Upton Group Practice

Colds

 The common cold usually starts with a hot feeling in the back of the nose and sometimes a dry throat.  The patient feels generally unwell and achy.  After a day or two the nose starts running with clear liquid and after three or four days with a thick yellow discharge.

 There may be a slight temperature of 37.5 - 38°C or 99 - 100°F and the whole illness lasts seven to ten days.

 In summer, Hay Fever caused by pollen in the air may create similar symptoms - with the addition of sneezing and sore, itchy eyes.

There is no magic cure for the common cold.  But simple household remedies can relieve the discomfort.

Treatment for Adults:

Aspirin: two tablets of Soluble Aspirin or Paracetamol taken every four hours.  If the throat is sore, dissolve the Aspirin in warm water and gargle before swallowing.

 Drinks: If there is a temperature, drink plenty.  As long as plenty of fluid is taken it does not matter if the patient has no appetite for a day or two.

Steam: The thick yellow discharge from the nose can be relieved by inhaling steam.  Add a teaspoon of vapour rub or one or two menthol crystals to a pint of hot (not boiling) water in a bowl.  Trap the steam with a towel over the patient’s head and the bowl.  Inhale for ten minutes.  Repeat this procedure three times a day.

 Treatment for children and babies:

Children often have repeated colds.  During these the child gradually builds up a resistance to infection which will stand it in good stead in later life.

Children and babies with colds may be troubled by coughing when laid down at night.

This cough is caused by the nasal discharge running down the back of the throat.  It should NOT be suppressed by cough mixture as the cough helps keep the discharge off the chest.

A baby should be laid on its side.  An older child may be more comfortable if sat upright with an extra pillow.  If the cough is very bad rub a little vapour rub on the chest.

For children over one year old, two drops of ‘Ephedrine’ nose drops in each nostril before the child goes to bed will also help.  Drops should never be used for more than four days in succession.

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Last modified: 15/09/2005