Head Cold Medicine

Head cold or simply common cold is more often experienced at the time of season changes. During that period our body becomes vulnerable to a wide range of infections that cause cough, cold and fever. Common cold is contagious and is primarily a viral infection. There are ample varieties of head cold medicine available over the counter. However, home remedies are also effective if the infection is mild.

Before going deeper into the subject matter, let's study a bit of details about common cold. Head cold is genuinely caused by a group of viruses known as coronaviruses, rhinoviruses and influenza like viruses. The medical terminology for common cold is Acute Coryza or Acute Viral Nasopharyngitis. Common cold symptoms are associated with sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, sinus inflammation, fever, fatigue, headache, body ache, etc. All these symptoms are caused by viral attack of the respiratory tract. The sinus glands also get affected causing severe headaches. This is one of the most prominent head cold symptoms. People who smoke and drink regularly are more often susceptible to such type of infections. Medicines suggested by doctors are capable to completely eliminate its symptoms.

Head Cold Medication

Medicines available over the counter are actually antihistamines, decongestants, expectorants, cough suppressants and pain aids. The cure for common cold could be adopted in a plenty of ways. The allopathic drugs although give quick relief, might show some side effects in the long run. It's difficult to say which is the best over-the-counter medicine, because the effectiveness of the dose depends upon how well your body can absorb it and your body's response to the drug. Some common examples of antihistamines are Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Triaminic, etc. These syrups, being generic are available in the drug stores and limited dose is safe for adults and children alike. Doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotics when symptoms become severe and quick recovery is a must. Such antibiotics are also effective for cold and flu like symptoms.

Common cold treatment or head cold treatment for pregnant women should be based on the home remedies or on the natural cures. Head cold medicine for pregnant women should always be taken at the advice of doctors. Antibiotics and OTC drugs should never be consumed unless recommended by doctors. Doctors usually suggest intake of prenatal vitamins that enhance immunity and resistivity of body. You should always consult your physician before administering drugs to your children. Head cold syrups often contain mild amount of sedatives that might induce sleep and drowsiness. Over the counter head cold lozenges have a composition of zinc gluconate or zinc gluconate-glycine. Such tablets are safe for consumption, although not in excess.

Natural cures for head cold is absolutely safe for everyone. The simple things you can follow at home are based on drinking hot fluids, taking vapors and keeping your body clean. Drinking hot chicken soup is a wonderful way to alleviate yourself from the discomfort. Chicken soup is medically proven to have healing effects on common cold. Drink plenty of water and hot beverages during that period. Water flushes out the toxins from inside. Drinking chamomile, red clover and ginger tea relieve you from sore throat and headache. Gargling with saline water is the best way to get rid of throat inflammation. Echinacea is a herb known to possess antibiotic property and it helps to fight off the infection. You can also soak yourself in steam vapors of peppermint oil or chamomile oil. Include vitamins C and zinc in your diet to boost up your immune system. Head cold remedies are also associated with practicing cleanliness. You should always keep your body clean. Have steam bath when you have affected. Wash your hands with antiseptics before consuming foods.

The span of infection at the most lasts for 2 weeks. However, a head cold medicine should never be consumed every time you contract infection. You should always follow the home remedies first and then proceed to drugs if symptoms persist.