Though You Can't Cure The Common Cold, You Can Ease Its Symptoms
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This article is from the Health Articles series.
Though You Can't Cure The Common Cold, You Can Ease Its Symptoms
Coughs & Colds
Aaaaa-choo! Cold season is almost upon us. And these viral infections-which cause an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose and throat-can really lay you low.
As you sneeze and snuffle your way through your next cold, keep this in mind: Washing your hands is probably the most effective cold-prevention measure of all. So, you and everyone you live with should wash with hot water and soap before and after meals, after each trip to the bathroom, and after handshakes or exposure to crowds.
Also, keep common germ-carrying culprits, such as telephones, light switches, toothbrushes, drinking cups, and silverware, scrupulously clean. At the office, avoid communal coffeepots, telephones, and keyboards.
If you do succumb to an infection, don't fret. Most colds take care of themselves within five to seven days. But if your cold symptoms seem to worsen after a week or so, it may signal a secondary bacterial infection-which may require a doctor's prescription for antibiotics. You also should see your doctor if you have:
- Persistent fever above 101oF.
- Intense pain around eyes or in an ear.
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Severe hoarseness or sore throat.
- A cough that brings up yellow or green mucus or blood.
Although drug companies are trying to develop medications that attack the 200-plus cold-causing viruses, so far there's no cure. Nonprescription cough and cold remedies such as analgesics (aspirin, acetaminophen, and others), decongestants, and cough medicines won't make your cold go away any faster, but they can relieve symptoms while your body fights off the virus.
If you're interested in alternative remedies, you might consider trying zinc lozenges or echinacea. Some studies suggest that they may reduce the duration and severity of colds. It's best to check with a doctor before using them.
Caution: Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, glaucoma, emphysema, chronic pulmonary disease, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing or urinating should talk to a doctor before using decongestants. Pregnant women should not take any cold medicines or large doses of vitamin C, without first consulting a doctor.
Common-Sense Cold Care
While you are ill, help the natural defenses that are part of your immune system by:
- Getting plenty of sleep.
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Gargling with a mild mix of salt and warm water if you have a sore throat.
- Keeping lungs and mucous membranes moist with salt-water nasal sprays and a room humidifier, hot shower, or bowl of steamy chicken soup.
Cough & Cold Treatments
Decongestants
What they are: medications (in spray, liquid, or pill form) that constrict blood vessels to relieve congestion and open nasal passageways. Spray decongestants give instant relief but should not be used for more than three consecutive days. (Nondecongestant products such as saline nasal sprays and ipratropium bromide [Atrovent] can be used longer-term.)
Generic names: ephedrine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, xylometazoline
Analgesics
What they are: medications that relieve head and body pains and may bring down fever.
Generic names: acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen
Cough Medicines
What they are: In general, there are two types of cough medicines: 1) Suppressants (or antitussives) help quiet a dry, hacking cough, allowing you to sleep. Generic names: camphor (for external use only), codeine, dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine (this antihistamine is also a cough suppressant). 2) Expectorants may bring up mucus from the lungs.
Generic names: guaifenesin.
Combination Products
What they are: may include decongestants, analgesics, and/or cough medicines, and sometimes an antihistamine, to treat multiple cold symptoms. Many health professionals say it's best to buy products that target only your specific symptoms.
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