The steps Dr. Frank McGeorge takes to handle illness

DETROIT – Recently, I contracted a really bad upper respiratory infection, and I thought other people would be curious about how a doctor manages their symptoms.

Over-the-counter medications

First, the worst symptoms were days of serious congestion and a runny nose, which calls for simple symptom control. Pseudoephedrine, aka Sudafed -- That is my go-to decongestant.

Now after oral Sudafed, if the runny nose is just driving me crazy, I will turn to a spray like Afrin or Neosynephrine. But just keep in mind that you cannot really use these sprays for more than a couple of days.

Now, once the congestion becomes bad enough, or I feel sinus pressure or the stuff that I’m blowing out of my nose gets thick, then it is time for the next level.

Humidity and sinus irrigation

Make sure that your home or apartment is humidified, either at your furnace or with a room humidifier, especially in your bedroom. When I wake up in the morning, I also inhale lots of steam. This actually loosens up any gunk that’s built up overnight.

Now to sinus irrigation and I have to tell you, even though I’m talking about it last, it should really be a number one for everyone. While it may seem intimidating, it is really simple and it is phenomenally effective.

If you’ve never done sinus rinses, I’m going to walk you through step by step, starting with the neti pot or the squeeze bottle.

Now this choice is really more of a personal preference. I personally think the squeeze bottle is easier to use, but lots of people have either heard of or have a neti pot. The idea is that you see the tip of the bottle, or the spout of the neti pot at the opening of your nose, and you pour or flush the nasal cavities and sinuses with saline -- which is just a saltwater solution that you make yourself.

The saline solution really makes all the difference. It is not just plain water. I want to emphasize it is not an expensive thing -- you can buy small pre-mixed packets at a retail, drugstore or online, or you can even make sailing for irrigation at home with salt and baking soda on your own.

Now, most of the time, that is pretty much all you can do, and recovery is just a matter of time.

Final thoughts:

If you get a lot of sinus pressure, or you have high fevers and a change in the mucus that you’re blowing out, a sinus infection is a possibility. And you should talk to your doctor. And of course, stay home, stay hydrated, and let your body heal.