Common Colds: Relief For A Stuffy Nose Cough And Sore Throat
There are no treatments that fight cold viruses directly. But nasal sprays and painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can provide some relief from cold symptoms. Many other treatments have either not been studied well enough or have no proven benefit.
Colds are very common: On average, adults come down with a cold 2 to 4 times a year, and children have as many as 6 to 8 colds a year. The reason that colds are so common is that they can be caused by very many different kinds of viruses. So having had one virus doesn’t make you immune to other cold viruses.
Colds usually go away on their own after about one to two weeks. Although the symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough and headache can be bothersome, you don’t need to take medication. None of the currently available treatments can shorten the length of a cold. Antibiotics only fight so they dont help in the treatment of simple common colds that are caused by viruses. They can have side effects too, so they should only be used if a bacterial infection develops as a complication of the cold.
What Are Symptoms Of The Flu
If you have the flu, your symptoms will be much more severe than a cold. Flu symptoms happen fast, and they usually include a sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fever, cough, and congestion. You could also experience vomiting and diarrhea if you have the flu. Fever and stomach issues are two of the most important factors in determining whether it’s the cold or flu. If your symptoms persist for more than a week, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Types Of Cough Medicine
Various medications can be used to treat cough and cold symptoms, but only a few of them can quickly treat the symptoms. Here are the main types:
- Cough suppressants block the cough reflex, making coughing less likely. Dextromethorphan is the most common active ingredient in cough suppressants. Cough suppressants should not be used if the cough is caused by smoking, emphysema, asthma, pneumonia, or chronic bronchitis. Antihistamines or decongestants can also dry the throat, making the mucus thicker and harder to move, resulting in a more severe cough.
- Expectorants loosen or thin the mucus in the chest, making it easier to cough it up. One popular example is guaifenesin. Drinking extra fluids can also help.
- Combination medicines contain a combination of expectorants, cough suppressants, and other active ingredients. They can include antihistamines, painkillers, and decongestants to treat multiple symptoms at once. To treat a cough from a common cold, a good choice is a cold medicine that contains both an antihistamine and a decongestant, as an antihistamine on its own may be ineffective.
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Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain Reliever Coated Tablets
One of the main complications that come hand in hand with sinus congestion is the pain. The increase of pressure due to accumulated mucus can make it difficult to breathe and pave the way for throbbing headaches. Because of this common symptom combination, Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain Reliever has been dubbed the best medicine for sinus pressure because it targets both pain and congestion effectively.
The main ingredient this formulation uses for decongestion is phenylephrine HCl, which works to reduce mucus production to stop congestion from persisting. It also encourages the body to expectorate phlegm so that the airways can be cleared of congestion. Aside from this function, Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain Reliever also targets pain with ibuprofen. So while the product works to resolve the cause of sinus pressure, it also temporarily addresses any acute pain you might experience for fast and immediate relief.
Which Cold And Flu Medicines Work Best
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Today, there are multiple ways to accomplish common office tasks using cold and flu medicines.
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What Should I Do When I Have Acquired A Cold And Flu Medicine
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Coricidin Decongestant Free Cold And Flu
Patients with heart problems such as atrial fibrillation or hypertension should avoid medications containing decongestants, which often have a label ending in -D,. Dr. Moreno adds that typically, these medicines include pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine which may cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. If you do have any cardiac problems, you should certainly see your physician before using any over-the-counter medicines. However, they are likely to prescribe Coricidin Decongestant-Free Cold and Flu, the flu and cold medicine designed especially for individuals with these kinds of prior problems. It depends on chlorpheniramine and acetaminophen to treat symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, headache, fever, and body pains and aches.
There are many efficient cold and flu medicines available in the market, which makes selecting a top choice though. Mucinex, on the other hand, wins the top spot owing to overwhelming consumer ratings and pharmacist endorsements as to the most effective and non-drowsy flu and cold medicine. Mucinex products are distinguished by their active component guaifenesin, responsible for thinning the mucus and efficiently relieves chest congestion.
Things to Look for in a Good Cold Medicine
There is no such thing as universal cold medicine. Before selecting a medicine, there are several things to consider.
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Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion Pump Nasal Mist Twin Pack 050 Fluid Ounce
- Provides nasal congestion relief due to colds or allergies..
- Doesnt cause drowsiness.
- Each coated tablet contains 10 milligrams of phenylephrine hcl, a nasal decongestant that provides non-drowsy symptom relief.
- This sinus congestion & pressure relief medicine also helps reduce nasal swelling to help you breathe easier, and can be taken every 4 hours as necessary for effective relief of cold and allergy symptoms.
- From the #1 pharmacist recommended brand among oral otc decongestants, this non-drowsy decongestant can be used by adults and children 12 years and older for fast, powerful relief.
- The maximum strength formula helps clear sinus congestion and relieve sinus pressure due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.
- 36-count of sudafed pe sinus congestion maximum strength non-drowsy tablets for fast, powerful relief of sinus pressure and sinus and nasal congestion.
Chest Congestion Mucinex 12 Hour Extended Release Tablets 40ct 600 Mg Guaifenesin Relieves
- Ingredients: guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps reduce chest congestion caused by colds, infections or irritants.
- Trust mucinex: mucinex is the #1 doctor recommended otc expectorant and the #1 cold & cough brand doctors trust for themselves & their families.
- Mucinex 12 hour extended-release bi-layer tablets: clinically proven to last up to 12 hours, it provides powerful relief for your chest congestion.
- One easy pill: a unique bi-layer tablet, one layer for immediate release, the other layer for extended release so the medicine starts to release right away and lasts for up to 12 hours.
- Stock up and save: did you know, if you use mucinex 12 hour often you can and save when you buy higher count packs.
- Symptoms treated: relieves chest congestion caused by excess mucus by making your cough more productive.
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How Do You Get Rid Of A Cold Fast
There are many ways to help get rid of a cold fast. The average cold lasts anywhere from several days to several weeks. Even though you wont beat a cold in 24 hours, with proper medicine and home remedies, you should be able to get symptom relief quickly, and recover in just a few days. Here are some of the best cold remedies:
Staying at home while youre treating your cold is always a good idea if youre able to do so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying home if you have a cold to help prevent spreading it to others. Keeping children out of school or daycare if they have a cold is also a good idea to help keep others from getting sick.
The Difference Between A Cold And A Sinus Infection
The common cold is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It’s also one of the most common illnesses in the U.S., with adults getting an average of two to three colds per year, and children catching between eight and 12 colds per year. Most of the time, colds resolve on their own within three to seven days, with some symptoms possibly lingering for up to two weeks. But in some cases, colds can temporarily weaken the immune system or cause swelling of the lining of the airways or nose. This can lead to a secondary viral or bacterial infection, such as a sinus infection.
A sinus infection or sinusitis is the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose. The most common cause of a sinus infection is a virus associated with a cold. However, about two percent of sinus infections are bacterial infections. Sinus infections usually improve within 10 days, but when they last longer, they’re more likely to be bacterial infections.
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Rinse With A Neti Pot And Saline Solution
Although these teapot-shaped devices may seem like the latest trend in alternative medicine, the neti pot is anything but new. Used for centuries by yoga and Ayurvedic practitioners in India, nasal irrigation is a gentle and effective way to clear the nasal passages of mucus and allergens. Trying any method that delivers salt water to the nose is a good way to start relieving congestion, says Stringer.
To use this natural remedy, fill the neti pot with a saline solution made of warm water and salt, then insert the spout into one nostril while you tilt your head to the other side, allowing the solution to flow up into your nasal passage and then out the other nostril. When making the saline solution, pharmaceutical grade salt is recommended.
Neti pots are generally inexpensive theyre available in health food stores for around $10 to $20 and research shows that they work well to relieve congestion. Researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, who studied adults with chronic nasal and sinus problems, found that people treated with nasal irrigation had greater improvement of symptoms over two months than those treated with saline sprays.
In addition, researchers in China found that nasal irrigation with saline reduced the need for steroid sprays in children with allergies. Neti pots are safe to use on a daily basis.
Allegra Adult 24 Hour Allergy Relief 70
- Target sinus pain comparable to sudafed pe congestion our nasal decongestant can relieve pressure on front, maxillary, ethmoid or sphenoid regions in the head..
- Breathe easier, feel better releasing sinus pressure and sinus congestion can help relieve headaches, migraines, tension and stress so you can refocus with clarity..
- Powerful sinus pressure relief this non-drowsy decongestant can help relieve painful pressure and nasal congestion to help you breathe and think more clearly..
- Maximum strength support packed with 10 mg of phenylephrine hcl, our nasal decongestant tablets help relieve pressure caused by colds, allergies, or hay fever..
- Fast-acting support every bottle contains 24 tablets that work quickly to reduce nasal swelling and inflammation for up to 4 hours offering day or night protection..
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Natural Remedies For Sinus Congestion
When you’re feeling stuffed up and miserable, getting to the drugstore seems almost impossible. Fortunately for you, there are a number of home remedies for sinus congestion relief, here’s three:
1. Humidity:Keeping your nasal passages moist when you’re experiencing sinus congestion may help to relieve that “stuffy” feeling. To do this, apply a warm, wet towel against your face or run hot water in the shower to unblock the sinuses. You could also use a humidifier for the same purpose.
2. Neti pot: A neti pot looks like a miniature teapot with a long spout. With the help of saline or a saltwater solution, these tiny nasal irrigation devices are used to treat congested sinuses, allergies, and the common cold. You can purchase a neti pot online or at your nearest health food or drugstore. Note of caution: Tap water isn’t safe to use as it’s not filtered or treated and may contain material that could cause infection or irritation.
3. Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to reduce pain or improve sleep. While there’s still research that needs to be done, some studies suggest specific essential oils may relieve symptoms of sinus congestion. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy , 1,8 cineole, the main component of eucalyptus oil, has been proven to clear airways of mucus and is a natural cough suppressant.
Its Best To Choose Cold And Flu Medication By Symptom
The key to picking the right product or products to help you feel better faster is to zero in on your symptoms. Also important: Whenever possible, stick to single-ingredient remedies to reduce the risk of side effects, says Nate Favini, MD, an internist and medical director of the nationwide healthcare system Forward.
Choose a medication thats going to directly address the symptom or symptoms that are bothering you rather than a cocktail that may include things you dont need, he says. For example, if the label of a cold or flu medication says that it treats fevers, coughs, and runny noses but you have only a cough, choose a simple cough suppressant instead.
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What Is The Best Cold Medicine To Use
The best cold medicine to use will vary depending on the symptoms someone has. For example, someone who has a cold and cough may need to take a cough suppressant, whereas someone with a cold and stuffy nose might need to take a decongestant. Taking a decongestant when you dont have a stuffy nose probably isnt going to help you if youre searching for relief from a sore throat.
Finding the best cold medicine depends on which cold symptoms you want the most relief fromfind a medication that treats those symptoms. Some treatments even provide multi-symptom relief and would say so on the label.
If youre still unsure about which cold medicine to choose, you can always ask your healthcare provider, including your pharmacist, for advice. Its also a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist if taking cold medicine will interfere with your prescription medications, as drug-drug interactions can cause unwanted side effects.
How To Relieve A Head Cold And Sinus Congestion
Though there are some differences between head congestion and sinus congestion, the following tips can help provide relief from your symptoms. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
- Drink plenty of water: Water can help thin mucus, which is more likely to drain.
- Make a wrap: Applying a warm towel to your head to ease swollen tissues and relieve pressure.
- Get steamy: Inhaling steam helps keep nasal passages moist and assists with drainage.
- Find relief with SUDAFED®: SUDAFED PE® Head Congestion + Pain can help relievethe pain and pressure associated with head congestion while SUDAFED PE® Sinus Pressure + Pain with acetaminophen can help provide relief from sinus pain and pressure.
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Sudafed Pe Sinus Congestion Maximum Strength Non
- 36-count of sudafed pe sinus congestion maximum strength non-drowsy tablets for fast, powerful relief of sinus pressure and sinus and nasal congestion.
- This sinus congestion & pressure relief medicine also helps reduce nasal swelling to help you breathe easier, and can be taken every 4 hours as necessary for effective relief of cold and allergy symptoms.
- The maximum strength formula helps clear sinus congestion and relieve sinus pressure due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.
- Each coated tablet contains 10 milligrams of phenylephrine hcl, a nasal decongestant that provides non-drowsy symptom relief.
- From the #1 pharmacist recommended brand among oral otc decongestants, this non-drowsy decongestant can be used by adults and children 12 years and older for fast, powerful relief.
Know When It’s Time To Head To The Doctor’s Office
Although nasal congestion will generally subside on its own, congestion that lasts for more than 7 to 10 days calls for a visit to the doctor, says Stringer. A viral infection usually goes away on its own within a week or so, but an infection that lasts longer is often bacterial and may require an antibiotic, he says. If you experience other symptoms, such as a high fever, one-sided nose bleeds, wheezing or shortness of breath, or persistent facial or tooth pain, see a doctor right away.
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Top 10 Best Daytime Cold Medicine
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- Nighttime and non-drowsy daytime formulas included
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Not only that, but we also have gone through a wide range of the daytime cold medicine and spent hours and hours researching and comparing a variety of products in terms of specs, size, color, price, and much more.
Our research that is actually based on the same factors has helped us a lot to professionally select the 10 top-rated daytime cold medicine which we have revealed and shared with you early on. All these options are great so you cant go wrong with your purchase.
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