Thursday 11 August 2016

Know About Common Cold & Cough

Getting up with a runny nose, cough and sore throat? Is it a common cold, an allergy or flu? It is important to know about the common cold and cough symptoms to diagnose the condition, as the symptoms are quite similar. This can help you choose appropriate treatment.

Cold usually starts with a sore throat, which is followed by runny nose, sneezing, cough and fatigue. Usually, you do not get a fever during cold. However, if you have fever, it may be a sign of bacterial infection or the flu. As the condition progresses, you may notice thicker mucus discharge from nose with cough. Cold can even aggravate your asthma, so check with your physician.

If you start with cough, you are probably having a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. In such condition, you need to seek immediate medical attention. Most of the cold and cough cases are contiguous, especially during the first three days.

Sometimes people mistake cold symptoms with hay fever (allergic rhinitis). That’s because the symptoms are similar. Allergy is an oversensitive reaction between exaggerated immune system and certain allergens. Histamine, an inflammatory chemical, is released in the body, which causes runny nose, sneezing and coughing.

Cold & Cough Treatment
Besides getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of water, you need to take medicines. However, you should seek medical assistance before using any medications. There are different cold and cough
medicines and they act differently, such as –


  • Nasal decongestants – For nasal congestion and post-nasal discharge
  • Antihistamines – To reduce sneezing and stuffy nose
  • Cough suppressants – To overcome cough
  • Expectorants – To get rid of mucus
  • Pain relievers – For reducing fever, pains an aches

Many cold and cough medicines contain prescription drugs, so consult your doctor. Using too much of painkillers can lead to health issues, so be careful and follow all the instructions. Cough suppressants and expectorants also contain active drugs that are to be taken as directed by a medical advisor. Through PharmacyOutlet, you can acquire medicines that are useful in managing your cough and cold symptoms.