What's going around?

This week, Grand Strand doctors are seeing a lot of upper respiratory illnesses going around.

At Beach Urgent Care, Dr. Ron Reynolds says he's seeing many patients suffering from an early start to cold season.

Symptoms include nasal drainage, low grade fever, sore throat and coughing.  He says it's affecting all ages and for the most part, antibiotics aren't needed.  Dr. Reynolds recommends fluids, rest and some good, old-fashioned chicken noodle soup.

At Seacoast Primary Care in Little River, Dr. Ray Holt is seeing a lot of bronchitis cases.  He says it starts with cold symptoms, but they tend to go away and leave behind a cough.

The cough may turn from dry to wet and Dr. Holt says Robitussin may help ease the cough at night.  He says you should see a doctor if the cough lasts more than a week, you feel short of breath or have a high fever.

At Grand Strand Pediatrics, Dr. Nick Colvard is seeing a lot of asthma flare ups.  He says it's probably due to the change in weather. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing and trouble breathing.

If you have these symptoms and they don't respond to your normal asthma medication, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Dr. Richard Joslin says he's seeing Doctor's Care Strand Office patients complaining about one of three things: summer colds, allergies or sinuses. Dr. Joslin says the symptoms are similar but the causes are different. He says summer colds are caused by viruses that are usually inhaled and can lead to a runny nose and occasional muscle aches.

If it's allergies, symptoms may include a runny nose and sneezing. A sinus infection tends to cause more stuffiness in the nose but at times may open up and run as well. A sinus infection is bacterial and generally starts as a cold.

Dr. Joslin says treatment for a cold depends on the symptoms. Over-the-counter medication may help treat a runny nose. You should also consume fluids and get rest. A sinus infection often requires an antibiotic, which means a trip to the doctor.

Allergies, if mild to moderate, can also be treated with over-the-counter medication, but if more severe, you may need a prescription.