MONROE - You've heard it before: There simply isn't a cure for the common cold.
That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of cold "treatments" available. Drug stores and discount stores have shelves filled with various cold pills and syrups. But are they worth it?
According to a survey of physicians and medical researchers published recently in the Wisconsin Medical Journal - not really. "Responding family physicians and experts agreed that cold remedies do not reduce illness duration," the report said.
Dr. C.J. Smith of Monroe Clinic concurred.
"Time is the Number One treatment," he said. Over-the-counter treatments aren't going to shorten the duration of a cold.
That could be seven to 10 days. If symptoms persist beyond that, Smith said, there could be a secondary bacterial infection. "Post nasal drip and a cough may persist for weeks," he said. "But generally a fever and body aches should be gone in a couple of days."
What over-the-counter products can do, Smith said, is provide symptom relief for otherwise healthy people. Symptom relief, good hydration and time all will help people feel better during their illness.
Decongestants are not advised for children under 2 years old. The Federal Food and Drug Adminstration recommends that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines not be given to children under the age of 2 because of serious and potentially deadly side-effects.
Common OTC decongestants such as Sudafed products or those containing dextromethorphan, commonly found in cough suppressants, are generally safe for normally healthy adults, Smith said. They may relieve symptoms, and help people who are having difficulties sleeping or have a persistent cough.
"People are happier when they are taking them," he said.
But they also can bring on a whole different set of unwanted symptoms.
"Some can make you feel drowsy, or give you dry mouth," he said. "They can make your blood pressure go up, your heart rate go up."
One device that really may help "cure" colds and prevent colds and sinus problems is the Neti pot. The small teapot holds a saline solution that is poured into the nose to flush out the sinus cavity. It helps remove mucus, cleans out the nasal passages and alleviates stuffiness and allergy symptoms. It also can reduce post-nasal drip and subsequent coughing.
Sinus irrigation with a Neti pot is a safe, effective treatment, Smith said.
"It's a good prevention tool," he said, especially for people suffering from chronic sinus problems. Regular irrigation can help speed recovery from a sinus infection, as well as prevent future problems.
There also is some evidence echnichea may boost the immune system, helping to prevent common colds, Smith said. Zinc also may do the same.
Otherwise, Smith said, the standard advice still is best for warding off illness during the cold and flu season:
• Practice good hygiene. Wash hands frequently for 20 to 30 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers to kill germs. Wash down surfaces and teach children to do the same.
• Don't smoke. This is a big issue, Smith said. Smoking may cause lung disease that make people more prone to illness. It also can make nasal tissues more premeable to viruses, increasing a person's likelihood of getting ill. "Smokers are in the Clinic more often with colds," he said.
• Get proper nutrition.
• Get enough sleep.
But even with good hygiene and health habits, getting sick is bound to happen.
"It will happen," Smith said. "But that's life."
That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of cold "treatments" available. Drug stores and discount stores have shelves filled with various cold pills and syrups. But are they worth it?
According to a survey of physicians and medical researchers published recently in the Wisconsin Medical Journal - not really. "Responding family physicians and experts agreed that cold remedies do not reduce illness duration," the report said.
Dr. C.J. Smith of Monroe Clinic concurred.
"Time is the Number One treatment," he said. Over-the-counter treatments aren't going to shorten the duration of a cold.
That could be seven to 10 days. If symptoms persist beyond that, Smith said, there could be a secondary bacterial infection. "Post nasal drip and a cough may persist for weeks," he said. "But generally a fever and body aches should be gone in a couple of days."
What over-the-counter products can do, Smith said, is provide symptom relief for otherwise healthy people. Symptom relief, good hydration and time all will help people feel better during their illness.
Decongestants are not advised for children under 2 years old. The Federal Food and Drug Adminstration recommends that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines not be given to children under the age of 2 because of serious and potentially deadly side-effects.
Common OTC decongestants such as Sudafed products or those containing dextromethorphan, commonly found in cough suppressants, are generally safe for normally healthy adults, Smith said. They may relieve symptoms, and help people who are having difficulties sleeping or have a persistent cough.
"People are happier when they are taking them," he said.
But they also can bring on a whole different set of unwanted symptoms.
"Some can make you feel drowsy, or give you dry mouth," he said. "They can make your blood pressure go up, your heart rate go up."
One device that really may help "cure" colds and prevent colds and sinus problems is the Neti pot. The small teapot holds a saline solution that is poured into the nose to flush out the sinus cavity. It helps remove mucus, cleans out the nasal passages and alleviates stuffiness and allergy symptoms. It also can reduce post-nasal drip and subsequent coughing.
Sinus irrigation with a Neti pot is a safe, effective treatment, Smith said.
"It's a good prevention tool," he said, especially for people suffering from chronic sinus problems. Regular irrigation can help speed recovery from a sinus infection, as well as prevent future problems.
There also is some evidence echnichea may boost the immune system, helping to prevent common colds, Smith said. Zinc also may do the same.
Otherwise, Smith said, the standard advice still is best for warding off illness during the cold and flu season:
• Practice good hygiene. Wash hands frequently for 20 to 30 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers to kill germs. Wash down surfaces and teach children to do the same.
• Don't smoke. This is a big issue, Smith said. Smoking may cause lung disease that make people more prone to illness. It also can make nasal tissues more premeable to viruses, increasing a person's likelihood of getting ill. "Smokers are in the Clinic more often with colds," he said.
• Get proper nutrition.
• Get enough sleep.
But even with good hygiene and health habits, getting sick is bound to happen.
"It will happen," Smith said. "But that's life."