infections
Common Cold
Treatment of Common Cold
Rest at home to prevent spread to others Plenty of fluids and inhalation of steam If needed, over-the-counter drugs to relieve symptoms People with a cold should stay warm and comfortable and should rest. They should try to avoid spreading the infection to others by staying at home. Drinking fluids or using a cool mist humidifier may help a little to keep secretions loose and easier to expel. Vaporizers that release hot steam can cause burns if someone gets too close or accidentally knocks over a device filled with hot water. Currently available antiviral drugs are not effective against colds. Antibiotics do not help people with colds, even when the nose or cough produces thick or colored mucus. Echinacea , Several popular nonprescription (over-the-counter) remedies help relieve cold symptoms. Because they do not cure the infection, which usually resolves after a week regardless of treatments tried, doctors feel that their use is optional, depending on how bad the person feels. Several different types of drugs are used: Decongestants, which help open clogged nasal passages Antihistamines, which may help dry a runny nose Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) oracetaminophen, which can relieve aches and pains and reduce fever Cough syrups, which may make coughing easier by thinning secretions and loosening mucus (expectorants) or which may suppress cough (suppressants) These drugs are most often sold as combinations but can also be obtained individually. Inhaleddecongestantsare better than forms taken by mouth for relieving nasal congestion. However, using inhaled forms for more than 3 to 5 days, then stopping, may make congestion worse than it was originally.Ipratropium, a nasal spray available only by prescription, helps dry a runny nose. Olderantihistamines,such aschlorpheniramine, can cause drowsiness. Newer antihistamines, such asloratadine, are less likely to cause drowsiness but are ineffective for treating the common cold. Decongestants and antihistamines should not be given to children under 4 years old. is generally not recommended for children because in children, it increases the risk of Reye Syndrome , which is a rare but life-threatening disorder. Cough suppressantsare not routinely recommended because coughing is a good way to clear secretions and debris from the airways during a viral infection. However, a severe cough that interferes with sleep or causes great discomfort can be treated with a cough suppressant. 