http://care.american-rhinologic.org/upper_respiratory_infections
This is the time of year for cooler weather, football games, bonfires.....ragweed, mold spores and pollen from the beautiful Bradford Pear tree. With all that going on, those that are allergy afflicted come under fire and some may fall to symptoms beyond the aggravation of a runny nose and itchy eyes.
Upper respiratory infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma attacks, strep throat, sinus infection) are more prevalent in fall months. The change of seasons are about pollination of the trees, flowers and other plant life. This extra pollen in the air is inhaled and sets off the allergy cascade. The body responds to 'invaders' by trying to kill it, seal it off or remove it from the body. In someone with allergies the specific allergen that person is allergic to will cause the process of removal to begin. Increase mucus is produced to remove the invader from the nose and bronchial tubes. The over production becomes counter productive when it becomes difficult to remove causing bacteria to stay and multiply which leads to infection.
What to do? Frequent hand washing reduces the spread of germs no matter what the infection is because spread of infection is by contact. In cooler/colder months we all stay indoors more and in groups with other people. Nasal rinses help to remove allergens before they cause havoc. Replacing air filters on a regular basis help reduce allergens in your environment and cleaning air vent in your car reduces mold spores that develop from moisture that has sat in the vents from lack of use over the past season.
To read more information on upper respiratory tract infections go here.
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/infectious-disease/upper-respiratory-tract-infection/
