Coughs and Colds Symptom Relief

Coughs, Colds Sneezes and Runny Noses – “TIS the season to be jolly”, says the Christmas carol! Unfortunately this time of year is also the season for coughs and colds.

Common cold, coughs and sneezes are the ailment which most frequently sends patients running to pharmacies. Like most viral infections, there is no actual cure for the common cold so a trip to the doctor will usually be unnecessary.
Pharmacists can provide advice and medicines that help to manage the symptoms of cold, snezing and runny noses. Colds normally last for seven to ten days. The symptoms of colds are unpleasant and a nuisance, patients are usually simply looking for some relief from a sore throat, sneezing, runny nose and irritating cough.

Asif Khan from the Global Hour group of pharmacies offers some timely advice to anyone suffering from a cold or cough:
Analgesics – these are for treating general malaise and raised temperature. The latter is most likely to occur in children.
Decongestants – these help to relieve blocked and stuffy noses and wheezing association with coughs.
Unfortunately many people being treated for high blood pressure, asthma or glaucoma are unable to take the above medicines but may benefit from:
Inhalants – these contain ingredients to relieve a blocked nose.
Saline nasal drops or sprays – these clear nasal passages and sooth.
One thing all suffers of colds and coughs should remember is to drink plenty of fluids – this does not mean alcoholic drink, coffee or tea, all of which can actually cause dehydration which will make symptoms feel worse.
On average at any one time, one person out of every 60 will be suffering from a cold. This means that in the UK alone 930,000 people will have a cold every day. Over a full year one hundred and one million working days are lost as people stay at home to nurse their colds, coughs and sneezes.
Remember, the GP can give nothing to treat a cold so why not talk to your local pharmacist who will advise on the best products to suit your individual needs. And you don’t need an appointment!