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When to Call the Doctor for a Cold |
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Symptoms last more than 10 days
Severe pain in face or forehead
Fever higher than 102 degrees F
Short of breath
Wheezing
Earache or drainage from the ear canal
Sore throat or cough that doesn't go away
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Types of Medication
- Analgesics. These medications relieve muscle aches and pains and reduce fever. Examples include acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen.
- Expectorants. These medications work by thinning mucus so that it can more easily be coughed up. An example is guaifenesin
- Antitussives. These medications work by quieting a cough. They are usually recommended for dry coughs where you are not producing mucus. An example is dextromethorphan.
- Decongestants. These medications can be administered either orally or by nasal spray. They shrink the nasal passages and reduce congestion. Examples are pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine.
Take these medications as directed by your physician or the over-the-counter (OTC) product's label. Read labels carefully, checking for limitations in the use of these medications, such as other preexisting medical conditions or other medications being taken. Check with your pharmacist about possible duplication of medications and drug interactions between several OTC medications or between OTC and prescription medications. Cold and cough over the counter remedies are not advised for children ages 6 and under unless upon the advice of the child's treating physician.
More on Viral Infections Quicker Cold Sore Relief?
In the Encyclopedia: Leukemias, acute
Adenovirus infections
Cough suppressants
Antiretroviral drugs
Antiviral drugs
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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