There never is a convenient time to get the cold. We tend to duck our heads down and get on with our days when what our bodies really want us to do is just take a little bit of time to deal with it. If the first reaction is to head to the pharmacy to pick up something for your cold you might be doing nothing for your health and just wasting money.
Cold medicines were never meant to get rid of your colds and if you listen to television commercials carefully you'll hear the phase, "Will alleviate cold symptoms".
So what does that mean? Are you just wasting money by buying cold remedies?and is there better, cheaper and healthier options for you?
The common cold is usually a mild but irritating condition. There are over 200 different viruses that cause a cold which is one of the reasons a "cure" has not been developed. It tends to be highly contagious spreading through surface contact (an infected person touching a telephone or other object and leaving cold germs) and sneezing. Symptoms include sore throat, sneezing, blocked nose, runny nose, headache, coughing and/or a slight fever. Many of the symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms but influenza tends to be much more sever and include exhaustion and high fever. Influenza tends to appear more quickly, one minute your fine and then in a few hours you can barely lift your head off your pillow.
The common cold tends to last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks it can in some cases develop complications such as sinusitis, eye and ear inflamations, tonsullitis or pneumonia. Adults tend to get 3 or 4 colds a year and it is not unusual for school age children to get as many as 10 colds a year. While most colds are mild enough not to need a doctors visit if you are experiencing any odd or sever symptoms or have underlying health issuses you should see a doctor and not try to medicate yourself.
Over the counter cold remedies are a billion dollar business for the drug companies but no drug can cure a cold, it can only make you feel better for a few hours by suppressing some of the uncomfortable symptoms. (It's like disabling the emergency light in your car, you won't be able to see the light but the problem is still there). Just because you can buy these drugs over the counter does not make them harmless. Every drug has the potential to be deadly if misused. These drugs can be expensive for a family on a budget and are not necessary for your health.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is found in many cold products. It should NEVER be taken with alcohol or by someone who drinks alcohol on a regular basis.It is not exactly clear how acetaminophen works but it is believed to work on the central nervous system as a pain suppressant (it is not taking the pain away but making your body believe the pain is no longer there). It can cause liver damage if taken frequently or in larger doses than recommended or if mixed with other medicines that include acetaminophen. Never mix drugs, if you take a drug for a head ache don't take a further drug for cold and flu symptoms. Liver damage can occur in as little as two weeks.
A.S.A. (Aspirin) is an anti nutrient and can deplete your system of folic acid, iron, potassium, calcium and Vitamin C. It can irritate the lining of the stomach and in some cases lead to gastric bleeding. It should never be given to children as it can lead to Reye Syndrome.
Ibuprofen can also irritate the lining of the stomach and possibly lead to gastric bleeding. Continuous use of Ibuprofen can increase the chance of heart attack. There is research presently being conducted on taking Ibuprofen and miscarriage and it is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
Cough Syrups. The American College of Chest Physicians advices against using them as recent studies show that there is no scientific proof that they work. The college believes that at best they are placebos.
The Eucalyptus rubs that traditionally been so popular can cause inflammation in the airways and cause major breathing problems. They are never to be given to children under the age of 2 and they should never be placed under the nose. The labeling on these products clearly state that they are meant to be rubbed on the chest or throat. Many people continue to use these products because it brings back fond memories of their child hood even though they don't seem to alleviate their cold symptoms.
There are many things you can do to make yourself feel better when you have a cold that don't take a expensive trip to the pharmacy and are free or low cost.
Make sure you and your surroundings are clean. Yes, I know you have cold and don't feel like doing anything but you should be showered or bathed, in clean clothes and in a clean dust free environment. Your bedroom should be clean and your sheets should be freshly washed. (Don't use any fabric softeners on your clothes or linens when you have a cold. Fabric softeners can be highly scented and have a mix of chemicals in them. If your lungs are weak from a cold they don't need to be breathing in the chemicals from fabric softeners as well). You want your body to concentrate on dealing with the cold virus and not other viruses or germs that are on dirty clothes. You also don't want to be dealing with dust mites and stale air in your bedroom where you are spending at least 8 hours a day. Give your body an edge by being in a clean environment.
A humidifier in your bedroom will give you some relieve but if you don't have one then taking a shower will also make you feel better. Just make sure that you dry your hair right after.
If you have a sore throat clean the back of your tongue with your toothbrush. Some people will not be able to do this as they have a gag reflex but if you are able to you will find that breaking up the bacteria at the back of your mouth will alleviate the pain of a sore throat. Clean your toothbrush well after you have done this and micro wave for 12 seconds to destroy the bacteria. Gargle with warm water and salt. Sucking on a hard candy will also give your some relief, you don't have to buy the expensive cold lozenges, try citrus flavoured candies from a bulk food store. Make a hot drink of 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon lemon juice (you can adjust to taste). The honey and lemon are both natural antiseptics.
If you have a head ache try drinking peppermint tea. This is a very old remedy and is often suggested because it works. Unlike drugs you can drink many cups of peppermint tea through out your day. If you have a sinus headache you can also try putting a cold compress (take a facecloth and wet it under cold water) on your eyes and lying down for ten minutes. Sleep with your head raised, you might have to use several pillows to find the right height to make you feel comfortable.
If your nose is very stuffy make sure that you blow properly. Blow the nose gently on one side and then the other until it is all cleared. So what if it takes a box of tissue to clear it all out, don't sniff it back in. If your nose gets very irritated use a unscented moisturizer under your nose. If really sore and raw a little dab of vegetable shortening like Crisco is ideal as it works as a very good moisturizer and has no scent.
To sooth body aches try a bath with a cup full of Epsom Salts, they can be bought at a pharmacy and are very inexpensive. It is a very traditional remedy in relieving aches and pains.
Keep yourself warm and hydrated. Warm teas can be very soothing but drink decaffeinated varieties. Chicken soup has been looked at over and over again as a cold remedy but the jury is still out. If it's something that you enjoy then why not make it your traditional cold remedy, it is acknowledged that eating any type of soup when you have a cold will hydrate you and the steam from the soup will help your sinuses. If you can't make your own soup from scratch then look for one that is low sodium. Even if you don't have an appetite try to eat as healthy as possible. A plate of steamed vegetables will be better for you then a greasy hamburger.
Your cold can range from just having sniffles for a few days to a head achey, hacking, nose blowing mess. Slowing down and taking care of yourself is the best remedy you can take.
Photography and Content
Copyright Ingrid Talpak 2012
Morestylethancash
The common cold tends to last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks it can in some cases develop complications such as sinusitis, eye and ear inflamations, tonsullitis or pneumonia. Adults tend to get 3 or 4 colds a year and it is not unusual for school age children to get as many as 10 colds a year. While most colds are mild enough not to need a doctors visit if you are experiencing any odd or sever symptoms or have underlying health issuses you should see a doctor and not try to medicate yourself.
Over the counter cold remedies are a billion dollar business for the drug companies but no drug can cure a cold, it can only make you feel better for a few hours by suppressing some of the uncomfortable symptoms. (It's like disabling the emergency light in your car, you won't be able to see the light but the problem is still there). Just because you can buy these drugs over the counter does not make them harmless. Every drug has the potential to be deadly if misused. These drugs can be expensive for a family on a budget and are not necessary for your health.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is found in many cold products. It should NEVER be taken with alcohol or by someone who drinks alcohol on a regular basis.It is not exactly clear how acetaminophen works but it is believed to work on the central nervous system as a pain suppressant (it is not taking the pain away but making your body believe the pain is no longer there). It can cause liver damage if taken frequently or in larger doses than recommended or if mixed with other medicines that include acetaminophen. Never mix drugs, if you take a drug for a head ache don't take a further drug for cold and flu symptoms. Liver damage can occur in as little as two weeks.
A.S.A. (Aspirin) is an anti nutrient and can deplete your system of folic acid, iron, potassium, calcium and Vitamin C. It can irritate the lining of the stomach and in some cases lead to gastric bleeding. It should never be given to children as it can lead to Reye Syndrome.
Ibuprofen can also irritate the lining of the stomach and possibly lead to gastric bleeding. Continuous use of Ibuprofen can increase the chance of heart attack. There is research presently being conducted on taking Ibuprofen and miscarriage and it is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
Cough Syrups. The American College of Chest Physicians advices against using them as recent studies show that there is no scientific proof that they work. The college believes that at best they are placebos.
The Eucalyptus rubs that traditionally been so popular can cause inflammation in the airways and cause major breathing problems. They are never to be given to children under the age of 2 and they should never be placed under the nose. The labeling on these products clearly state that they are meant to be rubbed on the chest or throat. Many people continue to use these products because it brings back fond memories of their child hood even though they don't seem to alleviate their cold symptoms.
There are many things you can do to make yourself feel better when you have a cold that don't take a expensive trip to the pharmacy and are free or low cost.
Make sure you and your surroundings are clean. Yes, I know you have cold and don't feel like doing anything but you should be showered or bathed, in clean clothes and in a clean dust free environment. Your bedroom should be clean and your sheets should be freshly washed. (Don't use any fabric softeners on your clothes or linens when you have a cold. Fabric softeners can be highly scented and have a mix of chemicals in them. If your lungs are weak from a cold they don't need to be breathing in the chemicals from fabric softeners as well). You want your body to concentrate on dealing with the cold virus and not other viruses or germs that are on dirty clothes. You also don't want to be dealing with dust mites and stale air in your bedroom where you are spending at least 8 hours a day. Give your body an edge by being in a clean environment.
A humidifier in your bedroom will give you some relieve but if you don't have one then taking a shower will also make you feel better. Just make sure that you dry your hair right after.
If you have a sore throat clean the back of your tongue with your toothbrush. Some people will not be able to do this as they have a gag reflex but if you are able to you will find that breaking up the bacteria at the back of your mouth will alleviate the pain of a sore throat. Clean your toothbrush well after you have done this and micro wave for 12 seconds to destroy the bacteria. Gargle with warm water and salt. Sucking on a hard candy will also give your some relief, you don't have to buy the expensive cold lozenges, try citrus flavoured candies from a bulk food store. Make a hot drink of 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon lemon juice (you can adjust to taste). The honey and lemon are both natural antiseptics.
If you have a head ache try drinking peppermint tea. This is a very old remedy and is often suggested because it works. Unlike drugs you can drink many cups of peppermint tea through out your day. If you have a sinus headache you can also try putting a cold compress (take a facecloth and wet it under cold water) on your eyes and lying down for ten minutes. Sleep with your head raised, you might have to use several pillows to find the right height to make you feel comfortable.
If your nose is very stuffy make sure that you blow properly. Blow the nose gently on one side and then the other until it is all cleared. So what if it takes a box of tissue to clear it all out, don't sniff it back in. If your nose gets very irritated use a unscented moisturizer under your nose. If really sore and raw a little dab of vegetable shortening like Crisco is ideal as it works as a very good moisturizer and has no scent.
To sooth body aches try a bath with a cup full of Epsom Salts, they can be bought at a pharmacy and are very inexpensive. It is a very traditional remedy in relieving aches and pains.
Keep yourself warm and hydrated. Warm teas can be very soothing but drink decaffeinated varieties. Chicken soup has been looked at over and over again as a cold remedy but the jury is still out. If it's something that you enjoy then why not make it your traditional cold remedy, it is acknowledged that eating any type of soup when you have a cold will hydrate you and the steam from the soup will help your sinuses. If you can't make your own soup from scratch then look for one that is low sodium. Even if you don't have an appetite try to eat as healthy as possible. A plate of steamed vegetables will be better for you then a greasy hamburger.
Your cold can range from just having sniffles for a few days to a head achey, hacking, nose blowing mess. Slowing down and taking care of yourself is the best remedy you can take.
In a rush but want to explore More Style Than Cash further when you have time? Add me to your Favorites or follow me on Twitter.
For more Articles chose from Crafts, Decorating, Food and Entertaining, Fashion, Gift Giving, Stationery and Cards, Health and Beauty, Kids, or Money Matters.
Photography and Content
Copyright Ingrid Talpak 2012
Morestylethancash
Leave a comment