The Common Cold

You are sitting in class. Your nose is running, throat sore and scratchy…when your professor calls on you to answer a question, all you can say is “Achoo!!!”

If several of these symptoms describe you, chances are you probably have a common cold. The GOOD news is that the common cold is “self-limiting.” It will last from four to ten days then clear up. The BAD news is that colds are caused by viruses. Around 200 viruses, all similar in their effects, are known to cause colds. There is no medication that will cure the cold virus. In most cases, you just have to be patient and let the virus run its course. Fortunately there are things you can do to relieve some of the symptoms.

Before you begin self care for your cold, remember these important things:

Pay attention to your specific symptoms. You may have a bacterial infection and should see a health care provider if your cold lasts longer than ten days or you develop any of the following:

Fever of 100° or higher lasting over 24 hours

Sore throat lasting longer than three days

Significant pain in ears or sinuses

White spots on or near tonsils

Shortness of breath

Antibiotics are used to fight bacterial infection and should be used only as prescribed. They will NOT help fight off the viruses that causes colds and most cases of sinusitis. NEVER take left over antibiotics or those which were prescribed for someone else.

Colds are spread through secretion droplets, therefore it’s best to use tissues, not your hands for covering a sneeze. Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol based hand sanitizers and keep your hands away from your mucous membranes, especially your face (mouth, nose, eyes).

What about Medications?

There are many types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications available. Although there are none that will cure your cold, many can help relieve the symptoms and make your life more tolerable while the cold runs its course.

Many cold tablets, capsules and liquids contain ingredients, which relieve more than one symptom. The key to choosing the “right” medication is to listen to your own body, identify your specific symptoms, and read the label. Pay attention to the listed contraindications and side effects on the label. Don’t take any drugs if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant without consulting your health care provider.

Another important point to remember: DO NOT exceed the recommended dosage of the drug. If you find the dose you have taken is not working, increasing it will not help!

Cold Medicines

ANALGESICS such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen or naproxen are used for the relief of headache, pain and/or fever. Never take ibuprofen or naproxen on an empty stomach. Always take tablets with a full glass of water and follow the dosing instructions on the label or as directed by your health care provider.

DECONGESTANTS are used for treatment of a stuffy nose which usually accompanies a cold. These can be taken orally or as nasal sprays. They are supposed to shrink swollen membranes in the nose, however the spray sometimes causes irritation. Some of the generic names commonly used for decongestants include phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and oxymetazoline.

ANTIHISTAMINES are for temporary relief of runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing. Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Occasionally the nose and throat can get “too dry” causing irritation. Antihistamines may be labeled with their generic name: chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, loratidine or cetirizine.

Cough Medicines

EXPECTORANTS are used for a productive cough, or one that brings up phlegm or mucus. The expectorant works by loosening the fluid in your lungs. Guaifenesin is a generic name for an expectorant found on cough medicine labels. You must drink increased fluids (water) for the expectorant to be effective.

SUPPRESSANTS (antitussive) are useful at night if a cough is keeping you awake or during the day to prevent spreading the infection to others. At other times it is often best to cough in order to clear infection and mucus from respiratory passageways. Dextromethorpan is a generic name for a suppressant found on cough medicine labels. Some OTC cough medicines use a combination of expectorant and suppressant. (In this case, as with all medicines, it is best to decide what to use on the basis of your particular symptoms.) If you have any questions regarding any cold medication, your health care provider or pharmacist is available to help you.

Suggestions for using over-the-counter medications:

Be careful when using combination cold preparations such as: Nyquil, Actifed Sinus Daytime/Nightime Caplets, Alka-seltzer Plus Nightime Cold Medicine, Comtrex Multi-Symptom Day/Night Caplet-Tablet, as you may be taking medicine you do not need.

Do not mix various cold medications without discussing with a pharmacist or health care professional.

Stay with recommended dosage.

Avoid alcohol while taking cold medications.

Avoid cold medications with alcohol content such as Nyquil and Vicks Formula 44.

Checklist for Self Care

1. _____	Rest
2. _____	Drink extra fluids – 8-12 extra cups (preferably water) per day.
3. _____	Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce pain and fever. Take as directed.
4. _____	Saline nasal rinse or neti pot to relieve nasal symptoms, 1-2 times/day.
5. _____	Chicken Soup- there is some evidence that it has some anti-inflammatory properties.
6. _____	Gargle frequently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of water).
7. _____	Throat lozenges to reduce sore throatpain.
8. _____	Suppressant*
9. _____	Expectorant*
10. _____	Decongestant*
11. _____	Antihistamine*

^{* Please look for specific medication suggestions found in the body of “Self Care for Colds” brochure.}

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