Colds are viruses characterized by a runny nose, cough, chest congestion and fatigue. The virus can be combated without additional fatigue from cold medications. There is not a cure for the common cold, but there are several remedies to help fight the symptoms and boost the immune system to fight the virus.
Medications
Non-drowsy cold medications are usually a combination of a pain reliever or fever reducer, decongestant, cough suppressant and expectorant. Expectorants thin mucous making it easier to excrete. Brand names and generics with different pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are available. Antihistamines are usually in night-time formulas because they cause drowsiness.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant immune system booster. Vitamin C cannot cure a cold, but according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, taking vitamin C supplements regularly produces a small reduction in the length of the cold. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus, peppers and broccoli. Maintaining a diet high in foods containing vitamin C not only relieve cold symptoms but may also decrease the risk of cancer.
Nasal Irrigation
Saline nasal sprays are available over the counter. The spray helps to keep the nasal passages moist and clear, flushing the mucous out of the sinus cavities. Neti-pots are also used to irrigate nasal passages. The pot looks like a small tea-pot that is filled with a warm salt water solution. Water pours out of the spout, into one nostril and out of the opposite nostril, flushing debris, mucous and allergens.
Lozenges
Many lozenges contain zinc, which may help relieve cold symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies are mixed, but one study showed that normal zinc status among nursing home elderly was associated with a lower risk of pneumonia, fewer new antibiotic prescriptions and fewer days of antibiotic use. Echinacea is also found in lozenges. The herb can be consumed in a tea or capsule form as well. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that several clinical trials have shown that people who take echinacea as soon as they feel sick reduce the severity of their cold and have fewer symptoms than those who do not take the herb.
