Cold Treatment
As the old adage goes, there is no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections. The common cold comes from any one of two hundred viruses. In some cases antibiotics may be used to treat a bacterial infection related to your cold, such as an ear infection due to build up of fluids, but they are never used to treated the common cold in and of itself. Over-the-counter medications may alleviate cold symptoms and make you more comfortable, but they cannot cure a cold either, nor are they proven-effective in shortening its duration, despite marketing claims. If you use an over-the-counter cold medication and feel much better tight way, it’s important to remember that you’re probably still sick and should therefore take it easy. Even if your cold is beginning to go away around the time you start taking one of these medication, it’s important not to over exert yourself. Otherwise, you’ll put a strain on your weakened immune system and might cause a relapse in symptoms.
Among the over-the-counter medications commonly used for alleviating cold symptoms, are nasal decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, cough expectorants, fever reducers, and plain old Vitamin C. Some brands even carry all-in-one cold medications. Medications containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol® are particularly helpful for relieving the common cold symptoms of fever, headache, and sore throat. Cough suppressants calm a nagging cough; expectorants break up chest congestion and help you “cough it out.” For stuffy and runny noses, decongestants and antihistamines work best. Decongestants and antihistamines usually come in the form of pills and nasal sprays.
While nasal sprays may go straight to the root of the probably, offering near instant relief from congestion, it is inadvisable to use nasal spray for more than three says running. That’s because using them for a prolonged period of time can cause your mucous membranes to become increasingly swollen and irritated. And, the last thing you want to do is add that to your list of symptoms. Saline nasal drops have the lowest incidence of causing irritation, so go for those first. Put several drops in your nostril and follow through by applying a bulb suction tool to that nostril. Afterwards, repeat these two steps for your other nostril.
Medical studies from the 60’s and 70’s indicate that large does of Vitamin C can offer some relief from cold symptoms and even possible lower the risk of related infections. Clinical studies of Zinc yielded similar results.
Besides taking symptom-reducing medications there are a few simple actions you can take to aid in the process of recovering from the common cold. First off, what they say is true: It’s important to drink lots of fluids. When you have a cold you’re more prone to dehydration. Don’t just drink any fluids; drink water and juice specifically. While you’re at, stay away from dehydrating substances like coffee, soda, alcohol and cigarettes, or second-hand smoke.
To soothe a scratch throat, just gargle with warm salt water. And, would you be that simply adjusting your room’s temperature and humidity, can make a world of difference in your comfort-level when you have a cold. Keep your room at a warm temperature without going overboard. Use a cool-mist humidifier if your room is particularly dry. These adjustments will go a long way in alleviating coughing and congestion.