Can Over-the-Counter Products Like Cough Syrups and Decongestants Really Reduce the Intensity of a Cold?

iVillage.com: What Works and What Doesn't: The Verdict on Cold Remedies

Contrary to popular belief, over the counter (OTC) products cannot treat or cure the virus causing a cold. Still, many of these formulations can help you feel a bit better by lessening the intensity of some uncomfortable cold symptoms (like coughing or sneezing). My advice: Target products to treat your specific symptoms. For instance, don’t choose a multi-symptom product for cough, cold, and fever, if all you’re suffering from is a stuffy nose. Why? The extra medication in some products can make you feel needlessly drowsy or nervous -- depending upon their list of ingredients. Consumers should also scan the labels of all OTC meds before taking multiple products, since some duplication of ingredients like acetaminophen are often present in more than one cold product and this may lead to exceeding the recommended dosage.

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Can Chicken Soup...

This old wives' tale turns out to be true, say scientists from the University of Nebraska. Why? While all warm liquids can help relieve cold symptoms by loosening sticky mucus deposits, chicken soup is also filled with specific anti-inflammatory compounds that have been shown to fight viral infections like the common cold. More good news: You don’t have to make a homemade mix to reap its sickness-busting benefits. This study found equally effective anti-viral actions of chicken soup, whether it was a homemade recipe or commercial brands. As for dosage: Experts say a bowl or two a day did the trick. So slurp away.

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Should You Reall...

Sorry, but there’s no scientific data to support either statement. Your best bet to kicking a cold or flu: Drink plenty of fluids to replace liquids lost from sweating (your body’s natural way to lower your body temperature when you have a fever and flush out toxins). Not sure how much to sip? Let your thirst be your guide. You’ll know you've sipped enough when your urine color is pale yellow, a sign of solid hydration. And be sure to nab plenty of rest (at least 8 to 10 hours each night as well as a nap or two) since sleep has also been shown to spur a smoother recovery.

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Can Bundling Up ...

Staying indoors when the temperature drops won't help -- in fact, it may make you more susceptible to catching a cold. While cold weather appears to produce more colds, experts say it’s really the surrounding environment that support ills. The reason: Colds are caused by viruses. And when it’s cold outside, more people remain indoors in confined, stale-aired spaces, making it easier to spread sickness-causing germs than it is outdoors. Viruses also tend to sail more smoothly through dry air -- a common occurence during cold weather when we crank our indoor heat. While you can’t avoid being indoors in cold weather, one way to fight viral exposure is with frequent hand washing. You should also make an effort to keep your hands away from your nose and mouth where viruses can easily multiply and spread.

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Will Stress Reli...

Yes and no. The truth is, when it comes to colds, scientists say not all stress is created equal. For instance, experts at Carnegie Mellon University recently found that everyday stressors (the little annoyances of daily life like waiting for a train, or simply working too hard with ambitious multitasking) do not increase an individual’s odds of catching a cold. However, severe stress like the loss of a job or a divorce, have been shown to make a person more susceptible to sickness. Time also plays a part in the process. For instance, experts say the longer the period of stress, the higher the risk of ills. While no formal explanations have been currently established, experts believe the body’s stress hormone, cortisol, may monkey with our immune systems, weakening its natural sickness-fighting response to viral infections.

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Can Vitamin C or...

While there’s been a lot of interest in the role of vitamin C and Echinacea in cold recovery, repeated studies have not shown any clear association between their intake and a speedier recovery. What’s more, Echinacea products can be problematic since these items are not currently regulated by the FDA. This situation has sometimes spurred questions of both safety and purity; these include the possible presence of filler ingredients, or processing contaminants that might be damaging to health.

Slurping down vitamin C rich orange juice and other citrus fruits while you’re sick won’t hurt, but experts say it isn’t a cure-all either. In fact, downing high doses of vitamin C (in products like supplements) can actually be a risky move since hefty amounts of the mineral (above 2000 mg a day) can spur an upset stomach and may actually interfere with the absorption of other health-enhancing vitamins and minerals, setting back a smooth recovery.

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Do Cold-Preventi...

Step into any supermarket and you'll see them: A slew of products that claim to prevent colds. However, there are currently no documented studies that have found any of these products to be effective. That said, some products that contain zinc, like Zicam, have been shown to shorten the duration of illness, but only when taken right at the onset of a cold (the first day or two that you experience symptoms). My advice: Since many of these picks contain extra-concentrated levels of vitamins and minerals, always check with your doctor before taking any product.

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Can Antibiotics ...

Antibiotics are effective in fighting bacterial infections, not viral infections. The common cold is caused by a virus, so an antibiotic will not be effective. Translation: You won’t get better faster by taking them. That said, sometimes colds can set the stage for individuals to develop secondary infections like a sinus infection or ear infection -- and when these circumstances occur, an antibiotic is an effective and appropriate treatment. However, downing pills on the fly to treat only a common cold can result in antibiotic resistance (meaning that your body becomes accustomed to the medication resulting in an inability to fight off a bacterial infection when truly needed). Always check with your doctor before taking any antibiotic.

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Can Over-the-Cou...

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Should I Call My...

Fact: Most people really don’t need to call their healthcare provider when they’re suffering from a cold. But there are exceptions. Here are five red flags that do warrant a ring to your doctor:
1. The over-the-counter products you’ve bought to help you feel better aren’t soothing your symptoms. (You might need a more potent, doctor-approved prescription.)
2. You’re experiencing a severe sore throat along with fever. This symptom set can indicate strep throat, a bacterial infection that must be investigated and treated by a doctor.
3. You've had a painful earache for days. This could be secondary bacterial infection in your Eustachian tubes, connecting your ear to your throat.
4. You’re suffering from chest tightness and experiencing difficulty taking deep breaths, which can indicate bronchitis, a bacterial infection that requires prescription medication.
5. You have facial or tooth pain and greenish nasal discharge, all of which can be signs of a sinus infection.

My advice: Let the severity of your symptoms be your guide. A typical cold lasts five to 10 days, so if you’re experiencing any uncomfortable issues beyond this time, it’s time to consult your doctor.

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