11:15 AM EDT on Wednesday, September 28, 2005

By KARA FINNSTROM / 6NEWS

Each week WCNC checks with Carolinas Medical Center and Presbyterian Hospital to find out the most common conditions sending people to area doctors' offices and emergency rooms.

Carolinas Healthcare System

UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS: Infections that affect the nose, throat, sinuses and voice box. One of the most familiar is the common cold.

SINUSITIS: Inflammation of the sinuses usually caused by infection. Symptoms include throbbing, fever, stuffy nose and nasal discharge. Doctors say most cases much of the sinusitis right now may stem from upper respiratory infections.

Presbyterian Healthcare

ALLERGIES: Ragweed and other weeds are the main offending allergens right now. They flourish during hot, dry weather.

STOMACH VIRUSES: Patients are reporting diarrhea and vomiting.

UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS

NASTY RESPIRATORY VIRUS MAKES ITS ROUNDS

Patients keep reciting the exact same symptoms to Charlotte Medical Clinic's Dr. Michael Richardson. First, they say, nasal congestion sets in and they develop laryngitis, then they start coughing so hard they have trouble breathing. At that point, patients feel extreme fatigue.

Dr. Richardson says a new respiratory virus is clearly making its rounds, affecting up to 20 percent of his patients. Most are ill for 10 to 14 days, but start feeling better after the first week.

Dr. Richardson says he usually just prescribes rest, fluids, and a fever suppressant. But if your symptoms worsen after the first 5 to 7 days or you develop a high fever, check with your doctor.

The big concern is secondary infections such as pneumonia and ear and sinus infections. Patients should also call their doctor if they're at risk for complications because of such underlying illnesses as asthma or diabetes.

Because viruses like this one are usually spread through touch, Dr. Richardson says everyone can help shut it down with vigilant hand washing. His rule: always wash your hands before touching your face or neck.