Help with a cold?

Question

I have come down with a cold, and wondered if anyone has any advice on stopping it goign to my chest?

I'm an asthmatic so I am desperate for it not to cause chest problems x

Answer 1

The expression going into the chest is a poor one used often by patients and now adopted by doctors.

Asthma has as I am sure you are aware a number of triggers. These include: cold air, exertion, emotion and there is a time variation, it is worst during the night and early morning. The strongest trigger for asthma however is undoubtedly viral illness. This causes the respiratory mucosa to loose its stability, producing irritability, (cough), brochospasm, (wheeze) and inflammation (mucus production, which is usually yellow or green). This last symptom causes the most confusion and results in the most mistreatment, it does not indicate that infection has entered the chest, but merely that the asthma is fully switched on!

Best to list what has no effect first:

Antibiotics- these are not relevant to asthma which is not an infective condition but an inflammatory one.

Anti-asthma syrups + B2 tablets ( usually Ventolin)- these are ineffective as large doses need to be given to have minimal effect on the lungs. Because of this they tend to produce palpitations and hyperactivity.

Cough mixtures- basically NONE of these are useful to anyone. ( possible exception codeine linctus as a cough suppressant in lung cancer). Cough suppressants are actually bad for asthmatics because that prevent the mucus being cleared from the lung, this stagnation increases secondary infection risk.

Steam / menthol inhalations. correctly discouraged for past 15 years by the Asthma Society. Probably makes things slightly worse!

What does help? Firstly having your regular asthma therapy tailored to your needs. If you exacerbation's of asthma with viruses are severe, frequent and prolonged your maintenance steroid may need to be increased long term.

If your disease is moderate to severe you should already be on an inhaled steroid/long acting B2 combination already, (Symbicort). Some patients get benefit from increasing this at the onset of a cold.

Don't be afraid to use your short acting B2 ( Ventolin) and if you are on MDI therapy ensure the nurse checks your technique regularly. If it is dubious you should be switched to dry powder,

If your exacerbation's are always severe some patent's treatment plans may even involve them starting oral steroids (prednisolone) on their own at home, at the onset of the cold and while arranging to see their GP.

There is a huge amount there, and it is a general summary of asthma management rather than instructions for you. All asthmatics need a personal treatment plan. Get yours from your own GP. If it isn't working ask for a referral to a chest physician.

Answer 2

Garlic yes I know, but its a natural antibiotic and really does work. Blanch it, crush it and mix with honey perhaps. Honey and lemon is also nice and soothing for the throat and extra boost of vit c. And dad swears by ginger tea (cut up and boil some root ginger). Have this before bed and you sweat the cold out over-night.

Get well soon!

Answer 3

Zinc is a wonderful over the counter supplement that can decrease the length of a cold. If it does start to go to your chest use mucinex.

Answer 4

There is no stopping it once its started. My hubbie says different though. He swears by Beechams powders/ capsules. Don't work for me though. As you are an asthmatic your Gp should be sympathetic.

Answer 5

Try a product like Vicks Vapor Rub, it always kept us from getting bronchitis.Echinacea is a good supplement to take also.

Answer 6

I always have Lemsips when I`ve got a cold, and yes, I do think they work.

Answer 7

try onion soup. One onion is need and warm water.