Medication
Cough suppressants, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroids are prescription cold and/or flu medications that can help provide you some symptom relief, while the main job of antivirals and antibiotics is to stop what's causing your illness in its tracks. When to See a Doctor About Cold and Flu Symptoms
Self-care
Mary Choy, PharmD, is board-certified in geriatric pharmacotherapy and is an active leader in professional pharmacy associations. The first line of treatment for the common cold and influenza is self-care (and patience) as you allow these viral illnesses to simply run their course.
Nutrition
The first line of treatment for the common cold and influenza is self-care (and patience) as you allow these viral illnesses to simply run their course. But there are cases in which you may need a medical evaluation and prescription medication to tame severe symptoms, prevent a worsening of your condition, or avoid related complications.
What kind of medicine can I take for a cold?
Common cold 1 Diagnosis. Most people with a common cold can be diagnosed by their signs and symptoms. ... 2 Treatment. There's no cure for the common cold. ... 3 Lifestyle and home remedies. Drinking plenty of fluids. ... 4 Alternative medicine. ... 5 Preparing for your appointment. ...
What is the first line of treatment for the common cold?
Do you need medical treatment for the common cold and flu?
How to diagnose and treat common cold?
What is the best medicine for a cold?
For adults, the only proven medicines that help relieve symptoms are over-the-counter pain relievers, certain types of decongestants, antihistamines, and zinc. Over-the-counter pain relievers are considered the first and best medicine to take for a cold.
What is the best cold medicine?
The most effective cold medicine is prescription ipratropium, a drug normally used to open tight airway passages. Taken as an oral inhalant, ipratropium cuts down mucus secretion and so helps to reduce a runny nose and cough caused by a runny nose. It does not relieve sneezing, fever, stuffy nose, or body aches.
What is cough suppressant?
Cough suppressants. Coughing is a reflex provoked by throat irritation. For a cold infection, throat irritation is caused by mucus flowing down into the throat. Cough medicines (antitussives) work by slowing down the part of the brain responsible for the cough reflex, so most cough suppressants are opioids.
What is the best medicine for a stuffy nose?
Over-the-counter oxymetazoline, the active ingredient in Afrin, Dristan, and Vicks Sinex, has been shown to be the most consistently effective at reducing stuffy nose due to a cold. Although effective for nasal congestion due to allergies, popular decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine have not been shown to be effective cold medications.
How long does it take for a cold to mutate?
The viruses that cause the common cold mutate and change rapidly. The body effectively rids itself of a cold infection within a week or two, but it is still vulnerable to re-infection by different cold viruses and different strains.
How to prevent colds?
The proven way to prevent colds is through hand washing. Wash your hands several times a day for 15 to 30 seconds. Hand sanitizer is even more effective. Safe doses of vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics also help to reduce the risk of catching a cold.
How long does a cold last?
The symptoms of a cold, mainly nasal stuffiness, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, and aches, typically last for seven to 10 days as the body fights off the infection. There is no cure for the common cold, just rest and symptom relief. Also called acute upper respiratory tract infection ...
How do decongestants help with a congested nose?
Nasal decongestants help unclog a congested nose. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of your nose so that the swollen tissue shrinks and decreases mucous production. Air can then pass through more easily. These drugs can also help dry up postnasal drip.
Why do you take cough suppressants?
Cough suppressants can help if a cough is interfering with your daily life or sleep. This is why some doctors recommend you take cough suppressants mostly at bedtime. These drugs work by blocking the nerve impulse that causes your cough reflex. They can help provide short-term relief from coughing.
What is the active ingredient in expectorants?
This can help your body rid itself of excessive mucus more quickly. The active ingredient in OTC cough expectorants is guaifenesin. It’s found in Mucinex and Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM.
Which antihistamines cause drowsiness?
The above are considered first generation antihistamines, which may cause drowsiness. Because of this, these antihistamines are often found only in nighttime or PM forms of cold drugs. Second-generation OTC antihistamines, which don’t cause drowsiness, include: cetirizine (Zyrtec)
What are the symptoms of taking antihistamines?
Antihistamines may provide some relief of symptoms related to the release of histamine in your body. These can include: sneezing. itchy ears and eyes.
Can a 3 year old take nasal decongestant?
These drugs can also help dry up postnasal drip. Nasal decongestants are available as pills, nasal sprays, and liquid drops. Generally, they aren’t recommended for children who are 3 years or younger.
Can you give a child cold medicine?
Use caution when giving OTC cold drugs to children. It can be easy to give a child too much , and some OTC cold drugs can have serious side effects. Accidental overdoses can sometimes be fatal.
What is the best medicine for cold and flu?
Cough suppressants, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroids are prescription cold and/or flu medications that can help provide you some symptom relief, while the main job of antivirals and antibiotics is to stop what's causing your illness in its tracks. When to See a Doctor About Cold and Flu Symptoms.
Why are antiviral medications important?
While antiviral medications may be prescribed to anyone for which they are indicated, they are especially important for people in high-risk populations to help prevent consequences of the flu such as bronchitis and pneumonia. If you or someone you care for is younger than 2 years of age, 65 or older, immunocompromised, pregnant, extremely obese, ...
What is an example of a combination of narcotics?
Often, these narcotics are in combination medications that also include an antihistamine. An example is Tussionex PennKinetic, an extended-release oral suspension containing a combination of chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone. Another example is Nalex AC, which contains codeine and the antihistamine brompheniramine.
How old do you have to be to use a cough medicine?
FDA requires labeling changes for prscription opioid cough and cold medicines to limit their use to adults 18 years and older. 2018. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Drug Safety Communication: Death resulting from overdose after accidental ingestion of Tessalon (benzonatate) by children under 10 years of age.
How do antihistamines work?
Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamine, which is a natural substance our bodies release when we're exposed to allergens. Decongestants work by causing blood vessels to constrict which helps relieve congestion. Both antihistamines and decongestants are used to dry up secretions, relieving a runny nose or nasal stuffiness.
How long does it take for antiviral medication to work?
In the case of flu, antiviral medications are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. 2 They can help relieve symptoms and shorten the course of the illness, as well as reduce the risk of complications. Antiviral medications approved by the FDA for influenza include: 2 .
What is the best medicine for strep throat?
1 . For example, Pen-Vee K (penicillin), Amoxil (amoxicillin), or Keflex (cephalosporin) are all effective treatments for strep throat infections.
How to prevent colds?
You can help prevent colds by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including: Clean your hands. Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
What are the factors that increase the risk of getting a cold?
Risk Factors. Many factors can increase your risk for catching a cold, including: Close contact with someone who has a cold. Season (colds are more common during the fall and winter, but it is possible to get a cold any time of the year) Age (infants and young children have more colds per year than adults)
What happens when you have a cold?
Common Cold. When you have a cold, mucus fills your nose and could cause post-nasal drip, headache, and a sore throat. When you have a cold, mucus fills your nose and could cause post-nasal drip, headache, and a sore throat.
How long does it take for mucus to clear up after a cold?
This helps wash the viruses from the nose and sinuses. After 2 or 3 days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color. This is normal and does not mean you need an antibiotic.
How long does it take for a cold to show up?
Symptoms of a cold usually peak within 2 to 3 days and can include: When viruses that cause colds first infect the nose and air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses), the nose makes clear mucus. This helps wash the viruses from the nose and sinuses. After 2 or 3 days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color.
How long does a sore throat last?
When you have a cold, a sore throat could last for 8 days; a headache for 9 or 10 days; and congestion, runny nose, and cough could last for more than 14 days. See a doctor right away if your child is younger than 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.
How old do you have to be to give a child cough medicine?
Children 4 years or older: discuss with your child’s doctor if over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are safe to give to your child for temporary symptom relief. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size.
What are some ways to get rid of a cold?
The list of ineffective cold remedies is long. Some of the more common ones that don't work include: 1 Antibiotics. These attack bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 2 Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in young children. OTC cold and cough medications may cause serious and even life-threatening side effects in children. Talk with your child's doctor before giving any medications.
How long do you stay sick after catching a cold?
If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks. That doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies might help you feel better:
How to heal a sore throat from a swollen throat?
Rest. Your body needs rest to heal. Soothe a sore throat. A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
How to make yourself miserable with colds?
It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently.
How to get rid of coughing in older adults?
Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea. Add moisture to the air. A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion. Change the water daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How to help a coughing child?
Sip warm liquids. A cold remedy used in many cultures, taking in warm liquids, such as chicken soup, tea or warm apple juice, might be soothing and might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow. Try honey. Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea.
Can you take aspirin with chickenpox?
Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 3, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children. Sip warm liquids.
What is the best medicine for a cold?
Aches and Fever. There are two kinds of medicines made to treat minor aches and pains from a cold: Acetaminophen relieves headaches. It might also help open a stuffed nose. It’s in many cough and cold products as well as in other medicines.
Is there a cure for a cough?
There is no cure, but there are plenty of OTC remedies that pledge to help you feel better. “OTC” products are sold “over the counter,” which means they don’t need a prescription. Some focus on one symptom, like congestion or a cough. Others target several at once. Use this guide to find the right one for the symptoms you have.
Can cough drops thin mucus?
Some OTC cough medicines have an ingredient that stops the reflex that makes you cough. Others contain an agent that will thin your mucus. You might try to suck on a cough drop or hard candy; it could do the trick. Cough medicines don't often cause side effects in healthy adults.
Can you take decongestants before bed?
Avoid taking them within a few hours before bed or you might have trouble falling asleep. If you have high blood pressure , ask your doctor if it’s okay to use a decongestant.
Can antihistamines make you sleepy?
Some antihistamines can make you drowsier than others, so be aware of the side effects. You might not get tired, at all. But, you will be even more sedated if you drink alcohol with this medicine. So take precautions and be safe about driving or operating machinery.
Do antihistamines help with colds?
Antihistamines block a chemical that makes your nose fill up and run. Studies find antihistamines don't improve cold symptoms much on their own. But they may work better when combined with a decongestant. Some antihistamines can make you drowsier than others, so be aware of the side effects.
Can you take a cold medicine with a stuffed nose?
Before you buy a multi-symptom cold reliever, check that you have every symptom listed on the box. Otherwise, you might treat a symptom you don't have with medicine you don't need.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Preparing For Your Appointment
