About Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

About Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

There's no cure for the common cold. But what about cold remedies that claim to make you feel better faster? Find out what's effective — and what's not.
Cold remedies are almost as common as the common cold, and many are nearly as ancient. The use of chicken soup as a congestion cure dates back centuries. But is longevity any guarantee that a cold remedy works? Do effective cold remedies even exist? Here's a look at some common cold remedies and what's known about them.

Cold remedies: What works
If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for about a week. But that doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies may help:

Water and other fluids. You can't flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquids can help. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which make dehydration worse.
Salt water. A saltwater gargle — 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
Saline nasal sprays. Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays combat stuffiness and congestion. Unlike nasal decongestants, saline sprays don't lead to a rebound effect — a worsening of symptoms when the medication is discontinued — and most are safe and nonirritating, even for children.
Chicken soup. Generations of parents have spooned chicken soup into their sick children. Now scientists have put chicken soup to the test, discovering that it does have effects that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining. So which is better, homemade or canned? Researchers at the University of Nebraska compared homemade chicken soup with canned versions and found that many, though not all, canned chicken soups worked just as well as soups made from scratch.
Over-the-counter cold medications. Nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that parents avoid such cold medicines for children younger than age 2. And they are evaluating the safety of these medications in older children.

Keep in mind that acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can cause serious liver damage or liver failure if taken in high doses. It's common for people to take Tylenol in addition to flu medications that also contain acetaminophen, which can lead to drug overdoses. Read the labels of any cold medication carefully to make sure you're not overdosing.

Humidity. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another reason why colds are more common in winter. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home, but it can also add mold, fungi and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Change the water in your humidifier daily, and clean the unit at least once every three days.

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Cold remedies: What doesn't work
The list of ineffective cold remedies is long. A few of the more common ones that don't work include:

Antibiotics. These destroy bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Antihistamines. Some studies have suggested minimal reduction in sneezing and nasal discharge with first-generation (sedating) antihistamines. However, results are conflicting and the benefits may not outweigh the side effects.
Over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups. In cold season, nonprescription cough syrups practically fly off the drugstore shelves. Some contain ingredients that may relieve coughing, but the amounts are too small to do much good and may actually be harmful for children. Many experts don't recommend their use in children. The FDA recommends that parents avoid cough medicines for children younger than age 2. They are evaluating the safety of these medications in older children. The American College of Chest Physicians strongly discourages the use of these medications in children younger than 14, because they're not effective at treating the underlying cause of cough due to colds.

Coughs associated with a cold usually last less than three weeks but could be present up to four weeks. If a cough lingers longer than that, see your doctor. In the meantime, try soothing your throat with warm lemon water and honey and humidifying the air in your house. Avoid giving honey to infants.


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Cold remedies: What probably doesn't hurt
In spite of ongoing studies, the scientific jury is still out on popular cold remedies such as vitamin C, echinacea and zinc. Here's an update on some common alternative remedies:

Vitamin C. It appears that for the most part taking vitamin C won't help the average person prevent colds. However, taking 200 milligrams (mg) or more does seems to benefit those who engage in extreme physical exercise or who are exposed to extremely cold environments — such as soldiers, skiers and marathon runners. Just what constitutes an optimum dose isn't clear, but amounts in excess of 2,000 mg a day may cause nausea and diarrhea.
Echinacea. Studies on the effectiveness of echinacea at preventing or shortening colds is mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others show a 10 percent to 30 percent reduction in severity and duration when taken for seven to 10 days at the onset of the cold. Some people swear by Airborne, a popular herbal cold remedy that's sold over-the-counter in many drugstores.
Zinc. The cold-fighting reputation of zinc has had its ups and downs. That's because many zinc studies — both those that find the mineral beneficial and those that do not — are flawed. The highest quality randomized trials generally show no benefit. In studies with positive results, zinc seemed most effective taken as a lozenge or nasal spray in the form of zinc acetate within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Taking zinc with food may reduce side effects, including a bad taste and nausea. Intranasal zinc may result in permanent damage to the sense of smell.

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Take care of yourself
Although usually minor, colds can make you feel miserable. It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids, and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently.