# I Have a Cold. Medications? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 18, 2014, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584 "2014-12-18T17:01:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2014, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/21 "2014-12-19T17:06:16Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > For congestion, I like a steam with eucalyptus and grapefruit essential oils. Big bowl of steaming water, drop in some essential oils, put a big bath towel over the bowl and your head under the towel. Stay under there 10-20 minutes or as long as you can stand it. > > This is essentially a big warm version of the saline with menthol, only with eucalyptus (which many of the saline with menthols also have) and grapefruit, which I think are simultaneously gentler and more effective. Yes, the Olbas stuff I suggested has menthol with eucalyptus . ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2014, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/22 "2014-12-19T17:17:56Z")
> [@GrumpyBunny](#): > > Zicam is worthless because it’s homeopathy. > > The best you can do with a cold is take pseudoephedrine, use Afrin to get thru the worst couple of days of stuffiness, then come off the Afrin by using a saline nasal spray. The sprays with menthol are extra-effective. Drink lots of water and eat chicken soup. Use a humidifier. Ibuprofin works fine if you need it for fever and are a grown-up. I’ve found Afrin to be quite effective, even more so than pseudoephedrine. I personally like the Advil Cold and Sinus preparation because 1) I usually have a headache too and 2) It has less pseudoephedrine than most other pseudoephedrine preparations. I’ve found that too much pseudoephedrine causes nosebleeds. The Advil stuff doesn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2014, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/23 "2014-12-19T19:06:58Z")
I have a friend who has sworn by Chinese Hot and Sour soup for congestion for years. I usually rolled my eyes, but recently I had a cold, and happened to be eating at a Chinese restaurant so I tried it. WOW. It really does help, and tastes good, too. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2014, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/24 "2014-12-19T19:39:14Z")
Drink plenty of clear fluids. ---
**Author:** ![misling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3ab097/32.png) [@misling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/misling)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2014, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/25 "2014-12-19T19:42:21Z")
Yeah, some spicy food can clear your sinuses temporarily. When my allergies were worst and I was running like a faucet, I used to go to a thai restaurant near me and eat garlic chicken, thai hot. Then I could breathe for an hour. Luckily, allergy meds have improved since then and I don’t need to do that any more. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2014, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/26 "2014-12-20T01:39:15Z")
> [@Sattua](#): > > Nyquil, for sleeping, can get you some solid rest, which does wonders to help me get over a cold faster. Just don’t take more than one dose per night… Nyquil started making me itch and making my legs all twitchy a few years ago, which is NOT restful, so I’ve stopped using it. > [@GrumpyBunny](#): > > Pseudoephedrine (regular sudafed, the kind you need ID for) dries my nose right up. YMMV. Works fine for me, though. Although if I take it constantly for a few days I start getting irritable. > [@](#): > > Hope your cold goes away quickly. Sorry you can’t take time off for this, retail sucks for that. ☹ Yeah, everyone at work is sneezing and hacking. Joy! > [@Helena330](#): > > I have a friend who has sworn by Chinese Hot and Sour soup for congestion for years. I usually rolled my eyes, but recently I had a cold, and happened to be eating at a Chinese restaurant so I tried it. WOW. It really does help, and tastes good, too. Yes, that DOES work! > [@Ambivalid](#): > > Drink plenty of clear fluids. Yes, dad. I have been. Of course, that means I wind up peeing more often but I can deal with that. So, here’s the routine: Morning, I take a pseudoephedrine, an ibruprofen, and a snort of Afrin (actually, the housebrand generic version) Mid-day, more pseudoephedrine and acetaminophen. Evening, another pseudoephedrine and 12.5 mg of diphenhydramine (half a tablet). Also a shot of albuterol because I was feeling a bit tight in the chest. Lots of fluids in the meanwhile. I can’t say I feel great, but it gets me through the day and I can breathe well enough to get some sleep. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2014, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/27 "2014-12-20T04:25:53Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Also checked with my-dad-the-pharmacist. I was going to suggest this. I mean the pharmacist part. I wasn’t going to assume you had a dad-the-pharmacist, although that could be fairly convenient. Anyway…a few times I’ve had a kinda nasty cold and needed to mask symptoms for something important for a day or so, I’ve gone to my pharmacist and asked for advice. They know the OTC stuff too, and have helped me pick out something that dealt with my symptoms, and didn’t give me unwanted side effects. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2014, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/28 "2014-12-20T04:48:50Z")
I have a cold this week, too! Yay! I’m a no-fuss cold treater wherever I can help it. Meaning all the stuff that works great while you’re doing it, I tend not to do even though they can be refreshing or relieving for the time I’m doing them (like steam treatments and eating spicy foods, I find them great at the time but not long enough effects for the efforts). So I take a 12-hour pseudoephedrine before work, Afrin only if I’m so stuffy or runny that the sudafed isn’t enough (it usually is - I used Afrin more often when I had a front-desk with the public, or barista job, none in the house right now). And that’s the only dose of that I take for the day. At night before bed I take 50mg of benadryl (that’s 2 tabs) to make me sleepy and the antihistamine clears my runny nose/itchy eyes pretty well for sleeping. So I go to bed early and sleep like a rock for at least 6 hours (the time it takes for the benadryl to wear off), and then can usually turn over and get another 2-3. I feel like the sleep really does me a lot of good. I also try to stay mildly active even if I’m off work, go for a brisk walk or make myself go shopping, still get my 10,000 steps in. It breaks up my day and I feel less blah even though I don’t feel good. At my desk job (that I’m at Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri) I make a hot-pot’s worth of green tea, steeped together with a couple other antioxidant-laden teas, one a berry and one lemon-ginger. I drink that throughout my shift probably a quart, 1.5 quarts tops. It does nothing more than give a tiny caffeine boost plus just helps me drink more fluids, but it’s tasty and warm and helps if I have a cough. My cold started Monday and I’m feeling better. Hoping it’s gone in a few more days, I’d like to not have to wear a mask at Christmas where my dad and his new kidney will be! Hope you’re feeling better too, **Broomstick**! ---
**Author:** ![Lubricious\_Integument](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/82dd89/32.png) [@Lubricious\_Integument](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lubricious_Integument)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2014, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/29 "2014-12-20T05:05:19Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Yep, read the back of the house-brand Afrin box and it does say “use no more than 3 days”. Also checked with my-dad-the-pharmacist. He says OK for a few days, not longer. Since you know a pharmacist why are you asking the dope for drug advice? ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2014, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/30 "2014-12-20T06:45:19Z")
Because sometimes people have a suggestion (like a neti pot a few years ago) that I haven’t heard of before and try out, or I haven’t used but they say it worked for them. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2014, 8:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/31 "2014-12-20T08:13:20Z")
I have a pharmacist uncle who I can ask, too. And I do. But he’s just one guy. A lot of useful information can be had here, that my uncle may overlook! ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2014, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/32 "2014-12-20T12:22:16Z")
Sometimes I feel like the only person on the planet for whom pseudoephedrine does absolutely nothing. I’m glad it works for so many people, but…wah. I’ll just go sit in a corner feeling sorry for myself and sniff these leaves… ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2014, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/33 "2014-12-20T13:30:29Z")
…mmm… leaves… _:::sniiiiifffffffff:::_ ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2014, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/34 "2014-12-20T14:23:38Z")
I have a terrible cold right now, too. I tried the zinc lozenges but to no end. I took NyQuil before bed because my nose was running so much. I kind of hate to use it because I pay for it in the morning when I’m coughing up cardboard, but I’ve learned the hard way that if I let my nose run, it’ll turn into a terrible cough. Since it had settled in my throat, I gargled with mouthwash a few times to try and kill the virus. No idea if that does anything, but I figure it can’t hurt. Before bed, I took a long, steamy bath and then slathered my neck and chest with Vicks VapoRub. Oh, and I drank lemon tea as hot as I could stand it. Colds are the worst. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2014, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/35 "2014-12-20T21:14:18Z")
Buy a bunch of those little Limones (small round limes smaller than golf balls, they might be called Key Limes). Squeeze one or two of them in a cup of hot tea. Gulp it down. About ten times a day. Use an herb tea if you;re worried about caffeine. Sweeten if necessary with molasses or honey, if you can’t get piloncillos where you live/ ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2014, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/36 "2014-12-21T01:25:31Z")
The good news is that I seem to be over the worst of it. Didn’t need the nasal spray at all today, or the decongestant. I do have a cough, though. Which is another reason to avoid decongestants - coughing just gets harder if you dry everything out. Watching carefully for asthma flare ups, but so far dodging that bullet, too. Hoping to done with this in another day or two. Still getting extra rest and fluids. Been chowing down on grapefruit, pomegranates, grapes, and bananas. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2014, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/37 "2014-12-21T05:29:50Z")
> [@Helena330](#): > > I have a friend who has sworn by Chinese Hot and Sour soup for congestion for years. I usually rolled my eyes, but recently I had a cold, and happened to be eating at a Chinese restaurant so I tried it. WOW. It really does help, and tastes good, too. I swear by Vietnamese pho with lots of extra lime and chili sauce. Soooooo yummy. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2014, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/38 "2014-12-21T16:06:44Z")
Three things that WILL work, and quickly too! 1. Gargle three or more times a days with warm salt water, this will ease/prevent a sore throat. Within a day, most likely! 2. Use an aerosol saline nose spray. (Decongestants actually dry out your nasal passages, not actually helpful, but temporarily eases symptoms. What you want is for your sinus to be super moist and slippery, so as to aid the congestion draining away!) the saline will fight the infection. (Always sterilize the tip after use or you’ll just reinfect!) And, 1/2 - 2 ounces of Apple Cider Vinegar, taken twice a day, (shoot it back like a tequila shot, or mix with something syrupy and swallow!) Take it on a full stomach, and brush your teeth after (hard on tooth enamel). It will quite quickly clear your sinus, but the real effect is that it will thin the mucus in your nose, combined with the ‘super moist’ from the saline nasal spray, your body will naturally do the rest. You won’t have to take any drugs, pay for expensive over the counter items, and it will shorten the duration of your cold by almost a week if you stay with it for three days or so. But best of all, your body actually does the job, you’re just assisting it! And that’s always better for you than drugs! (I learned all of this from the surgeon who did my sinus surgery. And in ten years, this combination has never failed me!) ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/39 "2014-12-22T00:43:30Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > 1. Use an aerosol saline nose spray. (Decongestants actually dry out your nasal passages, not actually helpful, but temporarily eases symptoms. What you want is for your sinus to be super moist and slippery, so as to aid the congestion draining away!) the saline will fight the infection. (Always sterilize the tip after use or you’ll just reinfect!) Yeah, right, that’s going to be really popular at work as I hand customers their nasal mucus soaked change and receipt. That advice is not going to work for those of us who don’t get paid sick days, barely make enough to pay our bills anyway, and are expected not to gross people out at work. > [@](#): > > You won’t have to take any drugs, pay for expensive over the counter items, and it will shorten the duration of your cold by almost a week if you stay with it for three days or so. But best of all, your body actually does the job, you’re just assisting it! And that’s always better for you than drugs! OK, this is just woo-woo. NOTHING shortens the duration of a cold, which is 7-10 days, except maybe zinc lozenges, and that by two days at most. And you don’t think saline spray and cider vinegar cost money? Where do you get yours for free? ---
**Author:** ![AnaMen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@AnaMen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnaMen)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584/40 "2014-12-22T04:20:52Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > … > > And, 1/2 - 2 ounces of Apple Cider Vinegar, taken twice a day, (shoot it back like a tequila shot, or mix with something syrupy and swallow!) Take it on a full stomach, and brush your teeth after (hard on tooth enamel). > … No, do not brush your teeth after drenching them in acid. > **[Brushing your teeth: Does timing matter?](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/brushing-your-teeth/faq-20058193)** > > When should you brush your teeth? Learn how to protect your oral health. You should wait at least thirty minutes, or you are damaging them even more. Better, do not drink vinegar at all. But if you feel you must, rinse your mouth with water afterwards, don’t brush. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-medications/707584.md?page=3)