Best Cold Medicines For A Stuffy Nose
Topical nasal sprays offer quick relief but may cause rebound congestion with overuse. People should restrict using decongestants to a maximum of 3 consecutive days.
Oral decongestants, including pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, are effective for the short-term relief of nasal congestion. However, some people may experience side effects from decongestants, such as insomnia or increases in heart rate or blood pressure.
Some cold medicines contain other ingredients, such as antihistamines. People typically use antihistamines for allergies, but because they can cause drowsiness, manufacturers also add them to nighttime cold and flu formulations. This can help people if they have difficulty getting to sleep.
Adding an antihistamine to a decongestant does not guarantee that a person will fall asleep. Also, people should stop using decongestants at nighttime if they find that they cause insomnia.
Doctors do not recommend medicines that suppress a cough for people with a wet cough.
People with a wet cough may take guaifenesin. This is an expectorant that manufacturers claim can help loosen mucus and phlegm.
People with a dry cough, which is a cough that does not produce mucus, may take a cough suppressant. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant present in many cold and flu medicines. It acts on parts of the brain to stop a person from coughing.
Sometimes, manufacturers add dextromethorphan to combination cold and flu products, such as all-in-one medicines.
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.
Our Top 10 Best Flu Medicine On The Market
It is quite a common phenomenon to be confused over which is the best flu medicine to buy. This dilemma arises due to the existence of various types of flu medicines that are present in the market. To reduce your conundrum, we have prepared a comprehensive guide of how you may pick the top flu medicines available in the market.
Disclaimer: We are using Amazon affiliate Product Advertising API to fetch products from Amazon, include: price, content, image, logo, brand, feature of products which are trademarks of Amazon.com. So, when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.. Read more.
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Best Cold Medicine For Your Symptoms
If youre suffering from a cold, theres no shortage of over-the-counter medicines you can take to remedy your various symptoms.
And while thats a good thing, it can also create a lot of confusion: Do you need a cough suppressant or an expectorant?
Would a decongestant tablet or nasal spray be best to relieve a stuffy nose?
And exactly how many medications are safe to take at once?
Take a deep breath and keep reading. In this article, well not only discuss the typical symptoms of a common cold, well also break down the different types of cold medicines and which ones best treat specific symptoms.
Bookmark this page so you can reference it the next time a cold pops up.
That way, you can quickly be in and out of your pharmacy with the best over-the-counter medications for your needsand be on your way to feeling better sooner.
How Long Is A Cold Or Flu Contagious
A cold is contagious for the first 2-3 days after symptom onset. The flu is highly contagious and has a short incubation period, meaning that symptoms come on quickly, within 1-4 days of exposure. If you have a cold or the flu, stay home and away from others so that you donât spread it to others.
Both colds and the flu are spread through droplets that enter the air when those infected with the virus cough, sneeze, or talk, and the droplets find their way to a personâs eyes, mouth, or nose. You can also catch a cold or flu by touching an object or surface that an infected person came into contact with, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Also Check: Osom Rapid Flu Test Instructions
Is It A Summer Cold Or Covid
If you’ve ever come down with a summer cold, you know the struggle of having to trade your swimsuit and sunblock for tissues and cough syrup. Now, almost a year and a half into a global pandemic, the fact that viruses don’t discriminate against seasons has become even more clear.
Health.com on MSN.com
How Effective Is Natural Medication
“Natural therapies are generally therapies that work within the natural biological systems and processes of the body,” said McBride. “They’re used for supporting, tonifying, and balancing the body so that our immune responses to infections are more appropriate, and better tolerated to our whole being.”
The efficacy of natural medications is a highly contentious, ongoing debate. This is because we judge efficacy by two standards: Peer-reviewed studies and scientific trials, and anecdotal evidence. And we don’t have nearly as many scientific studies or trials showing herbs, vitamins, and other natural treatments to be unquestionably effective like we do for pharmaceuticals.
However, there’s something important to consider: Many studies and trials are funded by the pharmaceutical industry itself. These studies are needed for FDA approval of a product but they’re expensive, and many companies often can’t get the necessary funding without the kind of backing the industry offers. Thus, natural medications don’t always have equal footing, nor as much opportunity to showcase their power.
Framing of the data is important, too. For instance, while vitamin D may not directly fight the influenza virus, it’s been clinically shown to be a crucial element in immune function, despite arguments against its effectiveness from Western doctors.
McBride also noted that the only flu protection option the NIH and CDC recommend is the flu shot, which reduces the risk of flu by 40 to 60% .
Also Check: Tylenol Cold And Flu Medication
What Else Can I Do To Prevent Getting Colds And The Flu
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcoholic hand wipes. Cold and flu viruses are spread by touching your nose or mouth after touching an infected person, breathing in the air of an infected person’s sneeze or cough, or touching objects that have come in contact with the virus and then touching your nose.
Other prevention tips are to eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of liquids , and avoid close contact with people who have colds. Also, get an annual flu vaccine.
Can Colds And The Flu Be Cured With Medications
No medicines can “cure” colds and flu. However, there are many over-the-counter medicines that can ease the discomfort caused by the symptoms of colds and flu. In addition, there are prescription medicines and a vaccine that can treat and prevent the flu.
Note on antibiotics: Colds and the flu are causes by viruses and cannot be cured with antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat and ear, skin and urinary tract infections. Using antibiotics for infections they are not able to treat makes the antibiotics less effective for infections they are supposed to treat . Never take antibiotics to treat colds and flu.
To ease the discomfort from specific cold and flu symptoms, consider using the following types of OTC medicines:
Read Also: What Medication Should You Take For The Flu
Cold & Flu 101 And How To Get Symptom Relief Withvicks Dayquil And Nyquil
The common cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses. While the flu is caused only by the influenza virus, colds are caused by rhinovirus and a number of other viruses. The three things that distinguish cold and flu symptoms are severity, speed of onset, and type of symptoms.
A cold typically comes with a stuffy nose, sore throat, and/or sneezing and symptoms develop gradually. Flu symptoms are typically more severe than cold symptoms and tend to come on more quickly. Symptoms more common with the flu include fever, fatigue, and/or aches. Cold and flu symptoms are very similar, though, so itâs best to confirm which respiratory virus you have with a flu test when symptoms arise. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you need to take a flu test.
Risk Factors For The Common Cold
Certain conditions increase your risk for catching a cold. These include:
Time of year: Colds can occur any time of year, but theyre more common in the fall and winter.
Age: Children under age 6 are more likely to develop colds. Their risk is even higher if they are in day care or a child care setting with other kids.
Environment: If youre around a lot of people, such as on a plane or at a concert, youre more likely to encounter rhinoviruses.
Compromised immune system: If you have a chronic illness or have been sick recently, you may be more likely to pick up a cold virus.
Smoking: People who smoke have an increased risk for catching a cold. Their colds also tend to be more severe when they have them.
How Long Does A Cold Last
The common cold is a viral infection in your upper respiratory tract. Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. In most cases, viruses like the cold just need to run their course. You can treat the symptoms of the infection, but you cant actually treat the infection itself.
The average common cold lasts anywhere from seven to 10 days. Depending on your overall health, you may have symptoms for more or less time. For example, people who smoke or have asthma may experience symptoms longer.
If your symptoms do not ease or disappear in seven to 10 days, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Symptoms that dont go away could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as the flu or strep throat.
Benylin Cold & Flu Max Strength Capsules
If you’re flu is at its maximum, you’ll need a maximum strength remedy to help bring you back to normal.
Benylin capsules contain a blend of paracetamol, caffeine and phenylephrine. Each ingredient carefully works together to relieve you of the worst offending symptoms eg. fever, blocked/runny noses and headaches.
As the capsules contain a dose of caffeine, they won’t make you feel drowsy, but instead wil provide you with the perk you need to get things done.
Price: £3.09, Lloyds Pharmacy – buy here now
Nux Vomica: Cures Cold
- Brand name SBL Nux Vomica
- Composition Nux vomica
- Popularity level 8
- This relieves cold with the symptom of spasmodic sneezing in the morning, with a dry nose during the night.
- Dosage Take 2-3 drops 3-5 times a day or as directed by the physician.
- Price A bottle of 30ml of the medicine costs 64.
Best Cold Medicine For Sinus Headache
When symptoms of congestion hit your sinuses, you can feel cranial pressure and stuffed up in your nasal passages. This sinus headache is typically the main symptom people associate with a head cold.
To treat a sinus headache, decide if youd like to treat the pain from your sinus blockage or the actual blockage itself. Ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce your pain.
A decongestant like pseudoephedrine can thin out your congestion, but it might take a few doses before your sinus pressure goes away.
To Relieve A Sore Throat Fever Headache Or Muscle Aches
Examples: Motrin Tablets Advil Caplets Aspirin Original Strength Tylenol Regular Strength Tablets
How they work: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which include ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid , work by preventing the formation of prostaglandins, the chemicals in the body that promote pain, inflammation, and fever. Acetaminophen, found in Tylenol, behaves slightly differently it targets the part of the brain that perceives pain and controls body temperature. Both types are equally effective, says Kalyn, so its just a matter of balancing the benefits versus the risks.
NSAIDs will reduce symptoms for six to eight hours compared to four to six for acetaminophen, so NSAIDs can be more beneficial if you need help sleeping through the night.
Need to know: Follow package directions for dosing. The most common adverse effect with NSAIDs is stomach discomfort, so take them with food, says Kalyn. Avoid NSAIDs if you have high blood pressure, a heart, liver or kidney condition, or stomach issues such as heartburn. NSAIDs can increase the risk of ulcers, internal bleeding and damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Aspirin should not be taken by those on blood thinners and has been linked to Reyes syndrome, so it should not be given to people age 18 and under. Avoid Tylenol if you have liver or kidney disease.
Try: Motrin Liquid Gels, $20, well.ca
So What Exactly Is This Bug Thats Going Around
Rhinovirus is one of the bigger types of the common cold, where you may experience a cough, cold, congestion and sometimes a mild fever,Bindiya Gandhi, MD, board-certified in family and integrated medicine with more than 10 years of experience, told The Post. Sometimes, it can be confused with allergies, depending on the time of year, because there are fall allergies aside from spring.
The common cold can last anywhere from three to 10 days, she added.
Ibuprofen: Cures Cold Fever Body Pain And Flu
- Brand name Advil
- CompositionIbuprofen
- Popularity level 9
- This medicine is used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . It works by blocking your bodys production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
- Dosage Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor or the package label, usually every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Chew thoroughly and then swallow this medication. If you have stomach upset while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Price The cost for Advil oral tablet 200 mg is around $12 for a supply of 24 tablets.
Viruses Are The Culprits Behind Both Of These Illnesses
There are more than 200 viruses that can cause cold-like symptoms, says Campbell-Scherer. In contrast, there are just two influenza viruses, A and B, but they continually mutate, requiring the flu vaccine to be updated each year in order to protect against the latest strains.
You can contract cold or flu viruses by inhaling droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by coming in contact with the other persons hands or a shared object or surface, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Once the virus enters your body, it will zero in on the upper respiratory tract , although influenza can also affect the lungs. Cold viruses are infectious up to two days before symptoms appear and remain infectious until theyre gone. However, influenza is infectious one day before it appears and remains so for up to six days after symptoms develop.
Children’s Tylenol Cold + Cough + Runny Nose & Fever Medicine With Acetaminophen Grape 4 Fl Oz
as of December 22, 2021 9:32 am
Features
- 4-fluid ounce bottle of Children’s Tylenol Cold + Cough + Runny Nose Oral Suspension Medicine to temporarily relieve cold and flu symptoms, including, sore throat, cough, runny nose and sneezing
- The kids’ liquid pain relief medicine also relieves minor aches & pains, headache & temporarily reduces fever fast with an ibuprofen-, aspirin-, and alcohol-free formula
- Each 5-milliliter dose of the children’s medicine contains 160 milligrams of acetaminophen pain reliever and fever reducer 1 milligram of the antihistamine chlorpheniramine maleate and 5 milligrams of the cough suppressant dextromethorphan HBr
- The liquid cold medicine for children comes in a kid-friendly grape flavor that is gentle on the tummy and ideal for kids ages 6 to 11 years
- Tylenol is the #1 pediatrician recommended brand for pain and fever relief, and has been used by parents decade after decade
Crocin Cold And Flu: Cures Cold And Flu
- Brand nameCrocin cold and flu
- Composition Paracetamol, Caffeine, Phenylephrine
- Popularity level 9
- Caffeine stimulates the brain hence it is used as a central nervous stimulant. It is used to used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever.
- Paracetamol blocks chemicals that cause pain. It lowers fever by changing the bodys thermostat in the brain.
- Phenylephrine is a selective alpha agonist, used to increase blood pressure and topically as a nasal decongestant. It is also used in the eye to dilate the pupil or to constrict superficial blood vessels in eye allergy. It works by reducing swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages.
- Phenylephrine shrinks swollen nose tissue and opens up passages. It shrinks blood vessels to raise blood pressure. It helps some numbing drugs work longer.
- Dosage Dose of 100-200 mg, repeated after 3-4 hours as needed.
- Price A pack of 6 tablets 16.