Over-the-counter cold medicines won’t cure your cold, but they
might make you more comfortable, so you can rest as it runs its course. Here's
a look at some common products and what they can do for you.
Stuffy Nose
Decongestants can curb swelling inside your nose and sinuses and
help you breathe more easily. There are two types:
- Pills or syrups. If you see the letter "D" at the end of a medicine's name, it means it includes a decongestant. Look for products with phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. (You may have to ask for these; they're still considered over-the-counter but are often stored behind the counter.)
- Nasal sprays. Products with oxymetazoline and phenylephrine may work faster than pills or syrups. But you shouldn't use them for more than 2-3 days in a row, or your congestion could get worse.
Don't take both types of decongestant at the same time. Start
with a nasal spray for the first couple of days, and switch to a pill or syrup
if you still need it.
Runny Nose, Watery Eyes, and Sneezing
When you have a cold, your body makes chemicals called
histamines. That leads to sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes.
Over-the-counter antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and
diphenhydramine block this process and can relieve those symptoms. They can
also make you sleepy and dry out your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cough
Can’t stop coughing? You have two main choices in the
cold-and-flu aisle:
- Cough suppressants, like dextromethorphan, can stop your cough for a short time. They work on the part of the brain that controls coughing.
- Expectorants, like guaifenesin, can break up congestion in your chest by thinning the mucus in your airways. This way, when you do cough, you can get rid of phlegm more easily. Drink plenty of water if you take this medicine.
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 can’t rest, most
experts agree it’s OK to take something to ease pain and lower a fever, like
acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Always check drug labels for side effects, and follow the
instructions for taking the medicine. Make sure it won't interact with any
other medications you're taking or health problems you have. If you’re not
sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Natural Cold Remedies
Maybe you've heard that vitamin C, echinacea, and zinc are good
for a cold.
These don't cure a cold, but vitamin C and zinc may shorten the
length of one. Research on echinacea has been mixed. Before trying these
products, check with your doctor to make sure they’ll work well with other
medicines you’re taking.
Nasal strips can also help you breathe easier, since they can
enlarge nasal passages while you wear them.
Other more traditional remedies might help relieve common cold
discomfort, too.
- Drink plenty of liquids, including chicken soup. It can make you feel better when you have a cold, research shows.
- To relieve a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water, use throat sprays, and suck on ice or lozenges.
- Try a saltwater nasal rinse. These can help with a stuffy or runny nose, studies show.
- Use petroleum jelly on your nose if it’s irritated from constant blowing. Facial tissue with added lotions can help prevent, and heal, redness and soreness.
- Use a humidifier to help break up phlegm.
When you have a cold, do what you can to make yourself as
comfortable as possible, and rest while your body fights the virus.
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