Cold
Runny or stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, Facial fullness, ear fullness or popping
- Take an oral decongestant (such as pseudoephedrine), or use a decongestant nasal spray (containing phenylephrine). Do not use a decongestant nasal spray for more than 3 days in a row.
- Take an expectorant or mucus-thinning agent or cough medicine containing guaifenesin.
- Allergy symptoms, especially runny nose and sneezing, often respond to anti-histamines. The value of antihistamines in treating cold symptoms is under debate.
- Saline nasal sprays keep nasal tissue moist so the tissues can filter the air, but will not cause tissues in the nose to swell. This is also used to flush out your sinus passages and prevent sinus infection.
Cough or Chest Congestion
- Water and other liquids are probably the best cough syrups. They help soothe the throat and moisten and thin mucus so it can be coughed up more easily.
- Take an expectorant or mucus-thinning agent or cough medicine containing guaifenesin to make it easier to cough mucus up.
- Suppressants (such as dextro-methorphan) control or suppress the cough reflex and work best for a dry, hacking cough that keeps you awake. Codeine is a strong prescription cough-suppressant. Don’t suppress a productive cough too much, unless it is keeping you from getting enough rest.
Sore Throat
- Gargle with warm salt water (1 tsp of salt in 8 ounces of water) to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Drink more fluids to soothe your sore throat. Honey and lemon in hot water or in weak tea may help.
- Throat lozenges, cough drops, and sore throat sprays are safe, effective, and have a local anesthetic to soothe pain.
Laryngitis
Rest your voice. Talk as little as possible. Don’t shout or whisper, and avoid clearing your throat. Medication does little to speed recovery.
Fever (< 100 0 for <5 days; or <101 0 for< 3 days) headache, achiness
Acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen will relieve pain and reduce fever.Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20.
General Helpful Hints ________________________________________________________
- Do get plenty of rest and eat well
- Drink 8-12 glasses of liquids a day. Hot liquids soothe the throat and help loosen secretions, and relieve nasal congestion. Don’t drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol that can lead to dehydration.
- Don’t treat your cold with an antibiotic. Antibiotics combat bacterial, not viral infections. An antibiotic is not only a waste of money, but may expose you unnecessarily to the potential side-effects of these medications, or make them ineffective later.
- Don’t smoke, and avoid second hand smoke. Smoking will further irritate your nasal passages and increase your risk of bacterial infections.
- Wash your hands frequently to make you less contagious to your friends.
- Do inhale warm, moist air to soothe inflamed mucous membranes. To do this, take hot showers, or use a cool-mist humidifier.
- Large doses of vitamin C, zinc, and Echinacea has NOT been proven to be beneficial.
