How can you tell difference between bacterial/viral sinus infection?

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How can you tell the difference? Without going to your doctor, I have had a "sinus infection" or head cold for 7 days now. It is getting better though and I have not been on any antibiotics, but I am still extremely stuffed up (especially my ears) How can you tell the difference if it's bacterial or viral? Thanks.
You can't tell the difference by yourself. Well, unless you happen to have a pathology lab in your basement, then you might be able to tell.

You'd have to culture the offending microbe to figure out what you've got.  (+ info)

What's the difference between Viral, bacterial and fungal meningitis?

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I know that they're all different types obviously, bacterial being the most severe. But what's the difference? How does it affect the meninges different and body systems etc?

Also..is meningitis just caused frm typical bacteria that just gets spread through the blood into the spinal fluid?
For example makes bacterial so much worse than viral and how can viral disappear on it's own where bacterial, treatment is necessary.
The MAIN thing I need to know is WHY bacterial is so much more harmful than viral. Like, if both affect the meninges, why is viral so much less serious?
Viral meningitis can be caused by many different viruses, including common intestinal viruses and viruses associated with mumps and herpes infection. In some cases, people can get viral meningitis from drinking polluted water.

The viruses that cause meningitis are contagious, but most people who become infected don't actually develop meningitis. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears up within one to two weeks.

Bacterial meningitis is a serious and frequently fatal illness. Even treated early, it can result in brain damage, hearing loss or learning disabilities. Some forms of bacterial meningitis such as meningococcal meningitis are highly contagious. The bacteria are spread though coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing items such as eating utensils or toothbrushes with an infected person. Bacteria commonly identified as causing meningitis are Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenza, group B streptococcus (in newborns) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other less common bacteria include tuberculosis, Listeria, Staphlococcus and Salmonella.

Fungal and parasitic meningitis are relatively uncommon. Fungal meningitis is more common in people with a weakened immune system.

Viral meningitis usually doesn't require treatment, although certain types of viral meningitis such as herpes meningitis (HSV1) must be treated with antiviral agents to prevent complications or even death. Doctors often recommend bed rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and headache. Most people completely recover on their own.

Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated immediately to prevent serious complications and death. A number of antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial meningitis, depending on the organism causing the infection. Other medications may also be used to treat symptoms and prevent permanent damage from the disease.  (+ info)

How can I tell if an illness is viral or bacterial?

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I have a cough with a lot of phlegm and think I have a virus. I think it's a cold, but a friend tells me I should take anti-biotics as it could be a bacterial in my lungs.
Is there an easy way to differentiate between viral illnesses and bacterial illnesses?
ask your doctor
jane  (+ info)

How long does it take to Cure Cure Bacterial Vaginosis With Apple Cider Vineger ?

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Can someone please tell me how long it takes to cure a bacterial vaginosis with apple cider vinegar. I also wanted to know how does this happen. I clean down there with different types of soaps could that be a reason why it get irritated.
The reality is...there are NO studies to prove that apple cider vinegar can be used to treat this condition. NONE. All so-called "evidence" is based on anecdotal theories at best. I'm not sure how you are using this vinegar, but I would suggest to stop wasting your time.

Clearly, the best and most reliable treatment is typically with a medication called "Metrogel Vaginal," or "Clindesse." The advantage of the latter, is that it is a one time treatment. The vaginal applications for MetroGel are usually 5-7 nights.

Yes, many soaps can be VERY irritating to the vaginal flora, and it is best to use something mild/neutral. I typically recommend Dove or Ivory. You should try to wash "inside" the vaginal canal either. Avoid soaps that are "antibacterial" in nature as well. As well, you should NEVER douche, or take "bubble baths," as these will upset the flora and precipitate a B.V. infection.

Talk to your doctor or provider of care about this. Leave the vinegar for your next salad instead.

Best of luck!

  (+ info)

How do I tell the difference between a bacterial infection and a virus?

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I'm tired of going to the doctor only for them to tell me they can't give me any antibiotics. Is there any way for me to figure out if I likely have a virus or a bacterial infection? In this case, I'm specifically wondering about the common cold.
bacterial infections generally come on gradually, viruses hit hard and fast. bacterial infections cause very high fevers, viruses not so high.
bacterial infections are usually site specific, in the lungs or in a wound or in the bladder, while viral infections attack the entire body causing body aches, nausea stuffy nose cough etc etc, in other words a viral infection is generalized.  (+ info)

How would you explain the importance of avoiding bacterial infections to a person with leukemia?

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How would you explain to a patient with leukemia, who has a greatly elevated white blood count, the importance of avoiding bacterial infections?
I agree with the others that they should have a low white blood cell count.

However, I would tell them its a matter of life or death, literally. During my leukemia treatment I got an infection while I was neutropenic. I went in to septic shock, was on life support for about two and a half weeks and very nearly almost died.  (+ info)

How long does it normally take for a bacterial infection to clear up?

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I have a bacterial infection down there and have been on antibiotics for 6 days (1 more day of antibiotics). It seems sorta better, but not 100%. How long do those usually take to clear?
I agree with what Doc said. It usually takes seven days but some doctors will prescribe meds for ten days. If you aren't 100% after you've taken all your meds then you need to go back to the doctor.  (+ info)

How does a bacterial infection turn mucus green?

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I've got a cold and I have the green snot, so I know I have both a viral common cold and a bacterial infection. How does the bacteria actually change the color of the mucus?
To be more speicific they are dead neutrophils.  (+ info)

What brand of lactobacillus acidophilus should i take for bacterial vaginosis?

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I heard if I took lactobacillus acidophilus it would help clear up a bacterial infection. Ive had BV before but it seems to be a re-occuring thing all of a sudden. I was wondering if there was a certain brand or product that would work best. Any suggestions?
well i used to get them from the store but i kept getting infections. so i went to stronger pills with more strains. it works great. so go to a health food store. they are better. other good herbal remedies are colidal silver and tea tree oil.  (+ info)

A doctor will give you an antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection, but you are given a vaccine to keep a vi?

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A doctor will give you an antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection, but you are given a vaccine to keep a virus (and some bacteria) from making you ill. What is the difference between these approaches?
the antibiotic is to treat a bacteria. A vaccine is to prevent certain diseases / viruses  (+ info)

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