Better Health & Living
Hot News about Treating Colds
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Warm, fuzzy socks and a bowl of chicken soup won’t see you through every case of the sniffles. Experts estimate that 1 in 20 colds develop complications—morphing into a sinus infection; a bout of bronchitis; an ear infection (even in adults); or a lingering cough, postnasal drip, or sore throat.
The solution? Don’t ask for antibiotics: A growing stack of research says that most post-cold infections are viral and won’t respond to bacteria-fighting meds. Your best bet? Harness the latest research on the real cause of complications: Congestion and trapped mucus that becomes a breeding ground for infection.
“Don’t wait for a cold to get worse before you take action. Start treatments aimed at congestion as soon as you’ve got a scratchy throat, a runny nose, and/or sneezing, which are the first signs of a cold,” says pioneering cold researcher Jack M. Gwaltney Jr., MD, professor emeritus in the department of internal medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. “That’s when congestion and excess mucus production begin.” Here’s what you need to know in order to keep your next cold short.
Shouldn’t I focus on bolstering my immunity during a cold to help my body fight off the virus?
You should bolster your immunity all the time, not just when you have a cold. To do that, get plenty of sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. (Skip extremely vigorous exercise early in a cold, though, as it can temporarily lower immunity; take a walk instead of training for that triathlon!) Unfortunately, as research shows, the cold symptoms that bother us the most are the side effects of the immune system’s battle against cold viruses. After the viruses attack, immune-system compounds make blood vessels in your nose swell, boost mucus production; and slow the action of tiny hairs that normally sweep mucus, germs, and dust out of your nasal passages, sinuses, airways, and even your Eustachian tube (which leads to your ears).
Could I become addicted to decongestant sprays?
For many people, using a decongestant spray as directed on the package for two to three days is an effective way to keep nasal passages and sinuses open at the start of a cold. But studies show that using one for more than three days raises the risk of “rebound congestion,” which means the blood vessels in your nasal passages start swelling sooner and sooner after each dose, so you’re tempted to use your spray more often. It’s not a true addiction, but it can leave you feeling hooked. The best strategy is to follow the package instructions and stop using the spray as soon as you notice that its effects are wearing off before it’s time for the next dose. That way, you get the benefits without the risks. (People over age 65 and those with heart conditions should talk with their doctors before using decongestant sprays.)
What, other than drugs, can I use to fight congestion?
Rinsing your nasal passages with saline is proven to reduce your chances for a sinus infection and can lower your odds of developing postnasal drip, a sore throat, and a lingering cough. People around the world have been doing this for thousands of years, and recently researchers confirmed that it really works. It thins thickened mucus; removes dried mucus that can block your nose; and rinses out viral particles and bacteria as well as dust, pollen, and irritating immune-system compounds.
You can make your own rinse by combining 1/2 teaspoon of uniodized salt (such as pickling or canning salt) and a pinch of baking soda with eight ounces of warm water. Put it into a neti pot (available at health food stores) or a large, clean bulb syringe. Lean over a sink, tilt your head sideways, and gently pour or squeeze the solution into the upper nostril. It will run down into your mouth, so spit it out. Switch sides. Gently blow your nose, then repeat until you’ve used all of the solution.
My husband and I disagree about the “best” way to blow your nose. Does it matter?
Yes. Full-force honking during a cold could raise your risk of a sinus infection for two reasons. First, my studies show that it can propel globs of virus-laden mucus further back into your sinuses. Second, studies show that vigorous nose-blowing triggers “reflex nasal congestion,” meaning that your nasal passages swell temporarily. The same thing happens after you sneeze: The passages swell to prevent the icky stuff you just expelled from getting back inside. Keep that up all day, and you compound your congestion problem. The best way to blow? Holding a tissue over your nose, close one nostril and gently blow the other side for three to five seconds, then switch sides. It may take several blows to clear your nose, but it works.
I always seem to get bronchitis after a cold in midwinter when we have our woodstove going 24/7. Is there a link?
Yes. According to the EPA, inhaling the microscopic particles in wood smoke triggers about 20,000 cases of acute bronchitis a year. These particles can be especially irritating if you’re already fighting a cold, because a viral infection slows the action of the tiny, hair-like cilia in your lungs that normally whisk out mucus and bits of debris. Irritants spend more time in your lungs and can trigger swelling and more mucus production. If you use a woodstove for heat, be sure it’s well sealed and burns efficiently. Breathing warm steam in a shower or from a sink filled with hot water can help thin the mucus in your lungs for an easier exit.
By Susan Flagg Godbey and the editors of Better Health & Living®
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