Treatment Options

There are several self care measures people can try if they have a cold. These include resting and relaxing, staying warm, drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and eating a healthy balanced diet. Doing steam inhalation can also help to relieve congestion, although customers should be advised to take care to prevent any risk of scalding – sitting in a bathroom with a hot shower running is a safe option.

Complementary medicines (e.g. echinacea) and supplements (e.g. vitamin C) show little evidence to help a cold. Antibiotics are not recommended for colds as they treat bacterial rather than viral infections.

When anyone is buying cold products, it is vital to check the age of the patient, as well as other factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding and other health conditions or medicines being taken. Note that there are also restrictions on sales of products containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine – speak to your pharmacist for further information.

There are many cold remedies available, but most contain one or both of the following:

• Simple analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve aches and fever
• Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, to relieve a blocked nose.

Other ingredients may also be included, such as guaifenesin for a chesty cough.

There are several other products that can help ease various symptoms:

• Vapour rubs, applied to the chest and back, to ease breathing
• Gargles and lozenges to relieve sore throat
• Saline nasal drops or sprays to help relieve a blocked nose