Colds

Cause: colds are viral illnesses mainly caused by rhinoviruses. A cold will usually develop within two to six days of exposure.

Signs and symptoms: A runny nose, sore or scratchy throat, low-grade fever, headache, sneezing, watering eyes, non-productive cough, and swollen lymph nodes are common symptoms. If the discharge from the nose is bad smelling and yellow or gray-green, there is probably a bacterial infection also.

Treatment:

Medical treatment is aimed at the symptoms of the cold by using pain relievers (never use aspirin with children or teens), nasal decongestants (but not for over three days), antihistamines, or cough suppressants.

Vitamin C and zinc have both been shown to help with colds. The herb Echinacea can also be helpful if taken at the first sign of a cold. Drink a lot of fluids and get a lot of rest. A cool mist vaporizer can help with congestion. Sometimes nasal irrigation with a salt water rinse will help, such as with a netti pot or the product SinuCleanse.

Prevention is the best treatment – use supplements that help build the immune system, such as vitamin C and A, zinc, an anti-oxidants, and eat a good diet low in refined sugars.