Sniffle season is upon us. It seems as if everyone I know is sneezing and coughing and I don’t want any part of it. I’d like to stay cold-free this winter. But, if I do catch a cold, I’d like to minimize it as much as possible. Lenox Hill Hospital internist Keri Peterson, MD, a leading NYC-based physician, has a great roadmap for navigating the OTC aisles of your neighborhood drugstore for products that help ease cold symptoms. I’m stocking up, just in case. Here are her tips …
First signs of a cold
For preventative treatment, stock up on Vitamin C. If you are starting to get sick, zinc is your friend. The zinc ions in certain over-the-counter products like Cold-EEZE stop the cold virus from replicating, shortening your cold.
For Congestion/Runny nose
Saline spray: Most people use decongestant pills that have pseudoephedrine as an active ingredient, but these pills can have significant side effects like increased blood pressure, jitteriness and insomnia. Saline spray, however, has no side effects. At the onset of a cold, use saline spray. Look for one with purified water and sodium chloride. This is the purest version with no additives. It will dry you out, kill germs and flush out germs and mucous.
For Sore throat
Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen reduces the inflammation in the back of the throat that’s causing pain. Examples include Motrin Advil.
Lozenges: Look for drops with menthol or benzocaine – they are numbing agents.
Salt water gargles: These are very helpful even though they don’t taste great.
For Cough
There are two different types of coughs, so there are two different “best” OTC medicines. It’s important to figure out which type you have.
For a dry hacking cough: Use a suppressant to stop the cough reflex. Look for one that says DM, which stands for Dextromethorphan.
For a wet cough: Use an expectorant like Guaifenesin. It thins mucous to relieve coughing and to clear airways. Be sure to drink a glass of water with the expectorant to make it more effective. Water helps loosen congestion and lubricate the throat.
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