More than 200 different viruses can cause the common cold, according to DrGreene.com, the website of pediatrician and author Dr. Alan Greene. It is estimated that more than 1 billion Americans suffer from a cold each year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. The common cold is typically harmless but can make a person feel quite uncomfortable. Symptoms of the common include fever, nasal congestion, fatigue, body aches and a runny nose. Common cold medications are available over-the-counter, but should be used only as directed to avoid undesirable effects.
Background
There is not cure for the common cold, according to NIAID. The common cold is caused by a virus in the body that the immune system needs to fight off. Until the immune system successfully kills the virus, the person will continue to feel sick. Colds are more common during the fall and winter months. Most common cold medications are used treat the symptoms of the cold, to provide relief for the individual until the virus is eliminated from the body, according to MayoClinic.com.
Types
The most common cold medications are decongestants, pain relievers and cough suppressants, according to the MayoClinic.com. NIAID states that some cold medications use antihistamines to treat a runny nose and watery eyes. Nasal spray decongestants are used for rapid relief of sinus congestion but should not be used for more than three consecutive days. Pain relievers help reduce a fever, provide body ache relief and alleviate a sore throat. Cough suppressants are used in some cold medications to control the body's cough reflex.
Side Effects
According to NIAID, common side effects of using cold medications are dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness or a sour stomach. Before taking any OTC medication, the label should be fully and carefully read. A doctor should ideally be consulted before taking any medication. Cold medications that cause drowsiness need to be taken with caution as they could impair a person's ability to drive and participate in other mental processes.
Warnings
DrGreene.com warns that aspirin should never be given to children as this could result in Reye's syndrome, a fatal condition. Also, antibiotics should not be taken for the common cold, says NIAID. Antibiotics effectively treat bacterial infections but do not have the capability to kill a virus, which is the cause of a common cold.
Considerations
Common cold medications should be taken in combination with rest, increased fluid intake and a well-balanced diet, according to NIAID. Common cold medications help to relieve cold symptoms and provide the body with the rest and nutrition it needs. This will help the immune system ward off the virus more effectively.
