Ashley Canter discusses usage of an over-the-counter cold remedy with W.O. Green at the G&O Pharmacy in Paducah.

With cooler weather comes a familiar cause of misery for people, the common cold. Some foods and supplements can help a body resist a cold, while some over-the-counter medicines can make it easier to endure.

Pam Wright, a pharmacist at Mayfield’s Apothecary Shoppe said some herbs billed as immune boosters, like echinacea, have unproven records.

“Some people feel like it helps, but what the (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) says is a different thing,” Wright said. “It has been popular but most studies show no improvement.”

Wright said zinc lozenges and sublingual tablets can boost immunity.

For treating symptoms, Wright suggest pseudoephedrine — a decongestant she calls “the most effective,” guaifenesin for chest congestion.

“Nothing much will shorten a cold, but take plenty of liquids and take something for symptoms,” Wright said.

Items like neti pots can irrigate and flush sinuses. Wright advised against the use of nasal sprays beyond three days. She said these sprays could cause an increased level of secretions and congestion when use is discontinued.

Pat Scott is a registered nurse and emergency director at Western Baptist Hospital. She said a number of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals or homeopathic remedies are available for cold sufferers.

“People advocate a lot of different things,” Scott said. If you find something that works for you, use it. Not everything works for everyone, and a cold has to run its course.”

Scott added people with colds should see a doctor or come to the emergency room if they have a high fever that can’t be controlled, difficulty breathing, continual vomiting, an unusual skin color, chest pain or a change in mental state.

Children up to age 12 suffering from colds or other viral infection should not be treated with aspirin products. Scott said this can cause Reye Syndrome, a condition causing brain damage and swelling of the liver. She said products with acetaminophen and ibuprophen are appropriate to control fever and aches in any age.

Scott said there was no truth to the axiom, “starve a fever, but feed a cold.” She added fever is best controlled with a light cover to allow sweat to evaporate from skin, though many patients preferred a heavier cover for comfort. The popular northern European sauna is also not advised, as the heat can cause dizziness.

“You can’t really tell a cold from an allergy unless your symptoms are relieved with allergy medicine,” Scott said. “Even different color mucus secretions could mean that you are having sinus congestion.”

Registered Dietitian Amber Hayes of Lourdes hospital said different foods can help one avoid a cold.“There’s always the golden rule mom taught.

Eat foods like oranges or grapefruits that are rich in vitamin C,” Hayes said. “It’s an immune builder, and will help you fight off a cold.”

Hayes said zinc did provide some benefit to boost immunity, suggesting foods like eggs, liver, fish, shellfish and other seafood. Through dietary sources, it would be hard to build zinc to a toxic level, Hayes added. Both vitamin C and zinc are water soluble. She suggested consulting a doctor or pharmacist before increasing vitamin C dosage, as many citrus items counteract medication.

Hayes suggested a diet rich in protein to help maintain energy levels during a cold.

“There is a lot of truth to chicken soup,” said Hayes. “It helps with hydration it is chock full of vitamins with carrots and a lot of other good things.”

Hayes said teas with honey and lemon provided steam for sinuses, lemon for vitamin C, anti-oxidants and honey for a pleasing flavor.

“We need foods. They are doing jobs in our bodies. It doesn’t have to be large. Just take small bites,” Hayes said. “Our taste buds may be off, but it is important to eat when sick.”

To keep immunities up, Hayes advises dressing appropriately for cool weather. While the cold weather will not cause a cold, it could weaken immunities.

“Stay away from sick people, and wash your hands well,” Scott said. “If you get sick, treat your symptoms. Take care of yourself until it eventually goes away. Colds last about one week.”

Scott added that people should cover sneezes or coughs with a tissue and promptly discard it, or cough into a sleeve. Paper tissues do not transport cold viruses as easily as handkerchiefs given their disposable nature.

Hayes said handwashing was preferable to sanitizer, as some viruses were not killed with sanitizing gel.

Contact Alan Reed, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8658.