Syrup, tablets and other effective treatment methods for the common cold
Małgorzata Kruk (MPharm)Syrup for the cough
Throughout the course of a common cold you can also have both a tiring, dry cough and a productive, wet cough, along with coughing up thick and sticky phlegm. Different types of cough require different treatment methods.
You may use cough syrups, containing butamirate or dextromethorphan, for a dry cough. They will inhibit coughing reflexes.
If you suffer from a wet cough, use expectorant syrups or lozenges (with ambroxol or bromhexine). They will dilute the secretion lingering in the bronchi and facilitate its expectoration.
Remember to use a proper medication adjusted to the type of cough. This will help you effectively get rid of the troubles.
Tablets for the common cold
Combined products for the common cold in the form of tablets or sachets for preparing warm drinks should fight a viral infection. These medications contain a painkiller and an anti-fever medication (usually paracetamol), vitamin C, an anti-allergic ingredient (pheniramine, triprolidine), sometimes also pseudoephedrine (inhibiting the formation of exudation). Combined products for the common cold are effective in relieving the most common symptoms.
Lozenges for a sore throat
When you suffer from a bad sore throat, use lozenges, containing antibacterial substances (benzalkonium chloride, benzoxonium chloride, dichlorobenzyl alcohol or amylmetacresol) and with a local anaesthetic effect (lidocaine). Gargling with a sage brew or with a solution of salt may also prove effective.
Nasal drops for rhinitis
If you have watery, running, persistent rhinitis, use drops for the nose with xylometazoline or oxymetazoline. Active substances found in the drops will reduce the permeability of fine blood vessels of the nasal mucous membrane, inhibiting the formation of exudation and swelling and making breathing easier. Drops with xylometazoline and oxymetazoline are inadvisable for people with hypertension, heart diseases, glaucoma. They should not be used for more than 4 days.
Tea with honey and lemon
Warm tea with honey – a natural anti-bacterial medication, in combination with lemon or raspberry syrup (a perfect source of easily digestible vitamin C) will warm up the body and help fight the common cold.
