Cough and cold in adults – Treatment varies with age and medical conditions. Overview of options for adults.

Overview of cough and cold in adults

The common cold and cough are viral infections. One of the thousands of viruses that can harm the nose, ears, and throat frequently causes colds and coughs. They are easily passed from one person to another through infected droplets from the lips and nose. Sneezes and coughs can also spread them. Most colds and coughs are brought on by viruses, and they often subside on their own after a week. If you get the common cold virus, medications won't be able to help them recover because they can only assist treat bacterial illnesses.     

Age: Impact of age on treatment options

As we age, our immune system is less able to protect us from infections than it was when we were younger. Cold and flu season is therefore an especially risky time of year for persons 65 and older. For older people, even an apparently light cold can be dangerous to their health. It may result in pneumonia, an acute infection that claims thousands of lives annually in the United States. In addition, a cold can make the symptoms of a chronic illness like asthma, COPD, or emphysema worse for several weeks after your cold symptoms have subsided.    

  Medical conditions: Considerations for individuals with existing conditions

Precautions for Cough Medicines

• Avoid using decongestants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if you have high blood pressure, diabetes etc. NSAIDs include drugs like naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil).
• Cough medications made specifically for those with high blood pressure (such Coricidin HBP) are one alternative. Guaifenesin (Mucinex) and dextromethorphan (Robitussin) may also be suggested by some healthcare professionals. But stay away from the “CF” and “D” versions of both drugs.
• Diabetic Tussin DM, Robitussin Sugar-free, Dye-free, Cough+Chest Congestion DM etc can be used by diabetics.
• Saline nasal spray is an acceptable treatment option if you have nasal congestion.
• It's also okay to use specific over-the-counter painkillers, including aspirin and acetaminophen.   

Over-the-counter remedies: Available options for self-treatment

Many over-the-counter drugs, including NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and acetaminophen), decongestants, and antihistamines, can relieve your symptoms momentarily. However, it's best to first discuss this with your doctor to find out what they advise. Natural home cures for the common cold include:    

  Prescription medications: Potential treatments prescribed by healthcare professionals

In contrast to over-the-counter medications, prescription cough medicine sometimes has stronger components.Decongestants, antibiotics, anti viral drugs, nasal sprays are employed to treat colds and coughs. Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are two essential components of cough treatment that frequently cooperate to reduce the symptoms of a cough. While dextromethorphan and guaifenesin sometimes combine to form a single drug, each component specifically addresses a different feature of your cough. Knowing what each ingredient accomplishes might therefore be useful when selecting a cough syrup.The following are some of the components found in prescription cough medications:

• BENZONATATE Tessalon Perles' main ingredient, benzonatate, is a non-narcotic cough suppressant. It works to halt coughing by numbing the stretch receptors in the lungs. Approximately 15 to 20 minutes after taking the drug, it begins to work, and relief may last up to 8 hours.
• CODEINE Opiate codeine is a component of various cough suppressants, such as Triacin C and Tuxarin ER. Recent studies indicate that it may not be as effective as originally believed, despite it being regarded as the gold standard in cough medications. Additionally, the hazards of habit formation could outweigh the advantages of cough suppression. As a restricted substance, this is not frequently used as a first-line cough syrup.
• HYDROCODONE Another opiate found in cough suppressants like FlowTuss and Hycofenix is hydrocodone. Due to the risk of addiction and overdose, the FDA amended their regulations in 2018 to only allow individuals 18 and older to use hydrocodone and codeine in cough remedies. This is a regulated cough medicine as well.     

Home remedies: Natural remedies to alleviate symptoms

• Chicken soup can reduce swelling, help you rehydrate, and possibly halt an infection.
• Tea with honey and lemon helps to ease throat discomfort
• To lessen nasal discomfort, consider installing a cool-mist humidifier in your house.
• Gargling with salt water can relieve throat and nasal congestion as well as help to release mucus.
• Using a vapor rub on your chest to lessen coughing and a runny nose.
• Keeping your head at a 45-degree angle when you sleep or rest will help prevent mucus from building up in your nasal cavities.     

Conclusion: Importance of seeking appropriate treatment based on age and medical conditions

It's crucial to remember there are no medications that can “cure” a cold if you're asking how to treat a typical cold at home. Instead, within a week or two, the majority of colds spontaneously pass their course and resolve. Symptoms may remain longer in elderly persons who are not in good health.Nevertheless, there are things you can do to ease your symptoms and improve your comfort level while fighting a virus. To start, make an effort to obtain as much rest as you can to help your body repair. This entails prioritizing sleep over social engagements and activity, if at all possible. If you smoke, try to stop or at least reduce your smoking until your symptoms subside.