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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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January 26, 2010 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Sipping once, Sipping twice…
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Sipping chicken soup with
rice.” This line from a well-known children's book (by Maurice Sendak)
may be good advice for all those who get a winter viral illness.
Researchers have actually studied the effect of chicken soup on a viral
illness and it appears that the soup, canned or homemade, does help
relieve stuffiness by speeding up the elimination of mucus.
As fall unfolds, there is no doubt that you (or a family member) will
get a cold or another viral cold-like illness. And a few may get true
influenza. For most viral illnesses, time, rest and fluids provide the
cure . But we are an impatient group who most likely will rush to the
pharmacy and purchase a bagful of “promises.” Remember, there is no cure
for a cold or most of the other common winter viral illnesses. However,
you may be able to relieve some of the symptoms and lessen the
discomfort. Here's what you need to know:
• If you use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve symptoms, try
to treat each symptom with a medication specific for that symptom. While
combination products offer convenience, if your nose isn't stuffed, you
don't need to use a nasal decongestant.
• Start with the lowest recommended dose and proceed up if necessary. If
you are not better after a few days, or if your symptoms become severe
or are unusual, see you doctor. Self-diagnosis can lead to danger.
• A decongestant is used for a stuffy nose from a viral illness, like a
cold. If used for too many days, it may actually make symptoms worse. An
antihistamine should not be used for a cold. Antihistamines are used for
allergies.
• Any OTC medication can interact with other medications that you take.
Read the information on the OTC product. Check with your doctor or
pharmacist about interactions with prescription meds that you take.
• Drinking lots of fluids (defined as water, juice, clear broth or warm
lemon/honey water) can help to loosen congestion and prevent
dehydration.
• Saltwater gargles (1/2 tsp to 8 ounces of water) may help relieve a
sore or scratchy throat.
• Saline nasal sprays do not have a medication in them and can be used
freely. They may help to relieve stuffiness.
• Adding humidity to the environment, through a humidifier, can also add
comfort. However, remember to clean and disinfect your humidifier which
can grow mold and other spores.
• Steam (like in a shower) can help to loosen mucus.
• Antibiotics DO NOT treat viral illnesses, like colds!
• Ask your doctor if a new OTC product (Mucinex is one brand name) that
can be used to loosen mucus and phlegm would be appropriate for you.
• Despite what the advertisers would like us to think, most OTC cough
syrups do little to help relieve symptoms. There are two main
ingredients. Often products combine these. Expectorants help to loosen
mucus and make the cough more productive. Suppressants (also called
antitussives) quiet coughs.
• Analgesics (like aspirin, acetaminophen “Tylenol” or ibuprofen) may be
used for aches and pains. Remember, aspirin should not be given to
children with viral illnesses. Also note Tylenol in high doses can cause
liver damage.
• You may wonder about products like Vitamin C, Echinacea, arginine,
elderberry juice, garlic, ginseng, green tea, licorice root, selenium
and zinc. Researchers have had a hard time proving these products are
beneficial. A recent special report in Tufts University Health and
Nutrition Letter, December 2009 grades each of these. None received
above a “C” on an A-F scale. (For a reprint of this article, call or
email QVHD)
• Common sense should tell you that if your symptoms get worse after
several days or a symptom should become severe (high fever, extreme
headache, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, etc.) you should contact
your doctor for evaluation. These may be indications of a more serious
or bacterial infection.
Having a cold or viral illness is an inconvenience. It slows us down,
but for most, recovery occurs and we get on with our daily activities.
For some, like the elderly, infants or those with a chronic illness or
who are immunocompromised, viral illnesses can develop into more severe
conditions, like pneumonia. If you are sick, stay home and do not visit
persons who are most vulnerable to complications of viral illnesses.
Remember, sick children do not belong in school.
“Chicken soup”, time, rest and fluids are your best actions to help
alleviate symptoms of a cold. For an information packet on colds,
including a review of what works and what doesn't, District residents
can call 248-4528 or request on line,
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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