Q Fever
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- 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
Alternative/complementary treatment of Q fever
There is very little literature supporting alternative or complementary treatments for Q fever, but there is some evidence that a strong immune system will not be infected or infection will be mild. The following are strategies for increasing immunity and should only be undertaken with the approval and monitoring of a doctor, as q fever can be very serious and potentially life threatening.
Herbs
Studies show the following herbs all have potent anti-bacterial properties and may reduce some symptoms:
- Echinacea - studies show that the herb echinacea has both anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, which means it may be useful in people with any type of bacterial infection such as Q fever
- Garlic - studies show that the herb garlic has excellent anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, which means it may be useful in people with any type of bacterial infection such as Q fever
- Olive leaf - studies show that olive leaf is very useful in helping the body fight off any type of viral or bacterial infection, which means it may be useful in people with any type of bacterial infection such as Q fever
Vitamins
Certain vitamins may help reduce symptoms or even prevent this condition altogether by strengthening the immune system and reducing risk of infection:
- Betacarotene - the antioxidant betacarotene is the precursor to vitamin A, so it has the same properties as vitamin A
- Vitamin A - this antioxidant vitamin A is important to ensure the membranes lining the bronchi are healthy. Studies also show that vitamin A is important in reducing symptoms by reducing inflammation of the bronchi
- Vitamin C - studies show that vitamin C helps to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections and greatly assists with healing the lining of the bronchi, by reducing inflammation and irritation
- Vitamin E - the antioxidant vitamin E has an important role in maintaining the immune system and helps to improve symptoms and may protect against getting a bacterial or viral infection in the first place
Minerals
Certain minerals have high antioxidant content and have a protective effect on the body and enhance immunity:
- Selenium - studies show the antioxidant mineral selenium has a protective effect on the immune system by boosting its activity to fight off bacteria, which may help in any type of bacterial infection
- Zinc - studies show the antioxidant mineral zinc reduces the severity and length of symptoms of colds and flu by helping the immune system fight off the bacterial infection in the body
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Other nutrients
Certain nutrients have antioxidant properties and may protect the immune system:
- Alpha-lipoic acid - the nutrient alpha-lipoic acid is a major antioxidant which helps the other antioxidants work more effectively and greatly boost their activity by enhancing the effects of the immune system to fight off any type of infection
- Cod liver oil - the potent anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid cod liver oil contains high levels of naturally occurring vitamin A and vitamin D, which both help to restore mucous membranes to normal, assist with immunity and reduce severity and duration of symptoms of any type of bacterial infection
- Coenzyme Q10 - studies show that the levels of coenzyme Q10 appears to be low in people with chronic conditions of the lungs and supplementation improves symptoms by improving oxygenation in the blood to the lungs and enabling better breathing, without pain
- N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) - studies show that NAC loosens the mucous in the lungs, making breathing easier and alleviating other symptoms associated with Q fever
- Omega 3 fatty acids - studies show the omega-3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory properties that may assist with symptoms in the body in people with any type of bacterial infection such as Q fever
- Quercetin - studies show that people who eat foods high in quercetin develop less respiratory infections in general, so this means it may help to prevent an infection in the first place
Dietary modifications
The best way of enhancing the immune system is through a healthier diet:
- Drink more water - hydrating the body properly is an effective way to ensure the mucous membranes trap and expel the bacteria before it has a chance to infect the body. It is recommended to drink about 8-10 glasses of water each day (1 glass =250ml)
- Eat more fruit and vegetables - these foods have a high antioxidant content and contain many other vital nutrients especially useful for helping the body fight off any type of infection
- Eat more garlic and onions - both foods have high anti-bacterial properties and also have a protective effect on the immune system and help the body fight off any type of infection
Lifestyle modifications
Certain lifestyle factors may lower immunity and provide a more suitable environment for the bacteria to invade and infect:
- 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, heavy drinking also lowers immunity
- 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
- Stop smoking - the lungs can be the first organ to get infected and breathing may be difficult, so smoking only puts an added burden on the lungs and exacerbates symptoms
Alternative treatments
There are no other alternative treatments that are recommended to treat Q fever.
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
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