DISTINGUISHING INFECTIONS FROM INFLAMMATION Dr. Bill Meggs has conducted research on reactive airways and found typical sinus inflammation on biopsy--including swelling, redness and �cobble stone� changes--in almost all of his reactive airway patients. In Dr. Ziem's experience, it is common for doctors to misdiagnose this inflammation as a bacterial infection and prescribe antibiotics. Because chemically injured patients often develop reactions to antibiotics and other synthetic medications, and seem susceptible to yeast infection with antibiotic use, it is important that the doctor do additional tests to determine whether or not bacterial infection is present. This can be done in part by performing a white blood count.
Typically with bacterial infection, the white blood count is increased and there is an increase in the number of neutrophils, the type of white blood cells that responds to bacteria. If the neutrophils are not increased in percent or in number it is unlikely that the infection is bacterial. Without increased WBC, % neutrophils, fever/feeling feverish and/or other evidence of infection, it is often wise to reduce exposure first to see whether symptoms improve before using antibiotics, especially since antibiotics may cause side effects, and drug sensitivity reactions. Chemically injured patients often have low total white count (WBC) which may not exceed �normal� with bacterial infection. Looking at percent neutrophils, lymphocytes is very helpful. Body temperature commonly runs low with chronically ill chemically injured patients (96� to 97� range). Feeling feverish with a degree or more above usual body temperature suggests potential infection. Chemically injured patients also tend to run lower usual % neutrophils. Baseline values are useful for comparison. This may also help prevent the frequent problems of yeast or candida infections that often plague chemically injured persons after antibiotics.
Posted by wiserforit2 (Member # 18286) on :
This is such an important piece of information!
I know many friends who treat and treat and treat their children's ear and sinus issues at the slightest sign of pinkness.
The body temperature and neutrophil, lymphoctye baseline info is terrific advice!
THank you!
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
Chronic lyme patients often have low WBC counts and are not feverish.
Inflammation is often a result of infection. So when they give patients anti-inflammatories instead of antibiotics, this is every bit as bad as giving abx to people without infections.
It is not easy to separate infection and inflammation.
Posted by Shahbah (Member # 28735) on :
Great info. Don't forget that even after treatment, general inflammation can last for years in lyme patients... So I think it is important to have measures to know when to stop antibiotics which just add to inflammation.
Posted by Energyman (Member # 29178) on :
what is this text about? im from germany and i don't get the difference. okay the lyme people versus the ... xxx people?