Antibiotics treat infections due to bacteria, not viruses.
Stuffy Nose
Congestion, or a stuffy nose, is a hallmark symptom of colds and flu.
It’s triggered by swelling in the tissues that line your nasal passages.
SDI Produtions / Getty Images
Over-the-counter decongestants narrow the blood vessels in these tissues and decreaseinflammation.
This helps air flow andmucusdrain.
Decongestants come as pills, tablets, liquids, andnasal sprays.
Oral decongestants include:
Nasal sprays containoxymetazoline.They deliver relief directly to the nasal passages.
If you have high blood pressure, see to it to choose cold medications that do not contain decongestants.
Fever
Common OTCfever reducersinclude:
These medications also are pain relievers.
Aspirin and acetaminophen may work better forfevers and headaches.
Ibuprofen and naproxen may be better for body aches.
Warning About Acetaminophen
Takingtoo much acetaminophencan cause potentially fatal liver damage.
Don’t take more than 4,000 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen per day.
This drug is in dozens of OTC products.
Read labels closely to see to it you don’t take more than one product containing this drug.
Drainage of the mucus causes your nose to run.This irritation of the nasal cavity can also lead to sneezing.
Decongestants can dry up nasal passages and provide some relief.
The same decongestants mentioned to help clear a stuffy nose (above) can also alleviate a runny nose.
Histamines, immune chemicals released by the body, may also play a role in sneezing.
However, antihistamines don’t provide significant relief for cold symptoms.
Common antihistamines include:
Antihistamines relieve congestion related to allergies.
But their effect on the common cold is questionable.
They’re less effective on day three or later.
Some antihistamines have side effects, including:
Are Antihistamines Safe for You?
The time of day also matters.
Dextromethorphan is an antitussive.
An expectorant loosens chest congestion and thins mucus so it can drain.
It doesn’t stop a cough; it helps your cough remove mucus better.
The expectorantguaifenesinis the only expectorant approved by the FDA.
Young children can use cold beverages or popsicles to avoid a choking hazard.
you’re able to also try throat sprays or over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce throat pain.
While most sore throats get better on their own, strep throat requires antibiotics.
See your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that do not improve within a few days.
But they should be used with caution.
Always read the ingredients list.
confirm the product only includes drugs that treat symptoms you have.
What medicine gets rid of a cold fast?
Don’t take other medications or you could risk anaccidental overdoseor drug interactions.
Cold Medicine for Children
Never give cold medicine to a child younger than 4.
It will not help them and could result in dangerous side effects.
OTC cold medicine isn’t recommended for children under 4 years of age.
And kids between 4 and 6 should only take cold medicine under a healthcare providers supervision.
Home treatmentsmay help your child find symptom relief.
You should also avoid taking cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine during the first three months of pregnancy.
For pain associated with a cold, acetaminophen is considered safe during pregnancy.
However, the medication should be used in moderation and only when needed.
Can Supplements Help?
Certain supplements are widely promoted to help prevent colds and alleviate symptoms.
Interactions With Home Remedies
Some people turn to natural treatments orhome remedies for cold and flu symptoms.
But certain supplements can interact with OTC medications.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using a supplement plus an OTC cold or flu product.
Most cold symptoms go away within about a week.
If your symptoms get worse or do not get better within 10 days, call your provider.
Your provider may wish to test you for sinus infection, allergies, or another illness.
Decongestants help clear stuffed-up nasal passages.
Analgesics treat pain and fever.
Cough suppressants treat coughs.
They also quiet a cough so you’re free to sleep.
Expectorants loosen up phlegm in your lungs and help it drain.
They’re good during the day for wet coughs.
With multi-symptom treatments, look for one with ingredients that match your symptoms.
Read all labels you take to avoid doubling up on a drug.
National Library of Medicine.Treating acute sinusitis.
National Library of Medicine.Pseudoephedrine.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.
National Library of Medicine.Oxymetazoline nasal spray.
National Library of Medicine.Acetaminophen.
Mount Sinai.Stuffy or Runny Nose - Adult Information.
National Library of Medicine.Antihistamines for allergies.
De Sutter AI, Saraswat A, van Driel ML.Antihistamines for the common cold.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2015;(11):CD009345.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009345.pub2
National Library of Medicine.Dextromethorphan.
National Library of Medicine.Guaifenesin.
Sore Throat Basics.Centers for Disease Control.
Soothing a Sore Throat.NIH News in Health.
2020;103(1):86-99. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.19-0718
Mount Sinai.Common cold - how to treat at home.
American Academy of Pediatrics: HealthyChildren.org.Coughs and colds: Medicines or home remedies?.
DeGeorge KC, Ring DJ, Dalrymple SN.Treatment of the common cold.afp.
2019;100(5):281-289
National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Reye’s syndrome information page.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.The Common Cold and Complementary Health Approaches.
Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
2014;2014(7).
2020;103(1):86-99.
