Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) and ibuprofen ( Advil) are best.
Young people (including those in their early 20s), however, should avoid aspirin. But if you’re uncomfortable, it's fine to take these medications. Doctors no longer recommend fighting fever for most people, except perhaps for the very young, the very old, and those with certain medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease. It helps the body fight off infection by suppressing the growth of bacteria and viruses and activating the immune system. Still, if you feel bad and can’t rest, most experts agree it’s OK to take something to ease pain and lower a fever, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.įever may be a good thing. These symptoms are usually mild with a cold compared to a more serious illness, like the flu. But a cough that won’t go away should be diagnosed and treated. Drink plenty of water if you take this medicine.Īn occasional cough may clear the lung of pollutants and excess phlegm and probably shouldn't be treated. This way, when you do cough, you can get rid of phlegm more easily. Expectorants, like guaifenesin, can break up congestion in your chest by thinning the mucus in your airways.They work on the part of your brain that controls the process. Cough suppressants, like dextromethorphan, can provide relief for a short time.CoughĬan’t stop hacking? You have two main choices in the cold-and- flu aisle: Antihistamines can make secretions thick, which can be a problem for people with asthma.
They can also make you sleepy and dry out your eyes, nose, and mouth. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine block this process and can relieve those symptoms. That leads to sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. When you have a cold, your body makes chemicals called histamines.
Saline spray works more slowly but has no rebound effect. Some doctors suggest using a saline spray instead of a medicated spray. But if you use them for more than 3 days in a row, you may have a "rebound effect" and end up more congested than you were at the start. Nasal decongestants work fast to open breathing passages. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about what may be best for you. This may not be true with certain types of blood pressure drugs. In general, if your blood pressure is well-controlled with medications, a decongestant shouldn't be a problem as long as you monitor your blood pressure. Pseudoephedrine is the primary oral decongestant available. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate, and raise the chance of heart attacks and strokes. If you have nasal or sinus congestion, then a decongestant can be helpful.ĭecongestants can make some people hyper or keep them awake. Here's a look at some common products and what they can do for you.ĭecongestants can curb swelling inside your nose and sinuses, and help you breathe more easily. Over-the-counter medicines won’t cure your cold, but they might make you feel better, so you can rest as it runs its course.
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