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Arguably the worst part abouthaving a bad coldis knowing there are no meds that can make it go away.
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Letting the virus run its course is the only option.
From pain relievers to cough medicine and decongestants, theres a product claiming to fix just about everything.
So how do you know what works?
Different medications treat different symptoms, so its important to know whats what.
I definitely recommend that to help with those specific symptoms, she says.
Nasal decongestants
Rohr also recommends taking a decongestant if you have mostly nasal symptomsstuffy,runny, sneezy.
Your best bet is pseudoephedrine.
(Its a stimulant and is used illegally to make methamphetamines.)
Saline nasal spray
It doesnt decongest, per se, but it justclears out the nosetemporarily, Rohr says.
Try Simply Saline Allergy & Sinus Adult Nasal Mist (walgreens.com, $6).
Cough syrup
Dextromethorphan is usually the active ingredient in OTC cough medications like Nyquil and Robitussin.
A lot of the cold remedies have that, and it works, Rohr says.
In many states, its available behind the counter to adults 18 and older.
(Its known to be abused recreationally, mostly among teens.)
These medications, like Mucinex, are called expectorants.
Cough drops
Throat lozenges and cough drops may help soothe a sore throat andcalm a coughtemporarily.
Drops with dextromethorphan are also available, and may work better.
Products that contain phenol and/or benzocaine, like Chloraseptic throat lozenges and sprays, can also provide temporary relief.
Unfortunately, the effects do not last very long.
Theyll also help youstay hydrated.
And dont forget to change the water daily and clean it regularly.
Dont underestimate the healing powers of a fewgood nights sleep.
Antihistamines
Some cold andfluproducts combine an antihistamine with a decongestant.
These newer antihistamines found in OTCallergymedications like Claritin and Zyrtec dont appear to have any cold-fighting benefits.
It also contains eucalyptus and thyme, both essential oils used traditionally to thin mucus and prevent cough.
Nasal decongestant sprays
These are nasal decongestants that you spray right into your nose.
Rohr says they work, but she doesnt recommend using them if you could avoid them.
This is called a rebound effect.
Its also been linked to fewer colds throughout the year when taken regularly.
Taken orally, it can causenausea.
Nasal spays with zinc can impact yoursense of smell.
you’re able to lose your sense of smell.
Its not dose-dependent, so it can happen after taking just a few of them, Rohr says.
Vitamin C
Most researchsuggests that loading up on vitamin C is pretty useless once youre sick.
But getting enough C on a regular basis can potentially shorten the duration of colds when you get them.
Ditch the under-the-weather vitamin C binge, and just get adaily dose of C from your food.
Even if it doesnt help when you get sick, eating vitamin C-rich fruits is good for you regardless.
Echinacea
The jury is still out on whether or not this herbal remedy helps a cold.
Short-term use is probably safe for most adults, but long-term safety isn’t well studied.
Choosing a cold medication with multiple active ingredients is efficient, but you gotta be careful.
Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage (mixing it with booze is bad, too).
The biggest concern with taking too much ibuprofen is that it can irritate the stomach lining.
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