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Just because it's summertime doesn't mean that you can't still get a cough or cold! The symptoms present determine the type of treatment or medication needed. Using a medication will NOT cure the cold, but may help to relieve symptoms.
BEFORE taking medications, first try drinking plenty of water, resting, and using a humidifier. A nasal saline spray may also be used, which contains no active medication, to moisturize the nasal area and remove dried, thick mucus from the nose.
Cold
Nasal Congestion or being "stuffed-up"
Many people feel pressure or have headaches from extra fluid that won't drain. Decongestants contain the ingredients pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. Products that contain pseudoephedrine are kept behind the pharmacy counter or in a locked case outside the pharmacy. You simply need to ask for the product you want, present identification, and pay for it in the pharmacy. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you should check with your physician before using pseudoephedrine. Phenylephrine can be obtained without an ID, but it may not work as well as pseudoephedrine to relieve congestion, or last as long. The ingredient oxymetazoline is contained in nasal sprays for decongestion, but may only be used for 3-5 days.
Rhinorrhea or a "runny nose"
Antihistamines are used to "dry up" a runny nose. They vary in how
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much sedation or drowsiness they cause. The most sedating antihistamines are diphenhydramine and clemastine. Less sedating antihistamines include chlorpheniramine and brompheniramine. The least sedating antihistamines are loratadine and cetirizine. The less sedating anithistamines are recommended for the elderly population. Cromolyn sodium, an ingredient in a nasal spray, can also be used to relieve a runny nose. Cromolyn stabilizes mast cells to stop the release of histamine, but may take up to 2 weeks to work.
Cough
2 types:
· Dry- does not produce mucus (caused by medications, colds, allergies, GERD, smoking)
· Wet -may or may not produce mucus (caused by smoking, heart failure, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, allergies)
ONLY dry coughs should be stopped! Wet coughs have the purpose of coughing up phlegm/secretions, which is beneficial.
Antitussives (Cough suppressants)
These medications help to control or eliminate a dry cough. Antitussive ingredients include: codeine, dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and honey. Honey may only be used in children older than
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one year. Topical antitussives include the ingredients camphor and menthol (Vicks for example).
Protussives (Expectorants)
The ingredient guafenesin is an expectorant that helps to loosen up mucus in a wet cough. Drinking plenty of water works best, and should be tried first.
Cold and cough medications for children under 2 have been taken off the market. Using nasal saline and a bulb syringe is highly recommended for all ages. Contact your doctor if a child less than 2 years old has symptoms of a cough or cold.
It is best to buy products containing only the active ingredients you need based on the information above. The addition of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other products may not be needed unless you have a headache or body aches. Always feel free to ask your pharmacist about your product selection!
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