Common Medicines for Cold
By: CraigTotal Views: 178, Word Count: 660,
Common cold usually refers to the infection of the upper respiratory tract, i.e. pharynx, nose, trachea and larynx. This is a very common contagious disease and most of the cases are gentle in nature. Medication could only treat symptoms of the common cold and it couldn’t be used to prevent or cure colds. It’s really difficult to know which medicines to take with all the available choices.
Types of common medicines for cold include cough suppressants, nasal decongestants and antihistamines. If you take more than one medication, be alert not to duplicate active ingredients.
Common Medicines for Cold
Drugs that are used frequently for common cold include the following 4 categories:
- Analgesics and Antipyretics: Drugs in this category are used for respite in pain and fever such as muscle ache and headache. They might cause perspiration and some would even irritate gastric mucosa and cause stomach upset. Hence, they must be taken after meals. Proprietary medicines available in the market for common cold usually possess ingredients belonging to this category. You need to give special attention to the fact that overdose of such medicines on an empty stomach could lead to gastrorrhagia.
- Antihistamines: These medicines are used for alleviating the symptoms of stuffy and runny nose. They are also anti allergic and could be used for allergic diseases such as skin or nasal allergies. Potential side effects include sleepiness, thirst and stomach upset. Patients must therefore drink plenty of water, take the medicines after meals and abstain from alcohol, driving or getting into dangerous activities. Drugs in this category couldn’t be taken with sleeping pills, anti spastics or tranquilizers.
- Cough Syrup: Viral infection makes individuals suffering from common cold produce huge amount of emission in the respiratory tract, giving rise to recurrent coughs with sputum. The function of coughing is to eject the sputum and thus the germs as well. Some people, upon revival would still have an itchy throat or an urge to cough when exposed to external exasperation such as smoke and dust. This symptom, known as dry cough, is more severe at night and affects the sleeping quality of the person.
Life Adaptations
Individuals suffering from common cold must ensure plenty of rest, consume a light diet with easily digestible food and increase the intake of fluid in case of fever. They must avoid visiting crowded and badly ventilated public places to prevent the spread of the disease. Dry cough and sore throat could be relieved by drinking hot water or tea in small portions and inhaling steam as these methods help ease discomforts caused by the swollen mucosa in the throat.
Prevention of Common Cold
There are over 200 types of germs which lead to common cold. No vaccines have been so far identified. Ensuring sufficient sleep, staying happy and eating a balanced diet helps to improve our immunity against diseases. Proper attention should also be given to personal hygiene and maintaining good ventilation at home. Avoiding poorly ventilated public places could lessen the chance of coming into contact with people infected with common cold. This could thus lessen the use of common medicines for cold.
About the Author
Craig Brown has practiced as a Doctor of Medicine in New Zealand for about 20 years. Although he is retired now, he continues to share his medical knowledge and experience with readers through his writings.
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