Cold Medicine For Runny Nose And Watery Eyes
Cold and flu season is upon us, and with it comes a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including runny nose and watery eyes. These symptoms can be not only uncomfortable but also disruptive to your daily routine. Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter cold medicines available that can help alleviate these symptoms and get you back to feeling like yourself again. In this article, we will discuss the best cold medicines for runny nose and watery eyes.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a type of medication that are commonly used to treat allergies, but they can also be effective in treating runny nose and watery eyes caused by a cold or flu. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical that is released by your body in response to an allergen or infection. This helps to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
Some common antihistamines that are effective for treating cold symptoms include:
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Claritin (loratadine)
- Allegra (fexofenadine)
Decongestants
Decongestants are another type of medication that can be effective for treating runny nose and watery eyes caused by a cold or flu. Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which helps to reduce swelling and congestion. This can make it easier to breathe and also help to relieve other symptoms such as a stuffy nose and sinus pressure.
Some common decongestants that are effective for treating cold symptoms include:
- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
- Afrin (oxymetazoline)
- Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine)
- Actifed (triprolidine and pseudoephedrine)
Combination Medicines
Many cold medicines on the market today are combination medications that contain both antihistamines and decongestants. These medications can be very effective in treating a variety of cold symptoms, including runny nose and watery eyes. Combination medications can also be more convenient to take than separate antihistamines and decongestants since they are a single pill or liquid.
Some common combination cold medicines that are effective for treating cold symptoms include:
- Dayquil Cold and Flu
- Nyquil Cold and Flu
- Theraflu Cold and Flu
- Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Flu
Home Remedies
If you prefer to avoid over-the-counter medications, there are also many home remedies that can help alleviate runny nose and watery eyes caused by a cold or flu. These remedies can be just as effective as medications for some people and may be gentler on your body.
Some home remedies that are effective for treating cold symptoms include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and herbal tea
- Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- Gargling with salt water to soothe a sore throat
- Taking a hot shower or bath to help relieve congestion
- Using a saline nasal spray to help clear nasal passages
- Getting plenty of rest to allow your body to heal
Conclusion
If you are suffering from a cold or flu and experiencing runny nose and watery eyes, there are many effective over-the-counter medications and home remedies available to help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants, combination medications, and home remedies can all be effective in reducing inflammation and congestion and getting you back to feeling like yourself again. Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication or home remedy, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any other medications.