Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections, or URIs, are illnesses that affect the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, ears, throat, tonsils, sinuses, and bronchial tubes. The most common upper respiratory infection is the common cold. The flu, while it has some other systemic symptoms, is also considered a respiratory infection. Although some upper respiratory infections may be bacterial, most are viral and so do not respond to antibiotic treatment. In many cases, upper respiratory infections respond well to chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments at the onset of the infection may lessen its duration and keep it from developing into a more serious, bacterial infection.
Chiropractic Care for URIs
Chiropractic care for upper respiratory infections involves vertebral adjusts to assist the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to inflamed areas and to help strengthen the immune system. Minor spinal manipulations, especially of the cervical spine, rapidly relieve congestion, sore throats and difficulty breathing in a great many patients. In some patients, especially children, lymph nodes in the neck may swell during an upper respiratory infection. Chiropractic adjustments assist in lymphatic drainage, helping the body to eliminate germs and other toxins.
Chiropractors treat upper respiratory infections with other techniques besides vertebral adjustments. These techniques may include heat therapy, ultrasound and deep muscle massage.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for URIs
Chiropractic care can help to clear upper respiratory infections without invasive medical procedures. Because chiropractors use a holistic approach, emphasizing hands-on manipulations, proper nutrition and exercise, rather than medication, patients need not worry about side effects, allergies, or rebound effects. Regular, ongoing chiropractic adjustments can also help to keep the immune system in good working order and may lessen the frequency, severity and duration of upper respiratory infections.