The common cold- A natural guide to prevention and treatment Evidence-Base Practice in Clinical Care. Patricia Dusty Lynn. Capella University

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1 The common cold- A natural guide to prevention and treatment Evidence-Base Practice in Clinical Care Patricia Dusty Lynn Capella University Orientation to Baccalaureate Nursing BSN-FP 4001 Professor Raffaele March 08, 2017

2 Viral illnesses are on the rise. Making healthy life style choices can help prevent incidences or decrease the length and severity of the common cold Many different viruses can cause the common cold. Though normally just a few days of inconvenience for most, to some the common cold could pose a serious threat to their health. Lets look at some practical ways to avoid this nuisance. Lets review what a cold is, how you identify it and what you may be able to do to avoid it. We ll also discuss some things you can do to ease the symptoms should you get a cold. Firstly, there is no cure for the cold. Avoiding it all together would be the bestcase scenario if possible. The viruses that cause colds are usually passed on ( transmitted ) to one another through direct touch or through touching items that someone with the virus recently touched. Breathing in droplets that someone sneezed out is an also a common mode of transmission. Touching an object or person that had droplets on it after the sick person touched their mouth or nose is a frequent way others get sick. Symptoms of a Common Cold Can Include: Sore or scratchy throat Cough Runny nose Stuffy nose Sneezing Tired Dull headache 2

Keeping your resistance up! The role of healthy life choices in the prevention of the common cold Nutrition: The role of proper nutrition cannot be over estimated.

3 Keeping your resistance up! The role of healthy life choices in the prevention of the common cold Nutrition: The role of proper nutrition cannot be over estimated. A diet founded mostly on fresh vegetables, lean meats and healthy fruits are essential to keeping the immune system healthy. The amount of sleep each person needs can vary, but on average most adults need between 6 and 8 hours nightly. Infants, children and the elderly require more sleep. In times of stress or illness, most people require more sleep than usual. Studies have shown that extract of Echinacea purpurea used over a 4-month period may help in the prevention of the common cold. Long-term use was shown to decrease the frequency and duration of colds. The Journal of Nutrition in 2016 released an article stating the possible benefits of age garlic extract in preventing colds. The article explained how the aged garlic extract increased the killer T cells which work to fight off germs that invade the body. It may be good and inexpensive way to ward of illnesses. 3

4 What to do if you get a cold Sometimes even the healthiest people can succumb and come down with a cold. Following are some things that may help lessen the severity of the symptoms and decrease the duration as well. Drink plenty of fluids. Warm or hot herbal teas, purified water. Remember, excessive sugar can weaken the immune system and feed the virus you are trying to get rid of, so drinks with out sugar are best. Milk and dairy products can irritate mucus membranes causing increase in secretions, so avoiding them while sick may be a good idea. Some have found great relief in natural (nutraceudicals) treatments. o High dose zinc lozenges may cut the timing of a cold. 4

Decreasing daily irritants Use non-toxic cleaning products.

skin, which are your first line of defense in protecting your from germs.

solution to wipe down common areas, but it shouldn t be used on a regular basis, as

Dry irritated mucus membranes are more likely to allow invasion of germs than

Use of a cool mist humidifier during the dry winter months may be tremendously

5 Decreasing daily irritants Use non-toxic cleaning products. Harsh products with synthetic scents can irritate mucous membranes and irritate skin, which are your first line of defense in protecting your from germs. If someone in the home is sick, this would be a time to use a weakened bleach solution to wipe down common areas, but it shouldn t be used on a regular basis, as any harsh chemical can be an irritant to the respiratory system. Dry irritated mucus membranes are more likely to allow invasion of germs than healthy ones. Use of a cool mist humidifier during the dry winter months may be tremendously helpful in avoiding irritated throat and nasal passages. Carpets, curtains and even stuffed animals can harbor dust, irritants and allergens, so keep them to a minimum and launder regularly with non-toxic laundry detergent. 5

References Hemilä, H., & Chalker, E. (2015). The effectiveness of high dose zinc acetate lozenges on various common cold symptoms: a meta-analysis. BMC Family Practice, 16, 24. http://doi.org/10.

6 References Hemilä, H., & Chalker, E. (2015). The effectiveness of high dose zinc acetate lozenges on various common cold symptoms: a meta-analysis. BMC Family Practice, 16, Ross, S.M., Echinacea purpurea: A Proprietary Extract of Echinacea purpurea is shown to be Safe and Effective in the Prevention of the Common Cold. Holist Nurs Pract Jan-Feb; 30(1):54-7 Percival, S. (2016, January 16). Aged garlic extract modifies human immunity. Journal of nutrition / jn For more information please contact your local county or city Health Department or visit the following websites: ens/

Understanding Respiratory Illnesses

Understanding Respiratory Illnesses Respiratory illnesses and the people you support Is a major cause of unplanned hospitalizations. Usually occur in fall and winter. It is important for you to Help people