Cough, cold and flu season, like the New Year, has arrived and the sales of remedies at the pharmacy have tripled since November. A cold is generally considered a nuisance disease. When it appears, many of us try to deal with the symptoms on our own, and there are safe ways to do so.

But before we anticipate dealing with a cold, we could put up a fight. We could try difficult activities to help prevent us from getting it in the first place, like avoiding completely those who have the virus, and avoiding direct contact with items which those persons have been in contact with, such as doorknobs, pens, telephones and handrails.

Cold and flu medications do not help us get rid of the illness any faster, but help to relieve symptoms faster so we can actually feel better, and get on with work and everyday life.

However, there is a confusing variety of these products, which differ mainly by their combination of active ingredients. Most of these medications are available over-the-counter. A description of their ingredients may help us identify the products that we need to treat our symptoms. Of course, it is best to consult the pharmacist who is available to advise us on the safest and most appropriate product.

Decongestants

The cold virus provokes the body into releasing compounds which swell the delicate blood vessels that line the nasal passages. This causes a stuffy nose and accumulation of mucous (cold) in the surrounding tissues. Decongestants relieve the pressure and congestion by shrinking the vessels, making it easier for us to breathe. They also suppress the production of mucous (cold).

Nasal decongestant sprays, gels and drops containing drugs like oxymetazoline and xylometazoline are generally more effective than those taken orally. They work faster since they are applied directly to swollen tissue in the nose, and they do not have to go through the stomach to the bloodstream. For this reason, they are also safer.

But their main side effect is that they actually cause congestion if used for more than three days in a row. This is called rebound congestion. After three days, when the spray wears off, the vessels in the nose expand and the nose becomes uncomfortably congested. The decongestant spray is then used again, and a vicious cycle begins. To prevent rebound congestion, if you are still congested after three days of using these nasal sprays, drops or gels, it is best to switch to a decongestant taken by mouth.

Recommended for children

Decongestants, whether applied to the nostrils or taken by mouth, are not recommended for children.

An effective home remedy, steam inhalation, may be made by adding drops of an Aromatic Chemical such as camphor, menthol, or eucalyptus oil to piping hot water and inhaling the vapour. These chemicals are present in vapour rubs too, which can be applied to the chest and back to produce a decongestant effect. Nasal saline (salt water) sprays or drops are useful choices to relieve congestion and are safe for babies and children.

Decongestants taken by mouth include pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine. Their decongestant effects last longer than sprays and they do not cause rebound congestion. They shrink blood vessels in the nose to relieve stuffy nose, but may shrink other blood vessels in the body, raising the blood pressure and the heart rate. They, should, therefore, be used with caution in persons with any of the following conditions: diabetes, hypertension, pregnancy, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.

Dahlia McDaniel is a pharmacist and final year doctoral candidate in public health at the University of London. Email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.