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How can I cure an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) on my own and without the use of antibiotics?

I have weak lungs and I have this URI that keeps coming back (this is the 5th time in one year). I am also bipolar and take lots of meds for that. Whenever Ihave a URI my physician puts me on heavy duty antibiotics and they cancel out my bipolar meds. I end up a physical and emotional mess. I want to cure my URIs on my own so I dont have to be on antibiotics. Frankly I would rather hurt phisically than emotionally. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Update:

FYI I do not and have never had Pneumonia. I am serious about this. Antibiotics are OUT OF THE QUESTION.

Update 2:

I have been treated for Viral and Bacterial URI. Huge kudos to mlgable- I have been taking a very good multi-vitamin for about 3 weeks now as well as 1000mg of Vitamin E daily as well trying to build my immune system.

6 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    When the meds don't help me, I often resort to drinking two ounces of lemon juice in the morning. Also fasting (except for liquids) for a day helped me clear the infection. I made a vegetable broth and drank it for two days. Also I got a humidifier and ran it at night near my bed. Drink LOTS of water to keep the cilia moist. Dry air exacerbates the cough. Avoid cold air at all cost. Wrap something around your mouth when you go out in cold air. If you're not too self-conscious, wear a face mask over your mouth when outdoors to keep irritants from your lungs.

    I have severe coughing spasms but these remedies have helped me more than the meds unless I had an infection then I needed antibiotics.

  • 1 decade ago

    Goldwing is right. All you can do on your own is to alleviate the symptoms somewhat- like fever. But if you end up with a lung infection then that just might be the last living experience.

    OTOH if you have had several antibiotic treatments then it would make sense to do a bacterial culture for antibiotic sensitivity (2-3 days) then hit them with a single specific antibiotic. but ONLY UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION

    BTW there are many types of antibiotics, so it is simply a question of looking for one that works on the bacteria (if its viral then antibiotics dont work anyway) and leaves your moods alone

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    The first thing you need to do is have your doc check to find out why you are getting URI's so often. Call and see if he won't schedule you for a chest x-ray and chest CT scan. Second build up your immune system by taking a mulitivitamin that is well absorbed by your body and a good antioxidant supplement daily. Lastly when you doc prescribes antibiotics that mess with your other meds be sure he is aware of this so he can adjust your bi-polar meds too if needed. If he is not the one who takes care of your bipolar meds then have him contact the other doc to find out what to do. If you leave this go untreated you could wind up with pneumonia and need to be hospitalized so yes you need to get this checked out but be sure they do some chest scans and x-rays to find out what is going on.

  • 1 decade ago

    If you are ignorant of how medically or holistically you'd cure your (URI), and it repeats itself as far, by now, to 5 times a year . . I'd not try curing myself . . instead I'd have an open, honest, as complete as possible talk about tis with my physician and ASK HIM EXACTLY what you have put out as a question.

    There is no reason to hurt physically or emotionally if there is a better way, or a sensible way to resolve your dilemma.

    You should not judge for yourself what kind of "hurting" you'd prefer.

    This type of thinking as a resolution will eventually be more harmful to you than not.

    Source(s): Own opinion.
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  • 1 decade ago

    Dear friend I am from India, I advice you to go for some breathing exercise (Yoga), this very very effective believe me, It has very significant effects, millions of Indian got cured with this breathing exercise, u can visit this site for exercise method http://www.swamiramdevyoga.com/pranayama/index.htm... hope & I am sure you will have very positive effects within 15 days or a months regards take care

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Play around with this one and you won't have to worry about it...you will just be dead. You are in no position to go play games with such a serious threat. Get thee to a doctor immediatley, fool. Pneumonia is a real killer, today, just as yesterday.

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