Colds (upper respiratory infection - URI)

Cold Facts

A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by a virus.  There are at least 150 different cold viruses.  If you have a cold, antibiotics will not help.  They fight bacteria, not viruses.  Antibiotics may cause side effects and possibly do more harm than good.  Factors such as living in crowded conditions, stress, fatigue and a poor diet may increase your susceptibility to colds.
Symptoms:  You probably have a cold if you have one or more of these conditions:

  • a runny nose
  • sore throat
  • sneezing
  • fever (<100.4 F)
  • coughing
  • congestion
  • chills 
  • fatigue

Relief

Rest, warmth and drinking up to 2 liters of fluids a day will loosen secretions and help prevent bronchitis, ear infections and sinusitis.  There are many over the counter remedies that can help ease the symptoms.
Treatment for specific symptoms:

  • Fever and aches: Take Tylenol® (acetaminophen), Advil® (ibuprofen) or Aleve®
  • Sore Throat: Gargle with ½ tsp. salt with 8 oz. warm water every 2-4 hours. Use Chloraseptic® spray/lozenges or Zinc lozenges or take Tylenol® or Advil® or Aleve®.
  • Nasal congestion:  Take decongestants- i.e. Sudafed® (pseudoephedrine),            Use Ocean Spray Saline Solution® as needed.
    Try Steam treatments (see below)
    Nasal sprays- Afrin® or Neo-synephrine® may be used for severe congestion but only use for maximum of 3 days.
  • Cough: Cough suppressants containing Dextrmethorphan - i.e.Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough Medicine

Make an appointment at Vaden for the following:

  • Earache or drainage from the ear
  • Cold symptoms that improve, but return with a fever and a worse cough
  • High (above 102 F) or prolonged fever
  • A cold that lasts for more than 10 days
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Severe pain in your face or forehead
  • Hoarseness, sore throat or a cough that won't go away
  • Exposure to someone with strep throat (sharing beverages, kissing)

Microwave/Steam Treatments for sinus pain

  • Dampen a washcloth (wring it out so that it is wet, not dripping).
  • Place the washcloth in a plastic bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap.
  • Place in microwave on high for 40-45 seconds.
  • It will be VERY HOT. Carefully open bag and pick up washcloth by the corners and wait until cool enough to place on your face. Fold it lengthwise and place across eyes and sinus area.
  • When cool (in about 30-60 seconds) place it back in the plastic (wrap or bag). You do not need to dampen it again.
  • Microwave the washcloth for 30 seconds only. It will be VERY, VERY HOT!
  • Repeat above steps 6-8 times in 10 minutes, or as needed.
  • All additional reheating for 30 seconds.

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