Common Cold
This winter, about half of you will catch a cold at least once. Americans reportedly suffer more than one billion colds each year.
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract — your nose, throat, and upper airways. Usual symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and a general achy feeling all over.
As you know, there are no drugs that can cure the common cold. Your cold symptoms will disappear only when the viral infection runs its course. However, bacterial infections – such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and ear infections can occur as a result of catching a cold. These bacterial infections can be and should be treated with an antibiotic.
“Cold care” is primarily aimed at relieving your symptoms. First of all, try to get plenty of rest during your cold. Also, it’s best not to smoke, or at least cut back. Smoking increases the chance for secondary infections such as bronchitis.
You should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water or juice each day. Warm fluids are best. These fluids are important because they help loosen thick lung secretions and moisten the tissues in your air passages.
Also, it’s best to avoid alcoholic beverages since they can dehydrate you and slow your recovery.
A word of caution. If you have a high fever, above 101˚, accompanied by shaking chills and you are coughing up thick phlegm, or if coughing or breathing deeply causes sharp chest pains, you may have pneumonia. You should call your doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
There is a bewildering array of over-the-counter products for treating cold symptoms. There are all sorts of combination products that contain decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, expectorants and pain relievers.
Remember, some cold formulas are better than others. Your pharmacist can help you select the medicines that will help the most in relieving your symptoms of a common cold.