There are many patients who suffer from recurrent bronchitis, sinusitis , throat infections and recurrent vaginal yeast or thrush infections
Some of these patients will have a chronic illlness diagnosis and some will not. Many may also complain of feeling a bit ‘tired all the time’ depsite getting adequate rest. Some will have respiratory disorders like asthma. Many will not.
A fairly common example is the person who has a fairly busy life but finds that they are ‘down’ with a severe bronchitis two or three times per year and may, on occasion, need steroids added to their antibiotics.Typically many of the people who get recurrent bronchitis will have long-standing low intensity rhinitis and a constant, mild post-nasal drip. They will frequently complain of a sensation of a trickle going down the back of their nose and throat (that’s the ‘post-nasal drip’ bit!) on a fairly constant basis. Usually these patients need their mineral status checked out because some trace minerals like zinc are particularly important for immune system functioning. My impression having looked after many patients like this is that the post-nasal drip is sending mucus down to the chest and this mucus then somehow ends up staying there and contributing to the recurrent chest infections.
It is also important to make sure that any low-grade recurrent sinus infections are treated and that any food intolerances that are ‘driving’ the post-nasal drip are also identified.
It has been my clinical experience that, in people who suffer recurrent tummy problems, the disorder in their abdomen together with whatever low-grade infection may be there, contributes to their reduced immunity.
After that has been done one may use some advanced acupuncture techniques to help ‘clear’ the sinuses and improve the defensive energy - the ‘wei qi’ of the body.
A specialised acupuncture immune-boosting treatment is extremely useful if it is used about four times per year at the change of season. It is especially important to boost defensive immune energy at the end of summer as autumn approaches.
Homoeopathic treatments for sinuses and lungs are, in my experience also very useful in such situations. All a bit complicated and somewhat time-consuming but, I find, generally effective as a treatment strategy.
Of course anyone who is suffering from significant recurrent infections should consult their general practitioner in the first instance who may wish to investigate further if (s)he deems it appropriate or may feel that reassurance is most appropriate at that stage. I always emphasise to patients that it is important that their GP knows what they are doing health-wise and is comfortable with it.