FOR HEAD CONGESTION, EAR CONGESTION, AND RUNNY NOSE

Cold viruses attack the lining of the nasal passages causing swelling and increasing mucus production. This results in nasal congestion or stuffiness, and a runny nose. Clogged nasal passages interfere with normal breathing and can also affect your sense of taste and smell. Sometimes the channel (Eustachian tube) to the ear also becomes congested or clogged by mucus, creating pressure or discomfort in the inner ear.

NATURAL TREATMENT AND COMFORT MEASURES

• FLUIDS. Drink double or triple the amount of your usually daily intake. Fluids help your body keep the mucus thinner and can help prevent complications like ear infection or bronchitis.

• AROMATIC, HERBAL TEAS, OR SPICY SOUPS can help clear your sinuses. Chicken soup, bouillon, or any salty liquid can help relieve the dizzy feeling that sometimes occurs with head congestion symptoms.

• STEAM INHALATION from a tea kettle, a pan of water, vaporizer, or hot shower can liquefy and loosen thick mucus and open your sinus passages. Do this for 10 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day.

MEDICATIONS: Always read the product information, recommended dosage and warnings on the package before taking any medication.

• PSEUDOVAL (like sudafed; pseudoephedrine) is an effective decongestant. It works by shrinking blood vessels and swollen membranes in the nasal passages and thus relieves congestion and makes breathing easier. It does not stop a runny nose. It will not make you drowsy because it does not contain antihistamine.

  Adult dosage: 1or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours

  Warning: Decongestants may cause nervousness, dizziness, and insomnia. Do not take at bedtime. Do not use if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or thyroid disease, prostate problem, or glaucoma, unless you have checked with your physician. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing a baby; seek the advice of your doctor.

  Drug interaction precaution: Do not use this product if you are taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you are uncertain whether your prescription drug contains an MAOI, consult a health professional before using this product.

• MEDICIDIN-D contains acetaminophen, to reduce fever and discomfort. It also contains a decongestant and an antihistamine. The decongestant helps relieve nasal and ear congestion and makes breathing easier. The antihistamine seems to be effective in relieving runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and other allergy-like symptoms which accompany a headcold. Antihistamines are thought to reduce the reaction of the local tissues to the virus.

  Adult Dosage: 2 tablets every 4 hours.

  Warning: May cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or taking alcoholic beverages when using this medication. Also, same warnings as for Pseudoval and Acetaminophen.

• NASAL SPRAYS are effective decongestants but can be habit forming and cause worse problems if overused or if used habitually. The rebound congestion which may result may be worse than the congestion it was used to relieve. For this reason, nasal sprays are not available from the Self-Care Center for Colds.

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