Best Over The Counter Medicine For Cold And Allergy
Cold and allergy are two common health issues that a lot of people experience at some point in their lives. Cold is caused by a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract and is characterized by symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, and fever. Allergy, on the other hand, is an immune system response to a foreign substance that is usually harmless to others. Allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rash.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are a common way to manage the symptoms of cold and allergy. These medicines can help relieve the discomfort associated with cold and allergy symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the best over the counter medicine for cold and allergy.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a common type of medicine used to treat allergies. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is a chemical released by the immune system in response to an allergen. Antihistamines can help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Some of the best antihistamines for allergy include:
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Nasal Decongestants
Nasal decongestants are another type of OTC medicine that can be used to treat cold and allergy symptoms. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which helps reduce inflammation and congestion.
Some of the best nasal decongestants for cold and allergy include:
- Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
- Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants are medicines that can help relieve coughing associated with cold and allergy. They work by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain.
Some of the best cough suppressants for cold and allergy include:
- Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM)
- Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Pain Relievers
Pain relievers are medicines that can help relieve pain and fever associated with cold and allergy. They work by blocking the production of a chemical called prostaglandins, which is responsible for causing pain and fever.
Some of the best pain relievers for cold and allergy include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
Conclusion
Over-the-counter medicines can help relieve the symptoms of cold and allergy. There are many different types of OTC medicines available, including antihistamines, nasal decongestants, cough suppressants, and pain relievers. It is important to choose the right medicine for your specific symptoms and to follow the instructions on the label carefully. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek medical attention.
