Health Tips for Students

Listed below are some common health conditions that are seen at the Student Health Center. Treatment for these can initially be started by you at home. Feel free to contact the Student Health Center at 282-2330 if you have questions or concerns about a medical problem.

Upper Respiratory Infections (URI)

Usually viral, meaning antibiotics will not help/treat the problem. Symptoms will last from 7-14 days depending on your immune system. Presents with runny-stuffy nose, clear postnasal drip, mild sore throat (usually secondary to postnasal drip), plugged ears, mild facial pressure, cough (usually secondary to postnasal drip) and perhaps a low grade temperature (99-100).

Treatment by you

• Fluids, vaporizer, rest (no late hours)
• Eat regular small meals with extra fruits and vegetables
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications -Vitamin C and Zinc may help shorten the duration
• Decongestant (Sudafed)--decreases stuffiness of the nasal passages, decreases plugged ears, decreases facial pressure (It may stimulate you and cause restless sleep)
• Antihistamine (Benadryl, Chlortrimeton, Dimetane, Tavist)
• Saline nasal spray (Ocean Spray Brand)
• Nasal Decongestants such as Afrin, but for no longer than 3 days (Your nose can get addicted to it if you keep using it)
• Echinacea (herbal supplement) may help shorten the duration by boosting your immune system
• Guifenasin (Robitussin & others) will help keep your mucous runny so you can clear it from your system before bacteria start to grow in it

When to come to the clinic

• If your temp rises to 101 or greater
• Cough or nasal drainage that is green all day, not just in the morning
• Development of ear pain
• Pain, swelling or redness of face
• Severe sore throat associated with fever and enlarged, painful glands
• Difficulty breathing with exertion.

Gastroenteritis--Almost always viral

Symptoms May be sudden in onset and usually only lasts for 24 hrs., watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, temperature up to 101, may be associated with dizziness

Treatment by you

• Gingerale (the ginger helps settle the stomach)
• Clear liquids, such as water, Gatorade, lemonade, apple juice, clear sodas for 24 hrs (start with one sip--wait 10 minutes--then 2 sips--wait 10 minutes--then 3 sips etc.)
• After 24 hrs begin soft diet (applesauce, mashed potatoes, crackers, rice, plain pastas, bread) for another 24 hours
• On 3rd day may begin regular diet (Avoid dairy products longer if diarrhea, abdominal cramping are present)
• Medications (Over-The-Counter) Pepto-Bismol (be aware that this will cause you to have a black tongue and black stools--DO NOT PANIC Imodium--helps with the diarrhea... Emetrol--helps with the nausea and vomiting

When to come to the clinic

• If unable to keep any fluids down or no urination for 8-12 hours
• Severe dizziness and sense of fainting (this suggests dehydration)
• Symptoms persist beyond three days
• Blood in your stool or vomitus
• If abdominal pain is increasing

Stress--Extremely common

Symptoms widely varied depending on individual: indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, hyperventilation, sleep disturbances, insomnia, diarrhea, fast heart rate, headaches, weakness, fatigue, generalized body aches, irritability, anxiety, decreased appetite, frustration, anger, decreased patience, decreased concentration and memory, loss of interest in normal fun activities, desocialization, decreased motivation, sadness and life generally not fun anymore.

Note: All the above can be symptoms of depression. If you have several of these symptoms for more than a few days, you should see a professional at the Student Health Center or Counseling and Testing Center.

Causes

• First time away from home
• No routine or structure in life
• Exams
• Too many demands on time
• Working too many hours
• Carrying too many credit hours
• Lack of sleep and eating poorly
• Relationship troubles
• Financial troubles

Treatment by you

• 8 hours of sleep daily
• Eat a regular balanced diet, drink plenty of water
• Regular exercise program
• Be realistic about work hours and class load
• Attend stress management seminars offered on campus
• Attend study skills seminars offered on campus
• Recognize that you are stressed
• Pepcid or Zantac (OTC) for indigestion or heartburn
• Pepto-Bismol or Imodium for the diarrhea

When to come to clinic

• When above symptoms are not responding to OTC treatments
• Suicidal thoughts
• Grades dropping
• Inability to function (fatigue, memory problems, trouble concentrating)