Allergic rhinitis : Allergic rhinitis is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways. It occurs when an allergen, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander (particles of shed skin and hair) is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system. In such individuals, the allergen triggers the production of the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE), which binds to mast cells and basophils containing histamine.Allergic rhinitis caused by pollens commonly called hay fever or seasonal allergy. Drugs Used (1) ANTIHISTAMINES - Azelastine Hydrochloride (2) CORTICOSTEROIDS - Beclometasone, Betamethasone,Budesonide,Fflunisolide,Fluticasone, Mometasone, and Triamcinolone (3) DECONGESTANTS - Cromoglicate


Angioedema : Angioedema is dangerous if laryngeal oedema is present. In this circumstance adrenaline (epinephrine) injection and oxygen should be given as described under Anaphylaxis. antihistamines and corticosteroids should also be given. Tracheal intubation may be necessary.


Bronchitis : Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi (the larger and medium-sized airways that carry airflow from the trachea into the more distal parts of the lung parenchyma) Treatment Conventional treatment for acute bronchitis may consist of simple measures such as getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, avoiding smoke and fumes, and possibly getting a prescription for an inhaled bronchodilator and/or cough syrup. In some cases of chronic bronchitis, oral steroids to reduce inflammation and/or supplemental oxygen may be necessary.


Pneumonia : Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung affecting primarily the microscopic air sacs known as alveoli. It is usually caused by infection with viruses or bacteria and less commonly other microorganisms, certain drugs and other conditions such as autoimmune diseases. Typical symptoms include a cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Patients with pneumonia are treated with amoxicillin, doxycycline, clarithromycin or oral macrolide antibiotics (azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin).Patients with other serious illnesses, such as heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or emphysema, kidney disease, or diabetes are often given more powerful and/or higher dose antibiotics like third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and vancomycin. In addition to antibiotics, treatment includes: proper diet and oxygen to increase oxygen in the blood when needed. In some patients, medication to ease chest pain and to provide relief from violent cough may be necessary.


Ear Infection : Infection can affect the ear canal (otitis externa), the eardrum, or the middle ear (otitis media). Most ear injuries are caused by pressure changes during direct injury (such as a blow to the ear) or sport scuba diving, but, a persistently painful ear may signal an infection that requires treatment. Because an ear scope (otoscope) may not be available to examine the canal and inner ear in remote locations, starting therapy may be appropriate until a doctor can be reached. SYMPTOMS • Symptoms of ear infection include: o ear pain, o fullness in the ear, o hearing loss, o ringing in the ear, o discharge from the ear, o nausea, o vomiting , and o vertigo. • Symptoms may follow a respiratory infection such as the common cold. • Discharge from the ear canal is often caused by the infection known as swimmer's ear (otitis externa). A painful ear with decreased hearing is often the result of otitis media, an middle ear infection. TREATMENT • Rest: avoid further scuba dives, coughing, sneezing, bending, and attempts to equalize the ears. • Pain may be relieved with 1 to 2 acetaminophen (Tylenol) every four hours and/or 1 to 2 ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) every 6 to 8 hours. • Pseudoephedrine (the active ingredient in over-the-counter medications such as Sudafed) 30 mg tablets, one every six hours for 2 to 3 days, may ease ear pressure. (People with a history of high blood pressure should avoid this product.) • For infections of the ear canal (otitis externa): neomycin (Ak-Spore HC, Cortisporin, Neotricin HC, Ocutricin-HC), polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone (Cortisporin, Otocort, Poly Otic), two drops in the ear canal four times per day for five days, may also be used. • If pain occurs, discontinue treatment and seek medical attention. • Oral antibiotics are usually recommended for discharge from the ear, nose, or mouth. If infection develops, continue antibiotics for at least five days after all signs of infection have cleared. Tell your doctor of any drug allergy prior to starting any antibiotic. The doctor will recommend the right antibiotic.


Sinusitis : Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses. It occurs as the result of an infection from a virus, bacteria, or fungus. CAUSES The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull. They are located behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes. Healthy sinuses contain no bacteria or other germs. Most of the time, mucus is able to drain out and air is able to flow through the sinuses. When the sinus openings become blocked or too much mucus builds up, bacteria and other germs can grow more easily. Sinusitis can occur from one of these conditions: • Small hairs (cilia) in the sinuses fail to properly to move mucus out. This may be due to some medical conditions. • Colds and allergies may cause too much mucus to be made or block the opening of the sinuses. • A deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur, or nasal polyps may block the opening of the sinuses. There are two types of sinusitis: • Acute sinutitis is when symptoms are present for 4 weeks or less. It is caused by bacteria growing in the sinuses. • Chronic sinusitis is when swelling and inflammation of the sinuses are present for longer than 3 months. It may be caused by bacteria or a fungus. The following may increase the risk that an adult or child will develop sinusitis: • Allergic rhinitis or hay fever • Cystic fibrosis • Going to day care • Diseases that prevent the cilia from working properly • Changes in altitude (flying or scuba diving) • Large adenoids • Smoking • Weakened immune system from HIV or chemotherapy Symptoms The symptoms of acute sinusitis in adults usually follow a cold that does not get better or gets worse after 5 - 7 days. Symptoms include: • Bad breath or loss of smell • Cough, often worse at night • Fatigue and general feeling of being ill • Fever • Headache -- pressure-like pain, pain behind the eyes, toothache, or tenderness of the face • Nasal stuffiness and discharge • Sore throat and postnasal drip Symptoms of chronic sinusitis are the same as those of acute sinusitis, but tend to be milder and last longer than 12 weeks. Symptoms of sinusitis in children include: • Cold or respiratory illness that has been getting better and then begins to get worse • High fever, along with a darkened nasal discharge, that lasts for at least 3 days • Nasal discharge, with or without a cough, that has been present for more than 10 days and is not improving MEDICATIONS AND OTHER TREATMENTS Most of the time, antibiotics are not needed for acute sinusitis. Most of these infections go away on their own. Even when antibiotics do help, they may only slightly reduce the time it takes for the infection to go away. Antibiotics may be prescribed sooner for: • Children with nasal discharge, possibly with a cough, that is not getting better after 2 - 3 weeks • Fever higher than 102.2° Fahrenheit (39° Celsius) • Headache or pain in the face • Severe swelling around the eyes Acute sinusitis should be treated for 10 - 14 days. Chronic sinusitis should be treated for 3 - 4 weeks. Some people with chronic sinusitis may need special medicines to treat fungal infections. At some point, your doctor will consider: • Other prescription medications • More testing • Referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) or allergy specialist Other treatments for sinusitis include: • Allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help prevent the disease from returning • Avoiding allergy triggers • Nasal corticosteroid sprays and antihistamines to decrease swelling, especially if there are nasal polyps or allergies


Tonsillitis : Tonsillitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. Tonsillitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms may include sore throat and fever. When caused by a bacterium belonging to the group A streptococcus, it is typically referred to as strep throat. The overwhelming majority of people recover completely, with or without medication. In 40%, symptoms will resolve in three days, and within one week in 85% of people, regardless of whether streptococcal infection is present or not. Causes The tonsils are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They normally help to filter out bacteria and other germs to prevent infection in the body. A bacterial or viral infection can cause tonsillitis. Strep throat is a common cause. The infection may also be seen in other parts of the throat. One such infection is called pharyngitis. Tonsillitis is very common, especially in children. Symptoms • Difficulty swallowing • Ear pain • Fever, chills • Headache • Sore throat - lasts longer than 48 hours and may be severe • Tenderness of the jaw and throat Treatment Treatments to reduce the discomfort from tonsillitis symptoms include: • pain relief, anti-inflammatory, fever reducing medications (paracetamol/acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen) • sore throat relief (warm salt water gargle, lozenges, dissolved aspirin gargle (aspirin is an anti inflammatory, do not take any other anti inflammatory drugs with this method), and iced/cold liquids) If the tonsillitis is caused by group A streptococcus, then antibiotics are useful with penicillin or amoxicillin being primary choices. Cephalosporins and macrolides are considered good alternatives to penicillin in the acute setting. A macrolide such as erythromycin is used for people allergic to penicillin. Individuals who fail penicillin therapy may respond to treatment effective against beta-lactamase producing bacteria such as clindamycin or amoxicillin-clavulanate. Aerobic and anaerobic beta lactamase producing bacteria that reside in the tonsillar tissues can "shield" group A streptococcus from penicillins. When tonsillitis is caused by a virus, the length of illness depends on which virus is involved. Usually, a complete recovery is made within one week; however, symptoms may last for up to two weeks. Chronic cases may be treated with tonsillectomy (surgical removal of tonsils) as a choice for treatment. The following tips may help your throat feel better: • Drink cold liquids or suck on popsicles • Drink fluids, especially warm (not hot), bland fluids • Gargle with warm salt water • Suck on lozenges (containing benzocaine or similar ingredients) to reduce pain (these should not be used in young children because of the choking risk) • Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever. Do NOT give a child aspirin. Aspirin has been linked to Reye syndrome. Some people who have repeated infections may need surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy)