With the onset of winter, the risk and incidence of upper respiratory infections among older persons has increased significantly, causing considerable distress in the lives of older persons. Effective prevention and treatment of respiratory infections in the elderly during the winter is an important topic of geriatric concern. Today, we will lead the elderly through the rich forest of Midwest and West medicine, explore the path to respiratory infections and let them breathe, a winter that is still as fresh as morning.
The upper respiratory infections are usually caused by viruses such as coronary viruses, glands viruses, influenza viruses, etc. Such diseases are manifested mainly in the symptoms of nose plugs, aldicarb, cough and throat pain. While most cases can heal within a week, for some groups of the population, such as the elderly, children or people with low levels of immunity, more serious complications may arise, and appropriate treatment can avoid complications.
In Chinese medicine theory, upper respiratory infections are often attributed to “wind” or “wind fever” attacks. In the view of Chinese doctors, the human defence system (guard gas) is affected in the fight against alien evils (such as viruses), which leads to disease. The treatment of respiratory infections therefore requires not only the removal of pathogens, but also the reconciliation of the human yang balance and the enhancement of resistance.
Third, the Western doctor considers upper respiratory infections as a disease caused by microbial infections. While in most cases antibiotics are not required, they may be necessary under certain conditions, such as bacterial oscillitis or secondary bacterial infections. Western medical treatment, with its emphasis on treatment, such as fever reduction, pain relief and water balance, can help patients to survive the acute period.
IV. The combination of Chinese and Western medicine for respiratory infections combines the strengths of Western and Central medicine to provide more comprehensive and effective treatment for upper respiratory infections. For example, in cases where Western medicine is clearly diagnosed, it can be combined with Chinese medicine ‘ s evidence-based treatment, such as the use of Chinese drugs (e.g., silver distillation, anti-detoxification), which have acupuncture, canals and other non-pharmacological treatments.
The importance of the prevention of upper respiratory infections is emphasized by both Chinese and Western medicine. Maintaining good life habits and healthy behaviour helps to increase self-immunity and resilience and is one of the important factors in preventing upper respiratory infections.
Specific measures include, but are not limited to:
1. Personal hygiene: hand-washing, especially after touching public goods; using paper towels or elbows when coughing or sneezing. 2. Rational diet: a balanced intake of various nutrients and an increased diet of vitamin C and E-rich foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, to enhance the functioning of the immune system.
3. Sufficient rest: to ensure sufficient sleep time to avoid overwork and to avoid reducing body resistance.
4. Motivation: Appropriate and regular exercise can improve physical qualities and enhance immunity, but should avoid long periods of movement in cold or highly polluting environments.
5. Vaccination: Influenza vaccination, based on medical advice, can effectively prevent influenza virus infection.
Mr. Liu is a retired secondary school teacher, aged 69. He gets cold every winter. Last winter, he again suffered from sore throats and snots. At first, Mr. Liu thought that the common cold had not been taken seriously, but that the symptoms had not improved in a few days, and then he bought himself some cold medicine, which increased the pain in his throat, coughed and his throat became muted, affecting appetite and sleep. He therefore decided to go to the hospital. The doctor diagnosed him with acute larynx and gave him some anti-viral drugs, while at the same time he was advised to work with the Chinese medicine to correct them. Mr. Liu, following the doctor ‘ s instructions, has undergone a combination of medical treatment in Central and Western Asia, where, in addition to taking medication, he uses hot water to bubble his feet every night to relieve symptoms through a cave massage (e.g. Tahiti, three miles in foot). Within a week, Mr. Liu ‘ s symptoms had improved markedly and his life had returned to normal.
Concluding remarks
The upper respiratory infections, though a haze in winter, can be turned into a dawn of life through a chain of beads that combines western and central medicine. Remember that prevention is always better than cure, that good living habits and healthy behaviour are the first line of defence against disease. In this cold winter, let us use scientific methods to keep our breath fresh and the song of health bright.
