 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is q fever?
- Symptoms of q fever
- Causes of q fever
- Prevention of q fever
- Risk factors for q fever
- Complications of q fever
- When to see a doctor about q fever
- Diagnosis of q fever
- Conventional treatment of q fever
- Alternative/complementary treatment of q fever
- Living with q fever
- Caring for someone with q fever
There are a number of strategies which are recommended to help deal with Q fever:
- Adequate intake of vegetables - most vegetables have a high water content, high levels of vitamins (especially betacarotene, vitamin C and vitamin K), minerals (especially magnesium and potassium) and antioxidants which all help to reduce severity of symptoms as they have a positive effect on the function of the immune system. Dark green leafy vegetables (such as kale, spinach, watercress, tatsoi) have very high levels of nutrients most beneficial for health and may help to reduce symptoms
- Don't smoke - the lungs are the first organ to get infected and breathing may be difficult, so smoking only puts an added burden on the lungs and exacerbates symptoms. Also do not be exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke as it has the same detrimental effects on the lungs and worsening of symptoms
- Eat more garlic, ginger and onions - studies show that both garlic and onions have anti-bacterial properties that can boost the immune system with fighting off any type of bacterial infection and may help to reduce symptoms. Ginger has proven anti-inflammatory effects as well as circulation boosting properties that may help to reduce symptoms of Q fever infection
Advertisement
- Keep well hydrated - ensure you drink plenty of fluids (water, diluted fruit juice and herbal tea such as chamomile, peppermint and rose hip) to keep the lungs well hydrated and help to reduce severity of symptoms. Ensuring the lungs are well hydrated helps to reduce the amount of infected thick mucous from the bronchi, which is causing the breathing difficulties
- Limit alcohol intake - heavy drinking puts a great burden on the liver, which is one of the organs that is infected in Q fever. In addition to this, heavy drinking of alcohol lowers immunity and puts extra pressure on the immune system which may be struggling to fight off the infection from q fever
- Regular doctor check-ups - ensure you visit your doctor regularly, to monitor symptoms and medication dosage. You must let your doctor know if your symptoms are getting worse or you are experiencing a worsening of symptoms to ensure you are getting the most appropriate treatment. It is also vital you consult with your doctor about alternative remedies you want to use
- Rest - the body needs to be rested in order to allow it to heal more quickly from any type of infection, without the added pressure of having to deal with other bodily processes. Resting enables the body to concentrate all of the available energy to fighting the infection
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
< 10: alternative treatment 12: caregiving > Last reviewed: 24 November 2007 || Last updated: 8 February 2009
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
