Nasal Saline Washes And Topical Nasal Corticosteroids
Additional treatment options include nasal saline washes, which help move thick secretions from the nasal passages, and topical nasal corticosteroid sprays that reverse inflammation and swelling. The latter also effectively shrink and prevent nasal polyps. Corticosteroid sprays do not get absorbed into the bloodstream and can be used for extended periods without the risk of dependency.
Sore Throat No Fever With Nasal Congestion
Posted by Dr. Chris
TheresaK Asked :
I have been experiencing a persistent sore throat for 3 days, mainly in the morning when I wake up. It started after a late night out and I was out in the cold and drinking alcohol. At first I thought it was from the booze and weather and maybe I had caught a cold. But it is going on with no fever or tiredness like one would get with the cold or flu. I have often had problems with a blocked nose due to a deviated septum but the sore throat was never a part of it. The throat feels swollen when I wake up like I swallowed something big or hard and even my voice sounds a bit gruff, not just nasally. There is no pain, just an irritating swollen feeling. It settles down after a few hours though. Since it is going on for 3 days, I am wondering if I could have caused any damage to the throat because I also smoked a few cigarettes on that night but I am not a smoker.
Any response by the Health Hype team does not constitute a medical consultation and the advice should be viewed purely as a guide. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your current treatment program. The information provided in this article is not an authoritative resource on the subject matter and solely intends to guide the reader based on the questions asked and information provided.
Dr. Chris Answered :
Treatment For Colds And Sinus Infections
All colds and most sinus infections are caused by viruses, and clear up on their own without treatment. Know that antibiotics do not work against viruses. Cold and sinus infection treatment involves relieving symptoms. Home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help you feel better, but they do not shorten the length of the illness. Getting plenty of rest, drinking enough water, applying a warm compress to your sinus area and using a humidifier can make you more comfortable.
Over-the-counter medications can also help alleviate cold and sinus symptoms. Read labels closely when choosing a medication. Note that combination medicines contain more than one active ingredient. For example, Alka Seltzer Plus contains several active ingredients, including acetaminophen . In this case, youâd have to be careful to not also take a separate dose of acetaminophen. You also should not take medications for symptoms you donât have. Your pharmacist can help you find an OTC product to treat your specific symptoms:
There are no prescription medications for colds, but there are prescription medications for symptom management. One of these is ipratropium bromide , which is available as a nasal spray or as an inhaler. This nasal spray can ease a runny nose, postnasal drip and a sore throat, and the inhaler relaxes airways and prevents secretion of mucus in the nose.
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Fever Aches And Sore Throat
These symptoms are usually mild with a cold compared to a more serious illness, like the flu. Still, if you feel bad and canât rest, most experts agree itâs OK to take something to ease pain and lower a fever, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Fever may be a good thing. It helps the body fight off infection by suppressing the growth of bacteria and viruses and activating the immune system. Doctors no longer recommend fighting fever for most people, except perhaps for the very young, the very old, and those with certain medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease. But if youâre uncomfortable, it’s fine to take these medications.
Young people , however, should avoid aspirin. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are best. Each type of medicine has risks, so check with your doctor or pharmacist as to which type of pain reliever or fever reducer is best for you.
Drinking lots of fluids and using salt water gargles can often ease the pain of a sore throat. Some oral medications and medicated lozenges and gargles can also temporarily soothe a sore throat. Check with your doctor before using any medications, including over-the-counter drugs, and don’t use lozenges or gargles for more than a few days. The drugs could mask signs of strep throat, a bacterial infection that should be treated with antibiotics.
How You Treat It
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.Acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can take the edge off many cold symptoms, including your sore throat. Make sure you follow the directions on the label.
If you have other medical problems or take other meds, check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs.
Deal with your nasal symptoms. Mucus from your sinuses can drain into your throat, adding to its soreness. If you have a runny nose or you’re stuffed up, an over-the-counter or antihistamine may help.
If hay fever is causing the drip of mucus into your throat, allergy treatments will ease your soreness, too.
Try a throat spray. Over-the-counter versions of these “numbing” products can help. Herbal sprays with echinacea and sage may also make you feel better.
Take zinc. If you have a cold, some studies show that you can ease symptoms if you take zinc lozenges every 2 hours. They seem to work best if you start to use them within 48 hours after you get sick.
Gargle with salt water. Swish warm, salty water in the back of your throat a few times a day to bring down swelling and ease pain. Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon in 1/2 cup of warm water.
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Find The Best Cold Medicine Based On Your Symptoms
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the nose and throat. The bad news is that it takes some time to get over a cold, but the good news is that treatment requires just a quick trip to the pharmacy. Cold medicine like decongestants and cough suppressants can help alleviate symptoms such as a stuffy nose or sore throat. Lets take a look at some of the best cold medicines so youll know what to look for if you or one of your family members gets a cold.
What To Look For Before Buying The Best Night Time Cold Medicine
Having a difficult time finding a great Night Time Cold Medicine ? Are you hesitant to buy them? Night Time Cold Medicine are now available in a comprehensive list of the best Night Time Cold Medicine for the current market, as a result of our extensive research on the subject. Additionally, weve compiled a list of questions that youre probably wondering as well.
Despite our best efforts, its still vital that you do your own research before purchasing Night Time Cold Medicine Here are some questions you might have:
- Is it worth buying an Night Time Cold Medicine?
- What benefits are there with buying an Night Time Cold Medicine?
- What factors deserve consideration when shopping for an effective Night Time Cold Medicine?
- Why is it crucial to invest in any Night Time Cold Medicine much less the best one?
- Which Night Time Cold Medicine are good in the current market?
- Where can you find information like this about Night Time Cold Medicine?
We believe you have far more questions concerning Night Time Cold Medicine than just these, and the best way to satisfy your need for knowledge is to obtain as much information as possible from reputable online sources.
We assemble our list using the following technology, among others:
Brand Value: Night Time Cold Medicine are all different in their value. A brand should have a unique selling proposition that makes it stand out from the competition.
Features: How important are bells and whistles for a Night Time Cold Medicine?
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Is It A Sinus Infection Or Cold
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a sinus infection and a cold as the symptoms can be very similar. Sinus infections often develop after a cold.
Sinusitis tends to last longer than a cold. Cold symptoms tend to get steadily worse, peaking at 35 days, then gradually get better. Sinus infections may last 10 days or more.
Some symptoms are more likely to be caused by sinusitis than a cold, including:
- swelling of the tissue in the nose
- green discharge from the nose
- a swollen or tender face
Unlike a cold, sinusitis can become chronic, which means it lasts longer than eight weeks. Chronic sinusitis causes swelling and irritation in the sinuses and usually develops after a person has had acute sinusitis. Sometimes the symptoms go away and then come back again.
Ongoing sinus symptoms even if they get better and then come back may indicate chronic sinusitis.
Sinus infections often go away on their own without medical treatment. There are, however, some things a person can do at home to relieve the bothersome symptoms.
To treat sinusitis symptoms with home remedies , try:
Avoid using decongestants on a long-term basis without talking to a doctor first because they can make congestion worse if used for too long.
- symptoms last longer than 10 days with no improvement
- fever lasts longer than 3-4 days
- the pain is very intense
- a person with a suspected sinus infection has a drugs that suppress the immune system, or organ failure
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.
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Post Nasal Drip Treatment
The treatment for your post nasal drip will depend on whats causing it. For example, its easier to resolve postnasal drip caused by spicy foods than it is to kick a sinus infection. Its important to address the underlying condition in order to treat post nasal drip.
In addition to treating the cause, some remedies can help specifically with post nasal drip, Thompson says. Here are a few common remedies:
1. Try nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation with saline is highly recommended to combat post nasal drip. Saline irrigations help flush out excess and thick mucus, Thompson says. Also, saline irrigations moisturize the nasal cavity and reduce the symptom of post nasal drip.
Using a neti pot, flush one side of your nose, then the other, with distilled or boiled water . Be sure to follow instructions carefully so that you dont increase your risk of infection by flushing your nose.
2. Breathe in steam or a humidifier
Steam or a humidifier can help clear mucus from your nose. Humidifier and steam inhalation can help moisturize the air and thin the mucus so that it passes more freely, Thompson says.
Thats why chicken soup or a cup of tea can also be great remedies the hot liquid and steam help clear your nasal passages.
3. Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water can help thin mucus, preventing the irritating postnasal drip feeling that something is stuck at the back of your throat.
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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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Other Causes Of Nasal Congestion
Swollen adenoid glands may cause nasal congestion, particularly in children. Adenoid glands are fleshy bits of tissue which hang down from the back of the nose. If they shrink naturally, often nothing needs to be done. However, if they are causing problems they can be removed by an operation. For more details, see the leaflet called What do tonsils do?
If the dividing tissue between your two nostrils is not straight , this can cause nasal congestion. It can be the result of injury or just the shape into which your nose has grown since you were born.
Children may get objects such as beads or peas stuck up their noses. Rarely, a tumour in the airways around the nose or sinuses may cause congestion.
How To Use Cough Medicine Safely
Show Sources
Norman H. Edelman, MD, chief medical officer, American Lung Association professor of medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, N.Y.
Donald R. Rollins, MD, associate professor, pulmonary division, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo.
American Academy of Pediatrics: “Withdrawal of Cold Medicines: Addressing Parent Concerns.”
FamilyDoctor.org: “Cough Medicine: Understanding Your OTC Options.”
Schroeder, K. Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, October 2004.
Bosler, D. Chest, January 2006.
Medline Plus: “Guaifenesin.”
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Sinus Infection Vs Covid
Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms.
Menthol Vapours Rubs And Pastilles
There are many products which contain ingredients such as menthol or eucalyptus oil, which you can buy over the counter for nasal congestion. The most well known of these are Vicks® and Olbas® but there are many others which work in the same way. They are available as vapour rubs, which you rub on your chest so you breathe in the vapour, and oils which you add to hot water for steam inhalations. There are also throat sweets to suck. These soothe a sore throat but also release a vapour to help clear the nose.
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Antiviral Pills To Treat Covid
To treat the coronavirus itself, two newly-authorized antiviral pills from Pfizer and Merck will be available in Illinois “in coming weeks,” according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The pills, known as Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, will be available by prescription only “for those with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for becoming severely ill, including hospitalization or death,” the department said.
U.S. regulators authorized Pfizer’s pill, Paxlovid, and Mercks molnupiravir last month. In high-risk patients, both were shown to reduce the chances of hospitalization or death from COVID-19, although Pfizer’s was much more effective.
IDPH reported Paxlovid is expected to reduce the risk of hospitalizations by 89% and Molnupiravir by about 30%.
The antiviral pills arent for everyone who gets a positive test. The pills are intended for those with mild or moderate COVID-19 who are more likely to become seriously ill. That includes older people and those with other health conditions like heart disease, cancer or diabetes that make them more vulnerable.
Both pills were OK’d for adults while Paxlovid is authorized for children ages 12 and older.
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Medicine For Cold And Sinus
Headache, nasal pain, congestion, runny nose and fatigue.
There’s no doubt that these symptoms can make you feel miserable, but it can be hard to tell what’s causing the discomfort. Is it a cold or sinus infection? Both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, and treatment is often similar, too. Here you’ll learn about colds and sinus infections, including cold and sinus medicines.
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Tips To Manage Sinus Pain
To ease sinus congestion and pain, there are a few things you can do:22,23
- drink plenty of fluids to help thin the mucus in the sinuses
- apply a warm, moist washcloth to the face several times a day
- use a steam inhalation two to four times a day for example, inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water place a towel over your head to keep the steam in
- avoid dry places and use a humidifier to keep the air moist
- use a saline spray several times a day as this can remove thick mucus and help the sinus to drain
- avoid things that can irritate the nose, such as cigarette smoke
- avoid sudden changes in temperature or bending your head down
Medication can also help. Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , can help to relieve sinus pain and headaches. Decongestants can ease a blocked nose and come in a number of forms such as drops, nasal sprays, tablets and powders that can be made into hot drinks.
Care needs to be taken with over-the-counter nasal spray decongestants as they can be helpful at first but may make the problem worse if used for more than three to five days. Some products are available that combine analgesics with decongestants to tackle sinus pain on both fronts.