COMMON FLU

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system, including the nose, sinus, and bronchial tubes. Most of the cold viruses are rhinoviruses. Almost all colds clear up less than two weeks without any complication.The symptoms of cold and flu are mostly the same. These are fever, headache, muscle aches, extreme tiredness, dry cough, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhoea. However, cold is the minor infection of the nose and throat caused by different viruses. It may last for one week but some colds last longer. Colds spread when droplet of fluid which contains cold virus are transmitted by touch or by inhaling.Flu on another hand is an infection which affects the whole body and lungs and is caused by influenza virus.

Cold and Cough

There are four cold and cough medications normally used by practitioners.

1.Cough suppressant: They help from persistent annoying cough. They act to suppress the cough reflex in the throat and lungs so that mucous or irritation may not trigger coughing.

2.Anti-histamine: This medicine relieves an itchy and runny nose. The side effect is that they produce drowsiness.

3.Expectorant: When your child has thick chest congestion and he is unable to cough up expectorant is quiet beneficial. They loosen thick mucous, making it easier to cough up.

4.Nasal decongestants: They will clear nasal passages and help easy breathing through your nose.

Colds and Pregnancy

Pregnant women are more susceptible to cold than non pregnant women. This is because of the fact that immune system is less effective slightly during pregnancy. The body has to lower its defences to make sure that baby is not rejected.

Medication for colds in pregnancy

If you get cold during pregnancy do not take any medicine without practitioner. Most of the anti-histamines and cough syrups should not be used when a woman is pregnant unless instructed by practitioner as the fact is that are not tested in pregnant women and may have dangerous side effects for the baby. Many antibiotics are safe to take during pregnancy but few are not. If you are not sure, check with your doctor. The most important thing is to follow the instructions of your doctor and never use left over antibiotics from a past illness. Preventive measures are the same in both cases i.e. for pregnant and non pregnant women. Eating balanced diet, getting regular exercises and washing your hands frequently is a good strategy. If you are a smoker quit smoking for better results. Any how if you develop cold during pregnancy follow these tips and remedies which are beneficial.

Get extra rest, drink plenty of water, try saline nasal sprays or steam inhalation for congestion, eat well balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, use hot water honey and lemon to help throat irritation.