Parkland physician offers tips on what works, what doesn’t
DALLAS — We all know the early-warning signs: a tickle in your throat, a sneeze, a sniffle — the dreaded signs that you’re coming down with a cold.
Colds are the leading reason that adults miss work and children are absent from school. They are also one of the most frequent reasons for doctor visits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults average about three colds a year and children catch even more. Americans spend an estimated $40 billion a year on colds and spend 126 million days a year at home to take care of their sick children, a Marketplace.org report stated.
There are probably as many theories on the best way to treat a cold as there are recipes for chicken soup. But which ones really work? While science still hasn’t found a way to cure this ubiquitous ailment, there are remedies that can ease your symptoms and help you feel better, along with other popular remedies that won’t help at all.
“First, people should know what doesn’t work in treating a cold,” said Maria Robinson, MD, staff physician at Parkland Health & Hospital System’s Elmbrook Acute Response Clinic. “Antibiotics are not effective, because they only attack bacteria, not the viruses that cause colds. Taking an antibiotic for a cold won’t help you get well any faster but it will contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria caused by the inappropriate use of antibiotics.”
Cold remedies sold over-the-counter and labeled as “homeopathic” do not have to be scientifically proven effective by independent studies, and if they contain vitamins or supplements, they are also exempted from FDA regulations. While vitamin C and zinc are widely believed to be effective cold treatments, scientific evidence doesn’t support the claims. In addition, taking these supplements in high doses, when pregnant or while taking certain other medications can be dangerous, Dr. Robinson stated. She recommends that people consult with their physician before using them to treat a cold.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants and saline nasal sprays won’t shorten the duration of your cold, but they can help relieve symptoms like achiness, runny nose, fever and congestion, according to the CDC. Do not use any of these products to treat young children or infants unless directed to do so by a physician, as they can lead to potentially serious side-effects.
“Colds generally last for one to two weeks, but you don’t have to be miserable for the duration,” said Dr. Robinson. “There are tried-and-true treatments that do help relieve symptoms.”
Here are some cold remedies that the CDC recommends:
- Rest. It’s essential to help your body fight the infection.
- Drink lots of fluids. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, juice, clear broth or warm water with lemon and honey to help loosen congestion. Stay away from dehydrating drinks like alcohol, caffeinated sodas and coffee.
- Use drops and sprays. Try saline nasal spray or drops to relieve stuffiness and congestion.
- Soothe your sore throat. Gargle with saltwater (1/4 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water). However, note that children younger than 6 are not likely to be able to gargle correctly. Ice chips, popsicles, throat lozenges and sore throat sprays can also help. Don’t give lozenges to young children as they may choke.
- Decongest with cool mist. A vaporizer with cool mist may help loosen congestion.
- Ease the pain. Adults may take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen for pain or fever, but consult with a healthcare professional before giving any pain reliever to your child.
- Avoid smoking, secondhand smoke and any other type of airborne irritants.
And what about your grandmother’s chicken soup recipe?
“People all over the world treat colds with warm liquids like tea, chicken soup, broth or warmed apple juice. They can’t hurt,” said Dr. Robinson, “and these remedies can be soothing. They may also help with congestion by increasing mucous flow.”
As for dodging the pesky common cold, Dr. Robinson said common sense is still the best prevention: “Wash your hands and avoid touching your face.”
To find a Parkland health center near you, visit www.parklandhospital.com.
