Aska Health Professional Paul Farley PharmD & Owner M-F: 9a-6p Sat:9a-lp.(715) 582-0898 960 Frontage Road Peshtigo, Wi Queston: houohat aldaid take A: im I have a cold... We are once again in Many colds are also accompa the heart ofcolnied by a runny nose and possi season here in the bly nasal congestion. The previ * Midwest. There are ously mentioned antihistamines options that it can be difficult as drying up the what is the best choice for his or rine are typically the most effec- her particular situation. Your doctor can help you determine if d so man decon rson to know tants containing tive, but can potentially increase the illness is related to a bacterial infection (which can be treated from behind the with prescription antibiotics) or macy counter if it is more fi is slightly less effective but may be purchased off the shelf. There fungal infection (which are typ. ically not t ral or anti fungal prescriptions are useful in treating nasal con unless very severe). Many cases gestion as Steroid nasal are not bacterial infections, and then your doctor or pharma the nasal passages and can help with antivi- are a variety of nasal sprays that decrease inflammation in you select over the reduce both congestion and a counter medications to help alle- viate the Nasal sprays con runny nose. body's immune system works toeffective at reducing congestion ward off the illness. Not all cold ut they may cause the conges medications are the same, and tionsW tion to come back even worse started if they are used for effective for specific symptomsnger than three days. A saline that you might be experiencing nasal rinse can help remove irri- One of the most common symp- tants from the nasal passages toms of a cold is coughing If decreasing nasal symptoms as the cough is a dry or hacking well. cough, medications containing the cough suppressant dextro- Another common symptom of a methor tive. If the cough is accompa- is caused by post-nasal drip, so may be most effec- cold is a sore throat. Often this nied by congestion in the chest once again an antihistamine a medication containing guai acetaminophen ibuprofen fenesin will help make the mucus also help reduce p. Throat thinner and easier to bring u nd lozenges can also help relieve pain and numb the bothersome, it may be better in that case to allow the coughin to pull the mucus up out of chest As you can see, there are many In some cases, coughing may options available, and choos- the right one can be diffi Antihistamines dine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, or as lorata discussed above can be bought in some combination to treat ydramine (just to name a few) can help minimize the mü drainage. Some antihistamines macist can help check for drug can cause drowsiness as well as interactions and make sure your drying out mucus membranes, choice treats the symptoms you so it's a good idea to determine are experiencing. If you have a what side effects you are wig cold and need some help, stop to put up with when treating Hometown Pharmacy and we be happy to help you out!