When do you need to take a antihistimine product/versus a decongestant product...when you feel a cold coming?

Answer 1

When you feel a cold coming on, at the first tickle of it take Echinacea. It is natural, from a pretty flower, and does the trick for me everytime.

The only people I came across that said it didnt work for them, dont take enough when I asked them about it.

I have a bottle of Spring Valley from Walmart. You can get them in any vitamin section. THe dosage is 1140mg each. It says take 2 to 3 tablets 2 to 3 times a day. Do that! It works!!

Dont take it all the time, only when you want to boost your immune system.

Answer 2

An antihistamine controls the histamine released when something irritates you. It does help control some cold symptoms such as sneezing and itchy, watery eyes and throat. The decongestant relieves swollen nasal passages to let more air flow and to help with the flow of mucus. That is why most cold remedies package both products together. Many also include other products you may not need such as acetaminophen (commonly called Tylenol) and a cough suppressant. You can purchase products that only contain what you need. I prefer to purchase each individual so I can take only what I need. Excessive use of any drug can have harmful side effects- even Tylenol, which if taken in excess can cause kidney failure.

Be careful with echinacea if you have seasonal allergies to plants. You can set off an allergic reaction if you use it and are allergic to the flower.

Some people also recommend boosting your intake of vitamin C, however, more recent research does not support it's use. Some people do get what they feel are shorter symptoms, but it may be from a placebo effect.

One product that does show some benefit is zinc. It can shorten the length of a cold by as much as half if taken at the beginning of your symptoms.

Hope you feel better.

Answer 3

I take antihistamines when I have a post nasal drip, when you feel that yucky stuff down the back of your throat. It dries up your mucus. Beware though, they will make you drowsy.
I only take decongestants when I have a severely stuffy nose. This loosens any mucus that is blocking your sinuses.

Answer 4

Antihistamines are usually used when allergy is suspected so would not do much good for a cold. Try decongestants, but in moderation!

Answer 5

they both just treat the symptoms of the cold....and therefore probably extend it....get your immune system going ...vit c....zink... chicken soup .....keep warm.......and fight those viruses