Treating a Cold Right

Many would swallow megadoses of vitamins to beat back a cold, but the truth is, it just needs to run its course. The good news is; colds are usually short in duration and you can minimize the misery.

OTC medications can usually help you feel better such as decongestants with phenylephrine or pseudoepinephrine such as Sudafed which can make you easier to breathe. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin are good for headache or sore throat.

Watch out for multiple-ingredient medicines such as Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom following it up with a dose of Tylenol could be more acetaminophen than your body can handle.

Don't rely on nasal sprays for more than 4 days. More than that can actually make things worse. Instead, use a simple saline spray for longer duration to flush out congestion, but be gentle. Too much squirting can push more bacteria into your sinuses increasing the risk of sinus infection.

Drink lots of fluids. Dehydration can thicken the stuff inside your lungs and sinuses making you more prone to infection.

Get a light nap during the day and get a solid night's sleep during the night rather than overnapping and then tossing and turning all night.

Be well!

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