bath or shower before bedtime.

    *  Read a book or do some repetitive, calm activity. Avoid distractions that may hold your attention and keep you awake, such as watching a suspenseful movie.

    *  Avoid caffeine in all forms after lunchtime. Caffeine is in coffee, tea, chocolate, colas, other soft drinks, such as Mountain Dew, and some bottled water, such as Cup of Joe.

    *  Don’t take No-Doz. Avoid alcoholic beverages at dinnertime and during the rest of the evening, too. Even though alcohol is a sedative, it can disrupt sleep.

    *  Don’t take over-the-counter sleeping pills or friends’ or relatives’ sleeping pills. Only take sleep medicine with your health care provider’s permission.

    *  Count sheep! Picturing a repeated image may bore you to sleep.

    Student Self-Care book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Sexual Health

    Sexual Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Skin Safety

    Skin Conditions

    The skin is your body’s largest organ. It protects your internal organs from environmental irritants, infections, and ultraviolet light; all of which can be harmful. Take good care of your skin so it can do its job. Keep your skin clean and protect it from injury.

    Tattoo and Body Piercing Safety

    You may already have one or more tattoos and/or area(s) of your body pierced. You may be thinking about getting one of these procedures done as a way to fit in and look like others; as a way to express your individuality; and/or to get noticed. Before you get a tattoo or a part of your body pierced, consider the following:

    *  In many states, the law does not allow minors to get tattoos. Find out about this in your state.

    *  Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit serious infectious diseases, such as tetanus, hepatitis B, and HIV. Never do one of these procedures on yourself or have anyone else do it that is not certified by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) or the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT). Certified members are trained in strict safety and health requirements. Because of the high risk of infection, you cannot donate blood for one year after getting a tattoo.

    *  Tattoos and body piercings also carry the risk of less serious local infections. You will need to follow proper care procedures for weeks or months after the procedure to reduce the risk of getting an infection. You may also get large growths of scar tissues called keloids.

    *  Tattoos are not easily removed and in some cases may cause permanent discoloration. Keep a record of the dyes used in the tattoo you get. This includes the lot number of each pigment. If you choose to get a tattoo removed in the future, this information will be helpful. Think carefully before getting a tattoo and consider the possibility of an allergic reaction. Know that it is expensive, too, to get a tattoo removed. Don’t get a tattoo or body piercing done on an impulse. Wait at least 24 hours.

    *  Visit several tattoo parlors to see whether the tattooist follows recommended safety guidelines and sterilization techniques, such as using a heat sterilization machine regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    *  For body piercing, to avoid allergic reactions and infections, jewelry made from non- corrosive, non-toxic metals should be used. Examples are solid 14K gold (not gold-plated), niobium, surgical stainless steel, and titanium.

    *  After the procedure, follow the skin care guidelines provided by your skin piercer or tattooist. Care of the site will depend on its location and/or the procedure you had done.

    *  According to the APT guidelines, these practices should be followed:

    – The tattooist should have an autoclave (a heat sterilization machine regulated by the FDA) on the premises.

    – Consent forms (which the customer must sign) should be handed out before tattooing.

    – Immediately before tattooing, the tattooist should wash and dry his or her hands thoroughly and put on medical latex gloves, which should be worn at all times during application of the tattoo.

    – Needle bars and tubes should be autoclaved after each customer. Non-autoclavable surfaces, such as pigment bottles, drawer pulls, chairs, tables, sinks, and the immediate floor area, should be cleaned with a disinfectant, such as a bleach solution.

    – Used absorbent tissues should be placed in a special puncture-resistant, leak-proof container for disposal.

    Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

    Do you look forward to semester breaks so you can relax in the sun and get a tan? Many students do. A suntan looks good, but it is a sign that your skin is trying to protect itself from damage. Be especially careful not to get sunburned. In fact, you should never get sunburned! It can lead to premature aging, wrinkling of the skin, and skin cancer. (Be extra cautious if you have a family history of skin cancer.) Even if you are not concerned about these problems now, the pain and blisters that come with a severe sunburn can make spring break unbearable.

    The risk for sunburn is increased for persons with fair skin, blue eyes, red or blond hair, and for persons taking some medicines. These include birth control pills; some antibiotics, such as tetracycline and sulfa drugs; and Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine.

    To Prevent Sunburn

    *  Avoid exposure to the midday sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. standard time or 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daylight saving time).

    *  Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 to 30 or more when exposed to the sun. The lighter your skin, the higher the SPF number should be. Apply the sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go out in the sun. Use about 2 tablespoons to adequately cover all exposed body parts. Reapply sunscreen every 60 to 90 minutes, even if the sunscreen is water-resistant.

    *  Along with sunscreen, use moisturizers, makeup, lip balm, etc. that contain sunscreen. Use water- based ones if you have acne.

    *  Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves.

    *  Wear clothing with sunscreen protection or muted colors, such as tan. Bright colors and white reflect the sun onto the face.

    *  Wear sunglasses that absorb at least 90% of both UVA and UVB rays.

    Student Self-Care book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Sore Throats

    Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions

    Signs & Symptoms

    *  Dry, irritated throat.

    *  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.

    *  Enlarged tonsils that feel tender (tonsillitis).

    Fatigue, fever, postnasal drip, bad breath, headache, and/or earache can also occur.

    Causes

    *  Smoking

    *  Dry air

    *  Postnasal drip

    *  Cough

    *  Allergies

    *  Viruses, such as with a cold or the flu.

    *  Infection from bacteria, such as strep throat.

    Treatment

    Self-care treats most sore throats. Your doctor may take a throat culture to see if strep or another type of bacteria is the cause. If so, an antibiotic may be prescribed. Strep throat needs medical care to prevent other health problems. Sore throats caused by viruses do not need an antibiotic.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    *  Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.

    *  Gargle every few hours with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1 cup of warm water. Don’t eat spicy foods.

    *  Drink plenty of fluids like warm tea. For strep throat, have cold foods and liquids.

    *  Sit in the bathroom while hot water runs in the shower. Use a cool-mist vaporizer in the room where you spend most of your time.

    *  Suck on a piece of hard candy or throat lozenge every so often. (Don’t give to children under age 5.) Rest your voice, if this helps.

    *  Take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for pain as directed on the label. Take an OTC decongestant for postnasal drip, if okay with your doctor.

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine