What's Going Around
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Updated: 8:57 PM Sep 14, 2009
What's Going Around
Local doctors explain what they're seeing in their offices this week.
Posted: 3:34 PM Sep 14, 2009
Reporter: Lauren Evans
Email Address: lauren.evans@wilx.com
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We start in Okemos, where Dr. James Brouillette, of the Ingham Primary Care Center, says pink eye is going around.

Symptoms include: red eyes; swollen, red eyelids; more tearing than usual; feeling as if something's in the eye; itching or burning; mild sensitivity to light; and drainage from the eye.

Pink eye is very contagious, so it's important to treat it right away, by cleansing the eye.

You can also apply a warm compress for five to 10 minutes, three to four times a day, and use preservative-free artificial tears. Never use steroid eye drops without a doctor's prescription.

And in Lansing, Dr. Hugh Brainard, of Ingham Internal Medicine and Pediatric Associates, is treating some asthma flare-ups.

Coughing may be the only symptom present, particularly a spastic cough that's dry and hacking.

Other symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and possibly pain when breathing.

To treat asthma flare-ups, stick to your doctor-prescribed treatment regimen and keep a rescue inhaler on hand at all times.

Also, try to avoid asthma triggers like pollen, be sure to rest, and stay hydrated.