Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
For viral infections, generally no antibiotic is needed (unless the infection
becomes complicated by a subsequent bacterial infection). Most viral infections
can be expected to run a four-to-six day course. During this period, the child
or other infected individuals can be treated with lots of fluids, rest, and
"feel better" medicines that reduce pain and/or fever, such as acetaminophen
(Tylenol, Tempra, Liquiprin, etc.) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.). It is
important to note that these measures do not treat the viral infection and only
provide some relief of the symptoms. These measures can also be helpful in
treating the symptoms of bacterial throat infection, such as strep throat.
Are there any recommended strep throat remedies?
Recommended home remedies for sore throat and tonsillopharyngitis (both strep
throat and non-strep throat) are easily available in most circumstances. These
remedies are generally geared towards relieving symptoms of sore throat and
should not replace antibiotics in cases of proven strep infection.
Saltwater gargle is an old therapy for sore throat symptom relief.
Typically, ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt is added to a cup (8 ounce) of warm water.
Portions of the solution are used for each gargle. Gargling can be repeated a
few times daily. Children younger than 8 years of age are not capable of
gargling and this therapy should be avoided in this age group.
Hard candies can be used to treat sore throat symptoms. Sucking on a hard
candy is as beneficial as some of the other listed therapies.
Lozenges (cough drops, troches, or pastilles) are also available for
symptomatic relief of sore or dry throat. Cooling (Menthol), anesthetic (phenol
or benzocaine), antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory agents may be used in these
products to provide adequate symptom relief. The use of lozenges is not
recommended for children under 4 years old.
Other home remedies for symptomatic relief of sore throat and strep throat
include warm tea with honey, lemon tea, chicken soup, cold beverages, ice cream,
and Popsicles. Honey should be avoided in children less than 1 year of age
because of increased risk of botulinum toxicity and paralysis.
It cannot be overemphasized that despite these therapies, antibiotics are the
most important treatment for adequately diagnosed strep throat because of the
dreaded complications of untreated strep infection.
Strep Throat - Length Symptoms LastedQuestion: How long did the symptoms of your strep throat last? Was there anything in particular that helped with pain/symptom relief?
Infectious mononucleosis is a virus infection in which there is an increase of white blood cells
that are mononuclear (with a single nucleus) "Mono" and "kissing
disease" are popular terms for this very common illness caused by the
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home. However, a person should be seen by a health care professional if they have a sore throat that has a rapid onset, and is associated with a fever or tenderness of the front of the neck; a sore throat that causes the person to have difficulty swallowing (not just pain swallowing) or breathing; or if a sore throat lasts for more than a week.
An upper respiratory infection is a contagious infection of the structures of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. Common causes of an upper respiratory infection include bacteria and viruses such as rhinoviruses, group A streptococci, influenza, respiratory syncytial, whooping cough, diphtheria, and Epstein-Barre. Examples of symptoms of upper respiratory infection include sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and nasal congestion. Treatment of upper respiratory infection are generally with OTC medication and home remedies.
Sleep apnea is defined as a reduction or cessation of breathing during sleep. The three types of sleep apnea are central apnea, obstructive apnea (OSA), and a mixture of central and obstructive apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by a failure of the brain to activate the muscles of breathing during sleep. OSA is caused by the collapse of the airway during sleep. OSA is diagnosed and evaluated through patient history, physical examination and polysomnography. There are many complications related to obstructive sleep apnea. Treatments are surgical and non-surgical.
Group B strep are bacteria called Streptococcus agalactiae that may sometimes cause infections both in a pregnant woman and her newborn. Symptoms include fever, seizures, heart rate abnormalities, breathing problems, and fussiness. Intravenous antibiotics are used to treat group B strep infections.
It is thought that the tonsils and adenoids assist the body in fighting incoming bacteria and viruses by helping the body form antibodies. This is thought to be important only during the first year of life. Acute tonsillitis, strep throat, mononucleosis (mono), chronic tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, and hypertrophic tonsils and adenoids are all common problems involving the tonsils and adenoids. Treatment of tonsillitis and adenoids include antibiotics and other medications depending on the cause. In some cases, a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy (the removal of the tonsils or adenoids) may be necessary.
Snoring, like all other sounds, is caused by vibrations that cause particles in the air to form sound waves. While we are asleep, turbulent air flow can cause the tissues of the nose and throat to vibrate and give rise to snoring. Any person can snore. Snoring is believed to occur in anywhere from 30% of women to over 45% of men. People who snore can have any body type. In general, as people get older and as they gain weight, snoring will worsen. Snoring can be caused by a number of things, including the sleep position, alcohol, medication, anatomical structure of the mouth and throat, stage of sleep, and mouth breathing.
Erythema nodosum is a skin inflammation that results in reddish, painful, tender lumps most commonly located in the front of the legs below the knees. Erythema nodosum can resolve on its own in 3 to 6 weeks, leaving a bruised area. Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone by mouth or injection.
A heart murmur is the sound generated when blood flow within the heart is not smooth. Causes of heart murmurs can be functional, congenital, or caused heart valve conditions. Symptoms of a heart murmur may be none, or may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and arm, leg, and ankle swelling. Treatment of a heart murmur depends on the cause.
Group A streptococcal infections are caused by group A streptococcus, a bacteria that causes a variety of health problems, including strep throat, impetigo, cellulitis, erysipelas, and scarlet fever. There are more than 10 million group A strep infections each year.
Rheumatic fever is a disease that sometimes occurs after a group A streptococcal infection of the throat. Symptoms and signs include carditis, polyarthritis, Aschoff bodies, rash, Sydenham's chorea, and fever. Treatment for rheumatic fever involves eliminating the bacteria with penicillin, erythromycin, or azithromycin. Further treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms brought on by the body's immunologic response to the bacteria.
Adenovirus infection, particularly Ad14, or the "killer cold virus" has been on the increase in the past two years. Symptoms range from those experienced with colds, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, pinkeye, fever, bladder infection, and neurological conditions. Diagnosis and treatment options need to be discussed with your physician.
Children's health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of children's health, including growth and development, illnesses, injuries, behavior, mental illness, family health and community health.
Teenagers recognize that they are developmentally between child and adult. Teen health prevention includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, preventing injuries and screening annually for potential health conditions that could adversely affect teenage health.
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