Bay Minette AL What's Going Around - Dr. Bernita McCants
Dr. Bernita McCants
2305 Hand Ave.
Bay Minette, AL
(251) 937-1528
http://www.nbinfirmary.com
Dr. Bernita McCants is a 31 year old native of Jackson, MS. She recently finished her Family Practice residency program at the University of South Alabama. She opened up a new practice, North Baldwin Family Medical in Bay Minette with her partner, Dr. Jonathan Campbell. She is a single mom with a 2 year old and is enjoying the small and unique community of Bay Minette.
May 16, 2008
Dr. McCants in Bay Minette is diagnosing patients with acute sinusitis and seasonal allergies and allergy rhinitis.
Symptoms for acute sinusitis include:
headache, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat, stuffy nose, cough that produces mucus, low-grade fever, reduced sense of taste or smell, and facial pain especially over the cheeks in the forehead, behind eyes and pain in the upper teeth.
For home treatments and over the counter treatments, Dr. McCants recommends:
Drink plenty of fluids to help keep your mucus thin,
Apply moist heat (using a hot, damp towel or gel pack) to your face for 5 to 10 minutes, several times daily
Breathe warm, moist air from a steamy shower, a hot bath, or a sink filled with hot water. Avoid extremely cool, dry air.
Use saltwater nasal washes (saline lavage or irrigation) to help keep the nasal passages open and wash out mucus and bacteria. You can purchase saline nose drops at a pharmacy or make your own saline solution at home. It may also help to gargle with warm water by using one teaspoon of salt per pint of water.
Use nonprescription medications such as pain relievers and decongestants to relieve symptoms. Do not give cough and cold medicines to a child younger than two without a doctor's recommendation, and follow directions carefully.
Be careful when using some nasal spray decongestants such as Afrin. They should not be used for more than 3 days. Longer use can lead to further swelling of the sinus membranes after the medicine wears off.
Wait at least 7-10 days before contacting a physician.
Prevention tips include from Dr. McCants include:
Treat stuffiness (nasal congestion) caused by colds or allergies promptly. This can help you prevent a bacterial infection from developing in your sinuses.
Avoid contact with people who have colds and other viral upper respiratory infections. If you do have contact wash your hands frequently.
Avoid cigar, cigarette and pipe smoke. Smoke causes and further irritates inflamed membranes in your nose and sinuses.
If you have allergies, avoid things that trigger your allergy attacks. Consider talking to your health professional about immunotherapy.
Symptoms for seasonal allergies and allergy rhinitis include:
Sneezing frequently, especially after waking up in the morning.
Runny nose and postnasal drip.
Watery and itchy eyes.
Your nose, ears and throat will become itchy.
Dr. McCants's recommendations for home and over the counter treatments:
Try taking over the counter allergy medications such as Chlor-Trimeton, Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec.
Treat a stuffy nose with decongestants or a saline solution.
May be able to prevent or manage mild sinus infections by keeping the air in your home moist and drink plenty of fluids.
Wait 7-10 days to see a physician.
Dr. McCants's recommendations for prevention:
Avoid allergens by reducing contact.
Control dust and dust mites by, dusting regularly and washing bed linens in hot water.
Control animal dander and other pet allergens by restricting pets to certain area of your home.
Control indoor molds by cleaning bathtubs and shower monthly.
Avoid outdoor pollens by staying indoors when pollen counts are high.
