RSS Feed
The coughing, the hacking, the sore throat could all mean one of many things, but for argument's sake let's say it's bronchitis. You may go to your doctor, get a prescription for some antibiotics, follow the pharmacist's directions and still not feel better. Why? VCU School of Medicine researchers have the answer.
The majority of cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses, making antibiotics an ineffective treatment. 5% of the adult population suffers from acute bronchitis each year with 70-80% of those affected prescribed 5-10 days of antibiotics. So not only does the treatment seem ineffective to your health, it is clearly detrimental to your checking account. Let's not even mention the amount of antibiotics that will pass through our bodies into the water supply.
So, what's the alternative? Time heals all wounds, but aside from just waiting until the virus passes through your system, there are a few other steps you can take. WebMD has a few tips for colds and flu (flu is still caused by viruses, last I heard). I found the list of foods in #12 most curious. In particular, the onion as a bronchitis remedy.
Here's a link to a preparation of onion syrup. I wouldn't put it on pancakes, but I'm sure it tastes just fine. The onion itself has a vast history of nutritional and medicinal uses throughout the ages. And aside from bronchitis, has been used to treat insect stings, colds, gas, parasites, bacterial and fungal infections, and anemia.
Comments