Page 48 - Silver Lakes August Issue 2023

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

There are six major active ingredient categories related
to colds and flu symptom relief.

These are:
1. Analgesics – they relieve pain and discomfort.
2. Decongestants – they provide short-term relief for
a blocked or stuffy nose. They work by reducing the
swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which
helps to open up the airways. This relieves the feeling
of pressure and allows you to breathe more easily
through your nose.
3. Cough suppressants – they will help control a
persistent, dry cough by acting on the body’s cough
reflex. The cough reflex is the body’s way of getting
rid of secretions in the airways and lungs. However, in
some cases, coughing can be excessive and exacerbate
symptoms.
4. Mucoactive agents – they work best if you have a wet
cough and will help clear mucus or sputum from the
upper and lower airways, including the lungs, bronchi
and trachea. Mucoactives include expectorants,
mucolytics, mucoregulators and mucokinetics.
5. Bronchodilators – they relieve coughs by widening the
air passages, increasing the airflow.
6. Antihistamines – they block histamine and are
commonly used to treat allergy symptoms.

“Medications that treat more than one symptom, often
referred to as combination medicines, can also be taken
to relieve symptoms,” explains Marli. “For a sore throat
try sucking lozenges – most of them are pleasantly
flavoured and contain glycerine to lubricate the throat,
while others are medicated. Another option would be
throat sprays containing local anaesthetics and anti-
inflammatory ingredients.

“To relieve mild or moderate pain such as headaches, or
to reduce fevers, take paracetamol.

“When you’re down with a cold or flu, your body needs
plenty of rest and regular fluid intake. Keep in mind that
viruses cause colds and flu, therefore antibiotics won’t
work. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily promotes antibiotic
resistance, which makes bacterial infections harder to
treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria.”

Marli says having a basic understanding of the types of
ingredients contained in cold and flu medications can
help consumers make more informed choices. But, she
cautions, when in doubt ask your pharmacist or doctor
for advice.

46 | INTRAMUROS AUGUST 2023