Authors: Lurdes Alonso, José Luis Ballvé, Eva Peguero and Josep Lluís LlorScientific Review: Josep Maria Cots and Ana RibatalladaEditorial committee: Roger Badia; Communications Committee

PATIENT INFORMATION SHEETS

For more information sheets, see our website: www.camfic.cat 12

2 010

Translation: Anna SalvadorIllustrations: Elvira Zarza

The common cold

How can we treat a cold?• Rest and use common sense to takecare of yourself (sleep more, eat right,avoid the cold).To relieve headache or fever, takingparacetamol can help as long as you arenot allergic to it.

• Antibiotics cannot cure an ordinarycold.

• If you are a smoker, you will be betteroff if you stop smoking for a few days, andyou can take advantage to definitely stopsmoking.

• Drink plenty of water and herbalinfusions.

• Inhaling steam will relieve nasalcongestion.

• Sugar free cough candies will easea scratchy throat.Avoid coughing or clearing your throat

except to get rid of phlegm. Coughingtickles the throat, worsening irritation andmaking you cough more.

• In order to breathe better at night andreduce dryness and coughing, place someraw onion on yournightstand.

• To limit the spread of colds,wash your handsfrequently and usedisposable tissues.

When to consult a doctor?You should consult a doctor if you sufferfrom a bronchial disease or run atemperature for more than 4 days or haveany other symptoms besides the onesdescribed.

phone consultations atThe Sanitat Respon health line provides

112, or you canphone your primary health carecenter (CAP).

People who suffer from asthma:If you catch a cold you should use aninhaler but you must not take aspirin oruse any products containing eucalyptusextracts.

The common cold is a mild illnesscaused by a virus. Symptoms includea blocked and/or runny nose,sneezing, sore throat, watery eyes,coughing and a headache. It generallybegins in the nose and throat andoccasionally affects the bronchialtubes. It usually goes away in a fewdays without need for treatment. Itis normal to have 2 to 5 colds a year. Little children have them more often.

We can catch fewer colds if we arewell-rested, do not smoke and learnto cope with stress. Vitamin C andechinacea help some people to fightcolds. There is no cold vaccine.