Hey there, ReadyNutrition Readers! What could be more beneficial to you in the advent of the Common Cold/Flu season than knowledge on how to treat and prevent them from occurring in the first place? Except maybe some of JJ’s chicken soup (which is pretty darn good, by the way….I make it with rice and a ton of celery and carrots)? Well, I can’t send all the soup, so this will have to suffice. Take this info along with you as the weather cools and you’re spending more time camping and hiking in the cold weather.
The Cold Hard Facts on the Common Cold
The Common Cold is defined as an acute infection of any and all parts of the respiratory tract from the nasal mucosa to the nasal sinuses, throat, larynx, trachea, and bronchi.[1] Most people come down with a cold at least once per year. School-aged children are most susceptible due to the facts that their immune system is not as highly developed as and adults, and that they are in close proximity to a larger “pool” of sick little minnows. Perhaps that is
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where the word “school” takes its true meaning! Cigarette smokers also have a higher risk and longer recovery time for the cold.
In terms of etiology, more than 200 different viruses can cause the common cold. Some examples are rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and coronaviruses. For this reason (size and diversity of the viral origin) it is very difficult to identify the exact cause of the organism. The colds are never really cured; for the most part, the symptoms are addressed and an attempt is made to ameliorate the sufferer’s condition. The common cold causes more lost work time and absence from school than any other ailment.[2]
On average, people in the U.S. spend more than $1 billion each year on nonprescription medicines and treatments for the common cold and its symptoms.[3] The symptoms include (but are not limited to):
- the swelling of nasal mucosa, increased mucus production
- cough
- swelling of the throat lining
- sinus pressure with or without watery eyes
- lethargy
- loss of sleep.
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The symptoms can last anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks. Should the cold run longer than 10 days, be accompanied by fever, or have systemic conditions, this may be an indication that something more serious is underlying. In this case, contact your physician for an appointment immediately.
How to Get Better
The offending organism/virus may be present in nasal secretions for 1 week or even longer past the initial onset of the signs and symptoms. It is important for this reason alone to dispose of all Kleenex and tissue paper used to expel mucous, and to control handkerchiefs so they have no contact with anyone else. As mentioned earlier, patients treat the symptoms and suffer through the cold until it has run its course. There are several over-the-counter (OTC) medications available to the cold-afflicted person.
Analgesics: painkillers for aches, pains, and muscular soreness; some are also fever-reducers; these include Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Aspirin, and Ibuprofen (Motrin). Follow the instructions on the label. Generally they should be taken with food and water.
Antihistamines: these decrease the nasal secretions of mucous by blocking the actions of histamine. One example is Chlorpheniramine.
Cough Medicines: these fall into two general categories – 1. Expectorants: these increase the amount of phlegm and mucous production to make the cough more productive; the secretions gradually remove the organism. An example is Guaifenisin. 2. Antitussives: these reduce the coughing. Dextromethorphan is an example.
Decongestants: they shrink the blood vessels of the nasal passages and help to relieve edema (swelling) and the congestion. An example is Pseudeoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed), of which now you have to show your driver’s license to buy it OTC: government approval to insure you’re not using it to make Methamphetamines.
There are also some natural aids that can help in your supportive care and may aid in your recovery. Vitamin C is recommended by Dr. Balch to fight cold viruses, in amounts ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 mg daily.[4] Although citrus fruits and juices are rich in Vitamin C, you’ll have to find a reliable supplement to provide the amounts listed in the above recommendation.
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Eucalyptus oil can be found in your friendly neighborhood Wal-Mart and in your health food stores. The oil is useful in combating congestion. Place 5 drops in your bath, or 6 drops per cup of boiling water as a steam inhalant to loosen the congestion. Read any instructions on the label from the manufacturer.
Tea Tree oil can also be found in the aforementioned sources. The oil is helpful with sore throats. Place 3-6 drops in warm water and gargle with it up to 3 times per day, and remember: do not drink it. Spit it out. Follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s label, as different brands have different concentrations.
Garlic (Allium sativum) is (as usual) the all-around wonder herb. Garlic is effective in preventing the common cold, reducing recovery time, and reducing symptom duration.[5] The herb is available in capsule or tablet form in the aforementioned establishments, and as a solid or aqueous extract in your health food concerns. Daily dosage is 4 grams of fresh garlic per day. A clove can be consumed 1-2 times per day, or up to 8 mg essential oil.[6]
Influenza
Influenza is another virus to worry about during the colder months. It has plagued man throughout the ages and is only now in the “infancy stages” of being understood, especially in function. The disease (seasonal) is described as being an acute, contagious, respiratory infection with fever, headache, and cough, originating with a virus (influenza A, in 65% of cases, or influenza B, in 35% of cases). Incubation is usually 1-3 days with the illness running its course in about a week. There are more than 400 types of viruses. Current antiviral medications include amantadine and rimantadine.
Over-the-counter medications are for treatment of symptoms while the body is fighting the infection and recovering. Such medications are guaifenisin (an expectorant),acetaminophen (fever and pain), and robitussin (cough), among others. We are all undoubtedly familiar with them. So how do viruses work? What are they? Let us explore some basics to better understand them.
