The common cold
Almost everyone will suffer with a cough and cold at some time during their lives. The common cold typically lasts 7-10 days and can be caused by a number of viruses that inflame the membranes in the nose, sinuses and throat.
Cold viruses are spread through sneezing, coughing and bodily contact. Though not caused by cooler weather, colds are more common in the cooler months when people stay indoors, are in closer contact with one another, and the opportunity to pass on cold viruses is higher.
Why do I cough?
A cough is common when you have a cold. Coughing is a reflex usually in response to irritation in the
throat or windpipe, such as mucus dripping down the throat from the nose or sinuses.
Symptoms of a cold
A cold develops one to three days after catching a virus. Common symptoms include:
• Sneezing.
• A blocked or runny nose.
• A dry cough or productive (with phlegm) cough.
• Dry, sore throat.
• Sinus pain.
• Fever (occasionally).
A cold or flu ?
Many people commonly confuse a cold with the flu (influenza). The flu tends to come on quicker than
a cold and symptoms are usually more severe. If you suffer with the flu, it is likely you will also be ill
with a headache, dry cough, chills, muscle aches and high temperature.
Take this simple test to see if you have a cold or flu:
• My cold has lasted longer than 10 days.
• My cold has disappeared but I am still coughing.
• I have the symptoms of a cold but I also feel hot and cold and my muscles and joints are sore and
aching.
• My Temperature is over 38°C.
• I have severe or spreading chest pain.
If you answer yes to any of the questions, you may have the flu. A cough during a cold is not unusual,
but if it continues after a cold has passed you may be suffering from another illness. If after ten days symptoms persist or other pain is present, speak to your pharmacist or GP immediately.
Ways to wellness
There are over 200 viruses that can cause the common cold, making immunisation impossible.
Although there is no cure for a cold, there are ways to treat symptoms and ease any discomfort.
Over-the-counter medication
The symptoms of a cold vary from person to person. There are a wide variety of over-the-counter
medications available to treat symptoms including:
• Antihistamines – taken orally, antihistamines may help dry up a runny nose. However a side
effect may be drowsiness.
• Expectorants – taken orally to assist in relieving a chesty cough by thinning
and loosening phlegm on the chest.
• Nasal decongestants – nasal spray or drops that are designed to unblock a stuffy nose. Some
nasal decongestants may raise blood pressure and heart rate, so speak to your pharmacist if you
suffer from heart disease.
• Oral decongestants – help dry up a runny nose. Decongestants will contain either Phenylephrine
or Pseudoephedrine as active ingredients. Ensure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you
wish
to take these and are currently
on other medication.
• Pain relievers – taken in tablet or capsule form, will contain analgesics such
as paracetamol or
ibuprofen to help reduce pain and fever.
• Cough suppressants or ‘antitussives’ – taken orally, to relieve a dry, unproductive cough by
suppressing the body’s cough reflex. Some may contain codeine, which can cause drowsiness,
reduced mental alertness and cause constipation.
Some medications are unsuitable for certain people, may interfere with other medication, or have
adverse side effects, so it is a good idea to speak to your pharmacist, particularly if you are on any
other medication.
Natural Supplements
Simple ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms include:
• Garlic – has antiviral and mucus-reducing properties that may prevent and temporarily relieve
cold symptoms. Some studies indicate that garlic will help
to reduce the average duration of the
common cold.
• Echinacea – believed to stimulate the immune system and help the body resist infections. Taken
at the first sign of a cold, it is thought to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
• Vitamin C – an important part of the diet found naturally in many fruit and vegetables particularly
citrus fruits and berries. Vitamin C supplements will not help prevent a cold but some research
has shown that increasing intake of vitamin C at the beginning of infection may help shorten the
durationof a cold.
Lifestyle Relief
Simple ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms include:
• Stay well hydrated – taken orally, antihistamines may help dry up
a runny nose. However a side
effect may be drowsiness.
• Use a humidifier – taken orally to assist in relieving a chesty
cough by thinning
and loosening phlegm on the chest.
• Avoid Dairy – nasal spray or drops that are designed to unblock a
stuffy nose. Some
nasal decongestants may raise blood pressure
and heart rate, so speak to your pharmacist if you
suffer from heart
disease.
• Eat Spicy Foods – help dry up a runny nose. Decongestants will
contain either Phenylephrine
or Pseudoephedrine as active
ingredients. Ensure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you
wish
to take these and are currently on other medication.
• Inhale Steam – taken in tablet or capsule form, will contain
analgesics such
as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help reduce pain
and fever.
• Quit Smoking – taken orally, to relieve a dry, unproductive cough by
suppressing the body’s cough reflex. Some may contain codeine,
which can cause drowsiness,
reduced mental alertness and
cause constipation.
• Rest – taken in tablet or capsule form, will contain analgesics
such
as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help reduce pain and fever.
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© Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited 2006
Produced by API, 11 Grand Avenue, Camellia NSW 2142 ABN 57 000 004 320
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