The Common Cold: A Review Of Otc Options
Blesson O. George, PharmD Candidate 2019St. Johns University, College of Pharmacy & Health SciencesQueens, New York
Associate Dean for Student AffairsAssociate Clinical ProfessorSt. Johns University, College of Pharmacy & Health SciencesQueens, New York
Emily M. Ambizas, PharmD, MPH, BCGPAssociate Clinical ProfessorSt. Johns University, College of Pharmacy & Health SciencesQueens, New YorkClinical Specialist, Rite Aid PharmacyWhitestone, New York
The common cold is often mistaken for the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, classified as type A, B, or C. Types A and B affect humans, with type A generating more severe symptoms. The influenza virus can be dangerous in older people and in those patients who are immunocompromised. Nevertheless, people with influenza are sicker than those experiencing common cold symptoms and commonly manifest such signs and symptoms as temperatures greater than 102°F, chills, headaches, myalgia, and malaise .3
The common cold is the leading cause of missed work and school days during the winter months. There is no known cure. Many patients seek out nonprescription medications for symptom relief, leading to expenditures in excess of $8 billion annually on cough and cold products.4
What Home Remedies Help Soothe Sinus Infection Or Sinusitis Symptoms
Sinus infections caused by viruses can use home treatments such as pain and fever medications , decongestants, and mucolytics. In addition, some health care professionals suggest nasal irrigation or a sinus rinse solution to help relieve symptoms of sinus infections, even chronic sinusitis symptoms. This irrigation is accomplished with a “Neti-Pot” or a sinus rinse kit . The last reference of this article shows a video of a sinus rinse procedure. In 2012, the FDA issued a warning about the use of Neti-Pots. The FDA cautions people not to use untreated tap water for rinsing, as contaminated tap water rinses lead to two deaths.
Bacterial and fungal sinus infections usually require antibiotic or antifungal therapy so home treatments without them are often not successful. However, some authors suggest home treatments may reduce symptoms after medical therapy has begun some healthcare professionals recommend nasal irrigation after sinus surgery.
Best Medicines For Sinus Cold 2020
If symptoms like sinus congestion, headaches, and sinus pain persist after other symptoms of your cold or flu have gone, its probably sinusitis. Otherwise called a sinus cold, sinusitis is a condition that develops after a cold or flu, with the virus causing inflammation and irritation to the sinus passageways. Often, the best way to tell if your cold has developed into a sinus cold is if you produce discolored discharge.
Because the medicine you take for colds may not be effective on your sinus cold, its important to switch treatments to better address the condition. There are lots of remedies you can use to treat sinusitis, however not all will be equally effective for your body. Find out how to choose the best medicine for sinus cold and get rid of those fickle symptoms fast with this guide.
Also Check: Foods Good For Sinus Congestion
Best For Adult: Raflu Over The Counter Sinus Cold Medicine
Raflu makes beautiful and great medicine with classic and smartly chosen materials. The Raflu Over The Counter Sinus Cold Medicine is for children 12 years old and it works great. Manufacturer says: Includes our most popular daytime and nighttime hot liquids formulas. Also, the medicine works fast and it works really well.
The medicine is with fast shipping and it has the best flavor. Above all, the raflu over the counter sinus cold medicine can be taken every 4 hours, while symptoms persist.
Almost all buyers opine that the medicine is really great for the cold. Moreover, they strongly agree that the medicine is great that a company will show enough spine to take responsibility for something as well as apply immediate corrective actions to minimize problems. Further, a few say that the medicine is nice to have a warm drink and it works really quickly. In short, for almost all buyers, Raflu product was the most suitable.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Theraflu multi-symptom severe cold comes in refreshing green tea and honey lemon flavors.
- This has always worked like a charm.
- It is awesome and the flavor is great.
- This provides powerful symptom relief. Try theraflu expressmax severe cold & flu syrup berry flavor.
Considerations To Make When Buying Medicine For Sinus
Ask your local pharmacist what over the counter remedies you can get for sinusitis and youre bound to get more than a handful of suggestions. Differing from form to formulation, the variety of medicines for sinus cold can make it overwhelming to choose. Make sure you consider these factors when making a purchase so you dont end up buying anything that isnt the best medicine for sinus cold.
- Delivery Mechanism. You can tell how your chosen product will work based on the delivery mechanism it uses. Nasal sprays and rinse aim to clear out the congestion and clean the sinus, which means its effects will only be temporary until congestion builds up again. The same can be said for scents that are inhaled to clear the nasal cavity and reduce headaches.
Pills on the other hand are intended for long-term results, killing the virus or bacteria and relieving symptoms along the way. The only issue with these products is that they often take a little longer to produce results.
- Homeopathic Versus Synthetic. Synthetic drugs such as tablets, capsules, and caplets can cause some side effects such as drowsiness and stomach irritation. Despite this however, theyre much more likely to produce positive results to bring you closer to complete relief.
If youre sitting at home however, or if you have a private space in your office where you can care for your sinusitis without interruption, a rinse may be a well-suited solution.
Also Check: Why Am I Prone To Sinus Infections
How To Stop Postnasal Drip
A combination of preventative measures and medications can help put a stop to postnasal drip. Healthcare providers may recommend:
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Staying hydrated, which can also help to thin mucus
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Use a humidifier or vaporizer to keep the air moist
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Propping yourself up with extra pillows when you sleep, so the mucus doesnt collect in the back of your throat
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An oral medication such as guaifenesin , which can thin mucus
Its important to keep in mind that treatment for postnasal drip usually depends on what might be causing it. For instance, if your symptoms are caused by allergies, the first step might be trying to pinpoint what you are allergic to and avoiding those foods or triggers to the extent possible.
As a next step, there are several over-the-counter and prescription medications that can provide additional relief. They can help treat postnasal drip by calming down inflammation and thinning or drying up the mucus. Lets take a look at the different types of medications that you and a healthcare provider can consider to help stop postnasal drip.
Sinus Infection Treatment Options
There are many treatment options for a sinus infection, but the best treatment option varies by the severity of the case. Some acute sinus infections will clear up on their own without any treatment, and you may just think it was a cold. Others require more serious interventions by a healthcare provider.
The standard treatment healthcare providers prescribe for a presumed bacterial sinus infection is an antibiotic. However, if you have a sinus infection caused by a viral infection such as the common cold, your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics as these medications only treat bacterial infections. Instead, you can treat the sinus infection symptomatically until it resolves, with nasal decongestants and antihistamines.
There are plenty of ways to treat symptoms of a sinus infection at home with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. OTC antihistamines block the effects of histamine, helping symptoms like sneezing and runny nose. Simple treatments like drinking water, keeping your sinuses hydrated , and using warm compresses, can also help treat symptoms of a sinus infection.
Keeping your nasal passages clean can help you prevent future sinus infections. If you anticipate having sinus issues during allergy or cold season, flushing out your nasal passages with a saltwater solution can help you avoid the pains of a sinus infection.
Also Check: Sinus Infection And Ear Pain
Best For Clear Nasal Passage: Vicks Sinus Infection Over The Counter Medicine
If you want nothing but the best reliable medicine, then Vicks Sinus Infection Over The Counter Medicine is the one you should definitely consider. The vicks sinus infection over the counter medicine breathes better, is pain free and it can be bought for good value. So you can breathe freely fast. The active ingredient oxymetazoline hcl is an effective nasal decongestant and works for 12 hours for long lasting relief of nasal stuffiness and sinus pressure.
The medicine has sustained relief, is made with benzalkonium chloride and it is highly recommend. Finally, the vicks sinus infectionover thecounter medicine is ready to go, is great for chronic sinusitis and it is made in great size.
Almost all buyers opine that the medicine is great with no sore throat. In addition, they also found that the medicine is quick & the feeling is silky smooth. Also, they strongly agree that the medicine is much better than the old squeeze bottles that pour too much solution into your nose. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the medicine suits the purpose.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is made in the Czech Republic plus it is truly a big compliment.
- This comes with an expiration date, is easier to use and it lasts a long time.
- This can get with active ingredients, smells great and it is great for congestion.
- This works well and doesnt irritate the nose.
What Tests Diagnose The Cause Of Sinus Infections And Sinusitis
Sinus infection is most often diagnosed based on the history and examination of a doctor. Because plain X-ray studies of the sinuses may be misleading and procedures such as CT and MRI scans, which are much more sensitive in their ability to diagnose a sinus infection, are so expensive and not available in most doctors’ offices, most sinus infections are initially diagnosed and treated based on clinical findings on examination. These physical findings may include:
- redness and swelling of the nasal passages,
- purulent drainage from the nasal passages ,
- tenderness to percussion over the cheeks or forehead region of the sinuses, and
- swelling about the eyes and cheeks.
Occasionally, nasal secretions are examined for secreted cells that may help differentiate between infectious and allergic sinusitis. Infectious sinusitis may show specialized cells of infection while allergic sinusitis may show specialized white blood cells of allergy . Physicians prescribe antibiotics if the bacterial infection is suspected. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections many physicians then treat the symptoms.
In addition, both rigid and flexible endoscopy has been used to obtain diagnostic material from sinuses. These procedures are usually done by an otolaryngologist under topical and local anesthesia. Occasionally, there may be a need to sedate the patient. Some investigators suggest that endoscopy specimens are comparable to those obtained by needle puncture.
Recommended Reading: Can Lung Cancer Cause Sinus Problems
Things To Take Into Consideration
As you compare and contrast your options, it is clear that sinus pressure medicines can be vastly different from each other: this is because different people react differently to certain formulations, so pharmaceutical companies have developed various options to address each persons experience effectively.
Depending on your own bodys needs, as well as your personal preferences, it may be ideal to choose one option over another. Choose the best medicine for sinus pressure by remembering these main considerations when you step into the store.
- Treatment Form. Sinus pressure is the result of an accumulation of mucus, which commonly occurs as a cause of a viral or bacterial infection. Most of the treatments you will find for sinus pressure are geared towards resolving the symptom only and dont actually address the infection that initially caused the problem. Regardless, these products are highly effective at providing temporary relief of sinus congestion discomfort.
Most commonly, sinus pressure remedies come in three forms:
- Pills. Ideal for people on the go, capsules, and tablets are the slowest acting remedy. Despite this, however, they offer the longest-lasting results. Some pills target more than just sinus congestion, making them an effective remedy for holistic relief. Whats more, pills are also a convenient option for people on the go as theyre fairly easy to take.
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.
Read Also: Advil Cold And Sinus Dosage
What Decongestants And Nasal Sprays Soothe Or Cure Sinus Infections Or Sinusitis
Taking decongestants and mucolytics orally may be helpful in assisting drainage of sinus infection.
The treatment of chronic forms of sinus infection requires longer courses of medications, such as Augmentin, and may require a sinus drainage procedure. This drainage typically requires a surgical operation to open the blocked sinus under general anesthesia. In general, antihistamines should be avoided unless it is felt that the sinusitis sinus infection is due to allergies, such as from pollens, dander, or other environmental causes.
It is likely that the use of a topical nasal steroid spray will help reduce swelling in the allergic individual without the drying that is caused by using antihistamines although both are occasionally used. Oral steroids may be prescribed to reduce acute inflammation and to help with chronic inflammation in cases with or without polyps and in allergic fungal sinusitis.
In many people, allergic sinusitis develops first, and later, bacterial infection occurs. For these individuals, early treatment of allergic sinusitis may prevent the development of secondary bacterial sinusitis.
In rare instances or in natural disasters, fungal infections may develop in debilitated people. Death rates of 50%-85% have been reported for patients with these sinus infections. Treatment relies on early diagnosis followed by immediate surgical debridement, antifungal drugs, , and stabilizing any underlying health problem such as diabetes.
Neilmed Sinus Rinse Starter Kit
For effective removal of accumulated mucus, NeilMed Sinus Rinse Starter Kit can be an ideal product. This formulation allows users to achieve a deep rinse, cleaning out most of the accumulation to free out the airways. Whats more, the rinse also incorporates safe ingredients, making it a safe solution for users as young as 2 years of age.
The rinse is highly effective, providing relief from congestion for up to 6 hours after use. The only concern that some users have with the product is that it can be a hassle to use, especially when you are out or away from home.
Read Also: How To Relieve Sinus Pressure Migraine
How To Tell If You Have An Actual Sinus Infection
Even though we often say we have a sinus infection even if its just inflammation or an allergic response, there are symptoms of an actual infection that may be treatable with antibiotics. Nasal congestion and pain under the eyes or around the temples are, of course, main symptoms, but others include the loss of the sense of smell, green nasal discharge, mucus dripping down your throat, cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, and even bad breath.
Sometimes, a sinus infection will clear up without intervention, but if you develop a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, have your symptoms for 10 or more days, notice that your symptoms are getting worse and are not improved by OTC medications, or you have multiple infections in a years time, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Inhale Respiratory Blend By Ovvio Oils
This natural, simple, and incredibly safe product was dubbed the best medicine for sinus cold and for good reasons. Firstly, the product incorporates all-natural ingredients that are mostly plant extracts. This makes it a very safe product that does not cause side effects or adverse reactions. Even small children and infants can use the solution without worry.
Secondly, the product is highly effective. The potent menthol and herbal scents work to dislodge mucus, loosening it from the sinus and making it much easier to expel. The herbal blend then works to soothe the irritated sinus tissues as soon as the mucus is moved out of the way.
While it can be a little pricier than other options, Ovvio Oils Inhale Respiratory Blend 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade is a highly effective product that can instantly clear a stuffy sinus without risking adverse reactions. So if youre looking for a product you can enjoy and use over and over again without worrying about what side-effects it might cause, Ovvio Oils Inhale Respiratory Blend 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade is a worthy investment.
Also Check: Non Drowsy Allergy Sinus Medicine
When To See A Doctor For Sinus Pain
If your sinus symptoms are not getting better with at-home treatments, and if your sinus symptoms last longer than seven to 10 days, you should see a doctor for treatment. Allina Health has many convenient care options for care, from online visits to walk-in care, to help you get better fast.
If you have frequent or reoccurring sinus infections, you may want to see an ear, nose and throat for your treatment options.
Best For Sinus Headache: Alkaseltzer Plus Over The Counter Sinus Cold Medicine
The Alkaseltzer Plus Over The Counter Sinus Cold Medicines superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The alkaseltzer plus over the counter sinus cold medicine works good, really well and I give it a try. Take back your day with fast, effective cold and sinus medicine in one. Moreover, the medicine is stuffy, is good for sinus pressure and it is perfect for sinus headache.
Above all, the alkaseltzer plus over thecounter sinuscold medicine relieves aches and it works very well.
Almost all buyers opine that the medicine clearly does have an affect there as well, due to pressure relief. And, they say that the medicine is better than average in relieving pressure. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This has tylenol in addition to a cough suppressant and a decongestant.
- This is an overthe counter that really hits a lot of bases.
- This is effective, especially after 24 hours of use.
- This reduces fever and it works great.
Also Check: Severe Headache From Sinus Pressure