The doctor is in

Dr A K Bali,Consultant,Internal Medicine,Moolchand Medcity,replies:

Viral diseases are caused by viruses for which no specific treatment is available,except in rare cases.  Treatment for viral fever is symptomatic,which will include anti-viral drugs to keep the temperature under control and anti-allergic tablets to take care of the effect of the virus on the respiratory track. During season change,immunity decreases due to the constant change in the temperature. For the symptoms of a cold,take some simple steps like drinking plenty of fluids,avoiding acidic juices such as grapefruit juice that may irritate the throat,gargling with warm salt water,not smoking,getting plenty of rest and applying creams or Vaseline under the nose to prevent irritation from frequent nose-blowing.  Infant nasal aspirators are available for this purpose.

What type of medication should be taken for common cold and cough synonymous during season change?

Priya Kumar

Dr Verinder Anand,Senior Consultant,Internal Medicine,Moolchand Medcity,replies:

During season change,viruses become more active. The factors which increase the likelihood of catching cold include fatigue,overwork,emotional stress,poor nutrition,smoking,living or working in crowded conditions. There is no medicine for the common cold. Given time,the bodys immune system will make antibodies to fight the infection and the cold will get better on its own. Antibiotics have no effect on colds because they do not kill viruses. A very large number of medications are available to treat the symptoms of cold. They relieve sneezing,runny nose,itchy eyes and congestion,but also have side effects like dry mouth and drowsiness. People react differently to various cold medications; therefore each person needs to find the medication that works best for him or herself.

For fever and bodyache,Paracetamol is effective and safe. The effective-ness of medications can also change over time.

It should be noted that children sometimes react differently from adults to medication. Over-the-counter cold remedies should not be given to infants without consulting a doctor.One should take ample fluids to prevent weakness. People with heart disease,high blood pressure or glaucoma should not use decongestants. Aspirin should not be given to children below 14 years as it causes severe liver disease called Reyes Syndrome.