Originally published January 18 2005
Bronchitis and sinusitis create enormous backlog of missed work days
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Sinusitis and bronchitis have a large economic impact, according to a recent survey. More than 30 million missed workdays each year can be attributed to these respiratory conditions, mostly in November, December and January. Use of antibiotics often speed recovery from these conditions, but many sinusitis attacks are viral in origin and are unaffected by bacteria.
Both of these bacterial infections occur most frequently during the cold and flu season - November through January.
In a random survey of 606 self-identified recurrent chronic sinusitis or bronchitis sufferers, roughly one quarter (24.9 percent) reported missing three or more days of work and another 23 percent missed one to two days of work.
"This cold and flu season, we should be particularly vigilant of our health as the flu vaccine is in short supply," said Dr. Ferguson.
Dr. Ferguson said a person should see a doctor if he or she experiences symptoms of bacterial sinusitis, such as nasal congestion or yellow nasal discharge, with facial pain or pressure that worsen after four days or persist beyond seven days.
Symptoms experienced for fewer days are more likely due to a viral illness such as a cold.
Bronchitis symptoms to be aware of include shortness of breath, chest pain and chronic cough accompanied by phlegm or mucus 24 to 48 hours following the cough.
While viruses and colds usually run their course, bacterial infections, such as sinusitis and bronchitis, may require treatment with an antibiotic in order to get better.
According to the survey, 69 percent of sinusitis and bronchitis sufferers said they felt better more quickly when they took antibiotics versus over-the-counter medicines, with 53 percent experiencing improvement one to two days more quickly with an antibiotic.
Sinusitis and bronchitis may be caused by viruses or bacteria, with indistinguishable symptoms regardless of the cause.
Bacteria usually cause more severe symptoms that persist for a longer period of time, and often follow a viral illness.
"While 85 percent of survey respondents said they had been afflicted with a sinus infection in the past 12 months, this survey suggests people may not be as familiar with the primary symptoms of sinusitis.
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